Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes of local agricultural landscape patterns induced by land consolidation in hilly and mountainous Southwestern China

Land consolidation (LC), as a type of human disturbance, improves land production efficiency and changes landscape distribution through land parcel reallocation. The objective of this study was to comparatively analyze the changes of landscape patches before and after a land consolidation project (LCP) and the effects of land levelling, irrigation and drainage work and road engineering on the landscape structure. FRAGSTAT3.3 and buffer zone analysis were used to investigate those changes. The results suggest that the heterogeneity of landscape depressed, and tended to simplification after LC. Dry land was the most highly variable land use pattern, and the change of forestland was least due to its locations at a gradient larger than 25°. LC resulted in a more rational use of land, and could be an important step in promoting rural development in depressed and fragmented agricultural areas through unused land exploitation, small-patch combination, irrigation and water conservancy, and road construction. Land levelling leveled off the gradient field surface and decreased the slope. The fragmentized patches were much more incorporated with increasing slope. On the other hand, the ridge of a field became longer so that the length of field surface and area of patch were increased. Land levelling regulated, simplified and combined patches, so that the complexity degree was reduced. It is found that the buffer distance of 35 m was a turning point of human disturbance by irrigation and drainage systems, and patches presented flaky distribution when the buffer distance was smaller than 35 m. Meanwhile, the distance range between 25 m to 50 m was an impressible area for road engineering, which was sensitive to human actions, and the changes of all landscape metrics were larger than those in other buffer zones. In general, LC not only reallocated fragmented parcels, but also improved agricultural conditions.
The Impact of Bilinguality on the Learning of English Vocabulary as a Foreign Language (L3)

This study aimed at comparing the performance of two bilingual groups of EFL students with that of a monolingual group on a controlled productive ability vocabulary test. Altogether 30 Turkish-Persian bilinguals, 30 Armenian-Persian bilinguals, and 30 Persian monolinguals participated in the study. The subjects in all three groups were homogenoeous in terms of age (17–18 years old), sex (they were all female), nationality (they were all Iranian), and level of instruction (intermediate). The results of the data analyses showed that native speakers of Turkish and Armenian who speak Persian as their second language performed better in the English vocabulary test than the Persian monolingual learners of English. This can be attributed to the positive effect of the subjects' bilinguality on their third language vocabulary achievement. The study also revealed that in the area of vocabulary production and achievement the Armenian-Persian bilinguals who had learned their first and second languages both academically and orally were more successful than the Turkish-Persian bilinguals who had learned their first language only orally. The results are interpreted to have implications for EFL methodologists and syllabus designers.
Cross-Border Effects of Capacity Mechanisms in Electricity Markets

To ensure security of supply in liberalized electricity markets, different types of capacity mechanisms are currently being debated or have recently been implemented in many European countries. The purpose of this study is to analyze the cross-border effects resulting from different choices on capacity mechanisms in neighboring countries. We consider a model with two connected countries that differ in the regulator's choice on capacity mechanism, namely strategic reserves or capacity payments. In both countries, competitive firms invest in generation capacity before selling electricity on the spot market. We characterize market equilibria and find the following main result: While consumers' costs may be the same under both capacity mechanisms in non-connected countries, we show that the different capacity mechanisms in interconnected countries induce redistribution effects. More precisely, we find that consumers' costs are higher in countries in which reserve capacities are procured than in countries in which capacity payments are used to ensure the targeted reliable level of electricity.
Shape and evolution of wind-blown bubbles of massive stars: on the effect of the interstellar magnetic field

The winds of massive stars create large (>10 pc) bubbles around their progenitors. As these bubbles expand they encounter the interstellar coherent magnetic field which, depending on its strength, can influence the shape of the bubble. We wish to investigate if, and how much, the interstellar magnetic field can contribute to the shape of an expanding circumstellar bubble around a massive star. We use the MPI-AMRVAC code to make magneto-hydrodynamical simulations of bubbles, using a single star model, combined with several different field strengths: B = 5, 10, and 20 muG for the interstellar magnetic field. This covers the typical field strengths of the interstellar magnetic fields found in the galactic disk and bulge. Furthermore, we present two simulations that include both a 5 muG interstellar magnetic field and a 10,000 K interstellar medium and two different ISM densities to demonstrate how the magnetic field can combine with other external factors to influence the morphology of the circumstellar bubbles. Our results show that low magnetic fields, as found in the galactic disk, inhibit the growth of the circumstellar bubbles in the direction perpendicular to the field. As a result, the bubbles become ovoid, rather than spherical. Strong interstellar fields, such as observed for the galactic bulge, can completely stop the expansion of the bubble in the direction perpendicular to the field, leading to the formation of a tube-like bubble. When combined with a warm, high-density ISM the bubble is greatly reduced in size, causing a dramatic change in the evolution of temporary features inside the bubble. The magnetic field of the interstellar medium can affect the shape of circumstellar bubbles. This effect may have consequences for the shape and evolution of circumstellar nebulae and supernova remnants, which are formed within the main wind-blown bubble.
Precision manufacturing process monitoring with acoustic emission

