bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features of cotton technology cultivation on irrigated lands
Authors:   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Masnyi Roman S. , Balakay Georgiy T. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Yurkova Rita Ye. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Selitskiy Sergey A. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation
Published: May 2024

Purpose: to analyze literary sources and determine the features of the cotton cultivation technological process. Discussion. The technology for cotton cultivation is determined by the biological properties of this crop and its requirements for the soil, as well as the specifics and originality of crop rotations. Based on an analysis of research by scientists involved in cotton growing, the best predecessors – legumes and leguminous crops – were stated, the positive effect of mineral fertilizers on cotton productivity was determined, the technology of soil cultivation and its impact on cotton productivity and water consumption was examined. The necessity of using early ripening cotton cultivars for the southern regions of Russia due to the biological properties of which a sufficient amount of effective temperatures is required, is substantiated. An analysis of existing methods of seed delinting (denudation, cleaning from fiber) is given to improve flowability, maintain an accurate seeding rate, etc. Sowing methods and optimal seeding rates for different types of cotton are considered. Providing plants with moisture is of decisive importance among other components of cultivation technology. In this regard, the existing methods of cotton irrigation are analyzed. One of the important techniques that ensures a higher yield is to mint plants to redistribute nutrients to the already formed fruit. The specificity of harvesting which is carried out in several stages as the boxes open – in the pre-frost and post-frost periods is noted. Conclusions. There is a possibility of cultivating cotton in the south of Russia by introducing the properly selected varieties with the development of agricultural technology for cultivating this crop for local agroclimatic conditions, including the creation of a set of measures to meet the crop’s needs for nutrition, moisture and provide plant protection from diseases, pests and weed control.
Justification of the design of irrigation module of drip irrigation system for orchards
Authors:   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Shtanko Andrey S. , Shkura Viktor N. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation
Published: May 2024

Purpose: to determine the parameters and justification of the design of the irrigation module of the drip irrigation system for orchards. Materials and methods. Typical crop planting patterns in an orchard, microclimatic, soil and technological conditions of drip irrigation are considered as initial factors. The results of the study were obtained in the process of methods and recommendations generalizing for predicting the technological parameters of a drip irrigation network. Results and discussion. As a result of the research, a methodology to justify the design of the irrigation module, which provides for establishing: the area of the crop nutrition zone; coefficient determining the area of the nutrition zone to be moistened; diameter and area of the horizontal projection of the soil moisture contour; the number of moisture contours and emitters ensuring their formation; diagrams for placing emitters in the plant nutrition zone was developed. As a criterion for choosing the design of an irrigation module, the ratio of the area of moistened soil space required for cultivating plants and the area of drip soil moisture zones formed by the irrigation module is taken. The methodology was tested on an irrigation module in single- and double-line versions. Conclusions. A single-line irrigation module meets the needs of perennial fruit crops in areas with a natural moisture coefficient of 1.0, and in rare combinations of conditions with a coefficient of 0.8. The double-line irrigation module consistently provides the required soil moisture area in areas with a natural moisture coefficient ≥ 0.6 and cannot form the required moisture area for the nutrition zone of fruit crops in areas with a moisture coefficient of 0.4. For drip irrigation of perennial fruit crops in areas with a moisture coefficient ≤ 0.6, it is proposed to use an irrigation module with three drip lines.
Fundamentals of energy-entropy methodology in the class of natural engineering systems “Natural Environment – Object of Activity – Population”
Authors:   Novocherkassk Engineering and Land Reclamation Institute – branch of the Don State Agrarian University, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Bondarenko Vladimir L. , Ylyasov Allaberdy I. ,   Westport Trading Europe Limited (WTL) Branch (USA) in Asia, Moscow, Russian Federation, Khetsuriani Elguja D. ,   M. I. Platov South-Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI), Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Shtavdaker Maria I. ,   Novocherkassk Engineering and Land Reclamation Institute – branch of the Don State Agrarian University, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Khokhrin Maksim S. ,   M. I. Platov South-Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI), Novocherkassk, Russian Federation
Published: May 2024

