Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of open crop residual burning on air quality over Central Eastern China during the Mount Tai Experiment 2006 (MTX2006)

Abstract. The impact of open crop residual burning (OCRB) on O3, CO, black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) concentrations over Central Eastern China (CEC; 30–40° N, 111–120° E), during the Mount Tai Experiment in 2006 (MTX2006) was evaluated using a regional chemical transport model, the Models–3 Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ). To investigate these pollutants during MTX2006 in June 2006, daily gridded OCRB emissions were developed based on a bottom-up methodology using land cover and hotspot information from satellites. This model system involving daily emissions captured monthly–averages of observed concentrations and day-to-day variations in the patterns of O3, CO, BC and OC at the summit of Mount Tai (36° N, 117° E, 1534 m a.s.l., Shandong Province of the People's Republic of China) with high correlation coefficients between the model and observations ranging from 0.55 to 0.69. These results were significantly improved from those using annual biomass burning emissions. For monthly-averaged O3, the simulated concentration of 80.8 ppbv was close to the observed concentration (81.3 ppbv). The MTX2006 period was roughly divided into two parts: 1) polluted days with heavy OCRB in the first half of June; and 2) cleaner days with negligible field burning in the latter half of June. Additionally, the first half of June was characterized by two high-pollution episodes during 5–7 and 12–13 June, separated by a relatively cleaner intermediate period during 8–10 June. In the first high-pollution episode, the model captured the high O3, CO, BC and OC concentrations at the summit of Mount Tai, which were associated with OCRB over southern CEC and subsequent northward transport. For this episode, the impacts of OCRB emissions on pollutant concentrations were 26% (O3), 62% (CO), 79% (BC) and 80% (OC) at the summit of Mount Tai. The daily OCRB emissions were an essential factor in the evaluation of these pollutants during MTX2006. These emissions have a large impact not only on primary pollutants but also on secondary pollutants, such as O3, in the first half of June over northeastern Asia. The model reproduced reasonably well the variation of these pollutants in MTX2006, but underestimated daily averages of both CO and BC by a factor of 2, when using emission data from almost solely anthropogenic fuel sources in the latter half of the observation period when field burning can be neglected.
Demography and reproductive strategies of a polycarpic perennial, Trillium apetalon (Trilliaceae)

To investigate the connection between demographic strategies and reproductive strategies of a polycarpic perennial herb, Trillium apetalon Makino, we conducted three studies. First, we monitored the fate of individuals and the flowering behavior of T. apetalon for 12 years and used a transition matrix model to analyze the demography of the population. The analysis revealed that it takes a long time for individuals to go through one-leaf stage in juveniles. Elasticity analysis showed that the survival of flowering individuals was a decisive factor in the dynamics of the population. Furthermore, we found that the average remaining lifetime of flowering individuals was high relative to the other three stages. Second, to elucidate the demographic consequences of organ preformation, we investigated the development of flower buds for future years. We observed three to six flower buds per rhizome, suggesting that flower buds for the next 3‐6 years were ready in advance in this plant. Third, the results of breeding experiments clarified that although this species appears to have a substantial capacity for both inbreeding and outbreeding, inbreeding plays an important role in seed production, and that crossing experiments (direct cross-pollination and self pollination) yielded similar seed-ovule ratios to those obtained from open-pollinated individuals. Our three studies suggest that the adult survival and continuous flowering strategies of T. apetalon obtained from demographic analysis are closely interlinked with breeding systems and preformation of flower buds.
Exports, agglomeration and workforce diversity: an empirical assessment for German establishments

Theoretical and empirical contributions on export behavior highlight the importance of firms' productivity and their levels of economies of scale on firms' export success in `foreign markets. In the context of agglomeration economies, firms enjoy produc-tivity gains when they are located close to competitors or upstreaming industries and they benefit from knowledge spillovers and other positive externalities. In such a stimulating environment, firms become more prone to be exporters. Beyond the role played by externalities, firms may benefit when they employ a diverse workforce and when the interaction of distinct knowledge and related problem-solving abilities increases productivity and secures export success. In this paper, we ask whether German firms (i.e., establishments) benefit from localization and urbanization exter-nalities and face higher export proportions. We also control for a variety of estab-lishment characteristics and workforce diversity. For this purpose, a comprehensive German data set that combines survey data and administrative data is used. While controlling for firm heterogeneity in a fractional response model, we provide evi-dence that manufacturing establishments and smaller establishments (up to 250 employees) benefit most from externalities and especially from knowledge spillover. There is weak evidence supporting the benefit of workforce diversity; however, that factor could explain between-establishment variation.
Performance Analysis of TCP Variants with Pause Time and Node Speed Variation over AODV and DSR Protocols in NS2

