Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Science, eco-political agendas and beyond: The effects of global GM politics on third world nations

Recently, there have been two versions of publications on the relevance of Genetic Modified Foods subsequently GMF/GM food. The pro-GMOs had adopted all means such as scientific researches; media, multinational organizations etc. to encourage production and consumption of GM produce around the world. However, anti-GM foods mostly argued on the potential health threat associated to GM produce. The third world nations were caught between the pressures of the producers, promoters of GM foods and the conservative groups calling for the eradication and prevention of unforeseen and uncertain dangers that may connected to GM foods consumption. However, one of the major claims of pro-GM foods is ever increasing world populations at a hyper rate, and acute shortage of foods productions and, as well malnutrition of children across the third world countries in which 58 OIC countries inclusive. As evident, the third world nations were not producers of GMOs and as such have no "Intellectual Property Right" but they are major consumers of GM foods willingly or unwillingly. The long-run political and economic consequences of GMOs policies on the third world nations, particularly, the OIC countries to the best knowledge of the researcher have not been critically evaluated. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the trends of GMOs and their future implications on the third world countries economically and politically. Through deductive and inductive research methods used in this research on the effect of eco-politics of GMOs on the third world nations. The result shows that, the statement of producing foods and nourishing malnutrition third world populations with GM foods is nothing more that empty claims. The findings also give insight on how hidden political agendas are achieved through economic policies. Finally, calls on the Muslim and the third world countries to stand on their feet to contribute and produce foods for the assumed growth population thereby saving this and generations to come.
Out-of-pocket expenditure on health, health status and productivity of European old workers

This paper provides theoretical and empirical analysis about the relationship between the out-of-pocket expenditure on health, health status and labor productivity of old workers. To undertake the theoretical analysis, we develop an OLG model in which worker makes investment in health during youth in order to enhance its labor efficiency during old age. Our model shows that private investment in health during youth improves labor productivity during old age. Thereafter, we use the general equilibrium framework of our model to obtain benchmark empirical model with which we check the empirical validity of our theoretical result. SHARE database is used to undertake these empirical estimations. However our econometric results suggest that the positive effect of out-of-pocket expenditure on health on productivity of older is not statistically significant. But the past state of health has a significant positive effect on productivity of old workers.
A Bayesian Mixed Multinomial Logit Model for Partially Microsimulated Data on Labor Supply

We focus on the determinants of labor choices in the presence of partially microsimulated data and discrete choice sets not identical for all agents under examination. The independence of irrelevant alternative assumption is thus discussed and the variability of the available choice set is taken into account. By comparing a Bayesian mixed multinomial logit model to a model without random effects, we show how the above described scenario affects labor choices made by single females and females within couples when the same discrete choice set is assigned to both individuals in each couple and the partner’s choice is known.
Effects of the carotenoid inhibiting herbicide diflufenican on the photosynthesis of benthic algae

