Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Constraints on Early Mars Weathering Conditions From an Experimental Approach on Crust Simulants

A denser CO2 atmosphere and higher temperatures than present‐day conditions are frequently invoked as prevailing conditions for the formation of some ancient hydrous mineralogical associations present at the surface of Mars. The environmental conditions are of particular interest to better understand and constrain the weathering processes of the early Martian crust. For this purpose, 6‐month‐long batch weathering experiments on Martian crust simulants and individual Martian mineral analogs were performed at low temperature (45 °C) under a dense CO2 atmosphere (1 atm). Constraints on the weathering conditions are deduced from the solution properties and thermodynamic calculations, as well as mass balance calculations. Experimental solutions vary from mildly acidic to near neutral (4.75–6.48 pH). The Eh‐pH conditions (Eh from 0.189–0.416 V/standard hydrogen electrode) suggest favorable conditions for the formation of ferric minerals despite an anoxic CO2 atmosphere. The chemical weathering appears to be 4 times more intense for Martian simulants under a CO2 atmosphere than under Earth ambient air. The weathering trend under a CO2 atmosphere involves leaching of alkali and alkaline earth elements (Mg, Ca, Na, and K) and Si and enrichments of the solid phases in Al, Fe, and to a lesser extent Si compared to the initial chemical composition of the starting minerals. This geochemical partitioning between solution and solids resembles those deduced from weathering profiles on Earth. Our results strongly support the idea that carbonates could not have extensively formed at the surface of early Mars despite a dense CO2 atmosphere.
Parents’ and School Career Counsellors’ Evaluations of the Occupational Competence of Children With Dyslexia

This article studies the cognitions of (a) parents of children with dyslexia and (b) school career counsellors about possible career choices for dyslexic children, by comparing their evaluations of occupational competence (EOCs) for dyslexic children, to those for children without dyslexia. For dyslexic children, 116 participants rated the suitability of 28 occupations, varying according to the required level of written-language use. For children without dyslexia, the same participants rated these same occupations according to if they estimated it might be a “good” occupational choice or not. Participants were free to take into account different criteria often used when considering a job (employability, remuneration, prestige, job security, career prospects). By the aforementioned differentiation of terms used (i.e. suitability vs “goodness”), it was indirectly solicited from the participants to also consider the impairment in their judgement. The results showed that occupations requiring high written-language skills were evaluated as “good” for children without dyslexia but less suitable for children with dyslexia. The exact opposite trend was observed for occupations having lower such requirements. Another noteworthy result is the discrepancy between the ratings obtained from counsellors and those from parents: while both groups provided similar ratings for children without dyslexia, substantial differences were recorded when rating the suitability of these same jobs for dyslexic children. This different pattern of cognitions is discussed herein, and their connection with parental expectations and aspirations is analysed, while contrasted with shifts due to counsellors’ stereotypical views.
Insights into vase-shaped microfossil diversity and Neoproterozoic biostratigraphy in light of recent Brazilian discoveries

Abstract Vase-shaped microfossils (VSMs) occur in dolostone clasts within conglomerates, breccias, and diamictites of the Neoproterozoic Urucum Formation, Jacadigo Group, southwest Brazil. Although their taphonomic history is distinct from those of other VSM assemblages, morphometric comparison of Urucum fossils with five others described previously from North America and Europe show that two of the Urucum species—the long-necked Limeta lageniformis Morais, Fairchild, and Lahr in Morais et al., 2017 and the funnel-necked Palaeoamphora urucumense Morais et al., 2017—occur in the Kwagunt and Callison Lake assemblages, as does Pakupaku kabin Riedman, Porter, and Calver, 2017 recently described from the Togari Group, Tasmania. Obelix rootsii (Cohen, Irvine, and Strauss, 2017) new combination, previously known only from the Callison Lake Formation, is documented here from the Kwagunt Formation. In addition, Trigonocyrillium horodyskii (Bloeser, 1985) and Bonniea dacruchares Porter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003, first described from the Kwagunt assemblage, have now been found in the Urucum Formation. In light of this survey, 16 of the 18 validly described VSM species are now known to occur in the Kwagunt Formation and 13 in the Callison Lake Formation, with 12 of them shared by both formations. The fact that the Urucum VSM assemblage exhibits six of seven species in common with the Kwagunt Formation—L. lageniformis, P. urucumense, Cycliocyrillium simplex Porter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003, C. torquata Porter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003, B. dacruchares Porter, Meisterfeld, and Knoll, 2003, and T. horodyskii (Bloeser, 1985)—and all but the last of these in common with the Callison Lake Formation supports correlation of these three assemblages and indicates that the source of the fossiliferous clasts within the Urucum Formation may well have been a now-vanished late Tonian carbonate platform. UUID: http://zoobank.org/ac0becd6-29ff-4491-80fa-0291730fba65
What moves Indian stock markets: A Study on the linkage with real economy in post-reform era