Purpose: to develop the fundamentals of an energy-entropy methodology based on the results of a systemic relationship between the fundamental concepts of “energy” and its integral shadow – “entropy” in the natural engineering systems (NES) “Natural Environment – Object of Activity – Population” class for the use of water resources in economic and other branches of activities. Materials and methods. Based on the unity of actions of nature and ongoing economic activities, the methodological fundamentals of the energy-entropy approach in assessing the use of water resource efficiency, where the central basic concept is “energy”, are considered, it remains a constant value in a systemic consideration, but while using, it changes its form, and its integral shadow is “entropy”. If we take the river basin geosystem as an elementary part of the Earth’s biosphere, the concept of “entropy” comes from thermodynamic specificity, where its growth rate increases with natural changes in the system, and decreases with unnatural changes. This understanding reflects the second law of thermodynamics in R. Clausius formulations. Results. The relationship between the concepts of “energy” and “entropy” in the use of water resources in technological processes on irrigated lands determines the ordering of systemic interaction processes of three components with their constituent elements as part of the NES, which makes it possible to assess energy-entropy efficiency of using water resources on irrigated lands. Conclusions. The energy-entropy fundamentals for the functioning of an object of activity as part of a NES has been developed, using river flow formed by solar energy flows and transformations of energy forms in the processes of interconnection, interaction and relationships between components in the NES, where entropy reflects a quantitative measure of the connected part of the energy, unable to perform any types of work and changes in the ordering between components with their constituent elements as part of the NES.
Hydraulic studies of the irrigation module of combined irrigation systems
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture – branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation named after A. N. Kostyakov, Volgograd, Russian Federation, Lytov Mikhail N.
Published: May 2024

Purpose: to state hydraulic characteristics and determine priority directions for improving the irrigation module design for combined drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation. Materials and methods. The study is based on the joint use of theoretical methods – a well-known mathematical model for calculating the hydraulic characteristics of the irrigation module and experiment, which allows assessing the problem state and scale solutions in any necessary proportions. Results. According to calculations, the uniformity of watering is maintained at an acceptable level at a lower head level in the range of 1.56–1.68 atm when installing six microsprinklers on a drip line. When installing eight sprinklers, the water head along the length of the drip pipeline decreased to an unacceptable 1.39–1.40 atm. Experimental studies have shown that there is only an option with two sprinklers installed on the pipeline above the level of 1.5 atm. Already with the installation of four sprinklers, the water head along the length of the pipeline decreased to 1.45–1.47 atm. At the same time, the variation in the actual microsprinkler performance reached 16 % or more. The discrepancy between experimental and model data is explained by the fact that the calculation model does not fully take into account local resistances that arise when connecting sprinklers. Conclusions. Two main reasons of the increased uneven distribution of irrigation water over the irrigated area have been identified. The first reason is a significant increase in water flow in the irrigation pipeline when emitters and sprinklers work together. The solution to this problem is to develop structures that make it possible to separate the water flow through emitters and through sprinklers in time. The second reason is an increase in local resistance in the water diversion units to the sprinklers. The solution to this problem is to develop special water diversion structures that would be characterized by minimal local resistance.
Manejo odontológico de pacientes que tomen medicamentos anticoagulantes: revisión bibliográfica
Authors: Guayas Carrión Paola , Matute Merchán Sara
Published: May 2024

Introducción: El manejo odontológico de pacientes que usan anticoagulantes es fundamental para prevenir eventos tromboembólicos con el riesgo de hemorragias. Objetivo: Determinar un protocolo adecuado del manejo odontológico de pacientes que tomen medicamentos anticoagulantes.  Metodología: Estudio de revisión bibliográfica narrativa, con la búsqueda de estudios publicados durante 2017–2024. Se utilizaron palabras clave en PubMed, Scopus y Web of Science; el universo fue de 324 publicaciones y la selección final de 50 artículos. Resultados: El tiempo de protrombina se refleja en los resultados del índice internacional normalizado (INR).  Los rangos seguros de INR para procedimientos odontológicos varían significativamente, siendo complementados por parámetros como: plaquetas, hemoglobina y hematocrito. Los anticoagulantes orales más frecuentes incluyen warfarina, dabigatrán, rivaroxabán y apixabán. Conclusiones: El manejo odontológico de pacientes anticoagulados, basado en una comprensión detallada de los rangos de INR, los parámetros hemáticos clave y las características específicas de los anticoagulantes orales, es esencial para minimizar los riesgos de hemorragia y asegurar tratamientos dentales seguros y efectivos.
Response of yield and its components of two wheat varieties to foliar spraying with stearic acid
Authors: BAQIR HAYDER ABID Al-RAZZAQ , ZEBOON NAJAT HUSSEIN
Published: May 2024

