Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of subsoil constraints on wheat yield and gross margin on fine-textured soils of the southern Victorian Mallee

The APSIM-Wheat module was used to investigate our present capacity to simulate wheat yields in a semi-arid region of eastern Australia (the Victorian Mallee), where hostile subsoils associated with salinity, sodicity, and boron toxicity are known to limit grain yield. In this study we tested whether the effects of subsoil constraints on wheat growth and production could be modelled with APSIM-Wheat by assuming that either: (a) root exploration within a particular soil layer was reduced by the presence of toxic concentrations of salts, or (b) soil water uptake from a particular soil layer was reduced by high concentration of salts through osmotic effects. After evaluating the improved predictive capacity of the model we applied it to study the interactions between subsoil constraints and seasonal conditions, and to estimate the economic effect that subsoil constraints have on wheat farming in the Victorian Mallee under different climatic scenarios. Although the soils had high levels of salinity, sodicity, and boron, the observed variability in root abundance at different soil layers was mainly related to soil salinity. We concluded that: (i) whether the effect of subsoil limitations on growth and yield of wheat in the Victorian Mallee is driven by toxic, osmotic, or both effects acting simultaneously still requires further research, (ii) at present, the performance of APSIM-Wheat in the region can be improved either by assuming increased values of lower limit for soil water extraction, or by modifying the pattern of root exploration in the soil profile, both as a function of soil salinity. The effect of subsoil constraints on wheat yield and gross margin can be expected to be higher during drier than wetter seasons. In this region the interaction between climate and soil properties makes rainfall information alone, of little use for risk management and farm planning when not integrated with cropping systems models.
Knowledge and Utilization of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice among Nurses of Offa Specialist Hospital , Kwara State

In the contemporary nursing, the clamour for scientifically based nursing practice necessitates a paradigm shift from practice based on intuition and tradition to practices that can be scientifically verified. This study assessed the knowledge and utilization of evidenced-based nursing practice among the nurses of Specialist Hospital, Offa, Kwara State. The descriptive study utilized validated questionnaire developed by the researchers. 110 questionnaires were administered to nurses who met the inclusion criteria. Data collected were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistic of Pearson correlation. The findings of the study revealed that only 35.5% were degree holders. The result also revealed that there is no significant relationship between Nurses knowledge and utilization of evidence-based nursing practice. (P-value of 0.06). And there is no significant relationship between professional qualification of nurses and utilization of evidence-based nursing practice. (P-value 0.859). Considering the identified barriers to utilization of evidence-based nursing practice such as poor attitude of nurses to change, lack of knowledge of evidence-based nursing practice, inadequate organizational support. It is recommended that sensitisation and creating more awareness for nurses’ will go a long way to bridge this gap.
Supernova simulations from a 3D progenitor model - Impact of perturbations and evolution of explosion properties

We study the impact of large-scale perturbations from convective shell burning on the core-collapse supernova explosion mechanism using three-dimensional (3D) multi-group neutrino hydrodynamics simulations of an 18 solar mass progenitor. Seed asphericities in the O shell, obtained from a recent 3D model of O shell burning, help trigger a neutrino-driven explosion 330ms after bounce whereas the shock is not revived in a model based on a spherically symmetric progenitor for at least another 300ms. We tentatively infer a reduction of the critical luminosity for shock revival by ~20% due to pre-collapse perturbations. This indicates that convective seed perturbations play an important role in the explosion mechanism in some progenitors. We follow the evolution of the 18 solar mass model into the explosion phase for more than 2s and find that the cycle of accretion and mass ejection is still ongoing at this stage. With a preliminary value of 0.77 Bethe for the diagnostic explosion energy, a baryonic neutron star mass of 1.85 solar masses, a neutron star kick of ~600km/s and a neutron star spin period of ~20ms at the end of the simulation, the explosion and remnant properties are slightly atypical, but still lie comfortably within the observed distribution. Although more refined simulations and a larger survey of progenitors are still called for, this suggests that a solution to the problem of shock revival and explosion energies in the ballpark of observations are within reach for neutrino-driven explosions in 3D.
mpact of land use types and farming practices on occurrence of arbuscular ycorrhizal fungi ( AMF ) Taita-Taveta district in Kenya

