Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Human Footprint and the Last of the Wild

I Genesis, God blesses human beings and bids us to take dominion over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, and every other living thing. We are entreated to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth, and subdue it (Gen. 1:28). The bad news, and the good news, is that we have almost succeeded. There is little debate in scientific circles about the importance of human influence on ecosystems. According to scientists’ reports, we appropriate over 40% of the net primary productivity (the green material) produced on Earth each year (Vitousek et al. 1986, Rojstaczer et al. 2001). We consume 35% of the productivity of the oceanic shelf (Pauly and Christensen 1995), and we use 60% of freshwater run-off (Postel et al. 1996). The unprecedented escalation in both human population and consumption in the 20th century has resulted in environmental crises never before encountered in the history of humankind and the world (McNeill 2000). E. O. Wilson (2002) claims it would now take four Earths to meet the consumption demands of the current human population, if every human consumed at the level of the average US inhabitant. The influence of human beings on the planet has become so pervasive that it is hard to find adults in any country who have not seen the environment around them reduced in natural values during their lifetimes—woodlots converted to agriculture, agricultural lands converted to suburban development, suburban development converted to urban areas. The cumulative effect of these many local changes is the global phenomenon of human influence on nature, a new geological epoch some call the “anthropocene” (Steffen and Tyson 2001). Human influence is arguably the most important factor affecting life of all kinds in today’s world (Lande 1998, Terborgh 1999, Pimm 2001, UNEP 2001). Yet despite the broad consensus among biologists about the importance of human influence on nature, this phenomenon and its implications are not fully appreciated by the larger human community, which does not recognize them in its economic systems (Hall et al. 2001) or in most of its political decisions (Soulé and Terborgh 1999, Chapin et al. 2000). In part, this lack of appreciation may be due to scientists’ propensity to express themselves in terms like “appropriation of net primary productivity” or “exponential population growth,” abstractions that require some training to understand. It may be due to historical assumptions about and habits inherited from times when human beings, as a group, had dramatically less influence on the biosphere. Now the individual deci-
Food as a Marker of Identity in My Beautiful Death by Eben Venter

Food is often used in literature as a metaphor of culture, class and ethnicity. It is also used as the source of memories and tradition, as different foods can evoke memories of home, or be part of certain traditions, such as religious celebrations. Food can, however, also be used to break away from a traditional background, or it may be an act of rebellion. This paper investigates how food is used as a marker of identity in the novel "My Beautiful Death" by Eben Venter. The main character’s relationship with and to food marks his changing identity, as well as his final farewell to life.
The Financing Constraints Hypothesis Controversy: Some Evidence For The Portuguese Manufacturing Sector

In the last two decades, an intense debate on the influence of financing constraints on the investment decisions of firms has emerged. One point of view (e.g. Fazzari, Hubbard and Petersen, 1988) argues that investment spending of a firm is affected by its level of internal funds. Another point of view (e.g. Kaplan and Zingales, 1997) argues that the investment-cash flow sensitivity cannot be used as a measure of financing constraints. Although, these two positions seem contradictory, this paper proposes a new test aiming at reconciling these two opposite views. This new test emphasizes the crucial role that the classification criteria used plays on the empirical results obtained. Therefore, two main empirical predictions were tested. Firstly, if firms are classified according to the degree of asymmetric information problems that they face in financial markets, a higher sensitivity of investment to cash flow would be expected for firms that face these problems at a higher level. Secondly, if firms are classified according to their financial status, investment by firms in a better financial position would be expected to be more sensitive to cash flow variations. The empirical findings obtained in this paper, using a sample of Portuguese manufacturing firms, did not allow to confirm these empirical predictions. In fact, from the regression results obtained, it was possible to see that the cash flow variable has a major impact for firms facing higher asymmetric information problems in financial markets and for firms in poor financial status. Thus, one can be led to think that these results would favour the predictions of Fazzari, Hubbard and Petersen (1988) instead of the one’s proposed by Kaplan and Zingales (1997).
High-precision photometry of WASP-12 b transits

Aims. The transiting extrasolar planet WASP-12 b was found to be on e of the most intensely irradiated exoplanets. It is unexpec tedly bloated and is losing mass that may accrete into the host star . Our aim was to refine the parameters of this intriguing syste m and search for signs of transit timing variations. Methods. We gathered high-precision light curves for two transits of WASP-12 b. Assuming various limb-darkening laws, we generated best-fitting models and redetermined parameters of t he system. Error estimates were derived by the prayer bead me thod and Monte Carlo simulations. Results. System parameters obtained by us are found to agree with prev ious studies within one sigma. Use of the non-linear limb-darkening laws results in the best-fitting models. Wit h two new mid-transit times, the ephemeris was refined to BJD TDB = (2454508.97682± 0.00020)+ (1.09142245± 0.00000033) E. Interestingly, indications of transit timing variation a re detected at the level of 3.4 sigma. This signal can be induced by an additiona l planet in the system. Simplified numerical simulations sho ws that a perturber could be a terrestrial-type planet if both planet s are in a low-order orbital resonance. However, we emphasis e that further observations are needed to confirm variation and to constrai properties of the perturber.
Morphogenetic degeneracies in the 1 actomyosin cortex

