Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of habitat disturbance by scallop dredging on marine benthic communities:what can be predicted from the results of experiments?

Field experiments were conducted on 2 subtidal sandflats to identify the short-term impacts of commercial scallop dredging on macrobenthic communities. The 2 sites (1400 m2) were situated 14 km apart, both at about 24 m depth, with similar exposure aspects and were characterised by infaunal communities dominated by small and short-lived species. Prior to dredging, preliminary sampling failed to reveal significant differences in the density of common macrofauna within each site, although community composition was distinctly different between sites The experiment was initiated by using a commercial scallop dredge to dredge half of each study site. Macrofauna samples were collected in both the dredged and adjacent reference plot at each site irnmed~ately after dredging and again 3 mo later. The density of common macrofaunal populations at each site decreased as a result of dredging, with some populations still significantly different from the adjacent reference plot after 3 mo. Significant compositional differences in the assemblage structure between dredged and reference plots were also recorded at each site over the course of the experiment. The f ~ n d ~ n g s of this experiment are considered a conservative assessment of bottom disturbance by fishing because of the area of seabed used, the types of community present and the intensity of disturbance used in the experiment. The findings of this and similar short-term experiments are discussed in light of the need to predict and assess possible large-scale changes to benthic communities as a result of habitat disturbance by fishing. KEY WORDSFishing impacts . Habitat disturbance . Scallop dredging . Benthic communities Scaling-up
The impact of phosphorus and temperature on the toxicity of zinc on benthic diatom

The current index, IPS, developed for benthic diatoms and used for assigning the ecological status of streams in Sweden reflects on levels of nutrients and organic pollution. Metals are not considered in the index, which leads to the risk that metal contaminated streams can be assigned a high ecological status based on this index. Thus, an index that take into consideration the impact of metals in streams should be developed. In order to develop such an index, knowledge about if factors such as temperature and phosphorus affects metal toxicity to benthic diatoms could be useful. The aim of this study was to investigate if temperature and phosphorus affects the toxicity of Zn to benthic diatoms. Several laboratory experiments were performed with diatoms isolated from Swedish streams. The hypothesis was that temperatures above 20 °C would elevate toxic effects caused by Zn, which was partly confirmed. High temperatures (30-32 °C) caused a decrease in number of cells and in the maximum efficiency of the photosystem II in the highest concentration of Zn tested. The values of the approximate EC50 for each temperature and the amount of fluorescence per cells did however not show that temperature impact the toxicity of Zn. Thus, conclusively not all parameters investigated declared that temperature impacts the toxicity of Zn, but since some of them did, it cannot be said that temperature does not impact the toxicity of Zn. The hypothesis for the impact of phosphorus on Zn toxicity was that a higher concentration of phosphorus would increase tolerance to Zn and consequently lower concentrations of phosphorus was thought to increase the toxicity of Zn. The phosphorus effects were partly in-line with the hypothesis. The highest concentration of phosphorus tested caused a decrease in toxicity, detected as a higher median value of EC50 and as a higher amount of fluorescence in the highest concentration of Zn for most strains in one experiment. However, the lower amount of phosphorus only increased the toxicity, detected as a lower amount of fluorescence, in the highest concentration of Zn tested in two of the strains in one experiment. The results regarding the impact of phosphorus on Zn toxicity was not consistent in the experiments performed. However this study indicated that phosphorus and temperature could impact the toxicity of Zn. Therefore, in order to develop an index that reflect on the levels of metals more studies should be done to establish if temperature and phosphorus in fact impact the toxicity of Zn.
Fabrication of PGS / CaTiO 3 NanoComposite for Biomedical Application

Biodegradable elastomeric materials are gaining extensive attention in the field of soft tissue engineering. Poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a novel biocompatible elastomer in this scope. However this polymer has poor mechanical properties especially when the molar ratio of glycerol is higher than sebacic acid. Calcium Titanate (CaTiO3) is a biocompatible ceramic with some degrees of piezoelectricity, which is in favor of cell growth. In this study; Calcium Titanate is synthesized at nano-scale by sol-gel method and dispersed into as-synthesized PGS pre-polymer in weight-ratio of 5:95 for CaTiO3 and PGS, respectively. This waxy material was cured to achieve the final product. The molar ratio of glycerol and sebacic acid for the synthesis of PGS was 1:0.8, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) test confirms successful synthesis of CaTiO3 and the nano-scale of crystals are approved by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) Image. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has revealed a chemical bond between the two phases after addition of ceramic into pre-polymer. Distribution of CaTiO3 nano-structures in the polymeric matrix is shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Data Management Strategies for Scientific Applications in Cloud Environments

