Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased rainfall variability and reduced rainfall amount decreases soil CO2 flux in a grassland ecosystem

Predicted climate changes in the US Central Plains include altered precipitation regimes with increased occurrence of growing season droughts and higher frequencies of extreme rainfall events. Changes in the amounts and timing of rainfall events will likely affect ecosystem processes, including those that control C cycling and storage. Soil carbon dioxide (CO2) flux is an important component of C cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, and is strongly influenced by climate. While many studies have assessed the influence of soil water content on soil CO2 flux, few have included experimental manipulation of rainfall amounts in intact ecosystems, and we know of no studies that have explicitly addressed the influence of the timing of rainfall events. In order to determine the responses of soil CO2 flux to altered rainfall timing and amounts, we manipulated rainfall inputs to plots of native tallgrass prairie (Konza Prairie, Kansas, USA) over four growing seasons (1998–2001). Specifically, we altered the amounts and/or timing of growing season rainfall in a factorial combination that included two levels of rainfall amount (100% or 70% of naturally occurring rainfall quantity) and two temporal patterns of rain events (ambient timing or a 50% increase in length of dry intervals between events). The size of individual rain events in the altered timing treatment was adjusted so that the quantity of total growing season rainfall in the ambient and altered timing treatments was the same (i.e. fewer, but larger rainfall events characterized the altered timing treatment). Seasonal mean soil CO2 flux decreased by 8% under reduced rainfall amounts, by 13% under altered rainfall timing, and by 20% when both were combined (P<0.01). These changes in soil CO2 flux were consistent with observed changes in plant productivity, which was also reduced by both reduced rainfall quantity and altered rainfall timing. Soil CO2 flux was related to both soil temperature and soil water content in regression analyses; together they explained as much as 64% of the variability in CO2 flux across dates under ambient rainfall timing, but only 38–48% of the variability under altered rainfall timing, suggesting that other factors (e.g. substrate availability, plant or microbial stress) may limit CO2 flux under a climate regime that includes fewer, larger rainfall events. An analysis of the temperature sensitivity of soil CO2 flux indicated that temperature had a reduced effect (lower correlation and lower Q10 values) under the reduced quantity and altered timing treatments. Recognition that changes in the timing of rainfall events may be as, or more, important than changes in rainfall amount in affecting soil CO2 flux and other components of the carbon cycle highlights the complex nature of ecosystem responses to climate change in North American grasslands.
Concave serrations on broadband trailing edge noise reduction

The far-field noise and flow field of a novel curved trailing-edge serration (i.e. iron-shaped) are investigated. Spectra of the far-field broadband noise, directivity plots and the flow-field over the iron-shaped serration are obtained from numerical computations performed using a compressible Lattice-Boltzmann solver. The new design is compared to a conventional trailing-edge serration with a triangular geometry retrofitted to a NACA 0018 airfoil at zero degree angle of attack. The iron-shaped geometry is found to reduce far-field broadband noise of approximately 2 dB more than the conventional sawtooth serration for chord-based Strouhal numbers Stc < 15. It is found that the larger noise reduction achieved by the iron-shaped trailing-edge serration is due to the mitigation of the scattered noise at the root, effect obtained by mitigating the interaction between the two sides of the serration, by delaying toward the tip both the outward and the downward flow motions present at the root.
DEVELOPMENT OF A TEST DEVICE TO MEASURE THE TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF SHOE-SURFACE INTERACTIONS IN TENNIS

The aim of this thesis was to better understand the tribological mechanisms that occur during typical player movements, build further on this understanding and develop a robust, portable device to assess the friction characteristics of tennis surfaces that relate to playing performance and safety. To understand the tennis player’s response and adaptability to a tennis court surface, including friction in the shoe-surface interface, a series of friction experiments were carried out on three categories of tennis surface, grass, clay and hardcourt. For grass, parameters such as moisture, level of wear and height were found to have an effect on the shoe-surface friction. For clay, influence of clay particle size and the infill volume was established. In terms of biomechanical conditions, it was found that the shoe orientation during a slide affects the friction. It was demonstrated that matching applied pressures is a useful approach for shoe friction testing and analysis. Through video analysis, shoe landing and sliding were found to be two possible ‘risk’ movements. Material characterisation, combined with friction and temperature measurements have provided empirical knowledge into the manner in which shoes and surfaces behave. During a slide on hardcourts, temperature changes were found to be different along a shoe outsole. The front part experienced higher change of temperature compared to other positions. Three types of bespoke tread samples were produced and tested, resulting a ‘holed sample’ the optimal to use. These samples resulted relatively easy to manufacture and generate frictional results compared to tennis shoes. The final robust portable device resulting from this study, measures the friction characteristics of the shoe-surface interface representative of match-play tennis. The device can be used in two configurations to replicate a shoe landing and a sliding movement. The test shoe consists of a commercial rubber with a bespoke tread design with mechanical properties that match typical values to a tennis shoe. This device will aid the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the sports surface research community to gain understanding of player-shoe-surface frictional interactions, and allow courts to be monitored around the world.
Discussion on Teaching Electromagnetic Field and Wave Course

