Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Status report on aquatic micropollution in french inland waters

La pollution des eaux douces (eaux de surface et sediment) par les micropolluants organiques et metalliques est surveillee depuis 1990 dans le cadre du reseau national de bassin, par les DIREN et les Agences de l'eau. Ces donnees sont disponibles aupres du reseau national des donnees sur l'eau et des agences de l'eau. Les donnees de micropollution (1995-1999, eau, sediment, poissons) de deux grands bassins urbains et industriels sont analysees pour illustrer les niveaux de contamination des milieux aquatiques, en regard des seuils de concentrations proposes dans le cadre du Systeme d'Evaluation de la Qualite des Agences de l'eau (SEQ-eau), et de valeurs recemment publiees au niveau international. Les herbicides apparaissent comme les principaux pesticides detectes dans les eaux de surfaces, alors que les HAPs, les PCBs et les metaux sont systematiquement presents dans les sediments a des concentrations parfois suspectes d'effet toxique. Les lacunes les plus importantes concernent les donnees sur la contamination des organismes, pour lesquelles des efforts d'acquisition, de standardisation et d'interpretation sont indispensables.
Facebook users’ engagement and perceived life satisfaction

This study extends existing research on Facebook’s impact on users’ life satisfaction. The results from two surveys of college students demonstrate a tension between Facebook use and users’ perceived contentment with their lives. Existing literature indicates students use Facebook to enhance self-esteem, yet the results from this study connect increased Facebook use to lower self-reported levels of happiness. In particular, respondents’ interactions with photos and videos increase users’ dissatisfaction. This phenomenon may be due to the impact photos have on the ways users engage in social comparisons with Facebook “friends” and the self-construals they create based on these comparisons.
INTRA-SECTOR RETURN REVERSALS IN THE MALAYSIAN STOCK MARKET

This paper examines return reversals in the Malaysian stock market using weekly return data from 2000 to 2010. We document the presence of strong intra-sector return reversals in the short-term. The return reversals are not confined to any particular sector; returns to the contrarian strategy are significant for all sectors for holding periods of 1 to 4 weeks. Furthermore, the intra-sector contrarian strategy generally outperforms a market wide strategy. In addition, the returns to the contrarian strategy are robust to changes in the criteria for winner and loser stock selection. However, the findings reveal that reversals are not as prominent in the intermediate term. We find that the returns are no longer significant for five of the nine sectors for the holding period of 52 weeks. We conclude that short-term intra-sector return reversals are present in the Malaysian market and might be profitability exploited using a contrarian trading strategy.
Colour Changes in Jaggery Cubes under Modified Atmosphere Packaging in Plastic Film Packages

Jaggery cubes made from sugarcane (variety: CoJ64) was stored under modified atmosphere packaging (70% N2+30% CO2), at ambient conditions in low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthlate (PET), and laminated aluminum film packages for a period of 210 days, to enhance the shelf life and to evaluate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on moisture content, phenols, color, reducing sugars, and texture of jaggery. MAP resulted in colour changes in the original yellowish red colour of jaggery under different plastic films. Instead of conventional CIELAB colour space system utilizing only L*, a* and b* values, the colour changes were analyzed as per L*C*h* colour space system using lightness, chroma and hue angle values, to evaluate the final hue (colour). On 210th day of storage, the samples kept in all the films were dark, but the intensity of darkness was least for PET film. The best retention of colour was observed for PET film under MAP. Further, the sensory and visual analysis of jaggery samples during entire storage period was in line with the results obtained from L*C*h* colour space diagram.
Effects of alkali stress and growing media on growth and physiological characteristics of gerbera plants.

