Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defect energies of graphite: Density-functional calculations

The energies of point defects in graphite have been calculated from first principles. The various interplane interstitial configurations are found to have a wider range of energies than in some earlier calculations, implying a larger interstitial migration energy than previously expected $(g1.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV})$. Interplane interstitials are found to be stabilized by a shear of one graphite plane with respect to its neighbors, as this allows the interstitial to bond to three or four atoms in two planes in the ylid and spiro configurations. The minimum interstitial formation energy in sheared graphite is only $5.3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ compared to $6.3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ in perfect graphite. Such interstitials form a strongly bound vacancy-interstitial pair with a formation energy of only $10.2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$. The formation energy of a single vacancy is $7.6\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$. The formation energy and the activation barrier of the Stone-Wales defect in a single layer of graphite were also calculated.
Basin scale survey of marine humic fluorescence in the Atlantic: Relationship to iron solubility and H2O2

Iron (Fe) is a limiting nutrient for phytoplankton productivity in many different oceanic regions. A critical aspect underlying iron limitation is its low solubility in seawater as this controls the distribution and transport of iron through the ocean. Processes which enhance the solubility of iron in seawater, either through redox reactions or organic complexation, are central to understanding the biogeochemical cycling of iron. In this work we combined iron solubility measurements with parallel factor (PARAFAC) data analysis of Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) fluorescence along a meridional transect through the Atlantic (PS ANT XXVI‐4) to examine the hypothesis that marine humic fluorescence is a potential proxy for iron solubility in the surface ocean. PARAFAC analysis revealed 4 components (C1‐4), two humic like substances (C2&4) and two protein‐like (C1&3). Overall none of the 4 components were significantly correlated with iron solubility, though humic‐like components were weakly correlated with iron solubility in iron replete waters. Our analysis suggests that the ligands responsible for maintaining iron in solution in the euphotic zone are sourced from both remineralisation processes and specific ligands produced in response to iron stress and are not easily related to bulk CDOM properties. The humic fluorescence signal was sharply attenuated in surface waters presumably most likely due to photo bleaching, though there was only a weak correlation with the transient photo product H2O2, suggesting longer lifetimes in the photic zone for the fluorescent components identified here.
APPLYING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SOIL INFORMATION TO ESTIMATE AVAILABLE WATER CAPACITY

Soil available water capacity (AWC) plays an important role in soil and water resource management, and is time-consuming and expensive to measure over large areas. AWC is often predicted with pedotransfer functions (PTFs) using easily measured soil properties (e.g., texture, bulk density and organic matter content). This study investigated the effectiveness of using neural network based-ROSETTA PTF to estimate AWC from four hierarchical levels of soil information: textural class (R1), texture (R2), texture and bulk density (R3), texture, bulk density, and water content at -33 kPa (θ-33) and -1500 kPa (θ-1500) (θ-33 and θ-1500 derived from Gupta-Larson PTF) (R4). A comprehensive dataset containing 58 soil samples collected from eastern China were used for evaluation. Results show that all the ROSETTA models except R1 estimate reliably the AWC. R2 and R3 produce similar estimates, both of which have only slightly poorer performance than R4. In this case soil texture is considered to be the most important soil property influencing AWC, making negligible the effects of the bulk density and organic matter content. It can be concluded that measuring soil texture as inputs for ROSETTA is the most affordable and reasonable approach to predict AWC in the study area.
Characterization of phytoplankton seed banks in the sediments of a drinking water reservoir

Abstract The presence, abundance, and composition of algal and cyanobacterial populations in lake sediments were evaluated in Lake St. Charles (Quebec City, Canada), an urban drinking water reservoir. This water body has recently experienced cyanobacterial blooms, and we tested the hypothesis that a seed population of noxious taxa that could potentially re-inoculate the water column was present in the lake sediments. Cores were obtained from 8 sites spanning a range of depth and sediment conditions in both basins of the lake; sampling was from May to October over 2 years. Three techniques were applied: observation of the surficial sediments by epifluorescence microscopy; pigment analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); and laboratory enrichment culture of sediment samples under different light, temperature, and nutrient conditions. These analyses revealed the presence of diverse phytoplankton pigments and fluorescent cells in the sediments, with a predominance of diatoms along with dinoflagellates, chrysophytes, chlorophytes, euglenophytes, and cryptophytes. Growth of benthic filamentous cyanobacteria was induced from the sediments during the incubations, but bloom-forming genera that occurred in the lake such as Anabaena and Microcystis were not detected in any of the sediments, either before or after incubation. These observations imply that the episodic blooms of cyanobacteria in Lake St. Charles were not derived from an abundant seed population distributed throughout the surficial sediments of the lake. Alternative inoculum sources may include localized populations in sediments at sites that were not sampled in the present study, cyanobacteria that may enter via the inflows, or holoplanktonic populations that persist in the water column at low cell concentrations.
Isochrony and accuracy of drawing movements in children: Effects of age and context

