Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title : MODIS snow albedo bias at high solar zenith angles relative to theory and to in situ observations in Greenland

In situ measurements of snow albedo at five stations along a north–south transect in the dry-snow facies of the interior of Greenland follow the theoretically expected dependence of snow albedo with solar zenith angle (SZA). Greenland Climate Network (GC-Net) measurements from 1997 through 2007 exhibit the trend of modest surface brightening with increasing SZA on both diurnal and seasonal timescales. SZA explains up to 50% of seasonal albedo variability. The two other environmental factors considered, temperature and cloudiness, play much less significant roles in seasonal albedo variability at the five stations studied. Compared to the 10-year record of these GC-Net measurements, the five-year record of MODIS satellite-retrieved snow albedo shows a systematic negative bias for SZA larger than about 55°. Larger bias of MODIS snow albedo exists at more northerly stations. MODIS albedos successfully capture the snow albedo dependence on SZA and have a relatively good agreement with GC-Net measurements for SZA < 55°. The discrepancy of MODIS albedo with in situ albedo and with theory is determined mainly by two
Socioeconomic differentials in fertility.

Fertility statistics for the years between 1987 and 1991 are provided from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) for the following countries: Botswana Burundi Cameroon Ghana Kenya Liberia Mali Nigeria Senegal Sudan Togo Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Egypt Jordan Morocco Tunisia Indonesia Pakistan Sri Lanka Thailand Bolivia Brazil Colombia Dominican Republic Ecuador Guatemala Mexico Paraguay Peru and Trinidad and Tobago. For each of the aforementioned countries tables provide fertility rates by womens education residential status and current work status and marital fertility rates plus husbands education and occupation. Comparative tables are provided for fertility and socioeconomic factors. The conclusion is that fertility varies widely by country. Socioeconomic characteristics could not explain the variation in every case. For example women with secondary educational attainment had 1.5 children in Thailand and 5.0 children in Zambia. The general trend is for secondary and higher education to be associated with lower fertility. Lower fertility can usually be found among women who live in urban areas who work for cash and whose husbands have professional or clerical jobs. Comparisons over time permit a better perspective on the stage of demographic transition countrys are experiencing. Of those countries with two DHS surveys in six sub-Saharan African countries only Kenya Senegal and Sudan show a pervasive decline in marital fertility. In four North African countries there is a decline in marital fertility primarily in urban areas and in the two middle educational groups. Marital fertility declines are apparent in Sri Lanka Pakistan Indonesia and Thailand. Declines are strongest in urban areas in Indonesia and Sri Lanka while declines are about the same residentially in Pakistan and Thailand. Declines by educational level are variable in the Asian and Latin American countries. Declines of greater than 30% are evident in Colombia the Dominican Republic Mexico and Peru. Except for Mexico and Peru declines are stronger in rural areas.
Maritime Students’ Anxiety and Coping Strategies During COVID-19 Pandemic

– This study aims to determine the anxiety and coping strategies practiced by maritime students during the pandemic. Coming into the new normal, students must adjust to the new mode of learning, which is online. The study used a descriptive comparative research design among the 300 maritime students. The collected data were analyzed using a variety of statistical instruments, including ratio, rating, weighted mean, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the statistical program PASW v 18. Based on the result of the study. Health, education, and financial expenses are factors affecting anxiety while following health protocols and doing relaxation activities are the coping strategies of maritime students during COVID-19 pandemic. When respondents are classified according to profile variables, there is no discernible variation in their responses. With this, it was recommended to provide e-book for each course that focuses on the major subject. The university may organize a Financial Literacy Program. Practical contribution was implied since a plan of action was proposed to lessen the anxiety experienced by maritime students during COVID-19 pandemic
ESTUDIO DE UN BOSQUE DE LICOFITAS EN LA FORMACIÓN NUEVA LUBECKA, PÉRMICO DE CHUBUT, ARGENTINA. IMPLICANCIAS PALEOCLIMÁTICAS Y PALEOGEOGRÁFICAS

