Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Creative workspaces - a fad or making real impact?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the current trend of designing workspaces to foster creativity. The paper brings forth themes that seem to be connected with the so-called ‘creative workspaces’. The paper discusses how the findings relate to recent theory and research. Finally, the paper develops propositions to further elaborate the issue. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts an inductive and social constructionist approach. In all, 40 internet pictures of workspaces claimed to be creative among a broad range of industries and companies which were analyzed through an aesthetic lens and compared to what theory and research about organizational creativity and space inform us. Findings The designs of ‘creative workspaces’ follow a rather standardized and deterministic assumption of what kind of spaces are considered to produce creativity: open offices, happy, playful communities of close-knit teams and spatial arrangements that resemble home, symbols and memories, sports, technology and nature. This view of creativity and workspaces remains a management fad unless a more balanced approach to the issue is assumed. Research limitations/implications The sample is not to be representative and the findings generalizable as such, but to bring forth the phenomenon. This exploratory and inductive approach calls for a systematic study to prove the propositions in a more controlled research setting and with a bigger sample. Practical implications The paper makes a few suggestions of what companies should pay attention to when building workspaces to improve organizational creativity – and to overcome the fad. Social implications The proposed end-user perspective may ultimately save costs, if people can voice their needs on the space arrangements from the beginning and throughout the building process, not only after the spaces are fully complete, as is typically the case. Originality/value The paper provides a critical view on the trend of building work spaces to purposefully enhance organizational creativity. It brings forth themes that are connected to creativity and workspace designs and suggests that more nuances are involved in the issue.
Methanobacterium alcaliphilum sp. nov., an H2-Utilizing Methanogen That Grows at High pH Values

Four strains of alkaliphilic methanogens (strains WeN1, WeN2, WeN3, and WeN4T [T = type strain]) previously enriched and isolated from sediments of four low-salt, high-pH (pH 8.3 to 9.3) lakes in the Wadi el Natrun of Egypt were further characterized. These organisms were H2-oxidizing, CO2-reducing, rod-shaped bacteria which grew best at high pH values (strains WeN1, WeN2, and WeN4T preferred pH 8.4 and grew at pH values up to 9.9; strain WeN3 grew best at pH 7.8 and grew at pH values up to 9.2). Each strain required sulfide as a sulfur source and was resistant to elevated concentrations (growth rates in the presence of 0.5% Na2S · 9H2O were one-third to one-half the maximum observed rates). The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the deoxyribonucleic acid of strain WeN4T was 57 mol%. A new species of methanogen, Methanobacterium alcaliphilum, is described; strain WeN4 (= DSM 3387) is the type strain.
Higher log position is not associated with better physical fitness in professional soccer teams in South Africa

Objective. To assess the difference in physical fitness of players in successful versus less-successful professional soccer teams in South Africa. Design. Professional soccer players (N = 140) underwent a battery of tests assessing important physiological components during the early part of their competitive season. Players were then separated into two groups on the basis of their teams' final log position in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa. Players in successful (N = 70) and less-successful (N = 70) teams were in the top four or bottom six positions on the log respectively. Descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) were calculated for each group, and independent t-tests were used to compare the means of the groups for each of the physical tests. Main outcome measures. Body composition, flexibility, muscle strength-endurance, power, speed, agility, aerobic endurance, and repeat sprint distance. Results. There were no significant differences between groups for all measures of body composition, flexibility, repeat sprint distance, and agility. Significant differences (p South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 19 (2) 2007: pp. 40-45
MAIZE WITH C-REPEAT BINDING FACTOR 1 ( CBF 1 ) AS A STRATEGY TOWARDS DROUGHT TOLERANCE BY

Africa is a drought prone continent making farming risky especially to small-scale farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture. Maize is the most widely grown staple crop in Africa with more than 300 million people depending on it as their main food source. Drought leads to crop failure, hunger and poverty and this is being worsened by climate change. There is therefore need to develop drought tolerant maize. Conventional breeding methods have been applied in the development of drought tolerant crops but are limited by their demand for labour, time and space, offering a narrow genetic diversity within genotypes and transfer of unwanted traits along with the desired ones. These limitations are overcome by using these methods together with bioengineering. Drought induces a range of physiological and biochemical responses in plants at cellular and molecular levels. These responses involve induction of genes with diverse functions. Plant modification for enhanced drought tolerance is mostly based on the manipulation of either transcription and/or signaling factors or genes that directly protect plant cells against water deficit. C-repeat binding factor (CBF) is a transcriptional factor that interacts with the dehydration responsive element (DRE), a cis-acting promoter element that regulates gene expression in response to drought, salt and cold stress. Over expression of these transcription factors, increases stress tolerance to freezing, dehydration and high salinity. In this study, three maize inbred lines and one hybrid were transformed with CBF1 gene and selected with mannose using the Phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) gene. Genetic transformation was done through Agrobacterium tumefaciens and PCR was used to determine transformed plants. Transformation frequency, transformation efficiency and regeneration efficiency were compared among the different genotypes transformed. There were no significant differences in transformation frequency among the four maize genotypes. CML216 had the highest transformation efficiency and regeneration efficiency followed by A188. No putative transgenic plants were regenerated from TL27 and A188×TL18 under the conditions applied due to their low regenerability. Further molecular analysis and drought stress experiments on the transgenic maize developed are necessary before commercial release. Availability of drought tolerant maize would have a great positive impact against hunger especially in Africa.
Observations and numerical simulations of the diurnal cycle of the EUROCS stratocumulus case

