Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The dual-field-of-view polarization lidar technique: a new concept in monitoring aerosol effects in liquid-water clouds – case studies

Abstract. In a companion article (Jimenez et al., 2020), we introduced a new lidar method to derive microphysical properties of liquid-water clouds (cloud extinction coefficient, droplet effective radius, liquid-water content, cloud droplet number concentration Nd) at a height of 50–100 m above the cloud base together with aerosol information (aerosol extinction coefficients, cloud condensation nuclei concentration NCCN) below the cloud layer so that detailed studies of the influence of given aerosol conditions on the evolution of liquid-water cloud layers with high temporal resolution solely based on lidar observations have become possible now. The novel cloud retrieval technique makes use of lidar observations of the volume linear depolarization ratio at two different receiver field of views (FOVs). In this article, Part 2, the new dual-FOV polarization lidar technique is applied to cloud measurements in pristine marine conditions at Punta Arenas in southern Chile. A multiwavelength polarization Raman lidar, upgraded by integrating a second polarization-sensitive channel to permit depolarization ratio observations at two FOVs, was used for these measurements at the southernmost tip of South America. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the potential of the new lidar technique. Successful aerosol–cloud-interaction (ACI) studies based on measurements with the upgraded aerosol–cloud lidar in combination with a Doppler lidar of the vertical wind component could be carried out with 1 min temporal resolution at these pristine conditions. In a stratocumulus layer at the top of the convective boundary layer, we found values of Nd and NCCN (for 0.2 % water supersaturation) ranging from 15–100 and 75–200 cm−3, respectively, during updraft periods. The studies of the aerosol impact on cloud properties yielded ACI values close to 1. The impact of aerosol water uptake on the ACI studies was analyzed with the result that the highest ACI values were obtained when considering aerosol proxies (light-extinction coefficient αpar or NCCN) measured at heights about 500 m below the cloud base (and thus for dry aerosol conditions).
Suppression of surface waves and radiation pattern improvement using SHS technology

To reduce the backside radiation due to surface wave propagation from a high dielectric substrate, the use of an SHS has been employed to the design of microstrip patch antennas. The SHS is realized by surrounding the patch with metal via rings whose height must be equal to λ0/(4×εr 0.5). A reduced backside radiation of approximately 10 dB is achieved with the SHS in comparison to a similar design without the SHS at 64.55 GHz. Generally, a large ground plane can also be used to reduce backside radiation, but incorporating the soft surface ring to surround a patch antenna can significantly reduce the size of the antenna, therefore making for a more compact module.
If It's Not There, Where Is It? Locating Illusory Conjunctions

There is evidence that complex objects are decomposed by the visual system into features, such as shape and color. Consistent with this theory is the phenomenon of illusory conjunctions, which occur when features are incorrectly combined to form an illusory object. We analyzed the perceived location of illusory conjunctions to study the roles of color and shape in the location of visual objects. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants located illusory conjunctions about halfway between the veridical locations of the component features. Experiment 3 showed that the distribution of perceived locations was not the mixture of two distributions centered at the 2 feature locations. Experiment 4 replicated these results with an identification task rather than a detection task. We concluded that the locations of illusory conjunctions were not arbitrary but were determined by both constituent shape and color. Several theories of object recognition assert that features, such as color and shape, are processed independently before being combined into the objects that people see (Cavanagh, 1990; Livingstone & Hubel, 1987; Treisman & Gelade, 1980; Zeki & Shipp, 1988). Therefore, when individuals look at a red apple, their visual systems may analyze its roundness separately from its redness. Before reaching consciousness, this information comes together, so that ultimately individuals perceive an integrated object (Treisman, 1988; Treisman & Schmidt, 1982). The present research addresses the question of what determines the perceived location of a complex object that is composed of several different features. Both behavioral evidence and neuroanatomic evidence for the separate analysis of features exist. In their groundbreaking series of experiments, Treisman and Gelade (1980) showed that when individuals were asked to find target stimuli defined by a single feature (e.g., a red target in a field of blue and yellow distractors), reaction time was relatively independent of the number of distractors present in the display. In other words, targets possessing a single feature not shared by any distractors can be detected in parallel. However, when a target is defined by a conjunction of features (e.g., a red X or a yellow T in a field of yellow Xs and red Ts), reaction time is a linear function of the number of distractors. Furthermore, the slope of the function for trials in which no target is present is roughly twice the slope for those in which a target is present, a finding
Reflection on E-Learning System of the Mzumbe University in Tanzania: Successes, Challenges and Way Forward.

