Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Impacts of Radiosonde and AMSU Radiance Observations in GSI Based 3DEnsVar and 3DVar Data Assimilation Systems for NCEP GFS

The impact of observations can be dependent on many factors in a data assimilation (DA) system including data quality control, preprocessing, skill of the model, and the DA algorithm. The present study focuses on comparing the impacts of observations assimilated by two different DA algorithms. A three-dimensional ensemble-variational (3DEnsVar) hybrid data assimilation system was recently developed based on the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation system and was implemented operationally for the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS). One question to address is, how the impacts of observations on GFS forecasts differ when assimilated by the traditional GSI-three dimensional variational (3DVar) and the new 3DEnsVar. Experiments were conducted over a 6-week period during Northern Hemisphere winter season at a reduced resolution. For both the control and data denial experiments, the forecasts produced by 3DEnsVar were more accurate than GSI3DVar experiments. The results suggested that the observations were better and more effectively exploited to increment the background forecast in 3DEnsVar. On the other hand, in GSI3DVar, where the observation will be making mostly local, isotropic increments without proper flow dependent extrapolation is more sensitive to the number and types observations assimilated.
Taxonomic interpretations of Australian native bamboos (Poaceae: Bambuseae) and their biogeographic implications

Australia’s three native bamboo species – Bambusa arnhemica, Mullerochloa moreheadiana and Neololeba atra – are restricted to northern Australia. The most parsimonious explanation for the occurrence of bamboo in Australia is that there have been at least three founder events from Asia, but other possibilities exist including an Australian radiation involving Neololeba and Mullerochloa. Bambusa arnhemica may be allied to the Asian B. blumeana which occurs as close as Timor. I summarise historical evidence and biogeographic patterns for B. arnhemica, and describe the flowering wave phenomenon in the species, evidence which collectively suggests that B. arnhemica is neither very ancient nor very recent in origin. Current studies of the population genetics of B. arnhemica, and of the relationship between Australian and Asian bamboos, may yield fascinating further biogeographic insights.
exploeing the gender effect on EFL learners' learning strategies

Various studies have discerned gender differences in language learning strategy (LLS) use. In most of the studies in which gender differences emerged, the results demonstrated that females reported using language learning strategies more often than males. However, some studies demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between genders in the use of LLS. Still others showed that male learners use more LLS than female learners do in certain taxonomy (Oxford, 1990). Therefore, the aim of present study was to investigate whether or not differences exist between female and male Iranian learners in the use of language learning strategies. A total of 149 learners at Institute in Tabriz, Iran participated in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted and modified from SILL (Oxford, 1990). The findings show that there is a significant gender difference in the use of language learning strategies as a whole. Female learners also have tendency to use overall language learning strategies more often than males. There are important differences between genders in the use of social/ affective strategies with females using them more often. Index Terms—language learning strategy, gender I. BACKGROUND
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: THE PRE-SERVICE EFL TEACHERS’ OPINIONS ON TEACHING PRACTICIUM

