Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONCEPT OF DEATH BY BLACK AFRICAN LEARNERS IN A RURAL AREA

The present study examined the development of an understanding of the concept of death by Black African learners residing in a rural area in the Eastern Cape. The study was set against the background of the African cultural meaning systems related to death. There were 31 learners whose ages ranged between 6-8, 9-12, and 13-16 years. Only learners whose parents gave consent were included in the study. Data were collected using drawings and semi-structured tape-recorded interviews from a modified version of the Smilansky (1987) Death Questionnaire. Drawings were analysed following Marton’s (1981) phenomenographic method. Pattern coding was used to pull the paraphrased segments of the interview transcripts into meaningful themes. The responses specific to the five components of death were analysed using Smilansky’s scoring method. From the analysis of drawings 9 categories of description emerged and these reflected a contextualised understanding of death. The overview of the drawings reflected more similarities than differences between the age groups. The referent object influenced the pattern of component acquisition. For instance, the level of understanding was better for human death compared to the level of understanding for animal death among the 6-8 age group. The reversal was true for older learners whose level of conceptualising animal death was more advanced than the level of conceptualising human death. This finding demonstrates the influence of cultural practices on the development of the conceptualisation of death. The conceptualisation of old age seemed to develop before the other components followed by inevitability, then irreversibility, and last, finality and causality. Gender differences were noted only in the explanations of causes of death. The conclusions reached demonstrated that the development of an understanding of death is
On the Accuracy of SeaWiFS Ocean Color Data Products on the West Florida Shelf

ABSTRACT Cannizzaro, J.P.; Hu, C. ; Carder, K.L. ; Kelble, C.R. ; Melo, N. ; Johns, E.M. ; Vargo, G.A. , and Heil, C.A. , 2013. On the accuracy of SeaWiFS ocean color data products on the West Florida Shelf. Despite the importance of the West Florida Shelf (WFS) on regional ecology and local economy, systematic shelf-wide assessment of the ocean biology has not been conducted, primarily because of budgetary limitations for routine field campaigns and unknown accuracy of satellite-based data products. Here, using shipboard spectral normalized water-leaving radiance (nLw[λ]) data and chlorophyll-a concentrations (Chl-a) collected regularly during two multiyear field programs spanning >10 years, the accuracies of Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) standard data products were evaluated. The in situ data covered a wide dynamic range, with about one order of magnitude in nLw(490) (0.47 to 4.01 mW cm−2 μm−1 sr−1) and two orders of magnitude in Chl-a (0.07 to 10.6 mg m−3). Near-concurrent in situ and satellite nLw(λ) data showed absolute percent differences (APD) increasing from 7–9% to 10–14% when data with elevated aerosol optical thicknesses at 865 nm (τa865) were included. Most of this uncertainty, however, canceled in the maximal blue-to-green reflectance band ratios traditionally used for estimating Chl-a. SeaWiFS OC4 Chl-a showed a root mean square (RMS) uncertainty of 0.106 for log-transformed data in waters offshore of the 20-m isobath that increased to 0.255 when all data were considered. The increased likelihood for nearshore SeaWiFS Chl-a greater than ∼0.5 mg m−3 to be overestimated was shown to be caused by a variety of factors (colored dissolved organic matter [CDOM], suspended sediments, and bottom reflectance) that varied in both time and space. In the future, more sophisticated algorithms capable of taking these factors into consideration are required to improve remote determinations of Chl-a in nearshore waters of the WFS.
Application of Satellite Thermal Infrared Imagery to Geothermal Explor ation in East Central California

The main incentives for use of remote sensing in geothermal exploration are cost-effectiveness and large-area coverage. We analyzed spaceborne thermal infrared (TIR) imagery from the spaceborne ASTER instrument in search for thermal anomalies associated with geothermal resources in the central part of eastern California. We present results from the known geothermal area of the Coso Geothermal Power Project, with emphasis on correction of thermal effects caused by topogr aphy and albedo. Taking these effects into account reduces noise and reveals thermal anomalies which are weak or not distinguishable in the uncorrected imagery. In future work, we will look for similar anomalies in unexplored areas and will seek to validate the remote sensing observations with field measurements.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics and Genesis of Hydrothermal Kaolinite Deposits within Neogene Volcanites, Kütahya (Western Anatolia), Turkey

