Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating inhomogeneous FM at SC/FM interfaces using point-contact Andreev spectroscopy

The unconventional long range (m=1) spin triplet proximity effect is theorised to be created at a Superconductor/Ferromagnet (SC/FM) interface that is magnetically inhomogeneous and provides the conditions for spin mixing. Many experimental and theoretical works have identified the existence of the m=1 spin triplet state using Josephson junctions to show how the critical current does not diminish significantly in a thick FM layer, (thickness being relative to the decay length of a Cooper pair in an FM). In this thesis the challenge was to examine single SC/FM, interfaces via point-contact Andreev Reflection spectroscopy (PCARS), to see if it were possible to find clear signatures of the spin mixing or spin scattering conditions that facilitates formation of the spin triplet state. PCARS measurements were performed on Ho single crystals and thin films as a function of contact resistance. The results show an anomalous decrease of the polarisation parameter and an increase in interface scattering parameter as the contact resistance decreases. This is interpreted in terms of the tip experiencing a region in which some form of spin mixing or spin scattering dominates. Measurements of Ni0.19Pd0. 81 spectra were also taken as a function of contact resistance but the change of polarisation and scattering parameter that was observed in the Ho samples was not observed here. PCARS temperature measurements were also taken for Ni0.03Pd0. 97 to investigate if spin fluctuations close to TC could provide the magnetic inhomogeneity required for spin-mixing. However the trend in the results proved inconclusive. This is likely due to broadening that result in the fitting procedure, and the extremely small polarisation in these samples. During the course of the thesis I contributed to the development of the spectral fitting routines and examined the challenges associated with three and four parameter fitting, degenerate fits and series resistance.
Spatial Delimitation of Genetic Diversity of Native Maize and Its Relationship with Ethnic Groups in Mexico

Mexico, as a center of origin of maize, presents a high diversity of maize races. With the objective of spatially demarcating regions with high concentration of intraspecific diversity in Mexico, as a fundamental measure for the in situ conservation of their agrobiodiversity, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools have been used to generate diversity and richness indexes for 64 maize races cultivated in Mexico, using indexes to demarcate relationships to environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, and altitude; the presence of indigenous groups; and the type of maize used. These relations allowed defining seven environmental units spatially, with characteristic maize races in each of them, which constitute priority areas for in situ conservation. In addition, a close relationship was found between the diversity of maize races and of ethnic groups, from the center to the south of the country, associated with the differences in maize use in different ethnic groups. This geographical demarcation of races and uses of maize will favor food security through specific measures of in situ conservation, as well as an increase in added value of maize by-products based on specific maize races conserved by local ethnic groups.
The Role of Grain Size and Effective Normal Stress on Localization and the Frictional Stability of Simulated Quartz Gouge

For earthquakes to occur on tectonic faults deformation localizes onto discrete slip surfaces within the gouge material of the fault core. Here, we investigate how localization is promoted in quartz gouge, a material known to exhibit unstable stick‐slip behavior, by assessing the role of grain size and effective normal stress ( σ¯n ) on microstructural evolution and frictional behavior. We observe stable sliding, slow‐slip instability, and stick‐slip with increasing displacement. We find that initially fine‐grained gouge and high σ¯n promotes unstable stick‐slip behavior, whereas slow‐slip is more prevalent at low σ¯n . Microstructural analyses of the sheared gouges show that stick‐slip behavior occurs after localization of deformation on to discrete Y‐shears, which undergo a significant cataclastic grain size reduction relative to the bulk of the gouge, a process enhanced by high σ¯n . Our results show that localization and instability are promoted by high effective normal stress and small grain size.
Profile of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Slaughterhouse Effluents of Etoudi-Yaounde and Its Receiving Waterbody

The Profile of antibiotic resistant bacteria isolated from slaughterhouse effluents of Etoudi-Yaounde, and its receiving waterbody (River Ako’o) were investigated. Wastewater samples were collected from abattoir outlet and along the river (pond, mid river and out-river). Resistance to amoxicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, cefixime and kanamycin were determined. Resistance to amoxicillin was the highest (96.3 %), followed by sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim (85.1%), kanamycin (81.5 %), cefixime (81.3 %), tetracycline (80.9 %) and ciprofloxacin (73.6 %). Bacterial resistance was higher in October, compared to March and December. Higher resistance ratios were observed downstream at out-river (77.9 %). Enterobacteria constituted 80% of the isolates. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. , Klebsiella spp. , Shigella spp. , Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were the identified drug resistant bacteria, Escherichia coli was more prevalent (30.7%). All isolates were multi-resistant antibiotic resistant bacteria and some presented resistance to third generation cephalosporin. Wastewater from Etoudi-abattoir is a serious vector of the spread of bacterial drug resistance, thus, strategies towards hygiene and sanitation of the slaughterhouse and its effluents should be implemented.
Effect of Water Irrigation pH Different Scales on Citrus Seedlings Growth under Several Fertilizer Levels.

