Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reformulating the atmospheric lifecycle of SOA based on new field and laboratory data

Abstract. Atmospheric loadings of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) are significantly under-predicted by climate models. In these models, SOA particles are assumed liquid-like droplets at equilibrium with the gas-phase. In sharp contrast, our recent laboratory and field measurements show that SOA particles are non-rigid, highly viscous, spherical, quasi-solids, and do not behave like liquid droplets. They evaporate at rates much lower than predicted by models, and are consequently not at equilibrium with the gas phase. In addition, our data show that SOA particles trap hydrophobic organics, whose presence further reduces evaporation rates, and that aging these particles nearly stops evaporation. Measurements of the evaporation kinetics of ambient SOA particles under vapor-free conditions at room temperature showed that less than 20 % of particle mass evaporates in 4 h. In this study, we examine, for the first time, these groundbreaking observations to present a new, experimentally based picture of the phase and evaporation behavior of SOA particles. We conclude that to first order SOA can be reasonably approximated to be non-evaporating. We use a simplified approach to investigate the implications of this near-irreversible gas-particle partitioning behavior in a box model and a 3-D chemical transport model, both of which, for the first time, include multi-generational gas-phase chemistry with functionalization and fragmentation reactions, and compare them to traditional reversible partitioning models. Results indicate that the revised irreversible partitioning approach yields slightly higher SOA loadings than traditional reversible partitioning approach when functionalization reactions, pushing SOA species to lower volatility bins are dominant. However, when fragmentation reactions play a major role, the revised irreversible partitioning approach predicts significantly higher SOA than the traditional approach. In addition to irreversibility, functionalization, and fragmentation, we explore the utility of lower activity coefficient to account for complex molecular interactions within particles and show that this approach predicts considerably higher SOA loadings. Using the 3-D Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) modeling example of the Mexico City region, we demonstrate that when fragmentation is taken into account, irreversible partitioning increases predicted SOA loadings and lifetimes significantly compared to traditional models. When lower activity coefficient is also included, predicted SOA loadings in the Mexico City plateau increase by more than a factor of 3.
A new measure of fidelity and its application to defining species groups

The first objective of this paper is to define a new measure of fidelity of a species to a vegetation unit, called u. The value of u is derived from the approximation of the binomial or the hypergeometric distribution by the normal distribution. It is shown that the properties of u meet the requirements for a fidelity measure in vegetation science, i.e. (1) to reflect differences of a species' relative frequency inside a certain vegetation unit and its relative frequency in the remainder of the data set; (2) to increase with increasing size of the data set. Additionally (3), u has the property to be dependent on the proportion of the vegetation unit's size to the size of the whole data set. The second objective is to present a method of how to use the value of u for finding species groups in large data bases and for defining vegetation units. A species group is defined by possession of species that show the highest value of u among all species in the data set with regard to the vegetation unit defined by this species group. The vegetation unit is defined as comprising all releves that include a minimum number of the species in the species group. This minimum number is derived statistically in such a way that fewer releves always belong to a species group than would be expected if the differential species were distributed randomly among the releves. An iterative algorithm is described for detecting species groups in data bases. Starting with an initial species group, species composition of this group and the vegetation unit defined by this group are mutually optimized. With this algorithm species groups are formed in a data set independently of each other. Subsequently, these species groups can be combined in such a way that they are suited to define commonly known syntaxa a posteriori.
An Assessment of the Effects of Prior Distributions on the Bayesian Predictive Inference

Predictive inference is one of the oldest methods of statistical analysis and it is based on observable data. Prior information plays an important role in the Bayesian methodology. Researchers in this field are often subjective to exercise noninformative prior. This study tests the effects of a range of prior distributions on the Bayesian predictive inference for different modelling situations such as linear regression models under normal and Student-t errors. Findings reveal that different choice of priors not only provide different prediction distributions of the future response(s) but also change the location and/or scale or shape parameters of the prediction distributions.
Queuing Model for Banking System: A Comparative Study of Selected Banks in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Comparative study of two selected banks (Wema & Skye Bank) in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo state was investigated. The research study employed a queuing model for both banking system to measure the behavioural queuing characteristics of customers in terms of their arrival and service rate respectively. The data for the arrival and service rate of the two banks were collected simultaneously at the space of three days. The data collected was also analysed separately with respect to the queuing theory parameters ( . Findings showed that Wema bank has a high waiting service time value (0.019%) which may have a negative significant effect on customers on waiting lines. When compared with Skye bank, we realized that Skye bank has an advantageous effect of service time value (0.000022%) which will have a positive significant effect on customers in experiencing little or no queue at all. This clearly indicates that for optimum efficiency in the banks, there is need to increase the number of servers. Also, the result of the respective banks shows that waiting lines reduces when the number of servers increases. The analysis in this study is very effective and practical, and is hereby recommended for the management of the banks to review for better efficiency and performance.
Rapid The relationship with oceanic eddies