The Kütahya kaolinite deposits are the most important source of raw materials for the ceramics industry in Turkey. To date, no detailed mineralogical or geochemical characterizations of these materials have been carried out; the present study aims to fill that gap. The Kütahya kaolinite deposits formed by alteration of dacite and andesite tuffs related to Neogene volcanism whichwas associated withe xtensional tectonics. The kaolinite deposits contain silica and Fe- and Ti-bearing phases (pyrite, goethite, and rutile) in vertical and subvertical veins that diminish and then disappear upward. Mineralogical zonation outward from the main kaolinite deposit is as follows: kaolinite ± smectite + illite + opal-CT + feldspar; feldspar + kaolinite + quartz + smectite + illite; quartz + feldspar + volcanic glass. The veins and mineral distributions demonstrate that hydrothermal alteration was the main process in the development of the kaolinite deposits of the area. The very sharp, intense, diagnostic basal reflections at 7.2 and 3.57 Å, as well as non-basal reflections, well defined pseudohexagonal to hexagonal crystallinity with regular outlines, ideal differential thermal analysis-thermal gravimetric curves, and ideal, sharp, infrared spectral bands indicate well crystallized kaolinite. Micromorphologically, the development of kaolinite plates at the edges of altered feldspar and devitrified volcanic glass indicates an authigenic origin. Lateral increase in (SiO2+Fe2O3+MgO+Na2O+CaO+K2O)/(Al2O3+TiO2) from the center of the kaolinite deposit outward also indicates hydrothermal zonation. Enrichment of Sr in altered and partially altered rocks relative to freshvolca nic-rock samples demonstrates retention of Sr and depletion of Rb, Ba, Ca, and K during hydrothermal alteration of sanidine and plagioclase within the volcanic units. In addition, depletion of heavy rare earth elements (HREE) relative to light rare earth elements (LREE) in the kaolinized materials may be attributed to the alteration of hornblende. The negative Eu anomaly suggests the alteration of feldspar by hydrothermal fluids. The isotopic data from kaolinite and smectite indicate that hydrothermalalteration processes developed at 119.1–186.9°C and 61.8–84.5°C, respectively. Thus, the kaolinite deposits formed by hydrothermal alteration of volcanic glass, feldspar, and hornblende by a dissolutionprecipitation mechanism which operated under acidic conditions within Neogene dacite, andesite, and tuffs.
Efficacy and safety of different doses of a slow-release corticosteroid implant for macular edema: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of intravitreal corticosteroid implants for macular edema. Methods: A total of 3,586 patients from previously reported randomized controlled trials were included. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, employing random-effects or fixed-effects models according to between-study heterogeneity. The main outcome measures were the ORs for effects and safety of intravitreal corticosteroid implants. Results: Four eligible studies were included. Compared with the sham group, the ORs for $ 15 letter improvement of visual acuity in the high-dose and low-dose groups were 1.89 (95% CI 1.33–2.69, P = 0.0004) and 1.62 (95% CI 1.10–2.41, P = 0.02), respectively. The weight mean differences in central retinal thickness increases were - 75.46 (95% CI - 90.29, - 60.63, P , 0.0001) and - 46.47 (95% CI - 92.08, - 0.86, P = 0.05), respectively. However, the ORs for increased intraocular pressure in both intervention groups were higher than in the sham group, and were 11.50 (95% CI 7.24–18.28, P , 0.00001) and 10.30 (95% CI 6.49–16.36, P , 0.00001), respec-tively. The incidence of cataract was 7.25 (95% CI 5.68–9.25, P , 0.00001) and 3.56 (95% CI 1.28–9.96, P = 0.02) in the two intervention groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the intervention groups except for the incidence of cataract in which the OR was 1.59 (95% CI 1.28–1.97, P , 0.001). Conclusion: Intravitreal corticosteroid implants are effective in treating macular edema. How-ever, the efficacy is not related to corticosteroid dose.
The Distribution of the Nests of the Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata Latham) at Kapalga, N.T.: a Four-year Study

