Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic conservation planning in the eastern English Channel: comparing the Marxan and Zonation decision-support tools

The systematic conservation approach is now commonly used for the design of efficient marine protected area (MPA) networks, and identifying these priority areas often involves using specific conservation-planning software. Several such software programmes have been developed in recent years, each differing in the underlying algorithms used. Here, an investigation is made into whether the choice of software influences the location of priority areas by comparing outputs from Marxan and Zonation, two widely used conservation-planning, decision-support tools. Using biological and socio-economic data from the eastern English Channel, outputs are compared and it is shown that the two software packages identified similar sets of priority areas, although the relatively wide distribution of habitat types and species considered offered much flexibility. Moreover, the similarity increased with increasing spatial constraint, especially when using real-world cost data, suggesting that the choice of cost metric has a greater influence on conservation-planning analyses than the choice of software. However, Marxan generally produced more efficient results and Zonation produced results with greater connectivity, so the most appropriate software package will depend on the overall goals of the MPA planning process.
Electrical Properties of Polytypic Mg Doped GaAs Nanowires

The electrical transport properties of individual Mg doped GaAs nanowires are investigated. It is shown that Mg can be successfully used as a nontoxic p-type dopant in GaAs nanowires. The doping levels, expanding over two orders of magnitude, and free holes mobility in the NW were obtained by the analysis of field effect transistors transfer curves. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity above room temperature shows that the polytypic structure of the NWs strongly modifies the NWs charge transport parameters, like the resistivity activation energy and holes mobility. At lower temperatures the NWs exhibit variable range hopping conduction. Both Mott and Efros-Shklovskii variable range hopping mechanisms were clearly identified in the nanowires.
Investigation of novel inhibitory compounds of O-acetyltransferase A (OatA) from Staphylococcus aureus

Investigation of novel inhibitory compounds of O-acetyltransferase A (OatA) from Staphylococcus aureus Laura F. Kell Advisor: University of Guelph Anthony J. Clarke O-Acetylation of the N-acetylmuramic acid residue of peptidoglycan (PG) prevents the hydrolysis of the cell wall by autolysins and muramidases and is an important virulence factor in many bacteria. OAcetylated PG aids in the survival of these bacteria within the host environment while preventing detection and clearance. O-Acetyltransferase A (OatA) has been identified as the enzyme responsible for this modification in Gram-positive bacteria. This study aims to expand our understanding of the Oacetylation of PG, and identify inhibitors of OatA from S. aureus to demonstrate OatA as a potential antibacterial target. Presented here are the kinetic parameters of pseudo-substrate donors and the first direct evidence of a Ser-His-Asp catalytic center of OatA. High-throughput screening has led to the identification of a class of compounds, coumarins, which show promising inhibitory properties in vitro. This research represents the first steps in providing evidence that OatA is a prospective pharmacological
Identification of the Poor in Sri Lanka: Development of Composite Indicator and Regional Poverty Lines

The identification of the poor and the definition of poverty is rather complex since poverty dimensions are multifaceted. Poverty is not just an inadequacy of income to meet basic needs or the inability to spend. It is largely associated with numerous demographic, socio-economic, cultural, environmental, health and psychological factors. The aim of this study is therefore to compute a composite indicator of multidimensional poverty and regional poverty lines to identify the severity of poverty and regional disparities of poverty. The study was based on the two data sets and the main objectives of the study are: identification of the poor by using a broader definition of poverty; measurement of regional differences on poverty using the poverty indices and constructed poverty lines; and development of a Composite Indicator of Multidimensional Poverty to identify poverty by severity and also to examine regional disparities of poverty.
Steady-state assessment of the DG impact on voltage control and loss allocation

The introduction of distributed generation (DG) affects the operational characteristics of the distribution systems. The impact depends on the level of penetration of DG, as well as on the possibility of operating significant portions of the distribution system as micro-grids, or to allow temporary operation of intentional islands. In the electrical sector, the major changes occurred in the last two decades led to modify the structure of the electricity business from a vertically integrated utility (VIU) system, in which the four major functions of the electrical chain (that is, generation, transmission, distribution and retail) were operated by the same company, to an unbundled system in which these functions are separated and are performed by different companies. One of the main effects of unbundling has been the decoupling of the function of generator with respect to the one of the distribution network operator (DNO). A plurality of local generators connected to the today’s distribution systems are owned and managed independently of the DNO. The objectives themselves at the local generation site management may differ from the ones of the DNO. More specifically: at the local generation site, the main goals are to provide energy to the local users, to sell excess electricity to the grid when the electricity price makes it convenient, and to reduce the internal losses; the DNO’s main objectives are to run the distribution system in a reliable, safe and secure way, without exceeding the operational limits on voltages and currents, maintaining reduced losses and satisfactorily high power quality levels; emerging options include the role of energy service companies or organised consortia in managing local generators located at different points in the networks in an integrated way, mainly for economic purposes, or the comprehensive management of portions of the networks with generators and loads as micro-grids.
Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Lipid Profiles And Hematological Responses Of Broiler Finishers Fed With Leaf Meals Derived From ‘Ntong’ (Ocimumgratissimum) And ‘Utasi’ (Gongronemalatifolium)”

There is a need to identify new sources of poultry fodder in order to meet the growing demand for animal protein in the developing world. To this end, experiments were conducted to determine how the inclusion of Ocimumgratissimum (“Ntong”) and Gongronemalatifolium (“Utasi”) leaf meals in the diets of broiler finishers affect the birds’ growth performance, carcass characteristics, hematological indices and lipid profiles.Fresh leaves of the two plant species were dried and pulverized and then mixed with conventional feeds in various proportions to produce seven experimental diets that were fed to groups of broiler finishers. The chemical composition of each diet was determined by proximate analysis. Diet 1 (the control) contained no leaf meal (0%); diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 1%, 6% and 11% Ocimum Leaf Meal (OLM), respectively; and diets 5, 6 and 7 contained 1%, 6%, and 11% Gongronema leaf Meal (GLM), respectively The feed intakes of the control and treatment groups (120.3g, 120.8g, 120.43g, 114.2g, 120.1g, 119.0g and 117.2g/day) did not differ significantly (p>0.05). However, the body weights of the birds in different treatment groups did (p<0.05). Notably, birds consuming the 1% OLM (1683.0g) and 11% GLM (1716.6g) diets had lower final weights than did birds in the control group. In addition, there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the treatment groups with respect to carcass characteristics.The blood indices and lipid profiles of the studied birds were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the inclusion of the leaf meals, although the values of the hematological indices were generally low. These results suggest that Ocimumgratissimum and Gongronemalatifolium leaf meals have considerable potential as supplementary components of broiler finisher diets in developing countries but further investigations will be required to determine the optimal level of inclusion for these meals, to identify the bioactive compounds they contain, and to develop appropriate detoxification procedures to mitigate their potential adverse effects on growth performance.
Bulky mesoporous TiO2 structure

We report a bulky mesoporous TiO2 structure fabricated by direct consolidation of mesoporous TiO2 powder. The mesoporous TiO2 powder with an interparticular porosity, which synthesized by a surfactant-mediated sol–gel method, was consolidated by spark plasma sintering at 350–600 °C. A mesoporous structure in the sintered body was revealed by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, and the maximum surface area of ∼131 m2 g−1 was obtained with a porosity of ∼44%. Linear grain growth of the primary TiO2 particle size was observed in the bulky mesoporous structure, and the effects of open pores on the grain growth kinetics were discussed.
Asymmetric Jaw Morphology in an Herbivorous Cichlid from Lake Malawi

Cichlid fish exhibit a high frequency of variation across species. This study focused on a particular asymmetry in the jaws of fish in the genus Tropheops. An asymmetry towards the left side was observed and then tested. Each side of the jaw was measured in a number of individuals from different Tropheops species. These measurements were then analyzed to see if the left side was indeed longer than the right. Statistical analysis was utilized to test the significance of sided differences. It was found that Tropheops species exhibit a left sided bias, some species having a significant bias, and others showing a leftward trend. Two other species, Labeotropheus fuelleborni and Cyanotilapia afra, were tested for comparison to see if this leftward trend is specific to Tropheops species. These species did not have a significant bias, but did show a trend toward a longer left side. It is predicted that the pronounced asymmetry in Tropheop jaw morphology is reflective of methods of food collection and diet.
Human CIK Cells Loaded with Gold Nanoprisms as Theranostic Platform for Targeted Photoacoustic Imaging and Enhanced Immuno-Photothermal Combined Therapy

How to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of human cytokine induced killers cell (CIK) has become a great challenge. Herein, we report for the first time that human CIK cells loaded with gold nanoprisms were successfully used for targeted photoacoustic imaging, enhanced immunotherapy and photothermal therapy of gastric cancer in vivo. Gold nanoprisms were synthesized and modified with PEG; human CIK cells were prepared and incubated with PEGylated gold nanoprisms (Au GNPrs), and then the effects of human CIK cells labeled with Au NPrs on gastric cancer MGC 803 cells were evaluated and further used for targeted photoacoustic imaging, immunotherapy and photothermal therapy of gastric cancer in vivo in mice models. Results showed that PEGylated Au NPrs could be uptaken high-efficiently by human CIK cells, resultant human CIK cells labeled with AuNPrs could inhibit the growth of gastric cancer MGC 803 cells actively by induced apoptosis and G1 phase arrest, and actively target and accumulate the tumor sites in gastric cancer-bearing nude mice. Enhanced synergistic therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated with the maximal inhibition of tumor through a combination of CIK cells-based immunotherapy for three days and then a continuous gold nanoprisms-based photothermal therapy. In conclusion, human CIK cells labeled with PEGylated Au NPrs can target gastric cancer cells in vivo, enhance immunotherapy and photothermal therapy efficacy, and have a great potential in applications such as targeted imaging, immunotherapy and photothermal therapy of gastric cancer in the near future.
Palaeomagnetic records of the Brunhes/Matuyama polarity transition from ODP Leg 124 (Celebes and Sulu seas)

SUMMARY Palaeomagnetic records of the Brunhes/Matuyama geomagnetic polarity transition were obtained from deep-sea sediments of ODP Leg 124 in the Celebes and Sulu seas. Advanced piston core (APC) samples with high magnetization intensities (2‐200 mA m1) and high sedimentation rates (8.4‐10 cm kyr1) were recovered from this cruise. Rock-magnetic measurements revealed the carrier of the remanence to be nearly pure magnetite in the pseudo-single-domain range. Pass-through measurements at intervals of 5 mm on APC cores across the Brunhes/ Matuyama polarity transition for Holes 767B, 769A and 769B were deconvolved with the magnetometer sensor response using the ABIC-minimizing method. Discrete samples were also taken from the polarity transition zones and subjected to either thermal or alternating field stepwise demagnetization. The results were generally consistent with the pass-through data after the deconvolution. Results from the three holes are in good agreement, particularly those from the two holes 100 m apart at Site 769. The transitional VGP paths from these two holes show two small loops near New Zealand before the equator is crossed. The VGPs continue to swing eastwards to the North Atlantic and then move to the northeastern margin of the Pacific Ocean. The positions of the VGP loops obtained from Site 769 are dierent from the VGP clusters obtained from both the known volcanic records and the sediment records at the Boso Peninsula and the North Atlantic sites with high sedimentation rates. Such a dierence may imply the predominance of the non-dipole field during the transition. Relatively stable mid-high northern latitude VGPs are recognized on all three cores just after the reversal, lasting about 4000 years. The plot of relative intensity versus VGP latitude for the sediment records from the North Atlantic (DSDP Hole 609B) shows a remarkable similarity with our records. Similar patterns were also obtained for the plot of the palaeointensity versus VGP latitude for the La Palma volcanic lava records. These results may suggest the existence of a metastable state of the geodynamo, producing a zonal component just after the Brunhes/Matuyama boundary, which may have played a role in the change of the field intensity.
The determinants of visitor length of stay at the Kruger National Park

This study analysed the determinants of tourists’ length of stay at one of South Africa’s oldest and largest national parks, the Kruger National Park. It took the different regions of this Park into account and analysed visitors to the northern and southern regions separately to distinguish the different determinants of length of stay. The results showed clear differences between the determinants of length of stay for the two regions, indicating that for a destination with the size and scope of the Kruger Park, a regional approach should be followed to improve management and encourage visitors to stay longer. Conservation implications: The northern and southern regions of the Kruger National Park differ significantly in terms of ecosystems, rainfall, climate and wildlife. From a tourism perspective, these regions should be managed separately taking the distinct differences of the two regions into consideration. Different variables influence visitors’ length of stay in these two regions. Conservation practitioners can use the results of this study to manage visitors to these areas.
The relationship between human resource management practices, business strategy and firm performance: evidence from steel industry in Taiwan

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between human resource management (HRM) practices, business strategy and firm performance. We examined the following HRM practices: training and development; teamwork; compensation/incentives; HR planning; performance appraisal; and employment security. We surveyed 236 managers working at steel firms in Taiwan to explore their perceptions on the impact of HRM practices and business strategy on firm performance. The results of this study are summarized as follows: (1) HRM practices will be positively related to firm performance; (2) there is a close linkage between HRM practices and business strategy; (3) business strategies will be positively related to firm performance; (4) integrating HRM practices with business strategies will be positively related to firm performance.
Solving reaction-diffusion equations on evolving surfaces defined by biological image data

We present a computational approach for solving reaction-diffusion equations on evolving surfaces which have been obtained from cell image data. It is based on finite element spaces defined on surface triangulations extracted from time series of 3D images. A model for the transport of material between the subsequent surfaces is required where we postulate a velocity in normal direction. We apply the technique to image data obtained from a spreading neutrophil cell. By simulating FRAP experiments we investigate the impact of the evolving geometry on the recovery. We find that for idealised FRAP conditions, changes in membrane geometry, easily account for differences of $\times 10$ in recovery half-times, which shows that experimentalists must take great care when interpreting membrane photobleaching results. We also numerically solve an activator -- depleted substrate system and report on the effect of the membrane movement on the pattern evolution.
Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of Rockwood classification among orthopedic residents

1 Emre Bilgin1, Ali Turgut1, Mert Kumbaracı1, Gökhan İlyas2, Önder Kalenderer1 1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Health Science University Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, 2Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Tavşanlı Doç. Dr. Mustafa Kalemli State Hospital, Kütahya, Turkey INTERAND INTRA-OBSERVER RELIABILITY OF ROCKWOOD CLASSIFICATION INTER-OBSERVER AND INTRA-OBSERVER RELIABILITY OF ROCKWOOD CLASSIFICATION AMONG ORTHOPEDIC RESIDENTS
Financial and external reporting research: the broadening corporate governance challenge

Abstract This study provides a critical examination of contemporary financial and external reporting research from a corporate governance perspective. Adopting Hines' social constructionist approach to financial reporting, the study investigates research into accounting publishing patterns, published reviews of major subject areas within financial and external reporting research, and interviews a sample of accounting professors in British universities. The findings reveal a strong North American economics and finance-based positivist influence, a largely uncritical acceptance of accounting's subservience to the demands of the market, a reluctance to engage major policy questions and broader reporting constituencies. These appear to be conditioned to a large degree by internal features and pressures within the academic research community. Evidence is presented for greater attention to major environmental shifts impacting accounting and communities globally, a reinvigoration of researchers' direct engagemen.
Impact of Phanerogam and Soil Characteristics on Bryophyte Assemblages with Respect to Restoration Practices (Case Study: IJzermonding, Belgium)