Clouds are increasingly being used for running dataintensive scientific applications. However, science applications need to contend with the I/O and network performance characteristics of cloud environments. Additionally, managing data effectively and efficiently over these cloud resources is challenging due to the myriad storage choices with different performance-cost trade-offs, complex application choices, complexity associated with elasticity and failure rates. In this paper, we evaluate various aspects of data management strategies in cloud environments. Our evaluation is performed in the context of two frameworks - Hadoop and FRIEDA and conducted on four cloud testbeds - FutureGrid, ExoGeni, Grid5000, Amazon. Our experiments highlight the different performance implications of storage, file system, provis
Surgical Operating Microscopes in Endodontics: Enlarged Vision and Possibility

The most important development in surgical endodontics has been introduction of the surgical operating microscope. The use of magnification in endodontics is not an isolated development. It is part of t rend in med icine and dentistry toward a quest for perfection and application of minimally invasive technique for procedures that previously required extensive surgery. But now microscopic endodontics has totally changed the way endodontics and endodntic surgery are practiced. Operat ing microscopes are also useful right fro m diagnosis, trying to locate extra canals or missed canals, assessing efficacy of newer systems for cleaning and shaping, to prevent / or manage endodontic mishaps.
Willingness to participate in the market for crop drought index insurance among farmers in Ghana

The study, conducted among maize farmers in the Nanumba North District of the Northern Region of Ghana, examined the willingness of smallholder farmers to participate in the market for drought index crop insurance.A total of 100 farmers participated in the study.The study employed the logistic regression analysis to predict decision to participate in crop insurance. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods wereemployed to allow for triangulation. These included questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews.The results demonstrate that access to credit, education and experience of other forms of insurance are the most important determinants of farmers’ willingness to participate in crop insurance.Total damage incurred also increased the probability of decision to participate, whereas return period of disaster event in the past and number of non-nature dependent income sources reduce the probability of decision to participate in crop insurance. The results emphasize the need to integrate crop insurance into micro-finance to enhance buy-in by farmers. Mass education via Radio and television are keys to improving access to information on crop insurance by farmers. However, significant investment in education in rural areas is critical, in the long term, to ensure the adoption of crop insurance. Keywords:Crop insurance, climate change, participation, weather-indexed insurance, agriculture, climate change, adaptation, maize, farmers.
Study on the Photochromism of Ni–Al Layered Double Hydroxides Containing Nitrate Anions

The photochromism of nitrate-containing nickel–aluminum layered double hydroxides (NiAl-NO3-LDHs) has been studied. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FTIR, UV/Vis, XPS, ESR, EXAFS, and elemental analysis were used to investigate the structure, composition, and photochromic behavior of NiAl-NO3-LDHs. A possible photochromic mechanism in NiAl-NO3-LDHs has been proposed. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
The Effect of Psychology Clerkship on Empathy toward Mental Disorders in nursing students

2017 Abstract Introduction: Empathy toward patients with mental disorders is important. This study aims to determine the effect of psychology clerkship on empathy toward patients with psychiatric disorders in nursing students. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with pre and post-test design, those who enrolled in apprenticeship course 1 in Ibne-Sina Psychiatric Hospital of Mashhad have been selected by random cluster sampling. Jefferson nurses' empathy questionnaire was completed in three stages before the start of psyche clerkship, on the last day of psyche clerkship and one month after the psyche clerkship in order to investigate any outcome. Data analysis was carried out by variance analysis test with repeated measures. Results: The results showed that there was a significant mean change in the total empathy score before the start of psychology clerkship (97.0 ± 12.5), the last day of psychology clerkship (98.9 ±12.3) and one month after the end of psyche clerkship (100.0 ± 11.6) (p <0.005). Conclusion: psyche clerkship improves empathy toward mental disorders in nursing
Chapter 3 BENTHIC FORAMNIFERAL ASSEMBLAGES FROM COLD-WATER CORAL ECOSYSTEMS

University of Fribourg, Department of Geosciences, Chemin du Musée 6, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland. Email: silvia.spezzaferri@unifr.ch, claudio.stalder@unifr.ch Renard Centre of Marine Geology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. Email: andres.ruggeberg@ugent.be GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstrasse 1-3, D-24148 Kiel, Germany. Email: arueggeberg@geomar.de
Phosphorus release of metazoan zooplankton in two bays with different trophic status in Lake Taihu (China)

The contribution of metazoan zooplankton to internal phosphorus (P) cycling was investigated in Meiliang and Wuli Bays of Lake Taihu, a eutrophic, shallow lake in China by determining biomass and biomass specific P release rates. The zooplankton community of eutrophic Meiliang Bay was dominated by cladocerans, particularly Daphnia spp. and copepods, while dominant groups in hypereutrophic Wuli Bay included rotifers, copepods, and cladocerans. Release rates of PO4 3- -P ranged from 0.20 to 0.57 mg·g (dry weight)-1 ·h-1 in Meiliang Bay and 0.20 to 0.76 mg·g-1 ·h-1 in Wuli Bay. In most cases, P release rates were higher in Wuli Bay than Meiliang Bay. Phosphorus fluxes from zooplankton excretion varied from 5.34 to 57.41 mg·m-2 ·d-1 in Meiliang Bay and 8.20 to 70.02 mg·m-2 ·d-1 in Wuli Bay. Since P released by zooplankton in this study was in a form available to phytoplankton, zooplankton may represent a significant source of P contributing to high phytoplankton biomass in Lake Taihu.
Modelling Gasoline Demand in Ghana: A Structural Time Series Approach