As part of the European Project on Cloud Systems in Climate Models, the diurnal cycle of stratocumulus has been simulated with Large‐Eddy Simulation (LES) models and Single Column Models (SCMs). The models were initialized and compared with observations collected in marine stratocumulus in July 1987 during the First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project Regional Experiment. The results of the six LES models are found to be in a fair agreement with the observations. They all capture the distinct diurnal variation in the cloud liquid‐water path, the turbulence profiles and clearly show a decoupled boundary layer during daytime and a vertically well‐mixed boundary layer during the night. Entrainment of relatively dry and warm air from just above the inversion into the boundary layer is the major process modifying the thermodynamic structure of the boundary layer during the night. The differences that arise in the liquid‐water path evolution can therefore be attributed mainly to differences in the entrainment rate. The mean entrainment rates computed from the LES model results are 0.58±0.08 cm s−1 and 0.36±0.03 cm s−1 for the night‐time and daytime periods, respectively. If the horizontal domain size in a LES model is enlarged, mesoscale fluctuations develop. This leads to a broader liquid‐water path distribution and a reduction of the cloud albedo.
Quantifying and managing the risk of information security breaches to the supply chain

Technical integration between companies can result in an increased risk of information security breaches. This thesis proposes a methodology for quantifying information security risk to a supply chain participant. Given a system responsible for supply chain interaction and the vulnerabilities attributed to the system, the variables that determine the probability and severity of security incidents were used to create a model to quantify the risk within three hypothetical information systems. The probability of an incident occurring was determined by rating the availability and ease of performing an exploit, the attractiveness of the target and an estimate of the frequency of the attack occurring internet wide. In assigning a monetary value to the incident, the outcome from an attack was considered in terms of the direct impact on the business process and the potential impact on partnerships. A method for determining mitigation strategies was then proposed based on a given set of monetary constraints and the realization of corporate security policy. Thesis Supervisor: George Kocur Title: Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Chitosan Composites Synthesized Using Acetic Acid and Tetraethylorthosilicate Respond Differently to Methylene Blue Adsorption

The sol-gel and cross-linking processes have been used by researchers to synthesize silica-based nanostructures and optimize their size and morphology by changing either the material or the synthesis conditions. However, the influence of the silica nanostructures on the overall physicochemical and mechanistic properties of organic biopolymers such as chitosan has received limited attention. The present study used a one-step synthetic method to obtain chitosan composites to monitor the uptake and release of a basic cationic dye (methylene blue) at two different pH values. Firstly, the composites were synthesized and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to ascertain their chemical identity. Adsorption studies were conducted using methylene blue and these studies revealed that Acetic Acid-Chitosan (AA-CHI), Tetraethylorthosilicate-Chitosan (TEOS-CHI), Acetic Acid-Tetraethylorthosilicate-Chitosan (AA-TEOS-CHI), and Acetic Acid-Chitosan-Tetraethylorthosilicate (AA-CHI-TEOS) had comparatively lower percentage adsorbances in acidic media after 40 h, with AA-CHI adsorbing most of the methylene blue dye. In contrast, these materials recorded higher percentage adsorbances of methylene blue in the basic media. The release profiles of these composites were fitted with an exponential model. The R-squared values obtained indicated that the AA-CHI at pH ~ 2.6 and AA-TEOS-CHI at pH ~ 7.2 of methylene blue had steady and consistent release profiles. The release mechanisms were analyzed using Korsmeyer-Peppas and Hixson-Crowell models. It was deduced that the release profiles of the majority of the synthesized chitosan beads were influenced by the conformational or surface area changes of the methylene blue. This was justified by the higher correlation coefficient or Pearson’s R values (R ≥ 0.5) computed from the Hixson-Crowell model. The results from this study showed that two of the novel materials comprising acetic acid-chitosan and a combination of equimolar ratios of acetic acid-TEOS-chitosan could be useful pH-sensitive probes for various biomedical applications, whereas the other materials involving the two-step synthesis could be found useful in environmental remediation of toxic materials.
The natural history of Myrmarachne melanotarsa, a social ant‐mimicking jumping spider

