Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sandy Symbionts: How Tree Identity Shapes Ectomycorrhizal Fungus in Sand Pine

ABSTRACT Sandy Symbionts: How Tree Identity Shapes Ectomycorrhizal Fungus in Sand Pine The purpose of my thesis was to investigate the structure and composition of the ectomycorrhizal (EMC) fungal communities of sand pine (Pinus clausa var. immuginata). Root tips were sampled from four trees located within Eglin Air Force Base. Colonization was shown to differ significantly based on tree identity. Abundance, species diversity, and the ratio of ECM fungi to pathogenic fungi did not differ significantly based on tree identity. A total of 35 ECM operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were shown to colonize the four trees. Helotiales4, Lactarius2, and Cenococcum geophilum were found to be the most abundant OTUs, while Lactarius1 was found to be the least abundant. The results of my research suggest that difference in the ECM communities of sand pine is determined by variation in ECM fungal activity at the microscale of individual trees.
The Relationship between Sexual Abuse and a Bulimic Behavior: Findings from Community-Wide Surveys of Female Adolescents.

Reviews of the pertinent literature reveal a lack of consensus as to whether there is an association between sexual abuse history and eating disorders. Therefore, an examination of the relationship between sexual abuse and a bulimic behavior (purging) in a large sample of female adolescents was undertaken. Answers taken from a sample of 8,680 female adolescents and involved 43 middle and high schools in 36 communiuties throughout a Midwestern state, who filled out the Search Institute's Profiles of Student Life: Attitude and Behavior Questionnaire, were used for this research. The results indicate that a relationship does exist between sexual abuse and purging. Moreover, this relationship remained significant even when several other factors were included in the analysis. For example, a significant relationship was found between physical abuse and bulimia. The identification of significant familial and extra-familial factors related to bulimia did not seem to confound the relationship between sexual abuse and bulimia. Ethnicity was also found to be associated with bulimic behaviors. It is noted that these results are limited by the measurement instrument used. Future research is needed to examine what leads to successful coping among female adolescents as not all teens with a history of abuse engage in bulimic behaviors. Contains 26 references. (RJM) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** The Relationship Between Sexual Abuse and a Bulimic Behavior: Findings From Community-Wide Surveys of Female Adolescents "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC). " Daniel F. Perkins University of Florida
From the highly compressible Navier-Stokes equations to the Porous Medium equation - rate of convergence

We consider the one-dimensional Cauchy problem for the Navier-Stokes equations with degenerate viscosity coefficient in highly compressible regime. I t corresponds to the compressible Navier-Stokes system with large Mach number equal to 1 √ e for e going to 0. When the initial velocity is related to the gradient of the initial density, a solution to the continuity equation– ρe converges to the unique solution to the porous medium equation [13,14]. For viscosity coefficientµ(ρe) = ρ α with α > 1, we obtain a rate of convergence of ρe in L ∞ (0,T;H −1 (R)); for 1 < α ≤ 3 the solution ρe converges in L ∞ (0,T;L 2 (R)). For compactly supported initial data, we prove that most of the mass corresponding to solution ρe is located in the support of the solution to the porous medium equation. The mass outside this support is small in terms of e.
Mechatronic design of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot

This study concerns with the design of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Robot which is controlled in task space and with the combined sensor system the robot is capable of autonomous navigation. The robot is composed of 4 different gripping apparatus attached to a 4 degree of freedom manipulator arm which is controlled in task space and a mobile platform which provides the mobility of the EOD robot in the operation field. Since the manipulator arm of the robot is controlled in task space apart from the control system of current EOD robots, the explosive ordnance disposal task which requires high precision and dexterity can be accomplished much faster and more accurate. In addition to improvements in the control system, a combined sensory system named VS-GPS is designed for autonomous navigation of the EOD robot by combining vision system, sonar system and GPS to operate in outdoor fields. In order to achieve the most feasible sensor system, all combinations of most common five conventional sensor systems are evaluated, and VS-GPS is found to be the most effective combined sensor system design. Design of the EOD robot and sensor system includes the solid modeling of the robot using a computer program, Solidworks, strength analysis, mathematical modeling of manipulator arm and evaluation of conventional sensor systems for an optimum combination of sensor systems especially for autonomous outdoor navigation of the robot.
Maximum Likelihood Logistic Regression With Auxiliary Information

