Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radar-Based Assessment of the Detectability of Giant Hail

The occurrence of giant hail, defined as hail ≥102 mm (4.00 in) in diameter, is a relatively rare phenomenon, accounting for less than 1% of all hail reports in the United States. Despite the infrequent nature of these events, hail of this magnitude has the potential to cause extreme damage to property and a substantial threat to exposed life. The short-term prediction of these events has been challenging. For giant hail since 2005, only 7% of convective warnings and severe-weather statements issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) accurately predicted a maximum hail size ≥102 mm prior to the report, with an average underestimated size error of 55.6 mm (2.19 in). The objectives of this study are to determine the detectability of giant hail in convective storms and to improve advanced recognition of these events during NWS warning operations. A total of 568 giant-hail reports, gathered over a 15-y period from 1 January 1995 through 31 December 2009 throughout the contiguous United States, served as the primary database for the research. Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data and North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) environmental data were collected for each case. Several radar signatures were examined to assess their utility in discriminating storms most favorable for giant hail. It was found that 99% of the storms were supercells with well-organized structure. Giant-hail producing storms were characterized by median values of rotational velocities of 24 m s-1 (47 kt), storm-top divergence magnitudes of 72 m s-1 (140 kt), and 50-dBZ and 60-dBZ echo heights of 13 100 m (43 000 ft) and 10 600 m (34 800 ft) respectively. Vertically integrated liquid water (VIL)-based products, maximum reflectivity within the storm, and reflectivity within the preferred hail-growth zone showed little to no skill in discriminating between giant hail and smaller hail sizes.
What limits the spread of two congeneric butterfly species after their reintroduction: quality or spatial arrangement of habitat?

Population growth and spread of recently reintroduced species is crucial for the success of their reintroduction. We analysed what limits the spread of two congeneric butterfly species Maculinea teleius and Maculinea nausithous, over 10 years following their reintroduction. During this time, their distributions appeared to be limited to a few sites although it was thought that more suitable habitats were available. Thus, we question, does the quality or the spatial arrangement of their habitat limit their spread? Although adult individuals of both species can select high‐quality plots, we show that selection of suitable plots in the area of reintroduction is spatially constrained. A low colonization probability of unoccupied distant plots of high quality was found for both species. The abandonment of occupied plots in Ma. teleius was also found to be dependent on the distance to occupied plots. We conclude that the spatial distribution of the two species during the 10 years following reintroduction was limited by the spatial arrangement of their habitat, rather than by the availability of high‐quality plots. The spatial constraints in movement can explain observed source–sink structures when female butterflies deposit their eggs on low‐quality plots. We conclude that although these species have very similar life histories, they require different approaches to their conservation due to subtle differences in adult habitat use and movement. Conservation of Ma. teleius should concentrate on improving local habitat quality, whereas conservation of Ma. nausithous is predicted to be more effective by creating a spatial network of suitable habitat plots, such as along road verges.
The Development of a Laser-induced Incandescence System

Development of a Laser-Induced Incandescence system Trevor H Kempthorne Master of Applied Science Graduate Department of Aerospace Science and Engineering University of Toronto 2010 The ability to accurately measure solid particulate levels in various applications ranging from engines to laboratory flames has become very important in the past few decades. A new approach to measuring soot levels called laser-induced incandescence was investigated. An apparatus was designed and built in order to measure soot levels in an atmospheric laminar diffusion flame with the intent of conducting proof-of-concept measurements. The apparatus utilized highly focussed optics while collecting time-resolved data using fast PMTs which allowed measurement of both time and spatial domains. Although noise and other technical problems proved to be a concern, measurements with reasonable agreement with published results for temperature (2800 K) and the primary particle soot size (6.3 ± 2.5 nm) were achieved within the flame. Noise issues with the apparatus prevented accurate soot volume fraction measurements from being obtained. Numerous suggestions have been made as to how to improve the experiment for future use, potentially in a high pressure environment.
Adsorption of As(III) from Aqueous Solution onto Iron Oxide Impregnated Activated Alumina

