Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ARE GEOGRAPHERS RELIGIOUSLY UNMUSICAL? POSITIONALITIES IN GEO- GRAPHICAL RESEARCH ON RELIGION

Although there are indications that more geographers are taking up religion as an area of interest, geography of religion still is a subfield that is not very well developed. In particular, many new cultural geographers seem to shy away from including religion into their research as markers of identity alongside race, class and gender. The article investigates the reasons for this attitude, which has a long history and is connected with the (perceived) contrast between science and religion and the secularization thesis. For a long time, this was the generally accepted explanation for the decline of the significance of religion in Western societies, but recendy this has been seriously questioned in its validity. In addition, the paper handles the question as to whether methodological agnosticism is the (only) adequate approach in doing research on religion from a social or cultural science view. If research is taken seriously, all researchers are inevitably confronted with their own biographies; with contingencies of cultural imprints and with influences of certain (a)religious milieux. So it is essential that they are aware of this and do not ignore it when researching. Being a believer certainly is not a disadvantage in doing research on religion but can be an advantage, just as it is an advantage or even a necessity for a musicologist to be able to read and practise music.
Investigation of the ssDNA Backbone Molecule Mechanical Behavior Using Atomistic-Continuum Mechanics Method

As is known, various important physiological functions and gene engineering processes, such as RNA transcription/DNA replication/DNA repair, involve specific bio-physical mechanics of DNA. Therefore, in this study, a novel single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) model based on the atomistic-continuum mechanics method (CAM) is conducted to simulate the mechanical behavior of ssDNA. It is often assumed that the elastic behavior of single-chain polymer can be modeled as the freely joint chain (FJC) of orientationally independent Kuhn segment. In this research, an atomistic-continuum mechanics model of ssDNA based on equivalent-spring method would be first conducted and the simulation result would be further validated by the experimental result. A spring element is chosen to represent the covalent bond between neighbor atoms of backbone in ssDNA. To describe the material properties of the spring in ssDNA backbone structure, the Cornell’s second generation force field potential energy and Universal force field is utilized to simulate the bond stretching and bond angle energy terms. The method proposed here would be used to study the mechanical behavior in DNA packaging and release form viral capsids in the future.
Weight assignment in regional climate models

An important new development within the European ENSEMBLES project has been to explore performance-based weighting of regional climate models (RCMs). Until now, although no weighting has been applied in multi-RCM analyses, one could claim that an assumption of ‘equal weight’ was implicitly adopted. At the same time, different RCMs generate different results, e.g. for various types of extremes, and these results need to be combined when using the full RCM ensemble. The process of constructing, assigning and combining metrics of model performance is not straightforward. Rather, there is a considerable degree of subjectivity both in the choice of metrics and on how these may be combined into weights. We explore the applicability of combining a set of 6 specifically designed RCM performance metrics to produce one aggregated model weight with the purpose of combining climate change information from the range of RCMs used within ENSEMBLES. These metrics capture aspects of model performance in reproducing large-scale circulation patterns, meso-scale signals, daily temperature and precipitation distributions and extremes, trends and the annual cycle. We examine different aggregation procedures that generate different inter-model spreads of weights. The use of model weights is sensitive to the aggregation procedure and shows different sensitivities to the selected metrics. Generally, however, we do not find compelling evidence of an improved description of mean climate states using performance-based weights in comparison to the use of equal weights. We suggest that model weighting adds another level of uncertainty to the generation of ensemble-based climate projections, which should be suitably explored, although our results indicate that this uncertainty remains relatively small for the weighting procedures examined. (Less)
A High Speed Back Propagation Neural Network for Multistage MR Brain Tumor Image Segmentation

Artificial neural networks (ANN) are one of the highly preferred artificial intelligence techniques for brain image segmentation. The commonly used ANN is the supervised ANN, namely Back Propagation Neural Network (BPN). Even though BPNs guarantee high efficiency, they are computationally non-feasible due to the huge convergence time period. In this work, the aspect of computational complexity is tackled using the proposed high speed BPN algorithm (HSBPN). In this modified approach, the weight vectors are calculated without any training methodology. Magnetic resonance (MR) brain tumor images of three stages, namely severe, moderate and mild, are used in this work. An extensive feature set is extracted from these images and used as input for the neural network. A comparative analysis is performed between the conventional BPN and the HSBPN in terms of convergence time period and segmentation efficiency. Experimental results show the superior nature of HSBPN in terms of the performance measures.
The orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) is a distinct species: a review of recent research into its taxonomy and systematic relationship within the genus Cyanoramphus