cyclones (TC) that exhibited rapid and/or explosive deepening during the period 1993-2009. Concurrently, oceanic eddies. These two sources of data are used to study the role of oceanic eddies in the spatial distribution of the oceanic heat content and the rapid and/or explosive deepening of TCs in the northeastern Tropical Pain ~ 73% of the TCs within the analyzed period; (2) 90% of the TCs that reached major hurricane category had experienced an interaction with anticyclonic eddies; (3) ~ 18% (3%) of the TCs were characterized by rapid (explosive) deepening and 74% of these TCs reached the deepening status after direct and/or indirect interaction with anticyclonic eddies; moreover, 86% of them reached a major hurricane category. Analysis of the lower atmosphere as an inhibitor of tropical cyclone deepening.
The influence of feed supplementation with linseed oil and linseed extrudate on fatty acid profile in goat yoghurt drinks

1Dairy Research Institute, Ke Dvoru 12a, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic 2Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Chemistry, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic 3Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Animal Husbandry, Kamýcká 129 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
Dynamic Stock Market Participation of Households with Heterogeneous Participation Costs

This paper develops and estimates a dynamic model of stock market participation, where consumers’ decisions regarding stock market participation are influenced by participation costs. The practical significance of the participation costs is considered as being a channel through which financial education programs can affect consumers’ investment decisions. Using household data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, I estimate the magnitude of the participation cost, allowing for individual heterogeneity in it. The results show the average stock market participation cost is about 5% of labor income; however, it varies substantially over consumers’ life. The model successfully predicts the level of the observed participation rate and the increasing pattern of stock market participation over the consumers’ life cycle. JEL D12, D14, D91
In vitro Evaluations of Cytotoxicity and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Peganum harmala Seed Extracts in THP-1-derived Macrophages

Aim: Based on knowledge from traditional Greco-Arab herbal medicine, this in vitro study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Peganum harmala (P. harmala ) seeds by measuring the expression and release of both anti-inflammatory (IL-10) and proinflammatory (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α) cytokines in human THP-1-derived macrophages. Methodology: Cells were treated with 1 μg lipopolyssacharide/ml (LPS) in the absence and presence of increasing concentrations of extracts from the P. harmala seeds (PHS-extract). During the entire experimental period, we used extract concentrations (up to 250 μg/ml) that had no cytotoxic effects as measured with MTT and LDH assays. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring the levels of secretory proteins and mRNA of IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in LPS-activated (1 μg/ml) human THP-1-derived macrophages.
Prevalence and Some Associated Factors of Stunting Among Under-Five Children in Hilla City-Babylon Province, Iraq

Stunting among children under five years of age is a serious health problem especially in middle and low income countries including Iraq, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality among infants and young children the objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and some correlates of stunting among children under 5 years of age.A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, to collect primary information from mothers of 1000 children attending ten randomly selected primary health care centers(five rural and five from city center) in Babylon province- AL-Hilla city during the period from Octobar,2015 through June 2016 a pre tested questionnaire, anthropometric measurements ( length/height for age) were used to assess children's stunting according to -2SD length/ height for age of the World Health Organization Standard Median . The results revealed that the prevalence rate of stunting among 1000 under five children included in this study were 20.6%. Significant statistical associations were found between stunting and the following independent variables; age groups: more in the age group 24>60 months, gender: highly prevalent in boys, maternal education: highly distributed in children with poorly educated mothers, breast feeding: peaked among mixed breast feeders and among children of low family income p<0.05. In conclusion Stunting ( chronic malnutrition) in the study area is still a concern that needs intervention by governmental and non-governmental organizations, improvements in child feeding, and better maternal education are needed to maintain the children's nutritional status to prevent and control this serious health problem . Keywords: Under weight, Stunting, Children. Under-fives, Babylon, Iraq.
Participant Interaction in a Latin American Online Leadership Training Course