Electromagnetic Field and Wave is an important fundamental course for electronic and information specialties. Both teaching and learning of the course have always been difficult for its abstract concepts. Experiencing the teaching practice in our school,we consider it is of great benefit to inspire students' learning interests and improve teaching effects by reviewing basic electromagnetic knowledge,enhancing the combination of theory and practice,adopting diversified teaching methods and promoting students' self-learning.
Urban Wet‐Weather Flows

This literature review summarizes significant technical literature published in 2012 and 2013 in all primary areas of urban wet‐weather flows. The review covers a range of topics including characterization, pollution sources, monitoring and sampling, surface and groundwater impacts, mathematical modeling tools and decision support systems, regulatory policies, and control and treatment technologies. Some gaps in the literature compilation have also been identified and presented to support future research efforts.
Detecting possibly non‐consecutive outliers in industrial time series

A method for robust estimation and multiple outlier detection in time series generated by autoregressive integrated moving average processes in industrial environments is developed. The procedure is based on reweighted maximum likelihood estimation using Huber or redescending weights and, therefore, generalizes the well‐established robust M‐estimation procedures used in the regression framework. When the scalar process is non‐stationary, the computations required can be performed equally well using either rhe original undifferenced series or auxiliary differenced series. Whereas the latter alternative may be preferred for scalar series, the former might be extended to cope with vector partially non‐stationary time series without differencing the series, thus avoiding non‐invertibility and parameter identifiability problems caused by overdifferencing. The overall strategy is applied in two real industrial data sets.
CFD Modeling of Varied Flow Conditions Over an Ogee-Weir

Accurate estimation of discharge capacity and local hydro-dynamics are essential when designing hydraulic structures. Instead of the application of conventionally used empirical relationships, this study introduces a 3D numerical modeling technique which is capable to adequately predict both the discharge-upstream water level relationship and the flow field around weirs. The numerical model, REEF3D, is validated for different hydrodynamic conditions (free-flow and submerged flow) against laboratory data performed for an ogee type weir. Simulated water surface elevations compared with experimen-tal data together with the modeled flow field around the weir suggest that even the complex modular, transition and non-modular submerged cases can be reproduced by the numerical tool. The study proves that the herein applied numerical solver can be a good alternative of laboratory models for flow analy-sis at complex hydrodynamic conditions, especially where spatially strongly varying free surface characterizes the flow.
Lake and Reservoir Management

INTRODUCTION Large number of papers published during the year 2002 reflected that research in the field of lake and reservoir management is growing considerably. In this review, attempt was made to cover, as much as possible, all topics directly related to the management of lakes and reservoirs. However, papers of pure scientific nature on microbial isolation, enumeration, characterization, and population dynamics among other topics, were not included. A state of the art review provided description of the origin and eutrophication of shallow Dutch lakes, followed by a review of the various lake restoration techniques in use and the results obtained (Gulati and van Donk, 2002). A limnological review of Greek lakes showed that phosphorus was the main nutrient responsible for eutrophication because it was the limiting factor in most of the lakes that were investigated (Zacharias et al., 2002). To illustrate advances made in biomanipulation research during the last decade, seven main topics that emerged after the first biomanipulation conference in 1989 were discussed in relation to the papers included in this special issue and the general literature (Mehner et al., 2002). Literature Review 2003
MECHANICAL COMPRESSION CHARACTERISTICS OF CHICKPEA

