Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scandinavian amphibians : their aquatic habitat and tolerance to acidic water – a field study

To determine the impact that anthropogenic acidification has had on natural amphibian populations in Scandinavia and to trace the species’ tolerance limits, in 1988-89 four poorly buffered areas in Norway were investigated; three were anthropogenically acidified and the fourth was not. The increasing acidification from the coastal to inland/highland region of Southern and Southeastern Norway (pH 7.2-4.1) was accompanied by a decreasing frequency of amphibian (Rana temporaria, Bufo bufo and Triturus vulgaris) localities. In the (anthropogenically) non-acidified Central Norway region (pH 6.8-4.6), R. temporaria was very common at all pH levels. The data strongly suggest that acidification explains the absence of amphibians locally in the acidified areas, and has caused their extinction in the inland/highland region of Southern Norway. A pH of 4.5-4.6 is the critical minimum for R. temporaria populations in small, poorly buffered, boggy, water-bodies as were investigated here. For B. bufo, the lowest pH recorded was 4.7, and for T. vulgaris 4.8. We did not find any signs of successful reproduction in Rana arvalis and Triturus cristatus below a pH of 5.2 and 5.3, respectively. Increased contents of Ca2+, Na+ (NaCl) or humus (NOM) had an ameliorating effect on the amphibians in acidic water. The presence of Al was of only minor importance for the amphibians in humic waters. In a strategy for the conservation of amphibians in acidified or acidifying areas, liming (CaCO3) and/or NaCl treatment of the localities may work well in order to establish a satisfying aquatic environment for the species. The study may act as a baseline for further surveys in the future when acidic precipitation hopefully has decreased, looking for improvements of the habitats and possible recoveries of amphibian sites.
The Connectivity of the Winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Summer Okhotsk High

We statistically investigated winter-summer climatic connectivity between the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the summer Okhotsk High. We found that the winter NAO persistently influences the surface air temperature, snow cover over the Eurasia continent, sea ice and SST around the Barents Sea region from winter to summer. The warm air temperature anomalies in East Siberia make a preferable condition for upper-level blocking. Warm signals around the Barents Sea region excite the Rossby wave propagating toward the Sea of Okhotsk. In addition, regional persistency of the wintertime local phenomena, and their possible influence on the summertime Okhotsk High is examined. The negative phase of the winter NAO is related to the winter and spring heavy sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. The heavy spring sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk brings about the cold SST around the Sea of Okhotsk. However, since the Okhotsk High does not have correlation with the SST around the Sea of Okhotsk in the previous month, the local connection of the sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk with the summer Okhotsk High is unlikely. Associated with an enhanced Okhotsk High, cold SST anomalies appear to the east of Japan. This cold SST anomaly is a response to the cold air advection associated with the Okhotsk High. We suggest that the winter NAO remotely regulates both the winter sea ice, and the summer Okhotsk High.
WRF‐simulated sensitivity to land surface schemes in short and medium ranges for a high‐temperature event in East China: A comparative study

We designed simulations for the high‐temperature event that occurred on 23 July 2003 in East China using a series of forecast lead times, from short‐range to medium‐range, and four land surface schemes (LSSs) (i.e., SLAB, NOAH, RUC, and PX) in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF), Version 3. The sensitivities of short and medium‐range simulations to the LSSs systematically varied with the lead times. In general, the model reproduced short‐range, high‐temperature distributions. The simulated weather was sensitive to the LSSs, and the LSS‐induced sensitivity was higher in the medium range than in the short‐range. Furthermore, the LSS performances were complex, i.e., the PX errors apparently increased in the medium range (longer than 6 days), RUC produced the maximum errors, and SLAB and NOAH had approximately equivalent errors that slightly increased. Additional sensitivity simulations revealed that the WRF modeling system assigns relatively low initial soil moisture for RUC and that soil moisture initialization plays an important role that is comparable to the LSS choice in the simulations. LSS‐induced negative feedback between surface air temperature (SAT) and atmospheric circulation in the lower atmosphere was found in the medium range. These sensitivities were mainly caused by the LSS‐induced differences in surface sensible heat flux and by errors associated with the lead times. Using the SAT equation, further diagnostic analyses revealed LSS deficiencies in simulating surface fluxes and physical processes that modify the SAT and indicated the main reasons for these deficiencies. These results have implications for model improvement and application.
Comparison of vocalisations of introduced European red deer stags (Cervus elaphus) in north-western Patagonia (Argentina) with native European populations

