Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
De verloren lezer. Twee studies naar de effecten van het karakter van een hoofdpersoon in een narratief op transportatie en overtuiging van de lezer.

Sinds enkele jaren is er binnen de communicatiewetenschappen meer aandacht voor narratieven als persuasief instrument. In deze masterscriptie wordt verslag gedaan van twee studies naar transportatie en narratieve overtuiging. Centraal staat de vraag of lezers meer in een verhaal opgeslokt raken en verhaalconsistente overtuigingen aannemen wanneer de hoofdpersoon als meer of minder sympathiek wordt geportretteerd. Het onderzoek van De Graaf & Hustinx (2015) dient als leidraad. In de eerste studie is het onderzoek van De Graaf & Hustinx (2015), met narratief De Matador, exact gerepliceerd. In de tweede studie is een nieuw onderzoek uitgevoerd dat grotendeels lijkt op het onderzoek van De Graaf & Hustinx, maar waarbij een ander narratief is gebruikt, getiteld The American Dream. Van beide narratieven zijn drie versies geconstrueerd met een sympathieke, neutrale of onsympathieke hoofdpersoon. Er zijn in januari 2016 twee experimenten uitgevoerd onder 160 middelbare scholieren in totaal. In studie 1 werden respondenten geconfronteerd met een van de drie tekstcondities van De Matador, en in studie 2 kregen respondenten een van de drie tekstcondities van The American Dream te lezen. Vervolgens werd door middel van een vragenlijst de houding onderzocht van de lezer ten opzichte van de hoofdpersoon. Verder werd de ervaren empathie gemeten, evenals de verhaalconsistente overtuigingen, de betrokkenheid bij het thema en de mate van transportatie. De resultaten van de replicatiestudie komen op een groot aantal gebieden overeen met de bevindingen van het oorspronkelijke onderzoek van De Graaf & Hustinx (2015), met name op het gebied van liking, empathie en mediatieroutes. Toch zijn er ook verschillen op te merken tussen de bevindingen van De Graaf & Hustinx en de hier gevonden resultaten. Zo rapporteren De Graaf & Hustinx over effecten van het gepresenteerde karakter van de hoofdpersoon op emoties, aandacht en transportatie bij de lezer, maar deze effecten konden niet worden gerepliceerd. Deze twee studies bieden wellicht inspiratie voor een grootschalige replicatiestudie naar narratieven, om zo meer grip te krijgen op de vraag waarom bepaalde narratieven beter zijn in het meeslepen en overtuigen van lezers dan andere.
Interactive effects of seed size and drought stress on growth and allocation of Quercus brantii Lindl. seedlings from two provenances

Quercus brantii is an important tree species in Zagros forests. Summer drought imposes severe limitations in Q. brantii forests, making reforestation with this species in general very difficult. This is further complicated by the limited ecophysiological information for this species. To improve our understanding of factors affecting the drought tolerance of Q. brantii at early critical life stages, we explored the influence of seed size and provenance on growth and survival of Q. brantii seedlings under drought. As expected, drought reduced growth and survival and increased the root-to-shoot ratio, with larger acorns rendering more vigorous growth than small ones. There was a positive correlation between seed size and root-to-shoot ratio under severe drought stress only for the provenance from the wetter region. Our results indicate that large seeds of Q. brantii from populations with good genetic material can render restoration programs in the Zagros forests more successful.
Performance and forage selectivity of sheep and goats co-grazing grass / forb pastures at three stocking rates

Differences among ruminant species in forage selectivity offer potential for efficient utilization of pastures with diverse arrays of plant species. One common management strategy that may influence forage selectivity is stocking rate (SR). Therefore, this experiment was conducted to determine effects of SR on performance and forage selectivity of growing sheep and goat wethers co-grazing grass/forb pastures. Grazing was for 16 weeks in 2002 and 2003. Pastures consisted of various grasses, primarily bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon ) and johnsongrass ( Sorghum halepense ), and forbs (e.g., ragweed; Ambrosiaspp.). Sheep
Contact-Lens Associated Simultaneous Fusarium and Acanthamoebia Keratitis Treated with Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty

Purpose:To report concurrent Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with contact lens wear and treated with penetrating keratoplasty Methods: A 27 year old woman, presented with a 7 day history of pain, watering and foreign-body sensation in her left eye in the setting of monthly disposable contact lens wear and swimming with lenses in situ. She had been self-treating with combination dexamathasone 0.1% and tobramycin 0.3% drops (Tobradex®). Slit-lamp examination revealed a 1.0 x 1.0 millimetre corneal ulcer with underlying infiltration. Corneal scrapes were performed and hourly Ofloxacillin 0.3% drops commenced. Initially symptoms and signs improved but worsened a week later. The scrapings grew Aspergillus fumigates and she was then referred to the corneal service. Results: At this stage a central stromal infiltrate was observed with surrounding satellite infiltrates. The cornea was re-scraped (as it was felt the Aspergillus culture was the result of a contaminant) and the patient was commenced on hourly Econazole 1% drops and systemic Voriconazole. Three days later, the second scrapings grew Acanthamoeba polyphagia. Intensive Brolene and Polihexamide drops were commenced, in addition to the systemic and topical antifungal treatment. Despite treatment, symptoms and signs of keratitis worsened, vision reduced to light perception and 4 weeks later she underwent a left therapeutic keratectomy. Histological examination of the corneal button revealed fungal hyphae and culture grew Fusarium. Topical anti-protozoal and antifugal therapy and systemic Vorconazole were continued for 8 weeks. Six months following keratoplasty the corneal graft remains clear on a reducing dosage of topical dexamethasone 0.1% with a best corrected visual acuity of 20/30. Conclusion: Concurrent Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis may occur in the setting of contact lens wear and their misuse. Despite intensive appropriate topical and systemic therapy the condition worsened but remained central in location and following therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty resolved.
The Linear Stability of Collinear Equilibrium Points and Resonances

The stability properties, dynamical processes and factors affecting these are very important aspects to describing the behaviour of a dynamical system because these play a significant role in the study of their past evolution. The present article discuss about the existence of collinear equilibrium points, their computation and stability analysis in the Chermnykh-Like problem under the influence of perturbations in the form of radiation pressure, oblateness and a disc. In the presence of the disc, there exists a new collinear equilibrium point in addition to the three points of the classical problem. We examine the linear stability of the collinear equilibrium points with respect to disc’s outer radius b instead of mass parameter μ and it is found that all the collinear equilibrium points are unstable except L3 which is stable for b ∈ (1.3312, 1.5275) provided that remaining parameters are fixed. Further, we obtain stability regions and perturbed mass ratio in the case of three main resonances for L3 under appropriate approximations. We analyze the effect of the perturbations numerically and it is observed that they significantly affect the motion of infinitesimal mass. The results are limited up to the regular symmetric disc and the radiation effect of the bigger primary but further it can be extended for more generalized cases.
Information Systems for Large-Scale Event Management: A Case Study

Information systems (IS) have considerable use in supporting large-scale communication and coordination. This is especially important in contexts such as major event and crisis management which have complex requirements on people and technology. IS facilitate the dissemination of real-time information and coordination among decision makers, and thereby the management of the entire event. This paper describes a case of management and deployment of IS for a large-scale event as an exemplar in this area. Singapore won the bid to host a major international event, the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, collectively known as S2006. However, there were complex requirements and daunting challenges to be overcome in managing such a high-profile and large-scale event. The paper describes how the Committee in charge delivered the IT infrastructure and systems for this large-scale event with 23,700 participants from 184 countries. It suggests several lessons for IT executives in charge of managing large-scale events, mainly for planned (e.g., sports events) and to some extent for unplanned (e.g., Japan tsunami or BP oil spill crisis) events. Particularly, it highlights the need for advance preparedness, use of IS for situation awareness, cultivating relationships for communication and coordination, and the importance of vendor management and project management skills. These lessons are valuable for IS deployment for large-scale communication and coordination for future mega-events and to some degree for preparedness for unforeseen events.
Medium Chain and Long Chain Alkanes Hydroxylase Producing Whole Cell Biocatalyst From Marine Bacteria

