Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The occurrence of tick-borne pathogens, in dogs in welfare organisations and townships of Cape Town

In impoverished and resource limited communities such as townships, and welfare organizations, areas such as living and sleeping spaces are sometimes shared with animals, and occasionally humans. Dogs play an integral role in our lives and have become part of the family. Therefore, it is probable that ectoparasites, such as ticks, that feed on dogs also feed on other vertebrates, thereby, transmitting pathogens. The primary aim of this study was to screen for the presence of tick-borne pathogens in dogs from welfare organisations and townships in Cape Town, with special focus on Ehrlichia and Babesia spp. The reason for this choice of subject is due to the fact that very few tick-borne infection studies have focused on resource limited communities. Furthermore, welfare organisations have continuously attracted awareness due to the amount of unrestricted work performed by veterinarians in communities with limited resources. Consequently, the topic was borne. A total of 126 blood samples and 509 ticks (adults and nymphs) were collected directly from dogs from four welfare organisations and two townships in Cape Town. Samples were collected from April to July 2014. The four welfare organisations where samples were collected included the Animal Anti Cruelty League welfare organisations in Epping and Bellville, the Lucky Lucy Foundation in Joostenberg Vlakte and The Emma Animal Rescue Society (TEARS), located in the Sunnydale area. Samples were also collected from the Asanda village and Nomzamo, two townships located just outside the Cape Town suburb, the Strand. DNA was extracted from blood and ectoparasites and screened for the presence of Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Theileria and Babesia species infections using touchdown PCR and RLB hybridization assays. Genus and species-specific probes were used during hybridization in order to identify specific parasite infections in the blood samples and the tick samples pooled according to geographical origin and species.
Educational leadership: educational development and leadership programs in selected countries and pakistan

The subject of educational leadership would usually commence immediately by approaching the topic & work related to it. This paper is attempting to enhance the scope to examine some aspects of leadership and then to synthesize these to the concept of educational leadership. In Pakistan educational leadership is a stroke of luck, not a nourished and groomed phenomenon. It appears on an adhoc basis in the educational environment; few & far between examples of educational leadership exist. But to explain this phenomenon, enhancing the scope of leadership may be one way of explaining it better. We have also attempted to evaluate educational policy from high benchmark countries in education such as USA, Canada, UK and a comparison of Pakistani education policy and practice. However the limitation of this paper is that we did not have sufficient data and information on principals of educational institutes of Pakistan and education policy and the historical perspective of the same. But the comparison makes an interesting case. There is a shortage of principals that have a vision and ability to lead in education, as they are not selected on merits; ill-educated; not sufficient grounding for the position of principal. The need is to break away from ‘policy mechanic paradigm’ and go for ‘classroom culturalist model’ and this is influenced by the quality of leadership. The objective of this research are to understand what leadership in reality is and how it translates in the context of education, and to understand what a good model of educational leadership is and how to develop this in the context of cultural and regional factors in Pakistan.
GCM simulations of anthropogenic aerosol‐induced changes in aerosol extinction, atmospheric heating and precipitation over India

The influence of anthropogenic emissions on aerosol distributions and the hydrological cycle are examined with a focus on monsoon precipitation over the Indian subcontinent, during January 2001 to December 2005, using the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts‐Hamburg (ECHAM5.5) general circulation model extended by the Hamburg Aerosol Module (HAM). The seasonal variability of aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved from the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the Terra and Aqua satellite is broadly well simulated (R ≈ 0.6–0.85) by the model. The spatial distribution and seasonal cycle of the precipitation observed over the Indian region are reasonably well simulated (R ≈ 0.5 to 0.8) by the model, while in terms of absolute magnitude, the model underestimates precipitation, in particular in the south‐west (SW) monsoon season. The model simulates significant anthropogenic aerosol‐induced changes in clear‐sky net surface solar radiation (dimming greater than −7 W m−2), which agrees well with the observed trends over the Indian region. A statistically significant decreasing precipitation trend is simulated only for the SW monsoon season over the central‐north Indian region, which is consistent with the observed seasonal trend over the Indian region. In the model, this decrease results from a reduction in convective precipitation, where there is an increase in stratiform cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC) and solar dimming that resulted from increased stability and reduced evaporation. Similarities in spatial patterns suggest that surface cooling, mainly by the aerosol indirect effect, is responsible for this reduction in convective activity. When changes in large‐scale dynamics are allowed by slightly disturbing the initial state of the atmosphere, aerosol absorption in addition leads to a further stabilization of the lower troposphere, further reducing convective precipitation.
THE EXTRACTION OF GELATINE FROM MACKEREL (Scomber scombrus)HEADS WITH THE USE OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC ACIDS