Bu calisma uygulama okullarinda Ogretmenlik Uygulamasi dersini alan Ingilizce aday ogretmenlerinin ogretmenlik uygulamasi, uygulama ogretmeni, uygulama ogretim elemani ve aday ogretmenlerin oz performans degerlendirmeleri ile ilgili goruslerini ortaya cikarmak amaciyla yapilmistir. Arastirma 2015-2016 egitim-ogretim yilinda Balikesir Universitesi Necatibey Egitim Fakultesi Ingilizce Ogretmenligi Anabilim dalinda Ogretmenlik Uygulamasi dersini alan 37 aday ogretmeni kapsamaktadir. Bu nitel calismada veri toplama araci olarak katilimcilarin ogretmenlik uygulamasi, uygulama ogretmeni, uygulama ogretim elemani ve katilimcilarin oz performans degerlendirmelerini iceren acik uclu sorulardan olusan bir anket kullanilmistir. Bu calismada ikinci olarak mulakat ve son olarak katilimcilarin duygu ve dusuncelerini yazdiklari deneme yazilari nitel veri toplamak amaciyla kullanilmistir. Calismanin sonucu aday ogretmenlerin gercek sinif ortaminda Ingilizce ogretmeleri sayesinde bircok farkli konuda tecrube kazandiklarini ortaya koymustur. Calisma ayni zamanda aday ogretmenlerin ogretmenlik uygulamasi, uygulama ogretmenleri, uygulama ogretim elemanlari ve kendi performanslarini degerlendirme konusundaki olumlu goruslerinin olumsuz goruslerine gore daha agir bastigini ortaya cikarmistir. Calisma katilimcilarin olumlu ve olumsuz goruslerinin nedenlerini ortaya koymasi bakimindan literaturdeki diger calismalardan farklilik gostermektedir. Calismanin sonucu, aday ogretmenlere iyi nitelikte bir egitim verme sorumlulugunu Egitim Fakultelerindeki Yabanci Diller Bolumleri ile Milli Egitim Bakanligi’nin birlikte paylasmalari gerektigini ortaya koymustur. Bulgularin isiginda uygulamaya yonelik bazi tavsiyelerde bulunulmustur.
Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics: Past, Present and Future

This is a written version of the keynote speech delivered at the International Symposium on Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics – Recent Advances held in Bangalore, India, from December 6 th to 10 th , 2012. In this document, what was accomplished in the past, the present status, and what is expected in the future in the field of hypersonic aerothermodynamics are reviewed. Solved problems are categorized into four items; unsolved problems into twelve items, and emerging problems into four items. Removing one degree uncertainty in trim angle of attack, studying the thermochemical phenomena in a hydrogen-heliummethane mixture, and entry flights of meteoroids are cited as the tasks for the future.
Poverty and Inequality among Social Groups in Rural India

This study examines economic disparity among social groups in rural India. While the pace of poverty reduction for disadvantaged groups, who benfitedfrom both economic growth and redistribution, surpassed that of other caste households during the period from 1999-2006, they remain the most poor among the rural poor. This study's decomposition analysis confirms that they are not only less wealthy than other castes but also have lower returns on their assets due to discrimination or lower productivity. In addition, the contribution of the latter has become larger over time, implying that programs established by the government and development agencies to reduce economic disparity between two groups may be less effective. For example, an antipoverty program is vital, and the government also needs to strengthen the effectiveness of the current affirmative action programs. There are also lessons from South Korea's past experience to be shared for the improvement of productivity.
The Effect of Fact-Checking on Elites: A Field Experiment on U.S. State Legislators

Does external monitoring improve democratic performance? Fact-checking has come to play an increasingly important role in political coverage in the United States, but some research suggests it may be ineffective at reducing public misperceptions about controversial issues. However, fact-checking might instead help improve political discourse by increasing the reputational costs or risks of spreading misinformation for political elites. To evaluate this deterrent hypothesis, we conducted a field experiment on a diverse group of state legislators from nine U.S. states in the months before the November 2012 election. In the experiment, a randomly assigned subset of state legislators was sent a series of letters about the risks to their reputation and electoral security if they were caught making questionable statements. The legislators who were sent these letters were substantially less likely to receive a negative fact-checking rating or to have their accuracy questioned publicly, suggesting that fact-checking can reduce inaccuracy when it poses a salient threat.
Effect of consolidation on the flexural creep behaviour of all-polypropylene composite

The long-term viscoelastic behaviour of self-reinforced polypropylene composites (SRPPC) was studied by short-term flexural creep tests at different temperatures. As reinforcement a fabric, woven from highly stretched split PP yarns, whereas as matrix materials α and β crystal forms of isotactic PP homopolymer and random copolymer (with ethyl- ene) were selected and used. The composite sheets were produced by film-stacking method and compression moulded at different processing temperatures (5, 20, 35°C above the melting temperatures of the matrices) keeping the holding time and pressure constant. The manufactured specimens were subjected to isothermal creep tests at different temperatures rang- ing from -20 to 80°C under an applied load. The time-temperature superposition principle was verified for the creep data. An Arrhenius type relationship described the shift data obtained from the creep tests. It was found, that with improving con- solidation (increasing processing temperature) the creep compliance decreased and good correlation was found between creep compliance and density/peel strength.
The economics of sheep predation in southwestern Utah.