A survey of the distribution and abundance of nests of the magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata Latham) was carried out over 4 years (1980-83 inclusive) at a site covering about 1000 ha on the South Alligator River floodplain at Kapalga, N.T. There were large differences in the number of nests built from year to year. Maximum water depth on the plains and the length of time the plains were flooded varied considerably from year to year and since these factors have an effect on the type and distribution of the vegetation, a study of the relationship between the density of nests, water depth and the vegetation present was made in each year. Breeding was confined to three recognisable vegetation types: (1) a mixture of spike rushes, Eleocharis spp. , and wild rice, Oryza meridionalis; (2) pure stands of Oryza meridionalis; (3) pure stands of Eleocharis sphacelata. The density of nests was higher in areas of Eleocharis spp. /Oryza meridionalis mixture than in E. sphacelata or 0. rneridionalis and in 3 years out of 4, more nests were built in deep water rather than shallow, while in the fourth year nests were built at intermediate water depths. Significant numbers of nests were built in the areas of Oryza meridionalis in only one year when the density of nests was greater in deep water rather than shallow.
Alternative approaches for monitoring aquatic ecosystems: a study on the effects of municipal sewage effluent on biota in the South Saskatchewan River

Assessments of nutrient enrichment and contaminant toxicity from treated municipal sewage effluent were conducted on biota from the South Saskatchewan River through field monitoring and artificial stream experimentation. Field studies indicated that primary productivity was stimulated by nutrient enrichment, however, standing crop measurements were strongly influenced by increased abundance of invertebrates (i.e., chironomids). Periphyton quality was adversely effected by contaminants in the effluent, resulting in reduced lipid energy storage and physiological condition. Invertebrate community structure and composition at sampling stations were assessed through the use of diversity and similarity indices. Diversity indices were successful in identifying changes in community structure immediately downstream of the municipal effluent discharge, whereas the similarity index indicated a 51°/o difference in community composition between upstream and downstream sites. The evaluation of ecosystem processes based on invertebrate functional feeding groups were used to assess the influence of municipal sewage effluent on energy flow within the river. Energy storage within each group was measured by both biomass and areal lipid content. The identification of increased biomass and areal lipid content of gatherers and filter feeders immediately downstream of the effluent discharge suggests organic enrichment effects, whereas a reduction in scraper and predator biomass and lipid content indicated organic enrichment and toxicological effects. Measurements of invertebrate functional feeding groups provided descriptive, and ecologically meaningful information. When combined with the descriptive power of multivariate analyses, functional feeding group data was useful ~sa rapid bioassessment approach in the evaluation of effluent impacts on river ecosystems. Artificial stream studies were conducted to address questions on chronic effluent toxicity, and possible nutrient-toxicant interactions on growth and energy storage of the common stream scraper, Baetis tricaudatis. Larvae exposed to
Pharmacokinetic comparisons of Paeoniflorin and Paeoniflorin-6'O-benzene sulfonate in rats via different routes of administration