A study was undertaken along land use gradients in Taita-Taveta district, southeast Kenya to evaluate the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in seven land use types (LUT). The gradient was from indigenous forest (IF) to croplands with coffee (CO), maize (MA), horticulture (HT), napier (NA) and planted forest (PF). A total of 12 AMF morphotypes comprising of 4 Glomus, 1 Claroideoglomus, 5 Acaulosporaceae, 1 Racocetra sp. and 1 Gigaspora were isolated from the study site. Occurrnace of Acaulospora denticulata, Glomus ambisporum and Claroideoglomus etunicatum was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by LUT; A. denticulata, Acaulospora laevis, G. ambisporum, Glomus sp. 1, Glomus sp. 2 and Gigasarming practices ycorrhize fungi pora margarita were common in all LUT; C. etunicatum and Glomus sp. 3 were restricted and Acaulospora scrobiculata and two additional undescribed morpotypes were found only in trap cultures. Mean spore abundance was significantly (p = 0.007) different in cropped systems with CO (35), HT (36.6) and MA (41.7) recording lower mean spore abundance compared to non-cropped systems with PF (130), NA (91.3), FA (89.7) and NA (84.3). AMF species showed preference for either cropped or non-cropping systems and species diversity and richness were maintained despite dramatic changes in LUT.
The missing gas problem in GRB host galaxies: evidence for a highly ionised component

There is considerable discrepancy between the amount of X-ray absorption and that inferred from optical (rest frame UV) as measured along gamma-ray burst (GRB) sight lines, with the former being typically an order of magnitude higher than what would be expected from the measurement of neutral element species via optical absorption line spectroscopy. We explore this “missing gas problem” by using X-ray and optical measurements in a sample of 29 z = 0.7 6.3 GRBs from both spectroscopic data and the afterglow broadband spectral energy distributions. The low ionisati on species detected in the UV are associated with the neutral interstellar medium in the GRB host galaxy, while soft X-ray absorption, which is weakly dependent on the ionisation state of the gas, provides a probe of the total column of gas along the sight line. After careful consideration of any systematic effects, we find that the neutral gas consists of � 10% of the total gas, and this limit decreases with the more ionised that the X-ray absorbing gas is, which in our spectral fits is assumed to be neutral. Only a very small fract ion of this ionised gas, however, is detected in UV absorption lines with ionisation potentials up to � 200 eV (i.e. Si IV, C IV, N V, O VI), which leaves us to postulate that the X-ray excess is due to ultra-highly-ionised, dense gas in the GRB vicinity.
Short-term options with stochastic volatility: estimation and empirical performance

This paper examines the stochastic volatility model suggested by Heston (1993). We employ a time-series approach to estimate the model and we discuss the potential effects of time-varying skewness and kurtosis on the performance of the model. In particular, it is found that the model tends to overprice out-of-the-money calls and underprice in-the-money calls. It is also found that the daily volatility risk premium presents a quite volatile behavior over time; however, our evidence suggests that the volatility risk premium has a negligible impact on the pricing performance of Heston´s model.
A Re-examination of "Kairos": Implications for Moral Accountability and Rhetorical Criticism.

ABSTRACT There are two views of the rhetorical principle of "kairos," or timeliness: first, the deterministic notion of "kairos" as a preordained "right" time in which certain activities are appropriate, and second, the relativistic notion of "kairos" as an exercise "in the nick of time. " A satis:actory definition of "kairos" must acknowledge that some well-timed rhetorical effects (humor, for example) cannot be determined by strict rules, but rather are relative to context and situation. The relativistic dimension of "kairos" also explains how rhetorical truth relies not on the representation of objective facts, but on the terms of wh=tt is understood and accepted at a particular time. Moreover, this sense of "kairos" explains how identical acts can appear just or good at one time, unjust or evil at another. On a moral level, the absence of absolute standards by which to hold speakers accountable for their acts actually invests speakers with greater moral responsibility to discern when to act and what act to perform. The recognition of these two counterpoised views of "kairos" implies that rhetoric involves combining the prudence to judge the proper time to speak with the courage to speak at the precise moment one's rhetorical contribution will be most fitting. (JG)
On the Higher Moments of Particle Multiplicity, Chemical Freeze-Out, and QCD Critical Endpoint

We calculate the first six nonnormalized moments of particle multiplicity within the framework of the hadron resonance gas model. In terms of the lower order moments and corresponding correlation functions, general expressions of higher order moments are derived. Thermal evolution of the first four normalized moments and their products (ratios) are studied at different chemical potentials, so that it is possible to evaluate them at chemical freeze-out curve. It is found that a nonmonotonic behaviour reflecting the dynamical fluctuation and strong correlation of particles starts to appear from the normalized third order moment. We introduce novel conditions for describing the chemical freeze-out curve. Although the hadron resonance gas model does not contain any information on the criticality related to the chiral dynamics and singularity in the physical observables, we are able to find out the location of the QCD critical endpoint at MeV and temperature MeV.
Preliminary Study on Organosolv Pulping of Acacia Hybrid