Ten sheep ranches in southwestern Utah were chosen for a verification study ot sheep losses during 1972- 1975. Using the ratio of verified predator kills to total lamb carcasses discovered, total lamb loss to predators was estimated. Predation accounted for 5.8% of total lambs docked or 62% of the total lamb loss. Coyotes made 94% of all predator kills. For the 10 herds (1 Y71- 1974) direct income loss due to lamb predation averaged $2,800 per herd: for a three-herd subsample (197l- 1975) direct income loss averaged \. 3,500 per herd. Applying our study rate of predation to the entire Southwest region ot Utah gave an estimate of 14,900 lambs killed by predators and a direct income loss of ‘ii419,OOO. In addition, the region suffered indirect or multiplier losses of $1,166,000 to ‘4 i ,Xi6,000 during the -l years studied. Further data needs in predation economics could be achieved by integrating predation loss, predator population, and predator control data into a standard production function model. Recent profit reductions have resulted in 10% annual decrcascs in Utah’s sheep numbers (Statistical Reporting Service lOY:-,) and have increased the sheepman’s incentive to prevent IiLestock predation losses. Simultaneously, predatorcontrol has become increasingly complex. Early predator control research ~3.4 aimed primarily at discovering methods of eradicating co) otes. the most troublesome predator (Bailey I W-F, 190X). IMore recently. financial relief through economically efficient predator control has come into increased contlict with interests promoting esthetic. recreational, and ecolo#al values associated with a viable predator population. To det’ine the magnitude of the predation problem and to pro\‘ide a data base for an economic analysis, a verit’ication study ofsheep loss was initiated in March I972 in the Cedar-City ;II~‘;I of Utah (Bowns et al. 1973a, 1973b: Davenport et al. I ‘JY’_J ). A study requiring examination of each sheep carcass was \utli~~\ 4r’e rc\cxch d~,soc131t‘. Ikpartn~ent ot Range Scwncc. Colorado St~tc U~I~CI
Insights into the dielectric response of ferroelectric relaxors from statistical modeling

Ferroelectric relaxors are complex materials with distinct properties. The understanding of their dielectric susceptibility, which strongly depends on both temperature and probing frequency, have interested researchers for many years. Here we report a macroscopic and phenomenological approach based on statistical modeling to investigate and better understand how the dielectric response of a relaxor depends on temperature. Employing the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and considering temperature dependent dipolar orientational polarizability, we propose a minimum statistical model and specific equations to understand and fit numerical and experimental dielectric responses versus temperature. We show that the proposed formula can successfully fit the dielectric response of typical relaxors, including Ba(Zr,Ti)O$_{3}$, Pb(Zn$_{1/3}$Nb$_{2/3}$)$_{0.87}$Ti$_{0.13}$O$_{3}$, and Pb(Mg$_{1/3}$Nb$_{2/3}$)O$_{3}$-0.05Pb(Zr$_{0.53}$Ti$_{0.47}$)O$_{3}$, which demonstrates the general applicability of this approach.
THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO LITERARY TEXTS ON READING COMPREHENSION AND VOCABULARY RETENTION: LITERATURE - MAJORS VS. TRANSLATION - MAJORS

This study attempts to examine the impact of reading literary texts on vocabulary retention of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). Some Iranian undergraduate students (n=140) randomly selected from among senior students of English literature and English translation participated in this investigation. The results of one-way ANOVAs brought to light the fact that exposure to a plethora of literary material does not necessarily bring about any significant gain in literature majors’ comprehension of literary or nonliterary texts. Even so, as reading literary texts improves the retention of vocabulary items, a literature-based methodology for teaching vocabulary is recommended
Uterine Arterial Embolization: Classification of Leiomyomas to Determine Predictors of Response

