Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age Determination, Growth and Reproduction in the Lesser-spotted Dogfish,Scyliorhinus canicula(L.)

Successful fisheries management is based on the knowledge of species-specific life history data, comprising age and general morphometric information. This study presents such information for the lesser-spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula). Four samples of S. canicula, totalling 745 individuals (310 males and 435 females), were collected by fisheries scientists from research and commercial vessels in ICES areas VIIa and VIIg, over the period November 1999–November 2000. A further 10 hatchling specimens (5 males and 5 females), from a commercial aquarium, were also collected. The total body length range for males was from 10.4 cm to 71.0 cm and for females was 10.3 cm to 70.0 cm. A total of 706 specimens (301 male and 405 female) were aged using crystal violet stained sagittal sections of vertebral centra. Centrum length grew in proportion to total body length for males and females. Age estimates ranged from 0 years (hatchlings) to 11 years for males and 0 years to 12 years for females. Annual periodicity of growth increment deposition was suggested following analysis of the centrum edge characteristics of a subsample of specimens by all three readers. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters L∞, K and t0 were estimated for males (L∞ = 87.42 cm, K = 0.118, t0 = -1.09) and females (L∞ = 75.14 cm, K = 0.15, t0 = -0.96) separately. The length at 50% maturity for males was 53.5 cm and for females was 57.0 cm. These findings increase the life history data available for S. canicula and form a valuable contribution to the implementation of basic management measures to ensure the sustainability of catches of this by-catch species.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment and Its Impact on Economic Growth in Developing Countries

By bridging the gap between domestic savings and investment and bringing the latest technology and management know-how from developed countries, foreign direct investment (FDI) can play important role in achieving rapid economic growth in the developing countries. The fact is that FDI mostly flows towards the developed countries and only a small portion of FDI flows to a limited number of developing countries. Thus, most of the developing nations almost fail to attract a handsome amount of FDI. Using panel data from 60 low-income and lower-middle income countries, this paper firstly identifies the influential factors that determine FDI inflow in the developing countries and secondly empirically demonstrates the relationship between economic growth and FDI. It is found that countries with larger GDP and high GDP growth rate and maintain business friendly environment with abundant modern infrastructural facilities, such as internet can successfully attract FDI and FDI on the other hand, significantly affect economic growth of a country.
Endocytosis in Plants - ReadingSample

Plant endocytosis and endomembrane trafficking relies on the coordination of a highly organized and dynamic network of intracellular organelles. Membrane trafficking and associated signal transduction pathways provide critical cellular regulation of plant development and response to environmental stimuli. However, the efficiency of studies on this complex network has been hampered due to the rapid and dynamic nature of endomembrane trafficking as well as gene redundancy and embryonic lethality in mutagenesis-based strategies. Chemical genomics emerged in recent years as a complementary approach to illuminate biological functions through the integration of organic chemistry, biology, and bioinformatics to overcome gene redundancy. The approach presents significant advantages in dosage dependence and reversibility, which offers the ideal ability to study dynamic endomembrane trafficking processes in real time. In this chapter, several successful examples of chemical screening focused on the endomembrane system is presented to illuminate the efficiency and power of chemical genomics in dissecting endomembrane trafficking and its regulation of plant development and environmental responses. Perspectives are also presented to suggest directions for future development of this field.
Efficient R-Estimation of Principal and Common Principal Components

We propose rank-based estimators of principal components, both in the one-sample and, under the assumption of common principal components, in the m-sample cases. Those estimators are obtained via a rank-based version of Le Cam’s one-step method, combined with an estimation of cross-information quantities. Under arbitrary elliptical distributions with, in the m-sample case, possibly heterogeneous radial densities, those R-estimators remain root-n consistent and asymptotically normal, while achieving asymptotic efficiency under correctly specified radial densities. Contrary to their traditional counterparts computed from empirical covariances, they do not require any moment conditions. When based on Gaussian score functions, in the one-sample case, they uniformly dominate their classical competitors in the Pitman sense. Their AREs with respect to other robust procedures are quite high—up to 30, in the Gaussian case, with respect to minimum covariance determinant estimators. Their finite-sample performances are investigated via a Monte Carlo study.
Natura 2000 Benchmark : a comparative analysis of the discussion on Natura 2000 management issues

