Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
QEEG: State of the Art, or State of Confusion

Recent advances in technology have resulted in a proliferation of quantitative EEG applications. The availability of few formal methodological standards threatens to transform this computational and technical freedom into a permanent source of confusion and incompatibility. Common methodological and analytical parameters of topographic EEG research are reviewed, with the goal of eventual formalization of methodological procedures for the field.
Existence of Thought Force and Its Characteristics

A single field emerged at the origin of the universe containing within itself the blueprint of the physical universe. The primordial single field triggered the onset of the universe. Most physicists believe that a single super-force dominated the first instants of creation. As per Penrose, consciousness is a part of the universe. Our consciousness model involving thought-carrying particle (TCP), thought retaining particle (TRP) and thought force (TF) signifies the existence of universal consciousness that exists along with the universe. This universal consciousness is a functional state of the universal mind. This universal mind (UM) is evolved at the Big Bang from Void. The UM is constituted by these TCP and TRP in the inherent presence of thought force (TF). Thought force (TF) is an expression of universal consciousness. This TF being the primordial quantum field functions as the original super-force. TF being the original super-force functions as the origin of all the fundamental fields. TCP is the carrier of thought force (TF) that, in turn, appears to be the origin of all the fields. The quantized energy (eT) of TCP is responsible to cause the cosmic microwave background radiation temperature as well as the universal consciousness. The individual consciousness owes its origin to the universal consciousness. The same is the energy responsible for generating thought force (TF). This TF being applicable to any inanimate object as well as to any biological system (having thinking ability) exerts its function both in vitro and in vivo. Existence of thought force and its characteristics are expressed here.
Eye formation in rotating convection

We consider rotating convection in a shallow, cylindrical domain. We examine the conditions under which the resulting vortex develops an eye at its core; that is, a region where the poloidal flow reverses and the angular momentum is low. For simplicity, we restrict ourselves to steady, axisymmetric flows in a Boussinesq fluid. Our numerical experiments show that, in such systems, an eye forms as a passive response to the development of a so-called eyewall, a conical annulus of intense, negative azimuthal vorticity that can form near the axis and separates the eye from the primary vortex. We also observe that the vorticity in the eyewall comes from the lower boundary layer, and relies on the fact the poloidal flow strips negative vorticity out of the boundary layer and carries it up into the fluid above as it turns upward near the axis. This process is effective only if the Reynolds number is sufficiently high for the advection of vorticity to dominate over diffusion. Finally we observe that, in the vicinity of the eye and the eyewall, the buoyancy and Coriolis forces are negligible, and so although these forces are crucial to driving and shaping the primary vortex, they play no direct role in eye formation in a Boussinesq fluid.
Nitrate-nitrogen sufficiency ranges in leaf petiole sap of Brassica oleracea L., pac choi grown with organic and conventional fertilizers

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the response of Brassica oleracea L. , pac choi to fertilizer rates and sources and to establish optimal soluble nitrogen (N) application rates and nitrate meter sufficiency ranges. Conventional soluble fertilizer was formulated from inorganic salts with a 4:1 NO3-N:NH4-N ratio. Phospho- rus (P) was held at 1.72 mM and potassium (K) at 0.83 mM for all treatment levels. The organic soluble fertilizer, fish hydrolyzate (2N-1.72P-0.83K), was diluted to provide the same N levels as with conventional treatments. Both fertilizers were applied at N rates of 0, 32, 75, 150, 225, 300, and 450 mg·L L1 . Seedlings were transplanted and fertilizer applicationbeganat18days.Plantswereharvestedat7weeks(5weekspost-transplanting) after receiving 15 fertilizer applications during production. Samples of the most recently matured leaves were harvested weekly and analyzed for petiole sap NO3-N and leaf blade total N concentration. Leaf count, leaf length, and chlorophyll content were also measured weekly. Fresh and dry weights were determined on whole shoots and roots. Optimum yield was achieved at the 150-mg·L L1 fertility rate with both conventional and organic fertilizers. Field and high tunnel experiments were conducted to validate the sufficiency ranges obtained from the greenhouse studies. Sufficiency levels of NO3-N for pac choi petiole sap during Weeks 2 to 3 of production were 800 to 1500 mg·L L1 and then dropped to 600 to 1000 mg·L L1 during Weeks 4 through harvest for both conventional and organic fertilizers sources. Total N in leaf tissue was less responsive to fertilizer rate effects than petiole sap NO3-N. Chlorophyll content was not useful in evaluating pac choi N status. These guidelines will provide farmers with information for leaf petiole sap NO3- N to guide in-season N applications.
GE Jet Engine Bracket Challenge: A Case Study in Sustainable Design