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop grown and consumed all over the world as it is a good source of carbohydrates and protein. The study was conducted with major aim to develop chickpea flakes using Pusa Green 112 variety of chickpea. The process included several unit operations like soaking of grain, heat treatment, flaking, heat treatment, spicing and packaging. Initially, soaking characteristics of chickpea (Pusa Green 112) whole grain, kernel and hull was evaluated at temperatures 20 to 100°C. The associated changes in grain properties (mechanical and physical) after soaking were also determined. It was found that water absorption increased with increase in temperature. The hydration rate decreased with increase in soaking time. The maximum moisture content of whole seeds, kernel and hull obtained at 100°C was 60.1% (w.b.), 56.3% (wb) and 65.1% (wb), respectively. Moisture diffusivity for whole chickpea during hydration in the given temperature range varied from 7.36x10 to 1.29 x10 m2/s while for kernel it was 0.044 to 0.083 m2/s. Activation energy for hydration of whole Bengal gram was found to be 60.63kJ.mol while that of kernel was 26.76 kJ.mol. The changes in physical and mechanical properties as a result of hydration were determined in the moisture content range of 10-50% (wb). Linear relationships between physical properties of whole grain, kernel and hull with moisture content were established. The compression characteristics in term of mechanical properties namely, bioyield point, rupture point, modulus of elasticity, modulus of stiffness, toughness, hardness and deformation at maximum force were also determined. Based on mechanical properties, the optimum moisture and temperature for flaking of grain were found as 30% (w.b.) and 60°C, respectively. Microwave heat treatment of whole grain for better flaking (i.e. less broken after flaking, and retention of green colour) was established as 18 W/g power for 3 minutes of exposure time was selected as optimum for flaking. After flaking operation, flaked grains were roasted in a microwave oven. On the basis of colour, brokens and trypsin inhibitor activity 69.2 W/g power for 1 minute exposure time was selected optimum. Thereafter, eight other varieties viz. Pusa 72, Pusa 256, Pusa 362, Pusa 1053, Pusa 1108, Pusa 2024, Pusa 2085 and Pusa 5023 were evaluated for flakes preparation. Sensory analysis revealed best organoleptic quality of flakes prepared using Pusa Green 112 chickpea. चने के य ांत्रिक सां पीड़न विशषेत एँ
Next generation science standards assessment for Java coastal students

In the 21st-century, we need a generation who can read and face the challenges of the times. The research aimed to master patterns of science with the next generation science standards (NGSS) standards of junior high school students in north coastal areas of Java Island. The research method is quantitative expose-facto and subjects were 228 students determined by purposive sampling. The students who come from Tegal, Pekalongan, Pati and Demak Regencies north coastal Java Island, Indonesia. The results showed a significant difference between the achievement of students in Tegal, Pekalongan, Pati, and Demak Regencies (p=0.012; ∝=0.05). Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, there was a significant difference between the groups of students’ achievements in mastery of science oriented NGSS. It can be concluded that the achievement among students from four different regions is quite significant. Students from families with middle and upper economic levels have low achievement but students with low economic levels have high academic achievement.
Biosolids and Sludge Management

The following literature review covers journal articles related to biosolids and sludge management that were published in 2000. The main topics covered include regulations and planning, reduction of biosolids and sludge production, biosolids and sludge characteristics, thickening, conditioning and dewatering, thermal processes, land application, alternative uses for biosolids, disposal, and articles relating to overall biosolids programs. These topics have been generated by increased regulations and scrutiny of biosolids programs, and the need for continued research and education in the field of biosolids management.
A practical procedure for the microbiological monitoring of activated sludge plant functioning

The activated sludge process is one of the most used procedures for removing organic materials and nutrients from wastewater. In this article, microbiological monitoring was applied to supervise the functioning of an activated sludge plant. Samples were taken weekly at three points: aeration tank, returned sludge and effluent. Identification of four functional groups of microorganisms, Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, protozoa, metazoa and algae in fresh specimen investigation were used to assess the performance of the plant. The results revealed that initially there were undesirable microorganisms in the aeration tank and in the returned sludge. The density of these organisms was reduced and replaced by Gram‐negative bacteria, ciliates, rotifers and nematodes, which was an indication of stabilization. The microbiological analysis using groups of microorganisms for assessment of the functioning of the activated sludge plant proved to be a reliable, simple and inexpensive method for monitoring the start‐up and operation of plants.
Earth Image Classification Design Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The research aims to build software that can perform the classification of earth image from UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) monitoring. The Image converted into YUV format then classified using Fuzzy Support Vector Machine (FSVM). UAVs will be used for monitoring as follows: (1) the control station, which used to send or receive data, and display the data in graphical form, (2) payload, camera captured images and send to the control station, (3) communication system using TCP/IP protocol, and (4) UAV, using X650 quad copter products. The image of the monitoring carried out on the UAV sized 256 x 256 pixels with 450 training data. It is 16x16 pixel image data. Tests performed to classify the image into 3 classes, namely agricultural area, residential area, and water area. The highest accuracy value of 77.69% obtained by the number of training data as much as 375.
Soursop seedlings: biomasses and biometric relations in different farming environments and substrates – Part II