: TCP is most widely used transport layer protocol. Most of the applications such as e-mails, file transfers use TCP due to its reliable communication. There are various mechanisms to control the congestion in the network. The variants of TCP implement slow start, congestion avoidance, fast retransmit and fast recovery algorithms in different ways for congestion control. In this paper, we have simulated four TCP variants namely Tahoe, Reno, New-Reno and Vegas in mobile ad hoc network over AODV and DSR routing protocols. Simulation is done in NS2. Comparison of throughput, end-to-end delay and packet delivery fraction is made against pause time and node speed variation to determine the performance of these four TCP congestion control algorithms.
On the Metrizability Problem for Projective Structures on Surfaces

In this thesis, we will follow a paper by Bryant et al. in finding the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a Levi-Civita connection within a given projective structure [gamma] on a surface. We will give an explicit formulation of a necessary condition, as an obstruction of order five in the Christoffel symbols of an arbitrary element of [gamma]. Our approach in finding this obstruction allows us to find sufficient conditions in the real analytic case as well. In terms of the Christoffel symbols of an arbitrary element of [gamma], the explicit forms of the sufficient conditions are of order six in generic case, and of order eight in non-generic case. All the formulations will be projectively invariant and will be expressed in point invariants of the second-order ODE whose integral curves are geodesics of [gamma]. We will use a machinery developed by Hitchin and LeBrun, that we call minitwistor theory, to find the moduli space of these integral curves. Using this machinery and the notion of densities on a manifold, we give geometric interpretations of the formulation of the problem and derive a projective property of the space of metrics whose Levi-Civita connections belong to [gamma]. %%%%Dans cette these, nous analysons un travail de Bryant et al. portant sur l'obtention de conditions necessaires et suffisantes pour l'existence d'une connexion de Levi-Civita au sein d'une structure projective [gamma] sur une surface. Nous donnons une formulation explicite d'une condition necessaire sous la forme d'une obstruction d'ordre cinq sur les coefficients de Christoffel d'un element arbitraire de [gamma]. Dans le cas analytique, notre approche nous permet d'obtenir des conditions suffisantes. En termes des coefficients de Christoffel d'un element arbitraire de [gamma], ces conditions suffisantes sont d'ordre six dans le cas generique et d'ordre huit dans le cas non-generique. Toutes les formulations obtenues sont projectivement invariantes et exprimees en termes d'invariants ponctuels des equations differentielles ordinaires d'ordre deux dont les solutions les geodesiques de [gamma]. Nous utlisons une technique developpee par Hitchin et LeBrun, appelee theorie des mini-twisteurs, pour trouver l'espace des modules de ces courbes integrales. En utlisant cette technique et la notion de densite sur une variete, nous donnons des interpretations geometriques de la formulation du probleme et derivons une propriete projectivement invariante de l'espace des metriques dont la connexion de Levi-Civita appartient a [gamma].
Nutritional composition of some lesser-known fruits used by the ethnic communities and local folks of Kerala.

Wild edible fruits play a significant role in the dietary requirements of the tribal and local communities of Kerala. Out of 218 species of fruit plants collected from the wild, fruits of ten species based on their individual merit were selected for chemical analysis. Estimation of moisture, protein, fats, reducing, non-reducing and total sugars, fiber, total mineral matter, vitamin C, iron, sodium, potassium and energy value were carried out and the results are compared with the nutritive value of ten common cultivar fruits.
NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN MARINE FISHERIES

During the past one decade, Jakhau has become an importar)t seasonal (September to March) fishing centre In Kutch, attracting an Increasing number of fishermen and traders from different parts of Gujarat. The prawn fishery contributed 24% of the total trawl landings during the 1985-86 season. The prawn fishery is chiefly supported by penaelds like Penaeus monodon, P. indlcus, P. semlsulcalua, Metapenaaus brevlconis, M. ktachansis, and non penaelds like HIppolysmata enslrostris and Exopataemon styllferus. The peak season for the fishery Is from October to January. The average catch per Uhjt effort for prawns showed a clear decline during 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons. This Is apparently attributed to the fact that increasing numtier of migrant fishermen come here to fish, leading to overfishing. Management measures, that should be taken to conserve the stock In these fishing grounds are suggested.
The Impact of CEO Characteristics on Corporate Sustainable Development