In order to determine the best growing media for Gerbera jamesonii under alkaline conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted with two factors, namely: (i) Growing medium, and (ii) Concentrations of bicarbonate (NaHCO 3) in nutrient solution. Results showed that increasing the concentration of NaHCO 3 from 0 to 40 mM in nutrient solution significantly decreased plant growth, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F v/F m), photosynthesis Performance Index (PI), Glutamine Synthetase (GS) activity, Leaf Relative Water Content (LRWC), Chlorophylls (Chl a, b and total Chl) and carotenoids. Under alkalinity stress, reduction in vegetative growth, Fv/F m, PI , LRWC , GS activity and photosynthesis pigments content was the lowest in Coconut Fiber (CF) substrate compared to the other substrates. Furthermore, plants grown in CF substrate had higher soluble sugars and proline content than those in other substrates. On the other hand, plants grown on Perlite (P) substrate had the highest reduction in growth and physiological characteristic in alkaline conditions. The alleviation of alkalinityinduced growth inhibition of plants by CF substrate may be related to improvement of photosynthesis, enhancement of GS enzyme activity and osmotic regulation. It is concluded that the use of CF substrate could provide a useful tool to improve alkalinity tolerance of gerbera plants under NaHCO 3 stress.
Degradation of Abamectin Using the Photo-Fenton Process

The cultivation of strawberries generally requires substantial use of pesticides, and abamectin is the active principle of one of those most commonly employed. Conventional water treatment does not remove pesticides efficiently, so there is a need to investigate alternative procedures. The use of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can achieve good results in removal of toxic organic compounds present in aqueous solutions. The photo-Fenton process, one example of an AOP, was employed to study the degradation of abamectin. Results showed that when natural water samples contaminated with abamectin were treated using the photo-Fenton process, 70% of the initial amount of the compound was removed within 60 minutes of UV irradiation, and 60% mineralization was observed after 180 minutes of reaction.
LIMITING FACTORS IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS

SUMMARY The limitations of present methods for describing the relative importance of different processes in controlling rates of photosynthesis are discussed, and a new method proposed. It is suggested that 'photosynthetic limitations', instead of resistances, should be used to describe the relative importance of different component processes at normal ambient carbon dioxide concentrations. The limitation approach is particularly relevant if the photosynthetic rate is not limited entirely by the supply of carbon dioxide.
Establishing Lipschitz properties of multivariable algebraic loops with incremental sector nonlinearities

In this paper we give a sufficient condition (in terms of an LMI) for the well-posedness of a feedback interconnection between a linear system and an incrementally sector bounded static nonlinearity. In particular, we prove the global invertibility of the algebraic constraint arising from the feedback interconnection and prove a suitable Lipschitz bound for the arising global inverse function. We also comment on the useful ramifications of the proposed condition on LMI- based anti-windup synthesis methods recently proposed in the literature, wherein possible numerical problems arising from solutions which are "almost" non well-posed are ruled out by enforcing a suitable Lipschitz constant on the inverse function.
Determination of Ignition Sensitivity of Selected Heat Powders

Ignition sensitivity is one of the factors defining the characteristics of high calorific mixture with low emission of gaseous product. It was found that Zr-BaCrO4 mixture is sensitive to ignition by electric spark energy of 0.82 J, whereas activation of Fe-KClO4 mixture depends on the iron powder employed and the composition of its surface oxide layers. Energy required for the activation of high calorific mixture in form of powder designated as FeK, FeR or FeE is equal to 0.08, 0.59 and 1.1 J, while in the form of pellet 6.92, 10.2 and 14.1 J. Activation of Fe-KClO4 mixture with a strip of heat paper as well as with the electric spark has revealed that the mixture containing iron powder obtained by atomization method (FeA) is not active.
Integrating Task-based Instruction as an Alternative Approach in Teaching Reading Comprehension in English for Special Purposes:

