Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling of biospheric CO2 gross fluxes via oxygen isotopes in a spruce forest canopy: a 222Rn calibrated box model approach

Abstract One-dimensional box model estimates of biospheric CO2 gross fluxes are presented. The simulations are based on a set of measurements performed during the EUROSIBERIAN CARBONFLUX intensive campaign between 27 July and 1 August 1999 in a natural Picea abies forest in Russia. CO2 mixing ratios and stable isotope ratios of CO2 were measured on flask samples taken in two heights within the canopy. Simultaneously, soil and leaf samples were collected and analysed to derive the 18O/16O ratio of the respective water reservoirs and the 13C/12C ratio of the leaf tissue. The main objective of this project was to investigate biospheric gas exchange with soil and vegetation, and thereby take advantage of the potential of the 18O/16O ratio in atmospheric CO2. Via exchange of oxygen isotopes with associated liquid water reservoirs, leaf CO2 assimilation fluxes generally enrich while soil CO2 respiration fluxes generally deplete the 18O/16O ratio of atmospheric CO2. In the model, we parameterised intra-canopy transport by exploiting soil-borne 222Rn as a tracer for turbulent transport. Our model approach showed that, using oxygen isotopes, the net ecosystem CO2 flux can be separated into assimilation and respiration yielding fluxes comparable with those derived by other methods. However, partitioning is highly sensitive to the respective discrimination factors, and therefore also on the parameterisation of internal leaf CO2 concentrations and gradients.
Symplectic structure on ruled surfaces and a generalized adjunction formula

In this section, we state the theorems needed in our paper. Recently, Seiberg and Witten ([SW], [Wi]) have introduced a new set of 4-manifold invariants. These invariants are in similar spirit to Donaldson invariants but much easier to handle. Various longstanding conjectures including the Thom conjecture are proved using Seiberg-Witten invariants. An important ingredient in the proof of the Thom conjecture by Kronheimer and Mrowka is the wall crossing formula for manifolds with b1 = 0. Seiberg-Witten invariants take on a very simple form for Kahler surfaces ([Wi], [B], [FM1]). All the basic classes are explicitly known and in particular, the anticanonical bundle is always a basic class. A large part of this story is generalized to symplectic manifolds by Taubes who ([T1], [T2], [T3], [T4]) proved several remarkable theorems on Seiberg-Witten invariants of symplectic four-manifolds. Recall that every symplectic manifold has a complex line bundle, K (called the canonical bundle), which is canonical up to isomorphism. The first theorem of Taubes is
PERCEPTION OF SaaS ADOPTION IN NORWEGIAN ENTERPRISES: FOCUS ON ERP

Despite the vast amount of research that has been conducted on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and Cloud/ software-as-a-service (SaaS) in isolation, few studies have explored the topic of Cloud/SaaS ERP – particularly attitudes held towards these systems. Based on an assessment of literature and the Theory of Planned Behavior, a questionnaire focusing on benefits and disadvantages of SaaS-based ERP systems was sent to IT officers in 839 Norwegian companies. Responses from 180 companies helped to shed light on attitudes towards SaaS ERP adoptions. To a certain extent, the results come inline with existing research. There were, however, a couple of noteworthy exceptions. One such was the rather surprising lack of data security concerns amongst the respondents, who ranked it to be the least of their concerns. Another surprise was that despite strong indications found in literature, the promise of lowered Total Cost of Ownership was not perceived to be ensnaring benefit. Instead, respondents viewed vendor dependency to be the least favorable trait of such systems, and accessibility to be the significantly most advantageous. A regression analysis of the results was performed to identify the level of which the various benefits and advantages affected respondents’ attitudes.
Impact of land reform on sustainable land management in Ukraine

The paper describes the current conditions, process, and consequences of the land reform in Ukraine, and goes on to determine their impact on the support for sustainable land management. The research reveals the importance of land development as the main instrument for sustainable land management in Ukraine, which should involve implementation of land policy, organization of rational use and protection of land, land improvement, crop-engineering, and anti-erosion measures. In the present paper, we argue for the measures of sustainable management, which are secured by the development of the programs of land organization, and we present technical and economic reasoning for the use and protection of land in administrative-territorial units, land development projects, as well as environmental and economic arguments for crop rotation and land management, implemented within work projects of land organization at regional, provincial and local levels. Structural instability of the establishment of agrarian formations of a new type, which are basically grounded in the fundamentals of land lease, is caused by a permanent delay on the moratorium for the sale of land parcels by the owners of land shares. It forces most of those owners to engage in economic activity without any pre-existing projects of land organization, which would provide ecologically safe organization of the leased land exploitation. Nowadays, the use of the leased land parcels, and growing of agricultural crops on those parcels, is performed mainly according to the market conjuncture and without any management methods, which would be necessary for securing land protection and maintaining soil fertility.
Comparing alternative methodologies for real exchange rate assessment

