Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A three‐dimensional field study of solute transport through unsaturated, layered, porous media: 2. Characterization of vertical dispersion

Solute plumes were created in an unsaturated field soil with either flux application or by leaching an initial resident distribution (see Ellsworth et al., this issue). The spatial variance of the plumes initially increased with time between the soil surface and a depth of 2.5 m, within which the soil was a nearly structureless loamy sand. Below this depth, the plumes were observed to compress in the vertical direction as they moved into, and through, a region of subangular blocky structure and loam texture (between 2.5 and 4.0 m depth). As the solute moved below the layer of fine texture, the plume variance again increased with time. Using a transformed advection-dispersion equation description, two constant, field-averaged transport coefficients, V* and Dzz*, were determined in a scaled coordinate system from the moment equations. These two constant parameters were then used to predict the observed local, or plot scale, transport. Results indicate that the two constant parameters describe transport reasonably well at each plot site and over all sampling depths.
New Measures for Performance Evaluation

This paper characterizes performance measures satisfying a set of proposed axioms. We develop four new measures consistent with the axioms and show that they improve on the economic properties of the Sharpe Ratio and the Gain-Loss Ratio. In our treatment, the performance measures, or the indexes of acceptability, are linked to positive expectations resulting from a stressed sampling of the cash-flow distribution. Theoretically, it is shown that the level of acceptability varies directly with the amount of stress tolerated. In an empirical application, the performance measures are applied to cash flows generated by writing options on the SPX and the FTSE. This exercise reveals that acceptability levels are U-shaped in the strike direction. The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.
Personality Traits and Coping Strategies for Contrasting the Occurrence of Traumatic Reactions in Emergency Rescuers

We investigated personality traits, coping strategies, and social factors among emergency rescuers of three different catastrophic events that occurred in 2009 and 2013. These events were natural disasters, two of which were caused by human negligence. We used the cognitive interview (CI) protocol to interview witnesses and investigate their memory of the event. A qualitative analysis using the ATLAS.ti software was performed to subdivide the type of verbal production in the number of scenes recollected, negative emotions, vivid mental images, and self-experience of the event. All participants were also assessed using the Trauma Symptom Inventory for the presence of traumatic reactions at the time of the interview and tests (from December 2015 until January 2016) and 6 months before the interview to exclude the presence of further Traumatic job-related events. Personality traits (Big Five Questionnaire), coping strategies (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations-Adult), and other social factors (the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory) have been assessed. The aim of the study is to identify individual factors contributing to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in emergency rescuers. We found that some personality traits, social factors, and specific cognitive strategies may act as protective factors to traumatic reactions.
Common house spiders could be vectors of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Aim: To identify whether common household spiders such as Tegenaria saeva and Amaurobius ferox are likely vectors and reservoirs for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Methods and Results: Spiders were tested for the presence of S.aureus on the fangs, lower and upper abdomen and the legs. S.aureus was isolated from the fangs and isolates were subcultured to test for oxacillin resistance. Of the sample that was tested a mean of 83.4 x 102 cfu/fang for total counts of S.aureus was found. While 23% of the isolates tested for oxacillin-resistance were oxacillin resistant. Conclusion: Common household spiders can easily act as vectors and a community reservoir for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Significance and Impact of Study: As T.savea and A.ferox have been identified as possible vectors and reservoirs of MRSA; higher levels of control need to be implemented in the monitoring of household spiders in their movements as well as colonization rates of S.aureus. Classifications of MRSA strains is based upon the Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) that the strain carries, however some genetic analyses aren’t able to fully distinguish between SCCmec types and the subtypes due to the complexity of the SCCmec. Thus further analysis of the SCCmec and strains of MRSA needs to be undertaken. This is essential for the control and prevention of the spread of MRSA throughout our community. Keywords: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus • SCCmec • Community- Hospital- Acquired • Tegenaria saeva • Amaurobius ferox
An Improvement in Synchronously Rotating Reference Frame-Based Voltage Sag Detection under Distorted Grid Voltages

This study proposed an improvement in synchronously rotating reference frame-based voltage sag detection under distorted grid voltages. In the past, the conventional synchronously rotating reference frame (CSRRF)-based voltage sag detection was generally used in the voltage sag compensation applications. Its disadvantage is a long delay of detection time. The modified synchronously rotating reference frame (MSRRF)-based voltage sag detection is able to detect the voltage sag with only a short delay in detection time. However, its operation under distorted grid voltage conditions is unavailable. This paper proposed the improvement of modified synchronously rotating reference frame (IMSRRF)-based voltage sag detection for use in distorted grid voltages with very fast operation of voltage sag detection. The operation of the proposed voltage sag detections is investigated via simulations and experimentations to verify the performance of the IMSRRF-based voltage sag detection.
Advancement in Research Techniques on Medical Imaging Processing for Breast Cancer Detection