The purpose of this study is to determine features of uterine leiomyoma on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that identify predictors of response to Uterine Arterial Embolization (UAE). MRI images were obtained before and after UAE in 35 women. These images were analyzed for uterine and fibroid size changes along with fibroid border characteristics and location for a total of 73 fibroids. Fibroids were classified as either smooth or lobulated based on border appearance on MR imaging to determine any differences in mean fibroid volume reduction post-embolization. The mean decrease in fibroid volume from pre-embolization to post-embolization was 48.1% ± 28.6 % (SD) (P < 0.001). No statistical difference was detected in the mean volume reduction between lobulated and smooth fibroids, 40.6% ± 23.1% (SD) and 50.9% ± 30.2% (SD) respectively, with a confidence interval [-25.1, 4.6, SEM 7.5, Df 71], single factor ANOVA (F[1,71]=1.88, Fcrit=3.98, p=0.17). However, some difference was detected in the failure rate of lobulated versus smooth fibroids to embolization, 5% and 9.4% respectively, ANOVA (F [1, 71]= 0.37, Fcrit= 3.98, p > 0.1), albeit at low statistical power. Also no difference was detected in mean fibroid volume reduction between intramural, submucosal, and subserosal fibroids. Thus, we introduced a novel characteristic by which to classify uterine fibroids based upon border appearance on MR imaging. rates between smooth and lobulated fibroids. Further, our analysis did not reveal any difference based upon fibroid location in overall volume reduction after embolization.
Effects of dietary aflatoxin and sodium bentonite on some hormones in broiler chickens

In this study, 72 one-day-old, male, Avian race, broiler chicks were used. The birds were divided into 6 equal groups. While the first group was kept as a control, groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 received for 45 d the feed containing 0.25% of sodium bentonite, 0.5% of sodium bentonite, 1 ppm of aflatoxin (AF) (approximately, 85% B1, 10% B2, 3% G1 and 2% G2), 0.25% of sodium bentonite with 1 ppm of AF, and 0.5% of sodium bentonite with 1 ppm of AF, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, blood was collected and plasma was separated. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), testosterone, and growth hormone (GH) levels were measured. A significant decrease was detected in plasma T3 and T4 levels in groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and a significant increase in plasma testosterone level in groups 2, 4, 5 and 6, compared to the control group. FA and sodium bentonite, which were given alone, were found to be effective on T3, T4, and testosterone contents. In the case of their combination, there was no certain evidence that the adsorbent ameliorated the effects of AF. Therefore these parameters could not be used in in vivo studies of binding the FA with sodium bentonite in broiler chickens.
New study of geometry effect on chiral metamateri-al nanostructures

In this paper, the Comsol Multiphysics version 5.0 is used to study the effect of geometric parameters on transmission of chiral metamaterial nanostructures. The angle of the chiral metamaterial element was varied to see his effect. Transmission coefficient (S 21 ) and reflection coefficient (S 11 ) are computed. In the case of nano chiral metamaterial structure, and depending on the application, the electromagnetic behavior can be adjusted by changing the angle of the chiral element.
Determinants of Sustainability of Paddy Rice Production in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study examined the determinants of sustainability of paddy rice production in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 300 rice farmers from three states out of the nine states in the region based on their strength in rice production Data were collected using structured and validated questionnaire. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used in the study. The field results showed that, only two variables, sex and age were inversely proportional to sustainability while others; total household size, farm size, seed input, hired labor and fertilizer application were directly proportional to sustainability which implied that the higher the values of these variables the higher the sustainability level of farmers production system in the study area, It was concluded that rice production is highly sustainable in the area and that farmers should be encouraged by extension agents to use more of internal inputs to improve their sustainability through constant visitation and evaluation of their farm activities. Keywords: Sustainability, Determinants, Paddy Rice Production, Niger Delta.
IMPACT OF ENFORCEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ATTRIBUTES ON PERFORMANCE