One of the great challenges in biology is to understand the mechanisms by which 12 morphogenetic processes arise from molecular activities. We investigated this problem in the 13 context of actomyosin-based cortical flow in C. elegans zygotes, where large-scale flows emerge 14 from the collective action of actomyosin filaments and actin binding proteins (ABPs). Large-scale 15 flow dynamics can be captured by active gel theory by considering force balances and conservation 16 laws in the actomyosin cortex. However, which molecular activities contribute to flow dynamics and 17 large-scale physical properties such as viscosity and active torque is largely unknown. By 18 performing a candidate RNAi screen of ABPs and actomyosin regulators we demonstrate that 19 perturbing distinct molecular processes can lead to similar flow phenotypes. This is indicative for a 20 ’morphogenetic degeneracy’ where multiple molecular processes contribute to the same 21 large-scale physical property. We speculate that morphogenetic degeneracies contribute to the 22 robustness of bulk biological matter in development. 23
Corporate governance, ownership structure and voluntary disclosure: evidence from listed firms in Malaysia

This paper examines the impact of corporate governance and ownership structure on voluntary disclosure practices of Malaysian listed firms. The extent of voluntary disclosure is determined for a matched-sample of 100 listed firms in three different disclosure regimes during 1996, 2001 and 2006. The findings suggest that regulatory reforms over the 1996 to 2006 period resulted in enhanced corporate transparency and accountability as reflected in more extensive voluntary disclosures. We provide empirical evidence that the extent of voluntary disclosures is significantly associated with the strength of corporate governance structure in 2001 and 2006 and with ownership structure in 1996, 2001 and 1996. The findings of this study are of use to regulators in terms of guiding policy development regarding corporate transparency of publicly listed firms.
Perception of tree canopy

Abstract Deciduous tree canopy was investigated in relation to perception of fecundity and visual attractiveness. Canopy having deliquescent shape was defined by season (in leaf or in branch), fullness (amount of leaf and amount of branch) and, in the case of summer trees, combinations of leaf and branch (balance of leaf to branch). Applying the Gestalt principle of closure or completeness, three hypotheses were derived. These were (1) trees with the most complete (strongest) canopies will be the most attractive; (2) trees in bare branch will be less attractive than trees in leaf, and (3) the attractiveness of a tree in leaf will depend upon the amount of leaf in relation to amount of branch. The study required participants (n=239) and rate 12 computer-generated images of bare branch and leafed tree stimuli. Ratings were made on six scales measuring perception of fecundity and six bi-polar scales measuring attractiveness. Results confirmed hypotheses 1 and 2, and provided partial support for hypothesis 3. Supplementary analysis indicated that leaf accounted for more variance than branch. It was concluded that perception of the fecundity and visual attractiveness of a tree reflects the completeness of its canopy. The Gestalt principle of closure was linked to prospect-refuge theory and suggested to be a vestige of evolutionary development and germane to the notion of biophilia.
ALTERATIONS IN HAEMOLYMPH PROTEINS OF DRONE HONEY BEE LARVAE PARASITIZED BY VARROA

The studies reveal a reduction of the content of total proteins in haemolymph of parasitized drone brood that is related to the intensity of the invasion. The invasion alters both the clectrophoretic patterns and densities of blood proteins, especially of low molecular weight cathodal protein fractions. It is reasonable to assume from the results obtained that changes in spectra of haemolymph proteins are the result of protein depletion, but also could be connected with some biochemical changes following release of toxic substances of the mite into the body of the host.
Mathematical modeling of start-up scenarios for nitrogen removal via a nitritation: anaerobic ammonium oxidation-coupled biofilm in a hollow fiber membrane bioreactor

A mathematical model of a nitritation: anaerobic ammonia oxidation-coupled biofilm in a hollow fiber membrane bioreactor (HFMBR) was developed and implemented using AQUASIM. Four processes were considered, including aerobic ammonia oxidation, nitrite oxidation, anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) and heterotrophic denitrification. Stoichiometric coefficients were derived from the equation consisting of cell synthesis, electron donor and electron acceptor half reactions. Four different start-up scenarios were investigated. Two scenarios examined the reactor performance when the supply of nitrite was dependent solely upon nitritation while the other two scenarios investigated the reac- tor performance when nitrite was supplemented in the feed. In each of the scenarios, total nitrogen removal and biomass and soluble component concentration profiles within the biofilm were determined over a 500-day period. Modeling results revealed that nitrite sup- plementation in the feed facilitated start up of HFMBR by providing nitrite to anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). Results also showed that oxygen flux affects the re- actor performance by improving nitrogen removal and reducing the start-up time. Nitrogen removal with nitrite supplementation was found to be higher by approximately 40% than with the system depending solely upon nitritation. At some JO2/JNH4+, determining the opti- mum JO2/JNH4+ is expected to improve the nitrogen removal under latter scenario.
On close-to-convex functions of complex order