: Current demands in high-technology industries such as semiconductor, optics, MEMS, etc. have predicated the need for manufacturing processes that can fabricate increasingly smaller features reliably at very high tolerances. In situ monitoring systems that can be used to characterize, control, and improve the fabrication of these smaller features are therefore needed to meet increasing demands in precision and quality. This paper discusses the unique requirements of monitoring of precision manufacturing processes, and the suitability of acoustic emission (AE) as a monitoring technique at the precision scale. Details are then given on the use of AE sensor technology in the monitoring of precision manufacturing processes; grinding, chemical– mechanical planarization (CMP) and ultraprecision diamond turning in particular. Abstract Current demands in high-technology industries such as semiconductor, optics, MEMS, etc. have predicated the need for manufacturing processes that can fabricate increasingly smaller features reliably at very high tolerances. In situ monitoring systems that can be used to characterize, control, and improve the fabrication of these smaller features are therefore needed to meet increasing demands in precision and quality. This paper discusses the unique requirements of monitoring of precision manufacturing processes, and the suitability of acoustic emission (AE) as a monitoring technique at the precision scale. Details are then given on the use of AE sensor technology in the monitoring of precision manufacturing processes; grinding, chemical–mechanical planarization (CMP) and ultraprecision diamond turning in particular.
Wheat phenology and yield under drought: A review

The purpose of this review was to characterize the wheat crop phenology under drought conditions, at different stages of crop growth. Effects of drought on wheat plants are variable, and depend on the phenological stage of the plant as well as the duration, intensity and frequency of the drought. The crop evapotranspiration increases over the course of the phenological cycle, reaching a maximum in the growth stage (from the beginning of heading until the end of flowering), which is the most sensitive stage of the crop to drought. At ripening, the evapotranspiration decreases to save and allocate the energy to grain yield. The drought affects the plant density in the initial phase, tiller number per plant in the tillering phase, and plant height in the stretching phase, most severely. At the flowering stage, the processes related to fertilization and fixation of grain are most severely affected, i.e., the number of viable seeds per area decreases. In the grain formation stage, the ability of the source (leaf) to use and translocate the assimilates to the grain is most severely affected, thus affecting the grain weight.
Biochemical and Immunological Characterizations of the Receptor Binding Domain of C. difficile Toxin B

Clostridium difficile (Cd) is an emerging nosocomial pathogen responsible for antibiotic-associated pseudo-membranous colitis and diarrhea in hospital acquired infections. Clostridial toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) which specifically bind to unknown glycoprotein(s) on the surface of epithelial cells disrupt the intestinal barrier and ultimately lead to acute inflammation and diarrhea . There is still debate as to whether the receptor binding domains (RBD) of toxins can individually elicit protection in the hamster challenge model. In this study, a TcdB RBD which was derived from C.difficile strain VPI10463 with >95% amino acid sequence identity to hyper-virulent strain BI/NAP1/027 was designed and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant RBD (rRBD) was purified, characterized biologically and immunologically and found to have the following properties: (a) capable of binding to the cell surface of both Vero and Caco-2 cells and entering into the cytosol; (b) devoid of hemagglutinin activity (HA); (c) the ability to up-regulate cell surface markers expressions and cytokines secretions from dendritic cells; (d) eliciting anti-TcdB neutralizing antibody responses that could weakly cross-neutralize TcdA in the absence of adjuvant; (e) and inducing weak protection against a lethal dose of Cd spores in the hamster challenge model. Therefore, rRBD shows potential as an immunogen to be included in the development of vaccines against Clostridium difficile-associated diseases.
Preliminary Investigation of a Proposed Dam Site along River Ome, Ago Iwoye South Western Nigeria

