Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the nature of rainfall intermittency as revealed by different metrics and sampling approaches

A general consensus on the concept of rainfall in- termittency has not yet been reached, and intermittency is often attributed to different aspects of rainfall variability, in- cluding the fragmentation of the rainfall support (i.e., the al- ternation of wet and dry intervals) and the strength of in- tensity fluctuations and bursts. To explore these different as- pects, a systematic analysis of rainfall intermittency prop- erties in the time domain is presented using high-resolution (1-min) data recorded by a network of 201 tipping-bucket gauges covering the entire island of Sardinia (Italy). Four techniques, including spectral and scale invariance analysis, and computation of clustering and intermittency exponents, are applied to quantify the contribution of the alternation of dry and wet intervals (i.e., the rainfall support fragmen- tation), and the fluctuations of intensity amplitudes, to the overall intermittency of the rainfall process. The presence of three ranges of scaling regimes between 1 min to 45 days is first demonstrated. In accordance with past studies, these regimes can be associated with a range dominated by sin- gle storms, a regime typical of frontal systems, and a tran- sition zone. The positions of the breaking points separating these regimes change with the applied technique, suggest- ing that different tools explain different aspects of rainfall variability. Results indicate that the intermittency properties of rainfall support are fairly similar across the island, while metrics related to rainfall intensity fluctuations are character- ized by significant spatial variability, implying that the local climate has a significant effect on the amplitude of rainfall fluctuations and minimal influence on the process of rain- fall occurrence. In addition, for each analysis tool, evidence is shown of spatial patterns of the scaling exponents com- puted in the range of frontal systems. These patterns resem- ble the main pluviometric regimes observed on the island and, thus, can be associated with the corresponding synop- tic circulation patterns. Last but not least, we demonstrate how the methodology adopted to sample the rainfall signal from the records of the tipping instants can significantly af- fect the intermittency analysis, especially at smaller scales. The multifractal scale invariance analysis is the only tool that is insensitive to the sampling approach. Results of this work may be useful to improve the calibration of stochastic algo- rithms used to downscale coarse rainfall predictions of cli- mate and weather forecasting models, as well as the parame- terization of intensity-duration-frequency curves, adopted for land planning and design of civil infrastructures.
Life history features of the nonindigenous three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus, 1758) in the Gomishan wetland (southeast Caspian Sea, Iran)

The Caspian Sea forms the southern limit of the distribution range of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), but little is known about its life history in this area. A total of 362 specimens were collected from the Gomishan wetland (southeast Caspian Sea, Iran) to describe the stickleback's life history characteristics. Samples were taken monthly between February and July of 2008. The maximum ages of the population observed were 2+ years for males and 3+ years for females. The length-weight relationship (LWR) was estimated as W = 0.0042TL3. 711 for immature specimens, W = 0.0095TL3. 1328 for males, and W = 0.0057TL3. 4678 for females. The sex ratio was 1:2.63, in favor of females. Reproduction of the three-spined stickleback in the wetland occurred around March-June, with the highest average value of 2.82 for males and of 17.12 for females in April. Two kinds of eggs were found in the ovary: small white opaque eggs with a mean diameter of 0.549, and large yolk-filled eggs with a mean diameter of 1.317. The number of small eggs ranged from 311 to 4709, and of large eggs from 128 to 885. The mean absolute fecundity was 1241.69 eggs, while the mean relative fecundity was 535.24 eggs/g of body weight.
The Learning Curve, Predation, Antitrust, and Welfare †

An economic definition of predation is applied to a dynamic model of duopoly competition with learning curves. It is shown that rational predation occurs in equilibrium, although below-cost pricing is neither a necessary nor a sufficient indicator of predation. A conceptual framework for antitrust analysis of predation shows that a prohibition of predation might help or harm consumer welfare depending on details of market structure, although the informational requirements of fashioning an effective legal rule against harmful predation are formidable. Copyright 1997 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Bio-opto-micro-fluidic devices for cell interrogations

Advances in manufacturing technologies and control of fluid flows on the micron-scale have made possible devices that can be used to great advantage in miniaturizing and automating testing processes in chemical and biological experiments, such as cell analysis [10], immunoassays [5] or DNA analysis [31]. The paradigm has been to reduce an entire laboratory to the size of a computer chip (a “lab on a chip”). In this project we analyze and try to improve the design for the integrated microfluidic device presented by Chung and co-workers [11] intended to create a better simulated and controlled in vivo environment for biological cells by allowing a steady flow-through of nutrients and analyte.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEARNING PROCESSES IN ACADEMIC SPIN-OFFS

