Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AN ANALYSIS OF CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN COMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USING THE CALIFORNIA CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS TEST

Colleges and universities across the country are changing their educational standards by providing graduates with more than just the tangible skills they need to be competitive and productive in the workforce, they are also providing students with the opportunity to be better thinkers by providing learning plans that activate and enhance students' higher-order thinking skills. This high-order thinking is often called critical thinking and involves judgment, analysis, and synthesis (Halpern, 1998,T 10). Many of the educational institutions that are consciously trying to improve students' critical thinking also want to measure the effectiveness of these improvements. This is often done using a causal-comparative study requiring students to take a critical skills test during their first semester (pre-test) and then the same test just before they graduate (post-test). The data fiom these tests is then used to statistically analyze the effectiveness of educational enhancements meant to teach critical thinking skills. There are many critical thinking assessment tests available that will effectively measure critical thinking skills. Examples of these critical thinking assessment tests include the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) test, the Thurstone Test of Mental Alertness, the Cornell Critical Thinking Test, and the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). The purpose of this study is to use the CCTST assessment tool on a computer information technology (CIT) unit of instruction at Northcentral Technical College (NTC) to measure the effectiveness of critical thinking teaching methodologies. The CCTST assessment tool has been administered by NTC since August of the year 2000. The data from this study was analyzed to identify statistical significant differences between pre-test CCTST group mean scores and post-test CCTST group mean scores. Through the use of independent t-tests to compile the data and with a probability level set at . 05, this study determined that the group mean scores from the post-test were not significantly higher than the pre-test group mean scores (p > .05).
Basin‐scale hydrogeologic modeling

Mathematical modeling of coupled groundwater flow, heat transfer, and chemical mass transport at the sedimentary basin scale has been increasingly used by Earth scientists studying a wide range of geologic processes including the formation of excess pore pressures, infiltration-driven metamorphism, heat flow anomalies, nuclear waste isolation, hydrothermal ore genesis, sediment diagenesis, basin tectonics, and petroleum generation and migration. These models have provided important insights into the rates and pathways of groundwater migration through basins, the relative importance of different driving mechanisms for fluid flow, and the nature of coupling between the hydraulic, thermal, chemical, and stress regimes. The mathematical descriptions of basin transport processes, the analytical and numerical solution methods employed, and the application of modeling to sedimentary basins around the world are the subject of this review paper. The special considerations made to represent coupled transport processes at the basin scale are emphasized. Future modeling efforts will probably utilize three-dimensional descriptions of transport processes, incorporate greater information regarding natural geological heterogeneity, further explore coupled processes, and involve greater field applications.
An Extraction Method of Road Structure for Surveillance Video

The scene of surveillance video is usually wide and variable, and the target vehicles inside it are often small. Surveillance videos usually are not suitable for intelligent video applications, such as video vehicle detection. To solve this problem, an extraction method of road structure for surveillance video is proposed for intelligent applications. The principle of the method is developed to first extract road regions of surveillance videos by accumulating movement regions in video image sequences. Based on it, the left and right borderlines of road regions are pulled out using the Hough transform according to the statistical characteristics of road structure in surveillance video. Experiment results have shown that the road structure can be extracted precisely and effectively from the surveillance video of freeway and city expressway.
Geochemical investigations of kimberlites from the Kimberley area, South Africa

Fifteen major components and 21 trace elements (Li, F, S, Cl, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Cd, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi) were analyzed for 11 kimberlites and 3 xenoliths (garnet peridotite, eclogite and gabbro) from South Africa. Selected major and trace element contents of olivine, serpentine, pyroxene, phlogopite, perovskite, spinel, magnetite, Fe-Ni-Cu-S ores and native copper in several kimberlites were also measured. Sulfur isotope compositions of 5 kimberlites and a garnet peridotite range from δ34S -3 to +9.6‰. The concentrations of major elements and Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Hg have a small, but those of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cl and Tl a wide range of variation. Good correlations of K-Rb have to be mentioned. Large Fe2O3/FeO ratios indicate relatively high oxygen fugacities during eruption. Additional data on about 60 elements in bulk kimberlites have been compiled from the literature to estimate the average chemical composition of kimberlites. In order to know the accumulation and depletion of elements during magma formation, the elemental abundances of kimberlites were compared with those of undepleted mantle rocks. Kimberlites are characterized by very high concentrations of incompatible and volatile elements such as La, Ce, C, Nd, Th, U, F, Cs, Nb, Sm, Ta, Rb, Ba, K, P, Pb and Sr, and low concentrations of Si, Na, Al and heavy REE. Concentrations of the former elements suggest that kimberlite magmas are produced by a small degree of partial melting in the presence of CO2 and H2O under upper mantle conditions.
Pattern geomorphologic analysis for soil erosion study