STUDY OF A LYCOPOP FOREST IN NUEVA LUBECKA FORMATION, PERMIAN OF CHUBUT, ARGENTINE. PALAEOCLIMATIC AND PALAEOGEOGRAPHIC IMPLICATIONS. - A palaeoecological, palaeoenvironmental and palaeobotanical analysis allowed to define conditions of development of an arborescent Lycopod forest that occupied a vast Fluvial floodplain where hydrophylous and hydro-hygrophylous biotopes were prevailing. The absence of Stigmaria-like appendages -characteristic of ecuatorial belt arborescent Lycophytes- suggest different ecological conditions, whereas this type of root system developed in swampy soils, our plants prohably grew (at least in the plantiferous section considered) in more crusty and harder soils, with enough water. Palaeoclimatic and palaeogeographic considerations were carried out taking into account the anatomic structure of other known lycophytes. In this regard, the relationship of these plants with very benign climates (moderated to subtropical) was established. This fact would be in agreement with the last theories about the clearly more equatorial position of the possible Patagonic Plate during the early Permian.
Monument Building: Some Field Experiments

WHILE COLLECTING INFORMATION on peasant federations in Mexico during the summer of 1964, I employed some peasants to excavate and carry earth and rock, and collected data on stone masonry and stone sculpturing. The purpose of this activity was to obtain a measure of the man-days of labor invested inthe construction of Maya ceremonial centers. I wanted to know how many man-days of labor went into a cubic meter of fill or masonry and into a square meter of sculptured stone veneer, so that I could then divide these figures into estimates ofthe volume of fill and masonry and of the area of sculptured walls of a ceremonial center. Having thus determined the total labor investment i a ceremonial center with a known time duration, I intended to compute the average annual man-day investment. This figure, compared with population density estimates, could help fix the number of man-days per year invested by each household. This annual household abor contribution c uld then be compared with those known for communal projects in societies of varying degrees of organization to estimate the extent of associated political development. The present article will present my findings in the search for answers to these questions. Had I been more diligent in reading my copies of the Southwestern Journal, I might have saved myself a lot of trouble; for upon my return from Mexico I discovered that David Kaplan (1963) had anticipated my results in one of the
Response of Thymus vulgaris L. Plant to Planting Distances and Fertilization Treatments

This investigation was carried out during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, at the Experimental Farm of Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egyp for studying the effect of different planting distances (20*20 and 30*30cm), and bio-fertilizers (PGRB), chemical fertilizers (NPK) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, and Mn) on thyme plants. Results show that in each of the two cuts and the studied seasons, the maximum vegetative growth values were determined by using the combination between the planting spacing (30*30 cm), and F2 (PGRB). Hence, this combination enhanced the chemical compositions compared with most other treatments at both seasons. In addition, the essential oil percentage of thyme plant was increased by using the combined treatment of planting distances (30*30 cm) and F2. GLC analysis of thyme included 12 compounds were identified, and the main component was β-Cymene. Consequently, it is preferable to use the planting distance ( 30*30cm), and F2 (PGRB) for improving all studied parameters of thyme plant.
Relationship between False Positive Screening Results of Down Syndrome and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Background: Maternal serum sample screening in the first and second trimesters has been commonly used to identify women who are at risk of fetal trisomy 21. In addition, these serum markers are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Hence, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between false positive screening results of Down syndrome and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Material and Methods: This prospective, two-group, cohort study was conducted on 608 pregnant women who had undergone fetal contingent screening. They were selected through convenience sampling in the twentieth week of pregnancy and were followed up until delivery. The raw Odd Ratios (OR), Relative Risk (RR), and adjusted OR of adverse pregnancy outcomes were calculated in the false positive and true negative groups. Results: The adjusted OR of developing preeclampsia was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.14–3.42), and its RR was 2.13 (95% CI: 1.34–3.38) times higher in the false positive group. Moreover, the adjusted OR of Small for Gestational Age (SGA) was 2.80 (95% CI: 1.76–4.47), and its RR was 2.28 (95% CI: 1.54–3.36) times higher in the false positive group. The adjusted OR of Low Birth Weight (LBW) was 3.34 (95% CI: 1.97–5.64), and its RR was 2.65 (95% CI: 1.72–4.11) times higher in the false positive group. In addition, no significant difference was observed between false positive and true negative groups in terms of preterm birth. Conclusions: Women with a false positive fetal screening test result are more likely to suffer from preeclampsia, SGA, and LBW and require planned prenatal care.
Knowledge Sharing of Yemeni Academic Librarians and the Improvement Delivery of Information Services

