Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of wheat and Miscanthus straw biochars on soil enzymatic activity, ecotoxicity, and plant yield

Abstract The variety of technological conditions and raw materials from which biochar is produced is the reason why its soil application may have different effects on soil properties and plant growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of wheat straw and Miscanthus giganteus straw (5 t DM ha−1) and biochar obtained from this materials in doses of 2.25 and 5 t DM ha−1 on soil enzymatic activity, soil ecotoxicity, and plant yield (perennial grass mixture with red clover). The research was carried out under field conditions on soil with the granulometric composition of loamy sand. No significant effect of biochar amendment on soil enzymatic activity was observed. The biochar-amended soil was toxic to Vibrio fischeri and exhibited low toxicity to Heterocypris incongruens. Application of wheat straw biochar and M. giganteus straw biochar in a dose of 5 t DM ha−1 contributed to an increase in plant biomass production by 2 and 14%, respectively, compared to the soil with mineral fertilisation. Biochars had a more adverse effect on soil enzymatic activity and soil ecotoxicity to H. incongruens and V. fischeri than non-converted wheat straw and M. giganteus straw, but significantly increased the grass crop yield.
Bounds on short character sums and L-functions for characters with a smooth modulus

We combine a classical idea of Postnikov (1956) with the method of Korobov (1974) for estimating double Weyl sums, deriving new bounds on short character sums when the modulus $q$ has a small core $\prod_{p\mid q}p$. Using this estimate, we improve certain bounds of Gallagher (1972) and Iwaniec (1974) for the corresponding $L$-functions. In turn, this allows us to improve the error term in the asymptotic formula for primes in short arithmetic progressions modulo a power of a fixed prime. As yet another application of our bounds, we substantially extend the region free of Siegel zeros.
Priming Effects of LinkedIn Advertisements on Evaluations of Applicants

Priming Effects of LinkedIn Advertisements on Evaluations of Applicants Eugénie L. Saint-Laurent Advisor: University of Guelph, 2014 Dr. Deborah Powell The purpose of this thesis was to explore the priming effects of LinkedIn advertisements on evaluations of applicants. Social media, such as LinkedIn, are now frequently used in personnel selection to screen job applicants (Caers & Castelyns, 2011; Zide, Ellman, & Shahani-Denning, 2014). However, the effects of relying on such tools for selection purposes are unknown. Moreover, LinkedIn contains advertisements, and advertisements can unintentionally bias later behaviours, due to priming (Harris, Bargh, & Brownell, 2009). Two experiments were conducted to study potential priming effects of LinkedIn advertisements on evaluations of applicants. In the first experiment, 104 participants evaluated three job applicants based on their LinkedIn profile, which contained different advertisements. In the second experiment, 510 participants evaluated only one applicant profile. Results showed that, in both experiments, the advertisements did not prime subsequent evaluations of applicants. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Experimental crystallization of chevkinite/perrierite from REE-enriched silicate liquids at high pressure and temperature

Abstract Chevkinite/perrierite crystallized from a series of REE-enriched compositions, ranging from basalt through andesite to rhyolite at pressures from 7.5 to 20 kbar and temperatures from 900–1050°C. The Al2O3 content increased with increasing pressure, but no other consistent composition change was observed with pressure and temperature variation in this range. The REE partition pattern consistently favoured light over heavy REE, with a regular decrease in partition coefficients (D) from La through to Lu. D values increase with decreasing temperature and decreasing REE content (i.e. Henry's Law does not apply, as REE are essential structural constituents of chevkinite/perrierite), but appear unaffected by pressure and f o2 . Chevkinite/perrierite may be a significant fractionating phase in evolving silicic magmas, or a residual phase from low degrees of partial melting of granulites. In both these circumstances it will exert a major control on the REE content of derivative liquids.
Properties of Defective Regions Observed by Photoluminescence Imaging for GaN-Based Light-Emitting Diode Epi-Wafers

A photoluminescence (PL) imaging method using a vision camera was employed to inspect InGaN/GaN quantum-well light-emitting diode (LED) epi-wafers. The PL image revealed dark spot defective regions (DSDRs) as well as a spatial map of integrated PL intensity of the epi-wafer. The Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) nonradiative recombination coefficient increased with the size of the DSDRs. The high nonradiative recombination rates of the DSDRs resulted in degradation of the optical properties of the LED chips fabricated at the defective regions. Abnormal current-voltage characteristics with large forward leakages were also observed for LED chips with DSDRs, which could be due to parallel resistances bypassing the junction and/or tunneling through defects in the active region. It was found that the SRH nonradiative recombination process was dominant in the voltage range where the forward leakage by tunneling was observed. The results indicated that the DSDRs observed by PL imaging of LED epi-wafers were high density SRH nonradiative recombination centers which could affect the optical and electrical properties of the LED chips, and PL imaging can be an inspection method for evaluation of the epi-wafers and estimation of properties of the LED chips before fabrication.
Surface modification of carbon fiber by redox-induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid

Carbon fibers were modified by graft polymerization with acrylic acid (AA) using KMnO4/H2SO4 redox-induced system. The carbon fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After grafting, the absorbability of treated fibers might be enhanced and more pieces of tiny fragments stuck to the fiber surface. It was confirmed that grafting AA led to a remarkable increase in oxygen-containing functional groups of fiber surface. An about twofold increase in retained surface carboxylic acid groups occurred. The adhesion between carbon fiber and epoxy matrix was inspected by interlaminar shear strength and SEM. It was noted that the functionalized grafting coating of fiber surface gave rise to a strong interfacial bond, with little debonding. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Stability of the in-phase travelling wave solutions in a pair of coupled nerve fibers

We consider the travelling wave that represents the simultaneous propagation of a voltage pulse along the length of two coupled nerve fibers. Conditions are given which guarantee the existence and stability of the wave. Two advances in the geometric techniques in the stability analysis of travelling waves are given: the first involves the Maslov Index, and the other the Exchange Lemma.
Alternativeness in art education: case studies of art instruction in three non-traditional schools

Approved: ____________________________________ Thesis Supervisor ____________________________________ Title and Department ____________________________________ Date ____________________________________ Thesis Supervisor ____________________________________ Title and Department ____________________________________ Date 2 ALTERNATIVENESS IN ART EDUCATION: CASE STUDIES OF ART INSTRUCTION IN THREE NON-TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS by Karin Lee Tollefson-Hall A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Teaching and Learning in the Graduate College of The University of Iowa
Performance assessment of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack by means of semi-empirical model

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL(PEMFC) STACK BY MEANS OF SEMIEMPIRICAL MODEL In this study, the performance of a 10 kW peak power proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack under different operating conditions was investigated experimentally by its i-V polarization curve. The stack has been fed with pure hydrogen and air and PEM fuel cell stack has active area 200 cm and is composed of 75 single cells. The stack was tested for different reactant inlet temperatures as from 50 °C to 65 °C with 5 °C intervals keeping constant other conditions and for different relative humidities as 75%, 85% and 95% again keeping constant other operation conditions. Then the analytical nonlinear model adapted to describe the polarization curve has been discussed. Model parameters have been simultaneously estimated by fitting data into model by using LABFIT nonlinear regression program. These parameters are the cathode exchange current density, charge transfer coefficient and polymer electrolyte membrane internal resistance. The polarization curve of the fuel cell stack showed the stack performance improved from 50 °C to 65 °C temperature with the decrease of voltage losses. However the decrease of relative humidity from 95% to 75% did not show any explicit effect onto stack performance. Data fitting was obtained with reasonable model parameters in accordance with literature and with high coefficient of determination (R) values. The effect of temperature on model parameters was also investigated. The cathode exchange current density value increased from 2.247× 10 A/cm at T=50 °C to 5.643×10 A/cm at T=65 °C. The charge transfer coefficient estimated around 0.4 coherently with literature. The membrane internal resistance value followed the slightly decreasing tendency with increasing temperature as the value around 0.1 cm.
THE COST STRUCTURE OF EMISSIONS ABATEMENT THROUGH THE CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM

This paper examines the cost structure of emissions abatement through different types of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. Alternative models for abatement costs are specified and estimated using CDM project-specific data. Empirical results indicate that there exist economies of scale in emission abatement through the CDM projects, and that the marginal cost of abatement significantly varies across different types of projects. The distribution of various CDM project types corresponds to the relative attractiveness of the types, in terms of the structure of the estimated marginal cost function. Thus, empirical results suggest that the CDM market operates efficiently and sends the right signals to the investors, which further explains the shying away from costly carbon sequestration projects funded by many international development agencies, such as the World Bank. Contrary to the hypothesis that that the marginal costs of abatement through CDM decrease over time due to experience or learning by doing, empirical results show non-decreasing marginal cost of abatement over time. This finding suggests that there may be other incentives to invest in certain types of CDM projects in specific locations, thus implying location-specificity of various investment opportunities. While non-decreasing marginal cost of abatement over time implies a tougher prospect for CDM in future commitment periods, the current growth pattern of the CDM suggests that this flexibility provision of the Kyoto Protocol is still highly attractive for the host and investor countries.
Factors Effecting Commercial Banks Profitability in Pakistan

