Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbiological and Enzymatic Activity of Soil after Pollution with Fluorine

The objective of this research has been to determine the impact of soil contamination with fluorine, including the concomitant application of substances neutralizing this pollution, on counts of actinomyces, fungi, and copiotrophic bacteria, and on the activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, grease, and dehydrogenase. The research was based on two pot experiments, both conducted in 2009 in a greenhouse at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland. One experiment involved winter oilseed rape, while the other was performed on maize followed by yellow lupine. The following factors were included in both experiments: I) increasing doses of fluorine in the form of potassium fluoride (0, 100, 200, 300 mgF·kg -1 of soil) II) substances neutralizing soil pollution with fluorine: lime, in a dose corresponding to 1 Hh of soil, charcoal, and loam – both in amounts equal to 3% of the soil mass per pot. The biological activity of soil was assayed after harvesting winter oilseed rape (BBCH 69) and yellow lupine (BBCH 69). It has been demonstrated that low doses of fluorine (from 100 to 200 mgF·kg -1 of soil) had a positive influence on counts of the analyzed microorganisms and on the activity of the examined soil enzymes. Under the influence of such low amounts of fluorine, the number of actinomyces and the activity of urease increased in soil tested after the harvest of winter rape and yellow lupine, the latter being a catch crop sown after maize. The neutralizing substances had a much better effect on counts of the analyzed microorganisms than on the activity of soil enzymes. The counts of actinomyces and copitrophic bacteria were positively affected by all the substances added to soil, as compared to the control treatments. With respect to fungi, these microorganisms responded positively only to the application of charcoal and loam to soil cropped with yellow lupine. In general, the tested substances had a beneficial influence on the activity of acid phosphatase and urease. As regards the activity of alkaline phosphatase, it was adversely affected by the neutralizing substances. The residual effect of fluorine on counts of the analyzed microorganisms and activity of the soil enzymes was milder in the soil sampled after the harvest of yellow lupine, which seems to indicate that fluorine loses its toxic properties with time.
Committee Independence and Financial Institution Performance During the 2007–08 Credit Crunch: Evidence from a Multi‐Country Study

Manuscript Type: Empirical. Research Question/Issue: Using the data of the 20 largest financial institutions from G8 countries, we explore whether the performance is higher for financial institutions with more independent directors on different committees during the 2007–08 financial crisis. We also examine the moderating effect of a country‐level civil law dummy and firm‐level excessive risk‐taking behaviors on the independence‐performance relationships. Research Findings/Insights: The empirical evidence shows that the performance during the crisis period is higher for financial institutions with more independent directors on auditing and risk committees. The influence of committee independence on the performance is particularly stronger for civil law countries. In addition, the independence‐performance relationships are more significant in financial institutions with excessive risk‐taking behaviors. Theoretical/Academic Implications: Our findings complement existing works to partially resolve the independence‐performance relationship controversies by exploring the independence of different committees. The moderating effects of civil law countries and excessive risk‐taking firms further address the governance environment's role in the effectiveness of director independence. Practitioner/Policy Implications: Our results provide important policy implications for financial institutions. The regulation authorities should enhance regulation compliance to improve director independence, particularly for auditing and risk committees in banking industry. Independent directors in the banking industry are supposed to put more emphasis on excessive risk‐taking behaviors, as the financial institutions profit from risk‐bearing earnings.
Teaching an old dog new tricks: Improved estimation of the parameters of SDEs by numerical solution of the Fokker-Planck equation

Many stochastic differential equations (SDEs) do not have readily available closed-form expressions for their transitional probability density functions (PDFs). As a result, a large number of competing estimation approaches have been proposed in order to obtain maximum-likelihood estimates of their parameters. Arguably the most straightforward of these is one in which the required estimates of the transitional PDF are obtained by numerical solution of the Fokker-Planck (or forward-Kolmogorov) partial differential equation. Despite the fact that this method produces accurate estimates and is completely generic, it has not proved popular in the applied literature. Perhaps this is attributable to the fact that this approach requires repeated solution of a parabolic partial differential equation to obtain the transitional PDF and is therefore computationally quite expensive. In this paper, three avenues for improving the reliability and speed of this estimation method are introduced and explored in the context of estimating the parameters of the popular Cox-Ingersoll-Ross and Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models. The recommended algorithm that emerges from this investigation is seen to offer substantial gains in reliability and computational time.
SMS Texting and Its Potential Impacts on Students' Written Communication Skills

