Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of drought and rewetting on N2O emissions from soil in temperate and Mediterranean climates

The potential for soils to produce nitrous oxide (N2O) is impacted by past moisture conditions; however, the extent of this impact is not fully understood. We conducted the first review of this, using two literature searches and a meta‐analysis. We found 36 studies out of a possible 735 that described experiments where soil moisture conditions had been controlled, such that the impact of antecedent moisture levels could be separated from contemporary moisture levels and attributed to N2O emissions. Of those studies, 14 (130 data points) used the appropriate experimental design and presented suitable data that could be standardized for the meta‐analysis. We found that the degree to which the soil was rewetted and the water filled pore space (WFPS) the soil was brought to were significant explanatory variables (p = < 0.0001). The larger the difference between the dry and wet states of the soil and the higher the WFPS of the soil after rewetting, the larger the hot moment, with an exponential increase once the soil is anaerobic. Substrate availability and fertiliser quantity and type were also important controls on the amount of N2O emitted during the hot moment (p = < 0.0001). However, controls with a constant WFPS can have the same anaerobicity and substrate concentrations, yet much lower emissions, so we suggest that it is the bioavailability of and how the substrates are utilized by the microbial community, and thus how they are primed by the drought, that is the main causal mechanism. Unfortunately, there is still a large uncertainty regarding how microbial population structure, relative gene abundances and gene expression profiles change according to antecedent dry/wet cycles. We suggest several areas of improvement for future studies and the development of drought‐impact curves. These would show the relationship between N2O emissions and the length of drought (we found no studies that have investigated this) and N2O emissions and the severity of drought (e.g. the difference between 20% and 40% WFPS).
Water use Efficiency and Weed Interference in Melon Crop under Conventional and No-Tillage Systems

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the conventional and no-tillage systems and weed management strategies on water use efficiency in melon crop (Cucumis melo). Thus, an experiment was carried out in a randomized block design in split-plots in Mossoró-RN. The plots were constituted of two tillage systems (conventional and no-tillage) and the sub-plots of three weed management systems (plastic mulch, weeding, and no weeding). Density and dry weight of the weeds at 30 days after transplanting, commercial and total yield and daily consumption of TEÓFILO, T.M.S. et al. Planta Daninha, Viçosa-MG, v. 30, n. 3, p. 547-556, 2012 548 water were evaluated. Irrigation management was performed by the characteristic soil water curve for each cropping system at 15 and 30 cm of depth and water control by daily reading a set of tensiometers installed to keep the soil above 75% of field capacity. Water use efficiency (USA), given in kg of fruit per m3, was determined based on the crop’s yield and water consumption. It was found that the no-tillage system reduced weed density and dry matter in 86.7 and 61%, respectively, compared to conventional tillage, and weed interference reduced commercial yield by 100% under conventional tillage and 36.5% under no-tillage. Soil with plastic mulch under no-tillage and conventional systems, and straw mulching under no-tillage reduced water consumption by 23% (388.8 m ha), 21% (363.0 m ha) and 13% (215.0 m ha), respectively, compared to the weeding treatment under conventional tillage. Soil with plastic mulch under the two tillage systems, or straw mulching under no-tillage increased the efficiency of water use from the ground without cover. In the no-weeding treatment under conventional tillage, weed interference caused total productivity loss and increased water consumption by 9.6%.
Del oca tion and Eu rop ean inte gra tion

How is European integration changing the location of industry? And what part are national and EU aids to industry playing in this process? We show that states and regions are becoming more specialized within the EU, but this process is very slow. While there is no evidence of polarization occurring at the national level, some regions are losing out. National state aids to industry appear to have little effect for either good or ill, since their effectiveness at attracting economic activity and employment is limited. European Structural Funds expenditure, by contrast, does have an effect on the location of industry, notably by attracting industries that are intensive in research and development. However, this effect has mostly been acting counter to states’ comparative advantage – R&D-intensive industries have been encouraged by these aids to locate in countries and regions that have low endowments of skilled labour. Only in Ireland, where Structural Funds reinforced rather than offset comparative advantage, have poor regions been enabled systematically to catch up with the EU average.
Strong Sequestration of Hydrogen Into the Earth's Core During Planetary Differentiation

