Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State of Australian Cities Conference 2015 Sustainability at the Australian local government level : Is there room for Strategic Environmental Assessment ( SEA ) ?

Recent calls in Australia have addressed the need for better integration of planning processes. The consequent effort made by the government has been, and still is, reshaping the way urban and regional planning and sustainability are managed. Focusing on planning practices at the local and regional levels, we investigate how environmental sustainability is pursued from an institutional perspective. Specifically, we analyse the way that planning in Australian cities aims to achieve sustainable strategies and reflect on the relationship with ‘Strategic Environmental Assessment’. This paper has four goals. First, sustainable planning practices at the local and regional levels are analysed considering the legislative and organizational frameworks of each state. The goal is to identify, through an analysis of planning documents, how much discretion is given to local councils to address sustainable strategies. Second, we focus on two regions and four cities in Queensland, to outline strengths and weaknesses of current legislative and practical frameworks. We use analytical criteria from the SEA literature to investigate these plans in more detail. Third, we examine the relationship between strategic and statutory plans, to see how sustainability is actually implemented. Finally, we compare how the emerging issues are affecting sustainable planning in Australia and in countries with different planning and SEA tradition. Considering how SEA is globally evolving and proliferating, we offer recommendations on how Australia might achieve a more integrated and sustainable approach to planning.
Greenhouse gas fluxes in a drained peatland forest during spring frost-thaw event

Abstract. Fluxes of greenhouse gases (GHG) carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured during a two month campaign at a drained peatland forest in Finland by the eddy covariance (EC) technique (CO2 and N2O), and automatic and manual chambers (CO2, CH4 and N2O). In addition, GHG concentrations and soil parameters (mineral nitrogen, temperature, moisture content) in the peat profile were measured. The aim of the measurement campaign was to quantify the GHG fluxes during freezing and thawing of the top-soil, a time period with potentially high GHG fluxes, and to compare different flux measurement methods. The forest was a net CO2 sink during the two months and the fluxes of CO2 dominated the GHG exchange. The peat soil was a small sink of atmospheric CH4 and a small source of N2O. Both CH4 oxidation and N2O production took place in the top-soil whereas CH4 was produced in the deeper layers of the peat, which were unfrozen throughout the measurement period. During the frost-thaw events of the litter layer distinct peaks in CO2 and N2O emissions were observed. The CO2 peak followed tightly the increase in soil temperature, whereas the N2O peak occurred with a delay after the thawing of the litter layer. CH4 fluxes did not respond to the thawing of the peat soil. The CO2 and N2O emission peaks were not captured by the manual chambers and hence we conclude that high time-resolution measurements with automatic chambers or EC are necessary to quantify fluxes during peak emission periods. Sub-canopy EC measurements and chamber-based fluxes of CO2 and N2O were comparable, although the fluxes of N2O measured by EC were close to the detection limit of the system. We conclude that if fluxes are high enough, i.e. greater than 5–10 μg N m−2 h−1, the EC method is a good alternative to measure N2O and CO2 fluxes at ecosystem scale, thereby minimizing problems with chamber enclosures and spatial representativeness of the measurements.
Lies on the Lips: Dying Declarations, Western Legal Bias, and Unreliability as Reported Speech

When one individual is killed by another, the victim may utter some final words to a third party indicating the circumstances of the death, including the purported identity of the individual who perpetrated the event. This dying declaration, when repeated in court by the third party would generally be inadmissible under the hearsay rule. But in contrast to other forms of hearsay, dying declaration reported speech is admissible as legitimate and probative evidence as to the truth of the matter asserted through purported possession of "guarantees of trustworthiness. " However, dying declarations are not inherently more reliable than other forms of inadmissible hearsay evidence. Court acceptance of these words is based on unfounded western legal assumptions that are expressed through logical fallacies, a mistaken conception of language objectivity, ignorance of the fundamental concepts of constructed speech, and a western legal manifest through application of self-centered frameworks and cosmologies. Overall, the basis of the dying declaration exception to the hearsay rule is founded on assumptions about language that are of questionable validity. By applying linguistic concepts to this form of speech, it would appear that the "guarantee of trustworthiness" rationale of the exception is, upon analysis, neither guaranteed nor trustworthy.
Density and diversity of diazotrophic bacteria isolated from Amazonian soils using N-free semi-solid media

