Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aquatic toxicity of manufactured nanomaterials: challenges and recommendations for future toxicity testing

Environmental context The increased use of nanomaterials in industrial and consumer products requires robust strategies to identify risks when they are released into the environment. Aquatic toxicologists are beginning to possess a clearer understanding of the chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials in solution, and which of the properties potentially affect the health of aquatic organisms. This review highlights the main challenges encountered in aquatic nanotoxicity testing, provides recommendations for overcoming these challenges, and discusses recent studies that have advanced our understanding of the toxicity of three important OECD nanomaterials, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and silver nanomaterials. Abstract Aquatic nanotoxicologists and ecotoxicologists have begun to identify the unique properties of the nanomaterials (NMs) that potentially affect the health of wildlife. In this review the scientific aims are to discuss the main challenges nanotoxicologists currently face in aquatic toxicity testing, including the transformations of NMs in aquatic test media (dissolution, aggregation and small molecule interactions), and modes of NM interference (optical interference, adsorption to assay components and generation of reactive oxygen species) on common toxicity assays. Three of the major OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) priority materials, titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) NMs, studied recently by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Nanotechnology Initiative (NNBNI), a Canadian consortium, have been identified to cause both bulk effect, dissolution-based (i.e. free metal), or NM-specific toxicity in aquatic organisms. TiO2 NMs are most toxic to algae, with toxicity being NM size-dependent and principally associated with binding of the materials to the organism. Conversely, dissolution of Zn and Ag NMs and the subsequent release of their ionic metal counterparts appear to represent the primary mode of toxicity to aquatic organisms for these NMs. In recent years, our understanding of the toxicological properties of these specific OECD relevant materials has increased significantly. Specifically, researchers have begun to alter their experimental design to identify the different behaviour of these materials as colloids and, by introducing appropriate controls and NM characterisation, aquatic nanotoxicologists are now beginning to possess a clearer understanding of the chemical and physical properties of these materials in solution, and how these materials may interact with organisms. Arming nanotoxicologists with this understanding, combined with knowledge of the physics, chemistry and biology of these materials is essential for maintaining the accuracy of all future toxicological assessments.
Dress in Choral Evensongs in the Dutch Context: Appropriation and Transformation of Religiosity in the Netherlands

In this article the appropriation of the Anglican choral evensong in the Netherlands, outside the context of the Anglican church, and more specifically the dress in the choral evensong will be investigated in order to gain more insight into religiosity in the Netherlands. The authors will explore which kind of dress is worn in choral evensongs in the Netherlands and which meanings participants attribute to the dress. As an analytic tool the concepts of denotational and connotational meanings are used. Main conclusion of the research is that dress in choral evensong points to a transformation of religiosity. By wearing Anglican dress, choirs indicate to belong to the high-quality sound group of English cathedral choirs; through this position choir members criticize the traditional reformed emphasis on spoken words. At the same time, by changing the Anglican 'dress code', choirs emphasize their unicity and individuality, independent of church traditions. Lastly, choir members refer to unarticulated transcendental experiences by wearing ritual liturgical dress.
Identification of polymorphisms in reference barley genotypes based on the polymerase chain reaction

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect DNA polymorphism. Four reference barley genotypes were evaluated for variability using primers designed to amplify specific segments of genomic I DNA. Segregation of such PCR-based markers in F5 SSD progeny was also analysed. Suitability of PCR-based markers for use as genetic marker in barley germplasm is discussed.
Code Generation and Simulation of an Automatic, Flexible QC-LDPC Hardware Decoder

Iterative error correcting codes such as LDPC codes have become prominent in modern forward error correction systems. A particular subclass of LDPC codes known as quasicyclic LDPC codes has been incorporated in numerous high speed wireless communication and video broadcasting standards. These standards feature multiple codes with varying codeword lengths and code rates and require a high throughput. Flexible hardware that is capable of decoding multiple quasi-cyclic LDPC codes is therefore desirable. This thesis investigates binary quasi-cyclic LDPC codes and designs a generic, flexible VHDL decoder. The decoder is further enhanced to automatically select the most likely decoder based on the initial a posterior probability of the parity-check equation syndromes. A software system is developed that generates hardware code for such a decoder based on a small user specification. The system is extended to provide performance simulations for this generated decoder. ii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Region Analysis for Imperative Languages

