Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional and local variations in atmospheric aerosols using ground-based sun photometry during DRAGON in 2012

The amount of long-range transboundary (LRT) aerosols over Japan is increasing due to growing anthropogenic emissions from the east Eurasian continent. This work investigates LRT aerosols based on a Distributed Regional Aerosol Gridded Observation Networks (DRAGON). We constructed DRAGON-Japan and -Osaka in spring of 2012. The former network covers almost all of Japan in order to obtain the contribution of LRT aerosols over Japanese islands. It was determined from the DRAGON-Japan campaign that the values of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) decrease from west to east during an 5 aerosol episode. In fact, the highest AOT was recorded at Fukue Island in the western end of the network, and the value was much higher than that of urban areas. The latter network (DRAGON-Osaka) was set as a dense instrument network in the megalopolis of Osaka, with a population of 12 million, to better understand local emissions as well as the influence of LRT on urban areas. AOT was further measured with a mobile sun photometer attached to a car. This transect information showed that aerosol 10 concentrations rapidly changed in time and space together when most of the Osaka area was covered with moderate LRT aerosols. The combined use of the dense instrument network (DRAGON-Osaka) and high frequency measurements provides the motion of aerosol advection, which coincides with the wind vector around the layer between 700 and 850 hPa as provided by the reanalysis data of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP).
Tensile and water vapour properties of calcium-crosslinked alginate-cashew tree gum films

Summary In this study, sodium alginate films were blended with cashew tree gum (CTG) and immersed in CaCl2 solution. The influence of CTG concentration and immersion time in CaCl2 on tensile properties, water vapour permeability and water solubility (WS) of alginate films was evaluated. Glycerol-plasticized alginate/CTG films were cast on glass plates, which were then immersed in a 2% CaCl2 solution to crosslink alginate. CTG concentration in the film solution and immersion time in CaCl2 bath were varied according to a central composite design. Tensile strength, Young′s modulus, WS and water vapour barrier of the films were favoured by higher immersion times in CaCl2 and lower CTG concentrations. The negative CTG effects on such properties have been attributed to competition between the polysaccharides for interactions with calcium ions, reducing crosslinking density and loosening the film structure. On the other hand, this loosening effect resulted in higher film flexibility at higher CTG concentrations.
Consumer Attitudes in Germany towards Different Dairy Housing Systems and Their Implications for the Marketing of Pasture Raised Milk

There is currently much debate surrounding the housing systems for dairy cattle. Large farms, which represent a growing share of the dairy farms, prefer indoor housing systems whereas smaller farms concentrate on low-input systems by giving extended pasture access to milk cows. A consumer survey from 2013 with 1,009 German consumers dealt with consumers’ attitudes towards outdoor and indoor systems as well as quality aspects of food. A factor and a cluster analysis are used to reduce the complexity and identify different consumer clusters. The results give recommendations for farmers, constructors of animal sheds, agricultural technology and the processing dairy industry concerning strategic decisions.
Contrasting the collective social value of outdoor recreation and the substitutability of nature areas using hot spot mapping

This paper investigates one specific cultural ecosystem service: outdoor recreation. We present a methodology to map the collective social value of outdoor recreation and identify the substitutability among nature sites within a specific spatial context. This methodology is applied to the province of Antwerp, Belgium. We propose an indicator of substitutability among nature areas, contrasting unique but poorly substitutable sites (hot spots) with highly substitutable sites (cold spots). Using a combination of survey information, public participation GIS (PPGIS) and kernel density mapping, we produce density surfaces representing the distribution of the collective social value attributed to outdoor recreation. We also compute Getis-Ord Gi* spatial statistics to identify local outdoor recreation clusters. In addition, we explore how recreational behaviour affects substitutability. Our results suggest a duality between the social value of outdoor recreation and the level of substitutability among nature sites. Highly substitutable sites tend to be found near areas of higher population density, which are as well sites of higher social value. Individual-specific parameters such as the type of recreational activity appear to substantially modify substitutability patterns among nature sites. We conclude by discussing the methodological and policy-related implications of this research.
Opaque or Transparent? A Link between Neutrino Optical Depths and the Characteristic Duration of Short Gamma-Ray Bursts

Cosmological gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to occur as a result of violent hypercritical accretion onto stellar mass black holes, following either core collapse in massive stars or compact binary mergers. This dichotomy may be reflected in the two classes of bursts having different durations. Dynamical calculations of the evolution of these systems are essential if one is to establish characteristic relevant timescales. We show here for the first time the result of dynamical simulations, lasting approximately 1 s, of postmerger accretion disks around black holes, using a realistic equation of state and considering neutrino emission processes. We find that the inclusion of neutrino optical depth effects produces important qualitative temporal and spatial transitions in the evolution and structure of the disk, which may directly reflect on the duration and variability of short GRBs.
On Altruistic and Electoral Income Redistribution: Theory and Data