This paper explores the historical background of the Mzumbe University (MU)’s approach to e-learning since its inception in 2009. It reflects on the successes and challenges, lessons learnt from the MU experience and recommends a way forward. The paper is based on case study research, making the use of observation and secondary data generated from previous e-learning utilisation reports. It discusses trends in e-learning system adoption, deployment, implementation and utilisation at the MU. Findings indicate that awareness of the e-learning system, adoption rate and use have been increasing, leading to significant results such as receiving extensive coverage in the university agenda such that campaigns on its utilisation have been evident. Moreover, the results show the existence of some critical challenges including limited Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) infrastructure, inadequate ICTs didactical skills among students and teachers, lack of technical expertise in digital content design and production, as well as over-reliance on the traditional philosophy of teaching and learning. Based on the findings, it is recommended to encourage continuous user support, going beyond uploading and downloading the University’s strategic policies. Despite the observed e-learning successes, the MU is still in need of an adequate, advanced and quality range of 21 st century teaching and learning skills among teachers and students.
Analyzing hyphal growth of the bio incising fungus Physisporinus vitreus with light-, confocal laser scanning- and, Synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy.

Norway spruce wood is an important building material for the forest and wood industry. To improve wood permeability and uptake of wood modification substances Physisporinus vitreus is employed as a bioincising agent. In this study wood specimens were incubated with P. vitreus to assess hyphal colonisation and structural alterations of Norway spruce wood. After different incubation periods, semi-thin sections were prepared and analysed with light-, confocal laser scanningand Synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy. Each method revealed valuable information on hyphal growth in wood and enhances knowledge about underlying processes of fungus – wood interactions.
STUDY ON ANTI-INFLAMMATORY THERAPY IN CHRONIC DISEASES, ITS HOPES AND CHALLENGES IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Introduction: According to the U.S Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, together the chronic diseases account for 63% of all deaths worldwide. The chief causes of these diseases are through the induction of inflammation that is by the changes in diet and lifestyle. Wide heterogeneous group of drugs called anti-inflammatories are used to suppress the innate inflammatory pathway and thus prevents persistent or recurrent inflammation. Objectives: To assess the benefits of anti-inflammatory drugs in chronic diseases, to evaluate the challenges that result in a poor therapeutic outcome, to assess the developing co-morbidities in patients on the anti-inflammatory drug(s) and to assess the betterment of patient concerning the pain-related quality of life. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study enrolled 100 patients. Antiinflammatory prescriptions were assessed, evaluated and questionnaire provided to patients is assessed for the benefits and challenges of the anti-inflammatories for 6 months. Results: In a sample of 100 patients, 41were men, 59 were women. According to the visual analogue scale, on admission, moderate pain was in 52% and severe pain in 46%. After treatment during discharge, 4% were with no pain, 8% moderate and 88% minor pain. This shows that the pain severity dropped in every patient during their discharge i.e., the benefit is attained. An average of 18.17% improvement due to anti-inflammatory use was established in the patient’s pain-related QOL. The factors like suspected ADR (11.61%), DDIs (36.61%), drug choice problems (11.61%), no tapering of dose (38.73%) and comorbidities (1.4%) were the major challenges for incomplete recovery. The co-morbidities identified – pneumonia (0.02%) oral candidiasis (0.01%) anaemia (0.01%). Conclusion: Though these anti-inflammatories are of great help in arresting inflammation and pain, their use must be tempered according to the need with the realization that they can cause potential harm.
Individual capacity for DNA repair and maintenance of genomic integrity: a fertile ground for studies in the field of assisted reproduction

ABSTRACT Many factors may affect the chances for successful pregnancy, especially at a later age. Fertility evaluations including genetic analysis are recommended to couples that have not achieved pregnancy within 6–12 months of unprotected intercourse. This review discusses some of the common polymorphisms in genes coding for proteins functioning in DNA damage identification and repair and maintenance of genomic integrity that may affect the chances of success in natural conception as well as in assisted reproduction (AR). Common polymorphisms in genes coding for proteins functioning in DNA damage identification and repair and maintenance of genomic integrity may affect the chances of success in assisted reproduction as well as in natural conception. The effects of carriership of different alleles of key genes of DNA repair may have differential effects in men and women and at different ages, suggesting complex interactions with the mechanisms controlling cell and tissue aging and programmed cell death. Future studies in the field are needed in order to elucidate the genotype–phenotype relationships and to translate the knowledge about individual repair capacity and maintenance of genomic integrity to potential clinical applications. Abbreviations: aCGH: microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization; AR: assisted reproduction; ATM: ataxia-telangiectasia mutated; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; BER: base excision repair; BFE: basic fertility evaluation; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; GNRHR: gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor; HMG: high-mobility group; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IUI: intrauterine insemination; IVF: in vitro fertilization; LH: luteinizing hormone; LIF: leukaemia inhibitory factor; MTR: methionine synthase; MTRR: methionine synthase reductase; NGS: next-generation sequencing; NER: nucleotide excision repair; NHEJ: non-homologous end joining; PAH: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; R: restriction point; ROS: reactive oxygen species; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor
Heisenberg invariant quartics and SU_C(2) for a curve of genus four