The optimal parameters affecting the adsorption of arsenic ions As(III) on iron oxide impregnated activated alumina (IOIAA) were determined by conducting batch and column experiments. The adsorption of As(III) was strongly dependent on pH, temperature and initial adsorbate concentration. The adsorption process satisfied the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Equilibrium studies were conducted to obtain the thermodynamic parameters and data showed the endothermic nature of adsorption. Kinetics studies showed that a pseudo first-order rate equation successfully described the adsorption process. Equilibrium was attained within 10 h and the time taken to attain equilibrium was independent of initial arsenite concentration. Column studies showed that adsorption was strongly dependent on empty bed contact time. Column design parameters such as the time taken for the establishment of primary adsorption zone, fractional capacity, length of primary adsorption zone and the percentage saturation at breakpoint were calculated to be in the range of 18.3 to 70.4 h, 0.39 to 0.63, 3.0 to 3.85 cm and 69.6 to 81.5%, respectively. The observations mentioned above provide a direct relationship between the length of the adsorption zone (δ) and percent saturation at break point.
Temporal variations of organic pollutants levels during storm events in an urban receiving water body

The catchment of the river Schwippe is characterized by a high degree of urbanization and industry and the surface water quality is strongly influenced by urban runoff. In July 2011 a water quality monitoring station was installed in the river upstream of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The aim was to describe temporal variations of organic pollutants concentrations in the urban receiving water body and to improve the understanding of pollution dynamics in the urban catchment. The results show that in the course of a storm event the peaks of different micropollutants are shifted in time. This can be explained by their different origin (wastewater, street runoff) and by their physicochemical properties. River water quality during rain events is highly variable and depends on rainfall characteristics, such as rainfall intensity and duration, antecedent dry period and on combined sewer overflow (CSO) activity. Turbidity or total suspended solids are suitable indicator parameters for the assessment of concentrations of particle-bound micropollutants during storm events.
School Quality and Returns to Education of U.S. Immigrants.

Using the U.S. labor market as a common point of reference, this article investigates the influence of source country school quality on the returns to education of immigrants. Based on 1980 and 1990 census data, we first estimate country-of-origin specific returns to education. Results reveal that immigrants from Japan and northern Europe receive high returns and immigrants from Central America receive low returns. Next we examine the relationship between school quality measures and these returns. Holding per capita GDP and other factors constant, immigrants from countries with lower pupil-teacher ratios and greater expenditures per pupil earn higher returns to education. ) Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.
Forecasting Crude Oil Price Movements with Oil‐Sensitive Stocks

type="main" xml:lang="en"> This paper uses monthly data from 1984:M10 to 2012:M8 to show that oil-sensitive stock price indices, particularly those in the energy sector, have strong power in predicting nominal and real crude oil prices at short horizons (1-month-ahead predictions), using both in- and out-of-sample tests. In particular, the forecasts based on oil-sensitive stock price indices are able to outperform significantly the no-change forecasts. For example, using the NYSE Arca (AMEX) oil index as a predictor, the 1-month-ahead forecasts for nominal crude oil prices reduce the mean squared prediction error by between 22% (for the West Texas Intermediate oil price) and 28% (for the Dubai oil price). Moreover, we find that the directional forecast based on the AMEX oil index is significantly better than a 50:50 coin toss. The novelty of this analysis is that it proposes a new and valuable predictor that both reflects timely market information and is readily available for forecasting the spot oil price. (JEL G17, Q43, Q47, C53)
Preferred Air Velocity and Local Cooling Effect of desk fans in warm environments

Common experiences, standards, and laboratory studies show that increased air velocity helps to offset warm sensation due to high environmental temperatures. In warm climate regions the opening of windows and the use of desk or ceiling fans are the most common systems to generate increased airflows to compensate for higher environmental temperatures at the expense of no or relatively low energy consumption. When using desk fans, local air movement is generated around the occupant and a certain cooling effect is perceived. The impact of the local air movement generated by different air flow patterns, and the possibility to keep comfortable conditions for the occupants in warm environments were evaluated in studies with human subjects. In an office-like climatic chamber, the effect of higher air velocity was investigated at room temperatures between 26°C to 34°C and at constant absolute humidity of 12.2 g/kg. By a thermal manikin the effect of direct air movement generated by a personal desk fan at 26 °C, 28 °C, or 30 °C room temperatures and the achievable thermal comfort was also analyzed. Results show that it is possible to offset warm sensation within a range of indoor conditions using increased air velocity. Besides, higher air velocities and personal control increase the acceptability of the indoor environment at higher air temperatures with a limited energy consumption compared to full air conditioning during summer seasons in warmer countries. Comparing the study with Danish subjects with previous findings with Chinese subjects showed that subjects used to warmer climate could accept higher air velocities and felt less uncomfortable.
Profitability and efficiency of cucumber production among smallholder farmers in Oyo state, Nigeria

