Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast propagation of messages in VANETs and the impact of vehicles as obstacles on signal propagation

Vehicular Ad hoc NETworks (VANETs), an emerging technology, use vehicles as nodes to form a mobile ad hoc network for the dissemination of safety and entertainment messages. The thesis provides a scheme for the fast propagation of messages in VANETs and evaluates the impact of vehicles as obstacles on signal propagation. An improved scheme for intermediate node selection in DBA-MAC (Dynamic Backbone Assisted MAC) is proposed, which consists of a CW (Contention Window) constraint scheme and an updated criterion of suitability. A performance comparison shows that messages in the proposed scheme propagate faster than in DBA-MAC. The CW constraint scheme is also applicable in VANET protocols which adapt the CW mechanism to communicate the suitability of vehicles for acting as intermediate nodes. Additionally, the mathematical models for DBAMAC and the proposal are established, which indicate the probability of candidates to be chosen over alternatives in the intermediate node selection. A novel metric delay taking into account the effect of formation time(DEFT) is proposed. DEFT combines the network formation time and propagation delay. It shows the impact of network formation on propagation latency. The configuration for optimal performance can be acquired using the proposed DEFT. In order to evaluate the proposals, a novel distribution of vehicle location is proposed. In the proposed distribution, the security distances between adjacent vehicles in the same lane are considered. The estimation of vehicles’ location can be more practical and accurate using the proposed distribution. In the wide body of the VANET literature, it is assumed that all the vehicles within the radio range of a transmitter are able to receive the signal. Yet, in practice, the vehicles as obstacles between the transmitter and the receiver affect the signal propagation significantly. This thesis presents the impact of these obstacles on the network connectivity and system performance of the protocols. The results and the analysis show that neglecting obstacles in practice leads to a significant degree of error in the estimation of system performance. In practice, tall vehicles forward messages in a more efficient way than do lower vehicles since they are free from the obstacle effect. An improved scheme is proposed, in which the height of vehicles is used as a factor to determine their suitability for message forwarding. Declaration of originality I hereby declare that the research recorded in this thesis and the thesis itself was composed and organised by myself in the School of Engineering at The University of Edinburgh, except where explicitly stated otherwise in the text.
Functionally Relevant Microsatellite Markers From Chickpea Transcription Factor Genes for Efficient Genotyping Applications and Trait Association Mapping

We developed 1108 transcription factor gene-derived microsatellite (TFGMS) and 161 transcription factor functional domain-associated microsatellite (TFFDMS) markers from 707 TFs of chickpea. The robust amplification efficiency (96.5%) and high intra-specific polymorphic potential (34%) detected by markers suggest their immense utilities in efficient large-scale genotyping applications, including construction of both physical and functional transcript maps and understanding population structure. Candidate gene-based association analysis revealed strong genetic association of TFFDMS markers with three major seed and pod traits. Further, TFGMS markers in the 5′ untranslated regions of TF genes showing differential expression during seed development had higher trait association potential. The significance of TFFDMS markers was demonstrated by correlating their allelic variation with amino acid sequence expansion/contraction in the functional domain and alteration of secondary protein structure encoded by genes. The seed weight-associated markers were validated through traditional bi-parental genetic mapping. The determination of gene-specific linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns in desi and kabuli based on single nucleotide polymorphism-microsatellite marker haplotypes revealed extended LD decay, enhanced LD resolution and trait association potential of genes. The evolutionary history of a strong seed-size/weight-associated TF based on natural variation and haplotype sharing among desi, kabuli and wild unravelled useful information having implication for seed-size trait evolution during chickpea domestication.
A model of price discrimination under loss aversion and state-contingent reference points