If C is a curve of genus 4 without vanishing theta-nulls then there exists a unique (irreducible) Heisenberg-invariant quartic Q_C in |2\Theta| = P^{15} such that Sing Q_C contains the image of SU_C(2), the moduli space of rank 2 vector bundles with trivial determinant. Moreover, in each eigen-P^7 of the Heisenberg action on |2\Theta|, Q_C restricts to the classical Coble quartic of the corresponding Prym-Kummer variety. We compare Q_C with the hypersurface G_3 in |2\Theta| of divisors containing a translate of C in J(C), and show that in the eigen-P^7s G_3 recovers Beauville--Debarre's quadrisecant planes of the Prym-Kummers (this works for any genus). Using the Recillas construction this enables us to deduce, contrary to the analogous result for genus 3, that Q_C and G_3 are distinct.
Evidence for exploitative interspecific competition in mud snails (Hydrobiidae)

Some of the basic assumptions implied in the theory of limiting similarity of coexisting competitors were investigated experimentally in the case of three congeneric, deposit feeding snails. The species show character displacement with respect to size when coexisting. In experimental containers with a natural substrate, interspecific, exploitative competition between snails of the same size range is as intense as intraspecific competition. Diatoms of a given size range, which constitute the most important food, show a "logistic" growth response to grazing, and individual growth of the snails is linearly related to diatom density. The previous observation that the snails show size dependent selection for ingested particle sizes is extended to show that this mechanism leads to a real resource partitioning between snails of different sizes. Size frequency distribution of diatoms in the sediment is a function of the sizes of grazing snails. Size selection of ingested sand grains may also be significant for resource partitioning since the migration rate of the attached microflora between sand grains seems to be slow relative to its growth on the individual sand grains.
A Remarkable New Species of Pterocarpus (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Dalbergieae) from Bahia, Brazil

Lewis (1987) cited two collections under Pterocarpus ternatus Rizzini: Lima 13138, the type, and Sarmento 606/80. Additional material shows that these two collections belong to two distinct species. Sarmento 606/80 (a flowering collection) in fact represents a remarkable new simple-leaved species which was apparently first collected in fruit by Davidse & D'Arcy in 1976. The connection between this fruiting specimen and Sarmento 606/80 was overlooked until Queiroz, in 1997, collected more fruiting material which led to a detailed analysis of the species by the three authors. The new species, described below, is restricted to the sand dunes along the margins of the Rio Sao Francisco in central Bahia, Brazil.
Low-Cost Carbon-Based Materials for Selective Removal of As(III) from Waste Waters

A low-cost carbon-based material from pyrolytic carbon from recycled tyres (PCrt) has been developed for selective removal of lead or arsenite from waste waters. The PCrt material has been characterized with X-Ray Fluorescence, XRD, And FTIR spectroscopies. Arsenite and Pb uptake was studied at the ppb level by Cathodic and Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (CSV). Adsorption isotherms, kinetic and pH-edge data show that PCrt can bind arsenite at a wide pH range from 4 to 9. More specifically, PCrt after mild treatment with HNO3 and calcination at 500C can adsorb 8.8 mg of As (III) and 27,7 mg Pb(II) per gram of material. PCrt can selectively uptake arsenite vs. lead when the two metals are present simultaneously in the aqueous solution. Importantly, when Pb is first adsorbed by PCrt, this forms PbS sites that act as additional arsenite binding sites. This is a unique example where one toxic metal, Pb(II), acts synergistically for adsorption of another toxic, As(III) on the appropriate matrix.
Choice Processing in Emotionally Difficult Decisions

Choice conflicts between one's important values may cause negative emotion. This article extends the standard effort-accuracy approach to explaining task influences on decision processing by arguing that coping goals will interact with effort minimization and accuracy maximization goals for negatively emotion-laden decision tasks. These coping goals may involve both a desire to process in a thorough, accurate manner and a desire to avoid particularly distressing aspects of processing. On the basis of this extended framework, the authors hypothesized and found in 3 experiments that decision processing under increasing negative emotion both becomes more extensive and proceeds more by focusing on one attribute at a time. In particular, increased negative emotion leads to more attribute-based processing at the beginning of the decision process. The results are inconsistent with views that negative emotion acts only as an incentive or only as a source of decision complexity. Individuals make decisions by using a wide variety of processing strategies, ranging from normative procedures that process all relevant information and explicitly consider trade-offs between attributes to more heuristic procedures that use information selectively and avoid trade-offs between attributes. For a number of years, behavioral decision research has addressed how properties of choice tasks influence these decision-processing strategies (Einhom & Hogarth, 1981; Payne, Bettman, & Johnson, 1992). Decision makers are often depicted as deciding how to decide on the basis of trade-offs between the accuracy of various decision strategies and the cognitive effort required to implement those strategies. Thus, research has investigated both the factors affecting the relative effort needed for various strategies (e.g., task complexity, information format, and response mode) and the factors influencing the relative accuracy of various rules or the importance of making an accurate decision (e.g., correlation among attributes and incentives; see Payne, Bettman, & Johnson, 1993, for a review).
Ale, beer and brewsters in England : women's work in a changing world, 1300-1600