Throughout the world, the large-scale use of pesticides in agriculture is an area of concern due to known harmful effects on human and environmental health. Mixtures of different pesticides are found in lakes and streams, where their presence endangers aquatic organisms, like benthic algae, and the ecosystem services they provide. Benthic algae are important primary producers and chemical modulators. Since they are photoautotrophs, they are especially threatened by photosynthesis inhibiting herbicides. Studies have shown that exposure to herbicides causes toxic effects on algae, although most chemical risk assessments are performed on planktonic algae. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the herbicide diflufenican (2',4'-difluoro-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyloxy)nicotinanilide) on the photosynthetic efficiency of benthic algal communities. The choice of herbicide is based on the high prevalence of diflufenican above its water quality standard in Swedish surface waters as well as its known toxicity to aquatic organisms. Diflufenican inhibits the synthesis of carotenoids in weeds, which causes photo-bleaching of green tissues due to oxidative degradation of chlorophylls, the main light-harvesting pigments. The hypothesis of this study was that diflufenican would diminish the photosynthetic efficiency of the benthic algal community. The study was conducted using benthic algae grown for six weeks on tiles submerged in Lake Erken (59˚50’N, 18˚35’E). The algae were then exposed to diflufenican for twelve days. To evaluate the effects on photosynthesis throughout the experiment, chlorophyll fluorescence was measured with a Pulse Amplitude Modulated Fluorometer (PAM-FMS 1, Hansatech®). In contrast to my expectations, the photosynthetic efficiency of the algae exposed to the highest test concentration (10 μg/L) increased to a level above the control. Interestingly, the biomass did not seem to differ between the treatments and the control. These results indicate that diflufenican might have induced synthesis of more chlorophylls as a way to increase energy attainment to be able to cope with the toxic stress; a mechanism called the greening effect. However, diflufenican does not affect the existing pool of carotenoids, thus it only affects the growing parts of weeds. Since the algal biomass did not increase over the course of this study, the existing carotenoids might have been sufficient, at least for some of the algae. This could explain the lack of difference in photosynthetic efficiency between the lower treatments and the control. Additionally, it has been shown that diflufenican also inhibits synthesis of fatty acids in plants. This mechanism might have contributed to the induced greening effect despite the lack of growth. Further analysis will be performed to evaluate the effects on species composition and the pigment content, which will bring more insights regarding the effects of diflufenican on the community of benthic algae.
Development, characterization, and evaluation of PSMA-Targeted glycol chitosan micelles for prostate cancer therapy

Prostate cancer-binding peptides- (PCP-)modified polymeric micelles were prepared and used for the treatment of prostate-specific membrane antigen- (PSMA-) expressing prostate cancer in a target-specific manner. Cholesterol-modified glycol chitosan (CHGC) was synthesized. PCP-conjugated CHGC (PCP-CHGC) micelles were fabricated and characterized. The degree of substitution was 5.2 PCP groups and 5.8 cholesterol groups per 100 sugar residues of glycol chitosan. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of PCP-CHGC copolymer was 0.0254mg/mL. Doxorubicin (DOX) was chosen as a model antitumor drug. The DOX-loaded micelles were prepared by an o/w method. The mean diameter of DOX-loaded PCP-CHGC (DOX-PCP-CHGC) micelles was 293 nm determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). DOX released from drug-loaded micelles was in a biphasic manner. DOX-PCP-CHGC micelles exhibited higher cytotoxicity in vitro against PSMA-expressing LNCaP cells than DOX-loaded CHGC (DOX-CHGC) micelles. Moreover, the cellular uptake of DOX-PCP-CHGC micelles determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry was higher than that of DOX-CHGC micelles in LNCaP cells. Importantly, DOX-PCP-CHGC micelles demonstrated stronger antitumor efficacy against LNCaP tumor xenograft models than doxorubicin hydrochloride and DOX-CHGC micelles. Taken together, this study provides a potential way in developing PSMA-targeted drug delivery systemfor prostate cancer therapy.
Structural Characterization of Lignin and Its Degradation Products with Spectroscopic Methods

Lignin is highly branched phenolic polymer and accounts 15–30% by weight of lignocellulosic biomass (LCBM). The acceptable molecular structure of lignin is composed with three main constituents linked by different linkages. However, the structure of lignin varies significantly according to the type of LCBM, and the composition of lignin strongly depends on the degradation process. Thus, the elucidation of structural features of lignin is important for the utilization of lignin in high efficient ways. Up to date, degradation of lignin with destructive methods is the main path for the analysis of molecular structure of lignin. Spectroscopic techniques can provide qualitative and quantitative information on functional groups and linkages of constituents in lignin as well as the degradation products. In this review, recent progresses on lignin degradation were presented and compared. Various spectroscopic methods, such as ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, for the characterization of structural and compositional features of lignin were summarized. Various NMR techniques, such as 1H, 13C, 19F, and 31P, as well as 2D NMR, were highlighted for the comprehensive investigation of lignin structure. Quantitative 13C NMR and various 2D NMR techniques provide both qualitative and quantitative results on the detailed lignin structure and composition produced from various processes which proved to be ideal methods in practice.
Identity Detection of Typist relying on Image Processing Techniques

