Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calcium orthophosphates

The present overview is intended to point the readers’ attention to the important subject of calcium orthophosphates. This type of materials is of the special significance for the human beings because they represent the inorganic part of major normal (bones, teeth and antlers) and pathological (i.e. those appearing due to various diseases) calcified tissues of mammals. For example, atherosclerosis results in blood vessel blockage caused by a solid composite of cholesterol with calcium orthophosphates. Dental caries and osteoporosis mean a partial decalcification of teeth and bones respectively that results in replacement of a less soluble and harder biological apatite by more soluble and softer calcium hydrogenphosphates. Therefore, the processes of both normal and pathological calcifications are just an in vivo crystallization of calcium orthophosphates. Similarly, dental caries and osteoporosis might be considered as in vivo dissolution of calcium orthophosphates. Conversely, due to a great chemical similarity with the biological calcified tissues, many calcium orthophosphates possess remarkable biocompatibility and bioactivity. Materials scientists extensively use this property to construct artificial bone grafts that are either entirely made of or only surface-coated by the biologically relevant calcium orthophosphates. For example, self-setting hydraulic cements made of calcium orthophosphates are helpful in bone repair, while titanium substitutes covered by a surface layer of calcium orthophosphates are used for hip joint endoprostheses and tooth substitutes. Porous scaffolds made of calcium orthophosphates are very promising tools for tissue engineering applications. In addition, calcium orthophosphates of a technical grade are very popular mineral fertilizers. There is a great significance of calcium orthophosphates for the humankind and, in this paper, an overview on the current knowledge on this subject is provided. To assist and guide the readers, a great number of references to the related publications detalizing various specific aspects of the matter has been collected.
Retina imaging by using compact line scanning quasi-confocal ophthalmoscope

A compact line scanning quasi-confocal ophthalmoscope (LSO) is presented in this letter. Compared with a conventional scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), the bench-top LSO significantly reduces the size, complexity, and cost of SLO utility with routine use. The LSO uses one moving part to produce high-contrast and high-resolution quasi-confocal images with nearly the same performance as a SLO. The LSO has a moderate field of view (~10o), which enables images of the macula, the optic nerve head, and other targets to be obtained more quickly and efficiently. An image of the optic nerve head is taken in a preliminary investigation on human subjects. Individual nerve fiber bundles and vessels are resolved at a shallow depth, with a lateral resolution of nearly 10 \mu m.
Estimating the Value of Antitrust Investigations: A Case Study in Agriculture

The goal of our analysis is to enhance the understanding of the value of antitrust regulatory activities, specifically the impact of investigations of anticompetitive behavior. The results suggest that prices significantly increased as soon as the targets of the investigation were made aware they were being investigated. Higher prices are suggestive of a more competitive market outcome, which in turn suggests that the benefits of an investigation begin accruing immediately upon awareness by the offending party. The higher prices remained as long as the investigation was open. After the investigation was closed, market prices systematically declined to the same low pre-knowledge state.
INCORPORATING SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIATIONS OF ADVECTED MOISTURE IN THE CANYON AIR TEMPERATURE (CAT) MODEL

CAT (Canyon Air Temperature) is a parametric model that predicts site-specific air temperature in an urban street canyon for extended periods on the basis of data from a reference station in the region. A method is described for incorporating spatial and temporal variations in advected moisture, allowing application of the model with no prior knowledge of moisture availability in the area. The revised model is tested against data from field experiments in Gothenburg and Adelaide, in all seasons and in a variety of atmospheric conditions.
The Dispersion-Focalization Theory of vowel systems

The Dispersion-Focalization Theory (DFT) attempts to predict vowel systems based on the minimization of an energy function summing two perceptual components : global dispersion , which is based on inter-vowel distances ; and local focalization , which is based on intra-vowel spectral salience related to the proximity of formants . The computation takes place in an auditory (formant-based) space , and is controlled by two parameters , l , which sets the respective weight of F 1 and higher formants in auditory distances , and a , which sets the respective weights of the dispersion and focalization components . In this study , we first sample the acoustic space with 33 ‘‘prototypes’’ associated with the major primary articulations for vowels . Then , for a given number of vowels , we define two dif ferent tools , ‘‘phase spaces’’ for dealing with optimal systems and ‘‘stability’’ for characterizing sub-optimal ones . The corresponding predictions are compared with the main trends of vowel systems analyzed in a
Climate change on Twitter: topics, communities and conversations about the 2013 IPCC report