Burns, A. (2009). Doing Action Research in English Language Teaching: A Guide for Practitioners, Routledge. Crookes, G. (1993). Action Research for Second Language Instructors: Going beyond instructor research. Applied Linguistics. 14 (2), 130-144. doi:10.1093/applin/14.2. 130 Cubillo, P. C. , & Brenes, C. N. (2009). Using Task-based Instruction in an ESP Course in the Computer Center at the University of Costa Rica. Actualidades Investigativas en Educacion, 9(1) 1-25. Ellis, R. (2006). The Methodology of Task-Based Teaching. Retrieved from FTP: http://www.asian-efl-journal.com. Erfani, S. M. , Iranmehr, A. & Davari, H. (2009). Iranian ESP Textbooks Drawbacks: A Critical Study. The First International Conference “ESP in Asia": Chongqing University, China. Farhady, H. (2006). Reflections on and Directions for ESP Materials Development in SAMT, in Kiani & Khayamdar (eds.) Proceedings of the First National ESP/EAP Conference,vol.3, Tehran, SAMT Publication. Finch, A. (2004). Supplementing secondary EFL textbooks. Gyeongbuk Secondary English Education, XVI, 96 -107. Haseli, M. (2004). Two Models Compared: Problem-based Learning and Task-based Learning. ESP world, 3(2). Hokmi, M. (2005). Iranian ESP Students' Reading Comprehension in Task-based Language Teaching Approach. Roshd FLT, 19 (73). Kavaliauskiene, G. (2005). Task-based Learning and Learning Outcomes in the ESP Classrooms. Studies about Languages, vol. 7. Mansor, F. (2001). A case of extra-sensitive perception of ESP. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies. Vol. 1(1). Nunan, D. (1989). Designing Tasks for the Communicative Classroom, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Nunan, D. (1991). Language Teaching Methodology: a Textbook for Teachers. New York: Prentice-Hall. Nunan, D. (2004). Task-based Language Teaching, University of Hong Kong, Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511667336 Riazi, A. (2005). Features of Quality EAP Textbooks: Insights from Literature and Book Reviews, in Kiani & Khayamdar (eds.) Proceedings of the First National ESP/EAP Conference, vol.1, Tehran, SAMT Publication. Ross-Fisher, R. (2008). Action research to improve teaching and learning. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 44 (4), 160-164. Sanchez, A. (2004). The Task-based Approach in language Teaching, University Of Murcia. IJES, 4(1). Shokouhi, H. (2006). A New Discourse Plan for the Iranian University ESP Textbooks. In Kiani & Khayamdar (eds.) Proceedings of the First National ESP/EAP Conference, vol.3, Tehran, SAMT Publication. Skehan, P. (1996). Second Language Acquisition Research and Task-based Instruction. In Willis J. & Wilis D. (eds.) Challenge and Change in Language Teaching. Heinemann. Slavin, R. (2006). Educational Psychology: theory and practice, 8th edition, Boston ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Willis, D. (1996). A Framework for Task-based Learning, London, Longman.
A vector‐valued ground motion intensity measure consisting of spectral acceleration and epsilon

The ‘strength’ of an earthquake ground motion is often quantified by an Intensity Measure (IM), such as peak ground acceleration or spectral acceleration at a given period. This IM is used to predict the response of a structure. In this paper an intensity measure consisting of two parameters, spectral acceleration and epsilon, is considered. The IM is termed a vector‐valued IM, as opposed to the single parameter, or scalar, IMs that are traditionally used. Epsilon (defined as a measure of the difference between the spectral acceleration of a record and the mean of a ground motion prediction equation at the given period) is found to have significant ability to predict structural response. It is shown that epsilon is an indicator of spectral shape, explaining why it is related to structural response. By incorporating this vector‐valued IM with a vector‐valued ground motion hazard, we can predict the mean annual frequency of exceeding a given value of maximum interstory drift ratio, or other such response measure. It is shown that neglecting the effect of epsilon when computing this drift hazard curve leads to conservative estimates of the response of the structure. These observations should perhaps affect record selection in the future. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sagitta microstructure of European conger eel, Conger conger (L.), leptocephali compared with leptocephali of the eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.)