The taxonomic status of the endangered orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanorarnphus malherbi) has been the subject of much debate since this endemic New Zealand parakeet was first described in 1857. The debate in the late 1800s and again over the past 30 years has been lively but inconclusive. We provide a summary of this debate and the most recent research into the taxonomic status of this parakeet based on mitochondria1 DNA (mtDNA), assortative pairing, bill morphology, vocalisation, and comparative ecology. Based on alI available scientific and historical data, we conclude that the orange-fronted parakeet is a distinct species. Kearvell, J.C. ; Grant, A.D.; Boon, W.M. 2003. The orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) is a distinct species: a review of recent research on its taxonomy and systematic and systematic relationship within the genus Cyanoramphus. Notornis 50(1): 27-35.
Change in Nitrogen Fractions and Ruminal Nitrogen Degradability of Orchardgrass and Alfalfa during the Ensiling Process and the Subsequent Effects on Nitrogen Utilization by Sheep

In order to determine the extent of change in nitrogen fractions and in vitro ruminal degradability of forage protein during ensilage and the influence on nitrogen utilization by sheep, orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) were ensiled in separate 120 L silos for 5, 21 and 56 days. With respect to nitrogen fractions, fraction 1 (buffer solution soluble nitrogen), fraction 2 (buffer solution insoluble nitrogen-neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen), fraction 3 (neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen-acid detergent insoluble nitrogen), and fraction 4 (acid detergent insoluble nitrogen) were determined. Fractions I and 2 accounted for more than 80% of total nitrogen in orchardgrass and 90% of that in alfalfa. The proportion of fraction 1 in orchardgrass increased from 33.0% at day 0 to 52.0% after day 56 of ensiling. In the case of alfalfa silage it was 41.7% and 62.9%, respectively. Seventy percent of this increase occurred within the first 5 days of ensiling. A similar change of in vitro ruminal degradability of total nitrogen was also observed in both forages. Nitrogen retention in sheep tended to decrease as the length of ensiling increased, with a significantly positive correlation between urinary nitrogen and fraction 1, and in vitro ruminal degradability of total nitrogen.
Galaxies around the giant double radio source DA 240: Redshifts and the discovery of an unusual association

We have investigated galaxies near the giant radio source DA 240 in a study of the source's environment. Spectroscopic observations were obtained with the 2.16 m optical telescope of the National Astronomical Observatories of China. We have measured the redshifts of 26 objects, and find that 16 have nearly the same value as the DA 240 galaxy, and hence form a substantial group. Most of the others have lower redshifts and are probably outlying members of the Zwicky clus- ter Zw 0756.1+5616. We note that the radio galaxy host dominates the group. Ten of the galaxies in the group are aligned with the lobes of the radio source, and eight are projected on the components. We suggest that there may be a causal relationship, and find some evidence for enhanced activity among these galaxies. Moreover, there is a gradient in their velocities along the source axis. Whatever its explanation, we suggest that it establishes a dynamic timescale of some 10 9 yr. This may have been the time since the last merger, which triggered the giant radio source. The individual galaxy spectra are also presented and briefly discussed.
Exploring the relationship between factors that contribute to interactive engagement and academic performance

In an educational context, technology can prompt interactive engagement only when it is used in conjunction with interactive engagement methods. This study, therefore, examines the relationships between factors that contribute to higher levels of interactive engagement and performance, such as interactive engagement methods, technology, intrinsic motivation and deep learning. Five hundred and twenty-six (526) higher education students participated in this study. With structural equation modelling, the authors test the conceptual model and identify satisfactory model fit. The results indicate that interactive engagement methods, technology and intrinsic motivation have significant relationships with interactive engagement; deep learning mediates the relationships of the other variables with performance.
Feeding and Growth Characteristics of a Diatom-Feeding Flagellate Isolated from the Bottom Sediment of Onagawa Bay, Northeastern Japan

In recent years, several marine heterotrophic nanoflagellates have been reported to feed on diatoms much larger than themselves. However, very little is known about the grazer-prey relationships between heterotrophic nanoflagellates and diatoms in aquatic ecosystems. A diatom-feeding flagellate was discovered in the bottom sediment of OnagawaBay. It fed and proliferated on diatoms, especially Skeletonema costatum sensu lato. This study determined growth and ingestion rates of the flagellate on Skeletonema costatum s.l. under laboratory conditons. Its grazing pressure on the sinking flux of S. costatum s.l. was calculated by combining field data. Specific growth rate of the flagellate increased with increasing prey concentration. The maximum specific growth rate was 0.79 d–1 and maximum ingestion rate of the flagellate was 0.66 ng·C·grazer–1·d–1. Calculated grazing pressure of the flagellate on S. costatum s.l. flux was up to 25.6%. The results imply that the flagellate has a considerable grazing impact on S. costatum s.l. flux at least in a restricted season of the year. Therefore, the present study suggests that this benthic flagellate plays an important role in pelagic-benthic coupling inOnagawaBay.
Application of Steam Flushing for Remediation of Multicomponent DNAPL Subsurface Contamination

