Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two centuries of fire in a southwestern Virginia Pinus pungens community

Fire exclusion in fire-dependent forest communities can alter stand structure and composition. The objective was to construct a fire history of two Pinus pungens Lamb. communities growing in southwestern Virgina. Treering analysis of fire-scarred P. pungens specimens and a tree survey were used to determine species composition and age distributions. From 1798-1944, fires burned approximately every 10 years. After acquisition by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (ca. 1935) the study area burned only once (1944). Most of the population derives from two large cohorts established in the 1850's and the 1930's, but some trees established during nearly every decade before 1950. Few, if any, trees have established since then. There appears to be a linkage between tree establishment and major fire occurrence. Recent regeneration failure appears to be coincident with fire exclusion. Continuing fire exclusion will probably result in decline in the P. pungens communities, as they succeed to Quercus-dominated communities.
Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by Diutina mesorugosa isolated in the Amazon, Brazil

There is a demand for new microorganisms with the potential to degrade recalcitrant petroleum compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of the AM15 strain isolated from water samples from the effluent dike of the Urucu petroleum Province, to degrade a mixture of PAHs. After isolation in culture medium, and initial screening by Gram stain, it was found to be yeast. The characterization of the strain was carried out by analysis based on the sequences of the polymorphic regions ITS1/ITS2 and D1/D2 of the 28S rRNA gene, concomitant with the restriction fragment size polymorphism, generated by the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Fragment Length Polymorphism of Restriction (PCR-RFLP). The ability of yeast to degrade petroleum compounds was determined by testing with the redox indicator 2,6-Dichlorophenol Indophenol (DCPIP), and degradation was confirmed and quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Molecular analyzes indicated that the AM15 strain belongs to the Diutina mesorugosa species. The results obtained in the test carried out with DCPIP showed that the AM15 strain has the potential to degrade hydrocarbons present in petroleum and diesel oil. GC-MS analyzes confirmed that the AM15 strain was able to degrade 79.4% of a mixture of PAHs in 21 days. These results suggest that D. mesorugosa AM15 is promising to degrade different types of hydrocarbons, and can be used as a tool in the bioremediation of oil-impacted areas.
Internal migration for education and employment among youth in India

This paper sheds light on the issue of internal migration for education and employment among the youth. i.e those aged 15-32 years. The paper is a first step towards addressing the issue of whether states should be concerned about internal brain drain since some states act as feeders and other states gain at their expense. States with better job opportunities such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka are gainers whereas traditionally backward states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan are losing human capital. In the south, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh are possibly losing out workers to Karnataka and Maharashtra. [IGIDR WP-2014-004].
Kerolite-stevensite mixed-layers from the Madrid Basin, Central Spain

Abstract Structural features of very highly disordered 2:1 trioctahedral phyllosilicates from the Madrid Basin have been studied. Application of Fourier methods to XRD patterns shows that these materials consist of random kerolite-stevensite mixed-layered phases (R = 0) with 50–80% kerolite layers, and have a very small particle size with a mean of three unit-cells stacked in the c* direction. IR spectrum deconvolution in OH-stretching and librational modes seems to indicate five different types of water. Specific surface measurements (N2, BET) indicate anomalous high values (240–320 m2/g). These results suggest important catalytic and surface chemistry applications.
The continental tectosphere

Studies of free oscillations and body wave travel times have established that the one-way vertical S wave travel times through the upper mantle average about 5 s greater for oceans than for stable continental regions. This datum and the pure path dispersion data make it necessary to invoke significant differences between continental and oceanic shear velocity structures to depths exceeding 400 km. An analysis of the constraints on thermal profiles, including the constraints recently established by empirical geothermometry, indicates that temperature differences between the ancient shields and the ocean basins also extend deep into the mantle, with shields characterized by thermal gradients that are superadiabatic above 400 km. To at least 400-km depth beneath shields the dominant mechanism of heat transport is conduction, not advection. It is concluded that this entire region, termed here the continental tectosphere, translates coherently during lateral plate motions. It is proposed that the superadiabatic vertical temperature gradients beneath shields and the horizontal temperature gradients within the transition from shield to oceanic structures are stabilized by compositional gradients, the subcontinental mantle consisting of intrinsically less dense material. The existence of deep continental structure is apparently consistent with the dynamics of plate motions. It suggests that convection is not confined to the earth's upper mantle.
A balancing act: Managing financial constraints and agency costs to minimize investment inefficiency in the Chinese market

