Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correction to “Coupled transport and reaction kinetics control the nitrate source-sink function of hyporheic zones”

[1] The fate of biologically available nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) in stream ecosystems is controlled by the coupling of physical transport and biogeochemical reaction kinetics. However, determining the relative role of physical and biogeochemical controls at different temporal and spatial scales is difficult. The hyporheic zone (HZ), where groundwater– stream water mix, can be an important location controlling N and C transformations because it creates strong gradients in both the physical and biogeochemical conditions that control redox biogeochemistry. We evaluated the coupling of physical transport and biogeochemical redox reactions by linking an advection, dispersion, and residence time model with a multiple Monod kinetics model simulating the concentrations of oxygen (O2), ammonium (NH4), nitrate (NO3), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We used global Monte Carlo sensitivity analyses with a nondimensional form of the model to examine coupled nitrification-denitrification dynamics across many scales of transport and reaction conditions. Results demonstrated that the residence time of water in the HZ and the uptake rate of O2 from either respiration and/or nitrification determined whether the HZ was a source or a sink of NO3 to the stream. We further show that whether the HZ is a net NO3 source or net NO3 sink is determined by the ratio of the characteristic transport time to the characteristic reaction time of O2 (i.e., the Damköhler number, DaO2), where HZs with DaO2 < 1 will be net nitrification environments and HZs with DaO2! 1 will be net denitrification environments. " Our coupling of the hydrologic and biogeochemical limitations of N transformations across different temporal and spatial scales within the HZ allows us to explain the widely contrasting results of previous investigations of HZ N dynamics which variously identify the HZ as either a net source or sink of NO3. Our model results suggest that only estimates of residence times and O2 uptake rates are necessary to predict this nitrification-denitrification threshold and, ultimately, whether a HZ will be either a net source or sink of NO3.
Shelf–Open Ocean Exchange Forced by Wind Jets

AbstractThe general problem of exchange from a shallow shelf across sharp topography to the deep ocean forced by narrow, cross-shelf wind jets is studied using quasigeostrophic theory and an idealized primitive equation numerical model. Interest is motivated by katabatic winds that emanate from narrow fjords in southeast Greenland, although similar topographically constrained wind jets are found throughout the world’s oceans. Because there is no net vorticity input by the wind, the circulation is largely confined to the region near the forcing. Circulation over the shelf is limited by bottom friction for weakly stratified flows, but stratification allows for much stronger upper-layer flows that are regulated by weak coupling to the lower layer. Over the sloping topography, the topographic beta effect limits the deep flow, while, for sufficient stratification, the upper-layer flow can cross the topography to connect the shelf to the open ocean. This can be an effective transport mechanism even for short, s.
Drying characteristics of zucchini and empirical modeling of its drying process

The aim of the study was to dry zucchini ( Cucurbita pepo) by two different methods (convective hot-air (CHD) and microwave-assisted drying (MWD)). The effect of air temperature (60, 70 and 80°C), microwave (MW) power (180, 360, 540 W) and sample thickness (5 and 10 mm) on some drying characteristics of zucchini were investigated. Thirteen mathematical models available in the literature were fitted to the experimental moisture ratio data. The coefficients of the models were determined by non-linear regression analysis. It was determined that the model that fits the moisture ratio data the best varies at different drying conditions. Increasing drying temperature and MW power and reducing sample thickness improved the drying rate and drying time. Drying in microwave has reduced the drying time by 52-64% for zucchini. It was found that the effective moisture diffusivities increased with increasing temperature and MW power. MWD samples had better rehydration ratios compared to ones dried only in tray drier for 5 mm thickness.
Automatic Personal Identification Using Feature Similarity Index Matching

Problem statement: Biometrics based personal identification is as an effective method for automatically recognizing, a person’s identity with high confidence. Palmprint is an essential biometric feature for use in access control and forensic applications. In this study, we present a multi feature extraction, based on edge detection scheme, applying Log Gabor filter to enhance image structures and suppress noise. Approach: A novel Feature-Similarity Indexing (FSIM) of image algorithm is used to generate the matching score between the original image in database and the input test image. Feature Similarity (FSIM) index for full reference (image quality assurance) IQA is proposed based on the fact that Human Visual System (HVS) understands an image mainly according to its low-level features. Results and Conclusion: The experimental results achieve recognition accuracy using canny and perwitt FSIM of 97.3227 and 94.718%, respectively, on the publicly available database of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Totally 500 images of 100 individuals, 4 samples for each palm are randomly selected to train in this research. Then we get every person each palm image as a template (total 100). Experimental evaluation using palmprint image databases clearly demonstrates the efficient recognition performance of the proposed algorithm compared with the conventional palmprint recognition algorithms.
On using six-sigma principle for quality improvement in construction

