Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANISORROPIA: the adjoint of the aerosol thermodynamic model ISORROPIA

Abstract. We present the development of ANISORROPIA, the discrete adjoint of the ISORROPIA thermodynamic equilibrium model that treats the Na + -SO 4 2− - HSO 4 − -NH 4 + -NO 3 − -Cl − -H 2 O aerosol system, and we demonstrate its sensitivity analysis capabilities. ANISORROPIA calculates sensitivities of an inorganic species in aerosol or gas phase with respect to the total concentrations of each species present with less than a two-fold increase in computational time over the concentration calculations. Due to the highly nonlinear and discontinuous solution surface of ISORROPIA, evaluation of the adjoint required a new, complex-variable version of the model, which determines first-order sensitivities with machine precision and avoids cancellation errors arising from finite difference calculations. The adjoint is verified over an atmospherically relevant range of concentrations, temperature, and relative humidity. We apply ANISORROPIA to recent field campaign results from Atlanta, GA, USA, and Mexico City, Mexico, to characterize the inorganic aerosol sensitivities of these distinct urban air masses. The variability in the relationship between fine mode inorganic aerosol mass and precursor concentrations shown has important implications for air quality and climate.
Effects of 20–100 nm particles on liquid clouds in the cleansummertime Arctic

Abstract. Observations addressing effects of aerosol particles on summertime Arctic clouds are limited. An airborne study, carried out during July 2014 from Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada, as part of the Canadian NETCARE project, provides a comprehensive in situ look into some effects of aerosol particles on liquid clouds in the clean environment of the Arctic summer. Median cloud droplet number concentrations (CDNC) from 62 cloud samples are 10 cm−3 for low-altitude cloud (clouds topped below 200 m) and 101 cm−3 for higher-altitude cloud (clouds based above 200 m). The lower activation size of aerosol particles is ≤ 50 nm diameter in about 40 % of the cases. Particles as small as 20 nm activated in the higher-altitude clouds consistent with higher supersaturations (S) for those clouds inferred from comparison of the CDNC with cloud condensation nucleus (CCN) measurements. Over 60 % of the low-altitude cloud samples fall into the CCN-limited regime of Mauritsen et al. (2011), within which increases in CDNC may increase liquid water and warm the surface. These first observations of that CCN-limited regime indicate a positive association of the liquid water content (LWC) and CDNC, but no association of either the CDNC or LWC with aerosol variations. Above the Mauritsen limit, where aerosol indirect cooling may result, changes in particles with diameters from 20 to 100 nm exert a relatively strong influence on the CDNC. Within this exceedingly clean environment, as defined by low carbon monoxide and low concentrations of larger particles, the background CDNC are estimated to range between 16 and 160 cm−3, where higher values are due to activation of particles ≤ 50 nm that likely derive from natural sources. These observations offer the first wide-ranging reference for the aerosol cloud albedo effect in the summertime Arctic.
Free space optical system performance for laser beam propagation through non-Kolmogorov turbulence

Free space laser system performance is limited by atmospheric turbulence that has been described for many years by Kolmogorov's power spectral density model because of its simplicity. Unfortunately several experiments have been reported recently that show Kolmogorov theory is sometimes incomplete to describe atmospheric statistics properly, in particular in portions of the troposphere and stratosphere. In this paper we present a Non-Kolmogorov power spectrum which uses a generalized exponent instead of constant standard exponent value 11/3 and a generalized amplitude factor instead of constant value 0.033. Using this new spectrum in weak turbulence, we carry out, for horizontal path, analysis of Long Term Beam Spread, Scintillation index, Probability of fade, mean SNR and mean BER as variation of the spectrum exponent.
On-Chip Interconnection Network with an E cient Parallel Bu er Structure and Generic Tra c Model

In this paper, we present two important topics indirectly related to the design and simulated analysis of Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures. In order to enhance the performance of the baseline router to achieve maximum throughput,a new parallel bu er architecture and its management scheme are introduced. By adopting an adjustable architecture that integrates a parallel bu er with each incoming port, the design complexity and its utilization can be optimized. By utilizing simulation-based performance evaluation and comparison with previous NoC architectures, its e ciency and superiority are proven. One of the key areas of research addressed in this work is to nd more realistic tra c models in order to properly test the bu er management schemes proposed in this work. Therefore, we introduce a generic tra c model for on-chip interconnection networks that is superior to previous techniques for NoC architectural performance evaluation. Our tra c model is based on three empirically-derived statistical characteristics using temporal and spatial distributions. With captured parameters, accurate tra c patterns can be generated recursively to show similar statistical characteristics of the observed on-chip networks.
Effects of pulse-length and emitter area on virtual cathode formation in electron guns

