Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decomposition characteristics of maize (Zea mays. L.) straw with different carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios under various moisture regimes

Decomposition of maize straw incorporated into soil with various nitrogen amended carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios under a range of moisture was studied through a laboratory incubation trial. The experiment was set up to simulate the most suitable C/N ratio for straw carbon (C) decomposition and sequestering in the soil. The purpose of this study was to determine organic C decomposition by measuring CO2 evolution using alkali traps. Maize straw mixed with clay loam topsoil was supplied with four initial nitrogen rates (40, 80, 160, 320 mg N/0.5 g C) using (NH4)2SO4, to adjust its C/N ratio to 80, 40, 18 and 9. The soil moisture content was maintained at four moisture levels to achieve 60, 70, 80 and 90% of field capacity. Each of the four nitrogen rates were tested against four moisture levels, arranged in complete randomized design and incubated at 20°C for 52 days. Results reveal that decomposition rates and cumulative CO2-C was increased by about 40% in straw amended treatments as compared to the controls. On average, about 34.56% of the added straw C was mineralized to CO2-C. Also, there was highly significant relationship between CO2-C emission and incubation period (R 2 = 0.98). Further, straw addition with interactive effect of nitrogen and moisture had significant relationships (p < 0.05) with cumulative amounts of CO2-C, soil organic C and microbial biomass nitrogen. In conclusion, straw returning with appropriate N doses and optimum moisture can sequester and restore organic C in soil, thereby improving soil quality.
Effect of Mutations in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Viruses on the Isolation in Different Cell Culture in Comparison with Newly Circulated H5N8 Viruses in Egypt

HPAIV H5N1 was circulated in Egypt since 2006 with recent introduction of H5N8 virus at the end of 2016. AIV has special virus Tropism and infectivity in different isolation host. There for we study the growth kinetics for 9 H5N1 viruses and one H5N8 virus in 3 different tissue culture systems (MDCK, CEF and VERO) and detection the potential bounding to mammalian host. Growth kinetics of cell culture growing viruses was estimated by different parameter as TCID50, CPE percent and HA activity of viruses. Growth kinetics level of Clade 2.2. 1.2 and new isolated H5N8 is the highest with early detection of the virus in cell within 1st 24 hr in comparison to another 2 clades of H5N1 viruses. MDCK support high growth kinetics for all clades of virus between 3 types of cell. Antigenic characterization of the viruses supported the results of the phylogenetic analysis. Multiple peculiar mutations were characterized in the Egyptian H5N1 and H5N8 viruses. The Egyptian AI viruses preferentially bound to avian-like receptors rather than human-like receptors. MDCK cell line was suitable isolation host to replace egg isolation system with antigenic and genetic stability. This study describing the growth kinetics of HPAIV H5N1 and H5N8 in various cell lines is an informative study to understand influenza virus establishment and evolution in regard to preventive measures and cure.
Facilitating Active Learning and Collaboration in Online Mathematics Content Courses for Secondary Teachers

This chapter reviews teachers’ perceptions of the collaborative learning experiences when enrolled in an online course to determine strategies for engaging teachers in active learning and meaningful collaboration in an online learning environment. A survey was designed to solicit feedback from mathematics teachers of Grades 6-12 who have completed online mathematics content courses at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) for professional development or for graduate credit. The survey specifically addresses the teachers’ perceptions of the collaborative learning experiences during their online course. Combined with feedback from numerous course evaluations and the experiences of several online mathematics instructors from UNL’s Department of Mathematics, results of the survey are utilized to determine strategies for engaging teachers in active learning and meaningful collaboration in an online learning environment.
Assessment of Gender, Location and Socio-Economic Status on Students’ Performance in Senior Secondary Certificate Examination in Mathematics

This study assessed the demographic characteristics of students’ performance in Mathematics in senior secondary Certificate Examination in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State. The purpose of the study is to assess the relationship between gender, location, socio-economic status and students’ performance in Mathematics in Senior Secondary Certificate Examination. The ex-post facto research design was used for the study. The population of the study is 15,170 SS3. A sample of 759 students was randomly selected from the total population using simple random sampling technique of balloting and stratified random sampling technique. Four research questions and four hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The instrument used for the study was a 40-item multiple choice senior secondary Mathematics Achievement test (SSMAT). Multiple regressions were used for the analysis. The study established that gender and socio-economic status contributed to students’ performance in Mathematics in senior secondary certificate examination. Recommendation was made based on the findings of the study.
Neutrinos and Ultra-high-energy Cosmic-ray Nuclei from Blazars