In September 2013 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its first comprehensive assessment of physical climate science in six years, constituting a critical event in the societal debate about climate change. This paper analyses the nature of this debate in one public forum: Twitter. Using webometric methods, tweets were analyzed to discover the hashtags used when people tweeted about the IPCC report, and how Twitter users formed communities around their conversational connections. In short, the paper presents the topics and tweeters at this particular moment in the climate debate. The most used hashtags related to themes of science, geographical location and social issues connected to climate change. Particularly noteworthy were tweets connected to Australian politics, US politics, geoengineering and fracking. Three communities of Twitter users were identified. Researcher coding of Twitter users showed how these varied according to geographical location and whether users were convinced or critical of climate science or policy in their Twitter usage. Overall, users were most likely to converse with users holding similar views. However, two communities displayed significant links between climate convinced and critical users, suggesting that those engaged in the climate debate were exposed to views contrasting with their own.
Artificial Neural Network Model for Synergy Analysis of Input Markets in Ornamental Fish Trade in Mumbai

Ornamental fish trade is highly complex. The radial basis function in a single-layer neural network has been used to study the relationships related with a response variable, viz. quantity and quality in ornamental fish trade in Mumbai ornamental fish market on the basis of five predictor variables which have been identified on the basis of a preliminary survey. Among the five defined predictor variables, post production services and institutional services have emerged as most important in the determination of the volume and quality of trade in the ornamental fish in the Mumbai market. This is in sync with the current trade environments, volume and quality of ornamental fish traded in the Mumbai market.
ON DETERMINING A PRODUCT'S PROCESS RELATED TO THE DEGREE OF MATURITY

It will be shown how the decision about the progress of processes can be supported by using appropriate information about the product's functionality. By choosing behaviour-orientated representations of specific development results and it will be possible to compare with customer requirements as a reference value. So we are able to define the degree of maturity. Interdisciplinary solution approaches and development results can be considered for the definition of the development situation. Parallel to this, it is necessary to compile operating guidelines which support the developer in deriving the characteristics from the attributes, where here different analytical approaches are to be taken into account.
On the Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and Forecast Model Evaluation of Two Snow-Burst Events in Southern Alberta

AbstractTwo high-impact convective snowband events (“snow bursts”) that affected Calgary, Alberta, Canada, are examined to better understand the dynamics and thermodynamics of heavy snowbands not associated with lake effects or the cold conveyor belt of synoptic-scale cyclones. Such events are typically characterized by brief, but heavy, periods of snow; low visibilities; and substantial hazards to automobile and aviation interests. Previous literature on these events has been limited to a few case studies across North America, including near the leeside foothills of the U.S. Rockies. The large-scale dynamics and thermodynamics are investigated using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR). Previously, high-resolution convection-explicit Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) simulations have shown some ability to successfully reproduce the dynamics, thermodynamics, and appearance of convective snowbands, with small errors in location and ti.
Fish Diversity and Coral Health of Tanzania's Reefs: A comparative study between the Ushongo Village Reef and the Fungu Zinga Reef over time

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcollections.sit. edu/isp_collection Part of the African Studies Commons, Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Oceanography Commons, Sustainability Commons, and the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
A Novel Extrusion Microns Embossing Method of Polymer Film

A continuous hot embossing method is reported in this paper. The continuous means that the extruder and the hot embossing equipment is used in series, the polymer film is embossed after extrusion immediately. The basic principle of this method, the key design point and the corresponding operate process of the embossing equipment is described in this paper. The polymer diffuser with micro-lens matrix on its surface is designed and the optical properties are simulated. Then, the diffuser is fabricated by the embossing equipment. The optical properties of the diffuser are tested and compared with the results of the simulation to verify the reproducibility of the equipment. By this method, the diffuser with large area can be fabricated with high precision of graphic replication, high efficiency and low cost.
Seasonal Lipid Composition in Macroalgae of the Northeastern Pacific Ocean

Abstract The lipid classes and fatty acid profiles of macrophytic algae from the Phaeophyta (Egregia menziesii), Rhodophyta (Chondracanthus canaliculatus) and Chlorophyta (Ulva lobata) were determined. Ulva lobata contained the highest amounts of lipids (20–29 mg g−1 dry mass), followed by Egregia menziesii (9–16 mg) and Chondracanthus canaliculatus (2–3 mg), with increased lipids in winter and spring. This was reflected in total fatty acid content (14–24, 6–13 and 1–2 mg g−1 dry mass, respectively). Major lipid classes were polar lipids (44–94 % of total lipids) and sterols (3–8%). Higher levels of triacylglycerols occurred in Egregia menziesii during spring (22%) and in Ulva lobata during summer (12%). Free fatty acids were also variable (0–26 %). Triacylglycerols were not detected in Chondracanthus canaliculatus. Low levels of wax esters and diacylglyceryl ethers were detected in Ulva lobata (0.1%). The major fatty acid common to all species was 16:0. Egregia menziesii and Chondracanthus canaliculatus contained 14:0, 18:1(n-9), 20:4(n-6) and 20:5(n-3) as major components. Egregia menziesii and Ulva lobata also contained 18:2(n-6), 18:3(n-3) and 18:4(n-3), and Chondracanthus canaliculatus and Ulva lobata contained 18:1(n-7). Large amounts ofC16 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the presence of 22:0 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids were unique to U. lobata. Knowledge gained regarding macroalgal lipid composition may prove useful in raising mariculture species.
USING PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS FOR ESTIMATING POLYTOMOUS QUADRATIC LOGISTIC REGRESSION