Graphomotor skills involves coordinated participation of perceptual, cognitive and motor mechanisms. Our interest is related to children's ability to draw circles of different sizes in an increasing order (the seriation task). Two additional control tasks have also been realized, the first one with the circles in a random order, the second one with the circles assembled in such a way that they represent a bear. We have studied children from 5 to 9 years and adults. The major results for the seriation task are the following: model sizes have always been underestimated (highest underestimation at 7 years, lowest at 9 years). Mean size increment decreased between 5 and 8 years and increased between 8 and 9 years. The average velocity decrease between 5 and 7 years, followed by a regular increase between 7 and 9 years, the lowest average velocity at 7 years, the highest at 5 years. Whereas the 5-year-old children (like adults) execute the task by means of an automatized mode of functioning (highest velocity, low size accuracy, best circle size increment value, optimal covariation size-velocity, but also highest variability), children from 6 to 9 years are using a controlled mode of functioning (increasing size accuracy, low velocity, reduced size increment, slightly reduced covariation size-velocity, but decreasing variability).
The Separation of Banking from Insurance: Evidence from Europe

The European market of banks and insurance companies has traditionally no exact boundaries between insurance and banking activities. Such business arena poses distinctive challenges to both banking and insurance industries. The paper statistically evaluates the feasibility of a hybrid portfolio integrating banking and insurance services. It examines the risk-return effects of European banks’ diversification into life and non-life insurance underwriting, as well as into insurance broking businesses. More specifically, it focuses on financial data and analyzes changes in profitability, return volatility and creditworthiness of those financial institutions. The empirical results indicate that diversification by European banks into life and non-life insurance underwriting activities increases banks’ risk. Unlike the non-life insurance sector, the return on life assurance underwriting increases significantly. On the other hand, insurance broking returns increase as well, while volatility and possible bankruptcy remain insignificant. This suggests that the interface of banks and insurance broking activities could be further explored.
Effect of Water Quality and Deficit Irrigation on Tomatoes Yield and Quality in Ethiopia: A Review

Tomato is one of the vegetable crops of worldwide demand because of its various purposes including nutritional and medicinal values. It produced in Ethiopia largely for domestic consumption by small scale farmers and private producers. Tomato production and productivity affected by biotic and abiotic factors. Water quality and deficit irrigation has been considered as factor in its production, yield and quality as reported by many authors worldwide. Salinity, toxicity of heavy metals, and presence of organic matters are some concern of water quality. Irrigation management practices such as amount, time of application and frequency affected tomatoes yield and quality. Hence, based on reports of scientific findings, effects of these two factors reviewed in this paper for further information provision. Keyword s : water quality, irrigation deficit, tomato
The Emergence of a Blended Online Learning Environment

This paper is based on an ongoing research program examining the implementation of instructional design and technology in university teaching as well as in faculty migration from a distance education design model to an online learning design model. The purpose of this paper is to substantiate an emerging online learning trend termed blended online learning, based on a synthesis of existing research and new findings from a three-year, multi-case study. Blended online learning, as defined here, was borne out of an intensive, iterative cycle of rapid prototyping-based design research and is seen as a combination of both blended learning and online learning, i.e. the simultaneous and complimentary integration and implementation of an asynchronous-mode learning environment (i.e. a learning management system, or LMS) and a synchronous desktop conferencing environment (i.e. a virtual classroom). Previous research by the author defined the context, parameters and methodology of this study and identified specific design problems encountered by faculty when designing and developing courses for off-campus outreach. This paper takes a step back and observes how distance education as a field is losing impetus as online learning is gaining momentum.
A Method Based on Combination Operation of Detecting Harmonic in Unbalanced Power System