The geologist try to understand relationship between soil erosion observed and natural landscape structure. Erosion can effectively appears in the vicinity of linear or planar structures of soil (lines, faults or materials change). Once eroded areas are mapped, an inventory of relief linear shapes is done. The crossing geomorphological analysis with other environmental parameters allows to predict the becoming eroded areas. Lineaments detection is usually made by photointerpretation. DEM (Digital Elevation Model) visual analysis is another alternative but not sufficient, so it uses the derived models from DEM called hillshade images. The DEM is lighted up by a virtual source with a direction and height incidence. A good study require a complete lightings visual interpretation which is very slow and subjective. This paper propose an automatic process that help geologist to detect and analyse the geomorphological structures present in the landscape by using image analysis methods. This study focus on lines and catchments basins structures. First a new watershed and catchments basins segmentation method is developed it defines an attractive structure between pixels (based on path of steepest slope). After these lines are automatically extracted by Hough transform and their preferential direction is analysed by a technique called directions rose. Some results are given on DEM and Hillshade images for a particular areas of the main New Caledonia island where soil erosion is a serious problem mainly due to tropical weather (violent rains) and human activities (mining, bush fire) on the weathered rocks (laterites) in mountain.
Midges as quantitative temperature indicator species: Lessons for palaeoecology

Calibration data sets give a unique opportunity to establish patterns of biological existence and their statistical associations with environmental variables. By use of calibration data sets, environmental variables can be inferred quantitatively. The resulting long time-series may assist in distinguishing natural environmental variability from human-induced variability, both in terms of climate change and biotic turnover. However, the validity of the palaeoenvironmental reconstructions depends on their accuracy, precision and sensibility. Before performing palaeoenvironmental inferences, key mechanisms controlling contemporary species’ distribution, abundances and dynamics should be identified and understood. An inference model is developed to produce reconstructions. A major challenge lies in validating and interpreting the reconstructions. Calibration data sets involving midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) suggest that climate has a broad-scale, regional control over midge existence and abundance, often over-riding the influence of local within-lake variables. In recent years, the use of midges as quantitative indicators of past temperatures has greatly expanded. As the number of reconstructions increase, especially in Fennoscandia and North America, it seems the among-site variability is so large that it is unlikely to be due only to local differences in climate. Hence, we question whether the long climate gradients in calibration data sets can accurately be used to calibrate local variables, when most local gradients in time and space are short. Ten Holocene chironomid-inferred temperature curves from Fennoscandia are compared. We illustrate some general principles in palaeoecology by identifying factors that may cause bias. Especially, we consider how calibration data sets simplify the complexity of the real world by maximizing single ecological gradients and by not taking into account co-varying variables. We give some recommendations and criteria that chironomid analysis should meet in order to improve the reliability of the temperature inferences. Finally, we discuss how the complex interactions between species and environment may have implications when we aim at predicting future biodiversity.
The use of asymmetric distributions in average bioequivalence

Generic drugs have been commercialized in numerous countries. Most of these countries approve the commercialization of a generic drug when there is evidence of bioequivalence between the generic drug and the reference drug. Generally, the pharmaceutical industry is responsible for the bioequivalence test under the supervision of a regulatory agency. This procedure is concluded after a statistical data analysis. Several agencies adopt a standard statistical analysis based on procedures that were previously established. In practice, we face situations in which this standard model does not fit to some sets of bioequivalence data. In this study, we propose an evaluation of bioequivalence using univariate and bivariate models based on an extended generalized gamma distribution and a skew‐t distribution, under a Bayesian perspective. We introduce a study of the empirical power of hypothesis tests for univariate models, showing advantages in the use of an extended generalized gamma distribution. Three sets of bioequivalence data were analyzed under these new procedures and compared with the standard model proposed by the majority of regulatory agencies. In order to verify that the asymmetrical distributions are usually better fitted for the data, when compared with the standard model, model discrimination methods were used, such as the Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) and quantile–quantile plots. The research concluded that, in general, the use of the extended generalized gamma distribution may be more appropriate to model bioequivalence data in the original scale. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluid‐driven seismicity activation in northern Nagano region after the 2011 M9.0 Tohoku‐oki earthquake