Citrus is one of the most important fruit crops grown under tropical and subtropical conditions in many countries. At this moment, there is about 3.6 million fed. of citrus spp. cultivated at commercial scale in the world yielding nearly 40 million metric tons of oranges, lemons, limes,. etc. In Egypt, citrus has great attention due to its importance for local consumption and consider a popular fruit for it’s low acidity, juicy pulp and good flavor. All over, citrus fruits have an important role to prevent human cardiovascular diseases, and source for foreign currencies by exportation to the world markets. Recently, citrus cultivated area has increased rapidly with the reclamation of new desert lands reaching about486650 fed. And Valencia orange occupied 139851 fed. (28.74 % of total area) (Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, 2018). Fruit harvested through March to June period. In Egypt many Citriculture regions suffer from a low organic matter and high alkaline with limited phosphorus availability which causes, many problems are encountered that threatening some citrus growers and been among the difficulties hindering more extension. Generally, alkaline soil is a serious problem especially in arid or semi-arid regions. Irrigated water pH value is an important feature of water. Predecessors have reported the effects of different pH treatments on plant growth in Metroxylon sagu (Anugoolprasert et al., 2012), Camellia sinensis (Ruan et al., 2007), Chlamydomonas acidophila (Gerloff-Elias et al., 2005), Anabaenopsis elenkini (Santos et al., 2011) VALENCIA orange (Citrus sinensis) seedlings on Sour orange (Citrus aurantum ) “ SO” or Volkamer lemon (Citrus Volkamariana) “ VL” fertilized with three nutrient doses 50 ; 75 and 100 percentage of nursery recommendation and irrigated with water at four pH levels : the control ; pH5 ; pH7 and pH9. Results showed that; Valencia orange seedlings on both SO or VL stocks gave the best stem: height and diameter; leaf area; root length and width; under 50% or 75 % nutrient doses of nursery recommendation when irrigated with water at pH7. SO stock fertilized with 50% nutrient dose and irrigated with water at pH7 gave the highest leaf Chl. a content , also, VL stock under 50% or 75% nutrient dose and irrigated with water at pH7 gave the same trend. Whereas, both stocks under 50% or 75% dose and irrigated with water at pH7 gave the highest leaf Chl. b content. SO or VL stocks fertilized with 50% or 75% of the control and irrigated with water pH7 significantly gave the highest leaf carbohydrates contents, both citrus stocks fertilized with 100% the control and irrigated with water pH9 was the lowest. SO or VL stocks fertilized with50% or 75% doses and irrigated with water pH7 significantly increased N , P & K percentage, but which fertilized with 100% dose and irrigated with water pH7 or pH9 was the lowest.
Environmental, Social and Governance Performance of Chinese Multinationals: A Comparison of State- and Non-State-Owned Enterprises

The purpose of this research is to empirically investigate the effect of internationalization on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and non-SOEs. The study employed an updated panel dataset (6238 firm-year observations) of Chinese multinationals from the period 2010–2019. The initial findings of the study reveal that Chinese multinationals perform better in terms of environmental and governance scores. It suggests that international market forces deal with enhancing ecological problems and concerns of stakeholders. However, results are insignificant when the social performance of multinationals is analyzed. On the other hand, multinational non-SOEs outperformed their counterparts in terms of environmental and governance performance. The findings of the paper are robust regarding the use of proxies of internationalization and endogeneities.
Shear banding in time dependent flows of polymers and wormlike micelles

We study theoretically the formation of shear bands in time-dependent flows of polymeric and wormlike micellar surfactant fluids, focussing on the protocols of step shear stress, step shear strain (or in practice a rapid strain ramp), and shear startup, which are commonly studied experimentally. For each protocol we perform a linear stability analysis to provide a fluid-universal criterion for the onset of shear banding, following our recent letter [Moorcroft and Fielding, Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 086001 (2013)]. In each case this criterion depends only on the shape of the experimentally measured rheological response function for that protocol, independent of the constitutive properties of the material in question (Therefore our criteria in fact concern all complex fluids and not just the polymeric ones of interest here.). An important prediction is that pronounced banding can arise transiently in each of these protocols, even in fluids for which the underlying constitutive curve of stress as a function of s.
Can Grazing Moderate Climatic Effects on Herbage Nutritional Quality?