The Gaussian distribution and Six-s principle have been widely used in the field of construction quality management with great success. Even though the Gaussian distribution has been solely used as the most dominant distribution, there exist other distributions which can be even more effective than the Gaussian distribution. This paper gives a theoretical study on a new Hyperbolic distribution using the Six-s principle to improve quality in construction management. The Hyperbolic and Gaussian distributions are then numerically compared by estimating their important statistical properties such as population in range, number of defects, yield percentage and defects per million opportunities. The impacts of these factors are briefly discussed to give guidance to organisations in the construction industry on how to lower cost and to improve project quality by prevention. To illustrate the theory behind these distributions and the Six-s principle and to also show their reliability and effectiveness, a case study using cost data from a hydro-seeding industry is presented. From that, in this particular case, the Hyperbolic distribution is shown to be more effective in quality improvement by prevention than the Gaussian distribution. This validates the Hyperbolic distribution as a suitable distribution for construction quality management.
The Role of Context of Learning in Language Learning Strategy Use Among Iranian EFL learners

The present study aims at investigating the role of context of learning in language learning strategy use among Iranian EFL learners. To conduct the study, 224 learners were chosen at the contexts of pre-university, private school, and university. Using Oxford’s Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), the researchers investigated EFL learning strategy use among the participants of the study. The results showed that there was a significant difference in using cognitive, metacognitive, affective, social strategies and overall use of learning strategies among learners in these contexts and also there was a significant relationship between gender and strategy use just in the context of private school. The results of the study showed that metacognitive strategies were favored most by learners in these three contexts and affective strategies were favored least in the contexts of pre-university and private school and memory strategies were favored least among university students.
Pavlovian Processes in Simultaneous Discriminations

Pavlovian associative processes appear to be intimately involved in the acquisition of simultaneous discriminations by pigeons. We have found evidence that in a simultaneous discrimination, value transfers from the positive stimulus (S+) to the negative stimulus (S-) and the basis of that transfer appears to be the higher-order association of the S- with the reinforcer, by way of the S+. Furthermore, the association between the S+ and the S- appears to be bidirectional, occurring in the form of a within event association. In addition, it appears that when pigeons have extended experience with the consequences of responding to the Sstimulus, contrast (the opposite of value transfer) develops between the two (e.g., increasing the value of one, decreases the value of the other). Finally, I suggest that versions of simultaneous discriminations may provide a useful model of several Pavlovian conditioning phenomena including, higher-order conditioning, withinevent conditioning, postconditioning devaluation effects, inhibitory conditioning, potentiation, and perhaps also overshadowing.
On a Pandemic Threshold Theorem of the Early Kermack–McKendrick Model with Individual Heterogeneity

A pandemic threshold theorem of the Kermack–McKendrick epidemic system with individual heterogeneity is proved from the definition of R 0 by Diekmann, Heesterbeek, and Metz. The early Kermack–McKendrick epidemic model is extended to recognize individual heterogeneity, where the state variable indicates an epidemiological state or genetic, physiological, or behavioral characteristics such as risk of infection. With the basic reproduction number R 0 for the heterogeneous population, the final size equation of the limit epidemic starting from a completely susceptible steady state at t = −∞ has a unique positive solution if and only if R 0 > 1. The main result is that the positive solution of the final size equation gives the lower bound of the intensity of any epidemic starting from a host population composed of susceptible and a few infected individuals who spread on a noncompact domain of the trait variable.
Alternative sugar substitutes in canned cherries with improved nutritional value suitable for special diet consumers

Cherries in syrup were developed with an improved nutritional profile, which can be a healthier choice for people with special diets by the partial and total replacement of sucrose with less caloric polyols as alternative. The tests performed on Bing cherries were: Witness: sucrose 100%, T1: sucrose-maltitol: 50-50%, T2: sucrose-erythritol-maltitol: 20-30-50%, T3: maltitol-erythritol-mannitol: 55-30-15%. The candied cherries reached a 55°Brix for all formulations, which were colored with erythrosine and amaranth. Cherries were packaged and sterilized. A similar behavior was observed in all formulations, regarding the evolution of Brix, pH and density of syrups. The sucrose replacement with polyols had a significant effect (α = 0.05) in reducing shear stress and aw in the finished product when sucrose was replaced by polyol formulations tested with respect to the witness with 100% sucrose. Color, showed significant differences (α = 0.05). The T2 formulation reached higher values of lightness, close to red and yellow, being correlated with the results of sensory evaluation. Sensorily, T2 formulation had greater acceptance than the Witness, with 43% preference. According to Art. 235 of Argentine Food Code (1971), the T1 formulation, can be classified as a "low in sugar" food; T2 formulation, as a "reduced caloric value" and "low in sugar" food; while the T3 formulation, as "reduced caloric value" and "no added sugars".
Modeling the carbon cycle and its interactions with management practices in grasslands