With the advancement of medical image processing, the area of the healthcare sector has started receiving the benefits of the modern arena of diagnostic tools to identify the diseases effectively. Cancer is one of the dreaded diseases, where success factor of treatment offered by medical sector is still an unsolved problem. Hence, the success factor of the treatment lies in early stage of the disease or timely detection of the disease. This paper discusses about the advancement being made in the medical image processing towards an effective diagnosis of the breast cancer from the mammogram image in radiology. There has been enough research activity with various sorts of advances techniques being implemented in the past decade. The prime contribution of this manuscript is to showcase the advancement of the technology along with illustration of the effectiveness of the existing literatures with respect to research gap.
Mesaverde and Green River shale anisotropies by wavefront folds and interference patterns

Multicomponent seismic acquisition is now considered cen. tral to quality geophysical data processing. The additional information provided by multicomponent data offers an op­ portwtity to assess the nature of anisotropy in the subsurface. One ofthe remarkable effects ofanisotropy on acoustic waves is the possibility of the appearance of folds (triplications) in wavefronts. Fold structures in the propagating wavefronts can have striking effects on the observed field records: (a) Folded wavefronts will give rise to folded structures on field records. (b) At trace locations associated with points where folded wavesurfaces intersect, significant wave energy will concen­ trate. (c) Displays of frequency slices through the field data, will exhibit rings of interference patterns.
Challenges in managing new product introduction projects : An explorative case study

In today’s market conditions, manufacturing companies are under pressure to constantly launch new products or product variants to the market in short intervals. The project management of new product introduction therefore play a significant role in the success of new product development. The existing literature covers a wide range of issues and disturbances in the product introduction process in different industries. However, little research exists on the management of new product introduction projects from a project management perspective especially from the viewpoint of production. Based on a case study at a manufacturing company, this paper examines the challenges in managing new product introduction projects in the production organisation. The study identified nine key challenges in the management of new product introduction projects which are associated to the resources, time-readiness and schedule, gated administration, ways of working, communication and time-sharing, learning, business case, co-ordination and alignment, and competences.
The Value Added Tax and Sales Tax in Ethiopia: A Comparative Overview

This paper appraised and compared concisely the Ethiopian Value added tax (VAT) and Sales Tax. No extensive research has been done in these essential and critical features of the comparison of sales tax with VAT in the Ethiopian context. And this paper aims at comparing both of them by focusing on the general context of tax base, tax rate, the methods applied to implement and administer them based on the proclamations and regulations available for each. Replacing the outdated sales tax, VAT is still the most fashionable taxing system in Ethiopia. The paper revealed that there are some common features and different structures among VAT and sales tax. Both of them are consumption tax and revenue is collected from some entity other than the entity that actually bears the tax cost. While sales tax levied on the total value of an economic exchange, VAT comprehensively applied on all exchanges used in the production, distribution and consumption process. In addition, while sales tax has reduced but no zero rates, VAT has zero rates without reduced rate. As compared to sales tax, VAT contributed positively for the economy of one country if it is implemented and administered appropriately. Otherwise, the problem of sales tax continues in the VAT system too. Key w ords: Value Added Tax, Sales tax, General perception, Comparison, Ethiopia
Study on the Characteristic Oxidative Stability of Plant and Seaweed Lipids : Application to Halal Alternative Ingredients

Title Study on the Characteristic Oxidative Stability of Plant and Seaweed Lipids : Application to Halal Alternative Ingredients [an abstract of dissertation and a summary of dissertation review] Author(s) Noor Yuslida, Binti Hazahari Issue Date 2018-03-22 Doc URL http://hdl.handle. net/2115/70170 Rights(URL) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Type theses (doctoral abstract and summary of review) Additional Information There are other files related to this item in HUSCAP. Check the above URL. File Information NOOR_YUSLIDA_HAZAHARI_abstract. pdf (論文内容の要旨)
Fractal Representations and Core Geometry