Abstract An attempt was made on pulp production from the fast growing plant, Acacia hybrid to determine the total yield, screened yield, Kappa number, and fibre morphology of organosolv Acacia hybrid pulp. Uniform-sized chips were taken to undergo pulping in a digester with five different concentrations of ethanol, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% (v/v) with 1 M of sodium hydroxide as catalyst. All chips were digested in a temperature-controlled digester with constant amount of water added and temperature of 185 o C with the duration of three hours cooking time and correspond pressure 1.1-1.2 MPa. It was observed that increasing of ethanol concentration has led to pulp yield increment and decreased in the degree of delignification at the same time. This study was aimed to focus on the effect of the varied concentration of organic solvent towards the pulp yield and its relationship with Kappa number and pulp yield.Key Words: organosolv pulping, ethanol, sodium hydroxide, Acacia hybrid, pulp yield
Top managers’ compensation and governance in Spanish firms: Evidence and reflections

In Spanish listed firms, taking into account the predominant modes of ownership structure, which are characterized by a high concentration of shares in the hands of a few shareholders who are strongly represented on the board of directors, it might suppose that there are strong stimulus for a close top managers’ supervision and a straight interest alignment. However, the empirical evidence indicates the opposite, and this paradox needs to be explained within the theoretical framework of institutional theory. The high concentration of ownership and the high level of cross-holdings generate conflicting interests by those who have multiple roles as directors and top managers, suggesting that board’s supervisory effectiveness may be compromised by social pressures in search of legitimacy. These features of Spanish firms are undermining governance mechanisms, and may explain the high pay levels, the low variable packages and, in general, the lack of connection between top managers’ compensation and firm performance in comparison with those in other countries of Continental Europe.
Increase of “Umami” and “Kokumi” Compounds in Miso, Fermented Soybeans, by the Addition of Bacterial γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase

γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) hydrolyzes γ-glutamyl compounds and transfers their γ-glutamyl moieties to amino acids and peptides. We previously showed that the “umami” taste of soy sauce could be improved by the addition of salt-tolerant Bacillus subtilis GGT to the fermentation mixture, “moromi”. Although miso fermentation is a semi-solid fermentation, unlike soy sauce fermentation, this was also the case. When 15 units of purified B. subtilis GGT were added to 418 g miso “moromi” (fermentation mixture), the glutamate concentration in “moromi” became 20 mM higher and the “umami” taste became stronger than without the addition of GGT after 2 to 6 months of fermentation. In addition, γ-Glu-Val and γ-Glu-Val-Gly, which are known as “kokumi” peptides, were identified in “tamari”, and the concentrations of these γ-glutamyl peptides in “tamari" fermented by the addition of GGT were significantly higher than those of “moromi” without the addition of GGT. These results indicate that B. subtilis GGT is able to improve the taste of miso.
Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol, Crude and Water Extract of Chromolaena Odorata Leaves on S Typhi and E Coli

Antimicrobials from plant have enormous therapeutic potentials which have been established a long time ago. The leaves of Chromolaena odarata (commonly called Siam weed), which is an ancient remedy for the treatment of wounds and many ailments was tested for its antimicrobial activities on S. Typhi and Escherichia coli . The agar pour plate method was used to test for its antimicrobial activity on the test isolate, the extracts of Chromolaena odorata was introduced directly into the wells of the two tested organism. Laboratory study shows that Chromolaena odorata has antimicrobial action against these organisms. However, result after a 72hr incubation showed that ethanol extract had the highest zone of inhibition for S. Typhi (37.7mm) and water extract on E coli (32.3mm) and also mean value of leaf extracts of Chromolaena odarata were found to exhibit a significant antibacterial activity against S. Typhi as compared to E. coli , revealing that the extract of Chromolaena odarata is more effective on S. Typhi than E. coli . This research work establishes a good support to the use of these plants in herbal Remedies and as base for development of new drugs against typhoid fever and E. coli related diseases.
Acceleration of percolation for cementitious sensors using conductive paint filler

Structural health monitoring has emerged as an important branch of civil engineering in recent times, with the need to automatically monitor structural performance over time to ensure structural integrity. More recently, the advent of smart sensing materials has given this field a major boost. Research has shown that smart sensing materials fabricated with conductive filler at a concentration close to the percolation threshold results in high sensitivity to strain due to the piezoresistive effect. Of particular interest to this research are cementitious sensors fabricated using carbon black fillers. Carbon black is considered because of its widespread availability and low cost over other conductive fillers such as carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. A challenge in the fabrication of these sensors is that cementitious materials require a significant amount of carbon black to percolate, resulting in a loss in mechanical properties. This research investigates a new method to accelerate percolation of the materials, enabling cementitious sensors with fewer carbon black particles. A carbon black-based conductive paint that allows earlier percolation by facilitating conducting networks in cementitious sensors is used. The conductive paint consists of a block copolymer, SEBS (styrene-co-ethylene-co-butylene-co-styrene), filled with carbon black particles. The percolation thresholds of sensors fabricated both with and without conductive paint are, as well as their strain sensing characteristics and compressive strength. The study found that SEBS could successfully reduce the percolation threshold by 42%, and that samples with SEBS showed better electrical responses in dynamic conditions. Despite showing lower compressive strength, cementitious sensors fabricated with this novel conductive paint show promise for real time health monitoring applications.
Micromagnetic understanding of stochastic resonance driven by spin-transfer-torque