Open crowdsourcing competitions can provide a large repository of data which can be used to achieve more sustainable product designs. This study looks at the recent General Electric challenge, a competition to minimize the mass of a titanium jet engine lifting bracket, to illustrate the benefits that can be accrued. In the light of current literature the benefits and challenges of crowdsourcing have been considered. Samples of the entrants to the challenge have been compared to identify critical characteristics for interpreting sustainable designs for additive manufacture. Focusing initially on topological optimisation and orientation of the additive manufacture build, critical features have been highlighted. The availability of many CAD designs has been most useful and has potential for future developments. Crowdsourcing as an innovation approach can also be beneficial for both companies and individuals particularly if the entries are open source.
Quality of fisheries data and uncertainty in stock assessment

The quality of fisheries data has great impacts on the quality of stock assessment, and thus fisheries management. In this paper, using a case study I evaluate the impacts of two types of error, biased error and atypical error, that can negatively affect the quality of fisheries data in stock assessment. These errors are commonly associated with fisheries data, and assumptions on their sources and statistical properties can have great impacts on the outcome of stock assessment. Although the sources and statistical properties of these errors differed, both of them could result in errors in stock assessment if estimation methods are not appropriate. Different statistical approaches used in fitting models differ in their robustness with respect to errors of different statistical properties in data. This study showed the importance of evaluating the quality of input data and the possibility of developing an approach that is robust to errors in data. Considering the likelihood of fisheries data being affected by errors of different statistical properties, I suggest that the robustness of a stock assessment be evaluated with respect to data quality.
Effectiveness of video as an instructional medium in teaching rural children agricultural and environmental sciences

The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of video in comparison with selected instructional media for teaching primary school pupils Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. It examined also the effect of gender and grade on the performance of the pupils taught with four instructional media. 240 pupils from 3 rural primary schools in Badagry Local government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria, were taught three topics drawn from Agriculture and Environmental sciences. The non-randomized quasi-pretest posttest experimental design was used in finding out which of the pupils in the four experimental groups - video, realia, charts and No instructional media performed best. The study revealed that the pupils taught with the video performed equally as well as those taught with real objects (Realia). While both groups performed significantly better than those taught with chart and without instructional medium. There was no significant difference in performance based on the gender. With regards to grade (Primary 5 and 6), only the group taught without instructional medium had a significant difference. The pupils in Primary 6 did better than those in Primary 5. The study concludes that video is as effective as the traditional teacher in teaching Primary school children Agriculture and Environmental issues. This confirms the assertion of many researchers of the potential of using video as an instructional medium in teaching varying subjects to adults, youths and children in the formal school system. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The four methods that can be used by the teacher were recommended. An organisational structure in each state and video equipment needed for effective take off of the video programme in Primary schools in Nigeria were suggested.
The Impact of Specific iPad Applications on Phonics Instruction in Kindergarten Students

This research study determined if four iPad phonics applications had an impact on phonics acquisition in kindergarten students. This study concluded that the phonics iPad applications used in this study proved neither more nor less effective than the phonics iPad applications set in place by the classroom teacher. Data was collected through assessments, observations, and interviews with kindergarten students and their teacher. Based on the results from this study, no definitive difference was found between the four iPad applications and the iPad applications already set in place by the classroom teacher. The use of iPad applications should be considered when implementing phonics instruction for kindergarten students. Document Type Thesis Degree Name MS in Literacy Education Department Education Subject Categories Education This thesis is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_ETD_masters/211 IPADS IMPACT ON PHONICS 1 The Impact of Specific iPad Applications on Phonics Instruction in Kindergarten Students
Is Toxoplasma gondii IgG seropositivity a predisposing factor for infertility

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Approximately one third of the world population is infected with this parasite. Several studies have examined the causes of human infertility in the Middle East. A high proportion of secondary infertility and a great contribution of the female factor was the major finding in most of these studies. In this study, we aim to explore the relation between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and female infertile patients. Serum samples from 83 female patients visiting the infertility clinic and 57 normal prim gravid females attending the ANC clinic were collected during the year 2014. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma IgG by chemiluminescent micro particle immunoassay (CMIA) technology. Patients visiting the infertility clinic, aged from 18-40 years (x=29.7) while normal prim gravid females attending the ANC clinic aged from 18-38 (x=26.1). Of the 83 samples collected from patients visiting the infertility clinic, 15 samples were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG while only 2 samples (out of 57) collected from normal prim gravid females attending the ANC clinic were positive. There was a statistically significant correlation between positive anti-Toxoplasma IgG and infertility (p<0.01). We suggest considering the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in serum of young females as an indicator for possible future infertility.
Time‐resolved ducting of atmospheric acoustic‐gravity waves by analysis of the vertical energy flux