This article seeks to examine the transformative impact of SMS text messaging on student written communication skills. Using the survey method, the article examines how pervasive the use of SMS texting is among polytechnic students; its possible effects on students’ writing skills; and, what lecturers and students themselves think about the phenomenon. Based on responses from survey participants, the article argues that even though mobile phones are handy ICTs for harnessing and disseminating information, they could have their dark side too: the SMS text messaging function could heighten the tendency among students to adopt non-standard uses and contracted forms of English words in their classwork, examinations and research reports especially in an academic environment where English is the L2 of most students.
Performance of the Enhanced Vegetation Index to Detect Inner-annual Dry Season and Drought Impacts on Amazon Forest Canopies

The Amazon rainforests represent the largest connected forested area in the tropics and play an integral role in the global carbon cycle. In the last years the discussion about their phenology and response to drought has intensified. A recent study argued that seasonality in greenness expressed as Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) is an artifact of variations in sun-sensor geometry throughout the year. We aimed to reproduce these results with the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MCD43 product suite, which allows modeling the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and keeping sun-sensor geometry constant. The derived BRDF-adjusted EVI was spatially aggregated over large areas of central Amazon forests. The resulting time series of EVI spanning the 2000-2013 period contained distinct seasonal patterns with peak values at the onset of the dry season, but also followed the same pattern of sun geometry expressed as Solar Zenith Angle (SZA). Additionally, we assessed EVI’s sensitivity to precipitation anomalies. For that we compared BRDF-adjusted EVI dry season anomalies to two drought indices (Maximum Cumulative Water Deficit, Standardized Precipitation Index). This analysis covered the whole of Amazonia and data from the years 2000 to 2013. The results showed no meaningful connection between EVI anomalies and drought. This is in contrast to other studies that investigate the drought impact on EVI and forest photosynthetic capacity. The results from both sub-analyses question the predictive power of EVI for large scale assessments of forest ecosystem functioning in Amazonia. Based on the presented results, we recommend a careful evaluation of the EVI for applications in tropical forests, including rigorous validation supported by ground plots.
SHETRAN: Distributed River Basin Flow and Transport Modeling System

Physically based spatially distributed (PBSD) river basin models have been available for over 10 years. One of their strengths lies in the way the surface and subsurface are represented as coupled parts of a whole, giving ground-water flows that are controlled by such factors as realistic surface saturation and infiltration, and surface conditions that are controlled by realistic groundwater levels, discharges, and so forth. PBSD sed- iment and solute transport models can be integrated into PBSD river basin modeling systems, and the integrated systems are powerful tools for studying the environmental impacts associated with land erosion, pollution, and the effects of changes in land use and climate, and also in studying surface-water and ground-water resources and their management. SHETRAN takes PBSD river basin modeling a step further, in that multifraction sediment transport and multiple, reactive solute transport are handled within a single system, fully coupled to water flow, and the subsurface is modeled as a fully 3D variably saturated heterogeneous medium. SHETRAN therefore has a substantial capability for addressing environmental and water resources problems that span the traditional disciplines of river basin and ground-water modeling.
Fundamental asphalt mixtures characteristics regarding permanent deformation resistance

As an addition to Superpave® volumetric mixture design method, three, so called, SPT tests are proposed. These tests include determination of dynamic modulus, repeated load permanent deformation test, and static load permanent deformation test. The objective of the testing is to get better insight into field mixture performance. Each of these tests is carried out in uniaxial or triaxial compression of cylindrical specimens obtained by preparation of gyratory compacted specimens. In case of dynamic modulus, a potential of its application for characterisation of fatigue cracking is noticed. As the original version of the test, that also included testing at low temperatures, was found complicated to perform, a procedure was developed by which testing at these temperatures could be avoided. Dynamic modulus is also main material input parameter in mechanistic-empirical pavement design approach developed in NCHRP Project 1-37A. Finally, application of these tests provides a potential link between mixture design and structural analysis, that was an underlying goal of substantial amount of past flexible pavement researches.
Cause Analysis and Coping Approaches towards Job Burnout of College Counselors Based on Psychological Contract Theory

