Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric pressure changes in the Arctic from 1801 to 1920

In this article, the results of an investigation into the atmospheric pressure conditions in the Arctic in the period from 1801 to 1920 are presented. For this period, which can be described as ‘early instrumental’, limited meteorological data exist from a network of regular stations. As a result, in order to get at least a rough idea of pressure conditions in the Arctic in the study period, data from different land and marine expeditions were collected. A total of 94 pressure series of monthly means have been gathered, the duration of which is usually less than 2 years. While the area and time periods covered by the data are variable, it is still possible to describe the general character of the pressure conditions. The results show that the areally averaged Arctic pressure in the early instrumental period (1861–1920) was 0.8 hPa lower than today (1961–1990). Lower values of atmospheric pressure were also observed in all study regions, excluding the Atlantic. The greatest negative differences (−2.1 hPa) have been found for the Canadian Arctic. The greatest changes between the historical and present times were noted in all winter months and in winter as a whole (−1.9 hPa), while in summer and autumn they were very small and their average differences came to − 0.1 and − 0.2 hPa, respectively. Comparison of historical and contemporary annual courses of atmospheric pressure in the whole of the Arctic and in its particular regions reveals general consonance. There is evidence to show that changes in Arctic atmospheric pressure during the whole study period were insignificant. Atmospheric pressure in the first International Polar Year (IPY) period (September 1882 to July 1883) was, on average, 1.4 hPa higher than in modern period (1961–1990). The greatest positive seasonal differences between historical and contemporary pressure values occurred in autumn (2.6 hPa), while the lowest were in winter (only 0.2 hPa). Spatial patterns of average annual and seasonal atmospheric pressure in the Arctic were very similar to present day ones. The pressure differences calculated between historical and modern mean monthly values show that almost all of them lie within one standard deviation from present long‐term mean (1961–1990). Thus, this means that the atmospheric pressure in the early instrumental period was not significantly different to that of the present day. Recent, commonly used gridded datasets of the sea level atmospheric pressure (HadSLP2 and the 20th Century Reanalysis Project) reveal quite a large positive bias in the period 1850–1920 in comparison to the real data from the instrumental observations. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Susceptibility versus resilience to mountain hazards in Austria - paradigms of vulnerability revisited

Abstract. The concept of vulnerability is pillared by multiple disciplinary theories underpinning either a technical or a social origin of the concept and resulting in a range of paradigms for either a qualitative or quantitative assessment of vulnerability. However, efforts to reduce susceptibility to hazards and to create disaster-resilient communities require intersections among these theories, since human activity cannot be seen independently from the environmental setting. Acknowledging different roots of disciplinary paradigms, issues determining structural, economic, institutional and social vulnerability are discussed with respect to mountain hazards in Austria. It is argued that structural vulnerability as originator results in considerable economic vulnerability, generated by the institutional settings of dealing with natural hazards and shaped by the overall societal framework. If vulnerability and its counterpart, resilience, is analysed and evaluated by using a comprehensive approach, a better understanding of the vulnerability-influencing parameters could be achieved, taking into account the interdependencies and interactions between the disciplinary foci. Thereby the overall aim of this paper is not to develop another integrative approach for vulnerability assessment, different approaches are rather applied by using a vulnerability-of-place criterion, and key issues of vulnerability are reconsidered aiming at a general illustration of the situation in a densely populated mountain region of Europe.
Restoration of PRG2 Expression by 5-Azacytidine Involves in Sensitivity of PKC-412 (Midostaurin) Resistant FLT3-ITD Positive Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Cells

Background: Tumor-suppressor genes Tumour suppressor genes (TSG) are inactivated by methylation in several cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Transcriptional silencing of PRG2 gene could be involved in development and progression of cancers. 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza) is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor that causes DNA de-methylation resulting in re-expression of silenced TSG. Midostaurin (PKC412) is a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that potently inhibits FLT3 tyrosine kinase and induces hematological remission in patients with AML. However, majority of AML patients in clinical trials developed resistance to PKC412. Methods: Resistant cells were developed by overexposure of MV4-11 cells to PKC-412 and treated with 5-Aza. Apoptosis and cytotoxicity of PKC-412 were determined using Annexin V and MTS assays, respectively. Gene expression profiling was performed using microarray followed by quantitative real-time PCR. STATs activity was examined using Western bloting and methylation of PRG2 was studied using pyrosequencing analysis. Results: The cytotoxic dose of PKC-412 on resistant cells was significantly higher than parental and MV4-11Rpkc+5-Aza cells (p=0.003). The resistant cells showed significant higher viability and lower apoptotic cells compared to other cells (p<0.001). Expression of PRG2 was more than 300 folds higher in MV4-11R-pkc+5-Aza cells compared to parental and resistant cells (p=0.001). STAT3 was activated in resistant cells. Methylation of PRG2 gene was significantly decreased in MV4-11R-pkc+5-Aza cells. Conclusion: The restoration of PRG2 expression induces sensitivity towards PKC-412 and an increased in cell death. Our findings suggest that PRG2 gene could play a role in the sensitivity to PKC-412 and serve as a target for treatment of AML patients resistant to PKC-412 tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
A Meshfree Approach for the Numerical Solution of Nonlinear sine-Gordon Equation

