Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TOXICODISTRIBUTION OF MERCURY AND SELENIUM RECOMMENDED: APPROVED: IN PINNIPEDS OF ALASKA

This study is divided into two major parts (chapters) in order to better understand mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) tissue distribution in pinnipeds. The first part of the study focuses on determining total mercury ([THg]) and selenium ([TSe]) concentrations (mass and molar based) among cardiac and renal tissues of ice seals (focus on bearded seals, Erignathus barbatus) as compared to the more traditionally analyzed tissues (e.g. liver, skeletal muscle). Determining Hg distribution within these tissues is essential in establishing sampling methods for biomonitoring, histopathology and biochemistry of Hg. Age was determined to be an important driver of [THg] and Se:Hg molar ratios in heart and kidney. In bearded seals [THg] varied by heart region and therefore future studies should use consistent sampling methods in order to determine and compare [THg]. Despite the differences in seal kidney structure when compared to many terrestrial mammals, the kidney cortex was the main accumulation site for Hg within the kidney of bearded seals and requires consideration in sampling designs. Se:Hg molar ratios greater than 1 in all tissues can be considered a baseline for normal Se concentrations under relatively low [THg]. The second part of the study focuses on THg and TSe distribution in Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pup tissues in addition to THg tissular and body burdens. Hair had the highest [THg] in all 5 Steller sea lion pups as compared to other tissue compartments. Since these pups were 1-2 months of age, the hair (lanugo) sampled was a good indicator of Hg exposure via maternal placental transfer (in utero) and potentially a good indicator of individual THg tissue burdens. The percent of total Hg body burden for many organs in Steller sea lion pups was similar to that found in Pacific harbor seals. The Se:Hg molar ratios were between 1 and 50 in all tissues of 4 of the 5 pups while the pup with the highest [THg] in all tissues, had Se:Hg molar ratios of 0.7 or less in 9 of 14 tissues indicating that this animal may have limited Se-dependent protection related to Hg toxicosis.
Coronal activity cycles in 61 Cygni

Context. While the existence of stellar analogues of the 11 years solar activity cycle is proven for dozens of stars from optical observations of chromospheric activity, the observation of clearly cyclical coronal activity is still in its infancy. Aims. In this paper, long-term X-ray monitoring of the binary 61 Cygni is used to investigate possible coronal activity cycles in moderately active stars. Methods. We are monitoring both stellar components, a K5V (A) and a K7V (B) star, of 61 Cyg with XMM-Newton. The first four years of these observations are combined with ROSAT HRI observations of an earlier monitoring campaign. The X-ray light curves are compared with the long-term monitoring of chromospheric activity, as measured by the Mt.Wilson CaII H+K S -index. Results. Besides the observation of variability on short time scales, long-term variations of the X-ray activity are clearly present. For 61 Cyg A we find a coronal cycle which clearly reflects the well-known and distinct chromospheric activity cycle. The changes of coronal properties during the cycle resemble the solar behaviour. The coronal activity of 61 Cyg B also follows the chromospheric variability, although a pronounced sinusoidal chromospheric cycle of large amplitude is not noticeable. This is also reflected in the XMM-Newton observations with a rather complex long-term variability during that time. Conclusions. 61 Cyg A is the first star where a persistent coronal activity cycle has been observed.
Once again on the supersonic flow separation near a corner

Laminar boundary-layer separation in the supersonic flow past a corner point on a rigid body contour, also termed the compression ramp, is considered based on the viscous–inviscid interaction concept. The ‘triple-deck model’ is used to describe the interaction process. The governing equations of the interaction may be formally derived from the Navier–Stokes equations if the ramp angle θ is represented as θ = θ0Re−1/4, where θ0 is an order-one quantity and Re is the Reynolds number, assumed large. To solve the interaction problem two numerical methods have been used. The first method employs a finite-difference approximation of the governing equations with respect to both the streamwise and wall-normal coordinates. The resulting algebraic equations are linearized using a Newton–Raphson strategy and then solved with the Thomas-matrix technique. The second method uses finite differences in the streamwise direction in combination with Chebychev collocation in the normal direction and Newton–Raphson linearization. Our main concern is with the flow behaviour at large values of θ0. The calculations show that as the ramp angle θ0 increases, additional eddies form near the corner point inside the separation region. The behaviour of the solution does not give any indication that there exists a critical value θ*0 of the ramp angle θ0, as suggested by Smith & Khorrami (1991) who claimed that as θ0 approaches θ*0, a singularity develops near the reattachment point, preventing the continuation of the solution beyond θ*0. Instead we find that the numerical solution agrees with Neiland's (1970) theory of reattachment, which does not involve any restriction upon the ramp angle.
Stable marker-trait associations for growth across different ages in Eucalyptus cladocalyx through the use of microsatellites