Sagitta microstructure of the European conger eel (Conger conger) was analysed. The study used twenty-one pre-metamorphic leptocephali collected from the Iberian continental slope and the Bay of Biscay, and two metamorphosing larvae captured on the continental shelf near to the Minho River entrance.The total length and the radii of the sagittae of the leptocephali ranged from 85 to 133 µm and from 113 to 260 µm, respectively. Daily rings were visible along the entire length of the sagitta radii of the pre-metamorphic leptocephali, with an average of 277 rings. A diffuse zone, where no rings were visible, was present in the sagittae of the two larvae which had already metamorphosed. The fact that conger eel larvae grow well up until metamorphosis, could be the reason for the clear visibility of most of the daily rings in the pre-metamorphic leptocephali. This could be useful, when comparing other species, for example the European eel, Anguilla anguilla, whose sagittae present a diffuse zone prior to metamorphosis. Kurzfassung Die Mikrostrukturen der Sagittae von einundzwanzig, am Iberischen Kontinentalschelf und in der Bucht von Biskaya gesammelten, pre-metamorphosierten Leptocephali des Europaischen Meeraals (Conger conger) und von zwei, auf dem Kontinentalschelf nahe der Rio-Minho-Mundung gefangenen, metamorphosierenden Larven, wurden analysiert. Die Totallangen und die Radien der LeptocephalusSagittae variierten von 85 bis 133 µm und von 113 bis 260 µm. Tagesringe waren entlang der gesamten Langen der Sagitta-Radien bei den pre-metamorfosierten Leptocephali sichtbar und im Durchschnitt konnten 277 Ringe gezahlt werden. Eine diffuse Zone, in der keine Ringe sichtbar waren, war in den Sagittae der zwei, bereits metamorfosierten Larven vorhanden. Die Tatsache, dass die Larven des Meeraals bis zur Metarmorphose hin gut wachsen, konnte der Grund fur die gute Sichtbarkeit der meisten Tagesringe der pre-metamorphorsierten Leptocephali sein und beim Vergleich mit anderen Arten, zum Beispiel dem Europaischen Aal Anguilla anguilla, nutzlich sein, dessen Sagittae eine diffuse Zone vor der Metarmorphose aufweisen.
The Truth about Class Inequality

A strongly recommended conclusion in sociology about trends in class inequality has been summarised by Goldthorpe as a high degree of 'temporal constancy and cross-national communality'. This conclusion, here called 'the stability thesis', was first challenged by Ringen in 1987 and again, on more methodological grounds, by Ringen and Hellevik in two papers published in 1997. These challenges resulted in a process of debate and reassessment. It is now possible to sum up and conclude. The stability thesis rests on empirical re- sults from odds-ratio readings of mobility table data. The authority of this methodology is re-examined in terms of normative significance and statistical validity. Mobility table data which have generated stability thesis findings are re- analysed with the standard gini-index methodology in the study of inequality, then yielding different findings which contradict the stability thesis. The main conclusion is that the stability thesis can now be considered overturned.
Particle Measurement Programme (PMP) Heavy-Duty (HD) Inter-laboratory Exercise

This document reports the results of the exploratory work during the PMP Heavy-Duty inter-laboratory exercise – from Oct. ’07 to Feb. ‘08 conducted at the Vehicles Emissions Laboratory (VELA-5) in the Transport and Air Quality Unit of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC, Ispra). This report presents the results of the work undertaken on an IVECO Cursor 8 Heavy-Duty engine equipped with a Continuous Regenerating Trap (CRT), i.e. the Golden Engine. Main objective of these tests were to finalize the measurement protocol that will be used in the validation exercise and the round robin. These tests included background tests, filter media effect, filter face velocity, preconditioning effect, comparisons of different particle number systems, and investigation of the golden instruments. How to obtain EU publications Our priced publications are available from EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu), where you can place an order with the sales agent of your choice. The Publications Office has a worldwide network of sales agents. You can obtain their contact details by sending a fax to (352) 29 29-42758. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national. LB -N A -2326-EN -C
The Incidence of Agricultural Subsidies on Farmland Rental Rates: Overcoming Bias From Inertia, Expectations, and Tenancy Arrangements

Recent studies indicate that the effect of government subsidies on rental rates for farmland may be lower than once thought and lower than predictions from theory. However, there are still a number of unresolved issues in estimating subsidy incidence econometrically. We identify three such issues, inertia, expectations, and tenancy arrangements, and employ panel data from the state of Kansas to resolve them. Our econometric model suggests that subsidy incidence on rental rates is low in the short run, but consistent with predictions from theory in the long run.
DEVELOPMENT OF SPEECH PERCEPTION AND PRODUCTION SKILLS OF /R/ AND /L/ IN JAPANESE LEARNERS OF ENGLISH