Non-symbiotic diazotrophic bacteria are amongst the most important functional groups of soil-dwelling microorganisms. These bacteria contribute to plant growth predominantly through biological N2 fixation. Here, we evaluated the density and diversity of non-symbiotic diazotrophic bacteria in soils taken from diverse land use systems (LUS) in Amazonia using nitrogen-free media. A total of 30 soil samples were collected from the following LUS: pristine forest, young secondary forest, old secondary forest, agroforestry, agriculture and pasture. Bacterial density was evaluated by the most probable number (MPN) method utilizing N-free semi-solid media with varied compositions (JNFb, NFb, LGI and Fam). Individual isolates were characterized by colony and cellular morphology as well as total protein profiles and nitrogenase activity. Isolate genotypes were determined by partial 16S rDNA sequences. No typical diazotrophic growth in the JNFb medium was observed. Bacterial densities in the NFb medium were higher in the agriculture and agroforestry soil samples. In LGI and Fam media, bacterial densities were highest in the pasture soil samples. Overall, 22 isolates with high phenotypic diversity were obtained. Eleven isolates exhibited nitrogenase activity. Sequences of 16S rDNA genes of 14 out of 19 isolates had similarities below 100 % with known nitrogen-fixing species. Isolates were identified as belonging to the Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Serratia, Klebsiella, and Bacillus genera. A higher number of isolates from pasture soil samples were isolated, with the majority of these belonging to the Burkholderia and Bacillus genera. Among the isolates, unknown sequences were obtained, possibly indicating new species. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Fam, NFb, and LGI semi-solid media allowed the growth of diazotrophic bacteria belonging to different phylogenetic lines.
Characterization of Kallireins and microRNAs in Urine Sediment for the Discrimination of Prostate Cancer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objectives: Prostate Cancer (PCa) and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) are frequently coexisting in elderly men. The measurement of serum PSA together with Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) represents the primary diagnostic tool to suspect PCa, whereas definitive diagnosis is achieved by prostate biopsy. The low specificity of PSA and the modest detection rate of biopsy convict the patient to a quite often unnecessary and uncomfortable clinical itinerary. There is a urgent need for new and more accurate methodologies to diagnosize PCa. In the present study, the expression of 4 mRNAs and 2 miRNAs was evaluated in post DRE urine cell pellets from patients suffering PCa and age-matched subjects affected by BPH with elevated PSA levels. We also evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of markers in predicting PCa. Materials and methods: The expression levels of 4 mRNAs (3 kallikreins - KLK3, KLK11, KLK13 and a prostate cancer antigen - PCA3) and 2 microRNAs (miR-9-3p and miR-19a-3p) were assayed by means of real-time PCR in post DRE urine of 79 men undergoing prostate biopsy for PSA levels > 3 ng/mL. The diagnostic power of tested markers was evaluated through logistic regression analysis. Results: PCA3 was undetectable in 22 out of 38 BPH subjects. KLK3 and KLK11 were significantly upregulated in PCa group (p value < 0.001), while miR-9-3p and miR-19a-3p were up-regulated in BPH group (p value <0.001 and < 0.01, respectively). KLK13 was not differentially expressed between groups. MiR-19a-3p and miR- 9-3p reached the highest specificity (64.29%) and sensitivity (81.08%), respectively. The more accurate bivariate logistic model was obtained combining KLK11 with either miR-9-3p and miR-19a-3p. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that selected kallikreins and miRNAs proved to be an accurate diagnostic tool for PCa. Urine cells pellets obtained after DRE represent a reliable biological matrix for minimally invasive gene expression assays.
Microbial Diversity of Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria through Waste Water Genomics

Autotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria are a critical factor of the microbial community in industrial wastewater treatment systems. We evaluated the diversity and community composition of β-proteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in two full-scale treatment reactors - a sand filter and a biological aerated filter - receive an identical wastewater. Polymerase chain reaction of the 16S rRNA gene fragments of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria-selective primers was merged with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to allow the comparative analysis of the dominant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria populations. The phylogenetic affinities of the dominant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were verified by cloning and sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles were evaluated using a probability-based similarity index. An exploitation of a probabilistic index of similarity permitted us to consider the differences and similarities observed in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria community structure in different samples were statistically significant or could be accounted for random matching of bands in denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles that would propose random colonization of the reactors at different ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. All Possibly-like sequences recognized, grouped within the Nitrosomonas genus. A greater diversity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were detected in trickling filters than the BAF on all samples analyzed were initiate to be dominated by ammonia oxidizing bacteria most closely linked to Nitrosococcus mobilis. Numerical investigation of the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles indicated that the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria community in depth profiles from the filter beds was selected in a non-random manner.
An asexual genetic algorithm for the general single vehicle routing problem

This article proposes an optimization algorithm for the general vehicle routing problem. The algorithm uses mutation based genetic algorithms (GAs) (or asexual GAs). The algorithm is general, in that it can handle various types of the vehicle routing problem; namely, the traveling salesman problem, the single vehicle pick-up and delivery problem, and the single vehicle pick-up and delivery problem with time windows. The algorithm is fast and gives optimal/near-optimal solutions with minimal computation effort. The algorithm is simple and easy to implement. Results from forty-six problems (most of which are obtained from existing sources) are also presented.
Metabolic attributes, yield and stability of milk in Jersey cows fed diets containing sodium citrate and sodium bicarbonate