Soil investigation was carried out at a proposed dam site across River Ome in Ago Iwoye, southwestern Nigeria to investigate the depth to bedrock, possible geologic structures, foundation conditions of the dam axis, abutments and choice of best location for construction of dam. Six Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried along the river course and this was done using Schlumberger configuration. Evaluation of the engineering properties of the soil was carried out for twelve samples collected across the river using atterberg limit, grain size analysis, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and compaction characteristics of the soils. The geophysical result showed three geo-electric layers; top sandy layer, clay and weathered/fresh basement. Analysis of the atterberg limit shows a dominance of inorganic clay size particles with high plasticity and moisture content while the grain sizes analysis reveals well graded gravelly clayey silty sand. The soil type classification, CBR and compaction values obtained showed some significant agreement. The values of river discharge were computed during dry and wet seasons and this showed that the magnitude of flood to be averted will pose no challenge on the selection of spillway type. The integration of these methods helped in the choice of location for the dam axis.
DYNAMICS OF ELLIPTICAL GALAXIES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF MODIFIED NEWTONIAN DYNAMICS

Planetary nebula in elliptical galaxies pose a problem in dark matter theory. Using data from the Planetary Nebula Spectrograph (PN. S), Romanowsky et al. (2003) reported that less dark matter than expected was found within 5 to 6 effective radii of three elliptical galaxies. We attempt to explain similar observations of elliptical galaxies with MOdiffed Newtonian Dynamics (MOND). We collect 16 elliptical galaxies with planetary nebulae from the public web data of PN. S. We investigate the dynamical behavior by analyzing the line-of-sight velocity dispersion in the framework of MOND.
Modeling the transport of very short-lived substances into the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere

The transport of very short-lived substances into the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere is in- vestigated by a three-dimensional chemical transport model using archived convective updraft mass fluxes (or detrain- ment rates) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast's ERA-Interim reanalysis. Large-scale ver- tical velocities are calculated from diabatic heating rates. With this approach we explicitly model the large scale sub- sidence in the tropical troposphere with convection taking place in fast and isolated updraft events. The model calcu- lations agree generally well with observations of bromoform and methyl iodide from aircraft campaigns and with ozone and water vapor from sonde and satellite observations. Us- ing a simplified treatment of dehydration and bromine prod- uct gas washout we give a range of 1.6 to 3 ppt for the con- tribution of bromoform to stratospheric bromine, assuming a uniform mixing ratio in the boundary layer of 1 ppt. We show that the most effective region for VSLS transport into the stratosphere is the West Pacific, accounting for about 55% of the bromine from bromoform transported into the stratosphere under the supposition of a uniformly distributed source.
Tree growing space and acorn production of Quercus robur

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is considered the main commercial tree species in conditions of floodplain forests of central Europe. In the Czech Republic clear-cutting silvicultural system represents a prevailing regeneration method of oak stands in floodplain forest. The natural regeneration is limited only in stands and years with sufficient acorn production. We analysed an acorn crop periodicity and an influence of canopy opening to the acorn production in South Moravian floodplain forest, Czech Republic between 2008 and 2011, The acorn crop from trees with different growth spaces in four stand conditions (closed canopy (A), moderate open canopy (B), open canopy (C) and single growing trees (D) with unlimited growth space was analysed. The amount of acorns was determined using seed traps placed under the crowns of sample trees. The average amount of acorns in 2009 and 2011 ranged from 13 (A) to 102 (C)/m2 and from 2 (A) to 124 (D)/m2, respectively. At the same time, a considerable difference was recorded in the fructification of sample trees in the various stand situations. Significant correlations were confirmed between the amount of acorns and crown size (r2009=0.27, r 2 2011=0.07) of parent trees and their growth space – release area (r2009=0.42, r 2 2011=0.25) and social area (r 2 2009=0.31, r 2 2011=0.26). The production of acorns could be affected by establishing conditions for the pedunculate oak with a minimum crown projection area in adult trees of at least 70 m2 and/or with a minimum release area of 300 m2, it means spacing between parent trees about 10 m or 100 trees per 1 ha. Additional key words: floodplain forest, acorn production, acorn quality, crown release Address: A. Martiník, L. Dobrovolný, E. Palátová, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Brno 613 00, Czech Republic, e-mail: martinik@mendelu.cz
Modeling the importance of biomass qualities in biomass supply chains for bioenergy production