Alkanes are major component of crude oil that could be hydrolyzed by the enzyme of alkane hydroxylase. The are three types of alkane hydroxylase based on the chain length of alkane such as short-chain length/SCL (C2-C4), medium-chain length/MCL (C5-C17), and long-chain length/LCL (C>18). The aims of this study were to characterize and identify alkanes-degrading bacteria from these bacteria. The 30 strains from marine were grown on MCL (Pentane-C5H12, Decane-C10H22, and Pentadecane-C15H32) and LCL (n-Paraffin-C12H19C17 and branch of Pristane-C19H40). The study showed twenty-nine isolates have the ability to degrade alkanes compounds, whereas 14 isolates have grown ability on MCL and LCL medium, 11 isolates have the ability to grow on MCL and n-LCL, 3 isolates have the ability only to grow on MCL medium and 1 isolate has the ability only grow on n-LCL medium. The growth test result indicated that 29 isolates have medium-chain alkane monooxygenase and long-chain alkane hydroxylase. Based on 16S rDNA gene analysis, we obtained twenty nine of oil- degrading bacteria, namely a-proteobacteria (57 %), g-proteobacteria (30 %), Flavobacteria (7 %), Bacilli (3%) and Propionibacteriales (3 %). g-Proteobacteria and a-proteobacteria which seems to play an important role in the alkane biodegradation.
Relative Susceptibility of Four Coleopteran Stored-product Insects to Diatomaceous Earth SilicoSec

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal effect of diatomaceous earth (DE), SilicoSec against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in cowpea, maize and wheat, at 25-32 °C and 54-68% relative humidity (r.h.). SilicoSec was applied at rates: 0 (untreated control) 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 mg/kg of commodity. Adult mortality was measured after 3 to14 days of exposure. Progeny production was assessed after 40 or 56 days. The tested species varied in sensitivity to SilicoSec, with S. zeamais being most susceptible, but no significant differences in mortality levels observed between R. dominica, C. maculatus or T. castaneum after three days of exposure. After 5 days of exposure, all C. maculates adults died on cowpea treated at 1,000 mg/kg. Similarly, after 14 days of exposure all adults of the other species died on grains treated at 1,000 mg/kg, and were ranked in decreasing order of susceptibility S. zeamais > T. castaneum > R. dominica. SilicoSec treatments suppressed progeny production (30 to 100%) in all the tested species. The implications of these findings to DE-based control strategy are discussed.
METRIC SCALE CALCULATION FOR VISUAL MAPPING ALGORITHMS

Abstract. Visual SLAM algorithms allow localizing the camera by mapping its environment by a point cloud based on visual cues. To obtain the camera locations in a metric coordinate system, the metric scale of the point cloud has to be known. This contribution describes a method to calculate the metric scale for a point cloud of an indoor environment, like a parking garage, by fusing multiple individual scale values. The individual scale values are calculated from structures and objects with a-priori known metric extension, which can be identified in the unscaled point cloud. Extensions of building structures, like the driving lane or the room height, are derived from density peaks in the point distribution. The extension of objects, like traffic signs with a known metric size, are derived using projections of their detections in images onto the point cloud. The method is tested with synthetic image sequences of a drive with a front-looking mono camera through a virtual 3D model of a parking garage. It has been shown, that each individual scale value improves either the robustness of the fused scale value or reduces its error. The error of the fused scale is comparable to other recent works.
Double-parton scattering effects in associated production of charm mesons and dijets at the LHC