We explore the partitioning behavior of hydrogen between coexisting metal and silicate melts at conditions of the magma ocean and the current core–mantle boundary with the help of density functional theory molecular dynamics. We perform simulations with the two‐phase and thermodynamic integration methods. We find that hydrogen is weakly siderophile at low pressure (20 GPa and 2,500 K), and becomes much more strongly so with pressure, suggesting that hydrogen is transported to the core in a significant amount during core segregation and is stable there. Based on our results, the core likely contains ~1 wt% H, assuming single‐stage formation and equilibration at 40 GPa. Our two‐phase simulations further suggest that silicon is entrained in the core‐forming metal, while magnesium remains in the silicate phase. This preferred incorporation of silicon hints at an explanation for the elevated Mg/Si ratio of the bulk silicate Earth relative to chondritic compositions.
One Thousand Three Hundred Years of Variability in the Position of the South Pacific Convergence Zone

The South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) is the largest rain belt in the Southern Hemisphere and a key driver of precipitation variability, impacting South Pacific island communities. Our millennial‐long reconstruction is based on a trans‐Pacific tree‐ring network, containing chronologies sensitive to changes in the SPCZ because of its pervasive nature, spatial extent, and link to the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. The reconstruction explains 58% of variance in the instrumental SPCZ index from 1911–1998. El Niño‐Southern Oscillation cycles are identified throughout the reconstruction period. Multidecadal periodicities wax and wane, coinciding with a sustained eastward shift during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (~1,000–1,200 CE). We find large volcanic eruptions increased the tendency for the SPCZ to be displaced eastward. The reconstruction helps improve our understanding of past hydroclimatic behavior in the southwest Pacific and can be used to validate general circulation model projections for Pacific Island communities and the wider region in the 21st century.
Data-Driven Charging Demand Prediction at Public Charging Stations Using Supervised Machine Learning Regression Methods

Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) user charging behavior has a significant influence on a distribution network and its reliability. Generally, monitoring energy consumption has become one of the most important factors in green and micro grids; therefore, predicting the charging demand of PEVs (the energy consumed during the charging session) could help to efficiently manage the electric grid. Consequently, three machine learning methods are applied in this research to predict the charging demand for the PEV user after a charging session starts. This approach is validated using a dataset consisting of seven years of charging events collected from public charging stations in the state of Nebraska, USA. The results show that the regression method, XGBoost, slightly outperforms the other methods in predicting the charging demand, with an RMSE equal to 6.68 kWh and R2 equal to 51.9%. The relative importance of input variables is also discussed, showing that the user’s historical average demand has the most predictive value. Accurate prediction of session charging demand, as opposed to the daily or hourly demand of multiple users, has many possible applications for utility companies and charging networks, including scheduling, grid stability, and smart grid integration.
On approximation of functions by algebraic polynomials in Hölder spaces

We study approximation of functions by algebraic polynomials in the Hölder spaces corresponding to the generalized Jacobi translation and the Ditzian–Totik moduli of smoothness. By using modifications of the classical moduli of smoothness, we give improvements of the direct and inverse theorems of approximation and prove the criteria of the precise order of decrease of the best approximation in these spaces. Moreover, we obtain strong converse inequalities for some methods of approximation of functions. As an example, we consider approximation by the Durrmeyer–Bernstein polynomial operators.
Ostensibly Effective Adaptive Measures Could Potentially Be Maladaptations: A Case Study of the Jiadung Coastal Area, Pingtung County, Taiwan

