Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Cenozoic marine diatom deposition history: links to the C and Si cycles

Abstract. Marine planktonic diatoms are, today, among the world's main primary producers as well as the main organic carbon exporter to the deep sea despite the fact that they were a very minor component of the plankton at the beginning of the Cenozoic. They are also the main silica exporter to the deep sea, thus balancing global chemical weathering. This study reviews their global Cenozoic depositional pattern in order to understand the modality and the context of their rise to dominance, but also to understand how diatom evolution affected the Cenozoic functioning of the ocean's biological pump. After two short-lived major abundance peaks near the Eocene–Oligocene boundary and in the late Oligocene, diatom abundance in sediments shifted in the middle Miocene to globally higher values which have largely persisted to the modern day. These quantitative findings provide support for the hypothesis according to which diatoms, through their ecological role in the ocean's biological carbon pump, have contributed to the Cenozoic changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide pressure and consequently to changes in the global climate state. Additionally, correlations between diatom abundance peaks and shifts in seawater strontium and osmium isotopic composition hint at a strong control of the silicate weathering on diatom deposition.
Cooperation among Ugandan farmers : cultivating social capital RESEARCH

A survey was administered to 183 Ugandan farmers in August 2014 to assess the factors that influence their willingness to become members of a proposed new agricultural cooperative. In particular, we were interested in a better understanding of how farmers viewed the social benefits associated with cooperation. These social benefits have the potential to become valuable sources of social capital. Four valid and reliable measures of social benefits were identified. Social benefits that farmers may use to get by (bonding networks) had two dimensions: emotional support and social support. Social benefits that farmers may use to get ahead (bridging networks) also had two dimensions: tangible and intangible resource sharing. The desire to gain these social benefits from cooperation (except for emotional support) emerged as strong predictors of farmers’ willingness to cooperate in a proposed new agricultural cooperative. Surprisingly, the expected economic benefits of cooperation did not have a significant effect on willingness to cooperate. Implications and suggestions for future research and cooperative development and management are also discussed.
On the Acquisition of Equity Carve-Outs

We examine the role played by the parent’s motive in undertaking a carve-out; the parent’s post-IPO influence over the carved-out subsidiary; and anti-takeover provisions and industry structure of a carve-out on its acquisition likelihood and its acquisition premium. We find that the probability and hazard of a carve-out acquisition increase when the parent’s objective is to unlock the value of a subsidiary and when the parent and the subsidiary are tied with a product-market relationship. We also find that the post-IPO parent ownership significantly affects the acquisition likelihood and the level of acquisition premium. Additional analyses examining the post-IPO carve-out status suggest that the product-market relationship and post-IPO parent ownership increase the probability of re-acquisition.
Factor analyzed HMM topology for speech recognition

This paper presents a new factor analyzed (FA) similarity measure between two Gaussian mixture models (GMMs). An adaptive hidden Markov model (HMM) topology is built to compensate the pronunciation variations in speech recognition. Our idea aims to evaluate whether the variation of a HMM state from new speech data is significant or not and judge if a new state should be generated in the models. Due to the effectiveness of FA data analysis, we measure the GMM similarity by estimating the common factors and specific factors embedded in the HMM means and variances. Similar Gaussian densities are represented by the common factors. Specific factors express the residual of similarity measure. We perform a composite hypothesis test due to common factors as well as specific factors. An adaptive HMM topology is accordingly established from continuous collection of training utterances. Experiments show that the proposed FA measure outperforms other measures with comparable size of parameters.
Teaching of Science and Mathematics in Pre-Schools of Botswana: The Existing Practices

The study aims to examine the state of mathematics and science education in pre-schools of Botswana. The study intended to find out the knowledge base of the teachers, the content and the process of activities that were carried out in pre-schools, and also gauged availability and usage of resources in pre-schools, while identifying the challenges faced and the strategies used to overcome by the teachers, in carrying out Maths and Science activities. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The research was done using survey questionnaire and observation techniques and was conducted in 26 pre-schools in Gaborone. The sample comprised of 64 teachers and 17 administrators who were identified by using purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data was also analysed using SPSS version 20, and responses to Open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively. The findings showed that the trained teachers although not in ECE, claimed to have some knowledge base of mathematics and science, and identified pedagogy to be more important than content, for teaching science and mathematics at ECE. They however, were of the view that ECE teacher training influences the knowledge base of the teachers, and hence specialised training in ECE is necessary. The study also showed that mathematics activities were predominant in the pre-schools as compared to science activities; the teachers frequently engaged in mathematics and science activities outdoors; and the mathematics and science corners that were available in most centres, were not utilised adequately. It further revealed that an equal number of the teachers, i.e. almost half of them, faced challenges while teaching mathematics and science in pre-schools, as those who did not. The study therefore recommended ECE teachers’ professional training on knowledge, pedagogy and content; and the menu to include more indoor and science activities.
Existence of global solutions for systems of reaction-diffusion equations on unbounded domains.