Abstract Myrmarachne melanotarsa, an ant‐like jumping spider (Salticidae) from East Africa, is an accurate mimic of Crematogaster sp. and associates unusually closely with its models. M. melanotarsa is remarkable in that it forms dense aggregations and builds large nest complexes (numerous individually‐occupied nests connected to each other by silk). Other salticids (Pseudicius spp., Menemerus spp.) live with M. melanotarsa in the same nest complex. These aggregations, which can exceed 50 conspecific individuals per colony, are considerably larger than those few previously described, and seem to have primarily a protective function. We provide baseline information on the natural history of M. melanotarsa, paying particular attention to predatory behaviour and association with Crematogaster sp. , and fit this within current theory on the function of sociality in spiders. Other unusual behaviour of M. melanotarsa includes “mouthing”, in which the spider opens and closes its chelicerae while pressing its mouthparts against nest silk. We investigated the role of prior presence of Crematogaster sp. on nest silk in eliciting this previously unreported behaviour.
Noninvasive estimation of marbling in lamb's carcasses

iving animal, is of essential utilitarian importanc e. The amount of intramuscular fat (known as marbling) has significant impact on market value and meat’s culinary usefuln ess. Previously used methods for marbling classification in carcass es based on an analysis of animal’s age, weight and gender, or had invasive nature. These methods were estimated as unre liable and inefficient. There have been noticed gro wing explorers' interest in drawing conclusions based on information of data coded in a graphic form. The neuronal ident ification of pictorial data, with special emphasis on both quantitative an d qualitative analysis, is more frequently utilized to gain and deepen the empirical data knowledge. Extraction and then class ification of selected picture features, such as col or or surface structure, enables one to create computer tools in order to id entify these objects presented as, for example, dig ital pictures. This paper presents an attempt to create noninvasive method to classify marbling, based on ultrasound images, com puter image analysis and artificial neural networks.
Distance as a barrier to health care access in South Africa

Access to health care is a particular concern given the centrality of poor access in perpetuating poverty and inequality. South Africa's apartheid history leaves large racial disparities in access despite post-apartheid health policy to increase the number of health facilities, even in remote rural areas. However, even when health services are provided free of charge, monetary and time costs of travel to a local clinic may pose a significant barrier for vulnerable segments of the population, leading to overall poorer health. Using new data from the first nationally representative panel survey in South Africa together with administrative geographic data from the Department of Health, we investigate the role of distance to the nearest facility on patterns of health care utilization. We find that many apartheid legacies remain in place. Ninety percent of South Africans live within 7km of the nearest public clinic, and two-thirds live less than 2km away. However, 15% of Black African adults live more than 5km from the nearest facility, in contrast to only 7% of coloureds and 4% of whites. There is a clear income gradient in proximity to public clinics. Also, we find distance decay in the uptake of important health services such as having a skilled birth attendant, an immunization record and a growth chart for children. The poorest tend to reside furthest from the nearest clinic and an inability to bear travel costs constrains them to lower quality health care facilities. Within this general picture, men and women have different patterns of health care utilization, with the reduction in utilization of health care associated with distance being larger for men than it is for women. Much has been done to redress disparities in South Africa since the end of apartheid but progress is still needed to achieve equity in health care access.
Sound Behaviour of Concrete Churches. The Church of Santa Cruz de Oleiros

The church of Santa Cruz de Oleiros, Spain (1967) shows architect Miguel Fisac’s perception of sacred space after the Second Vatican Council. In this place of worship, the architect responded to the new liturgical guidelines combining geometry and architectural forms with the material of the moment, concrete. However, ordinary religious celebrations reveal acoustic deficiencies for the main use of the building. This fact is corroborated by acoustic measurements in situ. With a methodology that uses simulation techniques for the sound field, the analysis of the current acoustic behaviour of the room will serve as the basis for an acoustic rehabilitation proposal aimed at improving the acoustic conditions and so, the functionality of the church.
Investigating the anatomy of magnetosheath jets – MMS observations

