Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Timescales of C turnover in soils with mixed crystalline mineralogies, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Organic matter-mineral associations stabilize much of the carbon stored globally in soils. Metastable shortrange-order (SRO) minerals such as allophane and ferrihydrite provide one mechanism for long-term stabilization of organic matter in soil. However, ancient and highly weathered soils that cover a large fraction of land area lack SRO minerals. Here we evaluate the role of different minerals on the amount and turnover time (TT) of carbon in a field setting designed to 15 minimize the role of SRO by taking advantage of multiple lithologies in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Density separation demonstrated that most of the C was associated with minerals, even in surface soils. A parallel separation of claysized material demonstrated that 9-47% of the organic C in these soils was stabilized by clays. Organic C associated with clay-sized material had average TT of 1020 ± 460 years in surface soils. The mean TT of this clay-associated C increased with depth and with fraction of total clay that was smectite. Because the C associated with smectite clay was so old, the 20 amount of smectite (2:1 clays) controlled the age of bulk soil C across Kruger landscapes. The TT of the majority of soil C – not stabilized by clays was much shorter, 190±190 years in surface horizons. We suggest that this faster component reflects timescales of weaker C stabilization by crystalline Fe and Al oxyhydr)oxides and kaolinite (1:1) clays, as well as LF fractions not associated with minerals. Thus, bulk or HF carbon integrates C stabilized by mechanisms with inherently different TT, something that is often inferred from radiocarbon measurements. While SRO mineral concentrations were 25 very low in these soils, the soils with most SRO had very high C content but also very young C. In other environments, SRO can be very stable and sorb C on very long timescales. We hypothesize that the seasonal wetting and drying in the KNP may reduce the age of SRO minerals as well as the C associated with them. Across the varying lithologies and a precipitation gradient found in the KNP, we found mineralogy to be the most important explanatory factor for C content (related to crystalline Fe) and turnover time (related to the amount of smectite). 30 SOIL Discuss. , doi:10.5194/soil-2016-31, 2016 Manuscript under review for journal SOIL Published: 26 April 2016 c © Author(s) 2016. CC-BY 3.0 License.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF WEDELIA CHINENSIS IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Summary The present study was designed to evaluate the oxidative stress related parameters in alloxan induced diabetic animals. After 30 days treatment with Wedelia chinensis Ethanol extract (WcEe) in the diabetic experimental animals, the blood glucose, total protein and total cholesterol were analyzed. The results shown, the Wedelia chinensis Ethanol extract have firm antihyperglycaemic activity and other parameters seem to be closer to the normal. Also oxidative damage has been studied by estimating serum and liver LPO levels and these were increased and SOD, CAT and GPx activities were reduced in diabetic rats and after treatment with Wedelia chinensis Ethanol extract the LPO levels were ameliorated and antioxidant enzyme activities were enhanced. Non enzymic antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) were diminished in diabetic animals and WcEe treated animals revert to normal. These results suggest that the plant Wedelia chinensis Ethanol extract has antihyperglycaemic activity and prevent oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus in experimental animals.
The productivity, metabolism and carbon cycle of tropical forest vegetation

1. Tropical forests account for one‐third of the total metabolic activity of the Earth’s land surface. Hence, understanding the controls on tropical forest photosynthesis and respiration, and the allocation of the products of photosynthesis to canopy, woody tissue and rhizosphere, is important to understand global ecosystem functioning.
Chapter 13 Graphical and Textual Presentations in Financial Reports

The use of separate graphs and texts to disclose information is a frequent occurrence in corporate annual reports. Multiple sources of information does not enhance understanding of users of financial statements. This chapter compares spatially separated text and graphs with integrated presentations that aim at bringing text and graphs as close as possible to each other. The chapter begins by illustrating the concept of split attention. Cognitive load arises when disparate sources of accounting information need to be mentally integrated by users. An experiment using separate text and diagrams is then presented to demonstrate how participants can deal with cognitive overload when reading split-attention material. Using two instructional design formats, the split-attention format and the integrated format, first-year accounting students were used as surrogates for financial report user groups such as employees and shareholders. The presence of the split-attention effect in the financial accounting material was established. Effective use of text and diagrams in integrated reporting helps integrated thinking and assists the interconnectedness of information. The findings suggest that redesigning financial reports by integrating text and diagrams may make effective use of the available cognitive resources and possibly enhance investors and other stakeholders’ decision-making process.
Quantifying the economic water savings benefit of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) control in the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme

Global freshwater resources are threatened by an ever-growing population and continued economic development, highlighting the need for sustainable water management. Sustainable management must include the control of any additional factors that may aggravate water scarcity, such as invasive alien plants. Water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ), one of the world’s most destructive invasive plants, presents a direct threat to economically productive water resources. Through high levels of evapotranspiration, water hyacinth leads to substantial water losses that could otherwise be used more productively, thereby creating an externality on water-dependent industries, such as irrigation-fed agriculture. This study provides an economic valuation of the water-saving benefit of water hyacinth control, using Warrenton Weir on the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme as a case study. A Residual Value Method was employed to estimate the average production value of irrigation water, based on water’s relative proportion of total costs (TC), to serve as a proxy for the value of water lost via evapotranspiration by water hyacinth. Three evapotranspiration to evaporation ratios, derived from the literature, at three levels of invasion (100; 50 and 25% cover), were used to estimate the annual water loss at Warrenton Weir. The average production value of irrigation water was estimated to be R38.71/m 3 , which translated into an annual benefit of between R54 million and R1.18 billion. These results highlight the need for invasive plant control, particularly in economically productive water resources. An alien plant control policy should prioritise invasions of this nature, as they present significant costs to the economy and threaten the sustainability of freshwater resources. Keywords : sustainability, water resources, water hyacinth, water loss, externality, benefit, control
State of the Art Treatment of Produced Water

Produced water is water trapped during subsurface formations which is brought to the surface along with oil or gas. It contributes the largest volume of waste stream associated with oil and gas production. Globally, 77 billion bbl of water are produced per annum. The conventional methods to handle waste stream are reinjection into the well, direct discharge or reuse in case of thermal loop. Out of these, the most efficient way of handling produced water is to re-inject it into disposal wells. The disposal cost, which includes transportation cost, capital cost and infrastructure maintenance cost, may be as much as $4.00/bbl. On the other hand, many oil producing regions (West Texas, Middle East and the Central Asian Republics) have scarcity of potable water. An affordable water treatment process could convert produced water into an asset. The harmful effects of produced water and the depletion of usable water resources act as a driving force for the treatment of produced water.
Prediction of Cascade Performance of Circular-Arc Blades with CFD

Abstract Thin circular-arc blade is often used as a guide vane, a deflecting vane, or a rotating blade of low pressure axial-flow turbomachine because of its easy manufacture. Ordinary design of the blade elements of these machines is done by use of the carpet diagrams for a cascade of circular-arc blades. However, the application of the carpet diagrams is limited to relatively low cambered blade operating under optimum inlet flow conditions. In order to extend the applicable range, additional design data is necessary. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a promising method to get these data. In this paper, two-dimensonal cascade performances of circular-arc blade are widely analyzed with CFD. The results have been compared with the results of experiment and potential theory, and useful information has been obtained. Turning angle and total pressure loss coefficients are satisfactorily predicted for lowly cambered blade. For high camber angle of 67°, the CFD results agree with experiment for the angle of attack less than that for shockless inlet condition.
Random amplified polymorphic DNA based characterization of flesh flies

Flesh flies are medically important flies as they cause myiasis in livestocks. At an early stage of development these flies are morphologically identical. Therefore, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAPolymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) technique was used to explore its importance as genetic marker for identification process. From the twelve primers used for RAPD-PCR method, different species specific bands were obtained, which can be further utilized for identification purpose and the data obtained support the RAPD-PCR methods ability to distinguish between two flies of the genus Sarcophaga i.e. S. albiceps and S. knabi. The mean heterozygosity observed in S. knabi was 0.150 and in S. albiceps it was 0.114, suggesting that there exists a low genetic variation in these species.
OPTIMUM SPORTS TECHNIQUE OF THE PUSH-OFF MOVEMENT IN DIFFICULT ARMSTAND DIVES