A new 2‐D time‐dependent model is used to simulate the propagation of an acoustic‐gravity wave packet in the atmosphere. A Gaussian tropospheric heat source is assumed with a forcing period of 6.276 minutes. The atmospheric thermal structure creates three discrete wave ducts in the stratosphere, mesosphere, and lower thermosphere, respectively. The horizontally averaged vertical energy flux is derived over altitude and time in order to examine the time‐resolved ducting. This ducting is characterized by alternating upward and downward energy fluxes within a particular duct, which clearly show the reflections occurring from the duct boundaries. These ducting simulations are the first that resolve the time‐dependent vertical energy flux. They suggest that when ducted gravity waves are observed in the mesosphere they may also be observable at greater distances in the stratosphere.
Idiosyncratic Risk and Stock Returns: A Quantile Regression Approach

The relation between idiosyncratic risk and stock returns is currently a topic of debate in the academic literature. So far the evidence regarding the relation is mixed. This study aims to investigate the cross-sectional relation between idiosyncratic risk and stock returns in the Indian stock market employing quantile regressions. Using quantile regressions, this study demonstrates that idiosyncratic volatility and stock returns relation is quantile dependent. The relation between idiosyncratic volatility and stock returns is parabolic. The high idiosyncratic risk is associated with high (low) excess returns at the upper (lower) quantile of the conditional distribution. This partially explains the inconclusive evidence on the idiosyncratic volatility and the stock returns relation in the literature.
Signatures of Tibetan Plateau heating on Indian summer monsoon rainfall variability

Despite recent challenges, conventional wisdom has held that heating over the Tibetan Plateau leads to increased Indian summer monsoon rainfall via enhancement of cross‐equatorial circulation aloft, and a concurrent strengthening of both the Somali Jet and westerly winds that bring moisture to southern India. We show that such heating, quantified by monthly estimates of moist static energy in the atmosphere just above the surface, correlates with summer monsoon rainfall, but only in the early (20 May to 15 June) and late (September 1 to 15 October) monsoon season. Correlations during the main monsoon season (15 June to 31 August) are small and insignificant. The positive correlations with early and late monsoon season, however, allow for heating over Tibet to modulate as much as ~30% of the total rainfall. Furthermore, we demonstrate that heating over Tibet is independent of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, so that together they explain a substantial portion of variability in the early and late season rainfall, providing potential predictability. These links may also explain the wet conditions over India during early Holocene time and provide a quantitative link between a rise of Tibet and stronger Somali Jet.
Characterization of pre-gelatinized rice and bean flour

The objective of this study was to develop a pre-gelatinized flour using a mixture of broken rice and split beans by thermoplastic extrusion, and to evaluate the physicochemical, nutritional, and technological quality of the final product. The extrusion parameters were maintained using three heating zones with temperatures of 30 °C, 40 °C, and 70 °C; screw speed of 177 rpm; feed rate of 257 g/m, and circular matrix of 3.85 mm. The following characterization analyses were performed: physicochemical, nutritional, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), and paste viscosity. The pre-gelatinized rice and bean flour had an intermediate value of WAI, 7.51 g/g, and high WSI value, 24.61%. Regarding proteins, it was verified an average content of 12.9% in the final product. The amino acid contents found in the pre-gelatinized flour indicate that the mixture has the essential amino acids. It was also found that the pre-gelatinized flour supplies more than 60% of the essential amino acids recommended for children aged one to three years old. The gelatinized flour composed of broken rice and split beans is an alternative to the use of these by-products of the manufacture process of rice and beans to obtain a product with viable technological characteristics and high nutritional value.
Soil-to-plant transfers of uranium series radionuclides in natural and contaminated settings

Uranium and related decay-chain radionuclides remain important subjects of study for a number of reasons. Uranium has the potential to be chemically toxic near mining and processing facilities, and the decay-chain radionuclides can contribute substantially to radiation dose. Establishing an air quality standard for U in Canada has also been tentatively based on its accumulation and toxicity in soil. This paper summarizes two studies. The first investigated the mobility in soil, uptake by plants and ecotoxicity of U near a U refining facility. Because of the presence of co-contaminants, a large number of other elements were measured to fully characterize the samples. In general, the soil solid/liquid partition coefficients, Kd, for U were high enough that leaching is not a dominant process. Plant/soil concentration ratios (CRs) were not consistently different compared to background sites. The second study measured plant/soil CRs for 210 Pb, 210 Po, 226 Ra, 228 Ra, 228 Th, 230 Th, 232 Th and 238 U on a series of sites across Canada, with emphasis on background sites with possible human food-chain connections. Secular equilibrium was rarely observed, especially in plants.
Evaluation of the Potential of Some Essential Oils in Biological Controlagainst Phytopathogenic Agent Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato DC3000 Responsible for the Tomatoes Speck