We consider, an initial-value problem for the thermal-diusive combustion system ut = a u uh(v) vt = b u +d v +uh(v); where a > 0, d > 0, b6 0, x2R n , n 1, with h(v) = v m , m is an even nonnegative integer, and the initial data u0, v0 are bounded uniformly continuous and nonnegative. It is known that by a simple comparison if b = 0, a = 1, d 1 and h(v) = v m with m 2 N , the solutions are uniformly bounded in time. When d > a = 1, b = 0, h(v) = v m with m2N , Collet and Xin [2] proved the existence of global classical solutions and showed that the L 1 norm of v can not grow faster than O(log logt) for any space dimension. In our case, no comparison principle seems to apply. Nevertheless using techniques form [2], we essentially prove the existence of global classical solutions if a < d, b < 0, and v0 b a d u0.
Prediction of standard particleboard mechanical properties utilizing an artificial neural network and subsequent comparison with a multivariate regression model

The physical properties (specific gravity, moisture content, thickness swelling and water absorption) and mechanical properties (internal bond strength, bending strength and modulus of elasticity) were determined on 93 Spanish-manufactured standard particleboards of different thicknesses selected randomly at the end of the production process. The testing methods of the corresponding European standards (EN) were used, except in the case of the thickness swelling and absorption tests, for which the Spanish UNE standard was used. The thickness and the values obtained for the physical properties were entered into an artificial neural network in order to predict the mechanical properties of the board. The fit was compared with the usual multivariate regression models. The use of a neural network made it possible to obtain the values of bending strength, modulus of elasticity and internal bond strength of the boards utilizing the known data, not only of thickness, moisture content and specific gravity, but also of thickness swelling and water absorption. The neural network proposed is much better adapted to the observed values than any of the multivariate regression models obtained.
Robust adaptive efficient estimation for a semi-Markov continuous time regression from discrete data

In this article we consider the nonparametric robust estimation problem for regression models in continuous time with semi-Markov noises observed in discrete time moments. An adaptive model selection procedure is proposed. A sharp non-asymptotic oracle inequality for the robust risks is obtained. We obtain sufficient conditions on the frequency observations under which the robust efficiency is shown. It turns out that for the semi-Markov models the robust minimax convergence rate may be faster or slower than the classical one.
Are Millennials Really the “Go-Nowhere” Generation?

Problem, research strategy, and findings: News reports and academic articles contend that Millennials (those born in the last two decades of the 20th century) are different from earlier generations in their consumption and travel patterns. This article investigates the travel behavior of young American adults and compares the behavior of Millennials with those of previous generations using data from the 1995, 2001, and 2009 National Household Travel Surveys. The analysis uses descriptive statistics to profile trends and regression models to identify the factors associated with decreased travel by Millennials. In fact, automobility declines for all Americans between 1995 and 2009, but the drops are largest for Millennials and younger members of Generation X starting in the late 1990s. Decreases in driving are not compensated by increases in the use of other modes for travel, nor do decreased trip distances explain the downturn in automobility. Among young adults, lifestyle-related demographic shifts, including decreased employment, explain 10% to 25% of the decrease in driving; Millennial-specific factors such as changing attitudes and use of virtual mobility (online shopping, social media) explain 35% to 50% of the drop in driving; and the general dampening of travel demand that occurred across all age groups accounts for the remaining 40%. Takeaway for practice: These changes highlight two challenges to planners and policymakers: managing increases in automobility as Millennials age and their economic fortunes improve, and developing improved planning processes that deal robustly with the uncertain future presented by Millennials who may continue to make very different travel choices than comparable people did in the past.
In-vitro antioxidant activity and phytochemical analysis in extracts of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis stem and leaves

Free radicals induce numerous diseases by lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. It has been reported that numerous plant extracts have antioxidant activities to scavenge free radicals. In the present study, the antioxidant properties of crude (aqueous and methanolic) extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis (Malvaceae) were studied in six in vitro models viz. radical scavenging activity by DPPH reduction Assay, Scavenging of SO, H 2 O 2 and NO, reducing power, FRAP assay. The extract was found to contain large amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids . Methanolic extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis possessed significant antioxidant activity as compare to aqueous extract. These results suggest that hibiscus has potential to develop a new functional dietary agent to treat chronic metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
Equator and High-Latitude Ionosphere-to-Magnetosphere Research