We discuss the production of ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray (UHECR) nuclei and neutrinos from blazars. We compute the nuclear cascade in the jet for both BL Lac objects and flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), and in the ambient radiation zones for FSRQs as well. By modeling representative spectral energy distributions along the blazar sequence, two distinct regimes are identified, which we call “nuclear survival” (typically found in low-luminosity BL Lacs) and “nuclear cascade” (typically found in high-luminosity FSRQs). We quantify how the neutrino and cosmic-ray (CR) emission efficiencies evolve over the blazar sequence, and we demonstrate that neutrinos and CRs come from very different object classes. For example, high-frequency-peaked BL Lacs (HBLs) tend to produce CRs, and high-luminosity FSRQs are the more efficient neutrino emitters. This conclusion does not depend on the CR escape mechanism, for which we discuss two alternatives (diffusive and advective escape). Finally, the neutrino spectrum from blazars is shown to significantly depend on the injection composition into the jet, especially in the nuclear cascade case: Injection compositions heavier than protons lead to reduced neutrino production at the peak, which moves at the same time to lower energies. Thus, these sources will exhibit better compatibility with the observed IceCube and UHECR data.
Diffraction of Electromagnetic Waves by Nanoobjects With Internal Structure

This paper studies the problem of diffraction of electromagnetic waves on an object containing an arbitrary number of layers of materials with different permittivity and permeability. It is assumed that the typical size of the object is much smaller than the wavelength of the incident wave. In other words, we adopt long-wave approximation and the ratio of these values <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is considered a small parameter. In this case, the electromagnetic field can be described by an integral equation using the Stratton–Chu formula. The solution of this equation is sought in the form of a multipole expansion at large distances from the object and in the form of an expansion in the small parameter <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula> in the vicinity of the object. The coefficients in these expansions are determined by solving a recurrence system of electrostatic problems. To illustrate the approach, we consider diffraction of the electromagnetic wave on a cylinder whose cross section consists of two eccentric circles. The proposed scheme for solving diffraction problems is quite simple and does not impose any restrictions on the dielectric and magnetic permeability of the layers. It can be used in the calculation of the scattered electromagnetic field on metal structures as well as on nanoobjects containing layers of metamaterials.
Extracting the Optimal Vibration Coefficients of Forefoot Offloading Shoes Using Genetic Algorithms

Vibration model. Diabetes is one of the main causes of foot health related diseases and suitable footwear plays a crucial role in foot health condition. Forefoot offloading shoes (FOS) are commonly used for treatment of plantar ulcers in diabetic foot. In this study, technical improvements of these shoes are primarily influenced by the optimisation of the transferred vibration energy during foot/ground interactions. The shoe considered as a body segment in the whole body vibration analysis. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal spring/damper coefficients of a vibration model of FOS from Lucro Schein Company (Code-Nr.322147) in order to minimize the total absorption of vibration energy of the human body during gait. Genetic algorithms were implemented to obtain the solution of optimisation problem because of its high speed of calculation and accuracy based fitness. Speed of calculation plays a critical issue in footwear industry. The model can suitably simulate the role of mechanical characteristics of footwear in the absorption of vibration energy during gait. Obtained optimised vibratory coefficients of two different regions of shoe, which have been determined by Genetic Algorithms, indicates that mechanical properties, namely stiffness and damping characteristics of each part of the diabetic shoe should be specified separately. The results indicate the necessity of adopting dissimilar materials or different production techniques for different parts of the sole.
Synthetic fibres and steel fibres in concrete with regard to bond strength and toughness

The ability of fibre reinforced concrete composites to absorb energy has long been recognised as one of the most important benefits of the incorporation of fibres into plain concrete” (Golpalaratham and Gettu 1995). Steel and synthetic fibres have been used in concrete floor slabs with success in providing crack control. Slab design using synthetic fibres relies heavily upon manufacturers design guidance whereas steel fibres have better developed independent design guides available to assist their correct use (The Concrete Society 2007a). This paper examines the pull out values of both steel and Type 2 synthetic fibres embedded in concrete and equates their dosage when used in beams to provide near equal toughness values, thus providing the designer with a synthetic/steel fibre ratio by mass of fibre addition for equal performance. According to Nataraja, et al (2000), the most common method to measure toughness, is to use the load-deflection curve. One of the most widely used load-deflection tests has been ASTM 1018, which was used herein to evaluate the post crack toughness; by stating toughness as independent indices and residual strengths based upon the deflection at the formation of the first crack in the beam in relation to fixed points of further deflections under load. The ASTM test was chosen as it has been widely used and it is readily understood by many readers. The research demonstrates that near equal post crack toughness can be achieved in concrete beams using steel and synthetic fibres, at different doses.
NUTRIENT DEPOSITION BY LITTERFALL IN DIFFERENT-AGED RIPARIAN FORESTS UNDERGOING RESTORATION