The class S*(b) of starlike functions of complex order b was introduced and studied by M.K. Aouf and M.A. Nasr. The authors using the Ruscheweyh derivatives introduce the class K(b) of functions close-to-convex of complex order b, b 0 and its generalization, the classes Kn(b) where n is a nonnegatlve integer. Here S*(b) c K(b) Ko(b). Sharp coefficient bounds are determined for Kn(b) as well as several sufficient conditions for functions to belong to Kn(b). The authors also obtain some distortion and covering theorems for Kn(b) and determine the radius of the largest disk in which every f K (b) belongs to K (I). All results are sharp. n n
Spillovers at Regional Level : Nuno Crespo Evidence from Portugal

This paper aims to establish whether geographical proximity between multinational and domestic firms is relevant to the occurrence of FDI spillovers, by considering both horizontal and vertical spillovers. Using data for Portugal, this hypothesis is confirmed. In the case of horizontal externalities, the impact is negative, probably due to the competition effect. Concerning vertical externalities, a positive impact through backward linkages is observed. Additionally, omission of the regional dimension provokes a bias on the estimation of the intra-sectoral effect at the national level. These results raise important implications for the economic policies aiming to attract FDI and promote regional development. Key-words: vertical spillovers, horizontal spillovers, multinational firms, productivity, FDI.
Transceiver for Human Body Communication Using Frequency Selective Digital Transmission

This paper presents a transceiver module for human body communications whereby a spread signal with a group of 64 Walsh codes is directly transferred through a human body at a chip rate of 32 Mcps. Frequency selective digital transmission moves the signal spectrum over 5 MHz without continuous frequency modulation and increases the immunity to induced interference by the processing gain. A simple receiver structure with no additional analog circuitry for the transmitter has been developed and has a sensitivity of 250 µVpp. The high sensitivity of the receiver makes it possible to communicate between mobile devices using a human body as the transmission medium. It enables half‐duplex communication of 2 Mbps within an operating range of up to 170 cm between the ultra‐mobile PCs held between fingertips of each hand with a packet error rate of lower than 10−6. The transceiver module consumes 59 mA with a 3.3 V power supply.
Threshold Based Limited Feedback Bit Partitioning for Interference Channels in Multicell Systems

In this paper feedback allocation of interference channels using multi-cell coordinated beamforming is studied. By fixing the total feedback budget as constant, the proposed interference grading threshold scheme adaptively allocating the feedback bits between inter-user interference and inter-cell interference. The individual feedback bits of inter-user and inter-cell interference are calculated by employing interference grading. A new iterative algorithm is proposed to find the total residual feedback bits. The proposed feedback allocation in interfering broadcast and time varying channels are numerically evaluated and it is found that the proposed method performs comparatively better than other counterparts.
Ionized gas kinematics in bipolar H II regions

Stellar feedback plays a fundamental role in shaping the evolution of galaxies. Here we explore the use of ionised gas kinematics in young, bipolar H II regions as a probe of early feedback in these star-forming environments. We have undertaken a multiwavelength study of a young, bipolar H II region in the Galactic disc, G$316.81-0.06$, which lies at the centre of a massive ($\sim10^3$ M$_{\odot}$) infrared-dark cloud filament. It is still accreting molecular gas as well as driving a $\sim 0.2$ pc ionised gas outflow perpendicular to the filament. Intriguingly, we observe a large velocity gradient ($47.81 \pm 3.21$ km s$^{-1}$ pc$^{-1}$) across the ionised gas in a direction perpendicular to the outflow. This kinematic signature of the ionised gas shows a reasonable correspondence with the simulations of young H II regions. Based on a qualitative comparison between our observations and these simulations, we put forward a possible explanation for the velocity gradients observed in G$316.81-0.06$. If the velocity gradient perpendicular to the outflow is caused by rotation of the ionised gas, then we infer that this rotation is a direct result of the initial net angular momentum in the natal molecular cloud. If this explanation is correct, this kinematic signature should be common in other young (bipolar) H II regions. We suggest that further quantitative analysis of the ionised gas kinematics of young H II regions, combined with additional simulations, should improve our understanding of feedback at these early stages.
Nonlinear equations with natural growth terms and measure data