Gelatines from mackerel (Scomber scombrus) heads were extracted after pre-treatment with different organic acids (acetic, citric, lactic, malic and tartaric acids). The organic acid slightly affected the extraction yield, but not significantly (p>0.05). The amino acid profiling found that glycine, proline and hydroxyproline were the major amino acids present in all extracted gelatines. FTIR and 1H NMR analyses showed that lactic and tartaric acids degraded the mole-cular structure of the gelatines. The composition and physicochemical properties were also af-fected by the organic acid used. Gelatine extracted after pre-treatment with acetic acid showed a significantly (p
Integrated Enterprise Risk Management: From Process to Best Practice

There are strong motivating factors for increased awareness and action with regard to Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). Effective ERM policies and practices are lauded to increase stakeholder confidence, competitive advantage and ultimately an organization’s long-term viability. However previous studies suggest that the concept is poorly understood in practice and organizations are failing to implement the intended benefits. Furthermore, insufficient research has been conducted in this area and there are few comprehensive or practical guides available to managers in his domain. This paper attempts to address this deficit and expand the discussion on integrated enterprise risk management practices. The study presents findings from a qualitative study where critical success factors for effective enterprise risk management are identified and categorized. From this analysis an audit tool to assess ERM best practices is presented. The tool acts as an independent validation resource to ensure that an organization’s efforts are proactive and effective against current and emerging threats. The contributions of this research are many. First it enhances knowledge and skills in a neglected but essential multi-disciplinary area. Second the research is grounded in best practice and so adds to academic debate by validating and contradicting previous studies. Third the development of new and innovative tools in enterprise risk management adds bridges the gap from theory to practice.
Nanodelivery systems and stabilized solid-drug nanoparticles for orally administered medicine: current landscape

The use of nanoparticles as a means of targeted delivery of therapeutics and imaging agents could greatly enhance the transport of biologically active contents to specific target tissues, while avoiding or reducing potentially undesired side effects. Generally speaking, the oral route of administration is associated with good patient compliance, as it is convenient, economical, noninvasive, and does not require special training. Here, we review the progress of the utilization of nanodelivery-system carriers or stabilized solid-drug nanoparticles following oral administration, with particular attention on toxicological data. Mechanisms of cytotoxicity are discussed and the problem of extrapolating knowledge to human scenarios highlighted. Additionally, issues associated with administration of drugs via the oral route are underlined, while strategies utilized to overcome these are highlighted. This review aims to offer a balanced overview of strategies currently being used in the application of nanosize constructs for oral medical applications.
A Survey of Security Challenges in Internet of Things

Internet of things (IoT) is an innovative technology subject to all kind of imaginary and science fictional solutions. Dreams and speculations are still possible about it. A technology combining real life objects and virtual life (Internet) is indeed a fertile pitch of fantasy and original ideas. However, IoT has in practice to face several challenges to ensure its function and operability in a near future. This paper defines first some technical challenges of IoT today, before focusing on security-related ones via a layered architecture of IoT that we suggest. Finally, a number of actions and required future work is presented to enhance IoT security (Privacy, Lightweight crypto, etc.).
Modeling the Performance of CdTe Solar Cells with a CH3NH3Pb(I1-XBrX)3 -like Back Buffer Layer

Like the emitter/absorber front interface, the backcontact interface plays a vital role in high efficiency CdTe solar cells. Due to the high electron affinity of CdTe, an additional buffer layer is required to ensure a proper band alignment at the back electrode. Recently, we showed that organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite can function as a back-buffer (BB)contact to CdTe devices. Here, we use numerical simulation to investigate the band alignment at the back junction of the CdTe device with the presence of a BB layer similar to the methylammonium lead iodide/bromide (MAPbI1-X BrX) systemSimulation were carried out for band gaps ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 eV while holding an offset of 0.5 eV in the conduction band with respect to CdTe. The result shows a significant enhancement in the open circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) for the BB layer with band gaps $\lt 2.0$ eV due to the reduction of the downward bending in the CdTe valance band. However, the BB layers with band gaps $\gt 2.0$ eV lead to a FF drop due to a large barrier formed at the BB/back-electrode interface.
Evidence for nonrigid HCCN

Rotational transitions from seven low‐lying vibrational states of HCCN and five low‐lying vibrational states of DCCN have been detected in the frequency range from 100 to 400 GHz with a sensitive millimeter‐wave spectrometer. The CCH bending states ν5±1, 2ν5±2, and 3ν5±3, and the CCN bending state ν4±1 have been assigned. In addition, transitions from three vibrational states in HCCN and one in DCCN with zero orbital angular momentum (l) were also detected. These states in all likelihood originate from the three lowest l=0 excited states, i.e., (ν4+ν5)−0, (ν4+ν5)+0, and 2ν05. Analysis of the high‐accuracy millimeter‐wave frequency data establishes that HCCN is not a near‐rigid bent molecule and intensity measurements confirm that the CCH bending states are much lower in energy than in typical well‐behaved linear molecules. The low barrier to linearity in HCCN and DCCN of ∼235 cm−1, estimated from intensity measurements and the ab initio calculations of Malmquist et al. [Theor. Chim. Acta 73, 155 (1988)], .
Group Differences in Hot and Cool Executive Functioning Performance in College Students with and without a History of Child Maltreatment