INTRODUCTION: In 1994 the FINA decided to abolish the table’s of degree of difficulties limitation and to incorporate armstand dives with a back somersault. This is the reason for a forced performance development, especially performing armstand dives with a back somersault. The possibilities for optimum performance of the push-off movement are not yet exhausted, however. That is indicated, for example, by comparisons with the push-off in artistic gymnastics flic-flac. Therefore an additional enhancement of difficulty can be expected. METHODS: Our study on armstand dives was performed using the example of armstand back three somersaults tucked (626c). We used video recordings from the four countries competition between the USA, China, Russia and Germany, held in 1996 in Leipzig, and analyzed them with a 2D-photogrammetric procedure. The push-off phase was examined additionally with a force platform (Kistler) at a pit filled with soft plastic foam. For our analysis we used the Alaska computer simulation system (1993). The angular momentum about the transversal axis, the flight height and the joint torques were monitored as main parameters. Angular momentum is related to unified body height and body mass values. RESULTS: The optimization of somersault angular momentum and driving height, a principal movement task during the take-off or push-off to a somersault, concentrates in armstand dives on the maximization of angular momentum. The driving height ranged only a little above zero. — At the moment the major portion of angular momentum is generated by flexing and extending the knee joint. However, it is to be expected that in the near future judges will punish divers for this knee bending with lower scores. An alternative sports technique could consist of a longer falling backward of the straight body around the wrist, a minor elbow bending and the utilization of the arched posture. This push-off technique provides greater angular momentum, but requires a higher level of strength abilities, as shown in the values of joint moments. CONCLUSIONS: A more complete utilization of the available joint angle amplitude, above all in the loins area, can increase angular momentum about the transversal axis. This push-off technique requires a higher conditional level. Thus even more difficult armstand dives with a back somersault, for example by the integration of twists or by piked-stretched executions, can be created and performed. REFERENCES: Alaska (1993). Software for Simulation of Multi Body Systems. User Manual. Institute of Electromechanics, Technical University of Chemnitz-Zwickau. Miller, D. I. , Hennig, E. , Pizzimenti, M. A. (1989). Kinetic and Kinematic Characteristics of 10-m Platform Performances of Elite Divers: I. Back Takeoffs. Int. J. of Sport Biomech. 1, 5, 60-88
School Quality and Housing Prices: Empirical Evidence Based on a Natural Experiment in Shanghai

: The extent to which the quantity and quality of education is capitalized into housing prices is a key issue in understanding the relationship between allocation of educational resources and the housing market. Using monthly panel data of 52 residential areas in Shanghai and employing a natural experiment of designating Shanghai Experimental Model Senior High Schools (EMSHS), we find that housing prices in Shanghai have capitalized the access to quality schools and other public goods. One quality school per square kilometer raises average housing prices by approximately 19%, and one best EMSHS per square kilometer increases housing prices by 21%. We also match the schools designated for EMSHS with schools of similar quality but not designated for EMSHS, and compare housing prices in the corresponding areas. We find that the designation increased the housing prices, showing that dissemination of information about school quality was significantly affected by the designation.
Application of fuzzy neural network in the pattern classification of table tennis rotating flight trajectory