Due to significant contribution of commercial banks in the economic progress of Pakistan, this research has been carried out to analyse the possible effect of different relevant factors on the profitability of commercial banks in the country. Profitability is measured by return on assets (ROA). Using pooled regression analysis on yearly data collected from the annual reports for a panel of 14 commercial banks for eight years from 2007 to 2014, it was found that equity to assets, debts to assets, deposits to assets, bank size and assets management have a significant influence on the commercial banks profitability in Pakistan.
Estimating turbulent velocities in the elliptical galaxies NGC 5044 and NGC 5813

Context. The interstellar and intra-cluster medium (ICM) in giant elliptical galaxies and clusters of galaxies is often assumed to be in hydrostatic equilibrium. Numerical simulations, however, show that about 5-30% of the pressure in a cluster is provided by turbulence induced by, for example, the central active galactic nucleus (AGN) and merger activity. Aims. We aim to put constraints on the turbulent velocities and the turbulent pressure in the ICM of the giant elliptical galaxies NGC 5044 and NGC 5813 using XMM-Newton reflection grating spectrometer (RGS) observations. Methods. The magnitude of the turbulence is estimated using the Fe xvii lines at 15.01 A, 17.05 A, and 17.10 A in the RGS spectra. At low turbulent velocities, the gas becomes optically thick in the 15.01 A line due to resonant scattering, while the 17 A lines remain optically thin. By comparing the (I17.05 + I17.10)/I15.01 line ratio from RGS with simulated line ratios for different Mach numbers, the level of turbulence is constrained. The measurement is, however, limited by the systematic uncertainty in the line ratio for an optically thin plasma, which is about 20-30%. Results. We find that the (I17.05 + I17.10)/I15.01 line ratio in NGC 5813 is significantly higher than in NGC 5044. This difference can be explained by a higher level of turbulence in NGC 5044. The best estimates for the turbulent velocities using resonant scattering and upper limits from the line widths, are 320 40% in NGC 5044, assuming isotropic turbulence, confirm that it is a highly disturbed system, probably due to an off-axis merger. The turbulent pressure support in NGC 5813 is more modest at 15-45%. The (I17.05 + I17.10)/I15.01 line ratio in an optically thin plasma, calculated using AtomDB v2.0. 1, is 2σ above the ratio measured in NGC 5044, which cannot be explained by resonant scattering. This shows that the discrepancies between theoretical, laboratory, and astrophysical data on Fe xvii lines need to be reduced to improve the accuracy of the determination of turbulent velocities using resonant scattering.
Regional climate model assessment using statistical upscaling and downscaling techniques

Climate models are mathematical models that describe the temporal evolution of climate, oceans, atmosphere, ice, and land‐use processes, across a spatial domain via systems of partial differential equations. Because these models cannot be solved analytically, the model output is generated numerically over grid boxes. Regional climate models (RCMs), or the dynamic downscaling of global climate models to regional scales, are often used for planning purposes, and it is important to assess carefully the uncertainty of such models. We evaluate the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) RCM by comparing its model output at the grid box level, with the predictions obtained from two observation‐driven spatio‐temporal statistical models. The “downscaling model” combines the spatially and temporally smoothed climate model output with temperature observations at synoptic stations in a spatio‐temporal linear statistical model. The “upscaling model” describes the observational temperature alone at the daily scale, via a spatio‐temporal model that includes a wavelet‐based trend, spatially varying seasonality, along with volatility and long‐range dependence terms. Both statistical models have the ability to make predictions at a seasonal scale, both at point and grid box level. In the years 1962–2007 in South Central Sweden, we show that the climate model performs well in predicting the annual and seasonal average temperature at three reserved stations, but there are interesting differences among the model output and the statistical model‐based predictions at the grid box level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIMULATED CLIMATE CHANGE ALTERED DOMINANCE HIERARCHIES AND DIVERSITY OF AN ALPINE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT

Alpine and arctic ecosystems may be particularly vulnerable to climate change. We know little about alpine plant community responses to the predicted abiotic changes, or to possible changes in the biotic environment caused by climate change. Four years of experimental warming and nutrient addition altered dominance hierarchies, community structure, and diversity of an alpine biodiversity hotspot in south Norway. The previously dominant dwarf shrub Dryas octopetala was replaced by graminoids and forbs under nutrient addition and warming with nutrients. Community diversity declined due to decreased bryophyte and lichen richness and abundances, and dwarf shrub abundances. In controls and in plots with only warming, where Dryas maintained dominance, the relationships between changes in Dryas cover and changes in community parameters were negative, suggesting that Dryas controls community processes. Under nutrient addition, bryophyte and lichen diversity decreased with decreasing Dryas cover, probably due to increased competition from graminoids and forbs. The shift in dominance hierarchies changed community structure and dynamics through increased biomass, vegetation height, and competition for light. Community diversity dropped primarily because changes in the abiotic environment modified biotic interactions, highlighting that species interaction must be considered in climate change experiments and in models predicting climate change effects.
Expression of hepatitis C virus structural genes controlled by alphaviral recombinant replicons