As a result of the excessive use of mineral fertilizers, it has led to an increase in the accumulation of pollutants in the soil and an imbalance in the elements present in it , leading to a decrease in crop productivity and quality, in addition to serious health problems for humans and animals, Therefore, attention in recent research has focused on the use of safe and environmentally friendly materials, including stearic acid, Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Experiments Station affiliated to the Department of field crops, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad during the winter season of 2022-2023, aiming to study the effect of foliar spraying with stearic acid on some traits of yield and its components of wheat. Randomized complete block design within split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The study included two factors, the first (the main plots) represented two varieties of wheat (Buhooth 22 and Adina), while the second factor in the sub-plot represented spraying with stearic acid at three concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/L, in addition to the control treatment (without spraying). The experiment results showed the superiority of the variety Buhooth 22 to Adina in most yield traits, as the highest average grain yield was recorded at 5.38 t/ha. Regarding the concentrations of the sprayed stearic acid, the results showed the superiority of the concentration 300 mg/L in number of spikes, weight of 1000 grain, grain yield, and harvest index. The concentration 300 mg/L didn’t differ significantly with the concentration mg/L in most traits, especially the total grain yield, which amounted to 5.88 t/ha. We conclude that Buhooth 22 cultivar and stearic acid with 200 mg/L concentration recorded the best results.
КОРПОРАТИВНА СОЦІАЛЬНА ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНІСТЬ – ЗАПОРУКА СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ БІЗНЕСУ
Authors: БАЙЛО Володимир
Published: May 2024

Концепція корпоративної соціальної відповідальності значно еволюціонувала і стала важливим підґрунтям для наукових досліджень та формування державної політики економічного розвитку в різних країнах світу.  Корпоративна соціальна відповідальність є невід'ємною складовою сучасного бізнесу. У статті розглянуто корпоративну соціальну відповідальність бізнесу, досліджено різні погляди щодо поняття «соціальна відповідальність», теоретичні та практичні аспекти корпоративної соціальної відповідальності, вплив корпоративної соціальної відповідальності на сталий розвиток підприємств. Проведено аналіз підходів до соціальної відповідальності та сформульовано основні причини впровадження практики корпоративної соціальної відповідальності. Досліджено практики соціальної відповідальності відомих компаній Nike, McDonald’s та Starbucks. Сформульовано основні кроки стратегії корпоративної соціальної відповідальності бізнесу в контексті його сталого розвитку.
РОЗВИТОК ІНТЕЛЕКТУАЛЬНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА: ІННОВАЦІЙНІ ЗМІНИ ТА ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЯ
Authors: ДОРОШЕНКО Віталій
Published: May 2024

The development of the intellectual potential of the enterprise is one of the key strategic directions in the conditions of the modern business environment. Intellectual potential includes the knowledge, skills, experience and creativity of employees, which play an important role in competition and ensure the company's success in the market. The purpose of the presented work is the formation of the structure of the development of the intellectual potential of the enterprise under the influence of innovative changes and digitalization. The main methods that were used in the work are: methods of analysis and synthesis to determine the main components of the intellectual potential of the enterprise, the method of deduction and induction to determine the main directions of the development of the intellectual potential of the enterprise, the comparative method, the logical method, the graphic method to visually present the research results. The main result of the presented work is the determination of aspects of the development of the intellectual potential of the enterprise, which includes: investing in the professional development of employees, conducting trainings, seminars and training courses to improve their knowledge and skills; development of a corporate culture that promotes creativity, innovation and open exchange of ideas among employees; implementation of the latest technologies and software solutions to optimize business processes, automate work and increase labor productivity; development of flexible strategies and management methods that allow the enterprise to quickly respond to changes in the internal and external environment; participation in joint projects, experience exchange programs and initiatives to increase intellectual exchange. Digital technologies play an increasingly important role in modern business. The implementation of digital solutions can become a key factor in increasing the efficiency of operations, automating business processes, increasing the accuracy and speed of management decision-making, improving the level of customer service and increasing profitability. One of the key success factors of an enterprise is its ability to attract, develop and retain talented employees. For this, it is important to create favorable conditions for self-realization of employees, provide them with opportunities for professional growth and training, and also stimulate a creative approach to solving tasks. The development of the intellectual potential of the enterprise allows to create competitive advantages, to ensure stability and success in the market, as well as to maintain leadership in conditions of rapid changes and instability.
Comparative Analysis of Machine and Deep Learning Techniques for Text Classification with Emphasis on Data Preprocessing
Authors: Gochhait Dr Saikat
Published: May 2024

Physician-written discharge medical notes include vital details regarding their patients' health. Numerous deep learning algorithms have shown effective in gleaning crucial insights from unstructured medical notes data, leading to potentially useful outcomes in the medical field. The goal of this research is to determine how different deep learning algorithms perform as models for text classification issues in long short term memory (LSTM).