We explored the degree to which a history of child maltreatment impacts performance in college settings. In recent studies, researchers have explored “hot” versus “cool” executive functioning (EF). Cool EF is comprised of cognitive processes in non-emotional settings and are known to play an important role in educational achievement. Hot EF is comprised of cognitive processes supported by emotional awareness. Given that child maltreatment is associated with emotional arousal difficulty, we explored the degree to which hot and cold EF tasks are differentially impacted by a history of child maltreatment. Our research approach involved modifying two traditional cool EF tasks (Tower of London and Go/No Go) in order to compare an individual’s performance in both the cool and heated version of the task. An important aspect of our study involved comparing the relative impact of a “social heating” (i.e., emotion faces) versus a “nonsocial heating” (monetary reward). We believed individuals with a maltreatment history would show relatively more difficulty with social heating. The data suggested that there were some sensible correlations between the subscales of a trauma questionnaire and other EF measures. Overall, we were unable to find clear group effects suggesting that a larger sample size would be beneficial.
Multiple Walking People Classification with Convolutional Neural Networks Based on Micro-Doppler

Classification of multiple walking people is researched based on radar micro-Doppler features in this paper. An architecture of deep convolutional neural networks without pooling layer is designed to extract the inherent features of micro-Doppler and complete the classification automatically without specific feature selection. The pooling layer is not used in the convolutional neural networks in order to preserve more subtle micro-Doppler features to improve the classification accuracy. The radar data of different types of pedestrians including one, two and three walking people are collected in the outdoor environment. Then the deep convolutional neural networks is trained with a small data set and the average accuracy of 95.55% is achieved.
Microscopic Mechanism of Tin-cobalt Alloy Negative Material During Li-absorption

Microscopic Mechanism of Tin-Cobalt Alloy Negative Material During Li-Absorption Yong Li, Yuxin Zhang, Shiming Li, Jinmei Wu, Yaping Ding, Ruizhu Zhang Dept.of Mechanical Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, China School of Materials Science and Engineer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China Hebei Better Rubber Co., Ltd., Hengshui, 053100, China Department of Chemistry, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China liyong@ncwu.edu. cn
Performance Evaluation of Secured Wiretap Channel With Multi-Antenna Technologies

In this paper, we examine the matter of confidential transmission in the middle of the hosts, above wireless dim environment, within the sight of a wiretapper. The transmitter estimation shows that privacy of information is maintained by delivering “Artificial Noise” along with data so that the wire tapper's channel is affected severely. Mainly two issues are examined: 1) Comparing the confidential ability by using different multiple antenna technologies. 2) Improving the confidential ability by using multi-input multi-output systems (MIMO). The evaluation of secrecy capacity for a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) signal under different antenna technologies is presented. The results show that the confidentiality rate can be improved at the cost of deploying more antennas either at transmitter or at receiver or at both. We have assumed that the transmission matrix of both main channel and wiretap channel are known to the transmitter.
Twelve-Year Trends of PM10 and Visibility in the Hefei Metropolitan Area of China

China has been experiencing severe air pollution and previous studies have mostly focused on megacities and a few hot spot regions. Hefei, the provincial capital city of Anhui province, has a population of near 5 million in its metropolitan area, but its air quality has not been reported in literature. In this study, daily PM10 and visibility data in 2001–2012 were analyzed to investigate the air quality status as well as the twelve-year pollution trends in Hefei. The results reveal that Hefei has been suffering high PM10 pollution and low visibility during the study period. The annual average PM10 concentrations are 2~3 times of the Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standard. PM10 shows fluctuating variation in 2001–2007 and has a slightly decreasing trend after 2008. The annual average visibility range is generally lower than 7 km and shows a worsening trend from 2001 to 2006 followed by an improving trend from 2007 to 2012. Wind speed, precipitation, and relative humidity have negative effects on PM10 concentrations in Hefei, while temperature could positively or negatively affect PM10. The results provide a general understanding of the status and long-term trends of PM10 pollution and visibility in a typical second-tier city in China.
The time-varying currency risk exposure on firms: cross-sectoral evidence from Turkey on the EU integration process