Abstract : This research contributes in critical areas toward the goals of (1) ionospheric effects on DoD systems research and (2) ionospheric research technology. Based on the proposal submitted to the Air Force, this year's efforts, as described in this report, involve support to the ionospheric specification objectives of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The University of Massachusetts Lowell Center for Atmospheric Research (UMLCAR) has taken an approach that addresses the specification of ionospheric parameters on a global scale; a goal that is particularly facilitated using the digisonde system pioneered by UMLCAR. Global ionospheric modeling is a major part of space weather forecasting and global communications progress, and our support for these goals is presented here. Use of the ubiquitous digisonde offers the best tool for real time ionospheric assimilative modeling as well as support to other systems that require verification and validation. A significant part of our research effort was providing the necessary validation of other methods of ionospheric specification by using the digisonde measurements as the "truth" against which the performance of other systems was compared. These include cooperation with groups making ionospheric radio occultation and tomography, and UV measurements (Sections 2, 4, and 10). The Center is also evaluating the digisonde drift measurements against incoherent scatter radar plasma drift measurements (Section 6). The second major research concentration in this report involves the development of techniques that expand global ionospheric specification (Sections 3, 5, and 8). These cover the areas of digisonde profile uncertainty, improved ionogram virtual height measurements, and using digisondes to carry out routine measurements of the absorption of HF radio waves with the aim of predicting system outages with improved sensitivity.
Change-aware Skyline Query and Update in Wireless Sensor Networks

In energy-limited wireless sensor networks, multi-subspace skyline query is widely used for all kinds of applications. In this paper, we propose a change-aware skyline query model based on Compressed Skycube (CSC) and Extended Skyline (ES), which reduces the traffic to save the energy of sensor in wireless sensor network on the premise of meeting user needs. We analyze the updating possibilities of different sensors according to the variously updating frequency in monitoring crop growth environment. We introduce an UpdateCSC algorithm based on CSC structure and an UpdateES algorithm based on Extended Skyline. Experiments on simulated environment show that the proposed model and algorithms can deal with mufti-subspace skyline query, which improve the computational efficiency and effectively reduce the updating energy.
Feasibility of microbial biodiesel and carotenoid production considering the potential of food processing wastewaters as low cost carbon sources using the example of red yeast Rhodotorula glutinis

The synthesis of single cell oil (SCO) as alternative feedstock for the production of biodiesel as well as the formation of carotenoids as value added by-product of red yeast Rhodotorula glutinis cultivated on wastewaters from sugar refinery and beer production was investigated. Additionally, the ability of R. glutinis to utilize maltose as main carbon source in brewery wastewaters was examined. R. glutinis was able to produce biomass both on sugar refinery (4.86 g L) and brewery (4.25 g L) wastewaters. No lipid production was observed during growth on sugar refinery wastewaters probably due to low amounts of yeast available carbon sources. Cultivated on different brewery wastewater treatments, lipid production reached a maximum of 2 g L. Maltose was consumed in small quantities. No carotenoids were produced, probably because carbon was utilized in favor of lipid production.
Effect of freezing of Neonectria ditissima inoculum on its pathogenicity.

The fungus Neonectria ditissima causes European canker of apple. To determine the pathogenicity of different isolates, conidial inoculum of each isolate needs to be prepared. Freezing inoculum ensures that conidia do not germinate before inoculation, and facilitates screening of large numbers of isolates. In this study, conidial suspensions of three different isolates and 'field conidia' collected from apple cankers were used to inoculate dormant potted 1-year-old 'Royal Gala' trees in a glasshouse. Each conidial suspension (2×10 5 conidia/ml) was used either fresh or defrosted after 3 days at -20°C. Five buds per shoot were removed and inoculated, with four replicates of two shoots per treatment. Significant differences in disease incidence and lesion size were observed between the different isolates at each assessment date, 5 to 15 weeks after inoculation (P<0.003), but freezing the inoculum had no effect on disease incidence or lesion size. Frozen conidial suspensions can be used for pathogenicity studies and may also be a long-term storage option for cultures.
Household Consumer Debt, Endogenous Money and Growth: A Supermultiplier-Based Analysis

The paper provides a simple theoretical framework to assess the macroeconomic implications of debt-fuelled consumption. In particular, the analysis is conducted through an extended super-multiplier model with endogenous credit money, which highlights the role of the autonomous components of demand, and in particular autonomous consumption, as the main drivers of economic growth. The author sketches a comparison with alternative heterodox formulations. He argues that, unlike the neo-Kaleckian models, in the model proposed here output growth adjusts to the path of debt-financed consumption. Having treated investment as fully induced, it follows that also the rate of capital accumulation adjusts to the rate of growth, which is itself determined by the evolution of autonomous demand. Finally, it is shown that the stability of the ratio of debt to debtors’ income is affected, among other things, by the growth differential between workers’ autonomous consumption (and debt) and the other autonomous components of demand, i.e. public expenditure and capitalists’ autonomous consumption. JEL Classification: E11, E12, E44, G01
Inclusive and Sustainable Design in the Built Environment:Regulation or Human-Centred?