Cucumber is one of the most important exotic vegetables in Nigeria. Its profile is rising due to widespread knowledge of its inherent health benefits. To sustain the availability of the crop in order to meet increasing demand, there is the need to enhance its productivity. Crop productivity depends on the efficient use of both material and human resources utilized in the production process. This study therefore examined profitability and efficiency of cucumber production in Iseyin local government area of Oyo state. Primary data on socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, input and output quantity and prices were collected from 73 cucumber farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and stochastic frontier. Majority of the farmers were male (96.7%) with average age of 46.4 years. An average of 17.1 years of farming experience cut across both gender groups. The average hectare was 1.5 with average yield of 5,368 kg/ha. Budgetary analysis revealed that net profit of N=239,440/ha, profit margin percentage of 55.8% and returns on every naira invested of 1.26 were obtained. This is an indication that cucumber production is profitable in the study area. The result of the stochastic frontier indicated that farm size and volume of agrochemical used significantly influenced cucumber production. Age, education status of farmers and access to credit were the significant factors determining technical efficiency of the farmers in the study area. Mean technical efficiency of production was 0.68. The study recommends capacity building for farmers on an appropriate combination of resources.
Dynamic Analysis and Human Comfort Evaluation of Soccer Stadium Grandstands

Over the years, many soccer stadiums in Brazil have been designed to withstand accidental loads (people loads) to be of static type. However, based on the changes in the people’s behaviour, especially in soccer matches, through the action of groups of fans and also with the use of these structures for rock concerts, these structural systems have been subjected to dynamic impacts related to the dynamic nature of the applied loads. Therefore, some of these stadiums in Brazil have presented excessive vibration problems and have required an effective consideration of the dynamic loadings in the structural design. This way, this research work aims to study the dynamic structural behaviour and evaluate the structural system performance of the Brasilia National Stadium grandstands, when the human comfort is considered. The results achieved during the development of this study are compared with those provided by design standards and international recommendations. The presented results show the relevance of the dynamic analysis on the structural design of soccer stadiums, with respect to obtaining relevant data for human comfort and as well safety of users of this type of structure.
Structural differences between wood species: Evidence from chemical composition, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis

In this study, the relationship between wood cellulose crystallinity, influence of extractives on wood degradation, correlation between chemical composi- tion, and physical properties of four wood species were investigated by chemical analysis, Fourier transform infra- red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. The chemical analysis showed that Dipteryx odorata and Mezi- laurus itauba (ITA) contained a higher quantity of extrac- tives and lower quantities of holocellulose and lignin than Eucalyptus grandis (EUG) and Pinus elliottii. FTIR spectros- copy indicated that higher extractives content in ITA might be associated with more intense bands at 2920, 2850, and 1510 cm � 1 . The lower values for hydrogen bond energy and hydrogen bond intensity showed that EUG contained more absorbed water than the other species. Thermogravimetry confirm that lower extractive contents leads to a better wood thermal stability. This study showed that through the methods used previous informa- tion about structure and properties of wood can be obtained before use it in composite formulations. V C 2012
Public-Private-Partnership in Ethiopia: The Inclusive Modality in Tourism Investment