In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency in the pattern classification of table tennis rotating flight trajectory, the fuzzy neural network is proposed in this paper. Predict of the trajectory is calculated by Error Back Propagation (BP) neural network. Select the same data and method with FNN algorithm and create BP prediction network, whose output is also position information of after 20 frames. The neural network learns a lot of historical data offline, and the best can be saved to predict the new trajectory, which proves the feasibility of BP neural network. Finally, we compare BP neural and improved FNN algorithm, verifying the superiority of BP in accuracy and superiority of FNN in time consuming. In summary, we consider the FNN algorithm is more suitable for the Table tennis robot in predicting of trajectory. When using FNN to classify the trajectory. Similarly select the characteristic, position, speed of every frame of rotation table tennis trajectory as the characteristic. Experiments verify the feasibility and applicability of FNN in classification of rotation table tennis trajectory.
Competetive Tendering of Public Transport : Estimating Effects of Competition

In this paper I study the tendering of bus routes in the Swedish county Vasternorrland. The research of bus tendering has got some attention since the public transport reform in 1989 and this is a contribution analysing how the actual competition in auctions affects costs per kilometer. The main conclusions are that more competition reduces costs and that data is scarce.
Gene Cloning and Characterization of TK1392, an NADH oxidase from Thermococcus kodakaraensis with a distinct C-terminal domain

Aim: To clone NADH oxidase from Thermococcus kodakaraensis and express in Escherichia coli, purify the gene product and characterize the enzyme. Methods: The gene encoding an NADH oxidase was cloned and expressed using E. coli expression system. The recombinant protein was purified by heat treatment and ion exchange column chromatography, and characterized. Results: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase homologs have been found in the genomes of hyperthermophilic archea, including three in Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD1 which have been designated as TK0304, TK1299 and TK1392. We have characterized TK1392 gene and its product. TK1392 gene consisted of 1239 nucleotides, corresponding to a polypeptide of 413 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 45,244 Da and an isoelectric point of 8.73. The amino acid sequence of TK1392 protein was compared with its homologs from other microorganisms and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. To examine the molecular properties of NADH oxidase, the structural gene encoding TK1392 was cloned, expressed and the gene product was characterized. Molecular weight of the recombinant protein was 45 kDa when determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 90 kDa when analyzed by gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme exhibited a pH and temperature optima of 7.0 and 75°C, respectively. The recombinant enzyme displayed a Km value of 35±3 μM toward NADH and a specific activity of 19.3 U mg -1. Conclusion: Recombinant TK1392 is a true NADH oxidase and exists in a dimeric form. The enzyme is thermostable and possesses high NADH oxidase activity. The authors state that there is no conflict of interest.
Speculation and Demand Reduction in English Clock Auctions with Resale

Many auctions are followed by a resale market which occurs when the winner of the auction resells the item won to one of the participants from the original auction. The existence of such transactions may initially appear counter intuitive. However, this paper will show that active inter-bidder resale results from payoff maximizing decisions in the auction that take into account the incentives of a resale opportunity. Specifically, I examine how the existence of an inter-bidder resale opportunity impacts bidder behavior in an English clock auction, and to what extent altering the bargaining power of the final buyer and reseller in the resale market determines the strategies followed in the initial auction, in an attempt to understand the existence of these inter-bidder transactions. Theoretical and behavioral analysis is used to develop hypotheses of speculation (bidding above value) and demand reduction (bidding below value) which are directly tested in a controlled experimental setting. While value bidding is a dominant strategy in a standard English clock auction without resale, when resale is allowed, this theoretical claim is weaker. Demand reduction is observed when the bargaining power is shifted to the final buyer in resale and when the bargaining power is shifted toward the reseller, speculation is observed. The revenue achieved in the initial auction depends on the behavior observed in the auction. Regardless of bargaining power, revenue is shown to decrease below what would have been earned in an English auction without resale due to demand reduction. When the reseller has the bargaining power, and speculation is observed, this loss in revenue is somewhat mitigated by increased speculation.
Distribution and Behavior of Dissolved Species of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Two Coastal Red Sea Lagoons Receiving Domestic Sewage@@@توزيع وسلوك صور النيتروجين والفوسفور الذائب في اثنتين من بحيرات البحر الاحمر الساحلية تستقبل مياه الصرف الصحي