We study optimal price discrimination when a monopolist faces a continuum of consumers with reference-dependent preferences. A consumer's valuation for product quality consists of an intrinsic valuation affected by a private state signal (type), and a gain-loss valuation that depends on deviations of purchased quality from a reference point. Following Kőszegi and Rabin (2006), we consider loss-averse buyers who evaluate gains and losses in terms of changes in the consumption valuation, but in our model each buyer evaluates consumption outcomes relative to his own state-contingent reference quality level. We capture the process by which reference qualities are formed via a reference consumption plan, and use a generalization of the Mirrlees representation of the indirect utility to fully characterize optimal contracts for loss-averse consumers. We find that, depending on the reference plan, optimal price discrimination may exhibit (i) downward distortions beyond the standard downward distortions due to screening; (ii) efficiency gains relative to second best contracts without loss aversion; (iii) upward distortions above first best quality levels without loss aversion. We consider ex-ante and ex-post consistent contracts in which quality offers by the firm coincide, in expectations or at every state realization, respectively, with the reference quality levels. We find the firm's unique preferred ex-ante and ex-post consistent contract menu and specify conditions under which, for the second case, it also constitutes the consumers' preferred menu.
Zircon Hf Isotopic Evidence for Mixing of Crustal and Silicic Mantle-derived Magmas in a Zoned Granite Pluton, Eastern Australia

Zircon Hf isotopic data from a zoned pluton of the Moonbi supersuite, New England batholith, eastern Australia, are consistent with magma mixing between two silicic melts, each derived from isotopically distinct sources. Although zircons from three zones within the Walcha Road pluton give a U^Pb crystallization age of 249 � 3 Ma, zircon populations from each zone have a range in "Hf. Zircons from the mafic hornblende^biotite monzogranite pluton margin and intermediate zones have eHf �þ 5t oþ11, whereas those from the more felsic centre of the pluton have eHf �þ 7t o þ16, representing a total variation of 11 eHf units. The Lu^Hf depleted mantle model ages range from � 650 to 250 Ma, with the younger zircons present only in the felsic pluton centre.The variation in eHf indicates the involvement of silicic melts from at least two sources, one a crustal component with a Neoproterozoic model age and the other a primitive mantle-derived component with model ages similar to the U^Pb crystallization age of the pluton. The zircons reflect the isotopic compositions of the different proportions of crustal-derived silicic melt, relative to mantle-derived silicic melt, between melt generation and final pluton construction. The Walcha Road pluton is considered to have formed by incremental assembly of progressively more felsic melt batches resulting from mixing, replenishment and crystal^melt separation, with final pluton construction involving mechanical concentration as zones of crystal mush. The zoned pluton and, more broadly, the Moonbi supersuite provide examples of magma mixing by which the more silicic units have more juvenile isotopic compositions as a result of increasing proportions of residual melt from basalt fractionation, relative to crustal partial melt.
Meaning in gestures : What event-related potentials reveal about processes underlying the comprehension of iconic gestures

In conversation, communication transpires through both talk and gesture. While describing a platter, a speaker might trace the outline of its shape in the air. Does understanding such iconic gestures engage processes similar to those recruited in the comprehension of pictures, photographs, and other image-based representations of the visual world? Previous research using event-related potentials (ERPs) has demonstrated that the second member of an unrelated picture pair results in enhanced negative going deflections of the ERP waveform around 300 ms (N300) and 400 ms (N400) post-stimulus onset as compared to responses elicited by related picture probes. To test whether the semantic analysis of gestures elicits similar effects, we recorded the electroencephalogram (EEG) from 16 healthy adults as they viewed spontaneously produced iconic co-speech gestures preceded by congruous and incongruous contexts. Gestures were presented either dynamically in the form of short, soundless video-clips or statically in the form of freeze frames extracted from gesture videos. N400-like effects were observed in response to both gesture types. Static gesture stills also elicited an N300 effect. These findings demonstrate that understanding gestures involves processes similar to those underlying the comprehension of other meaningful representations, including words and pictures.
Conservation status of the lion (Panthera leo Linnaeus, 1758) in Mozambique

