Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synoptic classification of lower troposphere profiles for dust days

[1] The goal of this research is to identify meteorological characteristics distinguishing dust storm days from no-dust days. During this pioneering research, the vertical profiles of temperature, wind components, and humidity for days with dust and with no dust were compared and analyzed in order to identify features accompanying dusty conditions. Three data sets, all for the 49 year period of 1958-2006, were used. The first was the daily dust observations at Tel Aviv, Israel. The second was the eastern Mediterranean daily surface synoptic classification. The third was the vertical data over the eastern Mediterranean grid point closest to Tel Aviv at 32.5°N, 35°E. The two latter data sets were based on the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis. The meteorological parameters were averaged over the 49 year period by season, pressure level, synoptic-type, and dust and no-dust days. Prominent differences between dust and no-dust days were found for relative humidity and wind components during fall, winter, and spring at 700, 600, and 500 hPa levels. Relative humidity was found to be higher during dust episodes. This result, linking dust and humidity, looks promising for future research on connection between desert dust, ice nuclei, and precipitation. The governing eastern Mediterranean synoptic systems are low-pressure systems. For these systems, vertical velocity (Omega) values are negative. It was found that absolute Omega values were higher on dust days than on days with no dust. Southerly and westerly components of wind were found to have higher values during dust days. It was found that for most synoptic systems, temperature below the 700 hPa level was equal or higher during dust days. Thus, during dust days the lower troposphere is unstable.
Sex Pheromone Traps for Monitoring the Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta : Effect of Colored Traps and Field Weathering of Lure on Male Captures

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of colored pan water traps and aging of pheromone dispenser on the capture of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta males in open field tomatoes in two sites (Saheline and Chott-Mariem) in the Centre-East of Tunisia in 2012 and 2013. Three experiments were setup using colored traps (white, yellow, orange, red and green) in a randomized block design with four replicates under low and high population levels. The first trial lasted from November 2012 to February 2013, the second, between December 2012 and April 2013 and the third during April-May 2013. Results indicate, in all experiments, that there is no significant difference in male capture according to trap color. However, in the third trial, green colored traps captured respectively, more than 5-fold, more than 4-fold, 4-fold and more than 2-fold for red, orange, yellow and white colored traps. In aging experiments, three sets of 24 pheromone capsules were setup in pan traps without water. Pheromone capsules were exposed for one to six weeks by randomly selecting and removing four lures each week and preserving pheromone remaining by storing the capsules in foil at freezing temperature. In April, June 2012 and June 2013, the aged lures plus control were deployed in field and counts of adult males were made twice a week. Results indicate a significant difference between aged lures and control. Fresh lures captured from 2 to 13-more flies than weathered pheromone capsules.
Hydrofacies reconstruction of glaciofluvial aquifers and groundwater flow modelling in a densely urbanized area under changing climatic conditions

Abstract. Potential impacts of global climate changes on the groundwater are largely unknown, especially for densely populated areas where groundwater is heavily exploited for public and industrial supply. Hence, to better plan and manage the groundwater resources, medium-long term numerical modelling of groundwater flow, which takes into account climate change, population growth, and industrial and agricultural activities, is needed. The objective of this paper is to tackle three main issues: (1) the development of a robust hydro-stratigraphic model of a multi-aquifer system from a well logs database by means of a novel multi-dimensional approach which includes a hierarchical classification of the lithologies, the interpretation of cross-sections, and the interpolation of aquifer boundary surfaces; (2) the parametrization and calibration of both a steady state and a transient groundwater flow model, starting from empirical relationships (for unconfined aquifer) and step-drawdown and well tests (for semi-confined and confined aquifers) to define equivalent homogenous sub-units; and (3) the simulation of steady state and transient scenarios based on projections about global climate change and variation in abstraction and recharge rates. These issues are illustrated for the Milan metropolitan area (Northern Italy) and the conterminous Po Plain portion. The results of the model allow to analyse the major components of the regional groundwater system (i.e. public supply wells withdrawals, discharge to gaining rivers and springs, recharge from irrigation networks and vegetated areas, flow transfer between aquifers). The groundwater level rising observed in the last decades caused serious problems in the urban areas and a progressive increase in the base-flow towards the gaining rivers. Simulations including effects of future climate scenarios (2017–2030) indicate a further increase in groundwater level in the next decades at a lower rate (ca. 0.3 m/year) with respect to that of the 1970–2016 period (ca. 1 m/year), due to the combined action of decreasing withdrawals and recharge.
Nutrient alterations in Scots pines ( Pinus sylvestris L.) under sulphur and heavy metal pollution