Reliance on building regulations and environmental standards has been the prime mechanism by which design quality, safety and sustainability are promoted in the built environment. This extends to accessibility standards designed to achieve more inclusive design for disabled users and residents. However, professional guidance and standards have produced a fragmented system, with the client-design-construction-maintenance-occupier chain stretched by arms-length housing management and contractor-led design operation, leaving the architect low down in the decision-making and power relationship, and residents largely absent from the design and delivery processes. In the shadow of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, this article considers the evolution of inclusive design and parallels in the built environment. These design approaches are contrasted with the highly codified basis for sustainable design which has looked to technological and material solutions to environmental performance, but less so, to human experience, needs and agency.
GEOINFORMATION TOOLS PROVIDING ESTIMATIONS OF VEGETATION AREAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY WILD FIRE DISASTERS

Abstract. The object of this work is to develop web tools, which provide remote services necessary for disaster management purposes in domain of satellite Earth observation (EO) of vegetation areal, primarily forest or agricultural areas damaged by wild fires. The main idea for application of developed web tools is to provide targeted users with estimation instrument that allows not only to predict future or to detect existed perturbations in vegetation canopy but to estimate damage extent caused by disasters as well. To estimate damage extent of future possible disaster the developed services use historical data on vegetation canopy parameter both with hydrometeorology data on current weather conditions. Specialized EO data routines produce a set of products, which are required to make reliable prediction of possible damage extent subject to current weather conditions. In addition, the tools for estimation consequences of actual disaster event in vegetation areal are developed. In this case, special service compares actual state of vegetation canopy, which is retrieved from actual EO information, with historical information, which is extracted from special database that contains information on vegetation canopy status immediately before disaster event. This comparison allows not only to estimate the extent of actual damage but also to forecast disaster effects on future consequences, i.e. to estimate finally expected damage extent. Developed tools incorporate both forecasting and nowcasting possibilities to estimate damage extents. All necessary supporting services are implemented in active satellite data information system (IS) incorporated with long-term EO data archive. This incorporation allows upgrading possibilities of information system in disaster management support, namely in fast and reliable estimation of current and eventual damages.
Forecasts of tropical Pacific SST and sea level using a Markov model

A seasonally varying Markov model is constructed in a multivariate EOF space of observed SST and sea level analysis for 1981–98. The hindcast skill of SST and sea level is estimated with a cross‐validation scheme. For SST, the correlation skill is highest in the central‐eastern equatorial Pacific at about 0.5 at 9 month lead. The Markov model has a marginal SST forecast skill at 3 month lead (>0.4) in the north‐western Pacific (NWP) around 10°N. For sea level, the correlation skill is highest in the central equatorial Pacific and the NWP around 10°N at above 0.5 at 9 month lead. In the western Pacific, sea level anomalies are generally more predictable than SST anomalies. The real time forecast of sea level by the Markov model is available at the official web site of the Climate Prediction Center, NOAA (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/pacdir).
Constraints on blue straggler formation mechanisms in galactic globular clusters from proper motion velocity distributions

For a sample of 38 Galactic globular clusters (GCs), we confront the observed distributions of blue straggler (BS) proper motions and masses (derived from isochrone fitting) from the BS catalog of Simunovic & Puzia with theoretical predictions for each of the two main competing BS formation mechanisms. These are mass transfer from an evolved donor on to a main-sequence (MS) star in a close binary system, and direct collisions involving MS stars during binary encounters. We use the \texttt{FEWBODY} code to perform simulations of single-binary and binary-binary interactions. This provides collisional velocity and mass distributions for comparison to the observed distributions. Most clusters are consistent with BSs derived from a dynamically relaxed population, supportive of the binary mass-transfer scenario. In a few clusters, including all the post-core collapse clusters in our sample, the collisional velocities provide the best fit.
Predictive Modeling and Sentiment Analysis: Data Mining Approach

Data mining technology have widely been applied in various businesses and manufacturing companies. Sharing data has become a trend among business partnerships, as it is supposed to be a mutually beneficial way of increasing productivity. In this proposed work, we use sentiment analysis and prediction modeling to determine future scope of product. For sentiment analysis we take as an example online review of peoples towards the product they bought and services they received. Analysis of different online reviews on large scale will help to produce useful actionable knowledge. Conducting extensive experiments on large data set confirms the effectiveness of the proposed approach.