This paper is a fresh attempt to unravel the relationship between the real economic variables and the capital market in Indian context. The paper considers the monthly data of several economic variables like the national output, fiscal deficit, interest rate, inflation, exchange rate, money supply, foreign institutional investment in Indian markets between 1994 and 2003, and tries to reveal the relative influence of these variables on the sensitive index of the Bombay stock exchange. Compared to the earlier similar attempts, this paper applies the modern non-linear technique like VAR and Artificial Neural Network and compares the results. The finding shows that certain variables like the interest rate, output, money supply, inflation rate and the exchange rate has considerable influence in the stock market movement in the considered period, while the other variables have very negligible impact on the stock market.
Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in centers of Casablanca (Morocco)

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among patients and personnel of private centers at Casablanca, and to determine the resistance pattern of isolates. The carriage of virulence toxin genes by the methicillin resistant strains was also investigated. This study was conducted from November 2008 to February 2009. Nasal swabs were taken from 145 and 42 patients and personnel respectively. The susceptibility testing to 16 antibiotics was performed using the agar disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of oxacillin were determined by the agar dilution method for all strains demonstrating resistance to cefoxitin. In addition, resistant isolates were examined for the existence of the mecA gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, the carriage of 22 virulence toxin genes among strains showing resistance to cefoxitin was investigated by PCR Multiplex. The prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus was 32.4% (n=47) and 38.1% (n=16) in patients and personnel, respectively. Patients’ strains showed 16 resistance patterns against only 4 in personnel strains. No S. aureus isolates were found to be resistant to lincomycin, pristinamycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, rifampicin and vancomycin, while over 90% (n = 59) were resistant to penicillin G. For the other antibiotics, the percentage of resistance varied between 2.63 and 18.75%. One S. aureus (1.6%) was methicillin resistant by possession of mecA gene. This isolate harboured the staphylococcal enterotoxin genes sec, sed, sell, selm, selo, ser and toxic shock syndrome toxin gene (tst). Investigation of S. aureus nasal carriage and characterization of isolates among patients undergoing hemodialysis is important to develop infection prevention and to limit the spread of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. Key words: Hemodialysis centers, patients, personnel, Staphylococcus aureus, nasal carriage, antibiotic susceptibility, methicillin resistance, toxin genes.
Dynamical properties of the growing continuum using multiple-scale method

The theory of growth and remodeling is applied to the 1D continuum. This can be mentioned e.g. as a model of the muscle fibre or piezo-electric stack. Hyperelastic material described by free energy potential suggested by Fung is used whereas the change of stiffness is taken into account. Corresponding equations define the dynamical system with two degrees of freedom. Its stability and the properties of bifurcations are studied using multiple-scale method. There are shown the conditions under which the degenerated Hopf’s bifurcation is occuring.
FFA hedging in the supramax segment : how alterations of the Baltic supramax index have affected hedging efficiency

This thesis studies how altering the composition of the Baltic Supramax Index (BSI) affects the hedging efficiency of forward freight agreements (FFA) traded with the index as underlying. We evaluate the hedging efficiency using hedged portfolios with both minimum variance hedge ratios and naïve hedge ratios, both within and across subperiods between 2006 and 2018. Bootstrapping techniques and bias-corrected and accelerated confidence intervals are utilised to investigate if the hedging efficiency is affected to a statistically significant degree when the composition of the index is revised. We find that forward freight agreements can significantly reduce the volatility of freight rates. However, we find no evidence suggesting that reduced weight of a constituent route in the underlying index induces decreased hedging efficiency, or vice versa. Nor do we find that overall hedging efficiency decreases when more routes are added. The cointegrated relationship between individual routes and the FFA time series seems to make changes to the index irrelevant with regard to hedging efficiency. The thesis provides a basis for further research of the hedging efficiency of freight derivatives. Primarily, the topic of this thesis should be revisited when data points from more dimensions of the shipping cycle become available. Moreover, the impact of changes in the underlying asset to real market participants is an interesting continuation. We believe our findings are especially important to the producers of freight indices, as their relevance in terms of hedging efficiency is paramount in order to secure volume and quality in the derivatives market. For charterers, shipowners, and other market participants, our findings are interesting with regards to risk management, specifically in understanding how alterations of an underlying asset have historically affected hedging efficiency. The thesis supplements the rather limited literature on changes in hedging efficiency when the structure of the underlying asset is altered. First, because no such research has been conducted on the FFA market in its current form in recent years. Secondly, because we access trial data of the 10TC FFA before it went live, we can study the differences between overlapping time series of FFA prices with different versions of the BSI as underlying – not only those separated by the date of their alteration. This allows us to compare the hedging performance of two FFAs isolated from time-varying effects. Furthermore, it allows us to evaluate the effect of basis risk caused by differing technical specifications and that caused by a geographical diversification effect due to the addition of more constituent routes.
Distribution and pollution level of nickel and vanadium in sediments from south part of the Caspian Sea, Iran