اثنتين من محطات معالجة مياه الصرف الصحي تصبان يوميا حوالي 100000م3 من المياه في بحيرتي الشباب والأربعين أمام مدينة جدة. وقد أجريت هذه الدراسة للتعرف على تأثير صب هذه المخلفات على هيدروكيميائية المنطقة وسلوك الأملاح المغذية بها. أظهرت الدراسة أن الخصائص الطبيعية والكيميائية للمياه قد تعرضت لتغيرات ملحوظة حيث انخفضت الملوحة والأس الهيدروجيني بشكل ملحوظ عند نقاط الصب مقارنة بالمياه الطبيعية للبحر الأحمر بينما ارتفعت بالابتعاد عن هذه النقاط. كما أن تركيزات الأملاح المغذية كانت أكبر بكثير من تلك المقاسة في مياه البحر بعيدة عن المصادر الأرضية. شكل النيتروجين العضوي والأمونيوم أكثر من 90% من النيتروجين الكلي بالقرب من موقع المصبات بينما كان الفوسفات الفعال هو المكون الرئيسي للفوسفور الكلي حيث شكل ما بين 68 و94% من الأخير في منطقة الدراسة. وتشير الحسابات إلى أن المنطقة تستقبل يوميا حوالي 2000كجم من النتروجين و800 كجم من الفوسفور غير أنه يجب اعتبار هذه النتائج تقريبية للغاية. وأظهرت التجارب المعملية على عينة مياه أخذت عند نقطة المصب في بحيرة الشباب تحرر 46% و 36% من قيمة النيتروجين والفوسفور غير العضوية الذائب خلال أسبوع نتيجة التحلل الهوائي للمواد العضوية العالقة وكذا وجود أدلة على عمليات تحول نشطة ما بين الصور المختلفة للفوسفور والنيتروجين الذائب وهذا يتعارض مع النتائج الحقلية التي أظهرت السلوك المحافظ لكل المكونات. وقد عزى هذا التعارض إلى قصر زمن إقامة المياه في المنطقة وبطء عمليات التحول.
Ozone ProfilE Retrieval Algorithm (OPERA) for nadir-looking satellite instruments in the UV–VIS

For the retrieval of the vertical distribution of ozone in the atmosphere the Ozone ProfilE Retrieval Algorithm (OPERA) has been further developed. The new version (1.26) of OPERA is capable of retrieving ozone profiles from UV–VIS observations of most nadir-looking satellite instruments like GOME, SCIAMACHY, OMI and GOME-2. The setup of OPERA is described and results are presented for GOME and GOME-2 observations. The retrieved ozone profiles are globally compared to ozone sondes for the years 1997 and 2008. Relative differences between GOME/GOME-2 and ozone sondes are within the limits as specified by the user requirements from the Climate Change Initiative (CCI) programme of ESA (20%in the troposphere, 15% in the stratosphere). To demonstrate the performance of the algorithm under extreme circumstances, the 2009 Antarctic ozone hole season was investigated in more detail using GOME-2 ozone profiles and lidar data, which showed an unusual persistence of the vortex over the Rio Gallegos observing station (51 S, 69.3 W). By applying OPERA to multiple instruments, a time series of ozone profiles from 1996 to 2013 from a single robust algorithm can be created
Effects of Neurofeedback on Panic Disorder Patients’ anxiety

To examine the effectiveness of a 7-weeks neurofeedback training programme to improve increased range of alpha band and abnormal anxiety in patients with panic disorder. Randomized controlled trial, conducted at a psychiatric clinic in Southern China. Participants were randomly assigned to a neurofeedback training (n = 10) and a control group (n = 8). The neurofeedback group received a 20-session training to improve abnormal anxiety, but the control group received only routine care with no neurofeedback. Using a two-way MANOVA, the changes in mean abnormal anxiety were significantly higher in the neurofeedback group than in the control group. Furthermore, the changes in mean increased range of alpha band were significantly higher in the neurofeedback group than in the control group. An intervention involving neurofeedback significantly improved abnormal anxiety in crowded places and public places.