Women brewed and sold most of the ale drunk in medieval England, but after 1350, men slowly took over the trade. By 1600, most brewers in London-as well as in many towns and villages-were male, not female. Drawing on a wide variety of sources-such as literary and artistic materials, court records, accounts, and administrative orders-Judith Bennett vividly describes how brewsters (that is, female brewers) slowly left the trade. She tells a story of commercial growth, gild formation, changing technologies, innovative regulations, and finally, enduring ideas that linked brewsters with drunkenness and disorder. Examining this instance of seemingly dramatic change in women's status, Bennett argues that it included significant elements of continuity. Women might not have brewed in 1600 as often as they had in 1300, but they still worked predominantly in low-status, low-skilled, and poorly remunerated tasks. Using the experiences of brewsters to rewrite the history of women's work during the rise of capitalism, Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England offers a telling story of the endurance of patriarchy in a time of dramatic economic change.
Horizontal and vertical dynamics of zooplankton and larval fish communities during mid-summer in Disko Bay, West Greenland

Disko Bay is a highly productive inlet at the border between highand low-arctic sectors of west Greenland. The physical/chemical conditions in the bay have changed during recent decades, specifically during an inflow event in 1996– 1997 that led to increased deep-water temperatures. To further understand the consequences of physical changes to the plankton community in the bay, we examine findings from a field study on mesozooplankton and fish larvae in the areas of Disko Bay and Disko Bank carried out in 1997. We sampled 31 stations over 5 days along four transects and assessed horizontal and vertical distribution patterns, community composition and plankton trophodynamics. Plankton abundance was enhanced near-coast and across the pycnocline, and communities differed between regions. Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and the sandeel (Ammodytes sp.) were among the abundant fish larvae. Productivity/growth estimates of key species of copepods and fish larvae showed no apparent relationship to food availability; they reached weight specific values of 6% day for copepods and 14% day for fish larvae. Overall, we found a rich and dynamic plankton community, strongly influenced by the complex hydrography of the area. Thus, changes in physical characteristics of the bay could threaten the resilience of its ecosystem.
The Effects of Dietary Boron on Bone Strength in Rats

R. E. , Ku, W. W. , KENNEY, M. A. , MCCOY, H. , GLADEN, B. , WINE, R. N. , WILSON, R. , AND ELWELL, M. R. (1997). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 35, 205-215. Previous studies from our laboratory found that when boric acid (BA) was administered in the diet to rats, boron levels in bone were approximately fourfold greater than serum levels. The current studies were undertaken to determine if these elevations produced adverse effects on several bone-related measures, including serum electrolyte levels, bone structure, and bone strength. Data from two studies are presented: in the first study, young adult male rats consumed a powdered diet containing 0, 3000, 4500, 6000, or 9000 ppm BA for 9 weeks. Endpoints were serum calcium, phosphorous, potassium, and chloride, as well as blood and bone boron concentrations ([B]) measured weekly during the 9-week exposure period, and at 8, 16, 24, and 32 weeks after the end of exposure. In the second study, the male and female young adult rats diet contained 0, 200, 1000, 3000, or 9000 ppm BA for 12 weeks; endpoints measured weekly were serum levels of calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium, bone [B], and bone structure (humerus) and strength (tibia, femur, and lumbar vertebrae). In treated rats, calcium was reduced in the first study but not the second. Serum phosphorous was reduced in both studies; potassium was unchanged, chloride was increased by 1%, and magnesium was reduced in all BA-exposed groups in the second study, to a maximal 19% reduction. Bone [B] was consistently increased in all treated groups, to concentration s approximately fourfold those of serum. After cessation of exposure, serum and urinary boron concentrations dropped to within control values within a week. However, even 32 weeks after the end of exposure, bone [B] remained threefold greater than controls. Male tibia and femur resistance to bending was unchanged. However, vertebra] strength in compression was significantly increased by 5-10% in all dose groups (200 to 9000 ppm). The pattern was substantially similar