The IUCN-SSC organised two regional workshops, one for West and Central Africa (2005) and one for Eastern and Southern Africa (2006), with the intention to gather major stakeholders and to produce regional conservation strategies for the lion. Mozambican authorities, together with local stakeholders, took part in the regional exercise for establishing the Regional Conservation Strategy for the Lion in Eastern and Southern Africa. They recognised the importance of establishing a National Action Plan for the Lion in Mozambique and realized the lack of comprehensive information for reviewing the lion profile in the country. A survey has been launched to update the conservation status of the lion in Mozambique. The final report of this survey is expected to become a comprehensive material for submission as a contribution to a forthcoming National Action Plan workshop. The current report is the final product of the whole survey made of three phases. The methods used are explained and results are provided. A database has been set up to collect and analyse the information available as well as the information generated by specific inquiries. Nine thematic maps have been drawn. The lion range in Mozambique is still quite extensive with a surface ranging between 515 000 and 610 000 km2, i.e. 66 to 78% of the terrestrial surface of the country. An assessment of the lion population size has been attempted with a tentative number of 2 700 individuals in Mozambique at this stage. The lion appears unevenly distributed: although more lion range (71%) lies in non-gazetted areas outside Protected Areas (named Conservation Areas in this country), a majority of the lion observations come from Protected Areas including National Parks, National Reserves, Hunting Blocks, Coutadas (Game Reserves), Community Programmes and Fazendas do bravio (Game Ranches). In line with the regional Lion Conservation Units (LCU), 3 national LCUs are suggested for Mozambique. Human/lion conflicts are of great concern in this country, especially in northern (Niassa and Cabo Delgado Provinces) and western (Tete Province) Mozambique. Cover picture: Lions in Niassa National Reserve (©Colleen Begg)
HOLOPROSENCEPHALY

Holoprosencephaly is a developmental disorder that results when the forebrain of the embryo fails to divide and form the right and left halves of the brain. The disorder produces a single-lobed brain structure and severe skull and facial abnormalities. Often the deformities cause babies to die before birth. In mild cases, babies are born with near-normal brain development and facial abnormalities involving cleft lip or cleft palate.
9 Climate Change Effects on Fungi in Agroecosystems

9.1 General Considerations 211 9.1.1 Definition of Fungi 211 9.1.2 Fungi May Be Bottom–Up (Resource) Controlled 212 9.1. 3 Multiple Roles of Fungi in Ecosystems; Diversity of Mechanisms 212 9.1. 4 Different Modes of Action of Climate Change Factors vs. Elevated CO 2 213 9.1. 5 Scope of Chapter 214 9.2 Belowground Responses: Mycorrhizae and Saprobes 214 9.2. 1 Mycorrhizae 215 9.2. 1.1 Elevated CO 2 215 9.2. 1.2 Temperature and Precipitation 217 9.2. 2 Saprobes 220 9.3 Aboveground Responses 221 9.3. 1 Fungal Endophytes 221 9.3. 2 Phyllosphere Fungi 222 9.4 Pathogens Aboveground and Belowground 223 9.4. 1 General Significance 223 9.4. 2 Mechanisms 224 9.4. 3 Elevated CO 2 224 9.4. 4 Precipitation and Temperature 225 9.5 Conclusion 226 References 226
Deicer Scaling Resistance of Concrete Mixtures Containing Slag Cement Phase 2: Evaluation of Different Laboratory Scaling Test Methods

With the use of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) in concrete mixtures, salt scaling tests such as ASTM C672 have been found to be overly aggressive and do correlate well with field scaling performance. The reasons for this are thought to be because at high replacement levels, SCM mixtures can take longer to set and to develop their properties: neither of these factors is taken into account in the standard laboratory finishing and curing procedures. As a result, these variables were studied as well as a modified scaling test, based on the Quebec BNQ scaling test that had shown promise in other research. The experimental research focused on the evaluation of three scaling resistance tests, including the ASTM C672 test with normal curing as well as an accelerated curing regime used by VDOT for ASTM C1202 rapid chloride permeability tests and now included as an option in ASTM C1202. As well, several variations on the proposed draft ASTM WK9367 deicer scaling resistance test, based on the Quebec Ministry of Transportation BNQ test method, were evaluated for concretes containing varying amounts of slag cement. A total of 16 concrete mixtures were studied using both high alkali cement and low alkali cement, Grade 100 slag and Grade 120 slag with 0, 20, 35 and 50 percent slag replacement by mass of total cementing materials. Vinsol resin was used as the primary air entrainer and Micro Air® was used in two replicate mixes for comparison. Based on the results of this study, a draft alternative test method to ASTM C672 is proposed.
Feeling the Market's Pulse with Google Trends