We analyze a political competition model of redistributive policies. We show that the net transfers to the income groups consist of two parts, called altruistic and electoral redistribution. In accordance with the theory, the empirical evidence from a sample of developed and developing democracies strongly supports a positive and significant association between: (i) the net group transfers and the initial income gaps, and (ii) the net transfers to the non-poor (and respectively, the after-tax Gini coefficient) and power sharing disproportionality. JEL Classification Codes: C72, D72, D78.
A framework for performance evaluation of energy supply chain by a compatible Network Data Envelopment Analysis model

Inadequate supply of energy due to consumers’ increasing demand has become one of the major problems in societies. Economic growth is a key reason for the increase in the energy consumption. Although different policies can be employed for resolving this problem, optimizing the efficiency of energy suppliers can be addressed as a key policy in this regard. This paper presents an adjusted Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) model for evaluating performance of energy supply chain in Iran from production to distribution stages. Some suggestions are proposed to optimize the performance of the energy supply chain. The NDEA model is adjusted by using assurance region (AR) to achieve more real and scientific results. Borders of the assurance region obtained fromData Envelopment Analytic Hierarchy Process (DEAHP) method are entered into the NDEA model. The results obtained from this model are compared with those of conventional NDEA and technical efficiency in pairs. Finally, the Spearman and Kendall's-Tau correlation tests are used for validating the results.
Influence of Azteca alfari Ants on the Exploitation of Cecropia Trees by a Leaf‐Cutting Ant

The foraging activity of the leaf‐cutting ant Atta laevigata in an early successional area near Manaus, Brazil, was monitored over a period of 18 mo. Four Cecropia species were growing in that area and all were associated with the ant Azteca alfari. Unoccupied trees (those in which there was no ant response to mechanical disturbance of the stem) were attacked by leaf‐cutting ants more often than were trees occupied by A. alfari colonies.
Can licensing induce productivity? Exploring the IPR effect

Licensing is one of the main channels for technology transfer from foreign-owned multinational enterprises (MNEs) to domestic plants. This transfer, occurring within and across industries, results in technology spillovers that may affect both intra- and interindustry productivity. Intellectual property rights (IPR) legislation may increase (or reduce) this effect. Using Chilean plant-level data for the 2001–2007 period and an exogenous variation from an IPR reform in 2005, we explore whether or not IPR affects the spillover effects of licensing on productivity. We find that stronger IPR reduces backward spillovers but increases forward spillovers. Moreover, the IPR legislation effect is stronger on firms that are on average smaller, and have low productivity. Our results are robust not only to a series of definitions of IPR, licensing, and productivity, but also to a set of different specifications.
Preliminary study based on the DDSCAT software to explore increasing the contrast of breast tumors for microwave imaging

Microwave technology is being researched for its capabilities to detect breast tumors less painfully and at earlier stages. It is necessary to have a large contrast between cancerous and healthy tissue when the microwaves are reflected off the breast tissue. To model the increasing contrast between cancerous breast tissue and healthy breast tissue, the DDSCAT code is investigated for its capabilities and analyzed for its accuracy in scattering calculations. The DDSCAT is used to model homogenous and inhomogeneous targets. Simulations of the scattering field by the homogeneous and inhomogeneous targets are conducted and compared to Mie theory calculations for accuracy. Many different magnitudes of refractive indices, as well as real and complex refractive indices, are tested with the DDSCAT. Overall, the results obtained, show the DDSCAT to be a flexible code, capable of modeling many complex targets, which offers a potential to further research of breast cancer detection. This thesis is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council.
Quantifying atmospheric nitrate formation pathways based on a global model of the oxygen isotopic composition (Δ 17 O) of atmospheric nitrate

Abstract. The oxygen isotopic composition (Δ17O) of atmospheric nitrate is a function of the relative abundance of atmospheric oxidants (O3, ROx=OH+HO2+RO2) and the formation pathway of nitrate from its precursor NOx (=NO+NO2). Coupled observations and modeling of nitrate Δ17O can be used to quantify the relative importance of chemical formation pathways leading to nitrate formation and reduce uncertainties in the budget of reactive nitrogen chemistry in the atmosphere. We present the first global model of atmospheric nitrate Δ17O and compare with available observations. The largest uncertainty for calculations of nitrate Δ17O is the unconstrained variability in the Δ17O value of tropospheric ozone. The model shows the best agreement with a global compilation of observations when assuming a Δ17O value of tropospheric ozone equal to 35‰ and preferential oxidation of NOx by the terminal oxygen atoms of ozone. Calculated values of annual-mean nitrate Δ17O in the lowest model layer (0–200 m above the surface) vary from 7‰ in the tropics to 41‰ in the polar-regions. The global, annual-mean tropospheric inorganic nitrate burden is dominated by nitrate formation via NO2+OH (76%), followed by N2O5 hydrolysis (18%) and NO3+DMS/HC (4%). Calculated nitrate Δ17O is sensitive to the relative importance of each nitrate formation pathway, suggesting that observations of nitrate Δ17O can be used to quantify the importance of individual reactions (e.g. N2O5 hydrolysis) leading to nitrate formation if the Δ17O value of ozone is known.
Magma evolution and PGE mineralization in the Late Neoproterozoic Mechanic Settlement Pluton, southern New Brunswick