This paper presents a region inference framework designed specifically for imperative pro- grams with dynamic allocation and destructive updates. Given an input program, the algo- rithm automatically translates it into an output program with region annotations on proce- dures and allocation commands, and with explicit region creation and removal commands. Our framework formulates the analysis problem as a three-step algorithm. In the first phase, it infers region annotations for record declarations in the input language. Second, it performs a unification-based flow analysis of the program, inferring region types at each point in the program. In particular, it determines region types for allocation commands and procedure calls. In the third phase, it uses a single-pass algorithm to inspect each point in the program and insert region creation and removal commands in the control flow of the output program. This transformation ensures that regions are live whenever they are being used, while minimizing region lifetimes. The algorithm is simple, efficient, and provably correct. Furthermore, we show that the framework can be extended with more aggressive analyses (at the expense of making it less modular or more complex), such as interprocedural region liveness or shape analysis, to further improve the accuracy and performance of memory man- agement. More generally, our framework allows existing analysis technology for imperative languages, such as points-to or shape analysis, to be easily integrated and applied to the region inference problem.
Adverse selection in the UK annuity market and the 1956 Finance Act

This paper proposes a new price test for evidence of active adverse selection in the insurance market for longevity risks: the annuity market. The test is applied to the exogenous change in taxation of annuity payments following the UK’s 1956 Finance Act using a unique dataset of individual annuity contracts, and provides a natural experiment of whether the fall in annuity prices caused by the tax change induced marginal annuitants with higher mortality into the market after the tax change. We find some evidence to support an adverse selection story that mortalities of the pool of annuitants after the change increased. However, we also find that the story is more complicated because the tax change stimulated the development of annuity products that allowed higher mortality individuals to signal their mortality to annuity providers, creating a separating equilibrium, where previously there had only been a pooling equilibrium.
Global glacier changes: a revised assessment of committed mass losses and sampling uncertainties

Abstract. Most glaciers and ice caps (GIC) are out of balance with the current climate. To return to equilibrium, GIC must thin and retreat, losing additional mass and raising sea level. Because glacier observations are sparse and geographically biased, there is an undersampling problem common to all global assessments. Here, we further develop an assessment approach based on accumulation-area ratios (AAR) to estimate committed mass losses and analyze the undersampling problem. We compiled all available AAR observations for 144 GIC from 1971 to 2010, and found that most glaciers and ice caps are farther from balance than previously believed. Accounting for regional and global undersampling errors, our model suggests that GIC are committed to additional losses of 32 ± 12% of their area and 38 ± 16% of their volume if the future climate resembles the climate of the past decade. These losses imply global mean sea-level rise of 163 ± 69 mm, assuming total glacier volume of 430 mm sea-level equivalent. To reduce the large uncertainties in these projections, more long-term glacier measurements are needed in poorly sampled regions.
Informal and Formal Sector Participation and Earnings in a LDC: The Importance of Time and Migration

Theoretical and empirical research points to potentially different patterns of labor recruitment and importance of social networks in the formal and informal sector. The paper touches upon this topic and investigates the conjecture that employment chances and expected earnings depend differently on individuals’ allocation of time and mobility patterns in the informal and formal sector. This is investigated in a LDC context using a household survey from Guatemala (Encovi 2000). The results suggest that the probability to obtain employment in agriculture (informal sector) increases with the amount of time spent at the current residence. The results are reversed for (informal) uncovered wage workers. For the (informal) self-employed and the formal sector (covered wage workers) the results does not display any evident patterns. Merging all segments of the informal sector, the results show that expected earnings in the informal sector are slightly reduced by time not spent at the current residence.
Lingual Thyrod: Case Report

A sixteen year old male presented with progressive dysphagia, dysphonia and haemoptysis over eight months. Radionuclide studies and computed tomographic scans confirmed an only functional thyroid gland at the base of tongue which was excised wholly via mandibular split transoral route and patient put on thyroxin replacement therapy. East African Medical Journal Vol. 87 No. 7 July 2010
Vortex control of bifurcating jets: A numerical study

Direct and large-eddy simulations (DNS/LES) are performed to analyze the vortex dynamics and the statistics of bifurcating jets. The Reynolds number ranges from ReD=1.5×103 to ReD=5.0×104. An active control of the inlet conditions of a spatially evolving round jet is performed with the aim of favoring the jet spreading in one particular spatial direction, thus creating a bifurcating jet. Three different types of forcing, based on the information provided by a LES of a natural (unforced) jet, are superimposed to the jet inlet in order to cause its bifurcation. The different forcing types mimic the forcing methods used in experimental bifurcating jets (Lee and Reynolds, Parekh et al., Suzuki et al.), but using excitations with relatively low amplitudes, which could be used in real industrial applications. The three-dimensional coherent structures resulting from each specific forcing are analyzed in detail and their impact on the statistical behavior of bifurcating jets is explained. In particular we focus o.
Comparing germination properties of Yazdi and Hamedani cultivars of Medicago sativa under drought and salinity stresses effects