A numerical method based on radial basis functions (RBFs) is proposed for the numerical solution of nonlinear sine-Gordon equation. The numerical method is based on scattered data interpolation along with basis functions known as radial basis functions (RBFs). The spatial derivatives are approximated by the derivatives of interpolation and a low order scheme is used to approximate temporal derivative. The scheme is tested for single soliton, collision of breathers and soliton doublets. The results obtained from the method are compared with the exact solutions and the earlier work.
A Firm-Specific Analysis of Taiwan Foreign Exchange Rate Exposure: A Panel Data Approach

This study investigates the determinants of Taiwanese foreign exchange exposure, using firm-specific operational and financial variables from 1990 to 2010. After testing six hypotheses on the relationship between variables and level of exposure, we find 7 statistically significant determinants which is a quite large number, compared to the relevant literature. Foreign operations, size, liquidity, profitability and hedging have all an impact on exposure. The ratio export to sales, total assets, the ratio current assets to total assets and option hedging increase the level of exposure, while net sales, net income and forward hedging decrease it. This research provides a better understanding of Taiwanese exposure. If a variable increases the level of exposure, it means that it is related to a benefit from an appreciation of the domestic currency.
The Photosynthetic Characteristics in Chaling Common Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) under the Cold Stress

Chaling common wild rice (CWR, Oryza rufipogon Griff.), distributed in Chaling county, Hunan province, China, is one of the only two wild rice populations grown northernmost in the world. Although the cold tolerance of Chaling CWR is extremely strong, its photosynthetic characteristics under the cold stress remain unknown. In this study, we determined the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), total chlorophyll (Chl) and total carotenoid (Car) contents, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), apparent quantum yield (AQY), and carboxylation efficiency (CE) of leaves from Chaling CWR at tiller stage under cold stress (15 ℃) and normal temperature condition (28 ℃). These photosynthetic parameters were compared with standard rice cultivars including typical indica Guangluai 4, indica Y liangyou 1 (a Chinese super high grain yield hybrid), and typical japonica Nipponbare under the same conditions. All photosynthetic parameters in Chaling CWR were significantly (P £ 0.05 or P £ 0.01) higher than those in standard rice cultivars under the cold stress. The ratios of these parameters from Chaling CWR under the cold stress to those under the normal temperature were 47.9% ~ 84.9%, much higher than those from standard rice cultivars, which were 3.1% ~ 73.8%. Taken together, these data show the photosynthetic characteristics of Chaling CWR under the cold stress are excellent. The finding would generate an enormous benefit if the trait of the cold stress tolerance of Chaling CWR is transferred to the cultivated rice via the breeding or other genetic approaches.
The Subject of Functional Foods: Accounts of Using Foods Containing Phytosterols

This paper explores the notion of the late modern or reflexive subject, for whom consumption, rationality, autonomy and a reflexive attitude to risk are said to be constitutive. Drawing on an example of ‘ordinary’ health consumption (GRONOW and WARDE, 2001), the paper addresses what kinds of consumer identities emerge in people's talk about buying or eating foods containing phytosterols. These are ‘functional foods’ which are marketed on the basis that they actively lower cholesterol. Based on interviews with people who say that they buy or eat these foods, the analysis focuses on participants’ reported trajectories relating to how this came about. Participants’ accounts contain a number of explicit and implicit reasons for buying or eating the foods, which I characterise as agential, contextual, or non-agential, depending on the degree to which they draw on the agency of the actual purchaser or eater. These different types of explanations can be ordered in terms of their appeals to rationality, risk consciousness and autonomy. In agential explanations, people talk, for example, of doing something good for themselves, or experimenting with the foods. These explanations explicitly position consumers as health conscious, autonomous and rational to varying degrees. Contextual explanations drew on, for example, the role of doctors or family history in alerting people to a potential problem. These suggest both a different sense of risk consciousness, which may be prompted or contextual, and a less autonomous kind of consumer who is connected to others through a set of family and other relationships. Non-agential explanations, for example, where people attributed their consumption to others or to habit, appeal neither to the rationality, the health consciousness nor the autonomy of the actual consumer. The analysis helps to reinforce the potentially contextual or fluctuating nature of risk consciousness, and the relational and non-instrumental aspects of daily practices.
A cross-cultural comparison of emotional and cognitive reactions toward new food safety risks as a consequence of climate change and globalization