De Vogel- en Habitatrichtlijn zijn de twee Europese richtlijnen om de Europese natuurwaarden te beschermen. De Europese Commissie vindt beide richtlijnen belangrijke instrumenten om de achteruitgang in biodiversiteit in Europa te stoppen. Alle landen van de EU zijn de afgelopen tien jaar bezig geweest met de implementatie van deze twee richtlijnen. Dit rapport bevat een vergelijking tussen Nederland en de buurlanden (Duitsland, Vlaanderen en Engeland) over de manier waarop de richtlijnen zijn geimplementeerd. Naar aanleiding van de aanwijzing van Natura 2000-gebieden worden in alle onderzochte gebieden discussies gevoerd over de (potentiele) spanning tussen het huidige landgebruik en de natuurbeschermingsdoelen. Tijdige betrokkenheid en goede informatievoorziening over het implementatieproces blijkt essentieel te zijn voor het creeren van draagvlak. Bij de introductie van nieuw beleid moeten overheden zich verder rekenschap geven van de noodzaak tot verandering van de diverse mechanismen bij beleidsimplementatie, zoals nieuwe wetgeving, beheersplanning en subsidiemechanismen. Trefwoorden: Natura 2000-gebieden, Vogelrichtlijn, Habitatrichtlijn, beheer, beleidsimplementatie
Dairy pasture yield and growth responses to summer and spring grazing

A three-year Summer and Spring Experiment estimated grazing effects on dry matter (DM) consumed and seasonal growth patterns of dairy pasture. The Summer Experiment had treatments applied annually from December to March inclusive. These comprised grazing frequency (HF, MF and LF = pre grazing mass 2000, 2300, 2800 kg DM/ha) and intensity (HI, MI and LI = post grazing height 3.03.5, 4.0-4.5, 5.0-5.5 cm respectively). A rapid grazing (RG) treatment maintained pasture between 1500 and 1800 kg DM/ha (grazing every 2-3 weeks). The Spring Experiment had treatments applied annually from September to November inclusive. Grazing frequency was based on perennial ryegrass leaf stage (HF, MF and LF = 2, 3 and 4 leaves per tiller respectively) and intensity on post grazing height (HL MI and LI = 3, 5 and 8 cm respectively). Additional treatments included RG with pasture maintained between 1500 and 1800 kg DM/ha (grazing weekly), early cut silage (6-7 week lock-up) (SIL) and late cut hay (11-12 week lock-up) (HAY). Over three years, high summer grazing frequencies (e.g. RG, HFHI and HFLI produced 9.2, 8.4 and 7.8 t DM/halyr) resulted in higher DM consumed than low to medium summer grazing frequencies (e.g. MFMI, LFLI and LFHI produced 6.9, 7.1 and 7.5 t DM/halyr). In Years I and 2, RG resulted in a higher (P<0.05) spring growth (65 and 52 kg DM/hald in October 1999 and 2000 respectively) than all other treatments. At the end of the experiment, LFLI resulted in a higher (P<0.05) spring growth (63 kg DMihald in October 2001) than all other treatments, while prior to this LFLI only produced a relatively moderate to low growth pattern. LFLI and LFHI spring grazing resulted in a greater (P<0.05) decline in DM consumed over time than RG, HFHI, HFLI and MFMI spring grazing, while the SIL and HAY treatments resulted in a greater (P<0.05) decline in DM consumed over time than all other treatments. In Years 1, 2 and 3 DM consumed ranged from 9.7 (HAY) to 16.3 (RG), 4.2 (HAY) to 10.1 (HFHI) and 7.3 (SIL) to 10.9 t DM/halyr (HAY) respectively. On average, pasture growth ranged from <5 (February I March) to 100-110 kg DM/hald (September I October). Overall, the SIL treatment resulted in a lower (P<0.05) pattern of growth than all other treatments.
Reversible Shaping of Microwells by Polarized Light Irradiation

In the last years, stimuli-responsive polymeric materials have attracted great interest, due to their low cost and ease of structuration over large areas combined with the possibility to actively manipulate their properties. In this work, we propose a polymeric pattern of soft-imprinted microwells containing azobenzene molecules. The shape of individual elements of the pattern can be controlled after fabrication by irradiation with properly polarized light. By taking advantage of the light responsivity of the azobenzene compound, we demonstrate the possibility to reversibly modulate a contraction-expansion of wells from an initial round shape to very narrow slits. We also show that the initial shape of the microconcavities can be restored by flipping the polarization by 90°. The possibility to reversibly control the final shape of individual elements of structured surfaces offers the opportunity to engineer surface properties dynamically, thus opening new perspectives for several applications.
The gravitational wave stress–energy (pseudo)-tensor in modified gravity