In this study, mineral nutrition and its relation to the vigour of Scots pines growing under the influence of sulphur, copper and nickel stress were investigated. This was done by analysing the nutrient status and needle damage of pines along a pollution transect extending from the proximity of a large S, Cu and Ni emitters on the Kola Peninsula to a background area in Finnish Lapland. Additionally, pine seedlings were exposed to Cu and Ni stress in order to gain more detailed information about the mechanisms behind metal stress. The total sulphur concentrations of the youngest needles in the vicinity of the largest point source were about double compared to those in the reference area ( 1900 mg kg-1). In the case of Cu and Ni, this difference was close to 100-fold (from 2-3 mg kg-1 to over 250 mg kg-1). While the elevated sulphur concentrations were not attributable to particle deposition, the particles on needle surfaces raised the total concentrations of Cu and Ni occasionally over 1.5-fold compared to the inside concentrations. The Mn and Zn concentrations showed a decreasing trend, whereas K and P slightly increased towards the Monchegorsk smelters. Enhanced needle senescence and tip necrosis were related to high total foliar levels of Cu, Ni and S and low levels of Zn and Mn. Stomatal chlorosis and other discolourations showed a distinct relation to high SO2 levels in the air and also to high foliar concentrations of Ca, Fe, Si and Cl. Particles deposited on needle surfaces did not cause directly visible injuries in pines. In seedlings, Cu and Ni were enriched in roots: the Ni concentration was up to 16-fold and the Cu concentration 6-fold compared to that added into the soil. While Cu was mostly retained in roots, Ni had much easier access to foliage. The effect of metal stress on other nutrients varied between nutrients, plant parts and metals added. Soil analyses from both the field study and the seedling experiment gave mostly a weak estimation about the plant availability of nutrients. Foliar nutrients remained above the deficiency limits in all studies and were hence not the primary cause for the decrease of pine vigour and the consequent growth retardation and forest decline.
Antioxidant properties of selected less common fruit species.

The aim of this study was to determine the anthocyanins, ascorbic acid content and the antiradical activity in less common fruit species native in the territory of Slovakia (black mulberries, cornelian cherries, blackberries, blackthorn, rowanberries) and honeyberries (Lonicera kamtschatica) originated from Kamtschatka. Anthocyanins were evaluated after extraction from solid materials with acidified ethanol or after direct solution of liquid samples with HCl in ethanol solution by spectrophotometer measurement. To evaluate the antiradical activity, a spectrophotometer method based on the reaction of antioxidants with a stable radical 2,2- diphenyl- 1- picrylhydrazyle (DPPH•) in methanol solution was used. The reduction properties of ascorbic acid are used in the measurement. The highest value of anthocyanin pigments was found out in honeyberries (Lonicera kamtschatica) of all analyzed clones. Black mulberries of the genotype M104 and cornelian cherries of the genotypes 55 a 44 are the most significant sources of ascorbic acid among analysed less common fruit species. It is an interesting fact that blackthorns (Prunus spinosa) contenting the lowest value of ascorbic acid (10.31±1.016 mg.100 g -1 ) and medium value of anthocyanins (1.71±0.08 g.kg -1 ) shows the highest level of antiradical activity (461.25±3.69 % ≈ EC 50 = 0.1084 ± 0.0101). A similar phenomenon was observed in honeysuckles, too. According to these results we can suppose that another flavonoids (flavonols, flavons and flavanols) can also significantly contributed to antiradical activity of the blackthorns and edible honeysuckles. In summary, analysed less known fruit species are important sources of nutritive compounds, particularly anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and show significant free radical scavenging ability.
DISTANCE DETERMINATION TO THE CRAB-LIKE PULSAR WIND NEBULA G54.1+0.3 AND THE SEARCH FOR ITS SUPERNOVA REMNANT SHELL

We discovered a large-scale shell G53.9+0.2 around the Crab-like pulsar wind nebula (PWN) G54.1+0.3 with 1420 MHz continuum Very Large Array observations. This is confirmed by a new infrared (IR) image at 8 μm from the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire project, which reveals an intriguing IR shell just surrounding the large radio shell. We analyze the 21 cm H i absorption spectra and 13CO emission spectra toward PWN G54.1+0.3 and bright sources on both radio and IR shells. Continuous H i absorption up to the tangent point and absence of negative H i absorption features imply that PWN G54.1+0.3 has a distance beyond the tangent point but within the solar circle, i.e., 4.5–9 kpc. G54.1+0.3 is likely at a distance of ≃6.2 kpc due to the morphological association of the PWN with a CO molecular cloud at a velocity of ≃53 km s−1, as revealed by high-resolution 13CO images. Based on the H i absorption spectrum and recombination line velocity (≃40 km s−1) of the bright H ii region G54.09−0.06, which is on the IR shell, the IR shell is likely located at a distance of ≃7.3 kpc, which is also the distance of the associated large-scale radio shell. At this distance, the radio shell has a radius of ∼30 pc. The radio shell may be thermal and lack IR emission due to dust destruction, or it may be nonthermal and part of a newly found old supernova remnant. In either case, it is located at a distance different from PWN G54.1+0.3.
TRAINING NEEDS FOR FACULTY MEMBERS AT AL-ALBAYT UNIVERSITY FROM THEIR PERSPECTIVES IN THE LIGHT OF SOME VARIABLES

