Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the importance of the albedo parameterization for the mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet in EC-Earth

Abstract. The albedo of the surface of ice sheets changes as a function of time due to the effects of deposition of new snow, ageing of dry snow, bare ice exposure, melting and run-off. Currently, the calculation of the albedo of ice sheets is highly parameterized within the earth system model EC-Earth by taking a constant value for areas with thick perennial snow cover. This is an important reason why the surface mass balance (SMB) of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) is poorly resolved in the model. The purpose of this study is to improve the SMB forcing of the GrIS by evaluating different parameter settings within a snow albedo scheme. By allowing ice-sheet albedo to vary as a function of wet and dry conditions, the spatial distribution of albedo and melt rate improves. Nevertheless, the spatial distribution of SMB in EC-Earth is not significantly improved. As a reason for this, we identify omissions in the current snow albedo scheme, such as separate treatment of snow and ice and the effect of refreezing. The resulting SMB is downscaled from the lower-resolution global climate model topography to the higher-resolution ice-sheet topography of the GrIS, such that the influence of these different SMB climatologies on the long-term evolution of the GrIS is tested by ice-sheet model simulations. From these ice-sheet simulations we conclude that an albedo scheme with a short response time of decaying albedo during wet conditions performs best with respect to long-term simulated ice-sheet volume. This results in an optimized albedo parameterization that can be used in future EC-Earth simulations with an interactive ice-sheet component.
The effect of Benson's relaxation method on hemodialysis patients' anxiety

Introduction: Hemodialysis is one of treatments for patients with renal failure which leads to numerous psychotic and social problems in addition to mental disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Benson’s relaxation method on hemodialysis patients’ anxiety. Materials and Methods: It is a clinical trial study carried out in Imam Ali and Khatam Al Anbia hospitals of Zahedan. 105 hemodialysis patients who had the study inclusion criteria were selected and divided into two groups of relaxation method and control. Data gathering tools included demographic information form, Spielburger anxiety evaluation questionnaire and Benson’s relaxation registration checklist which were filled out two times before and after the intervention. Benson’s relaxation practice has been done for four weeks, twice a day and each time for 15 to 20 minutes. Having gathered the data, they were analysed using SPSS statistical software version 16, k2 test, paired sample t-test and ANOVA. Results: The mean of hidden and obvious anxiety marks changes showed a significant difference after intervention in relaxation group (P=0.001) but it was not significant in control group. The mean of total anxiety marks also did not show a significant difference after the intervention than before it in relaxation group based on paired sample t-test (P=0.001). Discussion: Results of the study showed that using those non-pharmacological methods confirmed by nurses like Bensons relaxation can be effective for declining and controlling hemodialysis patients’ anxiety. The researcher recommends the nurses to pay more attention to Banson’s relaxation method as a simple, cheap and effective one while taking care of the patients.
Impact of selenium fertilization on the activity of detoxifying enzymes of H2O2 in bean plants

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for many organisms, although in high concentrations it may become toxic, leadingto the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, bean plants received different application rates of Se (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µM) in the form of selenite and selenate to evaluate the activity of the detoxifying enzymes of H2O2. The results indicated that the activity of these enzymes in bean plants depended on the chemical form of Se: selenite at rates of 20 µM or greater diminished biomass and yield, increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Even when catalase (CAT) activity also increased, it appeared that it was efficient at detoxifying H2O2 in the presence of Se, given also the rise in H2O2 production. Also, selenate diminished yield up to a rate of 160 µM and increased the activity of the enzyme GSH-Px, which reached its maximum activity at 160 µM, and thus proved less toxic than selenite.
Compliance with corporate governance principles: Australian evidence

This study investigates the association between the level of compliance of Australian listed companies with Australian corporate governance principles, in aggregate, and the level of discretionary accruals using the modified Jones model. It is hypothesised that higher levels of compliance would be associated with lower levels of discretionary accruals. Data from a random sample of 214 Australian listed companies for the years 2009 and 2010 were used to test the hypothesis. The results demonstrate a significant negative relationship indicating that companies with higher levels of compliance engage in lower levels of earnings management via discretionary accruals.
Pengaruh Konsentrasi HCl terhadap Laju Perkecambahan Biji Asam Jawa (Tamarindus indica L.)

