Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sublethal effects of a common neonicotinoid pesticide, thiamethoxam, on honey bees: impact on locomotion and thermoregulation

Neonicotinoids have been pointed to as a factor responsible for the increased honey bee colony losses in the last decades. Many studies have investigated the effects of the first marketed neonicotinoid, imidacloprid, while fewer have focused on thiamethoxam. One recent study showed that sublethal doses of thiamethoxam lead to colony failure by decreasing forager homing flight success. We thus decided to investigate the mechanism which caused this phenomenon. Our hypothesis was that this effect was caused by impairment of forager locomotion abilities. Therefore we tested the effects of sublethal acute and chronic exposures to thiamethoxam on forager walking (Chapter 2) and flight (Chapter 3) performances. The acute treatment (1.34 ng/bee) affected walking locomotion firstly triggering hyperactivity (30 min post-treatment) and then impairing motor functioning (60 min post-treatment). 2-day continuous exposures to thiamethoxam (32.5, 45 ppb) elicited fewer effects on walking locomotion, however both exposure modes elicited an increased positive phototaxis. Similarly, in flight experiments, the single dose (1.34 ng/bee) elicited hyperactivity shortly after intoxication (increased flight duration and distance), while longer and continuous exposures (32.5, 45 ppb) impaired forager motor functions (decreased flight duration, distance, velocity). It is known that flight muscles temperature needs to be precisely regulated by bees during flight. Therefore, we further hypothesized that the impaired flight performances of neonicotinoid intoxicated bees were caused also by thermoregulation anomalies. We tested the effects that acute thiamethoxam exposures (0.2, 1, 2 ng/bee) elicit on forager thorax temperature (Chapter 4). Foragers treated with high doses exhibited hyperthermia or hypothermia when respectively exposed to high or low environmental temperatures. In summary, we show that sublethal doses of thiamethoxam affected forager walking and flight locomotion, phototaxis and thermoregulation. We also display the intricate mode of action of thiamethoxam which triggered, at different extents, inverse sublethal effects in relation to time and dose.
Atherosclerosis: an Athero-Thrombo-Inflammatory Disease

Classical risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis include hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. When the atheromatous plaque erodes or ruptures, local thrombosis develops which leads to partial or complete vessel occlusion with its attendant potentially catastrophic consequences. Thus, the term athero-thrombotic disease has been adopted. However, inflammation is also a major contributor to the initiation and evolution of this process and has not been adequately addressed. The concept that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease has caused a paradigm shift in our understanding of its pathogenesis. Recent convincing evidence has accumulated that inflammation plays a fundamental role in atherothrombosis and the associated risk may be equal to that of hyperlipidemia. Based on this concept, new biomarkers and novel anti-inflammatory and immune therapies are being currently tested for managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Multi-station investigation of spread F over Europe during low to high solar activity

Spread F is an ionospheric phenomenon which has been reported and analyzed extensively over equatorial regions on the basis of the Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability. It has also been investigated over midlatitude regions, mostly over the Southern Hemisphere with its generation attributed to the Perkins instability mechanism. Over midlatitudes it has also been correlated with geomagnetic storms through the excitation of travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) and subsequent F region uplifts. The present study deals with the occurrence rate of nighttime spread F events and their diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle variation observed over three stations in the European longitude sector namely Nicosia (geographic Lat: 35.29 °N, Long: 33.38 °E geographic: geomagnetic Lat: 29.38 °N), Athens (geographic Lat: 37.98 °N, Long: 23.73 °E geographic: geomagnetic Lat: 34.61 °N) and Pruhonice (geographic Lat: 50.05 °N, Long: 14.41 °E geographic: geomagnetic Lat: 47.7 °N) during 2009, 2015 and 2016 encompassing periods of low, medium and high solar activity, respectively. The latitudinal and longitudinal variation of spread F occurrence was examined by considering different instability triggering mechanisms and precursors which past literature identified as critical to the generation of spread F events. The main findings of this investigation is an inverse solar cycle and annual temporal dependence of the spread F occurrence rate and a different dominant spread F type between low and high European midlatitudes.
Electric arc furnace power quality improvement by applying a new digital and predicted-based TSC control