Volatility in exchange rates has strong effects on the revenues and market values of firms. The strength of these effects varies across sectors in which firms operate and time periods during which the firms are under investigation. In general, financial firms are more sensitive to the volatility in the exchange rates than the industrial firms, due to their export driven facilities that calibrate their balance sheets in terms of open positioning. This paper presents cross-sectoral evidence from Turkey before and after its acceptance to the EU as a candidate in December 2004. By using daily returns of exchange rates and different sector indices of the Istanbul Stock Exchange, it is evident that the exchange rate volatility has strong effects on the daily stock returns of industrial and financial firms, and is statistically significant for the service sector firms. Exchange rates, especially USD, are getting more effective in share prices of Turkish firms, which can be explained by foreign direct and portfolio investments in the last two years. Turkey has become an open economy after its EU candidateship.
Velocity Measurements in Open Channel Flow with Rectangular Embayments Formed by Spur Dykes

Synopsis Velocity measurements are conducted in open channel flow with rectangular embayments. The measurements were carried out both in a real river and in a laboratory flume. The large-scale PIV (LSPIV) method was adopted for the field measurements, whereas a 2-D electromagnet current meter (ECM) was used in the laboratory measurements. Behaviour of large-scale circulation flow induced in the embayments is the main concern. Factors giving instability on the circulation flow is also discussed.
Isotopic studies of nitrates – a short review

Nitrogen is an essential element for life. One of its available forms are nitrates - the compounds playing a key role in the biogeochemical N cycle. However, excessive amounts of nitrates may be harmful to organisms and the environment, therefore in recent years the emphasis is on continuous monitoring of quality of consumed water. Nitrates from different sources have wide, but different ranges δ 15 N and δ 18 O. Also researchers observed typical changes in both delta values induced by biological processes and in the case of mixing water with anthropogenic nitrates. This is a reason why the isotopic analysis are often used to identify the source of contamination in a reservoir or to quantitatively describe the processes occurring in an ecosystem. In this review article, we present a model of the global nitrogen cycle, along with the latest data on the disturbances caused by human activity. We describe the processes occurring in the N cycle and biogeochemical mechanisms, which modify the nitrogen isotopic composition in their compounds. We also present a short description of analytical techniques utilized for studying isotopic compositions of nitrates. In addition, we discussed the methods for extraction and preparation of nitrates from freshwater and ocean water, by determining the δ 15 N, δ 18 O and δ 17 O (or Δ 17 O) values. The final part is a description of applications of developed techniques for environmental research.
The 2015 World Expo Exposed: The Depiction of Global Food Security

The World Expo Milano 2015 “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” was the first World Expo to be themed around food. The central theme of the Expo questioned how the world can feed everyone in a sustainable manner. This research project was a case study of the World Expo that examined the central themes that different entities expressed as solutions to creating food security. The pavilions of different entities, such as countries, groups of countries, civil society organizations, corporations, and international organizations, were evaluated through participant observation. Pavilion Zero, the pavilion sponsored by the Expo that was designed to represent the theme of “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”, was used as a baseline to which the other pavilions could be compared. The central, emergent themes of reducing economic inequality, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering women’s empowerment were examined in depth. The extent of coverage and the sub-themes of each of these themes were then analyzed in comparison to the type of entity that sponsored the pavilion. These themes and sub themes were also compared to the findings in the literature review. The study found that environmental sustainability was the most prominent theme in the Expo, particularly in the pavilions of corporations and most developed countries; it was more prominent in the Expo than in the literature findings. Women’s empowerment was least talked about within the Expo despite its importance in the literature; when the issue was discussed, it was showcased by civil society organizations/international organizations and countries that do not have most developed economies. This study found that the proposed solutions to solving world hunger and food insecurity varied according to the type of entity that sponsored the pavilion.
Flame retardancy effects of graphene nanoplatelet/carbon nanotube hybrid membranes on carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Carbon nanotube/graphene nanoplatelet (MWCNT/GNP) hybrid membranes with lower liquid permeability and better barrier effect compared to MWCNT membranes were successfully synthesized by vacuum filtering. Their morphologies, water permeability, and pore structures were characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Furthermore, MWCNT/GNP membranes were used to improve the flame retardancy of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, and the influence of weight percentage of GNPs on the permeability and flame retardancy of MWCNT/GNP membranes was systematically investigated. Results show that incorporation of MWCNT/GNP membranes on CFRP composite plates can remarkably improve the flame retardancy of CFRP composites. Specifically, the incorporation of hierarchical MWCNT/GNP membrane with 7.5 wt% of GNP displays a 35% reduction in the peak heat release rate (PHRR) for a CFRP composite plate with the epoxy as matrix and a 11% reduction in PHRR compared with the incorporation of MWCNT membrane only. A synergistic flame retarding mechanism is suggested to be attributed to these results, which includes controlling the pore size and penetrative network structure.