The dynamic triggering of earthquakes is well documented; however, the underlying physical mechanisms remain obscure. Here we analyze the seismicity in northern Nagano, central Japan, following the Tohoku‐oki quake, until the occurrence 13 h later of an Mw6.2 local earthquake. We use waveform detection techniques to identify 17 times more earthquakes than those in the Japan Meteorological Agency catalog. The activation of seismicity in the epicentral region of the Mw6.2 event is weak and delayed, culminating with the occurrence of the moderate shock preceded by two small foreshocks. The seismicity activation to the south is shallower, abundant, and starts during the passage of Tohoku‐oki surface waves of high dynamic stresses. The early activation occurs in areas of relatively high near‐surface fluid temperature, indicating that the dynamic triggering is likely caused by excitation of geothermal crustal fluids. The Mw6.2 Northern Nagano earthquake might have been delay‐triggered by fluid migration from a deep source.
Physical Indicators of Soil Quality in Relation to Soil Erodibility Under Different Land Uses

Physical indicators of soil quality in relation to soil erodibility were evaluated in the submontaneous tract of Punjab (India). A field experiment was conducted with both natural and simulated rainfall conditions under four land uses—barren, cultivated, grassland, and forest. Sustainability index approach (Gomez, Kelly, Syers, and Coughlan, 1996) and cumulative rating approach (Shukla, Lal, and Ebinger, 2004) were used to measure the sustainability in terms of soil erodibility. According to the sustainability index approach at the Ballowal Saunkhri-I, Ballowal Saunkhri-II, and Saleran locations, only the forest land use system is sustainable. At the fourth location—Kokowal Majari—all four land uses were observed to be sustainable with respect to soil erodibility or soil physical quality. The mean sustainability indices were observed to be highly correlated with the respective soil erodibility values under natural (r = −0.83) and simulated (r = −0.87) rainfall conditions. The cumulative rating approach had a significant positive correlation with soil erodibility both under natural (r = 0.75) and simulated (r = 0.81) rainfall conditions. There was a strong correlation between the sustainability index and cumulative rating (r = −0.93). In conclusion, the sustainability index approach was found to be more suitable for assessing the sustainability of the system in terms of soil erodibility as it required less soil data input and had a higher correlation with soil erodibility. However, the sustainability index provided two categories of sustainability compared to the cumulative rating which produces five categories.
Cerebral: Visualizing Multiple Experimental Conditions on a Graph with Biological Context

Systems biologists use interaction graphs to model the behavior of biological systems at the molecular level. In an iterative process, such biologists observe the reactions of living cells under various experimental conditions, view the results in the context of the interaction graph, and then propose changes to the graph model. These graphs serve as a form of dynamic knowledge representation of the biological system being studied and evolve as new insight is gained from the experimental data. While numerous graph layout and drawing packages are available, these tools did not fully meet the needs of our immunologist collaborators. In this paper, we describe the data information display needs of these immunologists and translate them into design decisions. These decisions led us to create Cerebral, a system that uses a biologically guided graph layout and incorporates experimental data directly into the graph display. Small multiple views of different experimental conditions and a data-driven parallel coordinates view enable correlations between experimental conditions to be analyzed at the same time that the data is viewed in the graph context. This combination of coordinated views allows the biologist to view the data from many different perspectives simultaneously. To illustrate the typical analysis tasks performed, we analyze two datasets using Cerebral. Based on feedback from our collaborators we conclude that Cerebral is a valuable tool for analyzing experimental data in the context of an interaction graph model.
Modeling the formation of a half graben using realistic upper crustal rheology

The evolution of a half graben in a strong upper crust with a Byerlee strength envelope, underlain by an inviscid substratum, has been modeled using elasto-viscoplastic finite element analysis. The nonlithostatic stresses, regions of failure, and flexure profiles have been computed as the layer is extended by increments. The weaker upper part of the layer fails on stretching, and more extensive regions of tensional failure extend progressively downward beneath the downbending half graben and upward from the bottom of the layer beneath the footwall uplift. Compressional failure occurs locally due to bending or unbending. Plastic yielding progressively reduces the widths of the half graben and footwall uplift as extension proceeds, as the outer hinge line of the half graben migrates toward the fault. The plastic deformation reduces the effective elastic thickness of the layer by up to 67%, helping to explain the anomalously low observed values associated with normal faulting. Throughgoing failure in tension eventually occurs beneath the footwall uplift near the fault, when subsidence slows down and ceases. The strength of the upper crust thus limits the amount of subsidence that can occur. For an 8 km thick layer and sediment infill 400 kg/m3 less dense than the basement, the half graben width decreases from over 80 km at the onset of extension to 42 km when the subsidence has reached its limit of 2.3 km; the equivalent elastic layer thickness is then reduced to 3.3 km. Thicker layers have correspondingly greater widths and limiting depths. Less dense sediments result in a narrower half graben and smaller limiting depth.
Measuring regional atmospheric water vapor using the Swedish Permanent GPS Network