NUTRIENT DEPOSITION BY LITTERFALL IN DIFFERENT-AGED RIPARIAN FORESTS UNDERGOING RESTORATION) The objective of this study was to assess litterfall and nutrient deposition during one year in an 18 and a 28-years-old riparian semideciduous forest community. The highest litterfall input occurred in the driest period of the year. Litterfall was generally higher in the 28-year-old community. The deposition of nutrients and Al followed the order Ca>N>K>Mg>S>P>Al>Fe>Mn>Zn>B>Cu in both communities. The monthly variation of nutrient concentration in the litter did not follow the pattern of the content on the litter or the litter production. The ecological processes related to nutrient cycling in the studied area were recovered before 18 years after planting.
Production Efficiency in the von Liebig Model

The objective of this paper is to revisit the von Liebig hypothesis by reexamining five samples of experimental data and by applying to it recent advances in Bayesian techniques. The samples were published by Hexem and Heady as described in a further section. Prior to outlining the estimation strategy, we discuss the intuition underlying our approach and, briefly, the literature on which it is based. We present an algorithm for the basic von Liebig formulation and demonstrate its application using simulated data (table 1). We then discuss the modifications needed to the basic model that facilitate estimation of a von Liebig frontier and we demonstrate the extended algorithm using simulated data (table 2). We then explore, empirically, the relationships between limiting water and nitrogen in the Hexem and Heady corn samples and compare the results between the two formulations (table 3). Finally, some conclusions and suggestions for further research are offered.
A Novel Circularly polarized dielectric resonator antenna with Branch-Line Coupler and Log-Periodic Balun

A new shaped circularly polarized dielectric resonator antenna (CP DRA) is studied with branch-line coupler and log-periodic balun for the GPS application. Since the coupler and balun are located under the DRA, it does not increase the footprint of the antenna, as a result the system is very compact. Two configurations are considered in this paper. In the first configuration, an external 50Ω load is used for the matching port of the branch-line coupler. For the second one, a three-resonator log-periodic balun is used instead of branch-line coupler, thus, no lumped elements are required in this configuration. Moreover, two modes HEM11δ of the cylindrical DRA are utilized to design the wide band circular polarization. The reflection coefficient, axial ratio, antenna gain, and radiation pattern are studied for each configuration. These first and the second configurations offer an impedance bandwidth (S11
Stock Markets Linkages Before, During and After Subprimes Crisis: Bivariate BEKK GARCH (1, 1) and DCC Models

The purpose of this paper is to apply the Bivariate BEKK- GARCH (1, 1) and DCC- GARCH models in evaluating volatility spillovers and dynamic conditional correlation between stock indices. In this paper, the causal relation between stock markets (Nasdaq and each of these indices: Cac 40, Dax 30, Ftse 100, Global Dow Hangseng, Nikkei 225, Russell 2000, Shanghai, S&P 500 and Stoxx 600) is examined through applying Granger Causality test. The sample period started from January, 5th 2001 to September, 17th 2014. The whole sample period was divided into three sub-periods: Pre-crisis, global financial crisis and Post-crisis. Overall results proved unilateral and bilateral relationship between the variables. DCC model’s coefficients prove significant interdependence for all indices except Hangseng, Shanghai and S&P500.
Interactive comment on “Similarity and dissimilarity in model-results between single and multiple flow direction simulations based on a distributed ecohydrological model” by Zhenwu Xu

This study compared single flow direction (SFD) vs. multiple flow direction (MFD) approaches in the derivation of DEM inputs for the distributed hydrologic model CHESS (coupled hydrology and ecology simulation system). The analysis was based on pixellevel and patch-level comparisons and spatial autocorrelation of ecohydrological variables, soil saturation deficit (SSD) and leaf area index (LAI) produced by the model with inputs from different flow routing schemes. Simulations covered a 12-year period, including one wet year and one dry year, in the semi-arid Cleve Creek water-
Forward Secrecy in Authentic and Anonymous Cloud with Time Optimization