Since no highly effi cient treatment for the hepatitis caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is available yet, the development of an anti-HCV vaccine candidate remains a goal of high priority. In our study, two diff erent alphaviral expression systems were applied for expression of HCV structural protein genes in cell culture. For this purpose, the HCV genome fragment encoding the core-E1-E2-p7 polyprotein, and HCV core and E2 genes, separately, were cloned in Semliki Forest virus (pSFV1) and Sindbis virus (pCytTS) expression vectors. Effi cient synthesis of structural HCV proteins in a BHK-21 cell line was demonstrated. HCV polyprotein precursor was authentically posttranslationally processed. Identifi cation of HCV proteins was confi rmed by immunoprecipitation, immunocytochemical analysis, and by Western blotting with corresponding anti-HCV antibodies.
Vigor Tests Used to Rank Seed Lot Quality and Predict Field Emergence in Wheat

The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between various seed quality tests and field emergence of the new and old wheat cultivars. Laboratory and field tests were conducted during 2003 and 2004 in NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan, to investigate the suitability of various laboratory vigor tests, to rank quality of commercial seed lots, and to predict seedling field emergence (FE) of 32 samples of 4 wheat varieties. Seeds of four wheat cultivars Takbeer 2000, Haider 2000, Bakhtawar-92 and Fakhri Sarhad were produced in 8 different location of NWFP, Pakistan during 2003 and 2004. Mature seeds were harvested, threshed and cleaned before determining standard germination and other vigor tests. Results showed that among all tests, germination index (GI), Accelerated aging (AA) and Electrical conductivity (EC) provided the best estimate of seed vigor for the four wheat cultivars, both for ranking seed lots quality and predicting field emergence. The GI, AA and EC tests better indicated seed lot quality and predicted FE than SG of the four cultivars over the 2-years followed by Radical length (RL). The electrical conductivity (EC) result was not only poorly related to FE, but also poorly related to the standard germination (SG) of a wide range of seed lots of the four varieties that varied in viability. Initial count of standard germination (SGi) generally performed more poorly than the other vigor tests. From this study and previous work on wheat crop, we conclude that GI, AA and EC test for wheat crop have the potential to be developed as improved vigor tests for ranking seed lot quality and predicting seeding performance under temperate regions of the world.
Utilization of Birefringent Fiber as Sensor of Temperature Field Disturbance

The paper deals with utilization of induced bi- refringence sensitivity to temperature field in birefringent optical fibers. The propagating optical wave and optical fibers are described by means of coherency and Jones matrices, which are decomposed into unitary matrix and spin matrices. The development of polarization caused by temperature field is interpreted on the Poincare sphere by means of MATLAB® environment. The temperature sensi- tivity of Panda and bow-tie fiber has been measured for circular polarization excitation. Curves of intensity fluc- tuation caused by the temperature dependence are pre- sented.
OXYGEN AND HYDROGEN STABLE ISOTOPE MAPS FOR METEORIC GROUNDWATER IN COSTA RICA, EXCLUDING GEOTHERMAL WATERS

Journal of Environmental Hydrology Volume 17 Paper 20 September 2009 1 We present a set of maps showing the distribution of oxygen and hydrogen isotope values, relative to the VSMOW standard, for the nation of Costa Rica. These maps utilize data from this study (51 new data points; 21 wells, 16 rivers, 14 springs) and data from previous workers (51 data points for rivers, Lachniet and Patterson, 2002; 13 data points for springs, Darling et al., 1989). Computer generated spherical kriging with a 12-point variable was used to produce interpolated isotope contours for each map. An altitude effect of 1.5 to 3 per mil was observed locally, with a superimposed decrease in δ 18O with decreasing latitude for low elevation locations. Additional work along the northern border with Nicaragua, in the northern Nicoya Peninsula, and the southern Cordillera de Talamanca will be required to produce a more complete map. Potential collaborators wishing to provide samples or data from these areas should contact the authors. This map will be updated as new data is added, and posted on the internet at http://wri.csusb. edu/. OXYGEN AND HYDROGEN STABLE ISOTOPE MAPS FOR METEORIC GROUNDWATER IN COSTA RICA, EXCLUDING GEOTHERMAL WATERS