Titanic Disaster Dataset has been used for pre-processing is essential since there is a lot of unnecessary information in textual data. Next, clean up the data by eliminating duplicate rows and filling in the blanks. Besides traditional machine learning algorithms such as naive bayes (NB), gradient boosting (GB), and support vector machine (SVM), we use deep learning algorithms to classify data, including bidirectional – LSTM using Conditional Random Fields (CRFs). BiLSTM is the most precise model compared to other models and baseline research, with a classification accuracy of 98.5%.
Frequency of Nutritional Rickets, its Predisposing Factors, and its Relationship to Respiratory Tract Infections in Hospitalized Children (6-59 Months)
Authors: Raza Qaisar , Ali Khushbakht , Imran Muhammad Saeed , Tahir Zainab , Khan Eisha , Sajid Ali Shah
Published: May 2024

Background: Local data on nutritional rickets in Lahore division is lacking, although clinical records indicate its presence and resurgence in this city with seemingly sufficient sunlight. This observational study aims to describe the frequency and predisposing factors of nutritional rickets, particularly in relation to lower respiratory tract infections.
Methodology: Out of 170 subjects approached, 71 children were included in the study. Participants were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of nutritional rickets. A questionnaire was utilized to collect data on lifestyle, socio-demographics, and eating patterns. Physical examinations were conducted by medical officers, and serum levels of phosphorus, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were assessed.
Results: The frequency of nutritional rickets was found to be 29% among patients aged 6 to 59 months. 47.6% of participants with nutritional rickets and 46% of non-rachitic participants were under two years old. Serum phosphorus levels showed an independent association with nutritional rickets. Complexion, breastfeeding, formula feeding, and birth order did not exhibit any statistical association with rickets. Respiratory tract infections were the leading cause of hospitalization (52.3%) among participants with nutritional rickets. A significant correlation was observed between deficiency of the immune modulator 25-hydroxyvitamin D and susceptibility to respiratory tract infections.
Conclusion: Rickets remains a prevalent issue in our setting despite abundant sunlight. Pediatricians should proactively examine and screen for rickets in children, especially those showing subtle physical signs.
Factors influencing socially responsible leadership development in college students
Authors:   , Kovar Kristin Anne
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine factors impacting college student leadership development. The target population was all junior and senior students in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri during the Spring semester of 2014 (N = 1,124). One hundred seven participants completed the online instrument (37.3 percent). In the examination of the socially responsible leadership outcomes, the highest mean was reported for the outcome of commitment and the lowest mean was reported for the outcome of change. The organization with the highest participation was the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club. Most students were involved with two to five different organizations. A majority (92.5 percent) of the students reported as having engaged in community service, although 44.9 percent of respondents did not participate in community service on a regular basis. Students responded as being involved in one to two short term leadership education programs, but no longterm leadership education programs. Eight separate linear regression models were analyzed to determine the impact of organizational involvement, community service participation and leadership education on the development of socially responsible leadership. Regarding the model for the outcome variable, common purpose (CP), explained 15 percent of the variance in common purpose and was significant at p = .003. In addition the outcome variable, citizenship (CZ), explained 13 percent of the variance in citizenship and was significant at p = .007. Finally, the researcher examined Group Values and found the model explained 9 percent of the variance in the group values and was significant at p = .05.
Coumarin Aldehyde Chemosensors for Selective Recognition of Neurotransmitters
Authors:   , Hettie Kenneth S.
Published: May 2024

We present a series of fluorescent sensors based on the coumarin-3-aldehyde scaffold intended to sense primary amine neurotransmitters. Discussed are the major design considerations, syntheses, initial UV/Vis and fluorescence titrations, and fluorescence microscopy studies in living cells. NeuroSensor 521 was developed as a turn-on molecular sensor for norepinephrine and dopamine. It was designed to bind with lower affinity in order to monitor dynamic changes in neurotransmitter concentrations and was validated in both live and fixed cells. The sensor selectively bound to norepinephrine- over epinephrine-containing chromaffin cells producing prominent punctate fluorescence which is indicative of uptake into secretory granules. We later synthesized 17 benzene- and thiophene-based derivatives which differed only at the coumarin C4-substituent. The substituents modulated the fluorescence of the fluorophore by changing the EHOMO levels and thereby the ability of various analytes to quench the fluorescence by photoinduced electron transfer (PET). A thorough computational analysis was bolstered by experimental fluorescence titrations. Lastly, a near-infrared (NIR) sensor was developed for the turn-on fluorescent sensing of serotonin, a known fluorescence-quenching analyte. The electron-rich sensor gave a fluorescence increase at 710 nm upon titration with serotonin.
Some characteristics and environmental sensitivities of taxpayers taking the United States political contribution tax credit during 1979-1982
Authors:   , Meyer Dan Wesley
Published: May 2024