In this paper, we employ micromagnetic simulations to study non-adiabatic stochastic resonance (NASR) excited by spin-transfer torque in a super-paramagnetic free layer nanomagnet of a nanoscale spin valve. We find that NASR dynamics involves thermally activated transitions among two static states and a single dynamic state of the nanomagnet and can be well understood in the framework of Markov chain rate theory. Our simulations show that a direct voltage generated by the spin valve at the NASR frequency is at least one order of magnitude greater than the dc voltage generated off the NASR frequency. Our computations also reproduce the main experimentally observed features of NASR such as the resonance frequency, the temperature dependence and the current bias dependence of the resonance amplitude. We propose a simple design of a microwave signal detector based on NASR driven by spin transfer torque.
A test of the fast-slow continuum model of life-history variation in the lizard Sceloporus grammicus

Background: The fast–slow continuum hypothesis (Promislow and Harvey, 1990) suggests that mortality rates are a strong selective factor that shapes inter- and intraspecific variation in lifehistory traits. At the fast end of the continuum, we expect higher mortality rates, faster growth rates, small size and/or early age at maturity, short lifespan, and large litters with smaller offspring. At the slow end, we expect the opposite. Question: Is intraspecific (spatial) variation in life-history traits associated with spatial differences in mortality rates, as the fast–slow continuum hypothesis suggests? Organism: The viviparous lizard Sceloporus grammicus (Sauria: Phrynosomatidae). Study system: Eight different populations of S. grammicus in central Mexico (latitudinal range: 1911N to 2047N). Methods: We used likelihood methods to calculate mortality rates from mark–recapture data. We also measured rates of body growth, size and age at maturity, litter size, offspring size, and offspring body condition from marked animals, preserved specimens, and females kept in captivity. We used a multi-model inference framework to examine inter-population variation in life-history traits and their potential association with mortality. Each model represented a different hypothesis about variation in life-history traits, and the relative fit of each was determined using AICc (adjusted Akaike Information Criterion). Conclusions: Life-history traits differed widely among populations, but litter size was the only trait that varied with site-specific mortality rates. Larger litters were associated with higher mortality, consistent with the fast–slow continuum hypothesis. Other life-history traits showed no clear evidence of influence of mortality rates.
A comparison of the BAWAP and SILO spatially interpolated daily rainfall datasets

High-quality gridded rainfall datasets are required for modelling of hydrological systems and other environmental applications. For example, Chiew et al. (2008) use daily 5 km gridded interpolated historical rainfall, scaled according to projected changes in rainfall distributions provided by scenarios, for assessing the local impact of climate change over the Murray Darling Basin. Biases and errors in the interpolated surface can, therefore, adversely affect the quality of such calibrations and the resulting estimates of current/future water availability. Two products containing archived Australia-wide gridded (0.05° by 0.05°) gauge-based daily rainfall are currently publicly available: the widely used SILO product (www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo) produced by the Department of Environment and Resource Management; and the new freely available product produced by the Bureau of Meteorology as part of the Australian Water Availability Project (www.bom.gov.au/jsp/awap), herein denoted BAWAP. This study presents the first direct comparison of the two surfaces using a range of daily rainfall cross- validation statistics, including mean error, mean absolute error and root mean squared error. Cross-validation datasets have been produced by the respective organizations responsible for SILO (leave-one-out cross validation) and BAWAP (1% cross validation) for data spanning 2001-2007. As described in the paper, differing subsets of the total available sites were used in production of the cross-validation surfaces, however, using records common to both, summary error statistics have been calculated for each of the datasets. The results indicate that the error statistics are similar for both methods, with the SILO method producing slightly lower error statistics overall for the 2001 to 2007 period. This result is clouded by the fact that only a subset of observations (stations with complete months) were used in the SILO cross-validation analysis which is not representative of the current operational process. The BAWAP and SILO methods both contain small positive bias of rainfall amount on dry days (observed rainfall equal to 0mm) and a negative bias of amount on wet days (rainfall greater than 0 mm) increasing with magnitude of the rainfall observation (indicated in Figure 1). Both methods overestimate the number of wet days in the analysis period due to smoothing effects of the interpolation methods at the edges of rainfall events, however this is more pronounced in the BAWAP dataset. A geographical comparison of BAWAP and SILO error statistics suggest that there are only small differences in the errors across most of the continent. However, there are higher BAWAP errors along the east coast of Australia, particularly in high gauge density regions. Also, root mean square error statistics generally increase the closer the sites are to the equator. The positive bias for dry day amounts and negative bias for larger rainfall amounts result in a negative/positive bias for higher/lower rainfall areas.