Abstract 1. The pharmacokinetics study of Paeoniflorin (Pae) and its acylated derivative (CP-25) was performed. 2. The structure of CP-25 was identified by mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The rats were injected with CP-25(6, 12, 24 mg/kg) and orally treated with CP-25 (32, 64, 128 mg/kg), respectively. An high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was developed to determine the plasma concentrations of Pae and CP-25. 3. The results of MS and NMR showed that the acylated product was Pae-6'O-benzene sulfonate (CP-25). The plasma levels in oral CP-25 groups were detectable, whereas those of Pae in the oral groups (25 and 50 mg/kg) were undetectable. More specifically, the Cmax values of oral CP-25 were 0.12, 0.19 and 0.44 μg/ml, and the corresponding t1/2β of CP-25 were 1.44, 2.12 and 2.11 h, respectively. In addition, the t1/2β values of intravenous CP-25 were 161.99, 152.81 and 153.76 min, respectively. 4. Compared with the venous pharmacokinetics parameters of Pae, those of the t1/2β, MRT, Vd and CL/F in the CP-25 groups increased noticeably. As expected, compared with oral parameters of Pae, those of t1/2a, t1/2β, AUC, MRT and Vd in the CP-25 group increased obviously. Finally, the absolute bioavailability of Pae and CP-25 were 3.6 and 10.6%, respectively. 5. Our results indicate that CP-25 is characterized by improved absorption, well distribution, lower clearance, long mean residence time, and moderate bioavailability in rats.
Calidad de huevo de cuatro líneas genéticas de gallinas en clima cálido

Hoy en día para valorar la calidad del huevo se emplean diversos parámetros como la variación del peso, la variación en la cámara de aire y la calidad de albúmina, de yema y de cáscara. Todo ello, con la única finalidad de presentar un producto altamente confiable para los consumidores. El objetivo de estudio fue determinar la calidad del huevo de gallina, en cuatro líneas híbridas, criadas en dos sistemas de producción en clima cálido húmedo; para ello, se establecieron, durante 2011, dos estudios en la posta zootécnica de la Universidad del Papaloapan (17° 47’ 00’’ latitud norte y 95° 56’ 00’’ longitud oeste, a una altura de 57 msnm). En el estudio uno, 40 gallinas de 18 semanas de edad, 10 de cada línea genética (Tetra SL, Harco, Plymouth y INPEMA-Plymouth), fueron alojadas en jaulas individuales (80 cm2) en donde se les proporcionó alimento ad libitum. En el estudio dos, un grupo de 80 gallinas (50 Tetra SL y 30 Plymouth) de la misma edad, fueron criadas en pastoreo- complemento. En ambos estudios, la evaluación se realizó en las semanas de postura 14, 18, 22 y 26 y las variables medidas fueron peso, largo y diámetro del huevo; peso de la yema, de la albúmina y del cascarón; pH de yema y de albúmina; intensidad del color de la yema y Unidades Haugh. Se utilizó un diseño completamente aleatorizado con arreglo multifactorial donde los efectos fijos fueron la línea genética, la semana de postura, el tiempo de almacenamiento y de refrigeración. En la semana 26 de postura se encontraron los valores más altos (p< 0.05) en peso de huevo, yema y diámetro, en los dos sistemas. El pH de la yema y albúmina fue mejor en huevos evaluados un día después de la puesta y bajo refrigeración, en ambos estudios. Los huevos obtenidos de gallinas en jaula presentaron cascarón más delgado y yema de color menos intenso, comparados con los producidos bajo un sistema de pastoreo-complemento.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHARACTERIZATION OF FOREST FRAGMENTATION ON THE EASTERN FLANK OF MOUNT LEBANON OVER 33 YEARS

Fragmentation has become central issue in ecological studies as it is detrimental for biodiversity across the landscapes. It threats forest resources throughout the world. This study investigates the changes and fragmentations of the forests spatial configuration over 33 years (1965 forest map at 1/50,000 and 1998 landcover map at 1/20,000) at the Eastern slope of Mount Lebanon. Legends on both maps were first harmonized and entered into atypical forest fragmentation analysis. Spatial scale was then resampled for straight forward analysis. A set of landscape indices were applied to quantify changes. Junipers and oaks are the main forest types at the study area. The landscape over the study area showed to be highly fragmented and subjected to severe degradations. In particular, total forest area decreased by 47% (from 33,369 to 17,668 ha) during the investigated period. Patch number increased by 5 times, mean patch size decreased by 17 times and total edge has doubled. Inside-outside patch forest fragmentation analysis was used to detect the most degraded area and determine the forest regeneration dynamics. This paper provides significant contribution to the analysis of forest fragmentation in the Mediterranean environments using older forest spatial data toward the investigation of forest ecological conditions. Forest fragmentation analysis, however, requires lower level biodiversity investigations such as species level.
Temporal and spatial variability of daytime land surface temperature in Houston: Comparing DISCOVER‐AQ aircraft observations with the WRF model and satellites