Static V AR compensators (SVC) can improve some of the power quality (PQ) indices such as voltage icker, unbalances, and power factors in power systems if properly controlled. Different nonlinear and time-varying loads generate these parameters. One of the great nonlinear loads is the electric arc furnace (EAF), which causes waveform distortions, voltage unbalances, and uctuations. In this paper, a new digital and prediction-based control for thyristor switched capacitors (TSCs) was proposed to compensate an actual steel industrial plant. The digital control was based on generating adequate synchronous pulses, calculating required suitable susceptance, and measuring correct reactive power. The proposed TSC improved the PQ by means of the feedback from voltage and power factor. A predictive method based on time series and recursive least square with dynamic learning factor was then applied to estimate EAF reactive power in the future so that the TSC performance was enhanced by reducing the natural time delay. A band-pass harmoniclter was designed to compensate the load current harmonics and to protect the capacitor banks in the TSC. Finally, the suggested TSC was implemented in a steel industrial plant as an actual power system with 2 EAFs. The modeling and experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed TSC.
Organizational Health of Secondary School Teachers in Relation to Their Adjustment

A well-adjusted teacher is very important for the institution and also for the students. It is the responsibility of the policy makers and authorities to provide a good organizational health and conducive environment for the teachers. Organizational health and adjustment are close and interdependent phenomenon. Where there is a good organizational health teachers adjust themselves easily and perform their responsibilities effectively. With the sample of 200 secondary school teachers, an attempt was made to explore the relationship between organizational health and adjustment. Findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between organizational health and adjustment of teachers. Findings also showed that some dimensions are significantly related to each other. Further, this investigation found a significant difference between high and low adjusted secondary school teachers in the organizational health’s scores.
Fee-for-Service, Capitation and Health Provider Choice with Private Contracts

Contracts between health insurers and providers are private; i.e. not public. By modelling this explicitly, we find the following. Insurers with bigger provider networks,pay higher fee-for-service rates to providers. This makes it more likely that a patient is treated and hence health care costs increase with provider network size. Although providers are homogeneous, the welfare maximizing provider network can consist of two or more providers. Increasing transparency of provider prices increases welfare only if consumers can process the prices of all treatments involved in an insurance contract. If not, it tends to reduce welfare.
New Approach in the Design Service Quality Using Axiomatic Design

Improvement of quality service is an important basis for sustainable competitive advantage. The first aim is to determine how important the quality factors are for service firms. It is necessary to understand clearly the goals in all points. There is only an idea how managers might deal with service quality gaps. The next purpose of this study is to designing organizational service quality using axiomatic design in the university (case study: shahrood university of technology). Axiomatic design is a scientifically based design theory that guides designers through the process of first mapping customer needs into functional requirements, then mapping these requirements into design parameters, and then finally figuring out processes to provide those design parameters. Given that this design is based on customer needs, As a result, the gap between expectations and reality customer needs is at least. The next novelty in this article, we decided to use Design Structure Matrix as tool to reduce the gaps; we show the corresponding matrix equations for minimizing any gaps.
A Review Study on Traction Energy Saving of Rail Transport