In Mediterranean grasslands, the composition of vegetation and its nutritional quality for animals are strongly affected by the climatic conditions prevailing during winter and spring. Therefore, these seasonal ecosystems provide an opportunity to examine how variability in climatic conditions affects the regeneration and quality of pasture vegetation. The intensity of grazing in this seasonal system can moderate, or alternatively exacerbate, climatic effects on the nutritional quality of the vegetation. Herein, we analyzed the interactive effects of climate variables, grazing intensity, and grazing exclusion on herbage quality parameters using long-term vegetation and climate data collected during 2005–2018 from an extensive experiment in Galilee, Israel. We evaluated the contribution of different climate variables to the prediction of herbage quality parameters. Our results showed that climate variables have a dramatic effect on herbage quality and that this effect interacts with grazing intensity. Herbage quality improved in temperate rainy years compared to warm and dry years. High grazing intensity improved herbage quality under temperate climate conditions, but this effect was moderated or completely disappeared as winter conditions become warmer and drier. The results of the study foresee negative effects of warming and drying on the carrying capacity of natural pastures.
Tactical-operational coordination of a divergent production system with coproduction: the sawmilling challenge

Abstract Various optimization tools have been used in industry to facilitate production planning at different levels of aggregation. Choosing the interoperability mechanisms of these systems, such as the planning frequencies, the information passed between them and the interpretation that other systems must make of them, has always been a challenge. This work focusses on production planning at the tactical and operational levels in North American sawmills, a commodity industry characterized by volatile prices and a divergent production process with coproduction. In this context, tactical planning produces aggregated plans, and information from these plans can be used as targets and/or constraints at the operational level (e.g., quantities to be produced/kept in stock per product and per period, sales targets, etc.). A simulation of this production system was therefore developed, encompassing the planning process and the market dynamic, to compare and evaluate the impact of different coordination approaches on business economic performance. Results showed that the type of information which should be shared from the tactical level to the operational level varies according to several factors, including the company’s order acceptance policy, price seasonality, and the presence or absence of overcapacity on the market. Highlights A simulation approach is used to evaluate coordination between tactical and operational planning The context of North American sawmills is the one investigated The production and the planning process as well as the market behavior is considered Results show that the information shared between the two levels impact the income The order acceptance policy chosen also has an influence on the revenue generated
A Negotiated Disadvantage? California Collective Bargaining Agreements and Achievement Gaps

Using panel data from three successive collective bargaining (CBA) negotiation cycles from 277 California school districts in a difference-in-differences framework, I investigate the relationship between changes in CBA restrictiveness and racial and economic achievement gaps over time. I find that achievement gaps in California are smaller where contracts increase in restrictiveness in class size and larger where contracts increase in restrictiveness in teacher evaluation and leave policies over time, though this is not the case for all student subgroups. These effects are primarily concentrated in math, are small in magnitude, and are sometimes delayed in their timing. Altogether, this study provides some evidence that contract changes are associated with the educational opportunities of school districts’ diverse and economically disadvantaged students.
Atmospheric Nanoparticle Survivability Reduction Due to Charge‐Induced Coagulation Scavenging Enhancement

New‐particle formation is important to aerosol–cloud interactions and thus climate, but for newly formed particles to become cloud condensation nuclei, they must grow and avoid scavenging by larger background particles. Whereas ion‐induced new‐particle formation and growth have received attention recently, here we study an opposing effect, blunting the enhancement due to ions, that has received less attention: Small charged particles are scavenged more efficiently due to their charge, and thus their survival probability is lower than that of their neutral counterparts. Through simulations, we show that particle survival is reduced, in some cases dramatically, matching updated theoretical predictions. We also show that the survival of charged particles is enhanced if particles lose their charge via neutralization; therefore, for ion‐induced nucleation to be important, the resulting charged particles must become neutral as soon as possible. Overall, the coagulation scavenging enhancement due to charge ought to lessen the influence of ions in new‐particle formation and growth.
Coastal Migration due to 21st Century Sea‐Level Rise

Rising mean and extreme sea‐levels and induced increased coastal flooding are expected to lead to massive coastal migration if coasts are not protected. Using a wide range of sea‐level rise (SLR) scenarios, socioeconomic pathways and discount rate assumptions, 21st century coastal migration is assessed at global scale assuming local cost‐benefit optimal protection decisions for about 12,000 coastal segments with homogeneous coastal and socioeconomic characteristics. Costs considered include investment and maintenance cost for protection, migration cost in the case of no protection, and expected annual damage to assets by extreme sea‐level events that over‐top existing protection. Robust decisions in favor of protection over all scenarios are found for about 3% of the global coastline, covering 78% of global coastal population and 92% of global coastal floodplain assets. For the remaining 97% of global coastline cumulative 21st century land loss ranges from 60,000 to 415,000 km2 and coastal migration ranges from 17 to 72 million people. Big countries with long uninhabited coastlines suffer the biggest land losses. In absolute terms big countries in South and South‐east Asia account for the highest coastal migration, while in relative terms small island nations suffer most. Global cost of 21st century SLR can be lowered by factor two to four if local cost‐benefit decisions also consider, next to protection, coastal migration as an adaptation option.
Refining the E + A Galaxy: A Spatially Resolved Spectrophotometric Sample of Nearby Post-starburst Systems in SDSS-IV MaNGA (MPL-5)