Drought and high salinity are important environmental factors that cause osmotic stress and as a result reduce plant growth and crop productivity. Alfalfa or lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is a valuable forage crop, which is grown in areas of limited rainfall and high temperatures and where the land is often salt affected. In this paper, we studied the germination responses of two cultivars of M. sativa (Yazdi and Hamedani) to drought stress caused by PEG-6000 at the different potentials: 0.0 (distilled water or control), -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, and -1.0 Mega Pascal (MPa) and tolerance to salt (NaCl) in different salinity levels including: distilled water (control), 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, and 300 mmol. The objective of this study is to determine factors responsible for germination and early seedling growth due to drought and salinity and to optimize the best priming treatment for these stress conditions. The results indicated that salinity and drought levels effects were significant (P < 0.05) for seed germination percentage, seed germination velocity, mean time to germination, length of the tigella and radicle, and seed vigor. Seed germination decreased significantly by increasing salinity and drought levels. Totally, the results showed that M. sativa cul. Yazdi is more tolerant than M. sativa cul. Hamedani against drought and salt stresses.
The Habitus of Heritage: a Discussion of Bourdieu's Ideas for Visitor Studies in Heritage and Museums

This article argues that Pierre Bourdieu’s conceptual framework of habitus, field and symbolic capital has much to offer museum and heritage visitor studies. However, rather than focusing on his well-known critique of high-cultural taste, the discussion here concerns displays of the ‘ordinary’ and social histories - of occupations, crafts, places, communities. Habitus reveals how visitors to such sites are involved in making value judgments, not solely of aesthetics but also of the social identities on display. In particular, it directs analytic attention to the active positions that visitors take up during the visit. Instead of focusing on their immediate actions and responses, however, or on exhibitions alone, I approach the visit as a moment in a person’s life, where a relationship is constructed between an individual biography, a social field that assigns value to different identities, and the particular set of symbols encountered during the visit. It is suggested that these are appropriated as symbolic ‘tokens’ in accordance with individuals’ practical relation to the world they inhabit. Past experience, memory, and class become crucial here, as these illuminate the subjective stances visitors adopt to the symbols on display, which also involve important affective and non-ideational dimensions. Data from prior visitor research conducted by the author are reanalyzed to illustrate the points made. The aim is to show how visiting is a social practice that mobilises symbolic dimensions of memory and class experience, one which cannot be understood by examining exhibit-visitor interactions in isolation. Key words: visitor studies, heritage, museums, Bourdieu, habits, symbolic capital.
An Improved Gray Multi-focus Image Fusion Algorithm Based on Dual-Tree Complex Wavelet Transform

In this paper, a gray multi-focus image fusion algorithm based on fuzzy theory classification and Dual- Tree Complex Wavelet Transform is proposed in accordance with fusion of gray multi-focus images. Fuzzy theory is introduced to remove uncertainty when choosing sub-band coefficients in smooth regions after Dual-Tree Complex Wavelet Transform. Fuzzy membership is used to measure the mapping relation between different feature types of images and corresponding pixels gray values. The uncertainty probably exists in fusion process is removed efficiently. Efficient fusion and detail enhancement of images are realized. Simulation results verify the effectiveness and superiority of proposed algorithms.
A Numerical Approach for the Determination of Mode I Stress Intensity Factors in PMMA Materials

An evaluation technique of the K I stress intensity factors (SIF) by a numerical investigation using line strain method is presented in this paper. The main purpose of this research is to re-analyze experimental results of fracture loads from polymethyl-metacrylate (PMMA) specimens (fully finite plates). Stress intensity factor equation calculation is derived from the Williams stress asymptotic expansion. Possible error caused by strain gradients across the gage length is minimized by integrating the equation in the K I calculation. Theoretical and computed values using finite element analysis of stress intensity factors are compared with experimental results. A good agreement is observed between the present approach and experimental values. It is shown that, in the case of a through-plate crack, the stress intensity factor can be calculated with adequate accuracy using the proposed method.
Screening and assay of extracellular enzymes in Phomopsis azadirachtae causing die-back disease of neem.

