Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth and grazing within the microbial food web of a large coastal embayment

The complex role of the microbial food web was investigated through a series of size fractionated grazing experiments conducted in the north-east of Manukau Harbour, a large shallow coastal embayment in the Auckland region, New Zealand. The harbour site chosen for this study is considered eutrophic, with total inorganic nitrogen levels generally exceeding 35 µM and soluble reactive phosphorus levels varying between 3 and 6 µM. A late summer bloom of large diatoms (> 22 µm) is a regular feature and results in chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations between 20 and 60 mg m -3 . For the rest of the year, mean chl a concentrations are around 5 mg m -3 and phytoplankton cells are generally <22 µm. Microzooplankton grazing on phytoplankton and heterotrophic prey was investigated in 2 experiments which were run simultaneously at monthly intervals on water collected from this site. These experiments were able to identify the separate grazing impacts of < 22 µm and 22 to 200 µm microzooplankton. The <22 µm microzooplankton grazer population was dominated by heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) and was responsible for the majority of grazing on organisms <5µm in diameter. Results from these experiments indicated that, on average, HNF alone consumed all the prokarotic picophytoplankton production, 87% of the bacteria production and 75% of the eukaryotic < 5 µm phytoplankton production. Heterotrophic prey in the form of bacteria was the dom- inant prey in the < 5 µm size fraction throughout the year, with HNF consuming an average of 1.9 times as much bacterial biomass as phytoplankton biomass. The <200 µm microzooplankton pop- ulation was dominated by ciliates and grazed 37% of the 5 to 22 µm chl a weight specific production. These grazers were also partially sustained by feeding on heterotrophic food sources, with 63% of the HNF production being grazed.
A high sensitivity temperature sensor based on balloon-shaped bent SMF structure with its original polymer coating

A high sensitivity optical fibre temperature sensor is demonstrated based on a balloon-shaped bent single-mode (BSBS) fibre structure where the fibre retains its original protective polymer coating. The BSBS fibre structure can be simply realized by bending a coated straight single-mode fibre into the balloon shape using a section of silica capillary tube. By adjusting the bending radius of the balloon-shaped fibre section, a modal interferometer between the core mode and the coating mode can be effectively implemented at a suitable bending radius. Considering the intrinsically high thermo-optical coefficient and thermal expansion coefficient of the polymer coating, the BSBS fibre structure offers excellent temperature sensing performance. Experimental results show that the temperature sensitivity is as high as −2465 pm °C−1 with a resolution of 0.008 °C over the temperature range of 20.7 °C–31.7 °C. Based on its simple fabrication process, very low cost, and experimentally determined high sensitivity coupled with good repeatability, the temperature sensor described in this article could be a competitive candidate in many temperature sensing applications.
On the annealing mechanism of AuGe/Ni/Au ohmic contacts to a two-dimensional electron gas in GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs heterostructures

Ohmic contacts to a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in GaAs/AlxGa1 − xAs heterostructures are often realized by annealing of AuGe/Ni/Au that is deposited on its surface. We studied how the quality of this type of ohmic contact depends on the annealing time and temperature, and how optimal parameters depend on the depth of the 2DEG below the surface. Combined with transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry studies of the annealed contacts, our results allow for identifying the annealing mechanism. We use this for proposing a model that can predict the optimal annealing time when our commonly applied recipe is used for a certain heterostructure at a certain temperature.
Statistical Prediction of Integrated Kinetic Energy in North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones

AbstractIntegrated kinetic energy (IKE) is a useful quantity that measures the size and strength of a tropical cyclone wind field. As a result, it is inherently related to the destructive potential of these powerful storms. In most current operational settings, there are limited resources designed to assess the IKE of a tropical cyclone because storm track and maximum intensity are typically prioritized. Therefore, to complement existing forecasting tools, a statistical scheme is created to project fluctuations of IKE in North Atlantic tropical cyclones for several forecast intervals out to 72 h. The resulting scheme, named Statistical Prediction of Integrated Kinetic Energy (SPIKE), utilizes multivariate normal regression models trained on environmental and storm-related predictors from all North Atlantic tropical cyclones occurring from 1990 to 2011. During this training interval, SPIKE outperforms persistence and is capable of explaining more than 80% of observed variance in total IKE values at a forec.
Analysis of Transportation Modes by Evaluating SWOT Factors and Pairwise Comparisons: A Case Study

Cape Breton Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the World. The island itself has a unique geography and is located in Nova Scotia, Canada. This chapter introduces and summarizes the current transportation modes in Cape Breton Island. The transportation modes discussed include air, rail, water, truck, and intermodal modes. A SWOT matrix is applied to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the different transportation modes in Cape Breton Island. Then, the factors are evaluated and ranked based on pairwise comparisons in analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, and the best strategies are defined. This research provides a unique and multidisciplinary overview of transportation modes in the region that is necessary for future quantitative investigations. Furthermore, it introduces the steps to analyze transportation modes of other areas and regions.
Using appraisal analysis to map value systems in high-stakes writing rubrics