Post-starburst galaxies are crucial to disentangling the effect of star formation and quenching on galaxy demographics. They comprise, however, a heterogeneous population of objects, described in numerous ways. To obtain a well-defined and uncontaminated sample, we take advantage of spatially resolved spectroscopy to construct an unambiguous sample of E + A galaxies—post-starburst systems with no observed ongoing star formation. Using data from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) Survey, in the fourth generation of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-IV), we have identified 30 E + A galaxies that lie within the green valley of color–stellar mass space. We first identified E + A candidates by their central, single-fiber spectra and (u–r) color from SDSS DR15, and then further required each galaxy to exhibit E + A properties throughout the entirety of the system to three effective radii. We describe our selection criteria in detail, note common pitfalls in E + A identification, and introduce the basic characteristics of the sample. We will use this E + A sample, which has been assembled with stringent criteria and thus re-establishes a well-defined subpopulation within the broader category of post-starburst galaxies, to study the evolution of galaxies and their stellar populations in the time just after star formation within them is fully quenched.
Development and Evaluation of Chemistry‐Aerosol‐Climate Model CAM5‐Chem‐MAM7‐MOSAIC: Global Atmospheric Distribution and Radiative Effects of Nitrate Aerosol

An advanced aerosol treatment, with a focus on semivolatile nitrate formation, is introduced into the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 with interactive chemistry (CAM5‐chem) by coupling the Model for Simulating Aerosol Interactions and Chemistry (MOSAIC) with the 7‐mode Modal Aerosol Module (MAM7). An important feature of MOSAIC is dynamic partitioning of all condensable gases to the different fine and coarse mode aerosols, as governed by mode‐resolved thermodynamics and heterogeneous chemical reactions. Applied in the free‐running mode from 1995 to 2005 with prescribed historical climatological conditions, the model simulates global distributions of sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium in good agreement with observations and previous studies. Inclusion of nitrate resulted in ∼10% higher global average accumulation mode number concentrations, indicating enhanced growth of Aitken mode aerosols from nitrate formation. While the simulated accumulation mode nitrate burdens are high over the anthropogenic source regions, the sea‐salt and dust modes respectively constitute about 74% and 17% of the annual global average nitrate burden. Regional clear‐sky shortwave radiative cooling of up to −5 W m−2 due to nitrate is seen, with a much smaller global average cooling of −0.05 W m−2. Significant enhancements in regional cloud condensation nuclei (at 0.1% supersaturation) and cloud droplet number concentrations are also attributed to nitrate, causing an additional global average shortwave cooling of −0.8 W m−2. Taking into consideration of changes in both longwave and shortwave radiation under all‐sky conditions, the net change in the top of the atmosphere radiative fluxes induced by including nitrate aerosol is −0.7 W m−2.
Effect Of Metal Ions On Triphenylmethane Dye Decolorization By Laccase From Trametes Versicolor

Abstract The aim of this study was investigate the influence of different metal ions on laccase activity and triphenylmethane dye decolorization by laccase from white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Laccase activity was inhibited by monovalent ions (Li+, Na+, K+ and Ag+) but the presence of divalent ions increased laccase activity at the concentration of 10 mmol/l. The effect of metal ions on decolorization of triphenylmethane dyes with different structures namely Bromochlorophenol Blue, Bromophenol Blue, Bromocresol Blue and Phenol Red was tested. The presence of metal ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Mn2+, Zn2+) slightly decreased triphenylmethane dye decolorization by laccase from T. versicolor except Na+ and Mg2+, which caused the increase of decolorization for all tested dyes. Decolorization of selected dyes showed that the presence of low-molecular-weight compounds is necessary for effective decolorization. Hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT) is the most frequently used. Although HBT belongs to most frequently used redox mediator and generally increase decolorization efficiency, so its presence decreased decolorization percentage of Bromophenol Blue and Bromochlorophenol Blue, the influence of metal ions to dye decolorization by laccase has the similar course with or without presence of redox mediator HBT.