This paper draws on current research and analyzes participant interactions in a 12-week leadership online training course with students from 14 Latin American countries. The paper systematizes the experience of the Inter-American Institute for Social Development (INDES) and constitutes a case study of an experience in a regional, non-academic online training course. The research concentrates specifically on the effects of and influences on different types of interaction, particularly taking into consideration the intricacies and interrelations of participation, critical thinking, achievement and their relationship to gender. The paper quantifies student-to-student postings in the different online discussion conferences, relates the postings to activity types as well as learning outcomes, and gauges the levels of critical thinking in the postings. The analysis is carried out by gender in order to highlight similarities and differences between male and female participants. Finally, other forms of interaction (student-to-content, interface and, instructor) are briefly analyzed using student reports and surveys. Our results suggest positive influences of interaction for an online course, illustrated by positive correlations between grades for written course work and number of postings in the activity conferences as well as total number of postings in all conferences. Additionally, results also point to certain gender preferences for particular discussion forums, but due to the small sample size, no definitive conclusions could be made.
Climate analysis as a basis for a sustainable water management at the Lusatian Neisse

current and future climate conditions and their impact on water balance, ecosystems, air quality and bioand agro-climatology were investigated in the region of the lusatian neisse within the two eu-projects – neyMO and klaPS. This work focuses on the climate analysis of the region at the german-Polish border as a preliminary step for a hydrological analysis of current and future conditions. Observed climatological data were processed and analysed using the indicators air temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, potential evapotranspiration and the climatic water balance (cWB). the latter defines the difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration and is a measure for the climatological water availability in the region. Observations were used to statistically downscale data from global circulation Models under various scenarios regarding greenhouse gas emissions (a1B, rcP 2.6, rcP 8.5) and applying the weTTreg-method for regionalization. in total, 50 climate projections for periods up until the end of the 21 century were analysed, with the application of the mentioned indicators. For the period 1971-2010, increasing trends of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration and potential evapotranspiration were found. This leads to a reduced cwB in the summer half-year (Shy), which could be partly compensated by an increase in the winter half-year (why). Trends of temperature, sunshine duration and potential evapotranspiration remain positive for the far future (2071-2100), but precipitation decreases. These climatic conditions aggravate water availability, especially in the Shy. impacts on water management are very probable and were therefore further investigated in the neyMO project that applied hydrological models.
Iodine Deficiency Disorder and Goitre among School Children in Sarawak -A Nationwide Study

Introduction Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), is one of the most important micronutrient deficiencies which has multiple adverse effects on growth and development. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IDD among school children and to elucidate the distribution of iodized salt at household level in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among school children aged 8 to 10 years in 2008. A multi-stage probability proportionate to population size (PPS) cluster sampling method was used to obtain a representative state sample of 1200 school children. Spot urine samples were collected for the determination of urinary iodine concentration while the iodine content in salt was determined using field rapid test kits. The thyroid status was determined by palpation. Results Response rate was 92.0% (n=1104/1200). The prevalence of goitre among school children in Sarawak was 2.9% (5.2% in urban, 0.7% in rural). The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among the school children was 102.1 µg/L (IQR, 62.3-146.5 µg/L). Urban children had significantly higher median UIC of 109.3 µg/L (IQR, 72.4-159.0 µg/L) than their rural counterparts [91.9 µg/L (IQR, 55.7-140.2 µg/L)]. The salt samples tested by rapid test kit (RTK) showed only 46.0% of household salt contained iodine. Conclusions The present study revealed that the population in Sarawak were of borderline iodine sufficient with mild IDD seen in rural areas. Hence, the state IDD control programmes need to encourage and advocate the consumption of iodized salt in order to eliminate IDD-related health problems in Sarawak.
Dem quality assessment with a 3d printed gravel bed applied to stereo photogrammetry