Many papers on logistic regression have only considered the logistic regression model with linear discriminant functions, but there are situations where quadratic discriminant functions are useful, and works better. However, the quadratic logistic regression model involves the estimation of a great number of unknown parameters, and this leads to computational difficulties when there are a great number of independent variables. This paper proposes to use a set of principal components of the explanatory variables, in order to reduce the dimensions in the problem, with continuous independent variables, and the computational costs for the parameter estimation in polytomous quadratic logistic regression, without loss of accuracy. Examples on datasets taken from the literature show that the quadratic logistic regression model, with principal components, is feasible and, generally, works better than the classical logistic regression model with linear discriminant functions, in terms of correct classification rates.
SELECTED INTERNAL FACTORS AFFECTING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE IN KENYA

In all economies, including Kenya, banking industry plays an important role as economic stimulus and distribution of growth in the economy. Commercial banks channel funds from depositors to investors and in the process link fundamental economic players of a country. Due to its role, numerous studies have been done on various banking fields. Be that as it may, there is a dearth of studies investigating the impact of deposits, loans, income diversification and financial leverage in financial performance of listed banks in Kenya. To this effect, this study sought to fill in the gap by studying the effects of the specific internal factors on performance of the listed commercial banks. Using cost of deposit, asset quality, Herfndahl Hirschmann Index (HHI) and debit ratio as proxies of the respective internal factor and return on equity as the measure of the bank performance, the main objective was the establish the significance relationship between these factors and bank performance. The study was based on pecking order, trade off, modern portfolio, Modigliani and Miller theories. Descriptive research design was incorporated involving 10 commercial banks listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) over a period of study stretching from 2007 to 2016. Random effects panel regression model was used in the analysis. The findings are expected to inform the players in the industry and governmental agencies. The findings indicated that deposits, loans and financial leverage have significant impact on the performance of the listed banks. Income diversification has no significant effects of bank performance. The study recommends a comprehensive policy framework to regulate interest rates and to maintain asset quality. Lastly, the study recommends the banks to sufficiently use internal funds before considering debt-financing. Key Terms: Deposits, Loans, Income Diversification, Financial Leverage
Oceanic distributions and emissions of short‐lived halocarbons

Using data from seven cruises over a 10‐year span, we report marine boundary layer mixing ratios (i.e., dry mole fractions as pmol mol−1 or ppt), degrees of surface seawater saturation, and air‐sea fluxes of three short‐lived halocarbons that are significant in tropospheric and potentially stratospheric chemistry. CHBr3, CH2Br2, and CH3I were all highly supersaturated almost everywhere, all the time. Highest saturations of the two polybrominated gases were observed in coastal waters and areas of upwelling, such as those near the equator and along ocean fronts. CH3I distributions reflected the different chemistry and cycling of this gas in both the water and the atmosphere. Seasonal variations in fluxes were apparent where cruises overlapped and were consistent among oceans. Undersaturations of these gases were noted at some locations in the Southern Ocean, owing to mixing of surface and subsurface waters, not necessarily biological or chemical sinks. The Pacific Ocean appears to be a much stronger source of CHBr3 to the marine boundary layer than the Atlantic. The high supersaturations, fluxes, and marine boundary layer mixing ratios in the tropics are consistent with the suggestion that tropical convection could deliver some portion of these gases and their breakdown products to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
End-of-life care for older rural people: just being there

This paper discusses the experience of caring for someone over 65, with a terminal illness, in rural New Zealand. The narratives from seven participants offer some contextual understanding of complex lived realities, potentially informing future rural EoL care and contributing to contemporary goals of positive ageing and dying well. Positioning themselves as carers, rather than as rural people, the participants speak about similar issues, with diverging perspectives reflecting their different carer standpoints. Limited access to 24 hour support and specialist palliative care services, and negotiating complex needs are juxtaposed with the joys and rewards of caring. Ambivalence and conflict permeate the stories, reflecting a particular socio-historical moment as, caught between two paradigms of care, the participants vacillate between desiring the empathic, compassionate care of yesteryear and the benefits of modern medical technology. Overall however, therapeutic relationships unambiguously emerge as the most valued aspect of quality EoL care.
Lithosphere delamination with foundering of lower crust and mantle caused permanent subsidence of New Caledonia Trough and transient uplift of Lord Howe Rise during Eocene and Oligocene initiation of Tonga‐Kermadec subduction, western Pacific