Concerns about the role of energy consumption in global warming have led to policy designs that seek to reduce fossil fuel consumption or find a less polluting alternative especiallyfor the transport sector. This study seeks to estimate the elasticities of price, income, education and technology on transport gasoline demand sector inGhana. The Structural Time Series Model reports a short-run price and income elasticities of -0.0088 and 0.713. Total factor productivity is -0.408 whilstthe elasticity for education is 2.33. In the long run, the reported price and income elasticities are -0.065 and 5.129 respectively. The long run elasticityfor productivity is -2.935. The study recommends that in order to enhanceefficiency in gasoline consumption in the transport sector, there should beinvestment in productivity.
Prices, Productivity, and Investment: Assessing Financial Strategies in Higher Education. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Reports.

Critically examines the higher education cost controversy and provides an understanding of the stategies institutions and governments can use to resolve the crisis. Discusses the nature of the controversy, including institutional, state and federal involvement. Analyzes costs vs. benfits of tuition, and provides suggestions for improving productivity and the cost/benefit ratio.
Cytotoxicity and biological efficacy of exendin-4-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles in INS-1 cells

Exendin-4 (Ex-4), a peptide of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is a potent insulinotropic agent and alternative drug delivery systems to increase therapeutic utility have been explored. We developed exendin-4-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles (Eudragit Ex-4 SLNs) and compared the effects of Eudragit Ex-4 SLNs with those of native Ex-4 on INS-1 cells. We observed no significant toxic effects of nanoparticles at concentrations from 1 nM to 100 nM. Similar to Ex-4, Eudragit Ex-4 SLNs stimulated the production of cyclic AMP at 10 nM. Moreover, unlike treatment with the vehicle, treatment with 10 nM Eudragit Ex-4 SLNs increased insulin mRNA levels and insulin secretion. These insulinotropic effects of Eudragit Ex-4 SLNs were comparable to those of Ex-4.Thus, our in vitro results suggest that the biological effects of Eudragit Ex-4 SLNs are similar to those of Ex-4, and further in vivo pharmacokinetic studies are required to propose an alternative sustained release drug system.
Lean principles in industrialized housing production: the need for a cultural change

The deep-rooted project culture in construction, e.g. including the one-of-a-kindness of the project, the production set up, the construction site and the temporary organization, is stated to be a hindrance when applying lean principles. However, the biggest challenge to achieving a long-term benefit of lean application in industrialized housing production (80 % of the work in a factory environment) is here argued to be to approach a lean culture. The aim of this paper is therefore to deepen the understanding of how to approach a lean culture in industrialized housing production. A production questionnaire shows that industrialized housing production displays a projectbased culture similar to that found in on-site construction with low motivation for, e.g., error-proofing and continuous improvement. Results from the questionnaire and a case study show that workers rather fix problems as they arise ahead of focusing on errorproofing and continuous improvement. Lean Construction research has traditionally (up to latest years) focused on a top-down (top-management initiated project performance) tool approach to improve construction projects. However, theoretical and empirical proofs show that error-proofing and continuous improvement is statistically connected to worker motivation, and that workers follow standardized routines if they are visual and clear to workers. It is also shown that workers do not take own responsibility to obtain standardization in work and maintenance of equipment and tools. Therefore a simultaneous top-down/bottom-up (person focused) approach to achieve a lean culture in industrialized housing production is proposed. Generally, the study also points to more research to obtain a deeper understanding of lean culture and cultural change in construction.
Seasonal changes in zooplankton community structure in Ishikari Bay, Japan Sea

Seasonal changes in the zooplankton community in Ishikari Bay, northern Japan Sea were studied based on monthly samples collected by vertical hauls of a 100 μm mesh NORPAC net from March 2001 to May 2002. Zooplankton abundance peaked in May and was mainly composed of copepodid stages of copepods. Cluster analysis of copepod abundance separated the community into two main groups : group A was observed from January to June (winter and spring) and group B from July to December (summer and autumn). Groups A and B were composed of cold and warm water species, respectively. Species diversity was high for group B. As the second dominant taxa, copepod nauplii dominated during winter and spring, whereas molluscs and appendicularians were abundant during summer and autumn. Copepod nauplii in winter and spring likely reflect the copepod reproduction initiated by spring the phytoplankton bloom. Molluscs in summer and autumn were composed of planktonic larvae of benthos (=meroplankton). Appendicularians during summer and autumn are oceanic and considered to have been transported by the Tsushima warm current. High copepod species diversity during summer and autumn might also be related to the Tsushima warm current.
Developing a secured social networking site using information security awareness techniques : original research