Using stereo photogrammetry to obtain digital elevation models (DEMs) for surface topography analysis is becoming popular in hydraulic research, especially for coarse gravel beds. This paper assesses the DEM quality by using a realistic 3D printed gravel‐bed model, with known elevations every 0·25 mm, as ground truth. Two Nikon D5100 cameras and non‐proprietary photogrammetric software for camera calibration and DEM reconstruction are used for the study. A measured DEM is compared point by point with the ground truth and displays a very high measurement accuracy. The 3D printing of ground truths facilitates fast and versatile evaluation of both the DEM quality and the sensitivity of its errors to changes in surface topography and collection parameters. It has the potential to streamline evaluations of calibration and image quality, as well as error filtering strategies. Ultimately, 3D printed models will help in exploring stereomatching error reductions in occluded regions and defining the most suitable strategy for gravel‐bed DEM collection, both in air and through water.
Pilot Study of the Estimation of Amphetamines Consumption in the Polish City of Poznan

According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction Annual Report 2011 in many European countries amphetamines or ecstasy is the second most commonly used illicit substance after cannabis. More reliable and objective method based on the ‘sewage epidemiology’ was applied to estimate the level of amphetamines consumption in Poland. Amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy) were determined in wastewater samples collected from the main Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Polish city of Poznan (about 687,000 people) using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Back-calculations used in the ‘sewage epidemiology’ approach were applied to estimate the level of consumption of analyzed drugs. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to check the monthly differences between determinations. Two-year profiles of consumption for amphetamine methamphetamine and ecstasy were calculated. Results from our city indicate that consumption of amphetamines is one order of magnitude lower than in Western Europe. Therefore, there is a different profile of amphetamines consumption. Consumption of amphetamine is several times lower, but the consumption of ecstasy is relatively high. ANOVA analysis confirmed significant differences between monthly loads of determined illicit drugs
Anthropogenic forcing increases the water‐use efficiency of African trees

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations affect climate directly through radiative effects and indirectly by changing plant water‐use efficiency. Under global warming scenarios these widely reported changes will have a substantial impact on future bush encroachment, crop yields, river flow and climate feedbacks. Tree‐ring intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) records for Africa show a 24.6% increase over the 20th century. As high iWUE can partly counterbalance projected decreases in regional precipitation, this research has important implications for those involved in water resource management and highlights the need for climate models to take physiological forcing into account.
The influence of temperature on the breeding and the moulting activities of some warm-water species of operculate barnacles

Thorson (1946) considered in detail the earlier views of Appellöf (1912), Orton (1920) and Runnström (1928) that breeding activities of the majority of marine organisms were controlled by the temperature of the sea and referred to this as Orton's rule. RecentlyCrisp (1954) and Qasim (1956) also reviewed the existing literature on this subject in relation to barnacles and fish. By considering the seasonal availability of planktonic food in con-junction with Orton's rule, they explained why tropical species inhabiting cool temperate waters have a breeding season confined to the warmer months, whereas boreo-arctic species throughout their whole range breed only during colder months.
Assessment of agro-physiological traits for salt tolerance in drought-tolerant wheat genotypes

Salt stress is one of the major constraints for wheat cultivation in Iran and leads to a considerable loss in crop yield each year. In high salinity soils, the reduced osmotic potential of soil solutes may cause physiological drought. In this study the salt tolerance of different drought-tolerant bread wheat genotypes were studied by examining various agronomic and physiological traits, including Na + and K + concentrations, the Na + /K + ratio in leaf and spike, shoot dry weight, leaf greenness, stomatal conductance, leaf area, osmotic potential, relative water content (RWC) and grain yield. Two pot experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications. Wheat genotypes were grown in pots and irrigated either with tap water (EC=0.5 dSm -1 ) or saline water (EC≈18 dsm -1 ) as control and salt stress treatments, respectively. Significant differences were observed in all measured traits between control and stress treatments except for the spike potassium concentration. Differences between genotypes were significant for all traits except for RWC and osmotic potential. Among the different genotypes, one drought-tolerant genotype appeared salt tolerant, three were semi-salt-tolerant, one drought-sensitive genotype appeared semi-salt-sensitive, and two drought-tolerant genotypes appeared salt-sensitive and semi-salt-sensitive. This study shows that drought tolerance does not necessarily lead to salt tolerance. Some physiological traits including Na + content, leaf area, SPAD number, stomatal conductance and shoot dry weight, which are significantly correlated with grain yield and show remarkable variations among wheat genotypes, may be useful parameters for measuring the responses of other wheat genotypes to high-salinity soils in the field.