Abstract Extreme rainfall events have a negative effect on the coastal area of Jiadung Township in Pingtung County, Taiwan, which experiences critical land subsidence. Local stakeholders have developed various measures for coping with flooding impacts according to past experience. These adaptive measures not only involve managing the impact of heavy rainfall but also resisting the disastrous effects of land subsidence. However, in 2009, Typhoon Morakot caused multiple days of intense rainfall and nearly rendered ineffective the adaptive measures employed to prevent damage. Stakeholders adopt diverse measures according to different needs and vulnerabilities. Consequently, some adaptive measures are likely to cause an increase in the vulnerability of different sectors and induce additional socioeconomic impacts. This paper presents the results of a semistructured questionnaire and field survey conducted for analyzing the adaptive measures adopted by local stakeholders before and after Typhoon Morakot. According to the routes and pathways of maladaptation in the Jiadung coastal area, this study analyzed the main adaptive measures and functions as well as identified the entities affected by maladaptation. Furthermore, this study emphasizes a bottom-up viewpoint for adaptation policy decision makers.
Protective Effect of Glutathione against Oxidative Stress-induced Cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 Macrophages through Activating the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor-2/Heme Oxygenase-1 Pathway

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), products of oxidative stress, contribute to the initiation and progression of the pathogenesis of various diseases. Glutathione is a major antioxidant that can help prevent the process through the removal of ROS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of glutathione on ROS-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis caused by hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, in RAW 264.7 macrophages and to investigate the role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. The results showed that the decrease in the survival rate of RAW 264.7 cells treated with H2O2 was due to the induction of DNA damage and apoptosis accompanied by the increased production of ROS. However, H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and ROS generation were significantly reversed by glutathione. In addition, the H2O2-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was related to a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and these changes were also significantly attenuated in the presence of glutathione. These protective actions were accompanied by a increase in the expression rate of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage by the inactivation of caspase-3. Moreover, glutathione-mediated cytoprotective properties were associated with an increased activation of Nrf2 and expression of HO-1; however, the inhibition of the HO-1 function using an HO-1 specific inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX, significantly weakened the cytoprotective effects of glutathione. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the exogenous administration of glutathione is able to protect RAW 264.7 cells against oxidative stress-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis along with the activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Personality traits and stereotypes associated with ice hockey positions.

Are correspondences between personality traits and hockey positions a matter of perception rather than reality? This exploratory study assessed self-reported and ascribed characteristics in a sample of 578 male hockey players (163 defensemen, 305 forwards, and 110 goaltenders), who completed a measure of the Big-Five personality domains and then rated the extent to which they thought the traits applied to players of each position. Contrary to the "goalies are dfferent" hypothesis, self-reported personality traits did not correlate with hockey position. There was, however, some consensus about what players of different positions are like, with forwards seen as more extraverted, disagreeable, undisciplined, and open to experience than defensemen and goalies. Overall, players rated goaltenders as the most conscientious and defensemen as the most emotionally stable. Moderating effects of participants' own position reflected systematic biases, such that players tended to accentuate the relative positive distinctiveness of their in-group. Results are interpreted with respect to perceptual processes accompanying social categorization and stereotyping.
The relationships between adult students’ achievement goal orientations, self-defined course goals, course evaluations, and performance