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RECOGNITION: AN INFORMATION CONTENT PERSPECTIVE

We review the historical and contemporary literature on the recognition issue. First, in a historical perspective, two debates stand out: historical cost as the basis for asset valuation and realization as the basic test for income determination. These debates are related to the recognition issue. Second, the economic foundations of the information content perspective are reviewed. The decision-making context (both single-person and strategic) receives much attention. Recent academic studies in accounting structure are also reviewed. It is concluded that a careful, economic inquiry into accounting recognition builds upon the research on value of information and on accounting structure. Helpful suggestions from my dissertation committee chairman Professor Joel Demski and from Professors Yuji Ijiri, Jon Glover, and John Simmons are gratefully acknowledged. Financial support is provided by the Arthur Andersen Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship program.
STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSIS REVEALS ANTHROPOGENIC EFFECTS ON FISH ASSEMBLAGES IN A TEMPERATE RESERVOIR

Effluent from anthropogenic inputs can affect fish assemblages in aquatic ecosystems by altering species richness, diversity and trophic structure. To investigate the effects of a bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (PME) and municipal sewage treatment plant (STP) discharge on fish assemblages in a temperate reservoir, we combined standard ecological methodologies with stable isotope analysis of δ13C and δ15N. Total catch, species richness, diversity and coefficient of community loss indicated lower species richness and diversity at sites exposed to PME, whereas sewage‐exposed assemblages had intermediate richness and diversity relative to reference sites. Stable isotope analysis of δ13C and δ15N revealed that many species fed at higher relative trophic positions in the presence of both effluents and showed shifts towards increased reliance on littoral‐derived and benthic‐derived carbon at sites downstream of the PME discharge. Fishes at PME‐influenced sites had also generally higher condition factor whereas fishes at STP‐influenced sites were more variable in condition factor. These differences may, in part, be due to decreased species diversity at these sites and to nutrient enrichment manifest from the effluent discharge. While standard fisheries and ecological methodologies and stable isotope analysis have been separately used in other studies of anthropogenic effects on fishes, their integration in this study provides greater resolution than either could alone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collateral Damage: How High-Stakes Testing Corrupts America's Schools

Drawing on their extensive research, Nichols and Berliner document and categorize the ways that high-stakes testing threatens the purposes and ideals of the American education system. For more than a decade, the debate over high-stakes testing has dominated the field of education. This passionate and provocative book provides a fresh perspective on the issue and powerful ammunition for opponents of high-stakes tests. Their analysis is grounded in the application of Campbell's Law, which posits that the greater the social consequences associated with a quantitative indicator (such as test scores), the more likely it is that the indicator itself will become corrupted - and the more likely it is that the use of the indicator will corrupt the social processes it was intended to monitor. Nichols and Berliner illustrate both aspects of this "corruption", showing how the pressures of high-stakes testing erode the validity of test scores and distort the integrity of the education system. Their analysis provides a coherent and comprehensive intellectual framework for the wide-ranging arguments against high-stakes testing, while putting a compelling human face on the data marshalled in support of those arguments.
PRECISELY COMPARTMENTALIZED AND CORRELATED LOWER ORDOVICIAN OEPIKODUS EVAE ZONE OF THE FULUOIAN IN THE HUANGHUACHANG SECTION,YICHANG,HUBEI PROVINCE

After the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Middle Ordovician and the third stage of Ordovician System was confirmed,we systematically restudied the conodont biostratigraphic sequence in the former Oepikodus evae zone of the upper Fuluoian in the Huanghuachang section,through additional collecting and systematical examining conodont samples of the same pivotal horizon (The first appearance datum of the conodont zonation) from the upper part of Honghuayuan Fm.to the lower part of Dawan Fm.The first appearance dadum (FAD) of some conodont species were revised;the apparatus classification of some important multi-element conodonts,including Stolodus stola,Lundodus gladiatus,Oepikodus communis,O.intermedius,Prioniodus honghuayuanensis,Trapezognathus diprio,Baltoniodus cf.B.triangularis (Lindstrm) etc.,were studied;the ancestor Baltoniodus cf.B.triangularis (Lindstrm) of B.triangularis(Lindstrm) and their difference were identified;some genera and species,such as Baltoniodus triangularis (Lindstrm),were re-described in newly-built fossil zone.The zonal index fossil Oepikodus evae itself has not been discovered from the upper part of the former Oepikodus evae zone in the Huanghuachang section,which is conflict to the definition of interval zone and range zone in International Stratigraphic Guide (2000),so the content of the former Oepikodus evae zone should be revised.The boundaries of these conodont zones are strictly defined by the first appearance of the conodont zonation.The interval zone from the Lower Member of Dawan Fm.should be divided to 3 interval zones:O.evae zone,Trapezognathus diprion zone and Baltoniodus cf.B.triangularis zone.The latter two are newly erected.
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity Test of Sumbawa white honey against Bacillus megaterium