Phomopsis azadirachtae is the causal agent of destructive die-back disease of neem. The molecular mechanism of pathogenicity is not clear. Pectinases, cellulases, hemicellulases and ligninases have been extensively studied because of their plant cell wall degrading nature. Hence, this study describes the screening and assay of extracellular enzymes produced by the pathogen. The pathogenicity enzymes screened were: laccase, polygalacturonase, xylanase, amylase, cellulase, protease and lipase. A total of fifteen isolates of Phomopsis azadirachtae were from different agroclimatic regions of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh from diseased samples. The isolates were subjected to screening of the above mentioned enzymes on solid media supplemented with respective substrates. All the isolates were found to produce polygalacturonase, laccase, protease and xylanase. Polygalacturonase and xylanase were further assayed in order to quantify the enzyme produced in all the isolates. In addition to pathogenicity enzymes, isolates were also found to produce some industrially important enzymes such as L-asparaginase and urease.
Measuring Political Brand Equity in Ireland

Abstract This article will apply cognitive mapping techniques to understand the manner in which political brand equity is formed, and how it differs, across the four largest Irish political parties, from the perspective of citizens. It assesses the fundamental aspects of branding and brand equity in the marketing and political marketing literatures. Primary data were generated in spring 2012 through the participation of 232 citizens in the political brand elicitation stage and a further 75 citizens were involved in creating cognitive maps of brand equity. From the mapping process, we see that Irish political party brands are plagued by a number of negative associations. Fianna Fáil's brand is overshadowed by past mistakes and former leaders with bad reputations; while the Fine Gael brand is wracked by low levels of engagement. This article constitutes the first attempt to measure the political brand equity of Irish political parties.
Digital controller for an isolated Step-Up DC-DC converter based on three-phase high-frequency transformer for grid-connected PV applications

This paper presents the control system design of a DC-DC converter with a three-phase high frequency transformer for dual-stage grid-connected PV applications. This converter is designed to be used in the input stage of parallel single-string PV arrangements for residential applications. The proposed control strategy uses a maximum power point tracking algorithm with an outer voltage loop and an inner current loop. The current loop includes a resonant control action in order to eliminate the 120Hz ripple of the DC bus in the PV modules. Simulation results are presented to validate the proposed control strategy.
Exploring the Impact of Airlines Service Quality on Customer Loyalty: Evidence from Taiwan

The purpose of this paper tries to explore what are the key factors to influence customers to choose an airline. The research assesses the service quality, brand image, perceived value and customer loyalty on Taiwan-based airlines. The study analyzes the data by applying structure equation modeling (SEM) from valid 560 questionnaires surveyed in the airports. To validate the measurement model, this study checks scale reliability, overall model fit, and validity using the CFA technology. Moreover, the two major indicators including convergence validity and discriminate validity were employed to assess scale validity. Many prior studies had proved that brand image has a positive influence on perceived value, this study had validated that perceived value has also a positive influence on brand image. The brand image assists in the relation between service quality and loyalty, and perceived value strengthens their relationship. Furthermore, brand image and perceived value mediate the effect of service quality on customer loyalty to display a distal effect. The strategic implications for the effects of service quality lead to repurchase intention and loyalty inclination, which are contributed to both scholarly advancement of knowledge and the state of managerial practice.
The "Metaphorical Collage" as a Research Tool in the Field of Education

The aim of this paper is to propose a research tool in the field of education - the "metaphorical collage". This tool facilitates the understanding of concepts and processes in education through the analysis of metaphors in collage works that include pictorial images and verbal images. We believe the "metaphorical collage" to be an important research tool that enables both researcher and research participant to understand children's worldview in regards to concepts in the field of education. The collage permits the use of expressive language in order to describe the question under investigation. The researcher has the ability to interpret the meaning of the events in which people are involved, and he is also capable of evaluating their educational significance. It is the researcher who is equipped with the requisite ability, sensitivity, and experience for conducting research by means of the "metaphorical collage". With the help of the collage, the educational situation is grasped, and its meaning is interpreted.
AGENCY CONFLICTS AND CHOICE OF SPECIALIST AUDIT FIRMS AND AUDIT PARTNERS: SIGNALING OR SUBSTANTIAL MONITORING?

This study contributes to the literature on company audits by examine the demand-side effects of the selection of industry-specialist audit firms and auditors; it does this by considering the impact of the agency problem that exists between controlling owners and minority shareholders. It is shown that the potential magnitude of the agency costs associated with interest entrenchment increases the demand for auditors whose audit quality is perceived to be higher with regard to the signaling role of audits, but decreases the probability of engaging individual specialist auditors who actually carry out higher quality audits with regard to substantial monitoring.
Pulse shapes of radio pulsars at 4.85 GHz

We present pulse shapes of 87 pulsars at 4.85 GHz. Pulse widths and flux densities are measured. The frequency dependence of the profile shape and the pulse width is discussed. Our data base has been combined with other published data to generate flux spectra between 1.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The mean flux spectral index has a value -1.9. Our analysis shows that pulsar emission spectra are steeper at higher frequencies.