This paper compares alternative methodologies for estimating real exchange rate misalignment for EU countries. It is shown that current account-based approaches (based on NFA stabilisation and current account norms) and relative-price based approaches (BEER and PPP-based) deliver broadly consistent assessments, however sometimes differences are non-negligible. Moreover, the behaviour of the two relative price-based approaches does not appear to be as fully aligned as expected. Current account-based misalignment appears to be driven to a larger extent by shocks affecting domestic absorption and national savings and quite often becomes manifest before price-based misalignment. All misalignment measures, and especially the BEER, are significantly related with medium-term developments in real exchange rates (overvaluation implying a forthcoming reduction in the REER), while only current-account based misalignment is a significant predictor of forthcoming current account developments.
Electronic Data Interchange in Developing Countries: Lessons from South Africa

Electronic Data Interchange plays an important role in improving organizational competitiveness. This research uses empirical evidence to evaluate the state of EDI and the willingness of SMEs to connect electronically to a large distribution centre in South Africa. Practitioners of EDI are aware of the necessity for high penetration levels to make EDI successful. Furthermore, it investigates the EDI adoption rate from the viewpoint of a small business. However, penetration might be hindered by the refusal of small firms to accept EDI. Based on prior research this model incorporates four factors that are hypothesized to have an influence on EDI Adoption. This survey was concerned about four potential strategies for achieving business objectives namely: organizational readiness, external pressure, perceived benefits and security. Data was collected from 105 firms who responded to an e-mail survey. The findings reveal that external pressure was the strongest positive factor associated with the intent to adopt EDI. No support was found for security. In addition, it suggests that there is a general need for more managerial support as well as compatibility with systems among small firms. Finally, these findings add support to the importance of diffusion of Innovation theories, Interorganizational Systems and Technology Acceptance Models.
The Effect Demographics Have On The Demand For Orange Juice

This paper investigates how the demand for orange juice is affected by the demographics of consumers. There are many variables in the orange juice demand equation and demographics are only one. Demographic variables are important in determining the tastes and preferences of different regions. The data that has been collected is weekly data over a two year period of time. The seemingly unrelated regression method will be used to examine the data. This project will be beneficial to orange juice advertising firms and companies that sell orange juice.
Biomedical applications of a hybrid fluorescence molecular tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (FMT/MRI) system for small animal imaging

Hybrid imaging systems, combining two biomedical imaging modalities in a common bore, have recently been developed for clinical and preclinical applications. Hybrid systems have the potential to unveil structural, functional and molecular alterations in disease and thus improve the diagnostic accuracy and development of therapeutic targets. In this work, we have utilized a novel fluorescence molecular tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (FMT/MRI) hybrid system for small animal imaging. FMT allows quantitative assessment of the distribution of fluorescent agents in small animals. By employing targeted fluorescent probes, we can study molecular processes in vivo noninvasively. FMT has high sensitivity, but it suffers from low spatial resolution due to the diffuse light propagation in tissue. MRI is a highly versatile biomedical imaging modality which is widely used in the clinics and preclinical research to study morphological, functional and metabolic aspects of disease processes. We have focused on the incorporation of prior information from MRI into the FMT reconstruction and on the assessment of the increased diagnostic potential provided by the FMT/MRI system on a series of biomedical applications. We first employed a standalone FMT system, constructed during this work, on two collaborative studies employing novel fluorescent probes which targeted epitopes on the surface of pancreatic cells and molecular anchors indicating signaling activity in tumor cells. On several occasions, the quantitative FMT readous were found to be consistent with nuclear imaging methods and superior to commercial fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) systems. Yet when low signal to background ratios ratios were found to be low, caused either by unbound probes or by increased absorption/autofluorescence in tissue, the FMT quantification accuracy was compromised. We contributed to the design and assessment of the first FMT/MRI system prototype designed for a small animal MRI scanner and to its subsequent improvement utilizing a
Prediction Model of Satisfaction with Physical Education and School // Modelo de predicción de la satisfacción con la educación física y la escuela

El objetivo fue analizar un modelo de prediccion de las orientaciones de metas sobre la satisfaccion con la educacion fisica y la escuela. La muestra fue de 202 hombres y 208 mujeres de educacion secundaria de centros publicos de Murcia, con edades entre 13 y 16 anos (M = 15.14; DT = .96). Se utilizo un cuestionario compuesto por la escala de Metas de Logro 2x2, y las escalas de Satisfaccion con la Educacion Fisica y de Satisfaccion Intrinseca a la Escuela. Se realizaron analisis descriptivos y modelos de regresion estructurales. Destacan los altos valores de aproximacion-maestria y de satisfaccion/diversion, siendo mayor en educacion fisica que en la satisfaccion en la escuela. En el modelo estructural, la aproximacion-maestria es el unico predictor de la satisfaccion/diversion en la educacion fisica, siendo esta predictora de la satisfaccion/diversion en la escuela, pero no a la inversa.
Research on Community Competition and Adaptive Genetic Algorithm for Automatic Generation of Tang Poetry

