Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can Boreal and Temperate Forest Management be Adapted to the Uncertainties of 21st Century Climate Change?

Considerable uncertainties remain about magnitude and character, if not general direction of anthropogenic climate change. Global mean temperature could increase by 1.5–4.5°C or more over historic levels, and extreme weather events—drought, storms, and flooding—are likely to increase greatly in frequency. Although ecologists and foresters agree that the practice of forestry will be transformed under climate change, these uncertainties compound the challenge of achieving sustainable, adaptive forest management. In this aritcle, we (i) present a multidisciplinary synthesis of current knowledge of responses of temperate and boreal tree species and forest communities to climate change, and (ii) outline silvicultural strategies for adapting temperate and boreal forests to confront climate change. Our knowledge synthesis proceeds through critical appraisals of efforts to model future tree distributions and responses to climate change, and reviews physiological, phenological, acclimation, and epigenetic responses to climate. As is the case of climate change itself, there are numerous uncertainties about tree species and provenance responses to climate change. For example, acclimation of respiration and epigenetic conditioning of seed embryos has the potential to buffer species against limited warming. Provenances within species also display idiosyncratic responses to altered climates, implying that soemm varieties will be more resilient or resistant to climate change than others. Genetically determined limits to climatic tolerance, and the limits of tree community resistance and resilience (speed of recovery from disturbance) in the face of climate-related disturbances are largely unknown. These unknowns require managers to adopt a portfolio of silvicultural strategies, which may range from minor modifications of current practices to design of novel multi-species stands that may have no historical analogue. Forest managers must be prepared to respond nimbly as they develop, incorporate new insights about climate change and species responses to warming into their practices. Marshalling all strategies and sources of knowledge should enable forest managers to mount (at least) a partially successful response to the challenges of climate change.
Collagen Racemization and Deposition in the Lungs of Aged Rats

Isomerization of amino acids in proteins has recently been identified as a part of the aging process. Increases in D-amino acids as a consequence of isomerization influence the function and structure of proteins. Senescence-related pulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are thought to be caused by reductions of lung function with age. We hypothesized that changes of protein structure in lung tissue induced by the isomerization of amino acids could result in decreased lung function. Therefore, we examined whether isomerization of amino acids takes place in the lungs of rats as they age. We measured the content of L- and D-amino acids in collagen 1 by HPLC using a chiral column. We found that collagen 1 was increasingly racemized with age, so that significantly higher proportions of D-Ser were present in 12- and 24-month-old rats than in 8-week-old rats. D-Asp increased slightly but not significantly. We also investigated the localization of collagen 1 in lung tissue. Stacks of collagen 1 were observed in the parenchyma and airway wall, and age-dependent changes were especially prominent in the airway wall. Racemization of collagen 1 could therefore influence lung function and contribute to pulmonary diseases.
Pharmacological Properties of Monoclonal Antibodies Directed Against Interleukins

The road to individualized therapy goes through detecting specific targets (e.g., anti‐ gens), suitable for influence, and their selective targeting by using specially designed molecules (e.g., antibodies). A significant advance in this area is the development of ther‐ apeutic monoclonal antibodies. This approach enables maximizing the therapeutic effect on one hand, and reducing systemic toxicity on the other hand. In recent years, signifi‐ cant progress was made in improving their pharmacological performance – pharmacoki‐ netics (longer half-life) and pharmacodynamics properties (better efficacy because of stronger affinity to human receptor), and safety profile (less antigenic and immunogenic reactions). Interleukins are a diverse, multifunctional group of proteins that carry out communication between various immune cells and control their gene expression. They manage the intensity and magnitude of an inflammatory response, and control differen‐ tiation, proliferation, and secretion of antibodies. Therefore, interleukin network repre‐ sents an interesting pharmacological target, modulation of which using either biological or small chemical agents could contribute to suppression of excessive activated immune system and successfully treat the diseases that they are involved in.
Strain and Dimension Effects on the Threshold Voltage of Nanoscale Fully Depleted Strained-SOI TFETs

A novel nanoscale fully depleted strained-SOI TFET (FD-SSOI TFET) is proposed and exhaustively simulated through Atlas Device Simulator. It is found that FD-SSOI TFET has the potential of improved on-current and steep subthreshold swing. Furthermore, the effect of strain and dimension on the threshold voltage of FD-SSOI TFET is thoroughly studied by developing a model based on its physical definition. The validity of the model is tested for FD-SSOI TFET by comparison to 2D device simulations. It is shown that the proposed model can predict the trends of threshold voltage very well. This proposed model provides valuable reference to the FD-SSOI TFETs design, simulation, and fabrication.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GRANISETRON HYDROCHLORIDE ORODISPERSIBLE TABLETS