In this paper we use the general approach to maximum likelihood estimation for complex survey data described in Breckling et . al . (1994) to develop methods for efficiently incorporating external population information into linear logistic regression models fitted via sample survey data. In particular, we use innovative saddlepoint and smearing methods to derive highly accurate approximations to the score and information functions defined by the model parameters under random sampling and under case-control sampling when auxiliary data on population moments are available. Simulation-based results illustrating the resulting gains in efficiency are provided.
A Minimum 2-Year Follow-up Using Modular Trabecular Metal Tibial Components in Total Knee Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION: Early failure of tibial components remains a concern in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Loss of fixation with cemented implants continues to be problematic in young, active patients. We sought to determine outcomes in patients receiving trabecular metal (TM) implants in a single-surgeon community hospital setting. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 167 consecutive primary TKAs performed on 133 patients utilizing a TM tibial implant with a minimum two years follow-up. RESULTS: Failure due to aseptic loosening occurred in 4 of the 167 cases (2.4%). Local and systemic complication rates were low. Length of hospital stay and tourniquet time data were also reported. CONCLUSION: Overall complications were low in our cohort of patients receiving TM implants. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine if the outcomes we observed are sustained over time.
LTSD and GDMD features for Telephone Speech Endpoint Detection

Abstract This paper proposes a new contour-based speech endpoint detector which combines the log-Group Delay Mean-Delta (log-GDMD) feature, an adaptive twothreshold scheme and an eight-state automaton. The adaptive thresholds scheme uses two pairs of thresholds - for the starting and for the ending points, respectively. Each pair of thresholds is calculated by using the contour characteristics in the corresponded region of the utterance. The experimental results have shown that the proposed detector demonstrates better performance compared to the Long-Term Spectral Divergence (LTSD) one in terms of endpoint accuracy. Additional fixed-text speaker verification tests with short phrases of telephone speech based on the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) and left-to-right Hidden Markov Model (HMM) frameworks confirm the improvements of the verification rate due to the better endpoint accuracy.
The Ambivalence of Cultural Identity : a case study of cultural identity and challenges faced by Kenyan immigrants living in Oslo (Norway)

Culture has been an all too a common subject in today's, private and public, discourse. This is due to the challenges brought about by the changes occurring to the world as we know it. Issues like globalization and world migration have brought about the amalgamation of people from all quarters of life. The host countries have had regular discourses on how to deal with the influx of immigrants that they face and subjects like integration and assimilation have been the talk of day. But this is just one side of the coin. The immigrants have their own issues to face. They are subjected to adhere to the natives and integrate, if not assimilate, to the host country. They are expected to be more like their hosts in order to avoid any conflicts. This discourse was the motivation of this thesis. The thesis probed, through the eye of the immigrant (that is Kenyans), what are the cultural challenges that immigrants face and how do these challenges reshape their identities. In order for this research to be a success, certain strategies had to be taken. Interviews were undertaken on a face to face basis and observation was done in order to collect the non-verbal data, which is as important, in order to understand the anatomic factors of culture. The research did indeed find out that culture is not static and that it is rather relative to its environs. This brought about the issue of identity change and what are its effects and affects. This thesis is comprised of five chapters. The first chapter will be the introductory part to the study. Chapter two will discuss on the relevant literature, on the topic of culture and identity, used in developing relevant arguments. Chapter three will focus on the methodology used to carry out the research. Chapter four discusses the research findings, and chapter five will entail detailed discourse on the study.
An approximate analytical solution approach for solving time-Fractional order Black-Scholes Option pricing equation

The present article is concerned the implementation of fractional-order reduced differential transform (FRDT) method for computation of an approximate analytical solution of timefractional order nonlinear Black-Scholes option pricing equation, fractional derivative is considered in the Caputo sense. Three test examples are carried out to validate and illustrate the efficiency of the method. The computational examples confirm that the aforesaid method is very effective, reliable and accurate method for solving the nonlinear Black-Scholes equation. The behaviour of the solutions and effects of different values of fractional order are also depicted, graphically.
High ammonium availability amplifies the adverse effect of low salinity on eelgrass Zostera marina

Climate change intensifies the frequency and intensity of rainfall events, which increases the discharge of freshwater and nutrients to coastal areas. This may lower salinity and increase nutrient availability and, thus, affect estuarine eelgrass populations. We studied the interactive effect of increasing NH4 + levels and low salinity on estuarine eelgrass Zostera marina, grown in microcosm at various combinations of NH4 + enrichment (0, 10 and 25 μM) and salinity (5, 12.5 and 20). Increasing NH4 + had a positive effect on eelgrass performance as long as salinity was kept at ambient level (20). N enrichment was followed by an increase in pigments, photosynthesis and various growth variables and a decrease in stored carbon concentrations (sucrose and starch). Low salinity had an overall negative effect on plant fitness; pigment concentration, photosynthesis and growth were reduced while mortality increased. Exposure to low salinity was also followed by a decrease in sucrose, suggesting that it was used as an osmolyte and/or that photosynthesis could not cover energy requirements needed for osmoregulation or repairing processes. Concomitant exposure to high NH4 + and low salinity turned the positive effect of NH4 + into a strong, negative synergistic effect. Several growth-related variables were affected significantly and mortality increased substantially. We suggest that this simultaneous exposure intensified competition for energy and C skeletons affecting other metabolic processes (e.g. growth, repair processes) negatively. Our results suggest that climate change driven alterations in precipitation and NH4 + loading might seriously impact estuarine eelgrass communities.
Effects of tillage methods on soil fragmentation in loamy-clay soils.