We calculate several differential distributions for the production of charm and dijets. Both single-parton scattering (SPS) and double-parton scattering (DPS) contributions are calculated in the $k_T$-factorization approach. The Kimber-Martin-Ryskin unintegrated parton distributions are used in our calculations. Relatively low cuts on jet transverse momenta are imposed to enhance the double-parton scattering mechanism contribution. We find dominance of the DPS contribution over the SPS one. We have found regions of the phase space where the SPS contribution is negligible compared to the DPS contribution. The distribution in transverse momentum of charm quark/antiquark or charmed mesons can be used to observe transition from the dominance of DPS at low transvsverse momenta to the dominance of SPS at large transverse momenta. Very distinct azimuthal correlation patterns (for $c \bar{c}$, $c\mathrm{\textit{-jet}}$, $\mathrm{\textit{jet-jet}}$, $D^0\mathrm{\textit{-jet}}$, $D^0 D^0$) are predicted as a result of the competition of the SPS and DPS mechanisms.
The motion of chondrules and other particles in a protoplanetary disc with temperature fluctuations

We consider the mechanism of photophoretic transport in protoplanetary disks that are optically thick to radiation. Here, photophoresis is not caused by the central star but by temperature fluctuations that subject suspended solid particles, including chondrules, to non-isotropic thermal radiation within the disk. These short-lived temperature fluctuations can explain time-of-flight size sorting and general number density enhancements. The same mechanism will also lead to velocity fluctuations of dust aggregates beyond $100\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}$ for mm-sized particles in protoplanetary disks. Applying this in future research will change our understanding of the early phases of collisional dust evolution and aggregate growth as particles cross the bouncing barrier and as mass transfer rates are altered.
A Smart Image Processing-based System for Parking Space Vacancy Management

Drivers often encounter problems associated with locating empty parking slots in parking areas. This paper presents a smart parking lot management system which operates using image processing. An image processing algorithm is used to detect empty parking areas from aerial images of the parking space. The algorithm processes the image, extracts occupancy information concerning spots, and their positions thereof. The system also reports if individual parking spots are occupied or otherwise. Occupancy information is made available to newly arriving drivers by projecting it unto large displays positioned at vantage points near the vicinity. The smart parking lot management system reduces the stress and time wastage associated with car parking and makes management of such areas less costly.
VISCOMETRIC STUDIES OF CHITOSAN/POLYACRYLAMIDE MIXTURES

Polymer-polymer interactions and miscibility for chitosan (Ch) and partially hydrolysed polyacrylamide (HPAM) have been investigated using dilute solution viscosity. The intrinsic viscosity, [η], and the viscosity interaction parameters, bm, have been determined for the binary (solvent/polymer) and ternary (solvent/polymer A/polymer B) systems. Degree of miscibility of these polymer mixtures was estimated on the basis of two criteria. The final result depends on (i) the applied extrapolation method used for determination of the interaction parameters, (ii) the assumed miscibility criteria, and (iii) the blend composition.
Evidence of denitrification and nitrate ammonification in the River Rhone plume (northwestern Mediterranean Sea)

Water samples were collected from the turbid plume water of the River Rhone at 2 stations (near the river mouth and at the plume front) between November and June 1993. The 2 dissimilatory pathways of nitrate reduction, den~trification and nitrate ammonificat~on, were measured using a combination of the acetylene inhibition and 15N techniques. 11-respective of the sampling site, denitriflcation and nitrate dmmonification rates, measured wlthout nitrate and glucose amendment, ranged from 1.0 to 4.3 pm01 1. ' d-' and 0.7 to 2.5 pm01 1-' d-l, respectively. The percentage of nitrate reduced to ammomum vaned bet\\,een. 12 and 33% of the total nitrate dissimilated. Both processes occurred simultaneously and competed for nitrate as an electron acceptor The reduct~on of nitrate to ammonium was inhibited by oxygen, indicating that the mechanism of reduction was dissimilatory. The dissimilatory character of nitrate ammonificat~on was unequivocally confirmed in experiments uslng a bacterial community isolated from a natural water sample.
Reconciling North Atlantic climate modes: revised monthly indices for the East Atlantic and the Scandinavian patterns beyond the 20th century