Biji asam jawa mempunyai kulit biji yang keras, sehingga sulit untuk dikecambahkan karena air sulit menembus kulit biji tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh HCl terhadap laju dan perkecambahan biji asam jawa. Penelitian dilakukan di Laboratorium BSF Tumbuhan Departemen Biologi FSM UNDIP. Penelitian ini dilaksanaakan dengan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) satu faktor yaitu konsentrasi HCl yaitu ( P0 : 1%,P1 : 15%,P2 : 30% , P4 : 45%) selama 5 menit , masing-masing 3 ulangan (setiap ulangan 10 biji). Data yang diperoleh dianalisis ANAVA taraf signifikasi 95%, jika berbeda nyata dilanjutkan dengan uji Duncan’s Multirange Test (DMRT). Parameter yang diamati adalah laju perkecambahan dan persentase perkecambahan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perendaman dengan menggunakan HCl 45%, menghasilkan laju perkecambahan tercepat dan persentase perkecambahan tertinggi yaitu 83,33 %, sehingga paling efektif dalam mematahkan dormansi biji asam. Kata kunci : perkecambahan; Tamarindus indica L; konsentrasi; HCl
Sulfur isotope fractionation during heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 on mineral dust

Abstract. Mineral dust is a major fraction of global atmospheric aerosol, and the oxidation of SO 2 on mineral dust has implications for cloud formation, climate and the sulfur cycle. Stable sulfur isotopes can be used to understand the different oxidation processes occurring on mineral dust. This study presents measurements of the 34 S/ 32 S fractionation factor α 34 for oxidation of SO 2 on mineral dust surfaces and in the aqueous phase in mineral dust leachate. Sahara dust, which accounts for ~60% of global dust emissions and loading, was used for the experiments. The fractionation factor for aqueous oxidation in dust leachate is α leachate = 0.9917±0.0046, which is in agreement with previous measurements of aqueous SO 2 oxidation by iron solutions. This fractionation factor is representative of a radical chain reaction oxidation pathway initiated by transition metal ions. Oxidation on the dust surface at subsaturated relative humidity (RH) had an overall fractionation factor of α het = 1.0096±0.0036 and was found to be almost an order of magnitude faster when the dust was simultaneously exposed to ozone, light and RH of ~40%. However, the presence of ozone, light and humidity did not influence isotope fractionation during oxidation on dust surfaces at subsaturated relative humidity. All the investigated reactions showed mass-dependent fractionation of 33 S relative to 34 S. A positive matrix factorization model was used to investigate surface oxidation on the different components of dust. Ilmenite, rutile and iron oxide were found to be the most reactive components, accounting for 85% of sulfate production with a fractionation factor of α 34 = 1.012±0.010. This overlaps within the analytical uncertainty with the fractionation of other major atmospheric oxidation pathways such as the oxidation of SO 2 by H 2 O 2 and O 3 in the aqueous phase and OH in the gas phase. Clay minerals accounted for roughly 12% of the sulfate production, and oxidation on clay minerals resulted in a very distinct fractionation factor of α 34 = 1.085±0.013. The fractionation factors measured in this study will be particularly useful in combination with field and modelling studies to understand the role of surface oxidation on clay minerals and aqueous oxidation by mineral dust and its leachate in global and regional sulfur cycles.
Phytoplankton response to intermittent stirring and nutrient addition in marine microcosms

Eight 30 1 cylindric culture vessels were filled with sea water from the Masnou Nautical Harbour, Barcelona (Spain), and subjected to different con&tions of stirring and nutrient addtions. The contents of 4 of the vessels were stirred vigorously for 15 min every 2 to 3 d. Two of the stirred and 2 of the non-stirred vessels received nitrate, phosphate and silicate nutrient additions at the same time intervals. After an initial bloom dominated by centric diatoms, the sequence of phytoplankton assemblages dominating in different phases of the experiments varied according to treatments. In enriched tubes, total numbers of cells and &atoms were much hgher than in non-enriched tubes, and the initial bloom involved higher concentrations of large diatoms. Mixing altered the abundance of several species, but its most apparent effect was proliferation and maintenance, in the vessels that also received nutrient additions, of the large-celled diatom Bellerochea yucatanensis.
Effects of Pre-aeration on the Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pre-aeration on sludge solubilization and the behaviors of nitrogen, dissolved sulfide, sulfate, and siloxane. The results of this study showed that soluble chemical oxygen demand in sewage sludge could be increased through pre-aeration. The pre-aeration process resulted in a higher methane yield compared to the anaerobic condition (blank). The pre-aeration of sewage sludge, therefore, was shown to be an effective method for enhancing the digestibility of the sewage sludge. In addition, this result confirms that the pre-aeration of sewage sludge prior to its anaerobic digestion accelerates the growth of methano genic bacteria. Removal rates for NH3-N and T-N increased simultaneously during pre-aeration, indicating simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. The siloxane concentration in sewage sludge decreased by 40 % after 96 hr of pre-aeration; in contrast, the sulfide concentration in sewage sludge did not change. Therefore, pre-aeration can be employed as an efficient treatment option to achieve higher methane yield and lower siloxane concentration in sewage sludge. In addition, reduction of nitrogen loading by pre-aeration can reduce operating costs to achieve better effluent water quality in wastewater treatment plant and benefit the anaerobic process by minimizing the toxic effect of ammonia.
Prediction of Punching Shear Failure Behaviour of Slab-Edge Column Connections with Varying Opening and Column Parameters