Academic spin-offs are an important means for technology transfer from public research and strongly contribute to regional development. However, these companies have to overcome major challenges at start-up. Academic founders often lack business know-how and a market-oriented way of thinking. At the same time spin-off technology often still is at an early development stage and involves considerable uncertainties. Accordingly, many spin-offs follow suboptimal market chances and fail. Successful entrepreneurs, on the contrary, learn about markets right from the start and incorporate this knowledge in their product development activities. So far, little is known about the nature of these market-based learning processes in new ventures. Drawing on a database of 71 academic spin-offs, this study investigates how new ventures learn about markets at an early stage and how this influences market performance of spin-offs.
Effect of Application of Graded Level of Phosphorus to Finger Millet - Maize Cropping System in Soils of Different P Fertility

The soil test ratings of low, medium and high fertility classes for nutrients are currently adopted by the soil testing laboratories need a fresh look as significant responses to applied nutrients have been recorded in soils with high fertility status in many crops. Phosphorus responses decrease with improvement in soil P-status, as expected. In Punjab, responses were obtained upto 60-90 kg P2O5 ha -1 in low-P soils, upto 60 kg P2O5 ha -1 in medium-P soil and there was little response to P in high-P soils. In alluvial soils of U.P., even on soils classified as high in available P, 60 kg P2O5 ha -1 increased the wheat yield by 653 kg ha -1 or 10.9 kg grain per kg P2O5. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 11 (2017) pp. 265-280 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Gravitational lensing in the supernova legacy survey (SNLS)

The observed brightness of Type Ia supernovae is affected by gravitational lensing caused by the mass distribution along the line of sight, which introduces an additional dispersion into the Hubble diagram. We look for evidence of lensing in the SuperNova Legacy Survey 3-year data set. We investigate the correlation between the residuals from the Hubble diagram and the gravitational magnification based on a modeling of the mass distribution of foreground galaxies. A deep photometric catalog, photometric redshifts, and well established mass luminosity relations are used. We find evidence of a lensing signal with a 2.3 sigma significance. The current result is limited by the number of SNe, their redshift distribution, and the other sources of scatter in the Hubble diagram. Separating the galaxy population into a red and a blue sample has a positive impact on the significance of the signal detection. On the other hand, increasing the depth of the galaxy catalog, the precision of photometric redshifts or reducing the scatter in the mass luminosity relations have little effect. We show that for the full SuperNova Legacy Survey sample (~400 spectroscopically confirmed Type Ia SNe and ~200 photometrically identified Type Ia SNe), there is an 80% probability of detecting the lensing signal with a 3 sigma significance.
Geochemistry and origin of metal, olivine clasts, and matrix in the Dong Ujimqin Qi mesosiderite

Abstract— The Dong Ujimqin Qi mesosiderite is the first recorded fall of a stony‐iron meteorite in China. According to silicate textures and metal composition, this meteorite is classified as a member of subgroup IB. Instrumental neutron activation analyses (INAA) of metals show that the matrix metal has lower concentrations of Os, Ir, Re, and Pt, but higher concentrations of Ni and Au than the 7.5 cm metal nodule present in the meteorite. We attribute these compositional differences to fractional crystallization of molten metal. Studies of olivine clasts show that FeO contents are uniform in individual olivine crystals but are variable for different olivine clasts. Although concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) change within olivine clasts, they all exhibit a vee‐shaped pattern relative to CI chondrites. The relatively high concentrations of REEs in olivine and the shape of REE patterns require a liquid high in REEs and especially in light REEs. As such a liquid was absent from the region where basaltic and gabbroic clasts formed, mesosiderite olivine must have formed in a part of the differentiated asteroid that is different from the location where other mesosiderite silicate clasts formed.
INSITU SAXS/WAXS STUDY OF THE DEVELOPING PROCESS OF GEOPOLYMER STRUCTURES

Geopolymers with different chemical composition have been prepared at 70 o C. The processes of geopolymerization have been investigated insitu by simultaneous WAXS and SAXS measurements. WAXS shows that the developed structure of the geopolymers is mostly amorphous, and its structural arrangement strongly depends on the chemical composition of the used suspension. During the evaluation process the SAXS data were analyzed by using a fractal approach. The fractal dimensions are in the range from 2.2-3.3. The developed geopolymeric structure was confirmed by FTIR.
Gambling, geographical variations and deprivation: findings from the adult psychiatric morbidity survey