Recent experiments at the University of Maryland using photoemission from a dispenser cathode have yielded some interesting results regarding the effects of the area of emission and of the ratio between the pulse length and the gap transit time on the amount of current that may be drawn from an electron gun before a virtual cathode forms. The experiments show that a much higher current density may be drawn from a short pulse or limited emitter area than is anticipated by the Child–Langmuir limiting current. There is also evidence that the current may be increased even after virtual cathode formation, which leads a distinction between a limiting current density and a current density critical for virtual cathode formation. The experiments have also yielded some interesting results on the longitudinal structure of the current pulse passed through the anode. Some empirical and theoretical scaling laws regarding the formation of virtual cathodes in an electron gun will be presented. This work was motivated by the needs of the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER) [P. G. O’Shea, M. Reiser, R. A. Kishek et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A 464, 646 (2001)] where the goal is to generate pulses that are well-localized in time and space.
Use of Landsat TM Imagery in Determining Important Shorebird Habitat in the Outer Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories

Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery was examined to determine important habitats for shorebirds in the outer Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories. In June and July 1991 and 1992, 89 ground plots (200 X 200 m) in different habitats were censused for breeding shorebirds. Habitat type in ground plots was determined by observation and compared to the type identified at the site by an unsupervised Landsat classification technique. The most common species of shorebirds breeding in the area were red-necked phalaropes ( Phalaropus lobatus ) and common snipe ( Gallinago gallinago ), followed by semipalmated sandpipers ( Calidris pusilla ), stilt sandpipers ( C. himantopus ), pectoral sandpipers ( C. melanotos ), whimbrel ( Numenius phaeopus ), Hudsonian godwits ( Limosa haemastica ), lesser golden plovers ( Pluvialis dominica ), and semipalmated plovers ( Charadrius semipalmatus ). Long-billed dowitchers ( Limnodromus scolopaceus ) were rarely seen. Most species were concentrated in areas of low-centre polygons, sedge, and "low terrain" upland tundra (damp and tussocky). However, snipe were most common in dense willow habitat, and semipalmated plovers were found breeding only on sparsely vegetated gravel. Average density of breeding shorebirds in low-centre polygon or "pure" sedge habitat was 82 pairs per sq km in 1991 (SD=73.8), and 49 in 1992 (SD=49.5). Although the Landsat TM imagery analysis used here correctly identified habitat types near the original, intensively surveyed ("ground-truthed") area, it often misidentified habitats at some sites 10 to 30 km away, probably because of irregular flooding and subtle year-to-year differences in water levels in the active outer delta, and edge habitats too narrow to be distinguished by the satellite imagery. However, the technique can identify potential shorebird habitat roughly, and at least eliminate obviously unsuitable areas in large regions of the Arctic. Key words: shorebirds, Landsat TM, Mackenzie Delta, habitat
Fiscal Decentralisation and Economic Development in Nigeria: The Role of Democratic Institution

It is a time series analysis that investigates on the role of democratic institution in the relationship between fiscal decentralisation and economic development in Nigeria. The trend analysis clearly showed that sub-national expenditure is higher than sub-national revenue in Nigeria. The federally allocated expenditures to sub-national is far more than its corresponding allocated revenue in Nigeria and this becomes manifest from the year 1999 when the nation returned to civil rule up till 2014 under the administration of a dominant political party known as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Using multiple regression analysis, the empirical results revealed 1% increase in expenditure decentralisation and revenue decentralisation would retard economic performance by 11% and 21% respectively when democratic institution index is included as explanatory variable. The impact of democratic institution in the relationship between fiscal decentralisation and economic performance in Nigeria is however, weak, positive and statistically insignificant in Nigeria as 100% increase in expenditure decentralisation and revenue decentralisation only yield 4% and 5% economic performance respectively in Nigeria. This has resulted to a wide spread level of corruption in Nigeria among bureaucrats and politicians. The study therefore advocates for a strong government institution that will be transparent, accountable and also respect the rule of law for sustainability, effectiveness and timely service delivery.
Structural and functional patterns of active bacterial communities during aging of harpacticoid copepod fecal pellets