The aim of this study is to detect the training needs of faculty members at Al-albayt University from their perspectives in the light of some variables. These variables include: Faculty, Gender, and the last eassessment degree. This is in a view of identifying the appropriate training programs for them during the first semester of the academic year 2015/2016, which will held by the Faculty Development Center (FDC) at Al-albayt University. To achieve this, a questionnaire consisted of 25 items was built and distributed in three fields, namely: teaching skills, research skills, and technological skills. The questionnaire was applied to a cluster sample consisting of 102 faculty members from Al-albayt University which was chosen randomly. Appropriate statistical methods was used to analyze the data. Results of the study showed that faculty members gave high importance to all the skills covered in the questionnaire. Thus, the most important field is the technological skills, followed by research skills, and finally by teaching skills. It was found that the most prominent training needs of technological skills is the “Use virtual labs”. “Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using statistical programs” was the most prominent training needs of research skills, whereas “Development of thinking skills and solving students' problems” was the most prominent training needs of teaching skills. Also, results revealed statistically significant differences on the total tool due to the last e-assessment degree of member electronic questionnaire assessment which assess its performance in favor of the first level (which is less than or equal to 82%). There is no statistically significant differences due to the variables of the faculty. The gender were revealed in the total tool and in the fields of research and technological skills. In light of the study findings, a number of conclusions and recommendations were suggested.
Research Anxiety among Turkish Graduate ELT Students.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level and predictors of research-related anxiety among graduate ELT students in the Turkish context. 81 MA and PhD students from 14 universities offering graduate programs in ELT responded to a background questionnaire, a research anxiety scale, and a research self-efficacy survey. The analysis of the data revealed that graduate students were moderately anxious about conducting research. It was also found out that self-efficacy beliefs of graduate students were able to explain a certain portion of the research anxiety. Furthermore, while gender and having a publication experience do not affect the level of research anxiety, MA students were found to be having more research-related anxiety than PhD students. Finally, research self-efficacy was found to be negatively correlated with research anxiety. The overall findings suggest that graduate students need support to increase their self-efficacy about research in order to have lower levels of research anxiety. Recommendations for graduate programs and suggestions for further research are also provided.
Monetary Transmission: The Federal Funds Rate and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

﻿This paper examines the effectiveness of a monetary transmission mechanism from the federal funds rate to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). In particular, the paper employs a co-integration and vector error correction models to examine the degree and the direction of pass-through from the federal funds rate to the LIBOR. Two sub-periods are selected, 1987:02-1994:01 and 1994:02-2002:05, in order to examine this relationship. Results indicate a significant co-integration relationship between the federal funds rate and the LIBOR for the first and second periods. However, in the second period, the two variables adjust differently to a deviation from equilibrium.
Membrane Dynamics of Spermatozoa during Capacitation: New Insight in Germ Cells Signalling

The study of germline stem cells and of germline cells has deep implications for the understanding of fertility, development and cancer. Nowadays, we are experiencing the very fascinating challenge of application of – OMICS technologies to this issue, which is opening new and unexpected horizons in virtually all the branches of biology. Here, we carried out a review of signalling systems involved in maturation of male germ cells and in the process that leads them to become fully fertile. In particular, we discuss the control mechanisms involved in capacitation and acrosome reaction that act at membrane level. Indeed, spermatozoa membranes play key roles in determining the achievement of fertility: they are the interface with the surrounding environment, they locate the signal trans- duction systems and they are active in recognizing and binding the oocyte. In addition, we discuss the effect of several compounds that could exert a negative effect on reproduc - tive activity, by interfering with the endocrine axis, the so-called endocrine disruptors.
Reference Unit-based Estimates of Winterfat Browse Weights

Precise and accurate plant weight data are important to range managers, but difftcult and expensive to obtain. Indirect and nondestructive estimates are especially desirable where vegetation is sparse and slow-growing on permanent plots. A new indirect, nondestructive approach developed in Australii, the reference unit method, was quantitatively related to clipped weights of winterfat (Ceratoides lonclto) browse in Curlew Valley, Utah. The reference unit method was quite precise, accurate, and efficient in predicting browse weights even though size and form of the shrubs differed greatly. The only major disadvantage was mental fatigue created by the requirement of greater sustained concentration.
Studies on the removal of human topoisomerase I cleavage complexes in vitro and the involvement of the tumor suppressor protein p53