Abstract Gambling problems are prevalent in the UK, especially in the most deprived boroughs of the country. Individual-level characteristics may exist alongside a social and geographical gradient. The study aimed to establish whether living in specific geographic areas increases problem gambling likelihood. It used data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. It adopted a twofold categorization distinguishing recreational from problem/pathological gambling. It used the 2004 Overall Index of Multiple Deprivation to measure deprivation of the district of residence, and primary sampling units, based on postcode sectors, to take into account area characteristics in multi-level mixed-effects regression models. The determinants of recreational gambling operated solely at the individual level. These included male sex, stable relationship and employment, though a number of clinical variables were also important: impulsivity, hazardous use or dependency on alcohol, and current smoking. In contrast, an appreciable proportion of the variance in problem/pathological gambling was explained by area-level clustering. Unlike recreational gamblers, problem/pathological gamblers appear to cluster in specific areas. Thus, there are grounds for restricting the location and density of gambling opportunities and for providing selective prevention programmes targeting geographic areas characterized by contextual determinants.
Consumer Preference for the Types of Labels of Cereal Products and Purchase Intention of Nutrition-labeled Products

The purpose of this study was to explore consumer preference for the types of nutrition labels of cereal products and to identify some influencing factors on purchase intention and choice probability of nutrition-labeled products. First, most of the respondents preferred the traffic light-GDA (TL-GDA) nutrition fact panel, while the nutrition-fact-panel-only type and the nutrition fact panel with front-of-package (FOP) type were preferred by few respondents. However, consumers evaluated higher for TL-GDA type and FOP symbol types, while the nutrition-fact-panel-only type was evaluated much lower. Second, consumer preference for label types was partially related with ‘eating breakfast’ and consumer evaluations of the types of labels for the nutrition fact panel only and the nutrition fact panel with FOP symbol types were found to be significantly different by gender. Lastly, both purchase intention and choice probability for nutrition-labeled products were found to be significantly influenced by one’s interest in searching for information and one’s attitude toward the product. In addition, choice probability was found to be significantly influenced by individual characteristics such as gender and grade. It is necessary to find the relationship between nutrition labels and consumer response as this can help consumers make a better choice of food as well as providing some useful information on consumers to the related parties such as companies and consumer organizations.
Synthesis and Mesomorphic Properties of 6-Methoxy- and 6-Ethoxy-2-(2-Hydroxy-4-Alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)Benzothiazoles

Two new series of Schiff base thermotropic liquid crystals, 6-methoxy-2-(2-hydroxy-4-alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazoles and 6-ethoxy-2-(2-hydroxy-4-alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazoles, comprising different terminal groups, a methoxyl and ethoxyl group, respectively, were synthesized. Structural elucidation was carried out using elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resources (NMR), and mass spectrometry. The mesomorphic properties and thermal stabilities of the title compounds were studied by using differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarizing microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. No liquid-crystal phases were observed for the short-chain members (n = 2 and 3) in both series, and the remaining members all exhibited nematic phase with Schlieren or marble-like textures. Effects of the lateral hydroxyl group, terminal group, and the length of the terminal alkanoyloxy chain on the mesomorphic properties are discussed. Structure-property relationships were established upon comparison with other structurally related compounds.
Probing the formation of intermediate- to high-mass stars in protoclusters - II. Comparison between millimeter interferometric observations of NGC 2264-C and SPH simulations of a collapsing clump

Aims.The earliest phases of massive star formation in clusters are still poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis for high-mass star formation proposed in our earlier paper (Peretto et al. 2006) stating that a massive, ultra-dense core may be currently forming at the center of the collapsing NGC 2264-C protocluster via the gravitational coalescence of several intermediate-mass Class 0 objects. Methods.In order to confirm the physical validity of this hypothesis, we carried out IRAM Plateau de Bure interferometer observations of NGC 2264-C and performed SPH numerical simulations of the collapse of a Jeans-unstable, prolate dense clump. A detailed comparison between these hydrodynamic simulations and both our earlier IRAM 30 m observations and the new interferometer observations is presented. Results.Our Plateau de Bure observations provide evidence for disk emission in three of the six Class 0-like objects identified earlier with the 30 m in the NGC 2264-C clump. Furthermore, they reveal the presence of a new compact source (C-MM13) located only ~$10\,000$ AU away, but separated by ~1.1 km s-1 in (projected) velocity, from the most massive Class 0 object (C-MM3) lying at the very center of NGC 2264-C. Detailed comparison with our numerical SPH simulations supports the view that NGC 2264-C is an elongated cluster-forming clump in the process of collapsing and fragmenting along its long axis, leading to a strong dynamical interaction and possible protostar merger in the central region of the clump. The marked velocity difference observed between the two central objects C-MM3 and C-MM13, which can be reproduced in the simulations, is interpreted as an observational signature of this dynamical interaction. The present study also sets several quantitative constraints on the initial conditions of large-scale collapse in NGC 2264-C. Our hydrodynamic simulations indicate that the observed velocity pattern characterizes an early phase of protocluster collapse which survives for an only short period of time (i.e., $\le$ $1\times 10^5$ yr). To provide a good match to the observations the simulations require an initial ratio of turbulent to gravitational energy of only ~$5\%$, which strongly suggests that the NGC 2264-C clump is structured primarily by gravity rather than turbulence. The required "cold" initial conditions may result from rapid compression by an external trigger. Conclusions.We speculate that NGC 2264-C is not an isolated case but may point to key features of the initial phases of high-mass star formation in protoclusters.
The occurrence of the relict plant, Trichophorum pumilum, in the Western Carpathians in the context of its distribution and ecology in Eurasia