Distribution and pollution level of nickel and vanadium in sediment from south part of the Caspian Sea, north of Iran, were studied. Sediment samples obtained by Van Veen Grab from four stations, including, Turkaman, Amirabad, Fereydunkenar and Noushahr along the south part of the Caspian Sea, during fall of 2015 and april, summer and winter of 2016. The concentrations of metal were ranged from 21.63 µg/g to 55.45 µg/g for nickel and from 58.23 µg/g to 146.27 µg/g for vanadium in sediments samples collected from all stations. There was significant difference in metals concentration between different stations along the Caspian Sea (P < 0.05), and the highest mean concentration of metals was absorbed in Fereydunkenar estuary, followed by Amirabad, Turkaman and Noushahr, respectively. The results showed that there were significant differences between metals pollution during four seasons (P < 0.05), and the highest concentration of metals were absorbed in dry season (summer) and the lowest concentration in wet season (winter). There was a positive correlation between nickel and vanadium concentration in sediment samples, and the Pearson correlation was (r = 0.67) between nickel and vanadium in sediment samples. The positive correlation between heavy metals can be related to same source of both metals in the environment. Based on our results, anthropogenic activities such as oil industry and agriculture activities are the main sources of pollution in the coasts along south part of Caspian Sea.
Migration patterns, population trends and morphometrics of Ruddy Turnstones Arenaria interpres passing through Ottenby in south-eastern Sweden Flyttningsmönster, populationstrender och morfometri hos roskarlar Arenaria interpres vid Ottenby i sydöstra Sverige

We analysed 57 years’ uninterrupted trapping data of autumn migrating Ruddy Turnstones Arenaria interpres at Ottenby, south-eastern Sweden (1593 full-grown birds in 1947–2003; of them 574 birds with standardised trapping in 1976–2003). Numbers trapped decreased significantly for both adult and juvenile birds in the total dataset (–0.34 and –0.57 ringed birds per year), and for juveniles in the 1976–2003 dataset (–0.51 per year). Median date for adults was 27 July and for juveniles 6 August. Adult females passed on average three days earlier than adult males (females 27 July, males 30 July). The mean body masses (juveniles 108.0 g, adults 108.4 g) correspond to a fuel load of 21–22% in relation to lean
MULTIFACETED BIOCONTROL METHODS AGAINST THE COLUMBIA ROOT KNOT NEMATODE, MELOIDOGYNE CHITWOODI, AND THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE, LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA, PESTS OF POTATOES IN WASHINGTON STATE

by Donna Henderson, Ph. D Washington State University May 2008 Chair: Ekaterini Riga Mustard seed meal from Brassica carinata has shown both nematicidal as well as insect oviposition deterring properties against the root knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi, and the Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, respectively. In addition, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have shown biocontrol potential against both CPB and M. chitwoodi. The objectives of this research were to 1) determine whether entomopathogenic nematodes can reduce M. chitwoodi populations, 2) determine whether entomopathogenic nematodes can infect CPB larvae, 3) determine whether mustard seed meal can decrease M. chitwoodi populations, 4) determine whether the two methods (mustard seed meal and EPN) can be used simultaneously against both the CPB and M. chitwoodi, and 5) determine if the addition of mustard seed meal amendment deters CPB oviposition. Field and greenhouse trials were conducted in WSU Prosser, WA and WSU Pullman, WA in 2006 and 2007. Mustard seed meal
Livelihood diversification strategies among the Borana pastoral households of Yabello District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

This study is aimed at identifying and describing the existing livelihood options and the determinants of the choice of the households’ livelihood strategies in the pastoral areas of Yabello District. The data for this study were obtained from a survey of 180 household heads selected using simple random sampling technique in the year 2016. The key informants interview and focus group discussion were undertaken to gather data having qualitative nature. The result of the descriptive statistics showed that the majority of the sample respondent households thus, 48.3% allocated all their labor force to pastoral and farming activities alone, while about 29.5% were involved in a combination of pastoral, farming and low return non pastoral nonfarm livelihood strategy and 22% work on pastoral, farming and high return non pastoral nonfarm combination of livelihood strategy. The result of the multinomial logit model revealed that family size, sex of household head, education status, livestock holding, access to credit, dependency ratio, access to extension, age of the household head and distance from the nearest have significant influences on household choice of livelihood strategies. Pastoral households have different access to resources and face different opportunities and challenges and thus choose different livelihood strategies calling for tailor made policy and development practice accordingly in line with their livelihood strategies choice. Key words: Livelihood strategies, non-pastoral nonfarm activities, multinomial logit, pastoralist.
Exploring variability among quality management system auditors when rating the severity of audit findings at a nuclear power plant