The object of the present work was to formulate and evaluate orodispersible tablets of granisetron hydrochloride, a highly water soluble, tasteless, antiemetic drug employing superdisintegrants explotab, crospovidone, Ac-Di-Sol. The mix powder blends of varying compositions were prepared and evaluated for micromeritic properties and then subjected to tablet preparation by direct compression method. The prepared tablets were evaluated for physical parameters, wetting time, disintegration time, content uniformity and in vitro dissolution. The physical parameters were found satisfactory and the disintegration time of tablets was found between 19 to 35 seconds which is well below the limit of disintegration time by European Pharmacopoeia i.e. 3 minutes where as wetting time was found between 26-34 sec. Tablets prepared with crospovidone at 5% level (F4) was found to be the best formulation as it exhibited satisfactory physical parameters, least disintegration and wetting time and highest percent drug release (99.45%) at 10 min. Furthermore, F4 showed good stability at accelerated conditions (40°C ±75% RH). The studies aid in the judicious selection of type and concentration of superdisintegrants in order to formulate a cost effective and patient friendly dosage form.
OF MICROORGANISMS IMMOBILIZED INTO INORGANIC POLYMERS In : " Handbook of Inorganic Chemistry Research

In the last decade cell encapsulation/entrapment into inorganic matrices were reviewed but most of the emphasis and discussions have been focused on the development of inorganicorganic composite materials. Much less attention has been devoted to physiological state of immobilized cells, immobilization process itself, and operational stability of living bioinorganic composites. In this communication we review published papers dealing with encapsulation of living cells into inorganic polymers focusing on cells – their physiological state during and after immobilization procedure. The discussion of current experimental methodologies of monitoring of physiology of immobilized cells including use of luminescent and fluorescent microorganisms is based on our experimental research that have been done since 1995. Published immobilization techniques, matrix compositions, and microorganism strains are listed and commented. State of the art of determination of immobilized cell proliferation, fate of cells appendages, and cell communication are shown. Detrimental effect of alcohols, developed during encapsulation into prepolymerized alkoxysilanes (sol-gel process) on cell viability is shown and compared with other influences affined to inorganic polymers. At the end we adumbrate perspectives of practical application of living bio/inorganic composites and challenges for scientists in this frontier field of inorganic chemistry, biology, material science, and nanotechnology.
Comparison of solid biofuels produced from olive pomace with two different conversion methods: torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization

Olive pomace is a by-product of olive oil production process and has the potential to be a solid biofuel after thermal treatment. In this study, olive pomace was treated by two thermal conversion methods: hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and torrefaction. Experiments were carried out under the temperature values of 250, 275, 300 and 350°C; reaction times of 10, 20 and 30 minutes for torrefaction and temperature values of 180, 200 and 220°C; reaction time of 2, 3 and 4 hours for HTC. Products with the same energy yield value (62 %) obtained the higher heating values of 23.73 and 25.20 MJ/kg for torrefaction (275°C for 20 minutes) and hydrothermal carbonization (220°C for 2 hours), respectively. Hydrothermal carbonization method has the potential to produce chars at lower temperature values and without a drying process; and obtain products with improved higher heating values, energy yields and atomic O/C and H/C ratios compare to torrefaction products.
Website Quality and Online Shopping of E-Tail Stores in Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between website quality and online shopping of E-tail stores in Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted. The source of data used in this study was mainly primary data from the issuance of questionnaire and secondary data from the review of relevant literature on both variables which formed the basis for the argument. Out of a total of three hundred and eighty four (384) copies of the questionnaire distributed, three hundred and sixty nine (369) copies were fit for analysis and analyzed using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study reveal amongst others that website aesthetics strongly relates with perceived trust and perceived-ease-of-use of online shoppers in Nigeria. The study concludes that website quality dimensions significantly relates with online shopping of e-tail stores in Nigeria. The study filled the lacuna in the literature of internet marketing as a contribution to knowledge and recommendations amongst others that the e-tail firms should pay keen attention to web security if they must gain more customer patronage as it has the highest positive relationship with online shopping with various suggestions for other researchers interested in the same or similar topic of study.
Effect of Elevated Temperature on Mechanical Properties of Waste Polymers Polyethylene Terephthalate and Low Density Polyethylene Filled Normal Concrete Blocks