Abstract. We use Magnetosphere Multiscale (MMS) mission data to investigate a small number of magnetosheath jets, which are localized and transient increases in dynamic pressure, typically due to a combined increase in plasma velocity and density. For two approximately hour-long intervals in November, 2015 we found six jets, which are of two distinct types. (a) Two of the jets are associated with the magnetic field discontinuities at the boundary between the quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular magnetosheath. Straddling the boundary, the leading part of these jets contains an ion population similar to the quasi-parallel magnetosheath, while the trailing part contains ion populations similar to the quasi-perpendicular magnetosheath. Both populations are, however, cooler than the surrounding ion populations. These two jets also have clear increases in plasma density and magnetic field strength, correlated with a velocity increase. (b) Three of the jets are found embedded within the quasi-parallel magnetosheath. They contain ion populations similar to the surrounding quasi-parallel magnetosheath, but with a lower temperature. Out of these three jets, two have a simple structure. For these two jets, the increases in density and magnetic field strength are correlated with the dynamic pressure increases. The other jet has a more complicated structure, and no clear correlations between density, magnetic field strength and dynamic pressure. This jet has likely interacted with the magnetosphere, and contains ions similar to the jets inside the quasi-parallel magnetosheath, but shows signs of adiabatic heating. All jets are associated with emissions of whistler, lower hybrid, and broadband electrostatic waves, as well as approximately 10 s period electromagnetic waves with a compressional component. The latter have a Poynting flux of up to 40 µ W m −2 and may be energetically important for the evolution of the jets, depending on the wave excitation mechanism. Only one of the jets is likely to have modified the surrounding magnetic field into a stretched configuration, as has recently been reported in other studies. None of the jets are associated with clear signatures of either magnetic or thermal pressure gradient forces acting on them. The different properties of the two types also point to different generation mechanisms, which are discussed here. Their different properties and origins suggest that the two types of jets need to be separated in future statistical and simulation studies. Keywords. Magnetospheric physics (magnetosheath; plasma waves and instabilities; solar wind–magnetosphere interactions)
The Evolution of Immunotoxicology

The origins of immunotoxicology surprisingly date back to the seventeenth century when Bernardino Ramazzini, an Italian medical professor, described lung disease associated with various occupations including baking, grain handling, and mining [1]. It was not until the early 1900s, however, that the immune system was implicated and the causative agents first identified. Since then various pharmaceutical, occupational, and environmental agents have been shown to potentially influence many facets of immune-mediated diseases including allergy, immunosuppression, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation. The following is a brief historical perspective of what we now refer to as immunotoxicology.
A clinico-demographic profile of 110 male patients with genital ulcer(s)

Objective To assess the magnitude of male genital ulcer (MGU) and its clinico-demographic profile in patients attending dermatology OPD and STI clinic of a tertiary care hospital in the eastern part of India. Methods The study was institution-based cross-sectional descriptive study conducted over a period of one year. All the male patients presenting to Dermatology OPD and STI clinic with complaints of genital lesions were screened for genital ulcer/s. Those having genital ulcer and giving consent for participating in the study were included in the study. At the end of study period, data were analyzed. Results 110 patients with MGU among 22,528 male patients attending Dermatology OPD and STI clinic were included in study and relative prevalence rate was calculated as 4.88 per 1000. Non-sexually transmitted ulcers (non-STU) [65.5%] were leading cause of MGU. Among sexually transmitted ulcers (STU), genital herpes was the most common disease. Dermatitis-related ulcer, scabies related ulcer, and Zoon’s balanitis (plasma cell balanitis) were most common non-STU. Positive history of sexual exposure was found in around 53.2%, 97.4% and 22.2% of MGU, STU and non-STU, respectively. Commercial sex workers were the major sex partner in both STU and non-STU groups. Conclusion Non-sexually transmitted ulcers were more common than sexually transmitted ulcers. History of sexual exposure was seen in both STU, and non-STU. Hence, history of sexual exposure should not bias clinician towards making a diagnosis of STU.
Sensitivity Densities for Rotational Ground-Motion Measurements

We derive and analyze sensitivity densities for two quantities derived from rotational ground-motion measurements: the rms (root-mean-square) amplitude A ω of the rotation seismogram ! [Graphic][1] and the apparent shear-wave speed ! [Graphic][2] , where A v denotes the rms amplitude of the velocity seismogram. In the case of a plane S wave in a homogeneous and isotropic medium, β a coincides with the true shear-wave speed β . Based on analytical and numerical examples, we demonstrate that the β a kernels attain large absolute values only in the vicinity of the receiver but not in the vicinity of the source. This effect is pronounced in the case of both body S waves and surface waves (Love + Rayleigh). Moreover, the β a kernels are dominated by the higher Fresnel zones while reaching only small absolute values in the first Fresnel zone. This implies (1) that measurements of β a are to the first order independent of the Earth structure near the source, (2) that such measurements may be used for one-station local shear-wave speed tomography, and (3) that comparatively low-frequency signals can be used in order to invert for small-scale structures. The sensitivity densities corresponding to the rotation amplitude measurement A ω resemble those for the velocity amplitude measurements A v . It is, therefore, the combination of A ω with A v , and not one of them alone, that is likely to provide additional constraints on the Earth’s structure near the receiver. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif