Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aerated Blast-Furnace-Slag Filters for the Simultaneous Removal of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Primary Facultative Pond Effluents

Rock filters (RF) are a promising alternative natural wastewater treatment technology for upgrading waste stabilization pond (WSP) effluents. However, the use of RF to remove nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), is very limited. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the performance of aerated RF (ARF) systems for removing both nitrogen and phosphorus from domestic wastewater using blast furnace slag (BFS) as the filter medium. The performance of two aerated BFS filter systems, a horizontal-flow ARF and a vertical upflow ARF, was compared: for N and P removals. A further aim of the study was to determine if either or both of these BFS-ARF systems could produce effluents which complied with the nutrient removal requirements of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) (91/271/EEC) for small communities. From the results of the present study it can be concluded that the both BFS-ARF are suitable unit processes for removing N and P from primary facultative pond effluents. The vertical-upflow BFS-ARF has the advantage of removing more ammonium-N (to below 1 mg N/L), but the disadvantage of removing less total-N. Further research on optimizing the design and performance of both BFS-ARF is warranted, and their performance in warm-climate countries requires to be investigated.
The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the teacher efficacy for Inclusive practices (TEIP) scale

The aim of this study was to adapt inclusive education teacher efficacy scale in to Turkish population. The Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP) scale needed to be translated into Turkish, as no scales were available to evaluate the efficacy of pre-service teachers in inclusive settings. The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the TEIP scale (Sharma et al., 2012). The scale was administered to 567 pre-service teachers (167 males and 396 females) studying in the special education, primary education and preschool education departments across four universities. The scale’s internal consistency coefficient was found to be α=0.89 while a confirmatory factor analysis revealed acceptable goodness of fit indices (c2/sd=6.82, Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation [RMSEA]=0.10, standardized root mean squared residual [SRMR]=0.05, Normed Fit Index [NFI]=0.95, Non-Normed Fit Index [NNFI]=0.95, Comparative Fit Index [CFI]=0.96), fitting a three factor model, similar to the original version of the scale. The authors concluded that TEIP may be used as a valid and reliable instrument for identifying the self-efficacy of Turkish pre-service teachers regarding inclusive practices. Key words:Teacher efficacy for Inclusive practices (TEIP), inclusive education, self-efficacy, validity, reliability.
Aproche morphologique et physique d'un dielectrique pour condensateur ceramique multicouche : de la poudre au fritte

Un materiau dielectrique pour condensateurs ceramiques multicouches a fait l'objet d'un suivi aux differents stades de la fabrication du composant. Par ce moyen, l'homogeneite de la microstructure du dielectrique a pu etre controlee et amelioree, en jouant sur la methode de preparation des barbotines de depart (formulation et broyage). Pour atteindre cet objectif, nous avons mis a profit les techniques d'analyse d'images, qui ont joue un role irremplacable puisqu'elles ont permis de quantifier la microstructure et de mettre en evidence ses relations avec les grandeurs macroscopiques. Les analyses ont d'abord porte sur la poudre pour laquelle nous avons montre que l'utilisation d'un dispersant est a l'origine d'une reduction de la taille des grains et d'une plus grande homogeneite de leurs formes. Ensuite, l'amelioration de l'homogeneite du materiau cru coule a pu etre realisee grace a l'utilisation de taux adequats d'un liant et de deux plastifiants, vis-a-vis de conditions de broyage donnees. A ce niveau, l'utilisation parallele d'autres conditions de broyage a mis en evidence la synergie des parametres de la formulation et du broyage. De plus, l'amelioration de l'homogeneite a ete accompagnee d'une augmentation de la densite et de l'obtention d'une tenue mecanique correcte vis-a-vis des sollicitations diverses subies par le materiau lors de sa fabrication. Au niveau du materiau fritte, nous avons pu constater que les agglomerats presents dans la structure de depart engendraient un retard significatif lors de la densification. Enfin, en regard du composant lui-meme, mais aussi vis-a-vis des necessites dues au procede de fabrication, il apparait d'un compromis doit etre recherche en ce qui concerne la qualite de la structure dielectrique
Understanding informal employment in India: competitive choice or a result of labor market segmentation?