This study was designed to determine characteristics of taxpayers taking the political contribution tax credit from 1979 to 1982. This work is similar to studies on the effectiveness of tax incentives in promoting positive externalities and studies on the effect of tax law provisions on economic behavior. The study might provide useful information to policy makers as well if tax incentives for political donations are reconsidered by Congress. The study evaluates quantitative and indicator variables believed to influence the decision of the taxpayer to jointly make a contribution and claim the credit. Empirical data used in the study have been obtained primarily from the Arthur Young Tax Research Data Base tapes for 1979 to 1982. Final model variables were established through the use of logistic regression analysis. Statistically significant models have been developed for each period tested. The explanatory power of the models is low. Income level was associated with the credit for each period tested; several other variables were also associated with the credit for over half of the periods tested. Taxpayers with income over $30,000 are clearly more likely to take the credit than those with AGI under $30,000. Although statistically siqnificant models were also developed without income as a variable, the explanatory power of such models was greatly reduced. Classification accuracy of the various models developed, about 70 percent, is inferior to classification accuracy of a model assuming no taxpayers took the credit. The Arthur Young Tax Research Data Base is found to be representative of the American population for state of filing in 1979 and 1980. The statistical siqnificance of the model is encouraging both from the standpoint of understanding use of the political contribution tax credit and from the standpoint of developing demographic models of taxpayer behavior for other tax provisions. This encouragement should be tempered since the explanatory power of the models is low. Congress made a rational decision by eliminating the political contribution tax credit, because of ineffectiveness of the credit in increasing the base of political donors and because of threats to vertical equity.
Examining the role of Gbx1 in spinal cord development and its contribution to mammalian locomotion
Authors:   , Buckley Desire M.
Published: May 2024

Animals explore their environment through locomotion. Motion is largely generated by the activity of neurons in the spinal cord. Genes expressed during embryonic development are essential for the formation of connections between spinal cord neurons that are responsible for producing movement. The murine Gbx genes, Gbx1 and Gbx2, are transcription factors widely involved in central nervous system development. In the spinal cord, they are expressed in unique populations of developing spinal cord neurons. To examine the role of Gbx1 in the developing spinal cord, we generated mice carrying a loss-of-function allele for Gbx1 (Gbx1-/-). By postnatal day 15, Gbx1-/- mice begin to display a gross locomotive defect that specifically affects hindlimb walking gait. Molecular analysis of mutant embryos revealed premature termination of proprioceptive sensory afferents (1a afferents) in the dorsal spinal cord. In addition, a subset of ISL+ spinal motor neurons is eliminated by apoptosis, at mid-embryonic stages. Both observations persisted at postnatal stages. This study demonstrated a requirement for Gbx1 for normal locomotor output. We also briefly assessed possible interaction of Gbx1 with its family member Gbx2 in spinal neuron development using Gbx1-/-; Gbx2-/- double knockout mutant embryos. Data from this study suggest that Gbx family members are required to maintain PAX2 interneuron cell fate in the dorsal spinal cord, but not functionally redundant for this shared function.
Three essays on entrepreneurship theory and practice
Authors:   , Wang Jingjing
Published: May 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This dissertation investigates entrepreneurship theory through the perspective of empirical study, case study, and the history of economic thought. The first essay explores the influence of a founder-owner's political connection on the ownership structure of Chinese Privately Owned Enterprises (POEs). We hypothesize a U-shaped relationship between the strength of the founder-owner's prior political connection and corporate ownership concentration by combining the efficiency and legitimacy effects, and present evidence consistent with this relationship. The second essay is a case study on Dairy United, one of the fastest growing and most innovative dairy organizations in China. Unlike most corporate and cooperative dairies that purchase cows on the market, Dairy United leases dairy cows from local farmers, which is a typical instance of organizational innovation in China under the background of structural change in the dairy sector. Its implications apply to the agricultural sector in general, especially how to transform it from being dispersed, small-scale, labor-intensive to being large-scale, capital-intensive, and how to organize agricultural organizations efficiently to tackle the challenges of food safety in China. The third essay explores the neglected entrepreneurship theory proposed by Herbert J. Davenport. Davenport's contribution to entrepreneurship theory is worth revisiting because it opens a new and unique frontier of entrepreneurship study -- a realistic entrepreneurship theory, and provides an instructive example of how to bring the protagonist, the entrepreneur, back to economic theory. The contribution of this dissertation lies in using various methods to study entrepreneurship theory, discussing why it matters in practice, and highlighting how it can be explored based on a more solid theoretical foundation.
Two essays on stock market anomalies
Authors:   , Wang Feifei
Published: May 2024