Public Private Partnership has gradually been becoming an operational concept attracting both Public and Private sectors in Ethiopia. The need for PPP has already been captured as an agenda since 1992 appearing in strategic government documents. Moreover, PPP has been institutionalized by issuing relevant Proclamations based on the priorities of the government. Nevertheless, in spite of the huge potential, the implementation of PPP has been very low in the tourism Industry. Therefore, this study sought to critically assess the alluring promises and the grim realities on the ground to ensure the applicability of PPP initiatives in Ethiopia‘s tourism. It examined the status of PPP application in tourism sector based on the conventional critical success factors. Hence, both quantitative and qualitative data types were used. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were also used. All available government documents and relevant empirical studies on PPP were also used as secondary sources. The method of data analysis used in this study is concurrent mixed method. The findings of the study generally indicate the need for fundamental changes in perceptions and policy directions about PPP across the tourism Industry to co-up with the national, global and regional dynamics. It captures the fact that the concept of PPP is not well understood across the sectors. Moreover, there is lack of awareness on the existing PPP legal frameworks which indicates the need for extensive policy dialogue . It proves the existence of Potential Investment areas in tourism that are appropriate for PPP with a possibility of implementing PPP initiatives inclusive of different stakeholders. Generally it implies that there is a positive attitude toward PPP in the tourism sector and a growing need for it. In spite of the existing potential and commitment to ensure development, it apparently recognizes the existence of restraining factors for PPP in the tourism sector. The mean Ranking and test results have revealed the existing differences between the opinions of the two sectors on major restraining factors that have been contributing to the stagnation of PPP application in the sector. The study found out that all the six restraining factors used in the study are seriously felt by the private actors in tourism indicating the huge task awaiting the Ethiopian government to strategically use private finance and knowledge to ease its burden of providing tourism infrastructure. Keywords: Public-Private-Partnership, Tourism Infrastructure, Tourism Services and Inclusive PPP
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND THE NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE: HOW INSTITUTIONALIZED POWER AFFECTS THE AGENCY CONTRACT

This research examines one explanation for why replacing the chief executive officer does not seem to improve firm performance despite its positive effect on financial markets: some new chief executive officers (CEOs) are able to negotiate favorable agency contracts, and therefore protect their positions, at the expense of performance that would benefit shareholders. In a longitudinal study of 150 publicly-traded firms in the United States, we found that the governance systems that align the CEO's and owners’ interests, the mechanisms by which compliance with the agency contract is monitored, and the firm's strategies and performance differed as a function of ownership concentration. In firms with dispersed ownership, new CEOs initiated changes favorable to them in the composition of the board of directors and in the level of and risk associated with their compensation. We also explore reasons for the differing patterns of institutionalized power resulting from the agency contract.
Development and Properties of Foamed Synthetic Lightweight Aggregates

The purpose of this study is to create and evaluate various foamed synthetic lightweight aggregates (FSLA) with a reduced density for the possible use as coarse aggregate replacement within concrete. The synthetic aggregates were foamed utilizing extrusion processes with both chemical and physical foaming agents. The formulations incorporated high carbon fly ash with several different polymer matrix materials. Following the production of the synthetic coarse aggregates, concrete samples were produced using the FSLA as coarse aggregate. The unit weight and compressive strength of these concretes were compared to concrete made with normal weight crushed stone as the coarse aggregate. The results of the study show that creating FSLA was most successful utilizing physical foaming agents with the twin-screw extrusion process. When incorporated within concrete, test results yield a 20% - 25% lower density and a more ductile failure then those produced with crushed stone. However, this was accompanied with a 65% 75% reduction in compressive strength.
Marine Climate Change in Australia Impacts and Adaptation Responses 2012 REPORT CARD Ocean acidification

Australian National University and Office of the Ch ief Scientist, GPO Box 9839, Canberra ACT 2601 Research School of Physics, Australian National University, ACT 0200 Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3,Towns ville, QLD 4810 52 Bimberi Crescent Palmerston ACT National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Researc h, Private Bag 14-901, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6002, New Zealand Oceanic Fisheries Programme, Secretariat of the Pac ific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia School of Medical and Biological Sciences, Universi ty of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006 Griffith School of Environment & Australian Rivers Institute Coast & Estuaries, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, Nathan QLD 4111 Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, ACT 0200 Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW 2480 Geoscience Australia, GPO Box 378 Canberra ACT 2601 Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Univers ity of Tasmania, Hobart TAS 7001 Integrated Marine Observing System, University of T asmania, Hobart TAS 7001 Department of Botany, University of Otago, PO Box 5 6, Dunedin, NZ CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Hobart, TAS 7001 Climate Change Research Centre, University of New S outh Wales Sydney, NSW 2052 Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009 ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University Townsville QLD ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 407 2 Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222 ntarctic Climate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001 Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 500 Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ School of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University , S dney, NSW 2109