Copepod fecal pellet (fp) dissolved organic matter is consumed by free-living bacte- ria, while particulate matter is degraded by bacteria packed inside the fp ('internal') or attached to the fp surface after colonization from the environment (external). This study analyzed the con- tribution of 'internal' and external fp bacteria to the active bacterial community associated with the fp from 2 copepod species, Paramphiascella fulvofasciata and Platychelipus littoralis, during 60 h of fp aging in seawater. Despite early colonization (within 20 to 40 h), fp enrichment by sea- water bacteria, as deduced from RNA-based DGGE after 60 h, was limited. In contrast, 'internal' bacteria showed high phylotype richness. The majority of 'internal' bacterial phylotypes persisted on aged fp and together represented half of the active bacterial community. Food source strongly impacted 'internal' bacterial diversity, though the exact origin of fp 'internal' bacteria, as either undigested food-associated bacteria or as copepod gut bacteria, could not be unambiguously determined. 'Internal' bacteria of fresh fp showed a high functional diversity (based on Biolog assays) to which Vibrio sp. contributed significantly. In terms of bacterial diversity and functional potential, degradation of copepod fp by 'internal' bacteria is equally as important as degradation by bacteria which colonize fp from the outside.
Pathogenesis of uterine diseases in dairy cattle and implications for fertility

Abstract Uterine diseases in cattle occur at all stages of the reproduction cycle but the majority of cases is found in the postpartum period. The inflammation of the uterus is generally defined as metritis or endometritis, with several graduations, e.g. puerperal metritis, clinical metritis, clinical or subclinical endometritis. Whether uterine diseases have a negligible, moderate or detrimental effect on fertility is still under discussion and depends on definitions and classification. In the past, it was assumed that the pregnant uterus is free of pathogens, but recent studies found several species including pathogens in the uterus and endometrium of pregnant cows. After parturition, a broad diversity of bacteria with >200 different species has been found in the early postpartum period. Not all of these bacteria, however, are considered as pathogens. Furthermore, bacteriological findings provide only evidence for infection but not for inflammation. For some bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes pathogenic mechanism resulting in metritis and endometritis have been elucidated in detail. The role of bacteria that can be regarded as opportunistic or potential pathogens, e.g. Bacillus pumilus, is still under investigation. The understanding of the uterine microbiota and its interactions is increasing with the use of modern high-resolution techniques such as Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy. Endometrial cytology provides additional information about alterations in the endometrium. Knowledge of innate uterine defense mechanism in cattle has increased a lot in the recent past. It can be speculated that improving or modulating uterine defense mechanism will be part of future prevention and treatment approaches beyond the use of antimicrobials. In this context, cellular and molecular defense mechanisms have been in the focus of interest, e.g. the role of interleukins or mucins. This review gives a short overview on some aspects of recent research on uterine diseases in cattle.
Tailoring the Structure of Bioactive Glasses: From the Nanoscale to Macroporous Scaffolds

Bioactive glasses have played a very important role in the development of new materials for bone tissue regeneration. The development of new synthesis and manufacturing methods allows the preparation of bioactive glasses with new chemical compositions, nanoscaled features, customized morphologies, and pore architectures. The composition of glasses can be designed at the atomic-molecular level to ensure bioactivity and beneficial effects including capabilities for enhancing osteogenesis and vascularization or to exert bactericide action. Moreover, the glasses can be prepared as mesoporous bioactive glasses, exhibiting ordered arrangements of nanometric pores. Through the control of the microstructure, glasses can be prepared to achieve suitable interactions with living cells. Finally, the scaffolds obtained with bioactive glasses must display interconnected pores over 100 m to make possible bone cell ingrowths and angiogenesis. In this article, the advances in the field of bioactive glasses through the control of the chemical, nanometer scale, microstructural properties, and architectural features are presented and discussed. A detailed control of these four levels of matter organization will allow optimizing the biological response of bioactive glasses when used in bone tissue regeneration.
Predicting swimming performance using state anxiety

Competitive state anxiety is a common response to stressful competitive sports situations that could affect athletic performance. The effects of state anxiety on swimming performance need further inquiry. The aim of the study was to determine the component of state anxiety that best predicts swimming performance. A quantitative, cross-sectional study design that made use of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 to measure precompetitive state anxiety was used. A total of 61 male high school swimmers whose age ranged between 14 and 19 years (M = 16.16, standard deviation = 1.66 years) completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 1 hr before competing in a 50-m individual swimming event. Performance was evaluated using finishing position. Due to the relatively short duration of the 50-m event, the available literature would suggest that Somatic Anxiety would have a greater effect on Performance—there is not enough time to allow cognitive anxiety to have a detrimental impact on performance. Thus, it was hypothesized that somatic rather than cognitive anxiety will best predict swimming performance. It emerged that both cognitive (b = .787; p < .001) and somatic anxieties (b = .840; p < .001) can independently predict swimming performance. However, when both cognitive and somatic anxieties were regressed onto swimming performance, somatic anxiety partially dominated cognitive anxiety (b = .626; p < .001) and became the significant predictor of swimming performance. It is recommended that swimmers and swimming coaches make use of specific intervention strategies that eradicate the detrimental effects of somatic anxiety immediately before competition.
An Investigation on the Metric Threshold for Fault- Proneness