College counselor is one of the hit groups for job burnout, which directly harms psychological health and the college education quality. Based on localized psychological contract theory, the author analyzes four aspects: normative obligation: ambiguity in duty boundaries and non-identity in financial return; interpersonal obligation: lack of necessary interpersonal support and humanistic care; developmental obligation: obscurity in career development and limit of promotion; lack of effective interaction and humanistic care. It comes to a conclusion that psychological contract violation is the main cause to job burnout of college counselors. Therefore, colleges must take certain intervening measures to relieve job burnout of college counselors, such as making duty boundaries explicit and improving the performance evaluation; providing effective and on-going coaching and development, standardizing the career planning and affording honor motivation; creating the atmosphere of respect, opening communication channels and affording emotional stimulus.
Isotope characterisation of deep aquifers in the Gwda catchment, northern Poland

Abstract We present the results of isotope measurements (δ18O, δ D, δ13CDIC and 14C) and chemical analyses (TDS, TOC, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+ Na+ and K+) conducted on groundwater samples collected from deep Cenozoic aquifers. These aquifers are the basic source of drinking water at numerous localities within the study area in northern Poland. Most of the δ18O determinations are characterised by low variability (i.e., > 70 per cent of δ18O are between -9.5‰ and -9.2‰). In most cases tritium activity was not detected or its content slightly exceeded the uncertainty of measurement (from ±0.3 T.U. to ± 0.5 T.U.). On average, 14C activity is twice higher than that under similar conditions and in hydrogeological systems. The δ13CDIC values fall within the -13.6‰ to -12.8‰ range. A slight variability is observed when considering all isotope and chemical data within the study area and under these hydrogeological conditions. In general, the results of isotope and chemical analyses seem to be homogeneous, indicating the presence of closely similar groundwaters in the system, irrespective of geological formation. It is likely that there is a significant hydraulic connection between shallow and deep aquifers in the Gwda catchment, which indicates the potential for seepage of pollutants from shallow Pleistocene to deep Miocene aquifers. This can endanger the latter by e.g., high concentrations of NO3-, SO42- and Cl- ions from shallow aquifers within the Gwda catchment.
Examination of Shape Error of Outer Cylindrical Surfaces Machined by Environmentally Friendly Way

The paper deals with experimental examination of the machining of the cylindrical workpieces. The purpose of this paper was to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the relation between cutting data (cutting speed, feed rate), parameters of coolants and lubricants (viscosity, volume per minute), and error of machined cylindrical workpiece in terms of peak to valley cylindricity deviation, peak to reference cylindricity deviation, and reference to valley cylindricity deviation during “outer boring” with a carbide insert in AISI 1045 steel. Full factorial experiment design was used in the study. The kinematics and rigidity of the machining examined here differs from the usual machining. In our study, the cylindrical workpiece is standing on the milling machine, and a cutting tool having single point cutting edge makes the rotating movement and the feed as well. Our aim is to determine empirical expressions between the technological parameters set at machining and the geometrical shapes error. Based on the examinations, the appropriate parameter combination can be selected.
ANALYSIS OF THERMOXIDATION KINETICS OF MILK FAT ANÁLISIS DE LAS CINÉTICAS DE TERMOXIDACIÓN DE GRASA BOVINA

The thermoxidation of four different milk fat samples was studied using isoconversional method. The milk samples contained different ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids of 0.7, 0.86, and 1.36 (MF1, MF2, and MF3, respectively), and a hydrolyzed milk fat sample (90% free fatty acids) with a ratio of 1.40 (MF4). The thermoxidation has been conducted under non-isothermal oxidation from 380 to 520K using five different heating rates (3, 6, 9, 12and 15 K min−1). The Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) method was used to calculate the activation energy as a function of the extend of themroxidation. The obtained dependencies were interpreted in terms of oxidation mechanisms. The activation energy values were 100.10, 84.53, 80.41, and 121.44 kJ mol−1 for MF1, MF2, MF3, and MF4, respectively. The ther oxidaiton of milk fat in the form of triacylglycerol was best described by Avrami-Erofeev model (A3), while the thermoxidation of free fatty acids was described by a frist-order model (F1). The calculated kinetic triplet were used to simulate the thermoxidation of milk fat and showed good agreement with the experimental data.
Photoluminescence features and carrier dynamics in InGaN heterostructures with wide staircase interlayers and differently shaped quantum wells