The energy cost of a rail transport system is very big especially for the tractions of trains in its daily operation. Continual effort on decreasing the traction energy cost intensities of various rail transport modes has been made by many researchers and practitioners on different aspects for a long time. From the rail transport operation perspective, this study reviews such energy-saving research mainly focusing on the optimizations of train coasting schemes, the rational designs and utilizations of track alignments, the ameliorations of train attributes, and the improvements of system operations. According to the review work, it is confirmed that in sound responses to distinct track alignments, dynamically optimizing control programs of trains with their reasonably improved attributes ought to be further studied in view of the systematic transport operation of a rail line or network in an integrated manner as much as possible in the future research on traction energy saving of rail transport.
The diversity and community composition of microorganisms associated with echinoderms

i DEDICATION.ii BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.iv LIST OF FIGURES.vi LIST OF TABLES.vii THESIS INTRODUCTION.1 CHAPTER 1: Novel circular ssDNA viruses among an asteroid, echinoid and holothurian Title Page & Abstract.10 Introduction.11 Methods.12 Results. 14 Discussion.19 Literature Cited.22 CHAPTER 2: Diversity and community composition of bacteria associated with asteroids Title Page & Abstract.3
Resolver Signals Based on Morphological Filter

The resolver is often used to measure rotor positions in space vector control of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) due to many advantages. Its angle decoding scheme can be divided into hardware decoding and software decoding. Hardware decoding features high cost, while traditional software decoding is low precision. In order to decrease its application cost and promote its decoding precision, a software decoding method has been proposed based on mathematical morphology. The morphological opening and closing algorithm has been used to suppress the positive and negative pulse noise of signal and improve the precision of angle decoding. The MATLAB simulation shows that this method can eliminate the noise pollution effectively and improve its operation speed.
A Redescription of Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), and Resurrection of L. neivai (Pinto, 1926) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)

Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia (Lutz & Neiva) is redescribed, a neotype is designated, and a very similar species, L. (N.) neivai (Pinto, 1926), is resurrected; the male and the female are redescribed. The two species can be differentiated by differences in the spermathecae, common ducts and number of cibarial horizontal teeth of the females and in the size and proportions of several structures of both sexes. The known geographical distribution of both species is given.
Influence of morphology and permafrost dynamics on hyporheic exchange in arctic headwater streams under warming climate conditions

We investigated surface‐subsurface (hyporheic) exchange in two morphologically distinct arctic headwater streams experiencing warming (thawing) sub‐channel conditions. Empirically parameterized and calibrated groundwater flow models were used to assess the influence of sub‐channel thaw on hyporheic exchange. Average thaw depths were at least two‐fold greater under the higher‐energy, alluvial stream than under the low‐energy, peat‐lined stream. Alluvial hyporheic exchange had shorter residence times and longer flowpaths that occurred across greater portions of the thawed sediments. For both reaches, the morphologic (longitudinal bed topography) and hydraulic conditions (surface and groundwater flow properties) set the potential for hyporheic flow. Simulations of deeper thaw, as predicted under a warming arctic climate, only influence hyporheic exchange until a threshold depth. This depth is primarily determined by the hydraulic head gradients imposed by the stream morphology. Therefore, arctic hyporheic exchange extent is likely to be independent of greater sub‐stream thaw depths.
Monetary Policy Committees in Action: Is There Room for Improvement?

More than 80 central banks use a committee to take monetary policy decisions. The composition of the committee and the structure of the meeting can affect the quality of the decision making. In this paper we review economic, experimental, sociological and psychological studies to identify criteria for the optimal institutional setting of a monetary committee. These include the optimal size of the committee, measures to encourage independent thinking, a relatively informal structure of the meeting, and abilities to identify and evaluate individual members' performances. Using these criteria, we evaluate the composition and operation of monetary policy committees in various central banks. Our findings indicate that e.g. the monetary policy committee of the Bank of England follows committee best-practice, while the committee structure of other major central banks could be improved.
On the two poorly known Orthotrichum species from north Asia