Bacillus megaterium is a bacteria that causes human infections, causing keratitis, skin infections, brain abscesses and tissue infections. Treatment often uses chemical antibiotics. However, long-term antibiotics can cause new health problems such as resistance. Therefore, antibacterial ingredients are needed that can not only inhibit the growth of bacteria but also do not have a negative impact on health such as honey. Honey is thick, it can cure various diseases such as gastrointestinal, stomach, skin diseases, acute respiratory infections and coughs. This research aims to determine the ability of Sumbawa white honey as an antibacterial against B. megaterium. The method used in this research is paper disc diffusion. There were five treatments used in this study, between 100%, 75% and 25% honey concentrations, DMSO negative control and chloramphenicol positive control with five replications each. The results of the antibacterial activity test showed that the 100% concentration had an inhibitory zone diameter of 2.59 mm, then the 75% concentration was 1.46 while the 25% concentration was 0 mm. When compared with positive control, white honey was lower antibacterial. If it is in the white honey category, the inhibition zone category is included in the lower category.
Criteria for recognition of hydrothermal mineral deposits in oceanic crust

Hydrothermal mineral deposits in oceanic crust include metalliferous sediments and encrustations and massive sulfides. The occurrence of these deposits is explained by the hypothesis that they are concentrated at the discharge zones of high intensity subsea-floor hydrothermal convection systems involving the circulation of sea water through oceanic crust and upper mantle at oceanic spreading centers.Criteria that have proven most useful for recognition of hydrothermal deposits in oceanic crust based on known deposits at oceanic spreading centers include petrology of the deposits and surrounding rocks; structural conditions that create exceptionally high permeability and thermal gradients; seismicity in the form of microearthquakes and earthquake swarms; geochemical properties of hydrothermal discharge ( 3 He, 222 Rn, ferric hydroxides, silica); contrasts in acoustic impedence between normal sea water and hydrothermal solutions; anomalous gravity as an indicator of geologic structure; electrical properties of the hydrothermal solutions and deposits; an associated low in residual magnetic intensity attributed to hydrothermal alteration of the magnetic mineral component of basalt; patterns of deposition in early rift and advanced oceanic ridge stages of opening of an ocean basin; and distribution of hydrothermal deposits both parallel and perpendicular to an oceanic spreading center.The seismic, geochemical, acoustic, thermal, and certain electrical criteria are applicable to recognition of active discharge zones of subsea-floor hydrothermal convection systems. The petrologic, structural, gravity, magnetic, and other electrical criteria are applicable to recognition of hydrothermal deposits in all of oceanic crust which underlies ocean basins covering two-thirds of the Earth and is emplaced on land as ophiolites.
Magma and volatile supply to post-collapse volcanism and block resurgence in Siwi Caldera (Tanna Island, Vanuatu Arc)

V24C-04. Allen, S. R. (2005). Complex spatterand pumice-rich pyroclastic deposits from an andesitic caldera forming eruption: The Siwi pyroclastic sequence, Tanna, Vanuatu. Bulletin of Volcanology 67,
Role of soil moisture versus recent climate change for the 2010 heat wave in western Russia

The severe 2010 heat wave in western Russia was found to be influenced by anthropogenic climate change. Additionally, soil moisture‐temperature feedbacks were deemed important for the buildup of the exceptionally high temperatures. We quantify the relative role of both factors by applying the probabilistic event attribution framework and analyze ensemble simulations to distinguish the effect of climate change and the 2010 soil moisture conditions for annual maximum temperatures. The dry 2010 soil moisture alone has increased the risk of a severe heat wave in western Russia sixfold, while climate change from 1960 to 2000 has approximately tripled it. The combined effect of climate change and 2010 soil moisture yields a 13 times higher heat wave risk. We conclude that internal climate variability causing the dry 2010 soil moisture conditions formed a necessary basis for the extreme heat wave.
Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Their Effect on Cardiac Arrhythmias in Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Purpose Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and myocardial fibrosis are associated with cardiac arrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between OSA and myocardial fibrosis, as well as their impact on cardiac arrhythmia in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients. Methods We prospectively studied 151 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HOCM at the Fuwai Hospital between September 2017 and 2018. Polysomnography, Holter electrocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were performed on all patients. Myocardial fibrosis was reflected by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), detected using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Results Myocardial fibrosis, measured using LGE%, was found to increase with increasing OSA severity [6.8% (3.6–12.9%), 6.1% (3.4–10.0%), 9.6% (5.5–14.5%), and 15.5% (9.3–20.0%) for no-OSA, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA, respectively; p=0.003]. LGE% correlated with the New York Heart Association functional classifications (p=0.018), septal thickness (p=0.026), and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (p<0.001). The prevalence of isolated premature ventricular contraction (PVC) (p=0.028), paired PVC (p=0.036), ventricular bigeminy (p=0.005)/trigeminy (p<0.001), non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) (p=0.001), isolated premature atrial contraction (PAC) (p=0.032), and supraventricular tachycardia (p=0.029) was significantly higher in patients with OSA. Additionally, LGE% and AHI were independent risk factors for isolated PVC (OR: 1.04, p=0.001 and OR: 1.07, p=0.039, respectively), ventricular bigeminy (OR: 1.04, p=0.003 and OR: 1.26, p=0.002, respectively)/trigeminy (OR: 1.07, p=0.040 and OR: 1.06, p=0.001, respectively), and NSVT (OR: 1.17, p<0.001 and OR: 1.08, p<0.001, respectively) after adjustment for age, sex, and other parameters. Conclusion Both OSA and LGE% were associated with a greater likelihood and increased frequency of ventricular arrhythmias (including NSVT) in patients with HOCM. Thus, the severity of OSA was independently associated with more severe myocardial fibrosis in patients with HOCM.
Personality differences in delayed sleep-wake phase disorder and non-24-hour sleep-wake rhythm disorder patients relative to healthy sleepers