We present a comprehensive study of photoexcited carrier dynamics in differently grown InGaN/InGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) structures, modified by insertion of a wide interlayer structure and subsequent growth of differently shaped quantum wells (rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal). This approach of strain management allowed the reduction of dislocation density due to gradually increasing In content in the interlayer and shaping the smooth quantum well/barrier interfaces. A set of c-oriented MQW structures emitting at 470 nm were grown at Vilnius University, Institute of Applied Research, using a closed coupled showerhead type MOCVD reactor. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of MQW structures were analysed combining continuous wave and pulsed PL measurements. Reactive ion etching of the structures enabled discrimination of PL signals originated in the InGaN interlayer structure, underlying quantum wells, and quantum barriers, thus providing growth-related conditions for enhanced carrier localization in the wells. Time-resolved PL and differential transmission kinetics provided carrier lifetimes and their spectral distribution, being the longest in triangular-shape QWs which exhibited the highest PL intensity. The light-induced transient grating (LITG) technique was used to determine the spatially averaged carrier lifetime in the entire heterostructure, in this way unravelling the electronic quality of the LED internal structure at conditions similar to device performance. LITG decay rates at low and high excitation energy densities revealed increasing with photoexcitation nonradiative recombination rate in the triangular and trapezoidal wells.
Domestic Violence and Health Care: Opening Pandora’s Box - Challenges and Dilemmas

In this article we take a critical stance toward the rational progressive narrative surrounding the integration of domestic violence within health care. While changes in recent UK policy and practice have resulted in several tangible benefits, it is argued that there may be hidden dilemmas and challenges. We suggest that the medical model of care and its discursive practices position women as individually accountable for domestic violence-related symptoms and injuries. This may not only be ineffective in terms of service provision but could also have the potential to reduce the political significance of domestic violence as an issue of concern for all women. Furthermore, it is argued that the use of specific metaphors enables practitioners to distance themselves from interactions that may prove to be less comfortable and provide less than certain outcomes. Our analysis explores the possibilities for change that might currently be available. This would appear to involve a consideration of alternative discourses and the reformulation of power relations and subject positions in health care.
Colour, mechanical properties and water vapour permeability of pectin films

The aim of this work was to analyse the effect of pectin and glycerol concentration on colour, mechanical properties and water vapour permeability of pectin edible films. Pectin films were obtained from apple pectin film-forming solutions at concentrations of 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5%. Glycerol was added as a plasticizer at 30, 50 and 70% (w/w of pectin). Colour was measured in the L*a*b* system and total colour difference was calculated. Water vapour permeability at relative humidity differentials of 30-100% was measured at 25°C. Mechanical properties were presented as tensile force and elongation at break. Based on the results obtained, increasing content of pectin caused an increase in total colour difference, water vapour permeability and tensile force of ana- lysed films. Glycerol caused increasing elongation at break and water vapour permeability.
Proteomic evaluation of free fatty acid biosynthesis in Jatropha curcas L. (physic nut) kernel development

Jatropha curcas L. is one of the economic crops that are cultivated for biodiesel production. Here, the fatty acid and protein profiles of J. curcas kernels were evaluated during their development. The fruits were divided into eight developmental stages (stages I to VIII) based on their age and morphology. The fatty acid content was analyzed at each stage using gas chromatography after conversion to methyl esters. Fatty acid levels were found to differ between all eight developmental stages, although the major fatty acid in each stage was oleic acid followed by linoleic, palmitic and stearic acids, respectively, except in stage I where linoleic acid was more common than oleic acid. All fatty acids showed a maximum content at stage III, a rapid decline at stage IV and another peak at stage VII before declining. Significant changes were found in the relative abundance of 22 proteins during seed development, of which the expression levels for transcripts encoding for four of these proteins, acetyl CoA carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase and 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase, as evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR, were altered between the developmental stages of the kernels in a broadly similar pattern as the level of most fatty acids. Keywords : Jatropha curcas L. , FAME, ACCase, PEPC, MST, 4CL, quantitative real time PCR African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(21), pp. 3132-3142