Recent revision of Asiatic specimens of the genus Orthotrichum s. str. revealed two species widely distributed and rather frequent in northern Asia, which however differ from all currently recognized species. One of them includes plants growing on silted bases of willows and fallen trees in flood valleys; its specimens were previously referred to O. holmenii, but in fact it fits O. sibiricum, a species described from the lower course of Yenisei River in 1890, but later reduced to the synonymy of O. pallens. However, O. sibiricum differs from European O. pallens in high, branched papillae and pointed, not blunt, leaf apex, and they are also clearly distinct in ITS sequences. Orthotrichum sibiricum occurs in Nenets Autonomous disctict in NE European Russia, the Polar and Subpolar Urals, the lower course of the Yenisei River, on the Anabar Plateau, Orulgan Range and in Transbaikalia. The second species is also superficially somewhat similar to O. pallens, at least most its collections were so named in herbaria. However, it is characterized by having hyaline cells at leaf apices, and usually 1–2 teeth nearby it, as well as branched papillae on laminal cells, immersed to emergent capsules with 8 ribs at entire urn length, stomata half-covered by subsidiary cells, exostome teeth in pairs, 8 or 16 endostome segments, and smooth, hairless calyptra. This species grows mostly on siliceous rocks in cold areas of Siberia, both in northern regions and in high mountains. It is described as a new species, O. hyperboreum; its range includes Polar Urals, Byrranga Mts. in Taimyr, Anabar Plateau, Orulgan Range in the lower course of Lena River, and Chukotka.
Estimating the Biodegradation Kinetics by Mixed Culture Degrading Pyrene (Pyr)

Biodegradation and kinetics of Pyrene (Pyr) degradation by a mixed culture previously isolated from hydrocarbon-polluted soil were conducted. Preliminary investigation on environmental factors affecting the degradation of Pyr such as temperature, pH and concentrations of Pyr was performed. These factors were optimised and established in aqueous experiments. In order to develop kinetics of Pyr degradation, an optimum temperature of 30oC and pH of 7.0 was used. Biodegradation kinetics was carried out, at first, using higher concentration between (100-700 ppm) as sole source of carbon in mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with 0.1% yeast extract. The result indicated that a range of concentration between (100-700 ppm) inhibits the performance of the mixed culture. A concentration range between (10-100 ppm) did not inhibit the growth of the mixed culture. A First-order rate constant, k was higher (0.0487 mg/lh) with a substrate concentration of 20 ppm than other concentrations. The average degradation rate constant is 0.0029 mg/Lh for all the concentrations tested. This indicated that the mixed culture could degrade over 0.0696 ppm of Pyr per day. It also confirmed that kinetics of microbial degradation was partially fitted into Monod model. The data can be used to estimate biodegradation of Pyr by a mixed culture and preliminarily estimation of degradation rates.
Recovery of the critically endangered river pipefish, Syngnathus watermeyeri, in the Kariega Estuary, Eastern Cape province

An intensive ichthyofaunal survey in the permanently open Kariega Estuary along the Eastern Cape coast has identified a breeding population of the critically endangered river pipefish, Syngnathus watermeyeri, within the middle and upper reaches of the system. This is the first recorded capture of this species in the estuary for over four decades. We suggest that the presence of S. watermeyeri is the result of the heavy rainfall within the region, which contributed to the establishment of optimum habitat requirements (mesohaline conditions and increased food availability) of the pipefish.
New outburst of the symbiotic nova AG Peg after 165 years