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] In this dissertation, I consider two topics in stock market anomalies, i.e., cross- sectional patterns in stock returns that cannot be explained by traditional asset pricing models. Building on a comprehensive sample of anomalies, I provide new insights on characterizing common features among anomalies and understanding the sources of abnormal returns. The first essay focuses on the performance of volatility managed version of market anomalies. Recent studies find that volatility managed strategies (i.e., long-short portfolios with investment positions scaled by lagged volatility) exhibit substantial improvements in alphas and Sharpe ratios. They document this effect for the momentum, market, and several other asset pricing factors. Using a sample of 90 anomalies, I show that the superior performance of volatility managed portfolios is primarily driven by downside volatility. Strategies that scale returns by lagged downside volatility produce significantly larger alphas not only relative to the original portfolios but also to those scaled by total volatility. A decomposition indicates that this incremental performance arises from both volatility timing and return timing. The enhanced abnormal returns of downside volatility managed portfolios pose a considerable challenge to traditional asset pricing models. The second essay conducts a comprehensive investigation of the performance of 90 asset pricing anomalies relative to the conditional CAPM. For most strategies, I find that conditional betas display meaningful time-series variation. All but four anomalies have conditional alphas smaller than their unconditional counterparts, and conditioning leads to significant reductions in abnormal returns for 60 percent of the strategies considered. I conclude that although the conditional CAPM does not fully resolve cross-sectional anomalies, properly specifying conditioning information is critical in evaluating their performance.
Applied paleozoology and biogeography : four case studies from Missouri
Authors:   , Gibb Heather
Published: May 2024

Numerous zooarchaeological studies have attempted to connect modern conservation issues to evidence of human - animal interactions in the past. By utilizing a geodatabase based on archaeological and paleontological site records gathered from FAUNMAP and the Missouri State Historic Office, a method is developed that allows paleozoological data to be used to assist modern conservation biology through biogeographic range reconstruction and historic landcover associations. This project reconstructs the precontact ranges of four mammalian species: river otter (Lontra canadensis), elk (Cervus elaphus), eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius), and black- and white-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus and Lepus townsendii). The paleozoological presences of these species are compared to the species' modern ranges to provide baseline/benchmark information to wildlife managers and conservation biologists charged with protection and management. Cluster analysis identified clusters of archaeological sites and surveys in Missouri associated with municipalities, federal land (Mark Twain National Forest), and water. By demonstrating the nature of the non-random archaeological survey conducted in Missouri, the presence of the species of interest can be used to reconstruct prehistoric ranges within the context of available data. Elk, river otter and eastern spotted skunk were found across the state in areas where sites with fauna are located. Jackrabbits, although a limited presence, were found in areas that are farther east in Missouri than the modern range for the taxa. Along with range reconstruction, historic vegetation landcover, based on GLO survey data, is used to identify habitat preferences based on the location of sites with fauna of interest.
Christian tomb mosaics of late Roman, Vandalic and Byzantine Byzacena
Authors:   , Terry James H.
Published: May 2024

Christians in North Africa in the Late Roman, Vandalic and Byzantine periods marked the tombs of loved ones with mosaics that combined epitaphs with symbols and images. This study focuses on 186 Christian tomb mosaics from the ancient province of Byzacena in modern Tunisia. This group is investigated intensively from contextual, technical, epigraphic, stylistic and iconographic perspectives. The mosaics were laid in catacombs, churches and open-air cemeteries. They were placed at floor level or on raised caissons covering graves. Mosaics that were covered or destroyed by the repaving of a church were sometimes reproduced as secondary tomb mosaics incorporated into the new pavement. Peculiarities in the placement of certain mosaics suggest that they were prefabricated in the workshop. ... Investigation of provincial, vernacular products like the Byzacena tomb mosaics provides some balance for the strong impression created by the elite arts of the capitals and so broadens our understanding of Late Antique art in its social context.
Time optimal control in stochastic systems
Authors:   , Lee Won-Kyoo
Published: May 2024

Time optimal control of stochastic dynamic system is considered. It is assumed that noise-free observations are available at all times. An optimal admissible feedback control policy is formulated leading to minimization of the expectation of the length of time required to reach the desired terminal region. Dynamic programming formalism leads to a second order nonlinear partial differential equation. The difference between the stochastic and deterministic equations is represented by a truncated power series and the optimal switching surface for a "bang-bang" controller is then computed through a direct search using repetitive simulations. Numerical results for the location of the stochastic switching curves for a specific second order system are computed and discussed.
Individual mass transfer resistances in liquid-liquid extraction
Authors:   , Hong Sung Ho
Published: May 2024