To investigate biological control mains against phytopathogenic agent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, responsible for bacterial speck, tests on the antibacterial activity of six essential oils were carried out. The essential oils, obtained by hydro distillation, was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The determination of the antibacterial activity of the essential oils carried out in-vitro using the well diffusion, micro atmosphere methods and the determination of MIC and CMB. Only essential oils of Cedrus atlantica had a negative activity against the bacterial strain. However, the overall results of this study suggested that Mintha pulegium, Thym vulgaris, Eucalyptus globulus essential oils had potential as a bio-pesticide for the control of bacterial speck disease of tomato.
SMOS near-real-time soil moisture product: processor overview and first validation results

Abstract. Measurements of the surface soil moisture (SM) content are important for a wide range of applications. Among them, operational hydrology and numerical weather prediction, for instance, need SM information in near-real-time (NRT), typically not later than 3 h after sensing. The European Space Agency (ESA) Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite is the first mission specifically designed to measure SM from space. The ESA Level 2 SM retrieval algorithm is based on a detailed geophysical modelling and cannot provide SM in NRT. This paper presents the new ESA SMOS NRT SM product. It uses a neural network (NN) to provide SM in NRT. The NN inputs are SMOS brightness temperatures for horizontal and vertical polarizations and incidence angles from 30 to 45°. In addition, the NN uses surface soil temperature from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecast System (IFS). The NN was trained on SMOS Level 2 (L2) SM. The swath of the NRT SM retrieval is somewhat narrower (∼ 915 km) than that of the L2 SM dataset (∼ 1150 km), which implies a slightly lower revisit time. The new SMOS NRT SM product was compared to the SMOS Level 2 SM product. The NRT SM data show a standard deviation of the difference with respect to the L2 data of
Emerging pests and diseases threaten Eucalyptus camaldulensis plantations in Sardinia, Italy

Abstract: The rapid growth and environmental adaptability of Eucalyptus species has favored their global cultivation for pulpwood production. On the island of Sardinia, Italy, eucalypt plantations were established in the 20th century primarily in areas reclaimed from marshland, but the trees are now grown all over the island as ornamentals or windbreaks, and for timber, pulp and honey production. In recent years, an unusual decline and mortality of unknown etiology has been observed in Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) plantations throughout the island. Given the ecological and economic importance of eucalypt ecosystems in Sardinia, a survey was carried out in 2013 to determine which insect pests and fungal pathogens are directly involved in these phenomena. Field surveys throughout the island revealed severe infestations with the red gum lerp psyllid (Glycaspis brimblecombei) at all 12 surveyed sites, with the greatest numbers of pre-imaginal stages and adults occurring between May and July. The adult population reached its peak in July, followed 2 months later by the peak population of its specific parasitoid, Psyllaephagus bliteus. Symptoms of leaf chlorosis, crown thinning, shoot and branch dieback, sunken cankers, epicormic shoots and exudations of kino gum were also observed at the 12 field sites. Symptomatic woody samples yielded fungal isolates representing three distinct families: Botryosphaeriaceae, Diaporthaceae and Valsaceae. Morphological and DNA sequence data revealed seven distinct fungal species, namely Diaporthe foeniculina, Neofusicoccum australe, N. luteum, N. mediterraneum, N. parvum, N. vitifusiforme and Valsa fabianae. Two putative new species of Cytospora were also identified. Neofusicoccum australe was the only species recovered from all 12 sites, with isolation frequencies of 51-95%. Pathogenicity trials revealed that all Neofusicoccum species except N. vitifusiforme are directly involved in the etiology of the observed decline in the E. camaldulensis population on Sardinia.
Mechanical Property Development During UOE Forming of Large Diameter Pipeline Steels

Mechanical properties of large diameter welded steel pipes depend on the thermomechanically controlled rolled (TMCR) plate microstructure and UOE pipe-forming cold deformation sequence. Strength from plate to pipe may increase (work-hardening) or decrease (the Bauschinger effect). Bauschinger effect parameters depend on steel composition and plate processing history. The present study is examining two pipeline grades: X60 (Nb-alloyed) and X65 (Nb- and V-alloyed). Mechanical properties are determined by grain refinement, solid solution, precipitation strengthening mechanisms, and work-hardening (work-softening). The reverse deformation yield drop increases with an increase in the precipitate particle volume fraction and pre-strain. Annealing, leading to a decrease in the dislocation density, reduces the yield drop. The Bauschinger parameters are being quantitatively related to the particle type, size, and volume fraction, and the dislocation density.