Aiming at defects of traditional harmonic detection in three-phase unbalanced condition, an improved ip-iq detecting method is proposed based on instantaneous reactive power theory. When power grid voltage unbalanced or voltage distortion, through coordinate transformation, trigonometric transforming and combination operation of the three-phase voltage, the fundamental positive sequence voltage is extracted, and the average filter string into the low pass filter (LPF) to reduce the ripples in fundamental positive sequence current. The improved method is more accurate and quick than traditional ip-iq detecting method when extracting positive sequence fundamental voltage, detecting the negative sequence current of power grid and harmonic reactive current, significantly to reduce THD of fundamental positive sequence current and the detection error caused by unbalance and distortion voltage. Simulative results verify the correctness and validity of theoretical analysis.
Volatility Transmission and Spillovers among Gold, Bonds and Stocks: An Empirical Evidence from Turkey

This paper examines the volatility transmission mechanisms bivariately, between gold prices and alternatively, Turkish stock market and government bond indices. We employ the BEKK-GARCH model for evaluating the volatility linkages, as a robust technique. We investigate the period between June 2006 and November 2013, which infact, is a highly volatile period in the world economy, marked by the 2008 crisis. Our results confirm a bi-directional shock and volatility transmission between gold prices and Turkish stock market, whereas we document a uni-directional transmission from gold asset to Turkish government bonds. Based upon our BEKK-GARCH model corollaries, we design two hedged portfolios consisting of gold/stocks and gold/bonds. The optimal portfolio weights and hedge ratios are computed to signify that adding a portion of gold in bond and stock portfolios, enhances investment efficiency. Our empirical findings depict gold as a unique asset to reduce the portfolio risk especially in times of adverse market conditions in Turkey. Thus, our study conveys significant implications to international investors and portfolio managers in portfolio diversification and risk management.
A SCIENTIFIC NO2 PRODUCT FROM SCIAMACHY: FIRST RESULTS AND VALIDATION

A scientific NO2 retrieval developed at the University of Bremen was applied to all available SCIAMACHY nadir spectra from August 2002 to May 2004. The NO2 columns show the expected seasonal, latitudinal and regional variations and a good internal consistency. The precision of the individual measurements was assessed by analyzing the scatter of the results within certain areas and an excellent standard deviation of below 3x10 14 molec cm -2 was found. Comparison of the SCIAMACHY columns with measurements from the German DOAS and FTS validation network shows very good agreement with the exception of high latitudes in summer, where a systematic under- estimation is apparent and polluted sites, where the different sensitivity of the measurement systems to tropospheric absorptions plays a role.
Screening of microbial culture filtrates, plant extracts and fungicides for control of mango anthracnose.

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) induces losses of up to 40% in most mango growing regions in Colombia. A series of exploratory experiments were carried out to evaluate 14 potentially antagonistic microorganisms, six plant extracts and 10 fungicides for disease control based on their ability to inhibit spore germination, mycelium growth and development of symptoms on detached fruits. In vitro experiments showed that spore germination of C. gloeosporioides was strongly inhibited (P≤0.0001) by all microbial culture filtrates, all fungicides and two plant extracts, suggesting that some of these treatments may hold promise for disease control. Similarly, all microbial filtrates, most fungicides and two plant extracts caused a significant (P≤0.0001) inhibition in mycelium growth of the pathogen. Results from this study indicated small effects of fungicides or plant extracts on anthracnose development on inoculated fruits, while microbial filtrates induced a significant reduction (P≤0.05) in lesion size. These results are very promising since current control practices rely on fungicides or costly physical treatments.
Faint AGNs at z > 4 in the CANDELS GOODS-S field: looking for contributors to the reionization of the Universe

Context. Establishing the number of faint active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at z = 4-6 is crucial to understanding their cosmological importance as main contributors to the reionization of the Universe. Aims. In order to derive the AGN contribution to the cosmological ionizing emissivity we have selected faint AGN candidates at z \textgreater 4 in the CANDELS GOODS-South field, which is one of the deepest fields with extensive multiwavelength coverage from Chandra, HST, Spitzer, and various ground-based telescopes. Methods. We have adopted a relatively novel criterion. As a first step, high redshift galaxies are selected in the NIR H band down to very faint levels (H \textless= 27) using reliable photometric redshifts. At z \textgreater 4 this corresponds to a selection criterion based on the galaxy rest-frame UV flux. AGN candidates are then picked up from this parent sample if they show X-ray fluxes above a threshold of F-X similar to 1.5 x 10(-17) erg cm(-2) s(-1) (0.5-2 keV), corresponding to a probability of spurious detections of 2 x 10(-4) in the deep X-ray 4 Ms Chandra image. Results. We have found 22 AGN candidates at z \textgreater 4 and we have derived the first estimate of the UV luminosity function in the redshift interval 4 \textless z \textless 6.5 and absolute magnitude interval -22.5 less than or similar to M-1450 less than or similar to -18.5 typical of local Seyfert galaxies. The faint end of the derived luminosity function is about two to four magnitudes fainter at z similar to 4-6 than that derived from previous UV surveys. We estimated ionizing emissivities and hydrogen photoionization rates in the same redshift interval under reasonable assumptions and after discussion of possible caveats, the most important being the large uncertainties involved in the estimate of photometric redshift for sources with featureless, almost power-law SEDs and/or low average escape fraction of ionizing photons from the AGN host galaxies. Both effects could, in principle, significantly reduce the estimated average volume densities and/or ionizing emissivities, especially at the highest redshifts. Conclusions. At z = 4-6.5 we argue that, under reasonable evaluations of possible biases, the probed AGN population can produce photoionization rates consistent with that required to keep the intergalactic medium observed in the Lyman-alpha forest of high redshift QSO spectra highly ionized, providing an important contribution to the cosmic reionization.
An Alternative Approach to the Robust Inventory Control Problem