As there are many researches about traditional Tang poetry, among which automatically generated Tang poetry has arouse great concern in recent years. This study presents a community-based competition and adaptive genetic algorithm for automatically generating Tang poetry. The improved algorithm with community-based competition that has been added aims to maintain the diversity of genes during evolution; meanwhile, the adaptation means that the probabilities of crossover and mutation are varied from the fitness values of the Tang poetry to prevent premature convergence and generate better poems more quickly. According to the analysis of experimental results, it has been found that the improved algorithm is superior to the conventional method.
Passivity-based stabilization for switched stochastic nonlinear systems

This paper addresses the passivity-based mean square exponential stabilization problem for switched stochastic nonlinear systems. A concept of generalized small-time normobservability is presented and an appropriate test condition is also provided. For pre-given passivity rate and average dwell time, a set of feedback controllers is designed by use of the passivity property. Then, combining with generalized small-time norm-observability, a sufficient condition to guarantee mean square exponential stabilization of a switched stochastic nonlinear system is given. As a special case, the switched stochastic linear system is also discussed. Finally, a numeral example shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The volatility of temperature and pricing of weather derivatives

We propose an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process with seasonal volatility to model the time dynamics of daily average temperatures. The model is fitted to approximately 45 years of daily observations recorded in Stockholm, one of the European cities for which there is a trade in weather futures and options on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Explicit pricing dynamics for futures contracts written on the number of heating/cooling degree-days (so-called HDD/CDD futures) and the cumulative average daily temperature (so-called CAT futures) are calculated, along with a discussion on how to evaluate call and put options with these futures as underlying.
VP/VS ratio and shear-wave splitting in the Nankai Trough seismogenic zone: Insights into effective stress, pore pressure, and sediment consolidation

To estimate variation of stress state and sediment consolidation in the Nankai plate subduction zone off southwest Japan, we measured the P-wave to S-wave velocity ratio (VP/VS) and S-wave splitting along the seismic line extending from the trench to the seismogenic zone. For this purpose, we used active-source seismic data recorded by multicomponent ocean bottom seismometers (OBS). Because it is difficult to identify the PS-converted reflection waveforms for each of the geological boundaries in this deep offshore region, we focused on the more easily identified PPS-refracted waveforms that register the conversion of the up-going P-waves to S-waves at the igneous crust surface. We estimated the average VP/VS ratio within the sedimentary section by using the time lag between the P-refracted waves and PPS-converted waves. This VP/VS ratio changes abruptly at the trough axis (i.e., the deformation front of the accretionary prism) arguably because of compaction associated with the accretion process. We observ.
Board # 38 : Work in Progress: Quantification of Learning through Learning Statements and Text Mining

How can instructors leverage assessment instruments in design, build, and test courses to simultaneously improve student outcomes and assess student learning well enough to improve courses for future students? We recognize the need for a framework for shaping and assessing student learning. In that spirit, we contend that in design, build, and test courses students learn when they are required to reflect on their experiences and identify their learning explicitly. Further, we posit that utilization of an assessment instrument, the learning statement (LS), can be used to both enable and assess student learning. In our course, AME4163: Principles of Engineering Design, a senior-level, pre-capstone, engineering design course, students learn by reflecting on doing by writing statements anchored in Kolb’s experiential learning cycle. In Fall 2016 we collected over 11,000 learning statements from over 150 students. To address the challenge of analyzing and gleaning knowledge from the large number of learning statements we resorted to text mining to analyze student-submitted learning statements. We assert that text mining empowers instructors to better assess student learning in design, build, and test courses. Utilizing current algorithms for identifying writing patterns, we form a picture of learning over the course of the semester. Employing this tool, we can quantify student learning through reflection on doing and improve the course for future offerings. We find that student insight is characterized by focusing on the future utility of learning, particularly in areas such as planning a design process and evaluating design concepts. In this paper, we cover the salient features of the course, the learning statements, text mining and initial findings.
Gate voltage dependence of a single-electron transistor using the shuttle mechanism