The software quality can be enhanced with the awareness and compassionate about the software faults. We acknowledge the impact of threshold of the object-oriented metrics on fault-proneness. The prediction of faultprone classes in early stage of the life-cycle assures you to allocate the resources effectively. In this paper, we proposed the logistic regression based statistical method and metric threshold to reduce the false alarm for projects that fall outside the risk range. We presented the threshold effects on public datasets collected from the NASA repository and validated the use of threshold on ivy and jedit datasets. The results concluded that proposed methodology achieves the speculative results with projects having similar characteristic.
A Time Series Analysis of Determinants of Private Investment in Ghana (1960-2010)

In recent time, Ghana has embarked on policies that aim to rebalance the role of public and private sector in the economy and thus emphasize private sector development. This paradigm shift is to encourage private investment and ultimately make private sector the engine of growth. The study is a time series analysis of private investment in Ghana covering annual data set from 1960-2010. The study employed the techniques of co-integration and error correction modeling, which provided mechanisms to deal with the problems of unit root faced in time series data. In all, the study provides evidence that inflation, exchange rate, public investment, GDP, trade openness, aid, credit and external debt both in a short run and long run significantly affect the level of private investment. Also applying the general to specific approach to error correction model, statistical results suggested the existence of stable long run co-integrating relationships between macroeconomic and other variables and private investment.
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Earth Surf

This paper analyses the topographic context of the remaining glaciated areas in the Maladeta Massif (Central Spanish Pyrenees). These ice-covered surfaces have been incorporated into a geographic information system (GIS) in an attempt at correlating the presence of ice with a range of topographic variables obtained from a digital elevation model. The use of generalized additive models and binary regression tree models enabled us (i) to quantify the spatial variability in the distribution of glaciers attributable to characteristics of the local terrain, (ii) to investigate the interaction between the variables that account for the ice cover distribution and (iii) to map the probability of glacier development. Our results show that although the development of glaciers depends on regional climate conditions, the topographic context is of paramount importance in determining the location, extent, shape and recent evolution of each glacial body. Thus, the joint effect of altitude, exposure to incoming solar radiation, slope and mean curvature is able to explain more than 70 per cent of the observed variance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilimenta of Philoponella vicina (Araneae: Uloboridae) and Gasteracantha cancriformis (Araneae: Araneidae): Evidence Against a Prey Attractant Function

Both the uloborid Philoponella vicina and the araneid Gasteracantha cancriformis spiders sometimes placed silk stabilimenta on non‐orb “resting webs” that consisted of only one or a few lines. These webs completely lacked sticky silk, so their stabilimenta could not function to attract prey. Some non‐orbs were built by spiders when their orb webs are damaged. These observations contradict the prey attraction camouflage hypothesis for stabilimentum function, but are compatible with the spider camouflage and web advertisement to avoid web destruction hypotheses.
Repellent Potential of Three Medicinal Plant Extracts against Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

| The present study was aimed to evaluate the repellent potential of Ricinus communis (L.), Jatropha curcas (L.) and Citrus paradise (MACF.) against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Plant materials (50 g powders of each of the plant was extracted on rotary shaker using four solvents viz.; methanol, chloroform, petroleum ether and n-hexane separately. Periodic analysis for the repellent effects was carried by impregnating each filter paper (half-disc of filter papers) with micropipette at three concentrations (5, 10 and15%) of each of the plant extract. The repellence was recorded after 24, 48 and 72 h of the treatments application. The findings of experimental trials presented significant mean repellency 79.15% of T. castaneum (with methanolic extract of C. paradise) followed by 76.21% (with R. communis extract) and 63.36% (in J.curcus extract) at 15% concentration, after exposure period of 24 h. Comparatively low mean repellency 58.45, 54.24 and 42.57% was observed at same concentration after exposure period of 72 h. Least repellency (11.23%) was recorded at 5% concentration of n-hexane based extract of J. curcus after exposure period of 72 h. Repellency was found significantly influenced by concentrations of plant extracts and the exposure time. Overall results showed that methanolic extracts were more effective than other three solvents and extract of C. paradise was found comparatively more effective and R. communis was found effective than C. paradise. Repellency varied inversely with increase of exposure time. Hence, these findings underlined the potential repellent effects of both plant extracts and highlighted their efficient use as ecofriendly stored food protectants instead of hazardous synthetic pesticides. Article History Received: May 17, 2018 Revised: July 27, 2018 Accepted: August 05, 2018 Published: September 21, 2018 Authors’ Contributions HR and SM perceived idea and elaborated it. HR, MH and QA expand experimental set up. HR, QA and MY performed experiment, collected and arranged data. HR and SM wrote manuscript. MH and SM made final editing. All authors read and agreed for submission of current form of manuscript.