Since 2005, consolidated financial statements of European listed groups have been prepared according to IFRS. Nevertheless, the recent economic crisis on top of financial scandals has highlighted the role of oversight agencies and the importance of corporate governance. The purpose of this study is to look into the impact of corporate governance and the work of the Spanish Securities Exchange Commission (CNMV) on the performance of Spanish listed groups; as well as observing the links between enforcement actions and corporate governance. In a sample of 116 Spanish listed groups during the period 2005-2011 we have applied structural equations model (SEM) for hypothesis testing. The results obtained suggest there is a significant positive relationship between the corporate governance variables and company performance and a significant negative relationship between enforcement and performance. We also identify a significant positive relationship between enforcement action and corporate governance, which validates the theoretical model proposed.
What saplings can tell us about forest expansion over natural grasslands

Abstract Questions: 1. Do the species composition, richness and diversity of sapling communities vary significantly in differently sized patches? 2. Do forest patches of different sizes differ in woody plant colonization patterns? Location: São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 29°28′ S, 50°13′ W. Methods: Three woody vegetation types, differing in structural development (patch size) and recovering for 10 years from cattle and burning disturbances, were sampled on grassland. We analysed the composition and complexity of the woody sapling communities, through relative abundance, richness and diversity patterns. We also evaluated recruitment status (residents vs. colonizers) of species in communities occurring in different forest patch size classes. Results: 1. There is a compositional gradient in sapling communities strongly associated with forest patch area. 2. Richness and diversity are positively correlated to patch area, but only in poorly structured patches; large patches present richness and diversity values similar to small patches. 3. Resident to colonizer abundance ratio increases from nurse plants to large patches. The species number proportion between residents and colonizers is similar in small and large patches and did not differ between these patch types. 4. Large patches presented a high number of exclusive species, while nurse plants and small patches did not. Conclusions: Woody plant communities in Araucaria forest patches are associated with patch structure development. Richness and diversity patterns are linked to patch colonization patterns. Generalist species colonize the understorey of nurse plants and small patches; resident species cannot recruit many new individuals. In large patches, sapling recruitment by resident adults precludes the immigration of new species into the patches, limiting richness and diversity. Nomenclature: APG 2003; Anon. 2005).
The effects of He I λ10830 on helium abundance determinations

Observations of helium and hydrogen emission lines from metal-poor extragalactic H II regions, combined with estimates of metallicity, provide an independent method for determining the primordial helium abundance, Yp. Traditionally, the emission lines employed are in the visible wavelength range, and the number of suitable lines is limited. Furthermore, when using these lines, large systematic uncertainties in helium abundance determinations arise due to the degeneracy of physical parameters, such as temperature and density. Recently, Izotov, Thuan, & Guseva (2014) have pioneered adding the He I λ10830 infrared emission line in helium abundance determinations. The strong electron density dependence of He I λ10830 makes it ideal for better constraining density, potentially breaking the degeneracy with temperature. We revisit our analysis of the dataset published by Izotov, Thuan, & Stasi'nska (2007) and incorporate the newly available observations of He I λ10830 by scaling them using the observed-to-theoretical Paschen-gamma ratio. The solutions are better constrained, in particular for electron density, temperature, and the neutral hydrogen fraction, improving the model fit to data, with the result that more spectra now pass screening for quality and reliability, in addition to a standard 95% confidence level cut. Furthermore, the addition of He I λ10830 decreases the uncertainty on the helium abundance for all galaxies, with reductions in the uncertainty ranging from 10–80%. Overall, we find a reduction in the uncertainty on Yp by over 50%. From a regression to zero metallicity, we determine Yp = 0.2449 ± 0.0040, consistent with the BBN result, Yp = 0.2470 ± 0.0002, based on the Planck determination of the baryon density. The dramatic improvement in the uncertainty from incorporating He I λ10830 strongly supports the case for simultaneous (thus not requiring scaling) observations of visible and infrared helium emission line spectra.