A numerical analysis using the non-linear Layered Finite Element Method (LFEM) is undertaken to predict the effect of openings on punching shear failure behaviour of slab-column connections with shear stud reinforcement (SSR). In all, twenty one (21) models are examined through six parametric studies including varying the opening size and location and varying the column aspect ratio. The numerical results covering the load-deflection response, ultimate shear strength, deformation and crack pattern are evaluated in some detail. Where applicable the predicted ultimate shear strengths are compared to the experimental results. Also included in the comparison are the empirical predictions recommended by the Standards Association of Australia and the American Concrete Institute. This investigation is an important step towards the determination of the size and location of opening and the size of column for optimum structural performance of flat plate systems.
IN VITRO MANAGEMENT OF CURVULARIA LEAF SPOT OF MAIZE USING BOTANICALS, ESSENTIAL OILS AND BIO-CONTROL AGENTS

Different plant extracts, essential oils and different strains of Trichoderma harzianum were evaluated in vitro against Curvularia lunata. Amongst the plant extracts, Lantana was highly effective @ 15 per cent (86.76 inhibition %) and 20 per cent (89.49 inhibition %) followed by Morphankhi @ 5 per cent (83.53 %) and 10 per cent (85.88 %) respectively. Among the essential oils, complete inhibition was recorded in Citronella oil at all 3 concentrations (2µL, 4µL and 8) and Peppermint oil at 4µL and 8 µL concentrations and least inhibition was observed in Palmaroza (65 %) at 2µL. Whereas, among different strains of Trichoderma harzianum, Th-13 shown maximum mycelial growth inhibition (83.82 %) followed by Th-9 (80.29 %) and Th-3(79.12 %).
The area asymmetry in bipolar magnetic fields

Context. The area asymmetry between the preceding and following regions of opposite magnetic polarity in a bipolar sunspot group has been known since the studies of Hale and his colleagues in the early 20th century. This area asymmetry, however, has not yet been investigated quantitatively using magnetograms. Aims. We quantitatively define the area asymmetry of bipolar magnetic fields in the photosphere of active regions on the Sun, and investigate correlations between the area asymmetry and other parameters. Methods. We selected 138 bipolar regions including eleven recurrent regions from magnetograms observed by the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) from 23 April 1996 to 2 September 2001. These regions are on the southern hemisphere and around the solar meridian. The area asymmetry (A), tilt angle (θ), and magnetic orientation (M) are investigated separately in the preceding and following polarities of the respective active regions. Results. It is found that in 37% (51/138) of our events the preceding polarity regions have larger areas than the following polarity regions. The ratio of the area of the preceding and following polarity regions become close to be unity in four recurrent active regions. In the other four regions, the area ratios do not change, and in three regions, the area ratios become far from unity. Conclusions. Our results quantitatively confirmed our impression that areas of the preceding polarities are lower than those of the following polarities in many bipolar magnetic regions.
Climate Variability and Extreme Climate Events: Rural Women Farmers Perception in Southwest Nigeria

This study examined the level of rural women farmers understanding of their local climate and their indigenous perception of climate variability and extreme climate events. One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were administered randomly to a pool of registered women farmers in the study area. Temperature and precipitation data from a local meteorological station was used to examine the perception of the sampled women farmers. The result showed that rural women farmers understand their local climate but found it highly variable and unpredictable. This was confirmed by the result of statistical analysis conducted on the temperature and precipitation data. The result further suggest a positive trend in temperature (b=0.018, P 0.05) within the said period. This suggests that annul temperature has increased in the study area while annual precipitation volume has reduced. Majority of the women farmers perceive extreme climate events to be anthropogenically induce. The study concluded that while some rural farmers lack adequate knowledge of their local climate, vast majority of them understands how the climate works.
Flavour components of whiskey. II. Ageing changes in the high-volatility fraction

The volatile compounds isolated from whiskey by fractional vacuum distillation were identified by two-dimensional capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Changing levels with ageing were quantified for the most abundant compounds by direct split injection of whiskeys on a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionisation detector. The ageing decreases in volatile sulfides were similarly determined using a sulfur chemiluminescence detector. Large volume headspace injection sufficiently reproduced the distillation enrichment to allow direct twodimensional determination of similar ageing changes for other trace compounds. Seven compounds at μg/L and low mg/L levels were monitored and quantified.
SEISMIC PERFORMANCE UNCERTAINTY OF A 9-STORY STEEL FRAME WITH NON-DETERMINISTIC BEAM-HINGE PROPERTIES