A reliable quality assurance (QA) function in the nuclear environment is underpinned by the effective identification of risk, and by effective decision-making processes in relation to the risk identified. The need for competent auditors who are able to remain objective and independent at all times forms a critical component of this process. This exploratory study sought to determine reasons for the noted inconsistency among auditors when rating the severity of audit findings, and to provide recommendations to reduce this variability. The Delphi technique, a structured process to gather information from a panel of experts, was adopted to enable multiple iterations of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, in an attempt to mimic the elements of a sequential exploratory strategy related to a mixed method methodology.
Source apportionment of atmospheric trace gases and particulate matter: Comparison of log-ratio and traditional approaches

In this paper we compare multivariate methods using both traditional approaches, which ignore issues of closure and provide relatively simple methods to deal with censored or missing data, and log-ratio methods to determine the sources of trace constituents in the atmosphere. The data set examined was collected from April to July 2008 at a sampling site near Woods Hole, Massachusetts, along the northeastern United States Atlantic coastline. The data set consists of trace gas mixing ratios (O3, SO2, NOx, elemental mercury [Hg o ], and reactive gaseous mercury [RGM]), and concentrations of trace elements in fine ( 80% of the entire dataset) during the analysis. Log-ratio approaches to find relationships between constituents comprising s2 with RGM and HgP (i.e., s1) focused on log-ratio correlation and regression analyses of alr-transformed data, using Al as the divisor. Regression models accounted for large fractions of the variance in concentrations of the two reactive mercury species and generally agreed with conceptualizations about the formation and behavior of these species. An analysis of independence between the subcompositions demonstrated that the behavior of the two constituents comprising s1 (i.e., RGM and HgP) is dependent on changes in s2. Our findings suggest that although problems related to closure are largely unknown or ignored in the atmospheric sciences, much insight can be gleaned from the application of log-ratio methods to atmospheric chemistry data.
CFD Simulation of Truss Spar Vortex-Induced Motion

Helical strakes are used to suppress the Vortex-Induced Motion of Truss Spars. Model experiments have demonstrated the efficiency of strakes in the Truss Spar design but also indicate that the VIM response is sensitive to the details of strake design and placement of appurtenances around the Spar hull. It is desirable to study these hydrodynamic effects using CFD. The following paper is a continuation of some of the earlier CFD simulations on this subject (see, J. Halkyard, et al., “Benchmarking of Truss Spar Vortex-Induced Motions Derived from CFD with Experiments”, Proceedings of OMAE’05). This paper in particular deals with the effect of holes in the strakes and appurtenances and their placement. All the simulations were done at model scale (1:40 scale model of an actual Truss Spar design) to compare the motions with experimental results. Mesh sensitivity and turbulence modeling issues are also discussed. Calculations were done using general purpose CFD code Acusolve™. Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Polytasking and job stress across cultures

POLYTASKING AND JOB STRESS ACROSS CULTURES by Ashwini A. Palekar The current study explored the relationship between country of origin and personal and organizational polytasking in relation to stressors and strains. T he tudy also investigated how temporal incongruence could be a source of str ss. A total of 440 surveys were collected from full-time employees, including Asian Indians i n the USA (n= 67), Asian Indians in India (n=253), and non-Asian Indians in the USA (n= 120). Results indicate that non-Asian Indians in the USA perceive significantly gr eater levels of personal and organizational polytasking than Asian Indians. There were no signif icant differences in perceptions of personal and organizational polytasking for Asi an Indians (in India and the USA). Second, stressor and strain responses to perceptions of organizational polytasking and temporal incongruence were different among the three cultural groups. Implications for time management and future research directi ons are discussed.
Effects of Fluency Instruction on Literacy Skills in the First Grade Classroom.

The effects of fluency intervention strategies on students’ fluency rate, comprehension, and word identification were the focus of this study. Both the experimental and control groups were first grade classes, taught by the same teacher, at a primary school in central Georgia. The study was conducted over a 15-week period. The results of the study were inconclusive. The Lexia Comprehensive Reading Test was used at the beginning and end of fall semester. While the experimental group showed expected progress in comprehension, fluency rate, and word identification, there was no statistical difference in the achievement of both groups. Both groups improved an effect size of . 67. One threat to validity could be the timing of the Lexia posttest, which was given six weeks earlier for the experimental group. Further research could be conducted to explore the effects of fluency instruction on the achievement of first graders.