With the extensive use of high-stakes tests in grades K-12 and new national standards on the rise, it is critical to consider how the language used to evaluate assessment writing could be problematic for students, teachers, and evaluators. In this study, I conduct an Appraisal analysis to examine what kind of writing is valued by the state of Pennsylvania and how changes in these values could affect the interpretation of the expectations presented in the rubrics. The goal is to compare the rubrics to see if the Keystone Exam, developed in light of the Common Core initiative, will align to the new standards. My method of analysis includes quantifying instances of Appreciation, Graduation, and Engagement in both of the rubrics and then comparing the results. My findings show a lack of clarity in expectations as to what counts as good writing in both rubrics, which suggests that the Keystone Exam will not align to the Common Core State Standards.
Self-polarizing terahertz liquid crystal phase shifter

Using sub-wavelength metallic gratings as both transparent electrodes and broadband high-efficiency polarizers, a highly-compact self-polarizing phase shifter is demonstrated by electrically tuning the effective birefringence of a nematic liquid crystal cell. The metal grating polarizers ensure a good polarizing efficiency in the range of 0.2 to 2 THz. Phase shift of more than π/3 is achieved in a 256 μm-thick cell with a saturation root mean square voltage of around 130 V in this integrated device.
Modelling of Credit Risk: Random Forests versus Cox Proportional Hazard Regression

In survival analysis several regression modeling strategies can be applied to predict the risk of future events. Often, however, the default choice of analysis tends to rely on Cox regression modeling due to its convenience. Extensions of the random forest approach to survival analysis provide an alternative way to build a risk prediction model. This paper discusses the two approaches in reference to credit management and compares the impact and results of both methods. The Cox Proportional Hazard model displayed a better performance than that of Random Survival Forest when estimating credit risk.
Fourier mode analysis of slab-geometry transport iterations in spatially periodic media

We describe a Fourier analysis of the diffusion-synthetic acceleration (DSA) and transport-synthetic acceleration (TSA) iteration schemes for a spatially periodic, but otherwise arbitrarily heterogeneous, medium. Both DSA and TSA converge more slowly in a heterogeneous medium than in a homogeneous medium composed of the volume-averaged scattering ratio. In the limit of a homogeneous medium, our heterogeneous analysis contains eigenvalues of multiplicity two at ''resonant'' wave numbers. In the presence of material heterogeneities, error modes corresponding to these resonant wave numbers are ''excited'' more than other error modes. For DSA and TSA, the iteration spectral radius may occur at these resonant wave numbers, in which case the material heterogeneities most strongly affect iterative performance.
The multiple chronological techniques applied to the Lake Suigetsu SG06 sediment core, central Japan

The varved sediment of Lake Suigetsu (central Japan) provides a valuable opportunity to obtain high‐resolution, multi‐proxy palaeoenvironmental data across the last glacial/interglacial cycle. In order to maximize the potential of this archive, a well‐constrained chronology is required. This paper outlines the multiple geochronological techniques being applied – namely varve counting, radiocarbon dating, tephrochronology (including argon–argon dating) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) – and the approaches by which these techniques are being integrated to form a single, coherent, robust chronology. Importantly, we also describe here the linkage of the floating Lake Suigetsu (SG06) varve chronology and the absolute (IntCal09 tree‐ring) time scale, as derived using radiocarbon data from the uppermost (non‐varved) portion of the core. This tie‐point, defined as a distinct (flood) marker horizon in SG06 (event layer B‐07–08 at 1397.4 cm composite depth), is thus derived to be 11 255 to 11 222 IntCal09 cal. years BP (68.2% probability range).
The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Lung Cancer Therapy

Lung cancer is a major health burden accounting for 1.59 million deaths worldwide. For both sub-types of lung cancer (NSCLC and SCLC), chemotherapy is an option. However, success is limited and side effects are detrimental to an individuals’ overall quality of life. To complicate matters further, cancer cells can develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents due to the presence of membrane associated proteins such as P-glycoprotein and Multidrug resistance-associated protein. Thus it is, imperative that new drug treatments are developed that have neither the toxicity nor mechanisms of resistance associated with conventional chemotherapy. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as potential anti-cancer drugs due to reports that they can selectively target and kill cancer cells while leaving normal healthy cells unaffected. This review summaries several studies and discusses whether AMPs could be a viable treatment option in the fight against lung cancer.
Endogenous Punishments in Agency with Verifiable Ex Post Information

The article studies an adverse selection model in which a contractible, imperfect signal on the agent's type is revealed ex post. The agent is wealth constrained, which implies that the maximum penalty depends on the contracted transaction (e.g., the volume of trade). First, we show that the qualitative effects of the signal can be unambiguously tied to the nature of the problem (e.g., whether the agent is in a "buyer" or a "seller" position). Second, the distortions caused by informational asymmetries may become more severe although more information is now available. Finally, the signal can actually serve to increase the agent's informational rents. Copyright 2005 by the Economics Department Of The University Of Pennsylvania And Osaka University Institute Of Social And Economic Research Association.
The Formation of Indicator Framework for Effective Assessment of Investment Attractiveness of the Region

Despite the in-depth study of many theoretical aspects of investment activities and assessment of investment attractiveness, today the impact of the investment policy on the development of an effective strategy and the formation of favorable investment climate is not properly reflected in the contemporary research. At the same time unstable situation in socio-economic development of Russia requires new approaches to the problem of investment activity. In this regard, the article provides indicator framework to assess properly the investment attractiveness of the region's economy relating to foreign direct investment in the current context. At that, the proposed indicator framework is based on a number of principles, which allow achieving the objective assessment of investment attractiveness of regions and feasibility of the concerned indicators. Keywords: foreign direct investment, investment activity, investment climate, assessment of investment attractiveness, region's economy. JEL Classifications: F21; F51; H77; O24
Image Description using Radial Associated Laguerre Moments

This study proposes a new set of moment functions for describing gray-level and color images based on the associated Laguerre polynomials, which are orthogonal over the whole right-half plane. Moreover, the mathematical frameworks of radial associated Laguerre moments (RALMs) and associated rotation invariants are introduced. The proposed radial Laguerre invariants retain the basic form of disc-based moments, such as Zernike moments (ZMs), pseudo-Zernike moments (PZMs), Fourier-Mellin moments (OFMMs), and so on. Therefore, the rotation invariants of RALMs can be easily obtained. In addition, the study extends the proposed moments and invariants defined in a gray-level image to a color image using the algebra of quaternion to avoid losing some significant color information. Finally, the paper verifies the feature description capacities of the proposed moment function in terms of image reconstruction and invariant pattern recognition accuracy. Experimental results confirmed that the associated Laguerre moments (ALMs) perform better than orthogonal OFMMs in both noise-free and noisy conditions.
Life-history differentiation of benthic and limnetic ecotypes in a polytypic population of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Resource-use polymorphisms are associations between heritable phenotypic variation and habitat use within populations. These polymorphisms can offer insights into the mechanisms by which adaptation can occur despite gene flow, and into the importance of these mechanisms for the formation of new species. Resource-use polymorphisms are relatively common in northern freshwater fishes, including the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) complex. This complex exhibits parallel trophic variation at three nested levels: (1) species differences, (2) ecotypic variation across populations and (3) polytypy within populations. Of these levels, polytypic variation has been the least well characterized in the threespine stickleback, having been detected in only two populations (Benka Lake, Alaska; Cranby Lake, British Columbia). In each lake, individuals are specialized in body shape and trophic morphology along the benthic (bottom feeding) to limnetic (plankton feeding) axis. The morphotypes in each population differ in habitat use and diet. Here we demonstrate that in Benka Lake, Alaska, females of the two ecotypes also differ in reproductive allocation, with benthic females producing fewer, larger eggs. Our results offer the first evidence of reproductive life-history differences between morphotypes of stickleback within a single population. The difference in egg size between the morphotypes may reflect plasticity paralleling that in other aspects of the phenotype. We believe, however, it is more likely that the association between morphology and egg size is favoured by disruptive selection on fry size imposed by differences in water temperature between the habitats in which the morphotypes breed. Assortative mating in Benka Lake apparently has led to more pervasive phenotype divergence than previously suspected and possibly even to incipient sympatric speciation.
Physicochemical Characterization and Enhancement of the Antioxidant Potential of Ocimum gratissimum Enriched Pepper Soup Mix

Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) enriched pepper-soup mix continues to remain an indigenous soup delicacy consumed for its nutritional and health benefits. There is however paucity of scientific data underlying its significance which could be further explored to advantage. In this study, dry soup mix was prepared from scent leaf (15%), ginger (30%), black pepper (25%), African nutmeg (17.5%) and scent pepper (12.5%) and evaluated for proximate, anti-oxidative and sensory properties using standard methods. The mix was reformulated to include 10% modified cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) flour (thickener), 5% fresh and dried tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf following which it was re-characterized Concentration-dependent scavenging activity was observed for the entire samples with nitric oxide radical scavenging activity of scent leaf enriched soup (750��������g/mL) exhibiting the highest value 77% compared to 57.7% for soup containing cocoyam. Total phenol, flavonoid contents and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity differed in all the reformulated samples (p＜0.05). A significant increase (＞50%) in DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed as a result of tea leaf addition. The moisture, fat, crude fiber, ash, protein of the enhanced scent leaf enriched pepper-soup mix was 7.55, 28.4, 8.0, 6.2% and 11.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference (p＜0.05) in the sensory qualities (color, aroma, taste, consistency and overall acceptability) between scent leaf and enhanced tea leaf pepper soup mix. The antioxidant potential, nutrient content and sensory attributes of this enhanced pepper soup mix holds great promise in further combating oxidative stress as in some disease conditions and rapid ageing.
ON GENERAL FUZZY RECOGNIZERS