The world-wide geographical extension of grasslands consist in 20% of the land and in Europe of about 8% (EU-15). The annual sink of this kind of ecosystem is estimate to be about 0.5 Gt C y−1. The carbon accumulated in the soils of temperate grasslands was estimated to be between 150 and 300 Gt C. This quantity is about double the carbon stocked in the soils of temperate forests. Anyway there are many uncertainties in these fluxes and stocks estimates. This uncertainties can in part be connected with the lack of knowledge in the applied and historical management. Frequently, these factors are only marginally accounted in ecosystem carbon budget while its importance was repeatedly stressed in literature. From this the importance of getting better insight in the interactions between carbon cycle and management practices in this type of ecosystem. The process ecosystem model Biome-BGC is frequently used for simulating carbon cycle in forest ecosystems but its application to grasslands is uncommon. This is linked to missing routines for simulating management. A first aim of the present work is to fill this lack. For this reason a module for simulating mowing and a module for simulating nitrogen fertilisation were implemented and tested. A reason why there are uncertainties in ecosystem carbon budgets is that frequently the model input parameters are defined by literature without taking in consideration the uncertainties associated with the model and the characteristics of the single sites. This project aimed to suggest a solution to this problem by mean of sensitivity analysis and parameter optimisation. By mean of the mentioned aims this work is a contribution for gaining a better insight in the relationships between carbon cycle and management practices.
International Expansion Patterns: New Explanations Needed

This paper aims at refining and suggesting new leads in the research on international expansion patterns. The model developed by Uppsala scholars (Johanson & Vahlne, 1977; Johanson & Wiedersheim-Paul, 1972) fails to account for patterns observed empirically. However their reasoning in terms of increasing psychic distance is appealing and makes sense logically: managers being risk averse, they will favor locations they feel familiar with in order to reduce the uncertainty associated with doing business abroad. Therefore we suggest new approaches to be explored: the first one is a new operationalization of the concept of distance, since the currently dominant one, the Kogut & Singh (1988) index is flawed; a second one discusses the potential of adding the notion of ambidexterity, from the exploration/exploitation paradigm, into the picture; a last one confronts neoinstitutionalism and game theory to predict competitors moves and their influence on the location choices of the firm. We hope to contribute to the international business literature in two ways: first, validating and completing the learning perspective of internationalization; second, bringing evidence that the operationalization of distance needs to be modified to be useful.
Biologically Active Proteins in Ginseng

Ginseng produces a variety of proteins and enzymes: alcohol dehydrogenase, catalase, chitnases, spermidine synthase, and glutamate decarboxylase, which are enzymes related with stress. Arginase and ginsenoside-glucosidase are hydrolytic enzymes whereas ribonuclease is an enzyme with defense activity. Polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein is a defense protein. Latex-like protein is a protein with osmoregulatory function. Medicinal peptide, radioprotective protein and antiproliferative tetrapeptides are proteins with medicinal activity. The PACAP-immunoreactive component increases cAMP in human neuroblastoma cells. Ginseng major protein and glutathionerelated oligopeptides from ginseng do not have well defined functions as yet. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Social work assessment of underage alcohol consumption: Non-specialised social services comparison between Sweden and Italy

Aim This research contributes to highlighting social work assessment of family situations with underage alcohol consumption and abuse. The comparative study invites reflection on the main features influencing an initial approach to adolescent problematic alcohol consumption outside specialised addiction services. Design – The study is based on a cross-national comparison. A questionnaire including a vignette story of a young girl (“Nadja”) and her family was submitted to thirty-five social workers employed in public social services in Stockholm, Malmö (Sweden), and Genoa (Italy). The participants were then invited to focus groups to discuss the main features that had emerged in the assessments. Results – Results show significant variations between Italian and Swedish social workers' assessments. Italian social workers are in general more concerned and interventionist than are their Swedish colleagues. Swedish social workers tend to intervene less, assuming that Nadja's consumption is “normal” teenage behaviour, while the Italian social workers, less accustomed to considering such behaviour as common, are more worried and prone to intervene immediately, in particular when Nadja is found drunk in the city centre. Conclusion The assessment proposed by public social workers appears to be informed by cultural understandings of alcohol consumption which permeate and reveal predominant tendencies in the two groups of professionals. Moreover, in Italy the social service mandate appears to be fragmented among different service units, whereas Swedish social workers operate within a broad welfare system that allocates specific resources for adolescent alcohol consumers. Further elements influencing the assessment are found in the legislative framework and consequently in the different practices and perspectives of intervention social workers assume in Sweden and Italy.
A Novel Two-Stage Scrubbing Technology for Odor Control of Kitchen Waste Composting