The Mechanic Settlement Pluton, southern New Brunswick, is a high-level mafic-ultramafic pluton of Late Neoproterozoic age (ca. 557 Ma). Based on surface-outcrop and drill-core samples, the pluton includes six different lithologic assemblages: peridotitic, olivine-bearing gabbroic, gabbroic, anorthositic, troctolitic, and dioritic, each of which consists of a range of related rock types. Cumulate textures are typically present, and several rock types contain interstitial hydrous silicate minerals, indicating a wet parent magma. The general mineral crystallization sequence in the pluton was olivine and chromite, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, and a hydrous mafic silicate mineral (either phlogopite or hornblende). Lithologic assemblages and their constituent varieties are not continuous between drill holes, and no statistically significant pattern in the stratigraphic succession could be established with the available data. Variation in the mineralogy and chemistry of the rocks is controlled by fractionation of olivine and plagioclase. The Mechanic Settlement Pluton and comagmatic Coldbrook Group basalt are probably of calc-alkaline affinity. Several horizons bearing platinum-group elements associated with minor sulphide mineralization (pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-pentlandite) occur in peridotitic rocks, which may have formed during or following magma influx. Based on similarities to the Lac des Iles complex, Ontario, the best potential for exploration for additional mineralization may be in the poorly exposed gabbroic-dioritic western part of the pluton.
Differential susceptibility of three grapevine cultivars to Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora in California

Summary. One-year-old wood of grapevine cv. Thompson Seedless, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon were pruned and the pruning wound immediately inoculated with a spore suspension (approximately 110 6 spores ml -1 of water) of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora or Phaeoacremonium aleophilum. Based on the incidence of esca 3 years after inoculation, Thompson Seedless was rated as the most susceptible of the 3 cultivars. The results are consistent with the observed incidence of naturally-occurring esca in California vineyards on these three cultivars.
THE HYBRIDS OF MIMULUS CUPREUS

The hybrid M. 'f guttatus x 6' cupreus has been synthesized and found to be completely sterile. All attempts to obtain the reciprocal cross have failed. Naturalized plants from several northern British localities are identical with plants of the synthesized hybrid, with one exception. This is a double-flowered plant from Scalloway, Shetland, v.c. 112. The results presented here suggest that this plant is also a hybrid -of the same parentage. M. cupreus and M. luteus have been found to be completely interfertile, and it is suggested that M. cupreus may not merit specific rank. The hybrid M. 'f guttatus x 6' (M. luteus x cupreus) has also been produced and is also completely sterile.
TITLE: Acute Herniation of Nondegenerate Nucleus Pulposus: Acute Noncompressive Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion and Compressive Hydrated Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion AUTHORS: Steven De Decker and Joe Fenn JOURNAL: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice

This is the peer-reviewed, manuscript version of an article published in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. The version of record is available from the journal site: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm. 2017.08. 004. © 2018. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/. The full details of the published version of the article are as follows:
The effect of mutagens on M1 population of black gram ( Vigno mungo L. Hepper)

This study was carried out with black gram (urdbean) variety TNAUCo(Bg)6 to determine the effects of gamma rays (150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 Gy) and ethyl methane sulphonate (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 mM). Data collected were on seed germination and survival, pollen and seed fertility, plant height, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per plant, hundred seed weight and yield per plant in M 1 generation. Thereafter, progressive reduction in germination and survival percentage, pollen and seed fertility and yield related traits were observed in the mutagenic treatments. Deleterious effects were more pronounced in higher doses, indicating almost a linear relationship. LD 50 values of 41.30 and 43.50% were observed in 20 mM of ethyl methane sulphonate and 250 Gy of gamma rays, respectively. The increasing doses of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate decreased in phenotypic and yield related parameters. The reduction in quantity and yield traits has been attributed to the physiological disturbance or chromosomal damage of the cells of the plant caused by the mutagens. Ethyl methane sulphonate was observed to be more effective than gamma rays as it generated more number of mutants, which later caused higher physical injury. Keywords : Vigna mungo , variety TNAUCo(Bg)6, gamma rays, ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS).
Cytotoxicologic Studies of the Extracts of Iranian Juniperus Sabina and Platycladus Orientalis on Cancer Cells