Thermal properties of M30 normal concrete block (NC) were compared with concrete filled with waste poly ethylene terephthalate and waste low density polyethylene aggregates which were used as partial replacement of sand in the production of concrete blocks (plast-cretes). Tests were carried out using 100mm×100mm Cubes and 100mm×200mm Cylinder for Compressive and Split tensile Test respectively. The mechanical properties of normal concrete and plast-crete were studied and compared over two temperature regimes at 100°C-400°C and 400°C-800°C. The compressive and Split Tensile strength of normal concrete increased slightly from 100°C-400°C, and reduced from 400°C-800°C. However, the compressive and split tensile strength of the plast-crete showed a gradual reduction from 100°C-400°C and this continued from 400°C-800°C, and became more pronounced as the percentage of waste plastics in the plast-crete increased. The percentage of weight loss for the normal concrete increased from 100°C-400°C, this increase continued from 400°C-800°C. The plast-crete also showed an increase in the percentage weight loss for both temperature regimes and the percent weight loss became more pronounced as the percentage of waste plastics in the plast-crete increased. The normal concrete showed greater spalling than the plat-cretes. Even with the slight reduction in strength with increasing temperature, Plast-cretes can still be applied in areas where low temperature and minimal load bearing applications are needed such as fancy blocks, pedestrian walk ways, slabs, partition walls, fences, houses and light traffic structures.
Organizational Strategies to Manage Expatriate Worries about Pollution Levels in Megacities

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a large European infrastructure developer responded to expatriate worries about high outdoor pollution levels in the Indian megacity Delhi. We present an exploratory case study obtained from a three months project with close university/company interaction, both with the head office in Oslo Norway and the Delhi office. Fact assessment showed that pollution levels are high and rising, with significant expected increase in asthma, cardiac diseases and mortality in the winter months. The results show that the employees compare home office environment with the Delhi office, and compare the company actions plans with other companies’ problem solving initiatives. Cost considerations were not important in the development of the response plan but in the implementation phase (specific decisions) and the results further shows that the characteristics of the internal process are important. We present a company response plan to a real-life situation, and this plan could be used by other companies as well. From the company perspective, the paper points towards a challenging issue of similar or dissimilar handling of local employees versus expatriates. Destination characteristics such as air pollution have attained limited focus in expatriate research, and a major contribution of this paper is to present facts and possible solutions as well as comments on future research needs.
Supply chain network design for deteriorating items with discount on transportation cost

Distribution of deteriorating items is different from other items. This issue leads distributors to transport with lower volumes. On the other hand, one of the mechanisms that attract buyers to purchase items is discount; but a larger amount of order has a lower price for one item but has a higher risk of deterioration. Despite the importance of issue, previous researches on deteriorating items did not consider discount conditions in designing supply chain network. Hence, in this paper, balancing between the cost of ordering and the cost of deterioration with consideration of discount through a new model is studied. The problem is solved for numerical examples with an improved meta-heuristic composed of simulated annealing (SA) and genetic algorithm (GA) and results are reported. Furthermore, a heuristic method for small scale problems is represented and compared with the introduced algorithm to analyze the performance of method. Finally, results show a significant difference between the costs of the models (with discount and without it).
Assessing the Supply Chain Governance Scenario in the Agri-food Sector: Development of a Measurement Tool

Defining a supply chain governance structure able to adapt to the supply chain technical and organizational characteristics positively influences the relationships between the agents and its overall competitiveness. The present study proposes a tool for the evaluation of the impact on the supply chain governance structure resulting from the adoption of sustainability improvement options in the area of organization and management in the agri-food sector. Two different approaches, proposed by (Gereffi et al., 2005) and (Hobbs and Young, 2000) are merged to provide a theoretical framework supporting the tool implementation. Gereffi et al., suggest that supply chains fall into one of five different governance structures, depending on the relative levels of three dimension: complexity of transaction, ability to codify and capabilities in the supply-base. Hobbs and Young link the product characteristics, regulatory and technology aspects to a change in supply chain vertical coordination. The parameters linking the sustainability improvement options to the change in the supply chain governance structure should result by interviewing a panel of experts, considering the difficulty to generalize the influence of the improvement options in different food chains contexts. This difficulty seems to be, to date, the main methodological limitation to the tool application. However, its represent a first step towards the assessment of the existing governance structure and its management.
The Importance of Strategic Management Process in the Performance of Management of Tertiary Institutions in Enugu State Nigeria