The recent detections of gravitational waves by the advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors open up new tests of modified gravity theories in the strong-field and dynamical, extreme gravity regime. Such tests rely sensitively on the phase evolution of the gravitational waves, which is controlled by the energy–momentum carried by such waves out of the system. We here study four different methods for finding the gravitational wave stress–energy pseudo-tensor in gravity theories with any combination of scalar, vector, or tensor degrees of freedom. These methods rely on the second variation of the action under short-wavelength averaging, the second perturbation of the field equations in the short-wavelength approximation, the construction of an energy complex leading to a Landau–Lifshitz tensor, and the use of Noether’s theorem in field theories about a flat background. We apply these methods in general relativity, Jordan–Fierz–Brans–Dicky theoy, and Einstein-Æther theory to find the gravitational wave stress–energy pseudo-tensor and calculate the rate at which energy and linear momentum is carried away from the system. The stress–energy tensor and the rate of linear momentum loss in Einstein-Æther theory are presented here for the first time. We find that all methods yield the same rate of energy loss, although the stress–energy pseudo-tensor can be functionally different. We also find that the Noether method yields a stress–energy tensor that is not symmetric or gauge-invariant, and symmetrization via the Belinfante procedure does not fix these problems because this procedure relies on Lorentz invariance, which is spontaneously broken in Einstein-Æther theory. The methods and results found here will be useful for the calculation of predictions in modified gravity theories that can then be contrasted with observations.
Understanding Provoked Overt Recognition in Prosopagnosia:

Morrison, Bruce and Burton (2001) report a simulation of the phenomenon of provoked overt recognition (POR) of known faces in prosopagnosia using the IAC model. We note that the simulation demonstrates person recognition but requires modification to clearly demonstrate face recognition. The simulation requires the introduction of the concept of an attentional mechanism, a concept that is under-specified and not fully integrated into the IAC model. A modification to Morrison et al’s (2001) explanation of POR is proposed which is consistent with existing concepts of the IAC model, accounts for the relevant clinical phenomena, and removes the need to introduce the attentional mechanism. Modification to Morrison et al (2001) 1
Bank Lending and Monetary Shocks: an Empirical Investigation

This paper provides a systematic empirical study of the role of credit market frictions in the transmission of monetary shocks. First, using macro data for a developing economy (Pakistan), we show that banking spreads are countercyclical, even when we control for credit risk, monetary policy and potential maturity mismatches. Moreover, we find that this anticyclical nature is accentuated in the presence of government as an active participant in the private credit market. Then, using a unique dataset on corporate loan agreements for the period 2006-2011, we find evidence that, in times of tight monetary conditions, there is an overall increase in the pass-through of policy impulses to individual loans rates. Furthermore, our evidence suggest that the impact of these shocks is disproportionately felt by borrowers and is especially biased towards less established firms. Moreover, small (weak) banks change their loan conditions the most in tight conditions. Thus, our findings support the view that the existence of a credit channel is particularly relevant for emerging economies, hence emphasizing the need for appropriate stabilization policies.
Neutron radiography of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: From conventional towards energy selective neutron imaging

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are electrochemical energy converters, which provide electric power for stationary, automotive as well as portable applications. Especially for mobile usage, highest power densities are required to operate at high current densities (> 1 Acm−2). At these operating conditions, excessive product water accumulates inside the porous layers of the fuel cell, blocking the supply of reactant gases and leads to a significant drop in performance (so called mass transport losses). Besides that, liquid water accumulation risks to freeze under subfreezing conditions, which may lead to an irreversible failure of the fuel cell. In order to increase the power density or prevent the damage of a PEFC, the water transport is studied in this thesis with neutron radiography at subfreezing as well as at technical operating conditions. The work consists of three main contributions: First, a new methodology to differentiate ice from water was developed. This technique relies on diverging neutron cross section of liquid and frozen water at low neutron energies (> 4 Å/ 5.1 meV). Based on the comparison of images recorded at two distinct neutron energies, water and ice can be differentiated inside fuel cells. This technique was applied with three energy selective imaging techniques: Neutron filter methodology, Velocity selector technique and time of flight method. In these studies, the best applicability regarding time, spatial and energy resolution for fuel cells was obtained with a motorized neutron filter. Based on this technique, the production of supercooled water at subfreezing temperatures was proven for the first time with a direct measurement methodology. Second, a parametric study with different materials was performed on in order to maximize the operating time under subfreezing conditions without failure of the cell. As the transition of supercooled to frozen water occurs spontaneously, a statistical analysis of 1200 cold starts was carried out on small scale PEFCs. It was found out that material variations have a minor influence compared to statistical effects induced by inhomogeneities of the material. Furthermore, the size of the active area has shown a significant influence. This effect could be explained based on a Monte Carlo simulation of the freezing event that highlights a more pronounced probability of facing a seed in larger fuel cells. Hence, for fuel cells of technical size, operating times longer than 5 minutes could not be achieved at subfreezing temperatures.
Pure zeolite synthesis from silica extracted from coal fly ashes