Stability of quantitative trait loci (QTL) across different ages is of particular interest in tree breeding programs. This study aimed to identify stable marker-trait associations for growth in 47 half-sib families of Eucalyptus cladocalyx across different ages using microsatellite markers. Total tree height (H) was measured at ages 3, 9, 10 and 13 years (H03, H09, H10 and H13, respectively), while diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured at ages 9, 10 and 13 years (DBH09, DBH10 and DBH13, respectively). Based on a mixed modeling approach (REML/BLUP), growth traits were found to be moderately heritable ranging from h2 = 0.15 to h2 = 0.29 for H, and from h2 = 0.16 to h2 = 0.22 for DBH. The marker EMBRA208 was statistically consistent at all ages studied for tree height, and the markers EMBRA191, EMBRA208 and EMBRA32 for DBH, indicating high stability across different ages of E. cladocalyx. These results have important practical implications for marker-assisted selection.
9-1-2003 Self-Monitoring and Consumer Behavior

In the present research, the relationship between the psychological construct of self-monitoring (Snyder, 1974) and consumer behavior is investigated. The word association study undertaken for the present paper was deliberately unstructured. This type of methodology provides respondents with a context free environment in which contents of fruit and vegetable knowledge structures can be elicited. This is the first such study that examines self-monitoring in a free-recall situation, and the results are instructive in providing more information on the specific nature of self-monitoring effects. Furthermore, the results of this study demonstrate a relationship between two sub-disciplines of psychology, namely self-monitoring (Snyder, 1974) and decision-making (Damasio, 1994; Epstein, 1997; Hammond, 1996).
Expectations, employment and prices: a suggested interpretation of the new 'farmerian' economics

This paper aims at providing a critical assessment of the new ‘Farmerian’ economics, i.e. the recent Farmer’s attempt to provide a new micro-foundation of the General Theory grounded on modern search and business cycle theories. Specifically, I develop a theoretical model that summarizes the main arguments of the suggested approach by showing that a special importance has to be attached to the search mechanism, the choice of units and ‘animal spirits’ modelling. Thereafter, referring to self-made real-business-cycle experiments, I discuss the main empirical implications of the resulting framework. Finally, I consider its policy implications by stressing the problematic nature of demand management interventions and the advisability of extending the role of the central bank in preventing financial bubbles and crashes.
The immature stages of the necrophagous fly Liopiophila varipes and considerations on the genus Liopiophila (Diptera: Piophilidae)

The preimaginal stages of Liopiophila varipes (Meigen, 1830) (Diptera: Piophilidae), the only species of the genus Liopiophila Duda, are described. The first and second-instar larvae and the puparium are described for the first time. The morphology of the third-in star larva is described in detail and compared with previous descriptions. Despite recent classifications suggested considering Liopiophila as a synonym of Prochyliza Walker, the presence of two rows of spines on the ventral creeping welts and fan-shaped anterior spiracles with lobes arranged in two groups in larvae and puparium support the validity of Liopiophila as a genus and its consideration as the sister group of the genus Stearibia Lioy. A key to the genera of the subtribe Piophilina based on the known larvae is provided.
Investigating Adoption/Non-Adoption of Cell Phones for Financial Transactions in South Africa

The adoption of cell phones in South Africa has been phenomenal, yet the use of cell phones for financial transactions has been minimal. This paper identifies and examines the process leading to the adoption/nonadoption decision in order to gain a better understanding of why this innovation has not as yet diffused widely. The study was conducted using a grounded theory approach. The factors that were found to have an influence on the adoption decision were resistance to change, exposure, relative advantage, perceived ease-of-use, perceived risk and cost. These were incorporated into a framework depicting the relationships and interactions between these categories.
Synergistic Use of Remote Sensing and Modeling for Tracing Dust Storms in the Mediterranean

This study focuses on the detection of the dust source region and monitoring of the transport of the dust plume from its primary outflow to final deposition. The application area is the Sahara desert and the eastern Mediterranean, where two dust events occurred during the period 4–6 February 2009, an unusual event for a winter period. The Aqua-MODIS and OMI observations clearly define the spatial distribution of the dust plumes, while the CALIPSO observations of total attenuated backscatter (TAB) at 532 nm, depolarization ratio (DR), and attenuated color ratio (1064/532 nm) on 5 February 2009 provide a clear view and vertical structure of the dust-laden layer. The dust source region is defined to be near the Chad-Niger-Libyan borders, using satellite observations and model (DREAM) output. This dust plume is vertically extended up to 2.5 km and is observed as a mass plume of dust from surface level to that altitude, where the vertical variation of TAB (0.002 to 0.2) and DR (0.2–0.5) implies dust-laden layer with non-spherical particles. CALIPSO profiles show that after the dust plume reached at its highest level, the dust particles start to be deposited over the Mediterranean and the initial dust plume was strongly attenuated, while features of dust were limited below about 1–1.5 km for latitudes northern of ~36° (Greek territory).
Impact of vermicompost and composted farmyard manure on growth and yield of garlic (Allium stivum L.) field crop