This paper uses India’s National Sample Survey data on Employment and Unemployment (2011-12) to test whether the large share of informal employment is due to labor market segmentation or a result of competitive choice. Results show that workers can freely enter informal employment. However, there is no evidence of self-selection into formal employment. Based on this evidence, we cannot reject the labor market segmentation hypothesis for the Indian labor market. The wage gap decomposition results show that informal workers earn less than formal workers not only because they are less skilled, but also because they receive lower returns to their endowments compared to the formal workers. Thus policies that focus on skill development may be necessary but are not sufficient to increase formal job opportunities and reduce the formal-informal wage gap.
A control-inspired iterative algorithm for memory management in NUMA multicores

Abstract The multiprocessor revolution allows to have different processors accessing their local memory controller and the relative RAM portion, while the possibility for each processor to access the remote memory on another processor enables the so-called Non-Uniform-Memory-Access (NUMA) multiprocessor paradigm. This paper discusses a control-inspired iterative algorithm to allocate the memory requests by different applications in a NUMA systems, trying to maximize the RAM utilization under the locality requirement. The proposed method is tested in two case studies.
Participatory evaluation: a missing component in the sustainable social change equation for public services

This article draws on a case study of organizational change with the Queensland public sector to showcase the contribution participatory approaches to evaluation make to sustained change. Key points outlined in the paper include: changes in human service organizations generally, and child welfare services in particular, have been proven to be difficult to achieve and sustain. Participatory processes including participatory evaluation are presented as key strategies to enhance the uptake of social and organizational change initiatives. Parallels to continuous change models are found within policy formulation and evaluation theories. In particular, participative evaluation models share similarities to continuous change models through their reliance on self-evaluation and self-determination as means of promoting change. A theoretical contribution to organizational change theories is made through the development of a change model that includes a participatory evaluation component as part of the equation for sustainable change. It is proposed that this model has a wider practical application. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical investigation of alternate cumulative capability models: a multi-method approach

Abstract Quality (Q), delivery (D), flexibility (F) and cost (C) may reinforce each other to form specific models of cumulative capability. Previous empirical studies reveal two dominant models of cumulative capabilities (Q–D–F–C and Q–D–C–F) without testing whether other models could better fit their data. The present study fulfils this gap and conducts a comparative analysis by testing various models of cumulative capabilities based on a survey of 368 Thai manufacturing plants, and concludes that Q–D–C–F is the best-fit model and further extends the models to reveal ‘simultaneous’ cumulative capability. The contributions are threefold. First, multiple methods are applied to robustly search for the best-fit model. Second, direct and indirect links between capabilities are revealed to add insights into the cumulative reinforcement patterns among capabilities. Third, we show that the widely accepted sand-cone model (Q–D–F–C) and competitive progression theory are not necessarily the dominant approaches for explaining cumulative capability patterns of manufacturers, especially from an emerging country. The results are also significant for practitioners as they understand how capabilities such as quality and delivery can simultaneously improve the next sequential capability.
The effect of extremes of temperature on herring larvae

Most of the work on temperatures lethal to fish has been reviewed by Brett (1956). Most of the fish have been adults of freshwater species, and it has been found that both upper and lower lethal temperatures vary with the species, the temperature of acclimatization and the duration of time the fish are subjected to the test temperature.
Realities of rarity: climatically and ecologically restricted, critically endangered Kandian Torrent Toads (Adenomus kandianus) breed en masse

Realities of rarity: climatically and ecologically restricted, critically endangered Kandian Torrent Toads (Adenomus kandianus) breed en masse Madhava Meegaskumbura*, Nayana Wijayathilaka, Nirodha Abayalath, Gayani Senevirathne 1 Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2 Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 3 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Fluoxetine, not Paroxetine, Ameliorates Vascular Dysfunctions in Diabetic/Depressed Rats via Pro-inflammatory Cytokines 'MCP-1 and TNF-α' and Metabolic Mechanisms

Multiple evidences indicate that depression is more prevalent in diabetic subjects than in the general population and increases the risk of vascular complications in diabetes too. Nevertheless, little information is available on vascular effects of antidepressant drugs in diabetes. The current study used diabetic rats exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS), an animal model of depression, to investigate the vascular effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 'fluoxetine (FLU) and paroxetine (PAR)'; in diabetic/depressed subjects. Possible role of proinflammatory cytokines, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and metabolic changes were investigated as well. For induction of type II diabetes (DM), rats were exposed to high fat diet and streptozotocin (35 mg/Kg, i.p.). Diabetic/depressed rats exhibited endothelial dysfunction, confirmed by a significant increase in aortic ring phenylephrine contractile response and Intima/Media ratio as well as a decrease in acetylcholine-dependent relaxation, and these effects were associated with significant elevation of MCP-1 and TNF-α levels in serum and aortic tissue and metabolic dysfunctions, evidenced by alterations in blood glucose, insulin, lipids and insulin sensitivity. Chronic treatment with FLU (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) significantly ameliorated the DM/CRSinduced endothelial and metabolic dysfunctions that were worsened by PAR (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.). Moreover, FLU, not PAR reduced the elevated levels of MCP-1 and TNF-α. The present results suggest that chronic treatment with FLU improves vascular dysfunctions in diabetic/depressed rats, partially via its potent anti-inflammatory effect and other via reversing metabolic abnormalities. Conversely, PAR aggravated these diabetic complications. Nevertheless, the antidepressant effect of both drugs appeared to be attenuated in diabetic/depressed rats.
The Demand for Air Quality: A Case Study in Bogotá, Colombia

Using a (second stage) hedonic housing model, this paper identifies an inverse demand function for air quality in Bogota, the fourth most polluted city in Latin America (annual average of PM10 52 mg/m3). We use precipitation and distance to monitoring stations as instruments for pollution. We found that the monthly benefits of compliance with the U.S Environmental Pollution Agency standard (50 mg/m3 – annual average), and the far more stringent World Health Organization standard (20 mg/m3 – annual average) are U$7.12 and U$72.91per household respectively. Accordingly, these values represent about 1% and 8% of the average household income.
A theory of spectral analysis based on the characteristic property of a linear dynamic system

SUMMARY present a detailed description of a new method of spectral analysis named ‘Sompi’. The basic idea of this method originates in the physical concept of the characteristic property of the linear dynamic system that is described by a linear differential equation. The time series modelling in the Sompi method consists essentially of estimating the governing differential equation of the hypothetical linear dynamic system that has yielded the given time series data. Due to the equivalence of a linear differential equation and a linear difference equation [or an autoregressive (AR) equation], this method takes the form of the familiar AR method. However, our basic concept of the AR model and the exact formulation based on the maximum likelihood principle have led to a model estimation algorithm different from previous AR methods, and further, to spectral estimation with higher resolution and reliability. By the Sompi method, a time series is deconvoluted into a linear combination of coherent oscillations with amplitudes decaying (or growing) exponentially with time, and additional noise. In other words, it yields a line-shaped spectrum in complex frequency space, unlike the traditional harmonic decomposition in real frequency space, and is powerful for the analysis of the decaying characteristics, as well as the periods, of the oscillations. Also, the variances of the spectral estimates by the Sompi method can be given in simple formulae unlike most modern parametric methods. Although some practical problems still remain unresolved, the theory presented here will provide the theoretical prototype for a new discipline of physical spectral analysis.
Architectural Information Modelling

During the past decades, information and communication technology (ICT) has shown an increasing impact on architectural design processes [1]. This influence of ICT is mainly concentrated in the final, ‘measurable’ construction phase and is less prevailing in the first, preliminary design phase. One technology that has for instance gained great interest during the last few years is building information modelling (BIM) [2], that makes it possible to three-dimensionnally describe every ‘measurable’ component of a building and attach all required information to it. However, a lot of advantages could be emerging when ICT techniques would be used in the first design stage as well.
Types of domestic violence against Northern Border University female students at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their effect on academic performance A case study on University Branch at Rafhaa

The aim of the study was to examine types of domestic violence against Northern Border University female students at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their effect on academic performance. The population of the study consisted of all Northern Border University female students at Rafhaa branch, totalling (1000) students. The sample of the study totalled (540) university female students. For data collection, types of domestic violence scale were developed by the researchers. The results of the study showed the most prevalent violence among Northern Border University female students was educational violence (M=4.12). The level of psychological violence was moderate (M= 3.15). The verbal and physical violence was low (M=2.67 for verbal violence, M=2.54 for physical violence). The results of the study found differences in the domestic violence practiced due to parents' educational level, in favour of low educational level. There were found differences in the domestic violence practiced due to parents' educational marital status, in favour of married female university students. There was a statistically negative correlation at the significance level (α≤0.05) between domestic violence and academic performance among Northern Border University female students.
An Industry in Decline? The evolution of whale-watching tourism in Hervey Bay, Australia

Australian whale-watching tourism began in Hervey Bay, Queensland in 1987. For 20 years Hervey Bay has been historically promoted as the “whale-watching capital of Australia”. However, an increase in whale-watching operations across south-east Queensland and Australia compete for the tourist dollar. While Hervey Bay remains Australia’s largest commercial Humpback Whale viewing area based on the number of whales, the number of visitors and the number of boats that operate, this may be changing. This paper examines the evolution of Hervey Bay whale-watching in relation to the Butler tourism lifecycle model, and Duffus and Dearden’s conceptual framework for wildlife tourism. It analyses official visitation data, wildlife records and tour operations information, as well as interviews with tour operators and the protected area management agency. The multidimensional nature of the information collected allowed greater capacity for understanding the changes occurring in Hervey Bay whale-watching. The results indicate that changing visitor and commercial operator numbers and profiles, increasing regional competition and a changing relationship with the protected area managers may be symptomatic of a maturing industry that has reached a watershed point in its sustainability. The findings of this research have implications for tourism stakeholders including planners, protected area managers and tour operators in relation to changing sector demands and proactive adaptation to those changes.
Review of Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic System