Dehaene (2006) has posited that humans possess a set of core geometric abilities regardless of culture, language or education. In this paper, we develop a computational model (called CoreGeo) of core geometric abilities based on a more general theory of fractal analogical reasoning. Fractal analogical reasoning enables the calculation of confidence in an answer and the automatic adjustment of level of resolution if the answer is found to be ambiguous. We present results from running CoreGeo on Dehaene’s test of core geometry problems. We also compare our results with Dehaene’s results from different cultures and show that CoreGeo performs about as well as humans at core geometry tasks. 1. Mathematical Reasoning and the World around Us What is the origin of human mathematical abilities? Does geometry constitute a core set of abilities present in humans, regardless of culture, language or education? Lakoff & Nunez (2000) raised the first of these questions in their analysis of human mathematical abilities from a cognitive science perspective. Their arguments, principally that the embodied mind of humans creates mathematics and therefore it is subject to analysis using cognitive science methodologies, suggest that there may be innate principles in the mind which afford mathematical and geometric reasoning capabilities. Lakoff & Nunez discuss number discrimination in human babies, and in particular look at subitizing (the ability to determine the number of objects presented from a glance), drawing on the work of others (among them, Mandler & Shebo 1982; Trick & Pylyshyn, 1993, 1994), to note that subitizing is not a pattern recognition process. They point to Dehaene & Cohen’s (1994, 1996) work with patients who have suffered injury which prevents them from attending to things in their environment in a serial fashion (and therefore cannot count them), but nonetheless perform limited subitizing. Not unexpectedly, statements such as these, and others made in their book have attracted much criticism to Lakoff & Nunez. For example, Schiralli & Sinclair (2003) appear to take issue with the use of metaphor rather than pattern recognition as the basis of the Lakoff & Nunez argument, citing repeated examples of the derivation of mathematical principles precisely due to the discovery of patterns. Insofar as we are aware, the debate of whether the embodied mind gives rise to mathematics, or whether mathematical principles are otherwise transcendent continues without resolution.
Directional Dual-Band Slot Antenna with Dual-Bandgap High-Impedance-Surface Reflector

A compact dual-band high-impedance-surface EBG struc- ture is employed as a re∞ector for a dual-band annular-slot antenna. The re∞ector comprises an array of miniaturized EBG cells which uti- lizes square patches augmented by four S-shaped corrugated arms to reduce the resonant frequency of the proposed EBG structure. In or- der to broaden the bandwidth and adjust the frequency ratio for the dual-band EBG structure, a log-periodic spacing between the S-shaped strips is introduced. The combination of microstrip-fed annular slot and EBG re∞ector provides directional properties for both frequency bands with reduced size and low-proflle.
Correlating aluminium toxicity, heterosis and epigenetic mechanisms in maize yield improvement in acid soils

Overuse of inorganic fertilizers have contributed to an increase in soil acidity in global arable land and consequently caused an increase in Aluminium ion (Al3+) toxicity and a reduction of crop yield of between 30-50% in developing countries. Studies show that Al3+ toxicity inhibits cell division in the root tip meristem in sensitive plants even at micromolar concentrations. Applications of lime, manure and compost are some of the most common methods used to overcome the impact of Al3+ toxicity. Other studies have identified natural variation for the multigenic Al3+ tolerance trait in many crop species and can be utilized in crop improvement. This review highlights a search for a clearer understanding of the molecular basis for Aluminium ion toxicity by correlating heterosis and epigenetic mechanisms like DNA Cytosine methylation in inbred and reciprocal maize hybrids crosses. Several recent studies indicated that the global differential gene expression regulated by epigenetic mechanisms between hybrids and parental inbred lines can potentially contribute to heterosis in maize. Key words: Maize, heterosis, tolerance, epigenetics, aluminium ion toxicity.
Short term effects of chicken manure application on soil physicochemical properties cropped with silage maize

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the short-term effect of chicken manure on soil properties of cultivated horizon (0-20 cm) under silage maize. The field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design. In total, twelve plots were arranged; it consisted of four treatments and three repetitions. Applied treatments included a control (C) and spreading of chicken manure at 5 t / ha (T1), 10 t / ha (T2) and 15 t / ha (T3). The results obtained showed that the application of chicken manure improves several soil properties. It induced a significant increase in the soil electrical conductivity (EC), the phosphorus and nitrates content (NO3-) depending on the amount applied. A slight acidification was recorded after manure application. This acidification is probably due to mineralization of organic matter activated after incorporation of manure into the soil. Trends of increasing soil organic matter (OM) were registered. Its contents ranged from 4.60%, 5.65%, 5.57% and 5.66% for C, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The total nitrogen and potassium content were higher after application without marking a significant difference. The nitrogen contents varied from 0.20 to 0.23% and those of potassium from 277 to 350 ppm. The production of corn silage was significantly higher in plots (T3), with a production of 17.8 t/ ha. For other treatments, production has not registered a significant difference. They ranged from 10.7 to 13.4 ton per hectare.
GENETIC AND BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON AMINO ACID COMPOSITIONS AND COLOR MANIFESTATION IN PUPAL SHEATHS OF INSECTS