Tertiary institutions in Nigeria in her quest of fulfilling its mandate of developing man mentally, morally and physically and confirment of degrees and certificate to derserving candidates are inundated with a lot of challenges. Some of these challenges included inadequacy of funding, outdated academic equipment, changes in rapid communications technology etc, all these critically impinges on institutional development. The principal aim of this study was to examine the importance of strategic management process in tackling and critically dealing with these obvious myraid of challanges facing Nigerian tertiary institutions.The study equally sought to ascertain the impact of strategic management on the performance of tertiary institutions and also how strategic management could be a critical aid to Institutional administrators in their day to day management of their institutions. The study used a cross sectional survey design. The sample consisted of 295 randomly selected staff of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and staff of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu. Data were analysed by the use of percentages and relative importance index (R.I.I). Our findings revealed among others that strategic management serves as a mechanism for providing direction and cordination of institutional activities towards the accomplishment of the institution goals. Based on our findings, it was recommended that institutions should religiously practice and adopt strategic management in their institutions because, it not only gives direction to the institution, but it exposese the threats and weakness facing the institution, it equally highlights how opportunities can be exploited from the enviroment by the institution in achieving her goals and objectives. Keywords: strategic management process, performance, tertiary institutions.
Genetics of heifer puberty in two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia and associations with heifer- and steer-production traits

A total of 2115 heifers from two tropical genotypes (1007 Brahman and 1108 Tropical Composite) raised in four locations in northern Australia were ovarian-scanned every 4–6 weeks to determine the age at the first-observed corpus luteum (CL) and this was used to define the age at puberty for each heifer. Other traits recorded at each time of ovarian scanning were liveweight, fat depths and body condition score. Reproductive tract size was measured close to the start of the first joining period. Results showed significant effects of location and birth month on the age at first CL and associated puberty traits. Genotypes did not differ significantly for the age or weight at first CL; however, Brahman were fatter at first CL and had a small reproductive tract size compared with that of Tropical Composite. Genetic analyses estimated the age at first CL to be moderately to highly heritable for Brahman (0.57) and Tropical Composite (0.52). The associated traits were also moderately heritable, except for reproductive tract size in Brahmans (0.03) and for Tropical Composite, the presence of an observed CL on the scanning day closest to the start of joining (0.07). Genetic correlations among puberty traits were mostly moderate to high and generally larger in magnitude for Brahman than for Tropical Composite. Genetic correlations between the age at CL and heifer- and steer-production traits showed important genotype differences. For Tropical Composite, the age at CL was negatively correlated with the heifer growth rate in their first postweaning wet season (–0.40) and carcass marbling score (–0.49), but was positively correlated with carcass P8 fat depth (0.43). For Brahman, the age at CL was moderately negatively genetically correlated with heifer measures of bodyweight, fatness, body condition score and IGF-I, in both their first postweaning wet and second dry seasons, but was positively correlated with the dry-season growth rate. For Brahman, genetic correlations between the age at CL and steer traits showed possible antagonisms with feedlot residual feed intake (–0.60) and meat colour (0.73). Selection can be used to change the heifer age at puberty in both genotypes, with few major antagonisms with steer- and heifer-production traits.
Deregulation and relative wages: Stability and change in Australia

In Australia the pace of labour market deregulation has rapidly accelerated over the 1990s. This paper uses the recent developments in the Australian labour market to provide further insight into the effects of deregulatory policies on labour markets and labour. Does labour market deregulation have an equivalent impact on different labour market groups? Two wage indicators (the gender pay gap and the wage differential between part-time and full-time workers) are used to answer these questions. The paper shows that over the first half of the 1990s there was no change in the gender wage gap in the full-time labour market (equal to 10.5 per cent), a 12.6 percentage point convergence in the gender wage gap in the part-time labour market, and a 3.4 percentage point convergence in the parttime/full-time wage gap. Changes in the part-time labour market may be attributed to a deterioration in the relative earnings of males employed part-time.
Two-dimensional Study of the Interaction between Interpreting Working Memory and Anxiety

Interpreting is a kind of information processing with different dimension involved in it. Among the different dimensions, working memory has a primary position. At the same time, there are complicated emotions in this process. In the different emotion, anxiety took place frequently. The thesis focuses on the study of relationship between different dimensions in the information process. A theoretical approach is taken to depict the interaction among various cognition and emotion. This thesis suggests and assumption that anxiety takes bigger part to the quality of interpretation than working memory. Based on this assumption, an experimental method is taken to prove it. In the end, we find that low level of working memory is easy to cause higher interpreting anxiety and then lower quality of interpreting; On the contrary, higher level of working memory cause lower anxiety and better interpreting performance. In conclusion, interpreting performance is more constrained and influenced by interpreting anxiety.