Climate change and globalization increase the possible occurrence of new food safety risks on fresh produce. Hence, food risk communication needs to be carried out worldwide. This research investigates how consumers in different European countries respond to communication about these new food safety risks. Cross cultural differences between Serbia, Spain, Norway and Belgium, with regard to affective reactions, risk perception, trust, and behavioral intentions are analyzed. Both the emotional and cognitive reactions differ significantly between the countries, as well as the interplay between them, and the behavioral intentions. Hence, the communication strategy needs to be adapted on a national level.
Nonlinear rock physics model for estimation of 3D subsurface stress in anisotropic formations: Theory and laboratory verification

We develop a rock physics model based on nonlinear elasticity that describes the dependence of the effective stiffness tensor as a function of a 3D stress field in intrinsically anisotropic formations. This model predicts the seismic velocity of both P- and S-waves in any direction for an arbitrary 3D stress state. Therefore, the model overcomes the limitations of existing empirical velocity-stress models that link P-wave velocity in isotropic rocks to uniaxial or hydrostatic stress. To validate this model, we analyze ultrasonic velocity measurements on stressed anisotropic samples of shale and sandstone. With only three nonlinear constants, we are able to predict the stress dependence of all five elastic medium parameters comprising the transversely isotropic stiffness tensor. We also show that the horizontal stress affects vertical S-wave velocity with the same order of magnitude as vertical stress does. We develop a weakanisotropy approximation that directly links commonly measured anisotropic Thomsen parameters to the principal stresses. Each Thomsen parameter is simply a sum of corresponding background intrinsic anisotropy and stressinduced contribution. The stress-induced part is controlled by the difference between horizontal and vertical stresses and coefficients depending on nonlinear constants. Thus, isotropic rock stays isotropic under varying but hydrostatic load, whereas transversely isotropic rock retains the same values of dimensionless Thomsen parameters. Only unequal horizontal and vertical stresses alter anisotropy. Since Thomsen parameters conveniently describe seismic signatures, such as normal-moveout velocities and amplitudevariation-with-offset gradients, this approximation is suitable for designing new methods for the estimation of 3D subsurface stress from multicomponent seismic data.
Internal branding in organization in the context of internal corporate communication

The article presents the issues of important area of communication management in an organization – the concept of internal branding. According to some authors, internal branding is the domain of marketing. But at the same time, it should be noted that this phenomenon is a subject of interest of researchers and practitioners in the area of marketing and human resources (HR). Internal branding has been presented in the article in the frames of the concept of corporate internal communication. The author attempted to show the interdisciplinary nature of this phenomenon. It is particularly important to look on this subject, in terms of the necessity of obtaining synergy in the field of marketing, human resource and brand management. The aim of the article is to identify the degree of involvement of the organizations in activities in the field of brand management in its such aspects, as: e.g. internal branding and employer branding. The review of literature in the field of internal branding, examples of good practices and also results of study conducted by the author has been presented in the paper. This is the research article.
Circuit configurations and performance of the active common-noise canceler for reduction of common-mode voltage generated by voltage-source PWM inverters

This paper discusses two different circuit configurations of the active common-noise canceler (ACC) which has been proposed by the authors. One is characterized by its DC power supply isolated from the DC link of a PWM inverter. The configuration makes it possible to integrate the ACC with a medium-voltage PWM inverter. The other compensates a partial frequency component of the common-mode voltage. The purpose is not to achieve complete cancellation, but to restrict only a slope in a change of the common-mode voltage applied to an AC motor. As a result, the core size of the common-mode transformer used in the ACC becomes considerably small. Experimental results show good effects of the proposed active circuits on both ground current and conducted EMI.
Evolution of monosaccharides of honey over 3 years: influence of induced granulation.

Summary Evolution of fructose and glucose over 30 months was researched in sixty fresh and unheated samples of honey collected in areas with typical Continental and Oceanic climates. Samples were stored at room temperature and analysed every 5 months. Influence of induced granulation process was also studied. Evolution patterns of both sugars were similar for all samples. We observed that both monosaccharides decreased with time being the evolution highly dependent on the initial pH of the samples. The lower the initial pH, the greater the decrease of monosaccharides. Induced granulation showed no influence on the evolution of fructose and glucose.
Preliminary studies on the ecology of Mbasa (Opsaridium microlepis (Gunther)) in Lake Nyasa around the Ruhuhu River

The ecology of Opsaridium microlepis was studied in Lake Nyasa around the Ruhuhu River. The species is endemic to the lake and is economically very important. The catches of O. microlepis have declined tremendously and it is now regarded as a threatened species. The main objective of the study was to determine the probable reasons for the decline in the species populations in the Ruhuhu River. The species was found to make spawning runs in the river during the dry season when the water turbidity was low. Juveniles of O. microlepis descended into the lake when they were about six months old with a standard length of about 5.1 cm and became pelagic at about one year old. Adult O. microlepis making the runs were found to have a mean fork length of 60 cm and mean fecundity of 54,500 eggs. The study showed that turbidity of the Ruhuhu River may be the main determinant which governs when the species spawns.
The moderating role of ownership and board structure in the effect of corporate social responsibility on firm performance

Engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities can be a costly investment for firms and it is not guaranteed that it leads to a better firm performance. Several researchers indicate that there are missing elements that have a mediating or moderating role in this relationship. This study investigates the moderating role of ownership and board structure in the effect of CSR on firm performance. In more detail, three ownership structures (ownership concentration, managerial ownership and institutional ownership) and two board structures (board size and board independence) are examined. An ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis is conducted analyzing a sample of Dutch listed firms. Results find no consistent evidence that CSR activities lead to a better firm performance, neither that ownership or board structures moderate this relationship. However, other interesting results emerged which need further research to assess the validity and consistency of these results. This study mainly contributes to the scarce research that has been conducted in the Dutch context on this topic and the moderating role of corporate governance in the effect of CSR on firm performance. Keywords: corporate social responsibility (CSR), firm performance, corporate governance, ownership structure, board structure, The Netherlands.
The Effects of Mood on Writing Apprehension, Writing Self-Efficacy, and Writing Performance

220 COPYRIGHT 2017 BY PSI CHI, THE INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY IN PSYCHOLOGY (VOL. 22, NO. 3/ISSN 2325-7342) In the American classic children’s story, The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, a little railroad train engine accepts the difficult task of pulling an unusually large load up a steep mountain railroad and eventually succeeds. In this story, the self-beliefs and positive emotional attitude of the train aided it in accomplishing its task. Similarly, research has indicated that the beliefs of students—particularly those of apprehension and self-efficacy—are connected to academic performance (Faigley, Daly, & Witte, 1981; Pajares & Johnson, 1994; Pajares, Johnson, & Usher, 2007; Sanders-Reio, Alexander, Reio, & Newman, 2014; Zorbaz, 2015). We designed the current study to understand the relationships between apprehension, self-efficacy, and performance in student writing at an undergraduate level, and the effects of mood on writing apprehension, writing self-efficacy, and writing performance. In academic settings, writing assignments remain tools used by educators to evaluate the progress and learning of students. Researchers also continue to explore the benefits of other uses for writing in the classroom. Although much of writing stems from learning-to-write paradigms, there is also a movement toward using writing-to-learn methods to help students comprehend the material taught in academic classroom settings (Bangert-Drowns, Hurley, & Wilkinson, 2004; Emig, 2007; Reynolds, Thaiss, Katkin, & Thompson, 2012). Mynlieff, Manogaran, Maurice, and Eddinger (2014) found that writing assignments with metacognitive components in undergraduate biology courses had a significant impact on student learning. With
Root Regeneration of Tilia Cord at a Cultivars After Transplanting in Response to Root Exposure and Soil Moisture Levels

Tilia cordata cultivars 'Glenleven' and 'Greenspire' were exposed to drying for various lengths of time between digging and planting and also subjected to four levels of available soil moisture after transplanting into large pots. The exposure between digging and planting reduced initial shoot growth but had no effect on root regeneration. Decreasing available soil moisture after transplanting significantly reduced the quantity of root regeneration. There was no difference between cultivars in response to the treatments. A treatment that maintained 100% available soil moisture in the root zone maximized root regeneration.
Effect of PVA and PDE on selected structural characteristics of extrusion-cooked starch foams

The aim of this work was to determine selected physical properties of biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS) filling foams manufactured by extrusion-cooking technique from different combinations of potato starch and two additives: poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA and Plastronfoam PDE. Foams were processed with seven starch/additives combinations at two different extruder-cooker’s screw rotational speeds. The densities of starch foams depended significantly on the additive type and content. The linear relationship between the Young modulus and the ultimate compression force and apparent density was found. The foams processed with the addition of PVA had low density, porosity and lower values of the Young modulus than the foams prepared with PDE.
Identification of Model Parameters of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposi-tion Flux on Building Materials for Compu-tational Fluid Dynamics

To maintain healthy and sanitary indoor air quality, development of effective decontamination measures for the indoor environment is important and hydrogen peroxide is often used as decontamination agent in healthcare environment. In this study, we focused on the decomposition phenomena of vaporized hydrogen peroxide on wall surfaces in indoor environment and discussed a wall surface decomposition model for vaporized hydrogen peroxide using computational fluid dynamics to simulate the concentration distributions of vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A major drawback to using numerical simulations is the lack of sufficient data on boundary conditions for various types of building materials and hence. We also conducted the fundamental chamber experiment to identify the model parameters of wall surface decomposition model for targeting five types of building materials.