We investigate the application of a geodetic network of ground‐based GPS receivers in Sweden to the measurement of atmospheric water vapor. Using data acquired during four days in December 1993, we show that it is possible to study the detailed motions of air mass systems. Estimates of water vapor from GPS data agree with those from radiosonde and microwave radiometer data to within 1 mm RMS.
Heave and Heaving Pressure in Freezing Soils: A Unifying Theory

A unifying theory is presented for the process of heave in freezing soils. Out of the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) school of D.M. Anderson came the concept of the segregation potential. Out of the Cornell school of R.D. Miller came the model for the heave rate. Here ideas from both schools are put on a fundamental thermodynamic footing, leading to the definition of a new heave index. Both schools use the temperature gradient in the frozen fringe as the driving force for heave. We argue and demonstrate that this choice leads to erratic results. The driving force should be the temperature gradient over the complete layer of soil that is at sub‐zero (°C) temperature, that is, the combined frozen zone plus the frozen fringe. The value of the heave index is completely dominated by the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function of both the unfrozen soil below the frozen fringe and the soil layer at sub‐zero temperature.
Simulation of Spatially Variable Precision Irrigation and Its Effects On Corn Growth Using CERES-Maize

Few studies have been done considering the possibility of irrigation systems in Iowa or other humid regions. Recent technological progress in precision agriculture may allow irrigation in these areas to become more economically feasible. Crop models have emerged as a method to evaluate different crop management practices such as irrigation without costly and time-consuming onsite experiments. In this study, the CERES-Maize crop model was used in conjunction with APOLLO, a shell program developed at Iowa State University, to evaluate potential improved yield in a central Iowa cornfield on a spatially and temporally variable basis. Five years of historical yield and weather data were used to calibrate the model over 100 spatially variable grids for nonirrigated conditions in the 20.25 ha field. This calibrated model then used 28 years of historical weather data to simulate three irrigation scenarios: no irrigation, scheduled uniform irrigation, and precision irrigation. 30 mm irrigations were applied when the percent of available soil water fell below 50 percent. Irrigation improved yield by at least 1000 kg ha-1 in half of the years simulated, and also showed to have less variability both spatially and temporally. Precision irrigation showed slightly higher yields than scheduled uniform irrigation. Spatial variability of yield was most influence by topography, with the largest improvements occurring on steep sideslopes and hilltops. Assuming use of a center pivot irrigation system, irrigation showed economic returns in only three of the 28 years included in the study. High capital costs were the leading restrictor of economic feasibility.
Methane fluxes in wetland and forest soils, beaver ponds, and low‐order streams of a temperate forest ecosystem

Studies in tropical and boreal regions suggest that wetlands and forest soils are important sources and sinks, respectively, for atmospheric methane. This study was conducted to determine whether temperate wetlands and forests play important roles in the global balances of atmospheric methane. Flux measurements for methane in several different wetland, forest, and open-water (e.g., beaver pond and low-order stream) sites were determined using collection chambers placed over the soil- or water-air interface. All of the sites were located in the Appalachian Mountain region of West Virginia and western Maryland. Between June 1987 and April 1989 the wetland sites acted as small sources of atmospheric methane, with emission rates for methane usually < 200 mg CH4 m−2 d−1 consumption of atmospheric methane in the wetland soils was observed frequently. The forest sites were mostly atmospheric methane sinks, even though emission rates (< 40 mg m−2 d−1) were observed sporadically. Open-water sites were large sources of atmospheric methane, with emission rates often exceeding 1000 mg CH4 m−2 d−1. Methane fluxes were poorly correlated with environmental variables including soil moisture, soil and air temperature, and cloud cover, thereby making it difficult to determine the factors controlling methane fluxes in these sites. Scenarios of future global climate warming due to an increasing greenhouse effect suggest that wetlands and forests in the southern boreal forest will begin to resemble present-day temperate wetlands and forests. The results of our studies suggest that methane emissions from these “temperatelike” ecosystems will not result in a large positive feedback that might exacerbate the rate of global climate warming.
GUIDE FOR SELECTING MANNING'S ROUGHNESS COEFFICIENTS FOR NATURAL CHANNELS AND FLOOD PLAINS

Although much research has been done on Manning's roughness coefficients for stream channels, very little has been done on the selection of roughness values for densely vegetated flood plains. A procedure for the determination of Manning's roughness coefficient (n) for channels and flood plains analyzes the different roughness factors that affect the roughness coefficients for channels and flood plains. By determining the value of each factor and combining those values, the n value can be determined. Another procedure deals with densely vegetated flood plains where the major roughness is caused by trees, vines, and brush. The n value for this type of flood plain can be determined by measuring the "vegetation density" of the flood plain. Photographs of flood plain segments where n values have been verified are presented as a comparison standard to aid in assigning n values to similar flood plains. (FHWA)