Background: Ever since social network sites (SNS) became a global phenomenon in almost every industry, security has become a major concern to many SNS stakeholders. Several security techniques have been invented towards addressing SNS security, but information security awareness (ISA) remains a critical point. Whilst very few users have used social circles and applications because of a lack of users’ awareness, the majority have found it difficult to determine the basis of categorising friends in a meaningful way for privacy and security policies settings. This has confirmed that technical control is just part of the security solutions and not necessarily a total solution. Changing human behaviour on SNSs is essential; hence the need for a privately enhanced ISA SNS. Objective: This article presented sOcialistOnline – a newly developed SNS, duly secured and platform independent with various ISA techniques fully implemented. Method: Following a detailed literature review of the related works, the SNS was developed on the basis of Object Oriented Programming (OOP) approach, using PhP as the coding language with the MySQL database engine at the back end. Result: This study addressed the SNS requirements of privacy, security and services, and attributed them as the basis of architectural design for sOcialistOnline. SNS users are more aware of potential risk and the possible consequences of unsecured behaviours. Conclusion: ISA is focussed on the users who are often the greatest security risk on SNSs, regardless of technical securities implemented. Therefore SNSs are required to incorporate effective ISA into their platform and ensure users are motivated to embrace it.
Noise or music? Investigating the usefulness of normalisation for robust sentiment analysis on social media data

In the past decade, sentiment analysis research has thrived, especially on social media. While this data genre is suitable to extract opinions and sentiment, it is known to be noisy. Complex normalisation methods have been developed to transform noisy text into its standard form, but their effect on tasks like sentiment analysis remains underinvestigated. Sentiment analysis approaches mostly include spell checking or rule-based normalisation as preprocess- ing and rarely investigate its impact on the task performance. We present an optimised sentiment classifier and investigate to what extent its performance can be enhanced by integrating SMT-based normalisation as preprocessing. Experiments on a test set comprising a variety of user-generated content genres revealed that normalisation improves sentiment classification performance on tweets and blog posts, showing the model’s ability to generalise to other data genres.
Vitrification of MSWI Fly Ash by Thermal Plasma Melting and Fate of Heavy Metals

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash with high basicity (about 1.68) was vitrified in a thermal plasma melting furnace system. Through the thermal plasma treatment, the vitrified product (slag) with amorphous dark glassy structure was obtained, and the leachability of hazardous metals in slag was significantly reduced. Meanwhile, it was found that the cooling rate affects significantly the immobility of heavy metals in slag. The mass distribution of heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb, As, Hg) was investigated in residual products (slag, secondary residues and flue gas), in order to analyze the behavior of heavy metals in thermal plasma atmosphere. Heavy metal species with low boiling points accounting for the major fraction of their input-mass were adsorbed in secondary residues by pollution abatement devices, while those with high boiling points tended to be encapsulated in slag.
Image Saliency Mapping and Ranking Using an Extensible Visual Attention Model Based on MPEG-7 Feature Descriptors

In visual perception, finding regions of interest in a scene is very important in the carrying out visual tasks. Recently there have been a number of works proposing saliency detectors and visual attention models. In this paper, we propose an extensible visual attention framework based on MPEG-7 descriptors. Hotspots in an image are detected from the combined saliency map obtained from multiple feature maps of multi-scales. The saliency concept is then further extended and we propose a saliency index for the ranking of images on their interestingness. Simulations on hotspots detection and automatic image ranking are conducted and statistically tested with a user test. Results show that our method captures more important regions of interest and the automatic ranking positively agrees to user rankings.
Suppression of turbulence in wall‐bounded flows by high‐frequency spanwise oscillations

The response of wall‐flow turbulence to high‐frequency spanwise oscillations was investigated by direct numerical simulations of a planar channel flow subjected either to an oscillatory spanwise cross‐flow or to the spanwise oscillatory motion of a channel wall. Periods of oscillation, Tosc+=Toscuτ2/ν, ranging from 25 to 500 were studied. For 25≤Tosc+≤200 the turbulent bursting process was suppressed, leading to sustained reductions of 10% to 40% in the turbulent drag and comparable attenuations in all three components of turbulence intensities as well as the turbulent Reynolds shear stress. Oscillations at Tosc+=100 produced the most effective suppression of turbulence. The results were independent of whether the oscillations were generated by a cross‐flow or by the motion of a channel wall. In the latter case, suppression of turbulence was restricted to the oscillating wall while the flow at the other wall remained fully turbulent. Spanwise oscillations may provide a simple and effective method for cont.