This study explores the relationship between CEO demographic characteristics and consistency in corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance among firms. The sample is based on results from major ranking agencies between 2005 and 2010. A total of 661 firms were included in the sample with 392 observations in total. The results indicate that firms' CSR performance, as measured by the consistency of their CSR rankings, is associated with their CEOs' educational specializations in Master's-level business administration (MBA) and science (MSc). In addition, CEO tenure and gender are shown to affect firms' CSR performance. Furthermore, a firm's number of employees also has a significant relationship with its CSR performance. The results are encouraging for supporting universities' efforts to integrate CSR issues into their curricula. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Learners as designers: computers as cognitive tools inarchitecture education

The paper sets out the framework for the evaluation of a problem-based, constructivist learning environment employing computers as learning support tools in Architecture. The style of the evaluation is ethnographic rather than positivist; qualitative rather than quantitative; hypothesis generating rather than hypothesis testing. The data collection and analysis is structured with the aid of the NUD'IST (Non-numerical Unstructured Data; Indexing, Searching & Theorising) software package. As the paper has been written at the mid-point of the evaluation process it does not present conclusions but speculates on the types of issues which are arising from the study: the stage at which learning support software becomes a true cognitive tool; the possible nature of distributed cognitions in computer-based group project work; normative issues in the use of computers in design; theoretical issues such as the effect of computers on students' intellectual performance; and practical issues such as the way projects such as this affect the nature of university teaching. 1. Learning support software A computer-based Learning Support Software (LSS) system for the teaching of undergraduate Architecture is under development at the University of Hong Kong as part of an ongoing program of research and development. The project aims to explore the effectiveness of state-of-the-art technology such as interactive multimedia, hypermedia, virtual reality and digital video conferencing to improve the quality of professional education. The first elements of the system are now being utilised within the undergraduate program as an Action Learning Project. The Evaluation component of the Action Learning Project, supported by University Grants Commission central funding, aims to investigate the effectiveness of a constructivist learning environment in the teaching of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong The original rationale for the development of the system was based on the following assumptions (see Will): • students will need to learn to use a wide range of computer software for future employment • the use of interactive multimedia will promote engagement and creativity in students working in a problem-based learning environment • three dimensional (3D) computer modelling is a costand time-effective means of demonstrating and testing architectural problems • an open-ended, hypermedia system can promote the integration of a number of strands of the Architecture syllabus presently taught as separate units, e.g. Design, History, Structures, Building Materials, Environmental Controls. 1.1. Context & content The software system is currently being employed within the context of a problem-based learning unit on Building Systems, at fourth year level in the Architecture degree. Most of the students (average age 24) have completed three years of the undergraduate course and have had one year of professional placement in an
A study of the electron structure of endohedrally confined atoms using a model potential

A novel model potential for modelling the environment of atoms and molecules inside fullerenes is proposed. The model takes into consideration that the electrons of the guest atom or molecule are affected by an attractive short-range Gaussian shell to simulate the Cn cage. As a test case, the present model is employed to study the electronic structure of an endohedrally confined hydrogen atom by C36 and C60 fullerenes. This study is performed using a new implementation of the p-version of the finite-element method by a self-consistent finite-element methodology. The results are then compared with previous ones obtained by using other short-range model potentials.
Music Piracy and Neutralization: A Preliminary Trajectory Analysis from Short-Term Longitudinal Data

Digital piracy is an emerging criminal behavior. Little empirical research has been produced that examines the role of neutralization and performance of this behavior. Using short-term longitudinal data from college students, the present study examines the trajectories of digital piracy and the role of neutralization. The findings from this study show that trajectories of digital piracy may be tied to neutralization toward digital piracy. Criminal justice policies may be developed from this study.
Sensory conspicuity of powered two-wheelers during filtering manœuvres, according the age of the car driver