Pure zeolites can be synthesised from silica extracted from fly ash by alkaline leaching. If the process is optimised the solid residue arising from this extraction may also contain a relatively high content of zeolitic material mixed with residual fly ash components. Both the pure and the impure zeolitic material have a high potential for application in wastewater and flue gas-cleaning technologies. The silica extraction potential of 23 European coal fly ashes covering most of the possible fly ash types is investigated in this study. Optimisation of leaching processes, by varying temperature, time and alkali/fly ash rates, permitted extraction yields up to 140g of SiO 2 per kg using a single step process, but the extraction yields may reach up to 210g/kg by applying thermal pre-treatments prior to the extraction. The solid residue arising from the silica extraction experiments shows a high NaP1 zeolite content. A high Si/Al ratio of the glass matrix, the occurrence of easily soluble silica phases in the original fly ash and a high reactive surface area were found to be the major parameters influencing silica extraction. High purity 4A and X zeolitic material was obtained by combining the silica extracts from the Meirama fly ash and a waste solution from the Al-anodising industry. The results allowed conversion of the silica extraction yields to an equivalent 630 g of pure 4A-X zeolite per kg of fly ash with a cation exchange capacity of 4.7meq/g.
Influence of Stabilizers on Composition, Sensory Properties and Microbial Load of Yoghurt Made from Zebu Milk

Yoghurt is a popular dairy product with wide consumer acceptance around the world. The use of stabilizers to improve the sensory attributes of yoghurt and enhance profitability in yoghurt-making has become common practice. In this study, the effects of Corn Starch (CS), Milk Powder (MP) and Baobab Fruit pulp (BF) as stabilizers in the yoghurt mix was evaluated. Raw zebu milk was homogenized, pasteurized at 75°C for 20 min and incubated at 43°C for 6-8 h until a gel was formed. Milk powder was added to the milk prior to homogenization while corn starch and baobab fruit pulp were added to yoghurt after incubation. Chemical composition, sensory attributes and microbial load of yoghurts formed were determined. Results show that the use of different stabilizers influenced the chemical composition, sensory attributes and microbial load of the yoghurt formed. Total solids varied from 14.34-16.70%, protein from 3.57-5.50% and fat from 4.33-5.30% in the yoghurts. Total solids increased with addition of stabilizers while protein and fat content increased only in MP and reduced in CS. The use of BF did not significantly alter the protein and fat content of yoghurts. With the exception of BF, addition of stabilizers generally improved sensory attributes and overall acceptability of yoghurt. Sensory scores shows that acceptance of the yoghurts was in the order, MP>CS>control>BF. The microbial load of the yoghurt increased with the addition of stabilizers. Coliform, fungal and total viable counts varied from 0.1-2.4×10, 0.1-1.8×10 and 0.2-2.5×10, respectively and was in the order, MP>BF>CS>control. While, addition of stabilizers to yoghurt may be desirable, high hygienic standards must be adopted in the production of stabilizers in order to avoid microbial contamination of yoghurt.
A snow algal community on Akkem glacier in the Russian Altai mountains

Abstract Snow algae are cold-tolerant algae growing on snow and ice and have been reported on glaciers in many parts of the world. Blooms of snow algae can reduce the surface albedo of snow and ice and significantly affect their melting. In addition, snow algae found in ice cores can be potential indicators of the paleo-environment, making them of great interest both to the biology and the geophysics of glaciers. A snow algal community was investigated in 2002 and 2003 on Akkem glacier in the Russian Altai mountains, where no information on its biological community has previously been available. Five species of snow algae including green algae and cyanobacteria were observed on the glacier. Red snow due to a bloom of algae (Chloromonas sp.) was visually apparent in the snow area during our study periods. The total algal cell-volume biomass on the glacier ranged from 97 to 1156μL m−2, which is equivalent to that reported previously on glaciers in the Himalaya and Alaska. The community structure showed that Mesotaenium berggrenii and/or Ancylonema nordenskioeldii, which are common species on glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere, were dominant in the ice area, while Chloromonas sp. was dominant in the snow area. Such community structures are similar to those on Alaskan and Arctic glaciers but differ from those on Himalayan and Tibetan glaciers, even though the Altai mountains are geographically closer to the Himalaya and Tibet than to Alaska. The difference in algal communities between the Altaic and other glaciers is discussed together with physical and chemical conditions affecting the algae.
BRST and Topological Gauge Theories

In this thesis, the BRST-quantization of gauge theories is discussed. A detailed analysis of the BRST-quantization on inner product spaces is performed for a class of abelian models, including reparametrization invariant ones. General rules how to obtain physical wave functions and propagators are proposed. The gauge fixing fermion is seen to play a central role for an admissible choice of the specific state space representation. Canonically equivalent solutions to the quantum master equation is found for a class of first order field theories, using a superfield formulation of the BV-framework. The analysis performed in d = 4 and d = 6 dimensions, shows that many master actions actually are canonically equivalent to simpler (minimal) master actions. The geometrical framework of almost product structures (APS) is adopted in order to investigate the splitting of manifolds induced by for example Yang-Mills theories and Kaluza-Klein theories. The properties of the Riemann-tensor are analyzed via the APS ansatz. New curvature relations are found in terms of the so called Vidal- and adapted connections.