The objective of this work was to evaluate the inclusion of sodium citrate and sodium bicarbonate in the diet of lactating Jersey cows, and its effects on the metabolic attributes, productivity and stability of milk. We evaluated urinary pH, levels of glucose and urea in blood, body weight, body condition score, milk yield, milk stability (ethanol test), and milk physicochemical properties of 17 cows fed diets containing sodium citrate (100 g per cow per day), sodium bicarbonate (40 g per cow per day) or no additives. Assessments were made at the 28 th and 44 th days. Supply of sodium citrate or bicarbonate has no influence on the metabolic attributes, productivity, body weight, and body condition score of the cows, neither on the composition and stability of milk.
AUGMENTED REALITY SERVICES

We assume that one of the key reasons is in the difference between a standalone application and a web service. Both architectures have some advantages and disadvantages. The Standalone application (e.g. Nokia/OVI Maps) provides the required functionality. From the user point of view, main asset of this “offline” approach is network connectivity independence. However, this kind of applications must be upgraded manually. Moreover, it is hard to get any data about the application usage because it requires additional actions from the user – data are usually acquired through conventional ways, such as email or web forms.The online service such as Google Maps (including its mobile application) can offer the same functionality as the offline application. Nevertheless, a permanent connection to provider servers is necessary. This can be taken as a drawback. On the other hand, usage data collection is easier and can be done without the user intervention. The data collection provides a valuable analysis basis of the user habits and needs. This analysis is necessary for design of a complex “user” based solutions such as Google Now.Augmented reality applications are usually based on the first mentioned approach. In this article, we describe our model of augmented reality as a service and compare its features with standalone solutions. Further, other important key aspects for large emergence of augmented reality services in a mainstream market are discussed.
Molecular phylogenetics of leafrollers: application to DNA diagnostics.

Accurate and rapid diagnosis of taxa, whether they be well-defined species, or biotypes, is of crucial importance to quarantine, pest management and research. Recent developments in DNA technology has resulted in a range of molecular techniques being available for use in such applications. We have employed a phylogenetically focussed approach in the development of a diagnostic key to distinguish a range of leafroller species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) using DNA sequence data derived from a 2.3 kb region of the mitochondrial genome containing the genes cytochrome oxidase I and II. Phylogenetic analysis has revealed clear relationships between taxa, although the genus Apoctena does not appear monophyletic. The most appropriate diagnostic characters are either those which are phylogenetically informative, either synapomorphies or autapomorphies. A standardised approach to
Locus of Control Job Satisfaction Job Stress among Female Headteachers at Primary Schools in Makassar, Indonesia

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between internal locus of control and job satisfaction, job stress and sexes of female head-teachers of primary schools in Makassar, Indonesia. A total of 85 female respondents returned the completed questionnaires. This is a one - phased quantitative research using questionnaire instruments to collect data. The questionnaires were distributed by mailing them to the schools’ address of each respondent. The data were analyzed using SPSS package. Arithmetic statistics used such as mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s product moment correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis. To establish content validity which supported construct validity, a principal component factor analysis was applied. The results of this study revealed that there was a significant correlation between internal locus of control and job satisfaction and job stress of female headteachers at elementary schools in Makassar. There was no relationship between sexes (married with children and had maid; married with children had no maid ) with internal locus of control of female headteachers in primary schools in Makassar, Indonesia.
The effect of a virtual standards-based training program on physical education teacher self-efficacy

There is a need for sound self-efficacy measures in education that are based on Social Cognitive Theory. Physical education benefits public health by addressing physical inactivity and obesity. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a standards-based training program and virtual blog on self-efficacy. Participants were 60 physical education teachers recruited from 16 school districts. Three self-efficacy scales were administered at the beginning of a workshop and after a six-week collaborative blog. The major finding is that the intervention enhanced self-efficacy to a much greater extent than the control group. The average experimental group effect size for ESBI was . 97 compared to . 19 for the control group. This work could help guide future professional development opportunities.
Measuring the Economic Gains of Mergers and Acquisitions: Is it Time for a Change?