Conspicuite sensorielle des deux-roues motorises pendant les manœuvres de remontee de file en fonction de l’âge de l’automobilisteL’objectif de cette experience est d’etudier l’effet du contraste de couleur, qui existe entre un deux-roues motorise (motocycliste et moto) et le trafic, sur le comportement oculaire d’automobilistes jeunes et âges et sur leur capacite a detecter un deux-roues motorise (2RM). Dix automobilistes jeunes (m = 23,3 ans) et dix automobilistes âges (m = 57,8 ans) ont effectue une tâche de conduite simulee sur une voie rapide (2 × 2 voies). Les participants devaient suivre un vehicule roulant a 70 ou 80 km/h. Ce vehicule effectuait des depassements dans un trafic dense, qui etait compose de 2RMs, de vehicules legers et de poids-lourds roulant dans la meme direction. Tout en suivant un vehicule, les participants devaient detecter le plus rapidement possible sur leurs retroviseurs un 2RM remontant le trafic. Ce 2RM roulait a une vitesse relative de plus 20 km/h par rapport a la vitesse du vehicule lievre. Lorsque les participants detectaient un 2RM, ils devaient actionner le plus vite possible une manette situee derriere le volant. Afin de faire varier leur conspicuite sensorielle, la couleur des 2RMs (et de leur conducteur) etait soit fortement contrastee (vetements, casque et carenage rouges), soit faiblement contrastee (vetements, casque et carenage blancs) avec la couleur du trafic (dont les vehicules etaient blancs). Les analyses statistiques realisees sur la distance de visibilite du 2RM pour l’automobiliste (distance entre le participant et le 2RM quand ce dernier est detecte) indiquent qu’un contraste eleve permet d’ameliorer la conspicuite des 2RMs sur les retroviseurs, mais seulement lorsque le 2RM effectue une remontee de file dans un trafic constitue de vehicules legers. De plus, l’amelioration de la conspicuite des 2RMs par l’augmentation du contraste de couleur est observee seulement chez les jeunes automobilistes roulant a une vitesse elevee. En effet, les automobilistes âges detectaient moins facilement les 2RMs que les jeunes automobilistes, quel que soit le contraste de couleur. Les analyses statistiques realisees sur la frequence et la duree des fixations enregistrees sur le retroviseur permettent de mettre en evidence des differences entre le comportement oculaire des automobilistes en fonction de leur âge, leur vitesse, le type de trafic dans lequel ils circulent et le contraste de couleur entre le 2RM et le trafic. Ces differences pourraient, en partie, etre expliquees par la capacite des automobilistes a detecter les 2RMs dans leurs retroviseurs. Des consequences pour la securite routiere des usagers vulnerables (les 2RMs) sont envisagees. Pour finir, l’interet de recherches menees sur la conspicuite cognitive des 2RMs pour les automobilistes est souligne afin de presenter de nouvelles perspectives de recherche.
Differential Image Technique for Proximity Navigation

In this paper we introduce the Differential Image Navigation technique to perform autonomous proximity navigation and docking, or landing, with an object whose shape and dynamics are initially known with a big uncertainty. In the proposed configuration the spacecraft only carries a fixed, single digital camera, and the control system, during the critical phase of landing/docking, updates the control commands based on some global parameters characterizing the image flow obtained from the difference of two subsequent images. This results into a novel and passive vision-based framework to perform autonomous proximity navigation. In particular, we will show how to estimate the rotational dynamics and the global parameters used to provide feedback to the control system.
The Impact of Interactive Discussions (S-CMC) on Essay Writing in Swahili as a Foreign Language

In the learning of a foreign language, for a long time it has been assumed that essay writing is an individual task, a situation which researchers like Hamdaoui (2006), Susser (1994), and Weissberg (2006) are proposing should be a social process that requires concerted efforts, just like other social undertakings. I base my contribution to this paper on interactionist and collaborative learning theories. I scientifically examine the impact of synchronous computer mediated communication on essay writing in Swahili. The participants in the study were ten second year students of Swahili language at a major university in the US Midwest who were in their fourth semester of Swahili. All participants had five fiftyminute computer mediated pair interactive sessions before writing their individual essays. I found from the results of my data analysis that synchronous computer mediated communication was relevant in boosting the ability of the students to write an essay in Swahili in that, they were able to transfer various elements of communication and infuse them into their written essays.
Biology and Ecology of Asian Small-Clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus (Illiger, 1815): A Review

The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest among the 13 extant species of otters. It has a large distribution range extending from India in South Asia through Southeast Asia up to Taiwan and Philippines in the east and Southern China in the north. It is considered ‘Vulnerable’ due to habitat loss and degradation, depletion of prey species and exploitation. Being adapted to live in shallow streams and water bodies, they are more vulnerable to modification of these habitats by anthropogenic as well as climate change impacts. This paper summarizes the state of knowledge on the biology and ecology of this little known species. Over the years, the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group has developed a cadre of biologist across Asia to conduct field surveys and has popularized otter conservation by promoting otter as the ambassador of wetlands. However, concerted effort is needed for its long-term survival. Policy based action, research on factors affecting survival, habitat-based actions on creation and where required expansion of protected areas and communication and awareness building among local communities are suggested.