A tactical-operational level quantitative model can be an important decision support tool for bioenergy producers. Goal programming approach can help analyze the costs and volume implications of various competing goals in terms of biomass characteristics on part of the bioenergy producers. One cost and six quality characteristics goals, namely moisture and ash contents, and thermal values of two types of biomass (forest harvest residue and un/under-utilized species) are selected for the four bioenergy producers in northwestern, Ontario, Canada. We run four models cenarios: i) benchmark total cost and ceilings of mean values of six biomass qualities (Initial Goals), ii)relaxing the quality goals by 10% from the Initial Goals scenario, iii) increasing the conversion efficiency by 10%, and iv) all goals as in Initial Goals except the Atikokan Generating Station (AGS)being supplied with only un/under-utilized biomass. The smaller power plants have relatively less per unit biomass procurement cost. While per unit procurement costs increased, the total costs and biomass volume required to produce the same amount of bioenergy for each power plant decreased in all scenarios compared to the benchmark costs. The goal programming approach, and the results thereof are found to be useful in making effective decisions in the biomass supply chains for bioenergy production. Copyright © 2014 International Energy and Environment Foundation - All rights reserved.
Physical-chemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Organic Strawberries Conserved with Biofilms and Refrigeration

Biodegrabable and edible coatings were applied on fresh strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch), ‘Camarosa cultivar’, produced in organic system and stored at 10oC for nine days. Color, mass loss, incidence of rottenness and chemical analyses contents was evaluated. Suspension of cassava starch and grains of kefir milk reduced evolution of fruit coloration when compared uncoated fruits. Treatment associated cassava starch and kefir liquid resulted in a lower rottenness incidence and less mass loss of the fruits, is therefore recommended for postharvest organic strawberries. Anthocyanin and titrable acidity contents increased during storage, regardless of the treatments in general.
The first subterranean freshwater planarians from North Africa, with an analysis of adenodactyl structure in the genus Dendrocoelum (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dendrocoelidae).

The paper describes the first species of freshwater planarians collected from subterranean localities in northern Africa, represented by three new species of Dendrocoelum Orsted, 1844 from Tunisian springs. Each of the new species possesses a well-developed adenodactyl, resembling similar structures in other species of Dendrocoelum, notably those from southeastern Europe. Comparative studies revealed previously unreported details and variability in the anatomy of these structures, particularly in the composition of the musculature. An account of this variability is provided, and it is argued that the anatomical structure of adenodactyls may provide useful taxonomic information.
The Relationship between Conflict Management Styles and the Effectiveness of Premier Football League Teams of Hamadan Province

A B S T R A C T Conflict is a process in which one party feels that other groups have prevented him from doing other activities, interests and goals. Conflict comes about when two or more people come into clash with each other because of difference in their needs, wants, aims and values. It is an indispensible part of team works which, if not properly managed, can result failure or even success for a team. The present research aims at studying the relations between conflict management styles and the effectiveness of football teams from Hamadan province present at the premier league. This study is of descriptivecorrelational type that has been conducted based on case study. Three different questionnaires were applied for collecting the necessary data: one for getting the demographic information of the subjects; Robbins’ questionnaire of conflict management (1991), and Moghimi’s (2013) questionnaire for team effectiveness. The statistical community of the study consisted of all the players of football teams in Hamadan province in 2013 from among whom 113 ones were randomly selected as the subjects of the study. Results from applying the Pearson correlation coefficient to the data showed that there was a significantly inverse relation between conflict management styles of completion and team effectiveness (P<0.05). It was also found to be a significant relation between conflict management styles of collaboration and team effectiveness, and finally between conflict management style of avoidance and team effectiveness (P<0.05). we can conclude that collaboration style is the best and most effective one for facing and overcoming conflicts in the teams. Applications of this style can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams.
Run length distribution of two-sided CUSUM procedures for continuous random variables

Cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts are very effective in detecting special causes. In judging the perfor- mance of a CUSUM procedure, it is important to know its run length distribution. Presently iterative formulas are derived for finding the run length distribution of two-sided CUSUM. The ap- plication of the iterative formulas is illustrated in the normal two- sided CUSUM. 1. Introduction. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) procedures are widely used to monitor the quality of products from manufacturing processes. There are two main types of CUSUM procedures, namely the one-sided and two- sided CUSUM procedures. The one-sided CUSUM scheme is further clas- sified into two types, namely the lower-sided CUSUM and upper-sided CUSUM. The lower-sided CUSUM is intended to detect an upward shift in the process mean while the upper-sided CUSUM is intended to detect a downward shift in the process mean. The two-sided CUSUM procedure is intended to detect a shift which could be downward or upward in the process mean. The run length of the CUSUM procedure is the time elapsed before the process is declared to be out of control. The run length distribution and its parameters measure the performance of a CUSUM procedure. The average