In this paper we review the methods of measuring the economic gains of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). We show that the widely employed event study methodology, whether for short or long event windows, has failed to provide meaningful insight and usable lessons regarding the central question of whether mergers and acquisitions create value. We believe the right way to assess the success and therefore the desirability of M&A is through a thorough analysis of company fundamentals. This will require examining smaller samples of transactions with similar characteristics.
Comparison of adaptive radar algorithms : transformed SMI, eigencanceler, and SMI

COMPARISON OF ADAPTIVE RADAR ALGORITHMS: TRANSFORMED SMI, EIGENCANCELER, AND SMI by Chaitanya H. Kathiari Advanced airborne radars must perform target detection in the presence of interference and heavy clutter. In many applications, the practical usefulness of adaptive arrays is limited by their convergence rate. In this paper, we first analyze the performance of the SMI method. Then, two other methods, the transformed SMI and the eigencanceler, both based on the principle component inversion (PCI) technique, are described and analyzed by simulation. It is shown by simulation based comparison that the transformed SMI and the Eigencanceler outperform the SMI method. It is also shown that the transformed SMI and the eigencanceler has higher convergence rate in terms of output signal-to-noise ratio than the SMI, specially for short data record sizes. It is concluded that the transformed SMI and the eigencanceler are good alternatives to the SMI method when data set available is small. COMPARISON OF ADAPTIVE RADAR ALGORITHMS: TRANSFORMED SMI, EIGENCANCELER, AND SMI by Chaitanya H. Kathiari A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of New Jersey Institute of Technology in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering January 1996 APPROVAL PAGE COMPARISON OF ADAPTIVE RADAR ALGORITHMS: TRANSFORMED SMI, EIGENCANCELER, AND SMI Chaitanya H. Kathiari 41— AleCiander Haimovich, elrlesis Adviser Date Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, NJIT Dr. Yeheskel Date Director of the Center for Communications and Signal Processing Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering, NJIT Dr. Yun-Qing Shi Date Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, NJIT BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Author: Chaitanya H. Kathiari Degree: Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Date: January 1996 Undergraduate and Graduate Education: • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 1996 • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 1994 Major: Electrical Engineering This Thesis is dedicated to My Parents
Measuring the Quality of Politicians Elected by Gender Quotas – Are They Any Different?

Do gender quotas reduce the quality of politicians elected to a legislature? For the first time in the literature, this article addresses this question by examining the quality of ‘quota women’ compared to their non-quota colleagues at three stages of their political career: their electoral performance, their qualifications for political office and their post-election legislative career trajectories. Drawing on the unique case of Britain following the 1997 general election, no significant difference is found between the quality of ‘quota women’ and their non-quota colleagues. Voters do not punish ‘quota women’ at the ballot box; ‘quota women’ are as equally qualified for political office as their colleagues; and the gatekeepers of executive office do not discriminate against ‘quota women’ in front-bench promotions. Considering this, the article concludes by asking whether the similarity of ‘quota women’ to their colleagues may actually impact on their capacity to affect transformative substantive representation.
PFM Analysis of Embedded Crack in RPV

This paper describes a probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) analysis of aged nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) material. PFM approach is regarded as an appropriate method in rationally evaluating plant life and in risk-based decision making such as risk-informed inspection, since it can consider various uncertainties such as sizes and distributions of cracks, degradation of material strength due to aging effects, fluctuating loading histories, accuracy and frequency of preand in-service inspections. Thus, various PFM computer programs have been developed and applied in practical situations in the last two decades. But the most programs can calculate only for surface cracks, because of the difficulty of evaluating fracture parameters for embedded cracks, and the cost of computation. A new simulation program has been developed to solve PFM analysis of RPV with both elliptical embedded cracks and semi-elliptical surface cracks. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the program, one of PFM round-robin problems set by JSME-RC111 committee, i.e. "aged RPV under normal and upset operating conditions" was solved. The effect of ignorance of embedded cracks is also examined, and the availability of usual PFM codes, which ignore embedded cracks, is discussed.
Supplement and forage effects on fecal output estimates from an intra-ruminal marker device.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of supplemental protein and forage on marker estimated fecal output using an intraruminal continuous release marker device in grazing steers. In experiment 1, twelve steers were assigned to 3 treatments and fecal collections were made during a 6-day period in December 1990 and again in February 1991. Treatments were: 1) range forage only, 2) range forage + 0.32 kg protein/day from a 70% soybean meal - 30% wheat pellet, and 3) range forage + 0.32 kg crude protein/day from 15.1% meadow hay. Fecal output estimates derived from the marker device were similar (P > 0.10) for all treatments and both periods. Fecal estimates derived from the marker device were greater (P 0.10) for the 2 supplement treatments. Fecal output estimates were greater (P 0.10; r = 0.93) on range in September. Protein supplements had no effect on fecal estimates derived from chromic oxide released from a marker device, but the marker estimates were affected by forage source. Correlation between fecal collection and the marker method is high; however, total fecal collection should be used to correct fecal output derived by the marker device for each forage source.