In dieser Studie wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen den Zielorientierungen und den selbstberichteten kursspezifischen Zielen von 88 Studierenden der Finnish National Defense University untersucht. Daruber hinaus wurde deren Zusammenspiel zur Pradiktion der subjektiven Bewertung der Lernumgebung und der Leistung der Studierenden innerhalb des Kurses uberpruft. Auf Basis von Zielorientierungsprofilen wurden vier Gruppen von Studierenden identifiziert, die sich hinsichtlich nahezu aller Aspekte zur Bewertung der Lernumgebung unterschieden: Lernzielorientierte sowie leistungszielorientierte Studierende zeigten die positivsten Bewertungen im Vergleich zu den vermeidungsorientierten Studierenden. Geringere Unterschiede zeigten sich auch in den Prufungsergebnissen, wobei die Leistungszielorientierten die hochste Punktezahl erreichten. Die freien Antworten der Studierenden bezogen sich meist auf intrinsische Lernziele sowie Ziele, die sich auf den Erwerb von Qualifikationen fur die berufliche Karriere beziehen. Die Zielprofile wiesen nur einen schwachen Zusammenhang mit den freien Antworten auf: Vermeidungsorientierte Studierende berichteten intrinsische Lernziele seltener, wahrend Leistungszielorientierte intrinsische Lernziele marginal haufiger berichteten als rein zufallig zu erwarten ware. Intrinsische als auch extrinsische Ziele korrelierten mit hoheren Kursbewertungen, wohingegen Arbeitsvermeidungsziele mit niedrigeren Bewertungen einhergingen. Die Zusammenhange zwischen Motivation, Leistung und der subjektiven Bewertung von Lernen und Unterricht werden diskutiert.
PREPARATION OF MONODISPERSE SILICA PARTICLES: C O N T R O L OF SIZE AND MASS FRACTION

We extend the work of Stober, Fink and Bohn (J. Colloid lnterfac Sci. 26 (1968) 62) to establish the ranges of reagent concentrations which result in the precipitation of monodisperse silica particles from ethanol solutions containing ammonia, water, and tetraethyl orthosilica. A correlation is presented which can be used to predict final particle sizes over concentrations of 0.1-0.5 M TEOS, 0.5-17.0 M H 2 0 and 0.5-3 M N H 3. The max imum particle size achievable for these conditions at 25 o C is = 800 nm and near the maximum, monodispersity is difficult to maintain. The effects of reaction temperature are studied and particle size distributions are analyzed. A seeded growth technique for preparing larger particles a n d / o r increasing solids mass fraction up to a theoretical limit of = 24 wt% of silica is described.
Validating Self-Reported Unhealthy Alcohol Use With Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) Among Patients With HIV.

BACKGROUND We sought to compare self-reported alcohol consumption using Timeline Followback (TLFB) to biomarker-based evidence of significant alcohol use (phosphatidylethanol [PEth] > 20 ng/ml). Using data from patients with HIV (PWH) entering a clinical trial, we asked whether TLFB could predict PEth > 20 ng/ml and assessed the magnitude of association between TLFB and PEth level. METHODS We defined unhealthy alcohol use as any alcohol use in the presence of liver disease, at-risk drinking, or alcohol use disorder. Self-reported alcohol use obtained from TLFB interview was assessed as mean number of drinks/day and number of heavy drinking days over the past 21 days. Dried blood spot samples for PEth were collected at the interview. We used logistic regression to predict PEth > 20 ng/ml and Spearman correlation to quantify the association with PEth, both as a function of TLFB. RESULTS Among 282 individuals (99% men) in the analytic sample, approximately two-thirds (69%) of individuals had PEth > 20 ng/ml. The proportion with PEth > 20 ng/ml increased with increasing levels of self-reported alcohol use; of the 190 patients with either at-risk drinking or alcohol use disorder based on self-report, 82% had PEth > 20 ng/ml. Discrimination was better with number of drinks per day than heavy drinking days (AUC: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.74 to 0.85] vs. 0.74 [95% CI: 0.68 to 0.80]). The number of drinks per day and PEth were significantly and positively correlated across all levels of alcohol use (Spearman's R ranged from 0.29 to 0.56, all p values < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In this sample of PWH entering a clinical trial, mean numbers of drinks per day discriminated individuals with evidence of significant alcohol use by PEth. PEth complements self-report to improve identification of self-reported unhealthy alcohol use among PWH.
The Relationship Between Counseling Students’ Theoretical Orientation and Treatment Outcomes