In the present thesis the in vitro repair of a human topoisomerase I cleavage complex was investigated. It was found that a second human topoisomerase I molecule can recognize such a cleavage complex and that this is stimulated by the tumor suppressor protein p53. It was suggested that this may represent the first step in a repair of the human topoisomerase I cleavage complex through recombination.
Comparison of the Impact of Extensive and Intensive Reading Approaches on the Korean EFL Learners’ Reading Rate and Reading Comprehension Development

Extensive Reading (ER) is a reading approach that aims to make covering large amounts of reading material enjoyable for language learners. Many experimental studies have showed the effectiveness of the ER approach on reading fluency, the ability to read words and process text rapidly and accurately. Though revealing, these findings need to be interpreted with caution due to methodological defects in the measurement of reading fluency in these ER studies. This quasi-experimental study compared the effect of the ER approach with that of the conventional Intensive Reading (IR) approach on EFL learners’ reading rate and reading comprehension with regard to leaners’ proficiency level. Over a 12-week timespan, two intact classes of 72 Korean secondary students received either ER (N = 36) or IR (N = 36) instruction, with pre- and post- differences in performance examined with regard to proficiency level. Results of an ANCOVA revealed that students’ reading rate and comprehension increased significantly more from the ER approach than from the IR approach. That is, students from the ER group significantly increased their reading rate in comparison to the IR group without impairing reading comprehension. More specifically, the ER approach had a greater positive impact on the learners’ reading rate than the IR approach irrespective of participants’ English proficiency level. However, in terms of reading comprehension, the advanced and intermediate level learners benefited more from the ER approach, while the low level learners benefited more from the IR approach.
Activated expression of EsHD1 enhances drought tolerance in tobacco plants via mitigation of reactive oxygen species-mediated membrane damage

It is well documented that the homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors play diverse roles during plant growth and development. The Class I HD-Zip genes are shown to be involved in the regulation of abiotic stress responses and tolerance. Herein, a novel Class I HD-Zip gene, EsHD1, was isolated from Eutrema salsugineum, and an investigation was performed of its physiological functions in response to drought stress. The analyses of gene expression profiles revealed that the EsHD1 transcripts quickly accumulated upon exposure to various abiotic stress conditions or abscisic acid treatments. Furthermore, the overexpression of EsHD1 in tobacco plants conferred improved tolerance to drought stress. The EsHD1-overexpressing lines had lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ion leakage, and malondialdehyde, but they manifested higher activities of antioxidant enzymes and the transcription of pathogenic-related genes as compared to wild-type plants under drought stress conditions. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that EsHD1 positively regulated plant drought tolerance via alleviation of ROS-mediated membrane damage.
Asymptotically minimum BER linear block precoders for MMSE equalisation

An asymptotically minimum bit error rate (BER) linear block precoder is determined for block-by-block communication systems employing linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalisation and disjoint detection. The problem is solved by a two-stage optimisation procedure in which a lower bound on the BER is first minimised, and then it is shown how this minimised lower bound can be achieved. Simulation results show that the BER performance of the proposed scheme is superior to the standard MMSE precoder and several other conventional systems such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. At reasonable BERs, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain can be of the order of several decibels.
Barriers of Effective Strategy Execution: Organization’s Challenge

Strategies are a critical element in organizational functioning, but whereas most organizations have good strategies, successful strategy implementation remains a major challenge. Despite the clear importance of this management area and the apparent problems associated with its execution, it has however, been substantially neglected by academics. The objective of the study is to determine the barriers to strategy execution in Kenyan public university focusing on vision barrier, leadership barrier, process barrier and people’s behavior barrier. The study constitutes the review of theoretical and empirical literature relevant to the subject. The key barrier to strategy execution were identified and discussed: including vision barrier, leadership barrier, process and resources barrier and people barrier. The research was compiled from theoretical, conceptual and empirical review of literature and a summary and conclusion was drawn. Translation of vision to clear objective and aligning it to strategy remains a big challenge. In addition leadership style, approach and perceptions are critical to implementation in addition to the leader’s role of communicating strategy to the employee. Failure to adopt the best approach with a given type of strategy and employing the best communication tactic implementation is likely to fail. Aligning process resources, structures and program in the implementation of strategy is also critical to implementation failure to which a problem is likely to occur. Moreover individual’s behaviors determine if the strategy will be implemented or not. Individuals must be assigned duties that motivate them otherwise they will not be committed to the organization operations. The author recommends that specific studies be conducted on the effective tools to measure and control performance to assist in overcoming barriers to strategy execution