The effect of soil and phanerogam characteristics on bryophytes composition, richness, abundance and functional groups were investigated in order to understand the factors responsible for bryophytes distribution patterns. Three different sand dunes were selected: untouched, artificial sod-covered and planted by Ammophila. Along 10 transects perpendicular to the shore, a total of 142 permanent releves, located in three sand dunes, were sampled. In each plot, total cover of vascular herbaceous and bryophytes, and the percentage of litter were estimated. The average of vascular herbaceous height was measured. In each plot, EC, pH, CaCo3, texture and organic matter content of the upper 5 cm layer were also measured. Analyses using DCA and GLM showed that bryophytes abundance was decreased by EC and phanerogam abundance, while pH increased the species richness of bryophytes. EC increased the relative abundance of sexual species while decreased the relative abundance of asexual bryophytes species. The relative abundance of colonists increased in planted Ammophila sand dune while the relative abundance of perennial stayers was the highest in untouched sand dune. The successional stage should also be important in distribution pattern of bryophytes.
Simulation of merging binary neutron stars in full general relativity: Γ=2 case

We perform 3D numerical simulations for the merger of equal mass binary neutron stars in full general relativity. We adopt a $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$-law equation of state in the form $P=(\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{-}1)\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$ where P, $\ensuremath{\rho},$ $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$ and $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ are the pressure, rest mass density, specific internal energy, and the adiabatic constant with $\ensuremath{\Gamma}=2. $ As initial conditions, we adopt models of corotational and irrotational binary neutron stars in a quasiequilibrium state which are obtained using the conformal flatness approximation for the three geometry as well as the assumption that a helicoidal Killing vector exists. In this paper, we pay particular attention to the final product of the coalescence. We find that the final product depends sensitively on the initial compactness parameter of the neutron stars: In a merger between sufficiently compact neutron stars, a black hole is formed in a dynamical time scale. As the compactness is decreased, the formation time scale becomes longer and longer. It is also found that a differentially rotating massive neutron star is formed instead of a black hole for less compact binary cases, in which the rest mass of each star is less than 70\char21{}80 % of the maximum allowed mass of a spherical star. In the case of black hole formation, we roughly evaluate the mass of the disk around the black hole. For the merger of corotational binaries, a disk of mass $\ensuremath{\sim}0.05\ensuremath{-}{0.1M}_{*}$ may be formed, where ${M}_{*}$ is the total rest mass of the system. On the other hand, for the merger of irrotational binaries, the disk mass appears to be very small: $l{0.01M}_{*}. $
SPATIALLY RESOLVED DUST MAPS FROM BALMER DECREMENTS IN GALAXIES AT z ∼ 1.4

We derive average radial gradients in the dust attenuation toward H ii regions in 609 galaxies at z ∼ 1.4, using measurements of the Balmer decrement out to r ∼ 3 kpc. The Balmer decrements are derived from spatially resolved maps of Hα and Hβ emission from the 3D-HST survey. We find that with increasing stellar mass M both the normalization and strength of the gradient in dust attenuation increases. Galaxies with a mean mass of ⟨ log M ⟩ = 9.2 ? > M⊙ have little dust attenuation at all radii, whereas galaxies with ⟨ log M ⟩ = 10.2 ? > M⊙ have AHα ≈ 2 mag in their central regions. We parameterize this as A H &agr; = b + c log r ? > , with b = 0.9 + log 1.0 M 10 ? > , c = −1.9–2.2 log M10, r in kpc, and M10 the stellar mass in units of 1010 M⊙. This expression can be used to correct spatially resolved measurements of Hα to radial distributions of star formation. When applied to our data, we find that the star formation rates (SFRs) in the central r < 1 kpc of galaxies in the highest mass bin are ∼6 M⊙ yr−1, six times higher than before correction and approximately half of the total SFR of these galaxies. If this high central SFR is maintained for several Gyr, a large fraction of the stars in present-day bulges likely formed in situ.