The efforts were made to study the impact of vermicomposted and composted farmyard manure (FYM) along with some combination of NPK fertilizers, on field crop of garlic (Allium stivum L.). A total of six experimental plots were prepared: T1 (recommended doze of NPK), T2 (vermicompost @ 15t/ha), T3 (20 t/ha vermicompost), T4 (15t/ha vermicompost + 50 % NPK), T5 (15t/ha farmyard manure), and T6 (farmyard manure 15t/ha + 100% recommended NPK) to test the plant production patterns, under field conditions. The maximum range of some plant parameters i.e. root length, shoot length, leaf length, fruit weight, number of cloves in garlic fruit and number of leaves per plant was in the T4 treatment plot. Also, the average fruit weight was approximately 26.4% greater in T4 than recommended NPK treatment plot (T1). The vermicomposted FYM showed a comparatively better result of plant production than composted manure. The plant growth results indicate the presence of some growth-promoting substances in worm-processed material (vermicompost). The vermicomposted FYM also contained a considerable amount of some essential plant micronutrients e.g. Cu (0.973 mg kg -1 ), Fe (8.68 mg kg -1 ), Mn (13.64 mg kg -1 ) and Zn (16.91 g kg -1 ) that might be responsible for better plant growth and productivity. This study suggests that vermicomposted manures may be a potential source of plant nutrients for sustainable crop production.
Annual Patterns of Molt and Reproductive Activity of Passerines in South-Central Brazil

Abstract We analyzed the occurrence of molt and brood patches in resident passerines from four localities in south-central Brazil. The annual patterns of molt and reproductive activity were very similar among the sites. Brood patches first appeared in August, but were most common between October and January, with a peak in November, early in the rainy season. Molt started in October but was most widespread from the middle to the end of the rainy season, between December and April with a peak in February. Timing of the appearance of brood patches was not related to trophic guild (insectivores, frugivores, omnivores). Molt of flight feathers started at the end of the reproductive period, which varied slightly among trophic guilds. Molt and brood patch overlap occurred in little more than 4% of individual birds, or in less than 2% considering just those molting flight feathers. This overlap occurred mostly between November and February. Regional environmental factors, instead of local factors, seem to be responsible for the annual breeding and molt patterns of the considered species. Padrões Anuais de Muda e Atividade Reprodutiva de Passeriformes na Região Centro-Sul do Brasil Resumo. Este estudo analisa a ocorrência de muda de penas e reprodução em Passeriformes residentes em quatro localidades na região centro-sul do Brasil. A atividade reprodutiva foi inferida a partir da presença de placas de incubação ativas. Os padrões anuais de muda e reprodução apresentaram-se bastante similares entre as regiões estudadas. Placas de incubação começaram a ser detectadas em agosto, sendo mais comuns entre outubro e janeiro, com um pico em novembro, no início da estação chuvosa. O principal período de mudas começou em outubro, sendo mais intensas nos dois terços finais da estação chuvosa, entre dezembro e abril, com um pico em fevereiro. Os padrões de ocorrência de reprodução e mudas apresentaram pequenas diferenças entre diferentes guildas alimentares, e, de modo geral, o início do período de mudas esteve relacionado ao fim do período reprodutivo. Sobreposição entre mudas e placas de incubação foi detectada em pouco mais de 4% do total de indivíduos analisados, ou em menos de 2%, quando apenas indivíduos mudando penas de vôo foram considerados. Esta sobreposição ocorreu principalmente entre novembro e fevereiro. Os padrões ambientais regionais, mais que os locais, parecem influenciar os ciclos anuais das espécies analisadas.
IMPORTANCE OF SEVERE PULSE-TYPE GROUND MOTIONS IN PERFORMANCE-BASED ENGINEERING: HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL REVIEW

A historical review of the recorded earthquake ground motions, EQGMs, that contain severe pulses and of the studies that have been conducted regarding the effects of these pulses on the seismic performance of buildings is carried out. The studies conducted in the 1970's and 1980's indicate clearly that there were recorded EQGMs with severe acceleration pulses which were critical for the design of structures in which significant inelastic behavior (ductility) was acceptable.
A study of converter rating for Brushless DFIG wind turbines