The gate voltage dependence of a single-electron transistor using the shuttle mechanism in which a vibrating conductive nanoparticle carries charges between the electrodes is studied theoretically and with numerical simulations. Two types of gate voltage effect on the transport properties are demonstrated: one is direct modulation of the current via modification in the tunneling rate, giving rise to shift of $\ensuremath{\partial}I/\ensuremath{\partial}V$ peaks on the step-like current, splitting of the current steps and periodic behavior of the current with the change in gate voltage. Another is an indirect effect due to a shift in the range of the nanoparticle vibration induced by the gate voltage. The latter effect stops the shuttle mechanism at a large gate voltage, leading to the conduction gap which widens in proportion to the gate voltage.
Macroeconomic Determinants of MIR Rate: Evidence from the Euro area

The objective of this study is to examine the determinants of MIR rate in the Euro area for the period 2003Q1-2015Q3. By employing Fixed Effects, Random Effects and Dynamic OLS (DOLS) as econometric methodologies, I examine if the MIR rate is affected by the following macroeconomic factors: unemployment rate, inflation rate, GDP growth, political stability index and wages as % to GDP. All of these factors found to exert great significance to MIR rate and thus they have to be taken into consideration when macro-prudential policies are designing.
Reproductive biology and functional maturity in females of Aegla franca (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae)

Abstract We describe the reproductive period, fecundity, and average size at the onset of functional maturity of female Aegla franca, the northernmost distributed aeglid species. The reproductive period is markedly seasonal and takes place from May (austral mid-autumn) to August (late winter). Ovigerous females appear quite abruptly in the population by May, and this condition is observed in all adult females sampled regardless of their size. The average size at the onset of functional maturity in females, at which 50% of the females sampled during the reproductive period were considered adults, was 12.75 mm CL. The smallest post-ovigerous female measured 12.06 mm carapace length (CL). Mean fecundity (±S.D.) from 41 females bearing early and intermediate eggs was 129.1 ± 32.2 and corresponded to a mean female CL of 14.11 mm. The elliptical-shaped eggs exhibited significant increase in size along the development stages. The third pair of pleopods bore higher number of eggs than the others. Compiled information regarding the reproductive period reported for aeglids revealed an increase in the breeding period length with latitude. The reproductive period tends to be shorter in localities under larger rainfall variation and smaller temperature variability than in sites with opposite climate conditions. Eggs tend to be fewer in number and larger in size towards lower latitudes. We present an hypothesis that stream water velocity might act as a major selective pressure during the early life history of fluvial aeglids with direct effect on the reproductive pattern.
Translational Pancreatology. New Approaches in the Development of Novel Biomarkers as Screening Methodologies for Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the rare cancers for which no significant improvements in diagnosis and therapy have been made in the last 30 years. Despite considerable progress the median survival of most patients is 5 to 6 months. Currently, 80% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma present with locally invasive and/or metastatic disease, resulting in a poor 5-year survival of <5%. Hence, less than 20% of patients with PDAC undergo potentially curative surgery, whereas the remaining patients, can only be offered palliative treatment. Only 15–20% of patients undergo resection. The development of a diagnostic tool for early detection of patients with this malignancy may significantly impact their prognosis. Pancreatic cancer has a strong correlation between tumor stage and prognosis. The size of the tumors is also important in a general sense, the smaller ones have metastases less frequently than the larger ones at the time of diagnosis and, therefore, are more likely to be cured by surgery. Therefore, it is evident that the earliest detection of cancers is one of the keys to reducing deaths from these diseases and this includes the cancer of the pancreas with its high mortality rates. However, effective early diagnosis remains difficult and depends mainly on imaging modalities and the development of screening methodologies with highly sensitive and specific biomarkers. This review summarizes recent advances in effective screening for early diagnosis of PDAC using novel molecular biomarkers discovered from various studies including protein biomarkers, mutant DNA templates identified in the circulation in blood samples (ctDNA), DNA promoter hypermethylation and measurement of microRNA as other possible noninvasive biomarker for early detection of Pancreatic Cancer. These data have high translational relevance and suggest that early detection is the key issue for improving the prognosis of this aggressive disease. Although many biomarkers for early detection of Pancreatic Cancer (PC) have been discovered through various methods, effective panels of noninvasive biomarkers for screening and early detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are not available yet. The increased number of translational studies would be able to provide this remarkable diagnostic tool in a near future. Nevertheless, larger scale and rigorous validation is required before their application in the clinic.
A Generic Framework for Controlling Bi-Handed Robotic Manipulator

From design to implementation, bi-handed humanoid manipulators are more complex than common industrial robots. Humanoid manipulators have the properties of redundancy and bifurcation, which enable placement of multiple hands or tools at desired positions and orientations within the robot’s workspace in an unlimited number of ways. To address and benefit from these complexities, Energid Technologies has developed a generic XML-based control method supporting virtually any number of degrees of freedom, any type of end-effector constraint, any type of joint, and any optimization criterion for fixed and mobile robots. This paper will address how this technology works, the problems it solves, its ongoing application as a software toolkit accessible to the robotics community.