Previously we (Seki 1962, Fukushi and Seki 1965) established the relationship between the pupal color of Bombyx mori, Drosophila virilis and Musca domestica and the content of β-alanine in their pupal sheaths. Further information was added to the correlation between color manifestation and β-alanine in the pupal sheaths of insects.1. In the pupal sheath of the wild type strain of Drosophila melanogaster, β-alanine was found. But β-alanine was absent in pupal sheaths of strains of black adult body color mutants like b and e, although their pupal colors were not black.2. The content of β-alanine in pupal sheaths of Musca and Drosophila strains, whose adult body colors are paler than those of the wild strains, is higher than in those of the wild type strains.3. A double mutant, bwb; bp, of M. domestics, shows yellowish-brown body color in the adult and the pupal color is dark black. From the pupal sheath of this strain, a small amount of β-alanine was detected. 4. A phenocopy of the wild type pupal sheath of M. domestica was obtained by rearing larvae of the bp mutant in β-alanine-containing medium at the 4th-day larval stage. Pupal colors of the phenocopy individuals ranged from black to the brown of wild type. A clear correlation was recognized between the grade of color of the phenocopy pupae and the content of β-alanine in the pupal sheaths.5. By means of reflux and proteinase digestion, a small amount of β-alanine was liberated from the pupal sheath of the wild type strain, but its solubilization behavior was different from that of other amino acids.6. In the wild type strain of Musca, free β-alanine in the body fluid rapidly increased at the very young pupal stage, but such a phenomenon was not observed in the bp mutant.
Carbon isotope fractionation by a marine diatom: Dependence on the growth rate limiting resource

The large temporal and spatial variability in carbon isotope fractionation of marine phytoplankton (e p) is thought to reflect differences in environmental conditions. Meaningful interpretation of this variability requires an understanding of the processes responsible for phytoplankton isotope fractionation. While numerous factors have been suggested to potentially influence e p, recent theoretical and experimental evidence has emphasized the primary role of phytoplankton growth rate (µ) and CO2 concentration ([CO2aq]) in controlling e p. Experimental examination of the relationship of e p with µ and [CO2aq] in studies using different experimental approaches, however, has yielded inconsistent results. Here we directly compare new and previously published data on e p as a function of CO2 concentration and growth rate for the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. When grown under nitrogen-deficient conditions (nitrate-limited chemostat), e p of P. tricornutum decreases with increasing growth rate. In contrast, under N-replete conditions e p values are considerably lower at comparable growth rates and CO2 concentrations and are largely insensitive to a 3-fold increase in growth rate due to increasing photon flux density. In both experimental approaches, e p shows a relatively small CO2 sensitivity in the range of CO2 concentrations naturally occurring in the ocean (8 to 25 µmol kg-1). Below ca 5 µmol CO2 kg-1, a strong decline in e p with decreasing [CO2aq] is observed. The apparent difference in e p responses between nitrate-limited and light-controlled cultures of P. tricornutum suggests a principal difference in carbon acquisition for different growth-rate-limiting resources. A mechanistic explanation is proposed and potential implications for the interpretation of phytoplankton carbon isotope fractionation are discussed.
PREDICTION OF SEVERITIES OF BUGS WITH LEVELS AND TYPES OF INHERITANCE

Past researches have attributed level of inheritance as major contributor of effectiveness in prediction of severities of bugs. This research initially attempts to correlate effectiveness of prediction of severities of bugs with levels of inheritance. This research also attempts to take a step further by correlating the prediction of severities of bugs with types of inheritance as well. This present research has considered different levels of inheritance and has established a correlation framework for severities of bugs (non trivial bugs, major bugs, and critical bugs) with types and levels of inheritance.
High step‐up interleaved boost converter utilising stacked half‐bridge rectifier configuration

This paper proposes a solution to complement the insufficient voltage gain and voltage stress distribution of classical interleaved boost converter in high step-up application. An interleaved converter integrating coupled inductor and voltage multiplier cell, which provides an additional voltage gain is proposed. By stacking the secondary side of the interleaved coupled inductor to its primary side, a high step-up voltage gain and distributed voltage stress are realised. Low-voltage rated devices ultimately reduce the conduction losses. The principle of operation and the performance characteristic of the converter are presented and verified by an experimental prototype of 140 W, 12 V input, and 120 V output.
Tracking Wetland Restoration: Do Mitigation Sites Follow Desired Trajectories?

Hypothetical models in the scientific literature suggest that ecosystem restoration and creation sites follow a smooth path of development (called a trajectory), rapidly matching natural reference sites (the target). Multi‐million‐dollar mitigation agreements have been based on the expectation that damages to habitat will be compensated within 5–10 years, and monitoring periods have been set accordingly. Our San Diego Bay study site, the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, has one of the longest and most detailed records of habitat development at a mitigation site: data on soil organic matter, soil nitrogen, plant growth, and plant canopies for up to 10 years from a 12‐year‐old site. High interannual variation and lack of directional changes indicate little chance that targets will be reached in the near future. Other papers perpetuate the trajectory model, despite data that corroborate our findings. After reviewing “trajectory models” and presenting our comprehensive data for the first time, we suggest alternative management and mitigation policies.