We consider a class of nonlinear elliptic equations containing a pLaplacian type operator, lower order terms having natural growth with respect to the gradient, and bounded measures as data. The model example is the equation p(u) + g(u)|ru| p = µ in a bounded set R N , coupled with a Dirichlet boundary condition. We provide a review of the results recently obtained in the absorption case (when g(s)s 0) and prove a new existence result without any sign condition on g, assuming only that g 2 L 1 (R). This latter assumption is proved to be optimal for existence of solutions for any measure µ.
Receptors for human γG Globulin on human neutrophils

: Cell surface receptors for human gammaG antibodies directed against bacterial antigens were demonstrated on human neutrophils using an in vitro bacteriocidal-phagocytic assay. These results were confirmed by adherence of sensitized erythrocytes to monolayers of neutrophils or monocytes. Erythrocytes sensitized indirectly with antibacterial gammaG antibodies after passive sensitization with bacterial antigens adhered to both neutrophils and monocytes. Erythrocytes sensitized directly with conventional anti-D gammaG antibodies adhered only to monocytes, while those sensitized with the hyperimmune anti-CD gammaG antibody Ripley adhered to both monocytes and neutrophils. Adherence of anti-Rh or antibacterial gammaG antibodies to monocytes and neutrophils could be inhibited by whole gammaG, myeloma globulins of the gamma(1) or gamma(3) subclasses, or Fc fragments, but not by Fab fragment. These results indicate that receptors for the Fc portion of human gammaG antibodies exist on both neutrophils and monocytes, and that gammaG antibodies differ in their ability to attach to these two cell types. Differences in the behavior of the gammaG antibodies studied may be related to differences in the density of antibodies on the erythrocyte surface and receptors on the phagocytic cells.
Green Consumers and Public Policy: On Socially Contingent Moral Motivation

"Green" consumers appear to accept individual responsibility for public good provision. The propensity to take such responsibility may depend on beliefs about others' behavior, even for consumers motivated by internalized moral norms, not by social sanctions. This can produce multiple equilibria, with either high or low demand for "green" products. Permanent increases in green consumption may be achieved through permanent or temporary taxes, or through advertising that temporarily influences beliefs about others' behavior or about external effects. If a tax is interpreted as taking responsibility away from the individual, however, taxes can reduce the influence of moral motivation.
Ideology and intertextuality: Intertextual allusions in Judith 16

This article utilised the theory of intertextuality to investigate the way in which religious texts, specifically Judith 16, generate meaning in the act of the production of texts. The groundbreaking work on intertextuality done by Julia Kristeva served as the theoretical point of departure. Kristeva utilised Mikhail Bakhtin’s literary theory to develop her own views on intertextuality. According to the theory of intertextuality, all texts are intersections of different texts and are therefore polyvalent. The article argued that the ideology (or ideologies) of author(s) of texts underpin the ways in which other texts are used and alluded to. The purpose of the investigation was to illustrate how intertextual allusions in Judith 16 are used to describe ‘God/the Lord’ as a God of war and, thereby, to maintain an already existing ideology of war: We know now that a text is not a line of words releasing a single ‘theological’ meaning (the ‘message’ of the Author-God) but a multi-dimensional space in which a variety of writings, none of them original, blend and clash. The text is a tissue of quotations drawn from the innumerable centres of culture. (Barthes, cited in Beal 1992:27)
Near‐simultaneous bow shock crossings by WIND and IMP 8 on December 1, 1994

Near‐simultaneous dawn‐side bow shock crossings by WIND and IMP 8 on December 1, 1994 are analyzed to determine shock location and shape and to examine the changes in shock structure and the foreshock MHD wave properties with increasing downstream distance. The WIND and IMP 8 crossings took place at sun‐Earth‐spacecraft angles of 64.7° and 115.3°, respectively. The solar wind speed and interplanetary magnetic field magnitude were near their long‐term average values. However, the orientation of the IMF was unusual in that it rotated from an angle of ∼50–60° to the sun‐Earth line at the beginning of the interval of shock crossings to less than 20° just after the final crossings. The ratio of the downstream to upstream components of the magnetic field tangential to the shock decreases from 4.1 at WIND to 3.1 at IMP 8 in general agreement with theory. In addition, the overshoot in the shock magnetic ramp observed at WIND is greatly diminished by the downstream distance of IMP 8. In the foreshock, MHD waves with periods of 10–20 s and amplitudes of 3–6 nT were observed at both spacecraft. However, at WIND they have a strong compressional component which is much weaker farther downstream at IMP 8. Unexpectedly, the radial distance of the shock at both spacecraft is only ∼80–85% of that predicted by recent models. Motivated by this event, we have statistically analyzed a larger data set of bow shock crossings which took place under quasi‐field‐aligned flow conditions. On this basis it is suggested that magnetosheath thickness may decrease by ∼10% as the IMF becomes increasingly flow aligned.