The odors associated with kitchen waste composting for recycle and reuse, which arise as a consequence of the volatilization of compounds contained within such waste and those formed during decomposition, are a key concern with regard to sustainable kitchen waste treatment and disposal. The aim of this study was to investigate the main composition of the odorous gases from kitchen waste composting, and to develop a novel two-stage oxidative-reductive wet scrubbing technology for effective control of these. The results indicate that the odor concentrations of the kitchen waste composting gases are strongly related to the concentrations of sulfur-containing compounds, hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans. In the two-stage scrubbing technology for odor control, sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide or sodium bisulfite were used as the scrubbing liquids in the acidic and alkaline scrubbers, respectively. The pH levels of the acidic and alkaline scrubbers, the types and concentrations of chlorine in the acidic scrubber, and the type of alkaline scrubbing liquid used, were the main factors that affected the efficiency of this technology for odor removal. Sodium bisulfite solution was used in the alkaline scrubber, with a moderate ranges of total and free chlorine concentrations (150-200 mg/L as Cl2) and relatively high pH values (e.g., pH 9.5-10), and this novel technology was successfully used to treat the odors produced by the kitchen waste composting process.
An Efficient Algorithm for the LP Relaxation of the Maximal Closure Problem with a Capacity Constraint

The classical maximum closure problem is of particular importance to the mining industry because it is the underlying formulation related to mine design and production scheduling; this problem can be easily solved by a polynomial time max-flow/min-cut algorithm. However, if a single capacity constraint is added to the maximum closure formulation, the classical structure is destroyed and is classified in a category of NP-hard problems. Using classical integer programming techniques to solve these formulations with capacity constraints, it can take several days to solve linear programming (LP) relaxation of the real instances. This phenomenon has hindered the development of exact optimization approaches for open pit mine design and production scheduling of realistic sized problems. In this paper, we develop an algorithm to solve the LP relaxation of the maximal closure problem with a single constraint, which is often referred to as the precedence constrained knapsack problem. The proposed algorithm expands on an existing parametric maximum flow model, and it is shown that the LP relaxation of the precedence constrained knapsack problem can be solved at the cost of only a constant factor of the worst-case time bound of the max flow algorithm. Computational results show that it is possible to solve the LP relaxation less than one minute for open pit mines with hundreds of thousands of mining blocks to be scheduled.
The Impact of Agency Cost on Demand for Non-Audit Services for Listed Corporations in Jordan

This study investigates whether agency cost affect companies’ demand for non-audit services (NAS). To achieve this objective the data is collected from the financial statements of a sample consists of 122 manufacturing and service corporations listed in Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) for the year 2010. The results showed that there is an impact of both size of the company and leverage on the demand for NAS and there is no impact of block holders’ ownership, size of audit firm, performance of the company and sector on the demand of NAS. By this, the results indicated that there is no impact of agency cost on the demand of NAS. Finally, the study recommends future studies to incorporate corporate governance variables to examine the effect of agency cost on non-audit services.
Physiological Behave of Acai Seedlings (Euterpe precatoria MART.) under Increasing Levels of Irradiance

The palm tree Euterpe precatoria Mart. is distributed all over the amazon region. The extractive exploitation mainly in coastal communities, where its use is essential in food, presents insufficient to attend a business model in isolated communities. As a result, management plans are required for the survival of this species. One of the primary limiting factors for seedling growth is light, with a view to its direct link with the photosynthetic efficiency. Among the main factors linked to the photosynthetic efficiency of plants and therefore to their establishment and development in different environments, is the concentration of chloroplastidic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids). Based on the assumptions pointed the aim of this study was based on obtaining of knowledge and the potential of applicability on the production system of plant bags of this species from possible physiological characteristics of adaptability developed by E. precatoria Mart seedlings submitted to different conditions irradiance availability. Particularly, on the regulation of the concentrations of chloroplastidic pigments. Among the evaluations carried out in this work it can be said that Euterpe precatoria under different light intensities, proved probably acclimatized. This behavior suggests that the species tolerates environments with different levels of irradiance, about the increase of biomass and carotenoid content and chlorophyll a, there is no significant differences and showed higher levels for chlorophyll b in shaded environments (Engel & Poggiani, 1991; Kahn & De Granville, 1992).