Problem statement: Soil fragmentation is a primary aim in tillage in order to create a favorable soil environment for crop growth. Soil fragmentation is defined as the process of breakdown and crumbling of soil aggregates. Currently, there is no published research data on optimum tillage operations for seedbed preparation in loamy-clay soils of western Caspian Sea region of Iran. Approach: Tests were conducted on a loamy-clay soil near the city of Ardabil, Iran, to investigate the effects of different tillage operations on soil crumbling. Four tillage treatments: Moldboard plow (M) (conventional method), Moldboard plow and Disk-Harrow (MH), Decompactor and Moldboard plow (DM) and De-Compactor and Disk-Harrow (DH) were used in this study with four replications. The tillage depth for all treatments was about 30 cm. Following tillage operations, intensive soil samples were taken from the top 25 cm of soil at 5 cm depth increments and were analyzed for aggregate size and distribution using 9 standard sieves (0.25-19 mm mesh). Analysis of variance was carried out regarding soil crumbling percentage and mean diameter of soil aggregates in each treatment. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with five levels of soil sampling depths and two main factors (tillage method and tillage depth) which were arranged in Latin Square design. Results: Results showed that the tillage treatments had a significant effect on soil crumbling. Also, soil crumbling varied with soil depth and the optimum particle sizes were developed at the 5-20 cm soil depth. There was a non-linear correlation between soil crumbling percentage and tillage depth. Conclusion/Recommendations: Tillage methods and soil sampling depth had interaction effect on soil crumbling percentage. The MH treatment had the greatest amount of soil crumbling and the best seed-bed condition.
DIFFUSION OF STANDARDS: THE IMPORTANCE OF SIZE, REGION AND EXTERNAL PRESSURES IN DIFFUSION PROCESSES

Organizational standards or guidelines, although commonly applied in public sector organizations, are rarely studied systematically. We report insights gained here into the circumstances present when organizations adopt standards by studying the diffusion of the Common Language Standard (CLS). Neo-institutional organization theory constitutes the theoretical framework, which highlights the empirical phenomenon that standards occasionally spread extremely rapidly to some – but not all – organizations within the same field. Empirical evidence from quantitative surveys of civil servants and elected officials in Danish municipalities is used to analyse the field and organizational levels. The levels of external pressure and organizational resources are important in order to understand why some municipal organizations have adopted the CLS whereas others have not. We find that the initial source of the standard as well as regional pressure play a strong role, something which contradicts other studies indicating that diffusion from organization to organization is more significant.
Iron Ore Pellet, A Natural and Reusable Catalyst for Synthesis of Pyrano(2,3-d)pyrimidine and Dihydropyrano(c)chromene Derivatives in Aqueous Media

We wish to report a mild and efficient one-pot three component reaction of an aryl aldehyde, malononitrile and barbituric acid or 4-hydroxycoumarin for the synthesis of pyrano(2,3-d)pyrimidine and dihydropyrano(c)chromene derivatives in the presence of iron ore pellet as a natural and reusable catalyst under heterogeneous and green conditions. The present methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields, simple procedure and work up steps, short reaction times and easy recovery of the catalyst. We have also demonstrated that the catalyst can be reused successfully after six times using the same catalyst with high yields. Use of water as the reaction medium makes the process environmentally benign.
Coping with Risks in the Mediterranean Countries? Let the experts explain

A decade of major political, institutional, economic and societal changes is challenging the Mediterranean Area: in a more and more globalized Europe the primary sectors of Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs) are largely influenced by recent trends. The resulting exposure of Mediterranean Countries’ agriculture to risks has called great attention on risk management strategies and public intervention. We explore their role in three selected Countries, namely Syria, Tunisia and Turkey with a view to a unified policy framework. The analysis is conducted through a field activity that has allowed to understand the key issues. The experts’ opinions draw a clear picture of retrospect and prospects and stimulate a comparative analysis that widens the current knowledge of risk management in the Mediterranean Countries.
Comparison of Mathematical Representation Skill and Science Learning Result in Classes with Problem-Based and Discovery Learning Model