The quality of seedling is critical to obtain vigorous plants in the field. The present study aimed to assess biomasses and biometric relations of soursop seedlings. We used different substrates in protected environments. The experiment was performed at the Universidade Estadual do Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) (State University of Mato Grosso do Sul). Five farming environments were developed in greenhouses: one covered with low-density polyethylene film (LDPE), another with with polyethylene and heat-reflective cloth under film under 50% shading in aluminized color, monofilament cloth under 50% shading in black, thermo-reflective cloth under 50% shading in aluminized color, and an environment covered with bacuri coconut straw. Substrates were made of manure, humus, cassava branches and vermiculite at different proportions. Each of them varying from 25%, 33.3%, 50% and 75% in mixture combination. Each environment was considered an experiment. A completely randomized design was adopted and later a joint analysis of them. Agricultural greenhouse covered with LDPE and thermo-reflective cloths under 50% of shading, proportionated seedlings with greater biomass. Substrates containing manure are the most suitable for soursop seedlings. High percentages of earthworm humus produce low quality soursop seedlings. Soursop seedlings had a Dickson’s quality index around 0.335. The greenhouse covered only with LDPE film did not produce high quality seedlings.
Coastal salt marsh restoration drives element composition of soils toward its original state by recovering soil organic matter

Large areas of coastal wetlands have been restored recently throughout the world; it is important to know if restoration practice recovers original levels of biogeochemical functioning in coastal wetlands. We did samplings in five sites in the Liaohe River Delta, China. Each site had three salt marsh types: natural, restored, and degraded. We measured the concentrations of 43 elements and environmental variables including soil organic matter, soil electrical conductivity, soil pH, soil salinity, and soil water content. Concentrations of 39 elements differed significantly between salt marsh types. The values of the concentrations of 39 elements in the restored salt marshes were all in between those of natural and degraded salt marshes. Soil organic matter and the relative abundance of most elements including nutrients and metals increased simultaneously during restoration. Redundancy analysis indicated that soil organic matter explained 72.1% of the total variation in element composition. Our findings indicated that the recovery of soil biogeochemical functioning in salt marshes was driven by the accumulation of soil organic matter during restoration. It may take a very long time for the soil composition and biogeochemistry to reach the original levels prior to disturbance.
Early phase dietary supplementation of lipase and lecithin affects performance, haematology and immunology of broilers

A total of 192 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were weighed individually (42.0 ± 0.8 g live weight) and randomly assigned to four dietary groups, each with three replicates of 16 birds. One group was a control (CON) and fed a starter diet without supplementation. The other three groups were fed the same starter diet during the starter phase (1 - 10 days old) supplemented with lecithin (LEC) at 0.05 g/kg diet or lipase (LIP) at 0.05 g/kg, or a combination (LEC+LIP) at 0.05 + 0.05 g/kg. No significant effects of supplementation with LEC and LIP on feed intake of broilers were observed during the starter phase, whereas bodyweight gain increased after the combined addition of these supplemental ingredients. Thus, final bodyweight was greater in LEC+LIP broilers compared with the other groups. Dietary supplementation with LEC or LIP had a positive effect on final bodyweight. However, the effect was less than the simultaneous supplementation of LEC+LIP. Moreover, the feed conversion ratio in the LEC+LIP group improved (P <0.05) in the finisher phase (25 - 42 days old). Carcass traits and blood parameters were not influenced significantly by treatments, whereas supplementing LEC+LIP stimulated the immune system of broilers significantly. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementing LEC and LIP in early-stage broilers supported their performance and immune response positively up to finisher rearing phase.
LOWER BOUNDS TO THE POPULATION SIZE WHEN CAPTURE PROBABILITIES VARY OVER INDIVIDUALS

The problem of estimating population sizes has a wide range of applications. Although the size is non‐identifiable when a population is heterogeneous, it is often useful to estimate the lower bounds and to construct lower confidence limits. A sequence of lower bounds, including the well‐known Chao lower bound, is proposed. The bounds have closed‐form expressions and are estimated by the method of moments or by maximum likelihood. Real examples from epidemiology, wildlife management and ecology are investigated. Simulation studies are used to assess the proposed estimators.