Abstract. Climate variability in the North Atlantic sector is commonly ascribed to the North Atlantic Oscillation. However, recent studies have shown that taking into account the second and third mode of variability (namely the East Atlantic – EA – and the Scandinavian – SCA – patterns) greatly improves our understanding of their controlling mechanisms, as well as their impact on climate. The most commonly used EA and SCA indices span the period from 1950 to present, which is too short, for example, to calibrate palaeoclimate records or assess their variability over multi-decadal scales. To tackle this, here, we create new EOF-based (empirical orthogonal function) monthly EA and SCA indices covering the period from 1851 to present, and compare them with their equivalent instrumental indices. We also review and discuss the value of these new records and provide insights into the reasons why different sources of data may give slightly different time series. Furthermore, we demonstrate that using these patterns to explain climate variability beyond the winter season needs to be done carefully due to their non-stationary behaviour. The datasets are available at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.892769.
Ant-Mimicking Spiders: Strategies for Living with Social Insects

Mimicry is a fascinating topic, in particular when viewed in terms of selective forces and evolutionary strategies. Mimicry is a system involving a signaller, a signal receiver, and a model and has evolved independently many times in plants and animals. There are several ways of classifying mimicry based on the interactions and cost-benefit scenarios of the parties involved. In this review, I briefly outline the dynamics of the most common types of mimicry to then apply it to some of the spider-ant associative systems known to date. In addition, this review expands on the strategies that ant-associating (in particular ant-mimicking) spiders have developed to minimise the costs of living close to colonies of potentially dangerous models. The main strategy that has been noted to date is either chemical mimicry or actively avoiding contact with ants. If these strategies warrant protection for the spider (living close to potentially dangerous models), then the benefits of ant associations would outweigh the costs, and the association will prevail.
Half-bridge series resonant inverter for induction heating applications with load-adaptive PFM control strategy

This paper presents an effective control scheme incorporated in a voltage-fed half-bridge series resonant inverter for induction heating applications, which is based upon a load-adaptive tuned frequency tracking control strategy using a PLL (phase locked loop) and its peripheral control circuit. The proposed control strategy ensures stable operation characteristics of the overall inverter system and ZVS (zero voltage switching) operation in spite of sensitive load parameters variations as well as power regulation, especially for nonmagnetic heating loads. The operating principle and the design procedure of the inverter system with the proposed control scheme are described. Also, simulation results and performance characteristics in the steady-state are shown as compared with experimental results for a prototype induction cooking system rated at 1.2 kW.
Does Earnings Management Influence Credit Rating Changes in Subsequent Periods

There is a potential for firms to engage in earnings management to influence a credit change (Ali and Zhang 2008; Jung et al. 2013; Alissa et al. 2013). However, Mali and Lim (2016) find that firms that engage in earnings management in period t do not experience a credit rating increase in period t+1; rather these firms are more likely to experience a decrease. Their evidence suggests that credit rating agencies capture both accrual earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM) in the credit watch period (t-1 to t). Firms that potentially experience a credit rating change must experience a 1 year credit watch period in advance of potential change. Therefore, we conjecture a firm may engage in REM in period t-2 because firms are under less scrutiny from rating agencies, and REM is more difficult to detect. We use the residual from the Dechow et al. model (1995) and Kothari’s (2005) model as proxies for AEM. We use models suggested by Cohen et al. (2010) as proxies for REM. Using a sample of 1,481 observations from 2002 to 2013, we find a negative association between AEM in period t-1 and credit rating changes in period t, suggesting that credit rating agencies consider low levels of abnormal accruals as a form of strong corporate governance. We find a positive association between REM in period t-2 and a positive change in period t, suggesting that a firm may use earnings management to influence credit ratings increase. Moreover, we find no association between credit rating decreases and earnings management suggesting that firms have the opportunity to engage in earnings management to influence credit ratings. Overall, the results suggest that firms may engineer their financial structure by using REM in period t-2 to increase the probability of credit rating change.