The purpose of this research is to know the difference of mathematical representation skill, the result of science learning and its influence on problem-based learning and discovery learning model. The population of this study was 16 students of PGSD FKIP University of Lampung. Among 534 students, there were two experimental classes consisting of 35 students and each was determined through cluster random sampling. The data on mathematical representation skills and learning outcomes of science were obtained through a description test, five questions for assessing mathematical representation skills, and ten questions for assessing science learning outcomes. From the instruments that had been tested to 30 respondents, it was obtained a valid and reliable instrument with a score of 0.505 for mathematical representation skills, and 0.832 for learning outcomes. Furthermore, the data were analyzed by using normality test, homogeneity test, independent sample t-test, correlation test, and simple linear regression test. The results showed that there was no difference in the result of mathematical representation skill and science learning outcomes, between the problem-based learning model and real discovery. But there is a positive and significant linear influence between the mathematical representation skill and the learning outcomes of science, through a problem-based learning model of discovery.
Accelerating the hierarchical multi-scale software by spatial clustering strategies

In multi-scale simulations of material forming processes, macroscopic zones of nearly homogeneous strain response can be observed. In such zones the evolution of material properties at each finite element integration point can be approximated from the properties at a representative point. We show how these zones can be determined by clustering strategies and utilized to reduce the computational cost of the simulation.
Effect of Environment on the Combining Ability of Virginia Tobacco Genotypes

To determine the impact of environment on the combining ability of Virginia tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) five genotypes were crossed in a half diallel fashion and the resulting material was grown under irrigated as well as drought stress conditions. Data collected on yield and related traits revealed highly significant differences among genotypes under both sowing conditions. Combining ability analysis revealed that specific combining ability (sca) were highly significant for all the traits and the general combining ability (gca) effects were highly signification for all the traits except the dry leaf yield both sowing conditions. The results, showed that the additive variance had important role in controlling of number of leaves, width of leaf and leaf area index in both conditions, while, for dry leaf yield, non additive gene effect played major role. In stress conditions, the additive and dominance variances were involved together in plant height, but in non stress condition the dominance variance was more important than additive variance.
CUSTOMER'S PERCEPTION OF PUBLIC RELATION IN E-COMMERCE AND ITS IMPACT ON E-LOYALTY WITH BRAND IMAGE AND SWITCHING COST

Purpose: This study aims to inspect the relationship between Customer's Perception of Public Relation (PRP), Customer Perceived Value (CPV) on E-Loyalty; further test the moderating role of Switching Cost and Brand Image in that relationship. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected in a survey from customers of Commercial Bank. Questionnaire was adapted from research work of Eriksson et al.; Gefen; Levesque et al.; Zeithaml et al. Pearson correlation, multiple and moderating regression were used to examine the hypothesis relationship. Findings: The findings confirm that Customer's Perception of Public Relation and Customer Perceived value are the antecedent of E-loyalty. Moreover, results prevailed that the impact of Customer's Perception of Public Relation and Customer Perceived Value on E-Loyalty is stronger and significant when Switching Cost and Brand image is favorable. Research limitations/implication: Further research is indicated, to identify the effects of these variables on other services provider companies. Banking sector in Pakistan should pay more attention on Customer's Perception of Public Relation, Customer Perceived Value in order to enhance the E-loyalty. Originality/value- This study is the first in its nature, so far there is no research work that reflects on Customer's Perception of Pubic Relation and customer perceived value with moderating effect of switching cost and Brand Image on E-Loyalty. This study contributes to the field of e-commerce marketing and will helpful for managers to adopt appropriate strategies that will lead banking sector towards prosperity.
An Empirical Study of Mortality Models in Taiwan

There has been a significant increase in the life expectancies of the Taiwanese population after the end of Second World War. Like in many developed countries, due to the prolonging life expectancy and lower fertility rates, the aging population has now become a major policy concern in Taiwan. The search for feasible methods for modeling the future mortality changes has become a popular issue in Taiwan. The Lee-Carter (LC) model, the reduction factor (RF) model and the age-period-cohort (APC) model are three frequently used methods for modeling future mortality dynamics. In this paper, we introduce these three models and discuss their respective pros and cons. We carry out an empirical study using these models based on Taiwan mortality experience. In addition, we make a comparison analysis of different models with different mortality experience in Japan, England and Wales, and the US.
Continuous time modeling of interest rates: An empirical study on the Turkish short rate

We proposed a continuous time ARMA known as CARMA(p,q) model for modeling the interest rate dynamics. CARMA(p,q) models have an advantage over their discrete time counterparts that they allow using Ito formulas and provide closed-form solutions for bond and bond option prices. We demonstrate the capabilities of CARMA(p,q) models by using Turkish short rate. The Turkish Republic Central Bank’s benchmark bond prices are used to calculate short-term interest rates between the period of 15.07. 2006 and 15.07. 2008. ARMA(1,1) model and CARMA(1,0) model are chosen as best suitable models in modeling the Turkish short rate.