Based on a semiempirical diurnal temperature cycle model and aircraft observations taken at different times of the day, daytime land surface temperature (LST) is derived at six locations in the Greater Houston area on the least cloudy day during NASA's DISCOVER‐AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) field campaign in September 2013. The aircraft‐derived daytime LSTs show ranges (max‐min) of 11–25°K varying by location, with the daily maxima occurring near 1300–1400 local time. Two Weather Research and Forecasting model simulations that were configured differently are compared with these aircraft‐derived LST, indicating location‐ and time‐dependent performance. The NOAA GOES geostationary satellite observed similar LST spatial patterns in Houston to those in finer resolution from two polar‐orbiting satellite instruments (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite), and it provided useful information of the LST temporal variability missing from the polar‐orbiting satellite products. However, spatial‐ and time‐varying discrepancies are found among LSTs from these various platforms, which are worth further evaluation in order to benefit model evaluation and improvement. The aircraft and satellite LSTs are overall anticorrelated with satellite vegetation indexes. This emphasizes the importance of vegetation cover in urban planning due to its cooling effect and further impact on biogenic emissions and regional air quality. The approaches shown in this study are also suitable for applications under cloudless conditions at other locations and times, such as during the remaining DISCOVER‐AQ deployments conducted in three other populated regions with diverse land uses.
Fabric of Coarse Deep-water Sandstones Tourelle Formation, Quebec, Canada

ABSTRACT The Tourelle Formation (Ordovician) consists of shales and sandstones of several different facies types deposited in the midfan region of a submarine fan complex. Dimensional orientation of quartz grains was measured on 93 core-samples taken from ten unusually thick, coarse sandstone layers, to investigate the mechanism of deposition of such layers. Samples were taken both vertically within a layer and horizontally along the strike (for distances up to 570 m) to study local variation in both grain orientation and imbrication. The layers studied are of two facies types, which also differ in fabric. Both types generally show size grading, from about 1 mm at the base to about 0.2-0.5 mm near the top. Layers showing internal stratification have strong preferred orientation that is consistent both vertically and horizontally within a layer, with long axes of grains parallel to flow and imbricate upcurrent, commonly at angles greater than 20°. In some layers orientation is consistently rotated from sole marks. Within individual (reverse graded, cm-thick) stratification bands, vector magnitude is strongest in the finer part of the band. Layers lacking internal stratification have strongest orientation at the base and top. Some basal samples are bimodal. The middle of the layer is characterized by isotropic or bimodal fabrics. Grain orientation and imbrication are generally highly variable within each layer, although one structureless layer displays consistent orientation and upcurrent imbrication. Stratified and most structureless layers were deposited from turbulent suspensions (turbidity currents): a few massive layers were probably deposited from sandy submarine debris flows. Fabric inconsistency, bimodality or isotropism appears to be related mainly to very rapid deposition from suspension or to deposition from sandy debris flow.
A new daily central England temperature series, 1772–1991

In 1974 Manley produced a time series of monthly average temperatures representative of central England for 1659–1973. The present paper describes how a series of homogenized daily values representative of the same region has been formed. This series starts in 1772, and is consistent with Manley's monthly average values. Between 1772 and 1876 the daily series is based on a sequence of single stations whose variance has been reduced to counter the artificial increase that results from sampling single locations. For subsequent years, the series has been produced from combinations of as few stations as can reliably represent central England in the manner defined by Manley. We have used the daily series to update Manley's published monthly series in a consistent way. We have evaluated recent urban warming influences at the chosen stations by comparison with nearby rural stations, and have corrected the series from 1974 onwards. The corrections do not (yet) exceed 0.1°C. We present all the monthly data from 1974, along with averages and standard deviations for 1961–1990. We also show sequences of daily central England temperature for sample years. All the daily data are available on request.