— This study investigates the knowledge sharing perception of the Yemeni academic libraries by librarians to improve the delivery of information services. As the scope of the knowledge sharing is wide, this study was confined only to the sharing processes of knowledge management. Data were collected from 289 librarians of twenty-nine libraries in the Yemeni universities using self-administered questionnaires and were analyzed using the Social Sciences Statistical Package (SPSS) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study found that the positive effective of knowledge sharing on the improvement in the delivery of information services indicates a good atmosphere of confidence and mutual relationship. Also, the results showed that the positive effect between knowledge creation process and knowledge sharing process on librarians' attitude indicates their concern of their status and image. Furthermore, the study found that the high level of confidence of librarians that their expertise will only be used properly and for the benefit of each other. It also indicates that they can depend on each other when they are looking for new knowledge or need help. In terms of the theoretical contribution, the study integrates both knowledge management processes and organizational climate perspectives to develop a theoretical model that explain the concept of the improvement in the delivery of information services. From the practical contribution perspective, fills the gab in literature on knowledge management process particularly in academic institution in Yemen .
The Impact of the Digital Era on Spanish-Speaking Social Audiences: A Systematic Review of Its Academic Literature

We are currently witnessing a paradigm shift in digital communication, determined by platformization. Digital channels have abandoned any unidirectional pretension to become interactive and bidirectional channels. Through a systematic literature review, this research aims to obtain a clear, complete, and updated definition of the concept of "social audience". The results point to an increase in the incidence of terms such as participation, participatory audience, and social networks, without specifically alluding to the concept of social audience, allowing evidence of a lack of consensus in terminology and the approach to the role of audiences in the current digital context. The lack of consensus leaves open considerations and debates on the study of cyber activism, as well as public opinion and influencers, for example.
Isolation and identification of potential probiotic bacteria on surfaces of Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus from around Kampala, Uganda

Increased fish mortality due to infections has forced most farmers to resort the use of chemotherapeutic agents especially antibiotics. The continued use of these drugs in aquaculture is becoming limited as pathogens develop resistance and infer unpredicted long term public health effects. More research efforts are building to identify alternative disease prevention methods, among which the use of probiotics has been proposed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify potential probiotics on surfaces of tilapia and catfish in areas around Kampala. Tilapia and catfish samples were aseptically collected from selected cages, ponds, tanks and hatcheries around Kampala, including Lake Victoria. The skin of fish was swabbed and then cultured on both general purpose and selective media. Probiotic screening was done using the agar spot method. Results revealed complete growth across all samples. The total microbial load was highest in fish from lakes (1000±9.6×105 cfu) and cages (1001±5.0×105 cfu). In all cases tilapia fish was significantly (p<0.0001) more contaminated than catfish. Out of the three strains of probiotics isolated, only Lactobacillus spp and Lactococcus spp showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. The activity of Lactobacillus spp was significantly high (p< 0.0001) with Streptococcus spp (16.5±0.2 mm). Lactobacillus spp inhibited growth of only Proteus spp (5±0.2 mm). Our study shows that Lactobacillus spp and Lactococcus spp isolated from tilapia and catfish possess probiotic activity against a number of pathogenic bacteria. Our findings have significant implications for subsequent probiotic formulation and testing in aquaculture. Key words: Probiotics, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, aquaculture, Uganda.
Ecological Responses to Coastal Armoring on Exposed Sandy Beaches