This study reviews all available data on the distribution and ecology of this species in Europe, provides vegetation and ecological characteristics of recent populations in theWestern Carpathians and compares them with that found in other European regions. Habitat and vegetation affinity differ substantially from that found at most other European localities of this species. The reasons for this difference are the specific ecological conditions of travertine springs and surrounding fens, which enabled the postglacial survival of this species at rather low altitudes in the temperate zone.
ANALYZING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT (LOXODONTA AFRICANA) IN TSAVO, KENYA

ANALYZING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT (LOXODONTA AFRICANA) IN TSAVO, KENYA by Joseph Mbyati Mukeka The goal of this research was to characterize the distribution of elephants in the Tsavo Conservation Area (TCA) and relate the distribution patterns to biophysical and anthropogenic factors. Elephants in the TCA exhibited spatial clustering at distances between 60 km and 100 km, and were concentrated near the confluence of the Athi, Tsavo, and Galana rivers. Elephant density was negatively correlated with distance to rivers, human settlements density of water holes and was positively correlated with poaching density. Most elephants occurred in areas dominated by woody rather than herbaceous vegetation. Seasonal variation in green biomass captured by Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from MODIS was an important predictor of elephant distribution. A probability distribution model implemented using Maxent used density of water holes, MODIS EVI, and distances to towns to predict the distribution of elephant habitat in the TCA. This map can be used to inform managers in elephant conservation strategies. ANALYZING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT (LOXODONTA AFRICANA) IN TSAVO, KENYA
Layers of Self- and Co-Regulation: Teachers Working Collaboratively to Support Adolescents' Self-Regulated Learning through Reading

This paper reports findings from a longitudinal project in which secondary teachers were working collaboratively to support adolescents' self-regulated learning through reading (LTR) in subject-area classrooms. We build from prior research to “connect the dots” between teachers' engagement in self- and co-regulated inquiry, associated shifts in classroom practice, and student self-regulation. More specifically, we investigated whether and how teachers working within a community of inquiry were mobilizing research to shape classroom practice and advance student learning. Drawing on evidence from 18 teachers and their respective classrooms, we describe findings related to the following research questions: (1) While engaged in self- and co-regulated inquiry, what types of practices did teachers enact to support LTR in their subject-area classrooms? (2) How did teachers draw on research-based resources to inform practice development? (3) What kinds of practices could be associated with gains in students' self-regulated LTR? In our discussion, we highlight contributions to understanding how teachers can be supported to situate research in authentic classroom environments and about qualities of practices supportive of students' self-regulated LTR. We also identify limitations of this work and important future directions.
Optimal Investment-Consumption Strategy under Inflation in a Markovian Regime-Switching Market

This paper studies an investment-consumption problem under inflation. The consumption price level, the prices of the available assets, and the coefficient of the power utility are assumed to be sensitive to the states of underlying economy modulated by a continuous-time Markovian chain. The definition of admissible strategies and the verification theory corresponding to this stochastic control problem are presented. The analytical expression of the optimal investment strategy is derived. The existence, boundedness, and feasibility of the optimal consumption are proven. Finally, we analyze in detail by mathematical and numerical analysis how the risk aversion, the correlation coefficient between the inflation and the stock price, the inflation parameters, and the coefficient of utility affect the optimal investment and consumption strategy.
Phenotypic Correlations Between Juvenile-Mature Wood Density and Growth in Black Spruce

Phenotypic correlations between juvenile-mature wood density and growth were examined based on increment core samples from two plantations, a provenance test and a commercial plantation, of black spruce [ Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.]. The ring density components are significantly correlated to their respective ring width components: earlywood and ring densities are negatively correlated to ring and earlywood widths, respectively, while ring and latewood densities are positively correlated to latewood width. These hold true in both juvenile and mature wood. However, the correlation between ring width and ring density decreases with increasing age. This suggests that the correlation between wood density and growth rate tends to lessen as the tree ages. For each character, the correlation between juvenile and mature wood is significant but moderate. Thus, juvenile wood characters are only indicative of mature wood ones. On the other hand, trees with 12 growth rings from the pith were good predictors of wood density and radial growth of the whole tree. Individual growth rings from the juvenile-mature wood transition zone can be used to predict to some extent the wood density of either mature wood or the whole tree.