This paper studies the converter rating requirement of a Brushless Doubly-Fed Induction Generator for wind turbine applications by considering practical constraints such as generator torque-speed requirement, reactive power management and grid low-voltage ride-through (LVRT). Practical data have been used to obtain a realistic system model of a Brushless DFIG wind turbine using steady-state and dynamic models. A converter rating optimization is performed based on the given constraints. The converter current and voltage requirements are examined and the resulting inverter rating is compared to optimization algorithm results. In addition, the effects of rotor leakage inductance on LVRT performance and hence converter rating is investigated.
Effect of Polyolefin Fiber on the Engineered Properties of Cement-Based Composites Containing Silica Fume

This study is aimed to evaluate the engineered properties of cement-based composites which comprise polyolefin fibers and silica fume in the mixes. Material variables include water-cementitious ratio, dosage of silica fume, polyolefin fiber length and dosage. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, direct tensile strength, resistivity, rapid chloride penetration test and microscopic observation were conducted. Test results indicate that the specimens containing silica fume have higher compressive strength than fiber and control specimens. The specimens with polyolefin fiber and silica fume have much higher tensile strength and ductility than the control and silica fume specimens. The specimens containing silica fume and polyolefin fiber demonstrate better resistance in chloride penetration than polyolefin fiber composites or silica fume composites. For a given volume fraction, short polyolefin fiber performs better than long polyolefin fiber in improving concrete properties. The specimen containing silica fume significantly increases in resistivity and decreases in total charge passed. SEM microscopy illustrates that the polyolefin fiber acts as the crack arresters in concrete, which can inhibit internal crack propagation.
Small spatial but large sporadic variability in methane emission measured from apatterned boreal bog

We measured methane fluxes of a patterned bog from six different plant community types in three growing seasons 2012–2014 using the static chamber method. A mixed effects model was applied for quantifying the effect of the controlling factors on the methane flux. The plant community types differed from each other in their water level, total leaf area (LAITOT) and leaf area of aerenchymatous plant species (LAIAER). Excluding the highest 2.5 % of all fluxes, methane emissions ranged from −309 to 556 mg m −2 d −1 . Although methane fluxes increased with increasing peat temperature, LAITOT and LAIAER, they had no correlation with water table or with plant community type. The only exception were higher fluxes from hummocks than from other plant community types in 2013. Chamber fluxes upscaled to ecosystem level for the peak season were of the same magnitude as the fluxes measured with the eddy covariance (EC) technique. In 2012 and in August 2014 there was a good agreement between the two methods, in 2013 and in July 2014, the chamber fluxes were higher than the EC fluxes. Net fluxes to soil, indicating higher methane oxidation than production, were detected every year and on all community types. Exceptionally high methane emissions up to 17 000 mg m −2 d −1 were measured sporadically in 2013 and 2014. These extreme emissions not detected in EC measurements we were not able to exclude as measurement errors and they did not correlate with any measured variables. Our results underline the importance of both LAIAER and LAITOT in controlling methane fluxes and indicate need for automatized chambers to reliably capture localized events to support more robust EC method.
Genetic Variability Among Some Quantitative Characters, Insecticidal Activity and Essential Oil Composition of Two Egyptian and French Sweet Basil Varieties

Inbred seeds of Egyptian and French sweet basil Ocimum basilicum varieties were cultivated to test their variation among some phenotypic quantitative characters, insecticidal activity and essential oil composition. Six phenotypic quantitative characters were recorded and had high significant variation between the two varieties. According to c.v. % values, the two varieties had homogeneous plants. The insecticidal activity of essential oil and four successive extracts, petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and ethanol was monitored against adults of lesser grain borer Rhizopertha dominica Fabricus (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). The values of LC and LT decreased with increasing of concentrations and times, respectively for all extracts in the two varieties. All French basil extracts appeared stronger effects than those of Egyptian basil. The essential oil and petroleum ether exhibited the higher insecticidal activity than the others. The constituents of essential oils and their contents were different between the two basil varieties. The correlation of oil components with LT50 was negative in the two basil varieties. This confirms that the combined fractions will be more toxic than a single compound.
Top executive dismissal, ownership and corporate performance

Abstract This paper evaluates the empirical relationship between top executive turnover and firm performance. Based on a sample of the 460 largest UK listed companies during the period 1990–1998, we establish an inverse and robust statistical relation between the probability of a management change and a firm's performance: top executives are fired for poor performance. This can result from internal monitoring of management by the board or block share holders. Second, the data indicate that only very poor levels of performance affect significantly the turnover likelihood: corporate performance must fall dramatically to force a senior executive job separation. Third, the likelihood of managerial turnover for poor performance has not changed over time: today's senior managers face the same disciplining effects as those senior managers in earlier years. Finally, there seems to be no evidence that managerial stock ownership, measured as the proportion of ordinary shares owned by top managers, enables them to become entrenched.