The robust inventory control problem was proposed and solved by Bertsimas and Thiele (2006). Their results are very interesting in that the problem can be solved easily and also the solution possesses nice properties of those found in the traditional stochastic inventory control problem. However, their formulation is shown to be incorrect, which invalidates all of the results given there. In this paper, we propose an alternative formulation of the problem which uses a different but practically applicable uncertainty set. Under the newly proposed model, all of the useful properties given in Bertsimas and Thiele (2006) will be shown to be valid.
UNDERSTANDING PREMARITAL SEXUAL ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR: THEORITICAL AND EMPIRICAL CONTEXTS

Sexual activity among teenage populations has tended to increase as indicated by a decrease in the age at the first intercourse and the increasing proportion of sexually active teenagers (Forrest and Singh, 1990; Hofferth et al., 1987). Sexually active adolescents are faced by pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease problems because they are usually not protected. They do not know enough about the consequences of their sexual activities nor are they often aware of the range of contraceptive methods available as a means of protection. Alternatively, they may know that there are a lot of contraceptive methods but they do not have access because of societal control. The lack of accessibility seems to influence the knowledge of the contraception use.
A Log-Density Estimation Methodology Applicable to Massive Bivariate Data

First, it is shown that a univariate bona fide density approximation can be obtained by assuming that the derivative of the logarithm of the density function under consideration is expressible as a rational function or a polynomial. Then, the density function of a bivariate continuous random vector is approximated by standardizing it and applying a polynomial adjustment to the product of the density approximants of the marginal distributions. As well, it is explained that this approach can easily be extended to the estimation of density functions. For illustrative purposes, the proposed methodology is applied to several datasets. Since this technique is solely based on sample moments, it readily lends itself to the modeling of large datasets.
INVESTIGATION OF HYDROTHERMAL PLASTICIZATION PROCESS WITH CONVECTIVE AND DIELECTRIC HEATING

In this paper time needed for convectional and dielectric heating of wood samples to the desired plasticizing temperature was experimentally determined. The temperature was measured using a contactless infrared thermometer on the surface of samples and after their splitting in the spatial center of gravity. The same temperature of the samples was achieved by dielectric heating using microwave radiation six times faster than steaming within convection. Both methods of heating have caused moisture reduction of samples. In the case of microwave heating, the decrease in moisture content was twice as much as steaming. In the second part of this study mechanical properties of samples in a plastic and reference state were measured. The samples were tested in a static three-point bend. The results did not confirm statistically significant effect of heating methods on the degree of wood plasticity. Comparison of the mechanical properties of plastic and reference samples showed the expected large drop due to increased temperature and high moisture content. Test samples were made from beech (Fagus sylvatica L.).
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Perception on The Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment

Corporate social responsibility activities influence the stakeholders in the first place, hence the employees, one of the vital stakeholders of the organizations. Social responsibility activities can have a direct effect on the job satisfaction and organizational commitment of employees. This paper investigates the employees’ perception on corporate social responsibility, and examines the effect of this perception on organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Hence, the individual factors that have an impact on this perception, namely gender, age, education level, the hierarchical position in the organization, the working time and the participation to the company’s social responsibility projects, are considered. The data collection is through a survey conducted among the employees of Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corporation (TUPRAS), the third most profitable and the largest private firm quoted to the Borsa Istanbul. From the findings obtained through chi square, t-test and ANOVA, one can observe an insignificant relation between organizational commitment and job satisfaction, and perceptions of corporate social responsibilities.