Individual film resistances in mass transfer were determined for the methyl isobutyl ketone-water system in a 4-inch I.D. spray column. Column height was varied from one to four feet. Individual film resistances (as H.T.U.) and individual capacity coefficients (ka) were measured by passing the two partially miscible liquids counter - currently through the column. The degree to which each stream approached saturation at the exit served as a measure of each film resistance. By presaturating one of the liquids, a unidirectional mass transfer was obtained and the operating procedure simplified. The outlet concentrations leaving the column were converted into ka's and H.T.U.'s and analyzed as functions of flow rate and column height. The variation of individual mass transfer coefficient, k, with flow rate was also studied by assuming constant droplet size and constant rate of droplet fall or rise in the column. A tentative correlation of mass transfer rate with the physical properties of the liquid system such as density, viscosity, interfacial tension, and molecular diffusivity, was proposed.
The pressure, volume, and temperature behavior of liquid n-Dodecane at negative pressures
Authors:   , Huang Hann-sheng
Published: May 2024

It has long been known that liquids can be stretched (7,19), under suitable conditions, to occupy a larger volume than that associated with equilibrium, The pressure on the liquid is then less than the vapor pressure and often less than zero. However, a liquid subjected to negative pressure is metastable; in time it will change spontaneously to a two phase liquid vapor system and the pressure will rise to its equilibrium value. Negative pressures not only play an improtant role in many biological systems but also has significant practical consequences. Sap can be drawn up from the roots of a hundred-meter redwood to the leaves but a water pump fails to pull a column of water beyond a height of 34 feet, corresponding to a pressure of one atmosphere. It now seems almost certain that trees regularly put liquids into negative pressure, although as yet there is no clear understanding of the process. Measurements obtained by Scholander and coworkers indicated that negative pressures range from -4 bars in damp forest trees up to -80 bars in desert shrubs (53). Evidence of negative pressure in plant tissues has also been observed acoustically (45), and by the use of an osmotic technique (46). Technology takes advantages of negative pressure in a number of ways. The most common is the slip gauge method of measuring length, which is widely used in engineering metrology (14). The galvanostalameter, invented by Sligh and Brenner (56), is a tension manometer that is used as an extremely sensitive indicator of the first appearance of gas in a liquid, in electrochemical research. Hahn's spinner has been proven useful for the determination of spontaneous fusion rates and for the detection of very low neutron fluxes (30). Another interesting instrument making direct use of negative pressures is the negative-pressure pump demonstrated by Hayward (34,35). Although the pump is inefficient, with modifications it could be useful for extracting water from deep wells in underdeveloped countries."--Introduction.
An analysis of farm type classification systems
Authors:   , Pretzer Don Dale
Published: May 2024

Several land grant universities have programs in operation to analyze farm records. The analysis results are used by farm firms as organizational guides and as a tool to locate strong and weak parts of the firm's business. Segregation of the records in to similar groups provides the basis for explaining agricultural structure useful to legislators, administrators and farm leaders. Thus, the usefulness of the results of any program is a function of the system used for classifying the farms by type. The criteria for typing farms vary greatly among university programs. Also, the method of grouping a set of farm records into subsets differs greatly. Additionally, criteria used by the U.S. Census for typing farms differs from the states' criteria. Complications exist when comparability is attempted among university criteria, Census c rite ria and U.S.D.A. programs such as "Costs and Returns on Commercial Farms". "Costs and Returns on Commercial Farms" are not actual farms but are farms constructed from: (1) the U.S. Census of Agriculture, (2) rural carrier and mailed questionnaire sent to farmers by the A gricultural Estimates D ivision, SRS, (3) enumerative field survey and (4) results of research and related data from state experiment stations and federal agencies when group data meet the specifications for farms by types, size and location J A closely related variation involves aggregate use of farm data in constructing national income accounts by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Various systems of classifications attempt to stratify the sets of records into homogeneous subsets which are then analyzed. The stratification process consists of classifying the records by type, location and various notions of income or sales. Additionally, various schemes group farms by size, represented by sales, labor inputs, value added, acres or other indicators. Almost 30 years ago Benedict and others pointed out the need for 2 classification: "What is particularly needed is a segregation of farms into a few simple, distinct and clearly recognizable classes, and a tabulation for each of these classes of data as are needed for recognizing and understanding the problems related to them. The classifications should be clear to both lay and technical users as well as farm leaders, legislators and administrators." The criteria should reflect differences in interests, characteristies, and behavior under varying conditions. Clear cut lines do not exist between groups of farms. Standards for homogeneity of groups, then, must be chosen somewhat arbitrarily. Comparability of the results of farm record analysis from various land grant university programs becomes difficult, if not impossible. This situation arises due to non uniform definitions, criteria and systems used to classify farms by type and sort into sim ilar groups or subsets from a larger sample or set. A similar situation exists when comparing subsets o f farms typed by 'a' state system to those typed by Census criteria.
An economic analysis of the Brazilian value-added tax
Authors:   , Coelho Carlos Nayro de Azevedo
Published: May 2024