We develop a conceptual model for assessing potential ecological responses to coastal armoring that incorporates the presence, extent and functioning of multiple intertidal zones, as well as changes in beach width in general. We propose that ecological responses to the narrowing of beaches associated with coastal armoring are related to changes in the widths and the dynamics of the different intertidal zones of the beach and that, as habitat narrows in response to armoring, intertidal zones are lost disproportionately from the upper beach. The reduction and loss of intertidal zones, along with expected changes in the deposition and retention of macrophyte wrack, are predicted to depress the diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates on armored beaches. The combination of reductions in 1) habitat, 2) accessibility at high tides, and 3) macroinvertebrate prey availability is predicted to reduce biocomplexity and affect the use of armored beaches by shorebirds. We investigated several predictions of our model using comparisons of armored and unarmored segments of narrow bluff-backed sandy beaches in southern California. Our results supported those predictions and revealed some unexpected responses to armoring. Intertidal zones were fewer and narrower where armoring was present compared to adjacent unarmored segments. This was evident in the absence of the upper intertidal zones on armored segments of coastline and narrower mid-intertidal zones on armored segments. The standing crop of macrophyte wrack was significantly greater (one to nearly three orders of magnitude) on unarmored segments than on armored segments. Shorebirds responded to coastal armoring as predicted by our model with significantly lower species richness (2.3 times) and abundance (>3 times) on armored segments of beach. All 13 species of shorebirds observed were more abundant on unarmored segments than on armored segments. Although not predicted by our model, the three species of gulls observed also responded to coastal armoring with significantly lower abundance (4.7 times) on armored segments. We predict that the amount of interaction between a coastal armoring structure and the coastal processes of waves and tides will affect the ecological responses to the structure. Our model provides a framework that could be used in investigating ecological responses to coastal armoring of other types and tidal heights and in other coastal regions. The accelerated loss of beaches associated with rising sea levels and the implications of our results indicate further investigation of ecological responses to coastal armoring is needed. ADDITIONAL
Calculated and measured effects of bearing faults in elliptically deformed ball bearings

in elliptically deformed ball bearings Adam Skowronek, Karsten Moritz, Joachim Bös, and Tobias Melz 1 TU Darmstadt, Fachgebiet Systemzuverlässigkeit und Maschinenakustik SzM, former employee, email: adam.skowronek1@gmail.com 2 TU Darmstadt, Fachgebiet Systemzuverlässigkeit und Maschinenakustik SzM, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany 3 Fraunhofer-Institut für Betriebsfestigkeit und Systemzuverlässigkeit LBF, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
Aerodynamic Forces Acting on a Race Car for Various Ground Clearances and
 Rake Angles

Computational model was developed to investigate aerodynamic forces acting on a closed-wheel race car. A particular focus was on the effects of ground clearance and rake angle on aerodynamic drag and lift forces. Computations were performed for a steady viscous fluid flow using the realizable k-ε turbulence model and non-equilibrium wall functions. The computational results indicate a strong influence of ground clearance and rake angle on aerodynamic loading of a race car. The largest drag force coefficient was obtained for the largest ground clearance. The drag force coefficient for the squatting car is larger by 5% compared to the reference case, where the both front and rear ground clearances are 100 mm. For the nose-diving car, the drag force coefficient is equal to the reference case. Increasing the ground clearance caused a negligible increase in the lift force coefficient in comparison with the reference case. A decrease in the ground clearance yielded an increase in the lift force coefficient. The largest positive lift force coefficient was obtained for a squatting car, whereas the largest negative lift force coefficient was observed for a nose-diving car. While the favorable aerodynamic downforce acting on front wheels is larger for a nose-diving car, for rear wheels it is larger for a squatting car.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Income Inequality in Sri Lanka