Polygynous deer are very vocal species, producing calls in various contexts. Male rutting calls in red deer (Cervus elaphus) have been most studied in captive and/or free-ranging European populations. The recent application of ‘source-filter theory’ has identified the independent roles of fundamental frequency (F0) and formants in the production of deer calls and demonstrated the relation between formant spacing and anatomical characteristics such as body size. The present paper describes and characterises the acoustical properties of male rutting vocalisations for a free-ranging red deer population located in the ecotone of the eastern Andean cordillera within the Nahuel Huapi National Reserve (Neuquen, Argentina), and is the first acoustic study of free-ranging red deer stags outside their historic distribution. Recordings were made of seven identified and several unidentified stags at the peak of the rut in 2007. Calculated F0 was found to be higher for these identified stags than for Scottish red deer on the island of Rhum. The analysis of formant spacing was used to calculate the length of the vocal tract (VTL) for the seven males studied; values were comparable to those found in stags from Rhum. The longest calculated VTLs within these males corresponded to those of the four stags with the largest antler racks and the only stags holding harems. Previous studies have shown that VTL correlates with body size, age and reproductive success and that these deer have the ability to lower their larynx and extend their vocal tracts to a maximum, which is probably under sexual selection. Our data fit with this explanation. The higher F0s recorded in this population may result from the influence of wapiti genes, known to be present in these deer, because wapiti have a much higher-frequency rutting call, namely, the bugle. Alternatively, they may be related to the mating strategy, which differs substantially from the northern European populations.
Capstone Courses: Student Learning Outcomes Indicate Value of Online Learning in Pilot Study

This pilot study compares direct student learning outcomes among three versions of the same interdisciplinary capstone course: online, hybrid, and onground. Assessment of pre and post formal writings, using Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) guidelines, were analyzed for evidence of writing, critical thinking, and integrative learning skills. Results indicate that online capstone courses that emphasize these learning goals are as successful, and often more successful, in providing students with learning experiences that cultivate optimal outcomes.
The effect of irrigation and sowing date on crop yield and yield components of Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in a cool-temperate subhumid climate

The canopy development, radiation absorption and its utilization for biomass production in response to irrigation at different growth stages of three Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars was studied on a Wakanui silt loam soil in Canterbury, New Zealand (43°38S, 172°30E). The study also aimed at quantifying the yield potential of the crop under varying irrigation regimes and sowing dates. Green area duration (GAD), intercepted radiation (Fi), radiation use efficiency (U) and total intercepted PAR were significantly (P<0·001) increased by irrigation. Total dry matter (TDM) yield was more strongly correlated (R2=0·69–0·83) with GAD than seed yield (R2=0·60–0·69). Accumulation of TDM was highly related to intercepted PAR. Fully irrigated November-sown crops had a final U of 1·46 g DM/MJ PAR. The unirrigated crop had a U of only 0·92 g DM/MJ PAR. The U tended to decrease with delayed sowing. Averaged over the 2 years, irrigation increased seed yield by 74–124% and trends were similar for TDM yield. Seed yield was doubled in November-sown chickpeas (4·6 t/ha) and cv. Sanford produced 14 and 16% more seed than cvs Dwelley and B-90 respectively. Full irrigation from emergence to physiological maturity always gave the highest seed yield (>4·7 t/ha), and there was no indication of a critical period of sensitivity to water stress. Based on results collected in the first growing season a simple model relating seed yield to radiation interception, U and HI was made. Results from the second growing season were then used as a simple verification to test the accuracy of predictions. The results suggest that these varieties have the potential to yield more than 4·5 t/ha of seed in Canterbury.
NORMATIVE CONSTRUCTION OF FAMILY AND GENDER RELATIONSHIPS

The focus of the present study is not only to analyse the declining trend of the sex ratio in Vadodara city but to examine the underlying causes. From the existing literature on the subject it is apparent that the causes lie within the various structures of the society. While discussing the causes responsible for sex determination (SD) and sex selective abortion (SSA) in India in general and Gujarat in particular it is essential to look at the normative construction of a girl in the society. This requires an examination of the socio-cultural, regional, religious and economic factors. As indicated in several studies, the phenomenon of son-preference and daughter aversion is largely responsible for declining child sex ratio (CSR) and needs to be understood and traced in the cultural context of a given area (Miller, 1981; Mazumdar, 1994; Mutharayappa et al, 1997; Mallik 2003, Visaria, L.2007; Patel, T. 2007; Ravindra, 2007; Bora and Tygai, 2008; Kaur, 2008; Larsen, Hatti and Gooch, 2008; Samaiyar, 2008). These studies indicate that the prevailing structure of patriarchy and the process of gender role socialisation are responsible for the problem.
A robust VaR model under different time periods and weighting schemes

This paper analyses several volatility models by examining their ability to forecast Value-at-Risk (VaR) for two different time periods and two capitalization weighting schemes. Specifically, VaR is calculated for large and small capitalization stocks, based on Dow Jones (DJ) Euro Stoxx indices and is modeled for long and short trading positions by using non parametric, semi parametric and parametric methods. In order to choose one model among the various forecasting methods, a two-stage backtesting procedure is implemented. In the first stage the unconditional coverage test is used to examine the statistical accuracy of the models. In the second stage a loss function is applied to investigate whether the differences between the models, that calculated accurately the VaR, are statistically significant. Under this framework, the combination of a parametric model with the historical simulation produced robust results across the sample periods, market capitalization schemes, trading positions and confidence levels and therefore there is a risk measure that is reliable.
Can Gravity Model Explain BIMSTEC`s Trade?