A MANCOVA was conducted to determine differences in client treatment outcomes based on counseling students’ theoretical orientations. Results indicated that at a training clinic, clients demonstrated statistically significant improvement and, students’ theoretical orientation did not significantly affect client outcomes. Pedagogical strategies are suggested for counselor educators and supervisors. Author's Notes Jessica M. Holm, University of Texas at Tyler, Department of Psychology and Counseling. Cynthia M. Bevly, Elizabeth A. Prosek, University of North Texas, Department of Counseling and Higher Education. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Jessica M. Holm, Department of Psychology and Counseling, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75799. Email: jholm@uttyler.edu
Establishment and Application of a Real-time , Duplex PCR Method for Simultaneous Detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis

The objective of this study was to develop a TaqMan probe-based, sensitive, specific duplex real-time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis. The specific primers and probes, labeled with FAM and Texas Red, respectively, were designed to amplify the p97 gene of M. hyopneumoniae and p37gene of M. hyorhinis. The duplex real-time PCR reaction mixtures were established and optimized and the sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of the assay were assessed. The sensitivity of the duplex real-time PCR was found to be 10 copies/μL for both M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyorhinis, respectively. There was no cross reaction with other common viral and bacterial pathogens. The concentration of standard coefficient of variation of Ct values was less than 5%, indicating a good reproducibility. Clinical samples (n = 937) were tested by the duplex real-time PCR assay, including broncho-alveolar lavage fluids, nasal swabs, tissues and cell culture supernatant. Duplex real-time PCR for simultaneous detection of M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyorhinis was highly sensitive and can be utilized for diagnosing clinical samples. It is timeefficient and economic, thereby providing a new approach to control both M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyorhinis.
Firm Size and Rate of Growth of Ugandan Manufacturing Firms

This paper aimed at investigating whether small and medium manufacturing firms grow faster than large firms. The dynamics of firm growth is an interesting and important study topic because the growth of firms is a main ingredient in economic growth and has an impact on the consequences of industrial concentration. The descriptive results showed that medium firms grow faster than the small and large firms. The regression results also confirmed that medium firms significantly grow faster than the small firms and large firms, contradicting the Porters “stuck in the middle” hypothesis. Regression results also showed no significant difference between the growth of small and large firms, a finding that is consistent with Gibrats law. To promote growth of firms Ugandan there is need to formulate policies that promote growth of small firms such as tax holidays that are currently being enjoyed only by medium and large firms.
The effects of prior learning on perceptual set in tachistoscopic recognition

3. When a map, drawing or chart, etc,, was part of the material being photographed the photographer followed a definite method in "sectioning" the material. It is customary to begin photoing at the upper left hand corner of a large sheet and to continue photoing from left to right in equal sections with a small overlap. If necessary, sectioning is continued again — beginning below the first row and continuing on until complete.
Biomimetic surface design for ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene to improve the tribological properties

Tribological problem is a major obstacle that limits the using of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in industrial applications and orthopedic surgeries. Many efforts have been made to improve the tribological properties of UHMWPE, such as promoting the structure, morphology, and mechanical properties of the polymer. Inspired by the features of articular surface, micro-scaled texture is introduced to improve the tribological properties of UHMWPE using micro-imprint lithography. Friction and wear experiments are conducted on textured and untextured specimens using ring-on-disc test apparatus under water lubrication. The experimental results demonstrate that the micro-scaled surface texture can remarkably improve the tribological properties of UHMWPE. Friction force can be effectively reduced by selecting suitable dimple parameters. Compared with an untextured UHMWPE, the textured one with optimum parameters shows a reduction in the friction coefficient as much as 66.7–85.7% on different load–speed conditions. The optimized area density of surface textured UHMWPE ranges from 22.9% to 29.9%, which is obviously higher than that of stiff materials such as metals and ceramics. The textured UHMWPE with area density 29.9%, diameter 50 µm, and depth 15 µm presents a significant effect of wear resistance. The average wear depth of textured UHMWPE is 35.5% of that of untextured one.