Objective/Background: Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) is associated with a delayed timing of circadian rhythms and this delay is suggested to be the basis of the disorder. However, this has been questioned due to frequent relapses following treatment based on this etiology. Recent studies have emerged suggesting personality factors may contribute to sleeping patterns in DSWPD. The aim of this study was to further investigate circadian and personality factors in DSWPD as well as Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder (N24SWD) patients relative to control sleepers. Patients/Methods: This sample comprised 16 DSWPD (age=21.1±2.8, 10m, 7f), and 3 N24SWD patients (age=24.0±4.4, 2m, 1f). Controls were 7 males and 7 females (age=23.4±5.9). Prior to commencement of an 80-hr modified constant routine, eligible participants’ sleeping patterns were monitored for a week and they completed
Cloud Radiation Forcings and Feedbacks: General Circulation Model Tests and Observational Validation

Abstract Using an atmospheric general circulation model (the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model: CCM2), the effects on climate sensitivity of several different cloud radiation parameterizations have been investigated. In addition to the original cloud radiation scheme of CCM2, four parameterizations incorporating prognostic cloud water were tested: one version with prescribed cloud radiative properties and three other versions with interactive cloud radiative properties. The authors’ numerical experiments employ perpetual July integrations driven by globally constant sea surface temperature forcings of two degrees, both positive and negative. A diagnostic radiation calculation has been applied to investigate the partial contributions of high, middle, and low cloud to the total cloud radiative forcing, as well as the contributions of water vapor, temperature, and cloud to the net climate feedback. The high cloud net radiative forcing is positive, and the middle and low cloud n.
Open Source Software: Fully Featured vs. "The Devil You Know"

The ILIAS learning management system (LMS) was evaluated, following its favourable rating in an independent evaluation study of open source software (OSS) products. The current review found ILIAS to have numerous features of value to distance education (DE) students and teachers, as well as problems for consideration in the system’s ongoing development. The current findings were compared with DE students’ reactions to a similar LMS product, ATutor, also rated highly in the independent OSS evaluation. In comparing an ATutor course website with a simple HTMLbased version of the same site, the ten students voted unanimously to retain the simpler site. This result is consistent with previous evaluation findings in the current series of reports, and indicates that increasing integration of product features does not necessarily improve a product’s ease of use or educational effectiveness.
Thermoelectric transport properties of electron doped pyrite FeS2

Pyrite FeS$_2$ has been investigated for a wide range of applications, including thermoelectrics due to previous observation of large thermopower at room-temperature. However, the values of thermopower reported in the literature is extremely sensitive to the nature of sample -- whether they are natural or lab grown, bulk crystals or thin films -- and an ambiguity in the magnitude and sign of thermopower of pure FeS$_2$ exists. Variation in the magnitude of room-temperature thermopower has also been observed in Co-doped samples. Therefore, it is of interest to clarify the intrinsic thermopower of this system that could be measured in more pure samples. In this paper, we investigate the thermoelectric properties of Co-doped FeS$_2$ using first principles calculations. We apply three different doping schemes to understand the effect of electron doping in FeS$_2$, namely explicit Co-substitution, jellium doping and electron addition within rigid band approximation (RBA) picture. The calculated thermopower is less than $-50$ $\mu$V/K for all values of Co doping that we studied, suggesting that this system may not be useful in thermoelectric applications. Interestingly, we find that RBA substantially overestimates the magnitude of calculated thermopower compared to the explicit Co-substitution and jellium doping schemes. The overestimation occurs because the changes in the electronic structure due to doping-induced structural modification and charge screening is not taken into account by the rigid shift of the Fermi level within RBA. RBA is frequently used in first principles investigations of the thermopower of doped semiconductors, and Co-substituted FeS$_2$ illustrates a case where it fails.