This article explores how Google Trends has been applied in different disciplines and the relevance of search query data to financial markets. We contend that if Google Trends can be used to recover retail investor interest in a particular security, market or issue, it can provide valuable information to a technical analyst. We propose possible applications of Google Trends to improve existing concepts in technical analysis (price movements, trend analysis, oscillators nd trading bands) and demonstrate how it can act as a useful tool to improve signal reliability. In addition, we suggest other areas that could benefit from the use of this data source (volume analysis, sentiment analysis and event studies).
Modelling Overnight Rrp Participation

We examine how market participants have used the Federal Reserve’s overnight reverse repurchase (ON RRP) exercise and how short-term interest rates have evolved between December 2013 and November 2014. We show that money market fund (MMF) participation is sensitive to the spread between market repo rates and the ON RRP offering rate as well as Treasury bill issuance, government sponsored enterprise (GSE) participation is more heavily driven by calendar effects, dealers tend to only participate when rate spreads are negative, and banks generally do not participate. We also find that the effect of the ON RRP on overnight interest rates is more significant in the collateralized market than the uncollateralized market.
DETERMINATION OF MARBLE PROVENANCE: LIMITS OF ISOTOPIC ANALYSIS

The applicability of isotopic analysis in marble provenance determination was studied. Some limiting factors include: 1) the isotopic inhomogeneity of marble from small quarrying areas, 2) similar isotopic composition of marbles from geographically different areas, 3) isotopic concidence of marbles from distant sources, and 4) variety of trace element composition of marbles.
Older Adults’ Awareness of Community Health and Support Services for Dementia Care*

RÉSUMÉ L’article examine où les personne agées peuvent chercher l’aide pour prendre soin d’un parent avec démence et les facteurs associés à leur identification des services de santé et de soutien communautaires comme des sources d’aide. Les auteurs menées des entrevues téléphoniques, à l’aide de numérotation de chiffres aléatoires, de 1,152 adultes âgés de 50 et plus dans la ville de Hamilton. À déterminer les sources de soutien, plus 37 pour cent des répondants a identifié leur médecin, 33 pour cent a identifié un soutien informel comme la famille et voisins et 31 pour cent a identifié des services de santé maison. Seulement 18 pour cent a identifié des services de soutien communautaires. Participants femmes ayant des niveaux plus élevés de scolarité étaient plus susceptibles d’identifier leur médecin comme une source de soutien. Savoir où trouver renseignements sur services de soutien communautaires était associée à une probabilité accrue de mentionnant des médecins et des services de santé maison comme sources d’aide. ABSTRACT The article examines where older adults seek help in caring for a parent with dementia and the factors associated with their identification of community health and support services as sources of assistance. The authors conducted telephone interviews, using random digit dialing, of 1,152 adults aged 50 and over in the city of Hamilton. Respondents received a vignette that raised issues related to parental dementia. In identifying support sources, over 37 per cent of respondents identified their physician, 33 per cent identified informal support such as family and neighbors, and 31 per cent identified home health services. Only 18 per cent identified community support services. Female participants having higher levels of education were more likely to identify their physician as a source of support. Knowing where to find information about community support services was associated with an increased likelihood of mentioning physicians and home health services as sources of assistance.
Physicochemical and structural properties of lidocaine-based ionic liquids with anti-inflammatory anions