Photovoltaic arrays have non-linear voltage-current characteristic, with specific Maximum Power Point (MPP), which is confide to the environmental consideration, for instance temperature and irradiation. In pursuance of harvesting maximum power, PV arrays have to operate at MPP in spite of the undeniable changes in the environment. For this reason the controllers of all photo voltaic power electronic converters employ some method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). In literature various MPPT techniques have been discussed. The objective of this paper is to investigate and analyze them. This review paper provides a condensed yet sweeping study of these techniques with an in-depth analysis of their soundness and hindrance. Then the recent work regarding the MPPT based on sliding mode is focused. PV system is modeled in MATLAB/SIMULINK and Sliding mode is applied. The performance is studied to validate the effectiveness of slidingmode controller to draw much energy and a fast response against change in working conditions. The feature of the sliding mode is supported by theoretical analysis and simulation results.
Determinants of Inter-State Variations in FDI Inflows in India

The present paper makes an attempt to identify the factors that contribute to the wide-scale variations in FDI inflows across Indian States. Using a panel dataset consisting of 16 groups of Indian states over the period from 2001-02 to 2005-06, it is found that infrastructure does not have significant impact on inter-state variations in FDI inflows, which is contradictory to the general proposition that availability of infrastructure facilities largely determines the locations of investment projects. Instead, level and variability in profitability of the existing firms are found to have significant influence in deciding investment locations at the state level. While higher profitability of the existing enterprises brings in more FDI into a state, greater variability in it reduces the same.
Process-based simulation of seasonality and drought stress in monoterpene emission models

Abstract. Canopy emissions of volatile hydrocarbons such as isoprene and monoterpenes play an important role in air chemistry. They depend on various environmental conditions, are highly species-specific and are expected to be affected by global change. In order to estimate future emissions of these isoprenoids, differently complex models are available. However, seasonal dynamics driven by phenology, enzymatic activity, or drought stress strongly modify annual ecosystem emissions. Although these impacts depend themselves on environmental conditions, they have yet received little attention in mechanistic modelling. In this paper we propose the application of a mechanistic method for considering the seasonal dynamics of emission potential using the "Seasonal Isoprenoid synthase Model" (Lehning et al., 2001). We test this approach with three different models (GUENTHER, Guenther et al., 1993; NIINEMETS, Niinemets et al., 2002a; BIM2, Grote et al., 2006) that are developed for simulating light-dependent monoterpene emission. We also suggest specific drought stress representations for each model. Additionally, the proposed model developments are compared with the approach realized in the MEGAN (Guenther et al., 2006) emission model. Models are applied to a Mediterranean Holm oak (Quercus ilex) site with measured weather data. The simulation results demonstrate that the consideration of a dynamic emission potential has a strong effect on annual monoterpene emission estimates. The investigated models, however, show different sensitivities to the procedure for determining this seasonality impact. Considering a drought impact reduced the differences between the applied models and decreased emissions at the investigation site by approximately 33% on average over a 10 year period. Although this overall reduction was similar in all models, the sensitivity to weather conditions in specific years was different. We conclude that the proposed implementations of drought stress and internal seasonality strongly reduce estimated emissions and indicate the measurements that are needed to further evaluate the models.
The influence of silver nanoparticles on chicken embryo development and bursa of Fabricius morphology

The aim of the experiment was to determine the influence of colloidal silver nanoparticles on the development of chicken embryos, particularly on the bursa of Fabricius. Silver nanoparticles (10 ppm) were injected into fertilized chicken eggs on days 5, 11 and 17. Ag nanoparticles did not influence embryo development as evaluated by the Hamilton and Hamburger standard. They did, however, decrease lymph follicular number and size, and changed the profile of the cell nuclei in the bursa of Fabricius.
Predicting habitat distribution and frequency from plant species co‐occurrence data

Aim Species frequency data have been widely used in nature conservation to aid management decisions. To determine species frequencies, information on habitat occurrence is important: a species with a low frequency is not necessarily rare if it occupies all suitable habitats. Often, information on habitat distribution is available for small geographic areas only. We aim to predict grid‐based habitat occurrence from grid‐based plant species distribution data in a meso‐scale analysis.