Even though several different income redistribution plans have been put in place by succeeding governments, income disparity has persisted in Sri Lanka over the past 50 years. Using secondary data from 1978 to 2021, this study aims to pinpoint the macroeconomic factors that contribute to income inequality in Sri Lanka. The basic estimating method is the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL), a rarely used analytical tool in Sri Lanka. The results show that the primary macroeconomic predictors of income inequality in Sri Lanka among the selected variables are government spending, trade openness, average prices, the share of agriculture in the GDP, and per capita GDP. Additionally, the findings demonstrate that trade openness and government spending cause income inequality, supporting Barro's theory. Additionally, the average price level and the percentage of agriculture in the GDP have helped to lessen income disparity in the nation. Per capita GDP also shows a marginal significance, supporting Kuznets’ view, which stresses that increasing a country’s GDP increases inequality. However, financial deepening and secondary school enrolment ratios do not show significant impacts emphasizing that financial and education factors do not contribute to inequality in the Sri Lankan setting. The study suggested that policy priority should be given to developing the agricultural sector and catching the spillover effect of international trade to reduce income inequality. That would ultimately lead to lowering trade-induced inequality. Furthermore, a crucial policy choice to lower the expense of daily life for the poor is to maintain a constant overall price level. Government transfer programs should primarily target the poor and maintain a proper monitoring mechanism to capture the outcome of those transfers also important. Currently, such a follow-up system is not in place; therefore, the government’s targets of reducing inequality couldn’t be realized to the fullest.
Investigation and elimination of surfactant-induced interferences in anodic stripping voltammetry for the determination of trace amounts of cadmium

This article aims to investigate in detail to what extent surfactants affect the determination of cadmium by anodic stripping voltammetry. In recent years, the production and use of surfactants have been steadily increasing, so that their concentration in environmental water samples is rising. At the same time, it is known that organic compounds, such as surfactants, often hinder the voltammetric determination of trace elements by stripping. Non-ionic (Triton X-100, Brij 35, Tween 20, Tween 60, Tween 80), cationic (CTAB, CTAC, DTAB, HPC) and anionic (DSS, SDS) compounds were selected to investigate the effect of surfactants on the voltammetric signal of cadmium. At the same time, the extent to which the addition of Amberlite resins to the analysed solution eliminates the interfering effect of surfactants was tested. Three types of Amberlite resins XAD-2, XAD-7 and XAD-16 were selected for the study and the ratio of resin weight to solution volume was determined. Finally, the determination of cadmium in surfactant-enriched environmental samples was carried out. The recoveries obtained between 95.5 and 107%, with RSD between 3.4 and 6.2%, confirm the validity and correctness of the proposed procedure All measurements were carried out by anodic stripping voltammetry using a CNTs/SGC electrode modified with a bismuth film as the working electrode.
Improving the Mechanical Properties of a Lattice Structure Composed of Struts with a Tri-Directional Elliptical Cylindrical Section via Selective Laser Melting

In recent years, lattice structures produced via additive manufacturing have been increasingly investigated for their unique mechanical properties and the flexible and diverse approaches available to design them. The design of a strut with variable cross-sections in a lattice structure is required to improve the mechanical properties. In this study, a lattice structure design method based on a strut cross-section composed of a mixture of three ellipses named a tri-directional elliptical cylindrical section (TEC) is proposed. The lattice structures were fabricated via the selective laser melting of 316L alloy. The finite element analysis results show that the TEC strut possessed the high mechanical properties of lattice structures. Compression experiments confirmed that the novel lattice structure with the TEC strut exhibited increases in the elastic modulus, compressive yield strength, and energy absorption capacity of 24.99%, 21.66%, and 20.50%, respectively, compared with the conventional lattice structure at an equal level of porosity.