The purpose of this paper was to examine the density, viscosity and electrical conductivity at different temperatures, as well as the thermal stability and structural properties of previously reported ionic liquids based on active pharmaceutical ingredients. Lidocaine-based ionic liquids, with ibuprofen and salicylate as counterion, were prepared first. Their structures were confirmed by infrared, mass and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The Newtonian behaviour of lidocaine ibuprofenate was confirmed from viscosity measurement results, while it was impossible to determine for lidocaine salicylate. The interactions and structures of the studied ionic liquids were analyzed based on the measured density values, viscosity, electrical conductivity, and calculated values of thermal expansion coefficients and activation energy of viscous flow. From a theoretical aspect, DFT and MD calculations were performed. The obtained descriptors and radial distribution, as well as structural functions, were used to understand the structural organization of the synthesized ionic liquids.
Efficient Capital Markets: II

SEQUELS ARE RARELY AS good as the originals, so I approach this review of the market efficiency literature with trepidation. The task is thornier than it was 20 years ago, when work on efficiency was rather new. The literature is now so large that a full review is impossible, and is not attempted here. Instead, I discuss the work that I find most interesting, and I offer my views on what we have learned from the research on market efficiency.
Declaration of Authorship

Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences Ocean and Earth Sciences Doctor of Philosophy by Michael J. Henehan Boron-based proxies (δ11B and B/Ca ratios), as applied to foraminiferal shells, have attracted increasing attention in recent years, because of their propensity to record past carbonate system conditions (and hence past levels of atmospheric CO2). However, questions still surround the central tenets upon which these proxies are based. For instance, why do all published calibration studies (bar one) describe pH-δ11B relationships in foraminifera that are counter to what aqueous theory would predict? Why do different organisms record different patterns in δ11B? How applicable are sparse observations from culture experiments to the open ocean, and indeed, the oceans of the past? Finally, how and why is boron actually incorporated into foraminiferal shells? This PhD project goes some way to answering these questions. It extends the applicability of the boron isotope-pH proxy, by contributing to our understanding of the inorganic basis of the proxy, the causes behind (and variability in) foraminiferal ‘vital effects’, and the mechanisms of boron incorporation in foraminiferal calcite. Specifically, three new species-specific calibrations (measured by MC-ICPMS) are presented, along with new insights into intraspecies δ11B variability, and new approaches for the propagation of uncertainty in palaeo-pH estimates. As a consequence, this project will permit greater confidence in future reconstructions of palaeo-CO2. These observations lend further support to foraminiferal microenvironment alteration’s being the main driver of deviations from the aqueous basis of the proxy. Conversely, however, this PhD project casts doubt on the utility of B/Ca ratios as a palaeo-proxy. Measurements of B/Ca in open-ocean Globigerinoides ruber bear little relation to in situ carbonate system parameters, but instead highlight a previously unnoticed driver of boron incorporation (alongside salinity): PO3− 4 concentrations. While further study is required, this finding appears to imply that boron incorporation in foraminifera is dictated by inorganic crystal growth kinetics, rather than the carbonate system.
The Anomalous 2019 Antarctic Ozone Hole in the GEOS Constituent Data Assimilation System With MLS Observations

A rare disturbance of the stratospheric Antarctic polar vortex in September 2019 led to a significantly higher than usual polar total ozone column. We use assimilation of ozone, HCl, and N2O data from the Microwave Limb Sounder with the Global Earth Observing System (GEOS) Constituent Data Assimilation System driven by reanalysis meteorology to study the evolution of the 2019 Antarctic polar ozone. We find that the maximum 2019 ozone hole area was near 10 × 106 km2, and as little as 20% of that in 2018 in mid‐September. However, the magnitude of vortex‐averaged chemical ozone depletion was not significantly different between the 2 years despite earlier chlorine deactivation in 2019. The assimilation results show that most of the differences between 2018 and 2019 Antarctic ozone resulted from two factors: (1) the geometry of the 2019 vortex, with ozone‐rich middle‐stratospheric air masses overlying the lower portion of the vortex and leading to a significant reduction of the total column, and (2) significantly reduced vortex volume. The anomalously small ozone hole of 2019 was comparable in size to the record breaking 2002 case and the mechanisms responsible were similar in the two cases. While the 2019 sudden stratospheric warming is classified as minor, its impact on ozone was very significant.