AG Peg is known as the slowest symbiotic nova, which experienced its nova-like outburst around 1850. After 165 years, during June of 2015, it erupted again showing characteristics of the Z And-type outburst. The primary objective is to determine basic characteristics, the nature and type of the 2015 outburst of AG Peg. We achieved this aim by modelling the spectral energy distribution using low-resolution spectroscopy (330-750 nm), medium-resolution spectroscopy (420-720 nm; R=11000), and $UBVR_{\rm C}I_{\rm C}$ photometry covering the 2015 outburst with a high cadence. Optical observations were complemented with the archival HST and FUSE spectra from the preceding quiescence. During the outburst, the luminosity of the hot component was in the range of 2-11$\times 10^{37}(d/0.8{\rm kpc})^2$ erg/s. To generate the maximum luminosity the white dwarf (WD) had to accrete at $\sim 3\times 10^{-7}$ M$_{\odot}yr^{-1}$, which exceeds the stable-burning limit and thus led to blowing optically thick wind from the WD. We determined its mass-loss rate to a few $\times 10^{-6}$ M$_{\odot}yr^{-1}$. At the high temperature of the ionising source, $1.5-2.3\times 10^5$ K, the wind converted a fraction of the WD's photospheric radiation into the nebular emission that dominated the optical. A one order of magnitude increase of the emission measure, from a few $\times 10^{59}(d/0.8 {\rm kpc})^2$ cm$^{-3}$ during quiescence, to a few $\times 10^{60}(d/0.8\,{\rm kpc})^2$ cm$^{-3}$ during the outburst, caused a 2 mag brightening in the LC, which is classified as the Z And-type of the outburst. The very high nebular emission and the presence of a disk-like HI region encompassing the WD, as indicated by a significant broadening and high flux of the Raman-scattered OVI 6825 \AA\ line during the outburst, is consistent with the ionisation structure of hot components in symbiotic stars during active phases.
The occurrence and analysis of bisphenol A (BPA) in environmental samples â€“ a review

This review paper briefly explains the meaning and characteristics of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs comprise various types of natural and synthetic chemical compounds that can impede the reproductive action of the endocrine system in animals and humans. Further discussion is on bisphenol A (BPA), one of the examples of EDCs that is extensively used in industries nowadays. It acts as a monomer, which is desired in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA later ends up in environmental compartments (air, water, sediment). In spite of this, BPA is not categorized as a persistent compound and it will be degraded either by photolysis or bacteria. It can only exist between three and five days in the environment. The concentration of BPA varies in different locations depending on the temperature, pH, source and time of sampling. BPA has been frequently debated due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity towards animals and humans. This paper also explains several extraction procedures and analytical methods concerning how to identify BPA in either aqueous or solid samples. However, an additional review is needed in respect of how to handle, reduce the level of BPA in the environment and understand the details concerning the existence of BPA
Business Model Innovation for DaaS and AaaS Companies

DaaS and AaaS companies struggle to choose for an effective revenue model. Revenue models as a variable of business models have a significant impact on business profitability. Literature has not addressed the gap of revenue models in the DaaS and AaaS industry, yet. This design study describes an artifact for choosing an effective revenue model. The artifact is a formula that measures business model variables in two projects at Infotopics. Various revenue models dominate specific industry clusters. Therefore, cluster evaluation allows determining potential revenue models. The research proves the results from two sides. On the one hand, there is an artifact which measures benchmark scores for the deviation between company and cluster. The formula evaluates on a business model variable and attribute level. On the other hand, there are the managers´ direct evaluations of the company´s cluster. On basis of the findings, the paper suggests subscription or usage fee model. For a competitive strategy of market growth, the paper suggests usage fee model. For the goal of high profitability, the article suggests subscription model.
Is There Really Support for Breastfeeding Mothers? A Case Study of Ghanaian Breastfeeding Working Mothers

This study was to find out whether the presence or the absence of social support for breastfeeding working mothers who return to work after maternity leave does have any significant effect on their level of satisfaction and also their commitment to their jobs. Three categories of social support were looked at: spousal and family members support, colleagues support at the workplace and support from care givers (house helps). A self administered questionnaire was given to 300 breastfeeding working mothers in Accra, Ghana. This group of mothers had their age range from 24-41 years with the mean age of 37.2 years and standard deviation of 8.8. The hypotheses were tested using Chi Square. The findings of the study revealed that breastfeeding working mothers who had support from their spouse and other family members appeared to be satisfied and committed to their jobs. Those who had support from other colleagues at the workplace reported to be satisfied with their jobs but not committed to their jobs. However, the group of mothers who were getting their child care support from care givers (house helps) appeared less committed to their jobs.