Perception and production of /r/ and /l/ by Japanese learners of English have been extensively investigated. Some studies have found that production can exceed perception (Goto, 1971, Sheldon & Strange, 1982), while others have demonstrated that perception and production develop interdependently (Bradlow et al. 1995; de Jonge 1995). However since the previous studies used different experimental tasks and since learners from different proficiency levels were tested crosssectionally, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between perception and production skills. The current longitudinal study explores development of perception and production skills of Japanese learners of English over a study period of six months. The following questions are addressed: 1) how do Japanese learners of English develop their skills in perceiving and producing /r/ and /l/ over time? and 2) how does phonological environment (the position of /r/ and /l/ in a word) affect perception and production for Japanese learners of English? Five native Japanese adults learning English in the United States participated in the study. The results indicate that perception and production skills of Japanese learners of English can develop at different rates. In addition, the position of /r/ and /l/ in a word had a large effect on successful production and perception of these sounds over the study period of six months.
BACK-CALCULATIONS OF OBSERVED AVALANCHES AGAINST NATURAL DEFLECTING DAMS

The objective of this study is to assess the reliability of presently available numerical avalanche models in predicting avalanche flow about deflecting natural terrain features such as large boul- ders or moraine ridges. Field observations from Norway have been back-calculated using RAMMS. The observations vary in quality, but the main features of the avalanches regarding release, track and runout have been documented. The quality of the available digital elevation model is critical for the model results. For the two smallest avalanches, good agreement between simulation and observation of both run-up height and runout distance required substantially higher values than commonly used for the friction parameters and . This has the effect of increasing the velocity in the track and shortening the stopping distance.
Standardization of Sucrose and 6-Benzyl Aminopurine for in vitro Micro Tuberization of Potato

In vitro micro tuberization from regenerated plantlets of potato varieties was observed in Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University. Tubers of potato cultivars Diamant and Cardinal were used as initial experimental materials for meristem culture. The experiment was consisted of three factors; variety (Diamant, Cardinal), sucrose concentration (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%) and 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP) levels (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 mg L-1). As a whole, 24 treatments were laid out in complete randomized design with three replications. Among the varieties, Diamant required minimum days (6-17) for micro-tuber initiation, produced more number of micro-tubers (4.97) and produced more average weight of micro-tuber (120.39mg) but there had no significant difference. Among the sucrose levels, quickest (6-15 days) micro-tuber initiation, the highest number of micro-tubers vial-1 (5.06) and the highest average weight of micro-tuber (137.31 mg) were found in 9% sucrose level. For different BAP levels, quickest (6-15 days) micro-tuber initiation, the highest number of micro-tubers vial-1 (5.38) and the highest average weight of micro-tuber (126.31 mg) were found at 5.0 mg L-1. The best combination for minimum duration (6-8 days) of micro-tuber initiation, the highest number of micro-tubers vial-1 (6.00) and the highest average weight of micro-tuber (152.01 mg) was in Diamant with 9% sucrose at 5 mg L-1. Concomitantly, the lowest number micro-tubers vial-1 (2.00) and the lowest average weight of micro-tuber (89.98 mg) were found in Cardinal cultured with 3% sucrose media where at 7.5 mg L-1 BAP and at 2.5 mg L-1 BAP, respectively.
POST‐MATING SURVIVAL IN A SMALL MARSUPIAL IS ASSOCIATED WITH NUTRIENT INPUTS FROM SEABIRDS

We investigated a link between facultative semelparity ("male die-off") in a small, endangered marsupial, Parantechinus apicalis (the dibbler), and the availability of resources on two small islands in Western Australia. Post-mating survival of male dibblers differed between the two islands, and the input of nutrients from nesting seabirds was a possible factor affecting available resources and therefore survival of male dibblers. Seabirds can increase significantly the concentration of nutrients in the soil and can ultimately lead to an increase in abundance of primary consumers and predators. We compared concentrations of soil nutrients, body condition, and post-mating survival of male dibblers on both islands. The body condition and post-breeding survival were significantly better on the island with many seabirds, where soil nutrients were up to 18 times higher, than on the adjacent island with fewer seabirds. Our results indicate a potential link between male die-off and resource availability. We suggest that marine-derived nutrients transported onto islands by nesting seabirds can alter the productivity as well as the life history traits of species in an island ecosystem.