In this paper, we de ne the concepts of general fuzzy recognizer, language recognized by a general fuzzy recognizer, the accessible and the coac- cessible parts of a general fuzzy recognizer and the reversal of a general fuzzy recognizer. Then we obtain the relationships between them and construct a topology and some hypergroups on a general fuzzy recognizer.
SYMPTOM OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ABILITY FOR KM EFFICIENCY

The results of the research suggest two main directions of KMA for KM efficiency: first, a resource-based view, which includes technology, structure and culture; second, a knowledge-based view, which includes proficiency, learning and information. The existent research regarding KMA does not display clear deduction nor show symptom of KMA in both directions. The result is a lack of direction and accuracy in developing KMA to obtain its efficiency. The symptom found would be significant data for those organizations wanting to develop KM to utilize these symptom as the study framework of their organizational development in various ways to support KM to work effectively, resulting in efficiency of the organizations in terms of efficiency of practice, having the capability of organizational flexibility, and innovativeness, which are the character organizations call for their continued existence and maintainable enlargement. This paper therefore provides clear apparition on vital guidelines of KMA whereby the various indication of their element need to be developed to recover the idea and further the advancement of KM.
EFFECT OF ASSET PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT ON PROFITABILITY OF DEPOSIT TAKING SACCOS IN NAKURU COUNTY

vi LIST OF FIGURES . ix LIST OF TABLES . x ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS . xi DEFINITION OF TERMS. xii CHAPTER ONE:INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 6 1.3 Objectives of the Study . 7 1.4 Hypotheses . 8 1.5 Significance of the Study . 8 1.6 Scope of the Study . 9 1.7 Limitation of the Study . 9 CHAPTER TWO:LITERATURE REVIEW . 10 2.
Option pricing in the model with stochastic volatility driven by Ornstein--Uhlenbeck process. Simulation

We consider a discrete-time approximation of paths of an Ornstein--Uhlenbeck process as a mean for estimation of a price of European call option in the model of financial market with stochastic volatility. The Euler--Maruyama approximation scheme is implemented. We determine the estimates for the option price for predetermined sets of parameters. The rate of convergence of the price and an average volatility when discretization intervals tighten are determined. Discretization precision is analyzed for the case where the exact value of the price can be derived.
Real-Time Biomedical Telemetry System for Ambulances

This chapter discusses the development and implementation methodology of a real-time biomedical telemetry system for ambulances. Comparable systems, together with their authors’ claimed improvements, are evaluated and analysed in this chapter. The authors start by providing an overview of the most relevant systems, and then introduce the reader to the methodology used to develop and implement a real-time communications system that allows low-cost data transmission from a medical monitor and haematology analyser installed in an ambulance. This system was evaluated in terms of how well it can provide health assistance within a 50 km radius of the Torrecardenas Hospital (part of the public healthcare system in southern Spain). Results have been technically and medically validated, and encourage further implementation of this technology, since it was proved to be reliable, while the transmitted data allow a correct and thorough patient evaluation throughout the patient’s transportation to the hospital.
Luteinizing Hormone in Frail Elderly Individuals

Background: The term "frailty" has been used clinically as a global concept to describe a condition, common in the old, of impaired strength, endurance, and balance, vulnerability to trauma and other stressors, and high risk for morbidity, disability, and mortality. A variety of factors may contribute to frailty or to one or more of its specific features. These include inflammatory, musculoskeletal, cardio respiratory, metabolic, hematologic, neurologic, immunologic and endocrine factors. Hormones important to the development of frailty that has been proposed include testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Objective: to study the association between LH level and frailty among the elderly Method: A case control study was carried out. The case group included 80 Frail elderly subjects selected according to the American Geriatric Society Criteria; whereas 80 non-Frail elderly subjects were selected as the control group. Each participant was subjected to Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and laboratory assessment of luteinizing hormone. Results: LH level was lower in frail subjects compared to non frail. Lower levels were significantly correlated with increased degree of dependency in both frail males and females. Conclusion: Luteinizing hormone level was lower among frail elderly. Further studies are needed to confirm such an association and to plan clinical practice accordingly.