This paper examines the trading pattern of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi- Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) by employing an augmented gravity model. The econometric specification followed Egger (2000, 2002), Baltagi et al. (2003) and Serlenga and Shin (2007). Diagnostic checks imply the presence of serial correlation, heteroscedasticity and contemporaneous correlation in both import and export panels, which are allowed for in the Prais- Winsten regression with panel-specific AR(1). Regression estimates show that BIMSTEC’s imports follow the Linder hypothesis, while the exports exhibit Heckscher-Ohlin-Samuelson prototype. Results also suggest that distance elasticity is negative and significant. Real depreciation is import-reducing and export enhancing. Common language and bilateral trade agreement are found to be import and export enhancing, respectively. Governance of both local and destination countries impact trade of the bloc positively. Finally, belonging to the bloc accounts for about 29% of its exports, which is an indication of good prospect if trade policies are liberalised within the bloc. Thus, gravity model can successfully explain the pattern of the bloc’s trade.
Multi-station electro-optical observations of the 1999 Leonid meteor storm

Singleand double-station video observations of the 1999 Leonid shower made from Israel are presented. A total of 232 double-station Leonids had trajectories computed. Additionally, some 2500 single-station Leonids were used to measure the Leonid storm 4ux and mass distribution in the interval from 0.5–3 UT 18 November 1999. The height distribution for storm Leonids of average mass ∼ 10−6–10−7 kg indicates that the ablation zone is approximately Gaussian-shaped with best-=t mean begin, maximum brightness and end heights of 123:3 ± 0:7; 107:3 ± 0:42 and 95:0 ± 0:56 km respectively. The peak 4ux at the time of the storm was found to be 0:81 ± 0:06 meteoroids km−2 hr−1 Mv¡ + 6:5: using 15 min binning and 0:99 ± 0:11 meteoroids km−2 hr−1 Mv¡ + 6:5 for 3 min intervals. The smaller temporal resolution reveals a broad plateau in 4ux lasting from approximately 0 = 235:276–235:285 ◦ (J2000.0). At least one signi=cant feature in the rate curve is apparent near 235:272 ◦ , which we suggest is associated with material released in 1932. The video mass distribution index over the course of the Leonid storm was found to be constant near s= 1:75. The peak time of the storm estimated from 15 min sampling of the 4ux pro=le is near 235:283 ± 0:005 (1h58m ± 7m) while 3 min resolution data place the maximum at 235:281 ± 0:003 (1h55m ± 4m). The mean radiant position at the time of the storm was found to be = 153:1 ± 0:1 and = 21:5± 0:2 (J2000), with some hint of a more compact radiant grouping within the range = 153–154 and = 21–22. We do not =nd evidence for any signi=cant high altitude Leonid population at video masses despite biasing one camera pair to an intersection altitude of 160 km. c © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Student Teacher Perceptions of Preparedness for Teaching

The teaching profession has been described as "essentially conflictual天lemma-ridden and堣onstrained by factors beyond an individual teacher's control" (Cains & Brown, 1998, p. 97). Consistent with this perspective, it is not surprising that teachers often suffer from emotional exhaustion and stress. What may be surprising however are recent reports that teachers appear to be experiencing burnout much earlier in their careers than expected. Goddard and O'Brien (2003) discovered that teachers were reporting symptoms of burnout as early as in their first year of employment. This clearly has significant implications for teachers and the teaching profession in general and is an issue that needs to be addressed. The current study aims to examine how well Universities prepare their students for the teaching profession. Final year Primary Teaching students will be followed as they make the transition form University study to the workforce. Their perceived level of preparedness, their commitment to the profession, their expectations about the workforce, their teaching self-efficacy and their attribution style will all be examined as possible predictors of emotional exhaustion in their first year of teaching. This paper examines the results of the first stage of data collection.
Climate forcing and response to idealized changes in surface latent and sensible heat

Land use and land cover changes affect the partitioning of latent and sensible heat, which impacts the broader climate system. Increased latent heat flux to the atmosphere has a local cooling influence known as ‘evaporative cooling’, but this energy will be released back to the atmosphere wherever the water condenses. However, the extent to which local evaporative cooling provides a global cooling influence has not been well characterized. Here, we perform a highly idealized set of climate model simulations aimed at understanding the effects that changes in the balance between surface sensible and latent heating have on the global climate system. We find that globally adding a uniform 1 W m − 2 source of latent heat flux along with a uniform 1 W m − 2 sink of sensible heat leads to a decrease in global mean surface air temperature of 0.54 ± 0.04 K. This occurs largely as a consequence of planetary albedo increases associated with an increase in low elevation cloudiness caused by increased evaporation. Thus, our model results indicate that, on average, when latent heating replaces sensible heating, global, and not merely local, surface temperatures decrease.
Sample Sufficiency for Mean Estimation of Productive Traits of Sunn Hemp

Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) is an annual cycle legume with high potential for biological nitrogen fixation, being widely used in crop rotation for biomass formation and control of nematodes. The objectives of this study were to determine the sample size for the mean estimation of productive traits of sunn hemp and verify the sample size variability between traits and sowing dates. Two uniformity trials were performed in the agricultural year 2014/2015, with sowing in October (trial 1) and December (trial 2). At the crop flowering stage, 300 plants of each trial were harvested and fresh and dry matter of leaves, stem, root, aerial part, and total weight were evaluated. The normality and randomness tests were performed for each trait and the sample size was calculated for the semi-amplitudes of the confidence interval (estimation errors) of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20% of the mean estimate. There is sample size variability between productive traits and between sowing dates. The assessment of at least 101 plants is required for mean estimation of productive traits with maximum estimation error of 20% of the mean and 95% confidence level.
Eating concerns, body dissatisfaction, thinness internalization and antifat attitudes and their relationship with gender ideology in a sample of men

Eating disorders are much less common in men than in women. In this paper it is argued that these differences may be explained by the gender ideology that men and women have. Literature suggests that women’s ideology internalizes the social norm of slimness and for that reason may develop eating concerns and body dissatisfaction with the pass of the time, while men externalize the value of thinness and that is why they show greater antifat attitudes than women. Data obtained from 450 male students revealed that participants high in a gender ideology scale reported greater antifat attitudes and less thinness internalization, eating concerns and body dissatisfaction. Finally, it is discussed why men and women adopt different strategies to deal with the social norm of thinness.
Dementia classification using deep learning and texture analysis methods on magnetic resonance images

Dementia is becoming an increasingly severe economical and socio-economical disease, as treatment is problematic, with different disease variants difficult to prevent and delay. With a rise in life expectancy, further problematic increase is expected to occur. Clinical diagnosis is difficult, with poor interand intra-rating between doctors. Developing tools for computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) for diagnosis verification could provide benefits for doctors and patients alike. The primary objective of this thesis is to develop a CAD-system, to be implemented on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) of normal controls (NC) and patients with either Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) or Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Comparing results achieved through deep learning (DL) with texture analysis (TA) techniques together with Support Vector Machines (SVM) were also of importance. The CAD system was developed as a differential diagnosis system including all three groups in one classifier, but all binary classifications were also evaluated. Results on a dataset of 760 subjects do not directly suggest if either method outperforms the other, with an achieved total accuracy of 66 % and 59 % for CNNand SVM-classification respectively. Prior comparable studies have reported overall better accuracies on more shallow datasets, with results in this thesis suffering less on account of potential over-fitting issues. Limitations for DL-classification include dataset size and amount of evaluated architectures. The dataset could be expanded through availability of more study data or exploration of several data augmentation methods. Other potential limitations include lack of additional MR sequences or other modalities such as PET scans, with additional features possibly generating better results for the SVM-classifier. An enlarged dataset and additional TA methods could yield enhanced performance for CNNand SVM-classifiers respectively.
THE CORE PROBLEM OF CRIME IN SOCIETY: PSYCHOPATH OFFENDERS

This article provides an argument for the thesis that solving the problem of psychopathic crime is essential to reducing crime, in general. The author argues that psychopathy is primarily psychological (not psychiatric) phenomenon that has important implications for criminology. Based on the results of empirical researches, all the relevant indicators of the contribution of psychopathy to crime were analyzed such as: the volume and types of crimes, offenses of violence, juvenile delinquency and recidivism. It was found that the most serious crimes, early delinquency, criminal career length, the frequency of the crimes, including the dark figure of crime and recidivism, are intrinsically linked to psychopathy. Psychopaths are involved in all forms of crime, especially the crime of violence. Their violence is instrumental and predatory, not psychopathological as the mentally ill individuals is; particularly dangerous are sexual psychopaths. Psychopaths are untreatable and poorly in aversive learning, but because of the masks of non criminality and socialization they are difficult to identify. They have a constellation of malignant properties (such as high aggressiveness and amorality) that are, among others, influenced by sociocultural factors. We need strategic approaches in the area of state response and prevention of crime, that will ensure reducing psychopathic crime, but also the creation of the social context in which expression of psychopathic traits and predatory lifestyle is unprofitable and unsustainable.