The variability in the seismic demand and capacity of a steel frame having beam hinges with uncertain properties is investigated through Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) using both Monte Carlo simulation and approximating techniques. The 9-story steel moment-resisting frame is modeled using parameterized moment-rotation relationships with quadrilinear backbones for the beam plastic-hinges. The uncertain properties of the backbones include the yield moment, the post-yield hardening ratio, the end-of-hardening rotation, the slope of the descending branch, the residual moment capacity and the ultimate rotation reached. IDA is employed to accurately assess the seismic performance of the model for any combination of the parameters by performing multiple nonlinear time history analyses for a suite of ground motion records. IDA sensitivity analysis reveals the yield moment and the two rotational-ductility parameters to be the most influential for the frame behavior. To propagate the parametric uncertainty to the actual seismic performance we employ a) Monte Carlo simulation with latin hypercube sampling, b) point-estimate and c) first-order second-moment techniques, thus offering competing methodologies that represent different compromises between speed and accuracy. The final results provide firm ground for challenging current assumptions in seismic guidelines on using a mean-parameter model to estimate the mean seismic performance and employing the well-known square-root-sum-of-squares rule to combine aleatory randomness and epistemic uncertainty.
Prevalence of Beta-lactamases Genes and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Teaching Hospitals, Sari, Iran, 2014

Background and purpose: : Klebsiella pneumoniae has emerged as a significant opportunistic pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections. This bacteria is frequently resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics such as family of beta-lactam antibiotics. β-lactamases enzyme represent the main mechanism of bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of TEM-1and CTX β-lactamases in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from the hospitals in sari, Iran. Materials and methods: The study included 45 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates that were isolated from various clinical specimens. Susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics was determined by standard disk diffusion method. ESBL production was determined by combination disk method. The resistance of TEM and CTX types of ESBL producing genes was identified by PCR test using specific primers. Data analysis was done in SPSS V16 applying Chi-square test. Results: Among all Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, the highest resistance was seen against cefotaxime (100%) and ceftazidim (100%), while the highest susceptibility was observed to gentamycin (63%). According to the results, 60% of isolates were ESBL positive and among them 55% and 45% were positive for blaTEM and blaCTX genes, respectively. Conclusion: : In this study drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates was observed in 60% of blaTEM and blaCTX genes, therefore, other mechanisms such as efflux pumps and biofilm formation can have a role in drug resistance.
Using Sun Glint to Check the Relative Calibration of Reflected Spectral Radiances

Abstract Observations of sunlight reflected from regions of sun glint are used to check the relative calibration of spectral radiances obtained with imaging radiometers. Reflectances at different wavelengths for sun-glint regions are linearly related. Provided that the atmosphere is reasonably transparent at the wavelengths, the aerosol burden is reasonably light, 0.64-μm optical depth less than 0.2; the particles constituting the aerosol are reasonably large, as is the case for marine aerosols; and the solar zenith angle is less than about 35°, the linear relationships between reflectances at different wavelengths are rather insensitive to the factors that govern the reflectances themselves. The relationships are remarkably insensitive to atmospheric composition, surface wind speed and direction, illumination, and viewing geometry. The slopes and offsets of the linear relationships are used to assess the relative accuracies of the calibrations of the different channels. Such assessments would appear to b.
How Much of the Diversification Discount Can Be Explained by Poor Corporate Governance?

We investigate whether the diversification discount occurs partly as an artifact of poor corporate governance. In panel data models, we find that the discount narrows by 16% to 21% when we add governance variables as regression controls. We also estimate Heckman selection models that account for the endogeneity of diversification and dynamic panel generalized method of moments models that account for the endogeneity of both diversification and governance. We find that the diversification discount persists even with these controls for endogeneity. However, in selection models the discount disappears entirely when we introduce governance variables in the second stage, and in dynamic panel GMM models the discount narrows by 37% when we include governance variables.
Technical and economic viability and nutritional quality of mombasa guinea grass silage production

The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of pasture with high production capacity and the potential for production of silage using different sources and doses of nitrogen (N) by quantifying the productivity of dry matter (DM), some qualitative characteristics, the total cost of production (TC) and total operating cost (TOC) of silage production. The experimental design was randomized block in a factorial scheme with four replications including two sources of nitrogen (urea and ammonium nitrate) and five N doses (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha -1 by cutting). The increase in N provided greater DM and crude protein content and reduced the fiber content in neutral detergent. The source of N did not affect the chemical composition, and therefore, it is recommended to use urea due to the ease of acquisition and higher economic return. The production of Mombasa silage can be economically viable due to high DM and crude protein content combined with low production costs. The smallest TC and TOC were obtained in the absence of nitrogen fertilization; however, the proper management of N ensures high productivity in cattle feed with higher total profit when using 100 kg ha -1 N by cutting with ammonium nitrate.