We use seismic reflection and rock sample data to propose that the first‐order physiography of New Caledonia Trough and Norfolk Ridge formed in Eocene and Oligocene time and was associated with the onset of subduction and back‐arc spreading at the Australia‐Pacific plate boundary. Our tectonic model involves an initial Cretaceous rift that is strongly modified by Cenozoic subduction initiation. Hence, we are able to explain (1) complex sedimentary basins of inferred Mesozoic age; (2) a prominent unconformity and onlap surface of middle Eocene to early Miocene age at the base of flat‐lying sediments beneath the axis of New Caledonia Trough; (3) gently dipping, variable thickness, and locally deformed Late Cretaceous strata along the margins of the trough; (4) platform morphology and unconformities on either side of the trough that indicate a phase of late Eocene to early Miocene uplift to near sea level, followed by rapid Oligocene and Miocene subsidence of ∼1100–1800 m; and (5) seismic reflection facies tied to boreholes that suggest absolute tectonic subsidence at the southern end of New Caledonia Trough by 1800–2200 m since Eocene time. The Cenozoic part of the model involves delamination and subduction initiation followed by rapid foundering and rollback of the slab. This created a deep (>2 km) enclosed oceanic trough, ∼2000 km long and 200–300 km across, in Eocene and Oligocene time as the lower crust detached, with simultaneous uplift and local land development along basin flanks. Disruption of Late Cretaceous and Paleogene strata was minimal during this Cenozoic phase and involved only subtle tilting and local reverse faulting or folding. Basin formation was possible through the action of at least one detachment fault that allowed the lower crust to either be subducted into the mantle or exhumed eastward into Norfolk Basin. We suggest that delamination of the lithosphere, with possible mixing of the lower crust back into the mantle, is more widespread than previously thought and may be commonly associated with subduction initiation, such as Cenozoic events in the Mediterranean and western Pacific.
Characterization of a thermostable polysaccharide bioflocculant produced by Virgibacillus species isolated from Algoa bay

We evaluated the bioflocculant production by Virgibacillus species isolated from a marine environment in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Culture conditions for optimal production of the bioflocculant included: glucose as sole carbon source (flocculating activity 91.8%); complex nitrogen source (urea + yeast extract + (NH4)2SO4); inoculum size of 2% (v/v); initial pH 10; and calcium as mediating factor. Optimum dose of the purified bioflocculant for the clarification of 4 g/l kaolin clay suspension at neutral pH was 0.3 mg/ml. Chemical analysis of the purified bioflocculant revealed it to be mainly composed of uronic acids (87% w/w). Scanning electron microscopic observations were indicative of a porous bioflocculant structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum revealed the presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups whilst the themogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed degradation temperature (Td) of 150°C. The bioflocculant appears to hold promise in vast biotechnological applications in a more environmentally friendly and economical manner.
Cross-cultural differences in the development of trust in relational service exchange - an empirical analysis of the moderating role of uncertainly avoidance

Customer trust is of high importance for customer relationship management in services. While service providers increasingly provide their services globally, little is known about cross-cultural differences in the way customers develop trust in their service providers. The present paper fills this void by providing a research model that builds on the idea that cross-cultural differences in the development of trust can be explained by moderating effects of uncertainty avoidance. This view is supported by results of an empirical analysis conducted in the banking context in six countries. Managerial implications are derived and directions for further research are proposed.
IDENTIFICATION OF PROTEINS AND COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES IN SOME COMMERCIAL LOW-FAT DAIRY PRODUCTS BY MEANS OF IMMUNOLOCALIZATION TECHNIQUES

Macromolecular assemblies of proteins and hydro­ colloids in low-fat dairy products contribute to the struc­ ture and texture of these foods. Immunolocalization techniques were used to identify B-lactoglobulin, casein, bovine whey proteins, and egg albumin in low-fat frozen desserts, reduced fat process cheese, and salad dress­ ings. SimpJesse 18 I 00 protein particles were examined
WATER USE AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCIES IN PRIVATE IRRIGATEDPERIMETERS IN SOUTH-EASTERN OF TUNISIA

The purpose of this paper is to assess the technical efficiency (TE) and proposes a measure for irrigation water efficiency (IE) based on the concept of input-specific technical efficiency for a sample of 100 irrigators in Zeuss-Koutine region (South eastern Tunisia). In this paper, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to quantify TE and IE. A major finding of the study is that the irrigation systems are clearly inefficient. Under constants returns to scale (CRS) specification, the average technical efficiency of the sample was 64%. This implies that output level could be producing by saving 36% of (all) farm inputs. A similar pattern of scores was shown for IE; although in this case the average IE was even lower (47.8%) indicating that if farmers became more efficient using the technology currently available, the same level of output can be produced using the same level of other inputs but with, on average, 52.2% less water irrigation.