Summary The effectiveness of steam flushing for removal of dense nonqaqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) that are comprised of mixtures of high and low volatility organic compounds was investigated in laboratory experiments and numerical modelling. Removal of a mixture of monochlorobenzene (MCB) and DDT by steam flushing were conducted in a two-dimensional (110.5 cm by 57.5 cm) tank containing coarse silica sand and a fine silica sand capillary barrier. A three-dimensional finite difference model for three-phase (water-gas-nonaqueous phase liquid) flow and transport with energy transport and fully temperature dependent fluid properties and interphase partitioning was applied to elucidate the important mechanisms operative in the laboratory experiments and to investigate the field scale implementation of steam flushing for removal of multicomponent DNAPL contamination from the subsurface. In the laboratory and modelling studies steam flushing resulted in very little DDT removal. Initial MCB removal rates were high, but removal rates declined exponentially as MCB was removed from the DNAPL and the MCB effective vapour pressure decreased. DNAPL persisting through steam flushing may move downwards through capillary barriers desaturated by water vapourization. Downward movement is limited by the high viscosity of the DNAPL as it cools beyond the steam zone. Results of this study indicate that several pore volumes (as condensate) of steam may be required to achieve high levels of removal of volatile organics from DNAPL containing substantial amounts of low volatility compounds, The consequences of downward DNAPL movement must be considered in implementation of steam flushing for removal of multicomponent DNAPL from the subsurface.
Human Action Recognition from Active Acoustics: Physics Modelling for Representation Learning and Inference Using Generative Probabilistic Graphical Models

This dissertation explores computational methods to address the problem of physics-based modeling and ultimately doing inference from data in multiple modalities where there exists large amounts of low dimensional data complementary to a much smaller set of high dimensional data. In this instance the low dimensional timeseries data are active acoustics from a micro-Doppler sensor that include no or very limited spatial information, and the high dimensional data is RGB-Depth skeleton data from a Microsoft Kinect sensor. The task is that of human action recognition from the active acoustic data. To accomplish this, statistical models, trained simultaneously on both the micro-Doppler modulations induced by human actions and symbolic representations of skeletal poses, are developed. This enables the model to learn correlations between the rich temporal structure of the micro-Doppler modulations and the high-dimensional motion sequences of human action. During runtime, the model then relies purely on the active acoustic data to infer the human action. In order to adapt this methodology to situations not observed in the training data, a physical model of the human body is combined with a physics-based simulation ii
STUDIES ON PNEUMONIA VIRUS OF MICE (PVM) IN CELL CULTURE

Pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) has been serially propagated in a line of baby hamster kidney (BHK21) cells. A maximum titer of 6.3 x 10(6) TCID(50) per ml was obtained, and there was little variation in yield on serial passage. PVM grown in BHK21 cells was antigenically similar to virus obtained from the mouse lung, but was somewhat less virulent for the mouse after 10 serial passages in these cells. Virus produced by BHK21 cells agglutinated mouse erythrocytes without prior heating or other treatment. Sedimentation of PVM in the ultracentrifuge or precipitation by ammonium sulfate resulted in a loss in infectivity but an increase in hemagglutinating activity, presumably due to disruption of the virus particle. In a potassium tartrate density gradient, the major portion of infective virus sedimented at a density of approximately 1.15, and noninfective hemagglutinin, at a density of approximately 1.13. Stock virus preparations appear to contain a large amount of noninfective hemagglutinin. The replication of PVM was not inhibited by 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, or 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine. Infected cells contained eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions which showed the acridine orange staining characteristic of single-stranded RNA. Foci of viral antigen were observed in the cytoplasm of infected cells by fluorescent antibody staining. The results suggest that PVM is an RNA virus that replicates in the cytoplasm.
Agency in dementia care: systematic review and meta-ethnography