The basic objectives of this study are to evaluate, in the light of the value-added tax theory and nature, the Brazilian experience with this form of taxation. Conceptually, under the value-added tax (VAT), only the net output of the business enterprise in the production distribution process is subject to taxation. The tax liability is separately identified as the product and goes to the final marketing stage through the use of a system of "tax credits." Although the adoption in practical terms of the value- added concept is recent, it was first suggested as early as 1918. In most cases it has been suggested to replace the cumulative turnover tax. In Brazil the transformation of the state turnover tax into the value-added tax was part of the government effort to improve and modernize the whole Brazilian tax structure. The case for adopting the VAT was strongly influenced by the "built-in" anti-evasion device provided by the tax credit device and by the fact that a single-stage tax would worsen the distribution of tax revenues among the states. The adoption of the value-added tax did change the allocation of revenue pattern, with the balance leaning toward the producing states. The impact was, however, greatly reversed by the intergovernmental transfer program. The Brazilian state value-added tax is the most important form of. taxation affecting the agricultural sector. The nondeductibility of purchases of farm equipment or depreciation from the tax base make this tax resemble more closely the gross income type-of VAT which discriminates against investment expenditures. Thus, the ICM might be an important element impairing the modernization of the Brazilian farm sector. In relation to exports, one of the basic objectives of the VAT is to eliminate price distortions caused by indirect taxes. Therefore, the imposition of the tax at a high rate on exports clearly decreases the competitiveness of Brazilian products in the world market.
Pricing arrangements for one grade of milk
Authors:   , Spurgeon Martin Lonnie
Published: May 2024

"The dairy industry has experienced an accelerated rate of change in recent years. These changes have been widespread, affecting the entire industry rather than isolated segments such as production, marketing, or consumption. Perhaps the most basic of these changes has occurred in the marketing arena. Increased predominance of producer cooperatives and regional marketing associations through federation and merger movements has altered the market structure. Improved highway systems and the development of over-the- road tankers has allowed expansion of marketing areas. Distribution of finished products over considerably enlarged areas has been hastened by technological advance in processing and packaging. The creation of the standby pool represents a forward step in milk pricing. Increased sanitary standards and restrictions placed on manufacturing milk have been increased such that the quality difference between Grade A and manufacturing milk has decreased substantially. As manufacturing milk standards have been raised, manufacturing milk producers have found it necessary to improve their production facilities to meet these standards. Therefore, differences in production requirements for Grade A and manufacturing milk have been narrowed. Some manufacturing milk producers have quit dairy farming rather than make the necessary improvements in facilities to meet the new standards. Others, who wanted to continue dairying, decided to improve their facilities enough to qualify for the production of Grade A milk when they were forced to make some improvements. Still a third group of manufacturing milk producers improved their facilities only enough to meet minimum standards. However, the result of many manufacturing producers quitting dairying and others converting to Grade A milk production has been an increase in the percentage of total milk supply which is Grade A. The above changes create a need for improvements in the dairy marketing system if this country is to maintain a dairy industry capable of assuring an adequate supply of fresh, wholesome milk and milk products."--Introduction.
PERANCANGAN APLIKASI BUKU INDUK SISWA (BISA) BERBASIS WEB MENGGUNAKAN METODE EXTREME PROGRAMMING DI MTS MATHLAâ€™UL ANWAR BAROS
Authors: Alfaruk Saddam Rasyidin , Qoyum Alif Ainun , Sugiono Sugiono , Haryono Wasis
Published: May 2024

Sistem buku induk siswa di MTs Mathlaâ€™ul Anwar Baros, dalam proses pendataan masih menggunakan buku kertas. Hal tersebut menghambat pekerjaan operator dalam menyimpan dan mencari data siswa. Dengan sistem buku induk berbasis web ini operator pendataan siswa dapat mengoptimalkan pekerjaannya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menyediakan sistem pendataan siswa yang terkomputerisasi dan terhubung dengan database sehingga mudah diakses dimanapun. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengembangan sistem informasi ini menggunakan model Extreme Programming, dari mulai analisis masalah, perancangan, hingga implementasi. Sistem ini dapat diakses oleh beberapa user tertentu seperti siswa, guru dan admin. Sistem informasi pendataan siswa ini berbasis web dengan pemanfaatan bahasa pemprogram Personal Hypertext Prepocessor (PHP) dan Structured Query Language (SQL). Pengunaan sistem informasi pendataan siswa ini dapat menghemat waktu dan menghasilkan informasi yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan sekolah.