In recent days Cloud computing is a rising technique which offers data sharing with more efficient, effective and economical approaches between group members. To create an authentic and anonymous data sharing, IDentity based Ring Signature (ID-RS) is one of the promising technique between the groups. Ring signature scheme permits the manager or data owner to authenticate into the system in anonymous manner. In conventional Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) data sharing scheme contains certificate authentication process, which is a bottleneck because of its high cost. To avoid this problem, we proposed Cost Optimized Identity based Ring Signature with forward secrecy (COIRS) scheme. This scheme helps to remove the traditional certificate verification process. Only once the user needs to be verified by the manager giving his public details, then the cost and time required for this process is comparatively less than traditional public key infrastructure. If the secret key holder has been compromised, all early generated signatures remains valid (Forward Secrecy). This paper discuss about how to optimize the time and cost when sharing the files to the cloud. In general better efficiency and secrecy can be provided for group sharing by applying above approaches.
Un(der)paid innovators: the commercial utilization of consumer work through crowdsourcing

This paper investigates the phenomena of "crowdsourcing", or the outsourcing of tasks to the general internet public. This phenomenon was made possible by technological innovations associated with "Web 2.0" but is evidence of historically significant change in the relations between firms and their customers. We are witnessing the emergence of a new consumer type: the "working consumer". In the conventional role, consumers were passive “kings” to be waited upon. Consumers now are becoming more like co-workers who take over specific parts of a production process, whereby this process ultimately remains under the control of a commercial enterprise. This article seeks a more precise definition of crowdsourcing, catalogues some of its forms, and differentiates them from peripherally related phenomena. It ends with a discussion regarding potential consequences (negative and positive) of crowdsourcing for the future organization of work.
Spatial distribution of top soil water content in an experimental catchment of Southeast Brazil

Soil water content is essential to understand the hydrological cycle. It controls the surface runoff generation, water infiltration, soil evaporation and plant transpiration. This work aims to analyze the spatial distribution of top soil water content and to characterize the spatial mean and standard deviation of top soil water content over time in an experimental catchment located in the Mantiqueira Range region, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Measurements of top soil water content were carried out every 15 days, between May/2007 and May/2008. Using time-domain reflectometry (TDR) equipment, 69 points were sampled in the top 0.2 m of the soil profile. Geostatistical procedures were applied in all steps of the study. First, the spatial continuity was evaluated, and the experimental semi-variogram was modeled. For the development of top soil water content maps over time a co-kriging procedure was used having the slope as a secondary variable. Rainfall regime controlled the top soil water content during the wet season. Land use was also another fundamental local factor. The spatial standard deviation had low values under dry conditions, and high values under wet conditions. Thus, more variability occurs under wet conditions.
Contributions of biotechnology to the control and prevention of brucellosis in Africa

Zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis have a major impact on the health and economic prosperity of the developing world. Recent advances in our understanding of brucellosis and new developments in diagnostics and vaccine technology provide unique opportunities for biotechnology companies in developing countries to make an essential contribution to the control of this disease. Key Words: Brucellosis, biotechnology, zoonosis, livestock, public health, diagnostics, vaccine. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(12) 2004: 631-636
Phenolic profile of some fruit wines and their antioxidant properties

The composition and content of individual phenolic compounds in various fruit wines and overall antioxidant properties of these fruit wines were studied. Phenolic compounds were separated by reverse phase (RP) HPLC techniques, and their content was determined by means of mass spectrometer (MS) with triple quadrupole (TQ) analyser, which recorded specific precursor-product transitions. Antioxidant activity was monitored by the following spectrophotometric methods: DPPH, FRAP and Folin-Ciocalteu assay, respectively. Four types of berries (raspberry, blackberry, chokeberry and blueberry), one type of pome (apple) and one type of stone fruit (cherries) were used for the production of fruit wines. Corresponding fruit wines were produced by microvinification with or without adding sugar into the must before fermentation. Increase in alcohol level was responsible for the increased content of phenolic compounds in fruit wine due to improved extraction conditions. Produced fruit wines were preserved by adding SO2 which interferes with the determination of antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds. In this case, the development of a correlation method based on FRAP assay was introduced. Fruit wines are a rich source of substances which show beneficial effects on human health. Depending on the fruit type, different antioxidant compounds were predominant in wine samples. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46001]
Probabilistic clear-sky index forecasts using Gaussian process ensembles

In this paper, we investigate the performance of ensembles of Gaussian processes (GPs) to provide more accurate probabilistic forecasts of the clear-sky index (CSI), based on data from a network of pyranometers on Hawaii. This idea follows from the multiple-state model of the CSI in which its probability density can be represented as a combination of Gaussian densities, and the well-documented advantage of ensembles of prediction models. More specifically, we employ a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and convolution to produce ensembles of GPs, and show that the GMM ensemble outperforms the individual and convoluted GP models, especially by improving the lower limit of the skill score.