ABSTRACT Objectives: Dementia often limits the agency of the person to such an extent that there is need for external support in making daily life decisions. This support is usually provided by family members who are sometimes legally empowered to engage in decision-making on behalf of the person for whom they care. However, such family carers receive little or no information on how to best provide support when there is a lack of capacity. This may have an impact on the agency of the person with dementia. This review explores the experience of agency in people living with dementia. Design: A systematic search was conducted on IBSS, MedLine, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Two independent researchers screened the studies and conducted the quality appraisal. We used meta-ethnography for data analysis. As part of the synthesis, we identified behavioral mechanisms underlying the process of decision-making and looked at how the support of carers comes into play in making deliberate choices. Results: The meta-ethnography involved 20 studies. Three levels of third-order constructs were identified, each describing a decision-making pathway and reflecting the degree of autonomy of the person with dementia: autonomous decision-making, shared decision-making, and pseudo decision-making. Findings highlight those inter-relational processes that promote or negatively impact on the agency of people with dementia. Conclusions: Our review will provide health and social care personnel with an understanding of the role of the carer in the decision-making process, and therefore which mechanisms need to be promoted or discouraged through training.
IT-Business strategic alignment in influencing sustainable competitive advantage in Jordan: Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach

In many review articles or studies, the researchers have encouraged further exploration on the causal links between Information Technology (IT) investments and a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage.The outcomes of empirical studies have been inconclusive, which is to a certain extent due to the omission of IT-business strategic alignment.Indeed, strategic alignment has emerged as one of the most important issues facing business and IT executives all over the world. This paper reports on the empirical investigation of the success factors, which consist of leadership, structure and process, service quality, and values and beliefs, which are representative of the culture gap between IT strategy and business strategy.A questionnaire survey among 200 IT managers was carried out and 172 data sets were collected.This represented a 86% response rate. After a rigorous data screening process including outliers, normality, reliability and validity, 172 data sets were ready for structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to examine the composite reliability, convergent validity and goodness of fit of the individual constructs and measurement models. The revised structural model demonstrates the relationships between all the four exogenous variables and IT-business strategic alignment, and all the four exogenous variables and sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, regarding the revised model there are two mediating effects of strategic alignment in the relationship between leadership, structure and process, service quality, values and beliefs, and sustainable competitive advantage.
Response of dune activity on the Tibetan Plateau to near future climate change

Four general circulation models (GCMs) under the moderate Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 emission scenario were used to evaluate the impact of climate change on monthly scale dune activity and desertification during the near future (2015−2035) in Anduo on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) of China. Dune activity was estimated by an improved index that uses the Penman-Monteith equation to account for comprehensive climate factors, including precipitation, air temperature, wind speed, humidity, and air pressure. Lower limits were used for the evapotranspiration values and the ratio of rainfall to evapotranspiration so that it was possible to calculate a dune activity index in the cold and dry winter months in the TP. The GCM outputs were transferred by statistical functions built from the control period (1966−2005), and the overlapping period of GCM projections and observations from 2006−2014 was used for error estimation. The results show that all GCMs captured the variation in dune activity well, although large differences in values were found. The statistical transferring of GCM outputs cannot reduce estimation error. The annual dune activity index is predicted to decrease by 7 to 9% during 2015−2035, implying that sand dunes will be easily stabilized in the future, but the 4 GCMs differ in January and February. If excessive surface disturbances can be controlled, the future environment in the studied area will be suitable for the reversal of the desertification trend, recovery of degraded land, and improvement of the living conditions for local herders.
Investigating the effect of ageing on the functional neuroplasticity of adults using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: A sham-controlled study

Neuroplasticity refers to the ability for the brain to change through experience. Research suggests that neuroplasticity declines with age, however recent studies are finding no age-related effects. One contemporary study is thus suggesting, that older adults experience an age-related delay in neuroplasticity, rather than a decline. Therefore, older adults have the same capacity for neuroplasticity as younger adults, however, they require more time for neuroplasticity induction to occur. Spaced continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation which painlessly induces neuroplasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1) and temporarily alter the excitability of the stimulated brain region. The aim of the study was to determine whether there was an age-related delay in spaced cTBS induced neuroplasticity. Ten younger adults, and ten older adults were recruited for two experimental sessions: A sham cTBS condition, and a spaced cTBS condition. The results indicated that spaced cTBS was unable to induce neuroplasticity in the younger adult sample or older adults sample. There was no statistically significant change in the excitability of M1 post-spaced cTBS compared to baseline across both experiments. Spaced cTBS might be confounded by inter-individual variability like other cTBS protocols. There was a significant interaction between the older adult sample and declines in M1 excitability across both conditions. Fluctuating states of arousal may have influenced these results. These findings highlight the need for more research on spaced cTBS, and whether it is a viable technique for learning more about motor functioning in older adults.