Background: Isolation and identification of some potent anti-tumor compounds from medicinal plants, has motivated researchers to screen different parts of plant species for anti-tumor effects. It has been reported that several conifers posses cytotoxic activities on some human tumor cell lines. Methods: In this study male and female branchlets or fruits of two different species of Iranian conifers were collected from the northern parts of Iran and identified. Hydroalcoholic extracts of them were prepared by perculation. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts on three human tumor cell lines (Hela, KB, and MDA-MB-468) were determined. Different concentrations of extracts were added to cultured cells and incubated for 72 h. Cell survival was evaluated using MTT-based cytotoxicity assay. Cytotoxicity was considered when mor than 50% decrese was seen in cell survival. Results: Although the extracts from Platycladus orientalis significantly decreased Hela and MDA-MB-468 cell curvival, their effects were not considerable. Extracts from fruit and branchlets of male and female Juniperus sabina showed cytotoxic activities against Hela and MDA-MB-468 cells. Conclusion: It is concluded that extracts of J. sabin have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Keywords: Juniperus sabina, Platycladus orientalis, Cytotoxicity, MTT assay, Cancer cells.
Growth Dynamics and Space in Brazil

The authors bring together two strands of the empirical literature and analyze the geography of the regional economic performance of the states of the Brazilian Federation from 1939 to 1998. Using tools from spatial statistics, they examine the spatial dependence of regional per capita income in Brazil during the past six decades. They also examine the role of geography in explaining economic growth patterns using intradistribution dynamic tools based on Markov transition matrices and stochastic kernels in a discrete and a continuous framework. The analyses reveal the existence of two spatial clusters in Brazil, a low-income cluster in the northeast and a high-income cluster in the southeast. Moreover, the spatial pattern of economic growth in Brazilian states cannot be viewed without accounting for spatial spillovers. The authors show that states with relatively rich neighbors have a greater chance of being prosperous.
On Muddled Reasoning and Mediation Modeling

The hope of mediation modeling is that psychologists can go beyond tests of association to truly uncover mechanisms of change. We argue this hope can be realized only if psychologists make important distinctions regarding causality and inference. From the perspective of Aristotelian philosophy, mediation models are sequences of efficient causes, and psychologists should therefore seek to identify those persons who can be traced through the entire sequence successfully. By reanalyzing data from two mediation studies we demonstrate that contemporary, aggregate methods of analysis are not suitable for this task because they are instead focused on making inferences about population parameters. In both studies alternative, person-centered methods revealed that majorities of participants were not traceable through the statistically significant mediation models.
Physicochemical properties of fermented sweet potato flour in wheat composite flour and its use in white bread

Sweet potatoes were peeled, washed, sliced and fermented for 7 days by spontaneous, pickled brine and Lactobacillus plantarum FNCC 0123, dried and milled into flours. These fermented flours and the composite flours consisting of 60% wheat flour and 40% fermented sweet potato flour were analyzed for the physicochemical and pasting properties. Non-fermented sweet potato flour and its composite with wheat flour were also prepared as controls. The composite flours were used as raw material for white bread making and were tested for sensory properties and bread loaf specific volume. The results showed that the physicochemical and pasting properties of sweet potatoes flours were affected by fermentation. In general the fermented sweet potato flours (both composite and non-composite) had a lower pH, and solubility, but had higher amylose content, swelling power, water absorption capacity, and whiteness than those of controls. Fermentation increased peak viscosity, break down, and set back value, but deacreased the temperature of maximum viscosity of all sweet potatoes flours. The sensory analysis indicated that the bread from wheat-pickle brine composite flour was the best treatment with the characteristics of brightest crust color, softest crumb, more uniform pores, and highest bread loaf specific volume.
Effects of Messiness on Preferences for Simplicity

This research examines the effect of experiencing messiness, induced by a messy environment or by priming the concept of messiness, on consumers. We propose that messiness is an aversive state and that consumers are motivated to attenuate this state by seeking simplicity in their cognitions, preferences, and choices. Six experiments support our theorizing. Experiments 1A-1C (conducted in the laboratory) and experiment 2 (conducted in the field) demonstrate that when messiness is salient, consumers form simpler product categorizations, are willing to pay more for a T-shirt with a simple picture, and seek less variety in their choices. Experiment 3 brings additional evidence for the underlying role of the need for simplicity by showing that when the need for simplicity is satiated, the effects of messiness disappear. A final experiment shows a boundary condition of the messiness effect: political conservatives are more susceptible to messiness primes compared to liberals.