Global access to information and resources is becoming an essential part of nearly every aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, with this global network access comes increased chances of malicious attack and intrusion. In an effort to confront the new threats unveiled by the networking revolution of the past few years reliable, and rapid means for automatically recognizing the identity of individuals are now being sought. In this paper we consider the problem of identifying a user typing on a computer keyboard, through identification of his behavioral typing patterns and the time series consisting of keyboard events. A graphical representation of the user typing behavior in which frequency domain filtering operations are developed to robustly extract useful highlevel information from the user's behavioral images, then using cross-correlation as measure of similarity we can accurately authenticate users. Our solution is based on simple template matching methodology. Application of our results could be a second-layer behaviometric security system continually testing the current user without interfering with this user’s work while attempting to identify masquerading users. We study the effectiveness of our method over a real dataset consisting of 17 users and 23 attackers.
Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent Using Membrane Bioreactor: Novel Processes and Their Major Drawbacks

Over the years, different types of alternative technologies have been developed and used for palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment. Specifically, membrane bioreactor (MBR) has been employed to relegate pollutants contained in POME under different operating conditions, and the technology was found to be promising. The major challenge impeding the wider application of this technology is membrane fouling, which usually attracts high operating energy and running cost. In this regard, novel methods of mitigating membrane fouling through the treatment processes have been developed. Therefore, this review article specifically focuses on the recent treatment processes of POME using MBR, with particular emphasis on innovative processes conditions such as aerobic, anaerobic, and hybrid processing as well as their performance in relation to fouling minimization. Furthermore, the effects of sonication and thermophilic and mesophilic conditions on membrane blockage were critically reviewed. The types of foulants and fouling mechanism as influenced by different operating conditions were also analyzed censoriously.
Influencing Factors of Currency Risk of Deposit Banks in Turkey by Using Probit Method

In this paper, we aimed to analyze the factors that affect currency risk of the banks. Within this scope, annual data of 23 deposit banks for the periods between 2005 and 2015 was evaluated. In addition to this situation, panel probit model was used in order to achieve this objective. Regarding the subject of the currency risk, this model was firstly used in this study. According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that 3 independent variables affect the currency risk of deposit banks in Turkey. Firstly, it was identified that there is a positive relationship between total assets and currency risk. This situation explains that when the size of the banks increases, they tend to take more currency risk. In addition to this variable, it was also defined that there is a direct relationship between economic growth and currency risk of the banks. This result refers that in case of an increment in the market stability; banks think that the market is safer and they increase their currency risk. Moreover, it was also concluded that there is a negative relationship between interest rate and currency risk of the banks. This aspect shows that when interest rate decreases, it will lower uncertainty in the market. Thus, banks would take higher currency risk in such markets.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of university students towards smoking in Irbid, Jordan

The purpose of this cross sectional study was to explore university students' knowledge, attitude and practice towards smoking and to compare these factors between smokers and non-smokers. A sample of 2793 students was randomly selected to complete a self-administered questionnaire about knowledge, attitude and practice of smoking at three universities in Irbid, Jordan. The Majority of the smoking students (75.2%) knew the adverse effects of smoking. Rates of non-smoking students who knew the adverse effects of smoking were significantly higher than that of students who smoke. A high rate of students showed an opposing attitude towards the assumption that smoking females would have more friends (89.6%), have stronger personality (93.4%), and be more attractive (90.6%) than nonsmoking females. Similar higher rates of negative attitude were also observed towards the smoking male. About 50% of smokers have a misguided belief that smoking helps them concentrate while studying and 37.7% believe that smoking helps in avoiding obesity. Students that started smoking before enrollment in a university had a significantly higher rate of heavy smoking as compared to those who started smoking after being enrolled. Students smoke not because they lack the knowledge about the risk of smoking but due to misguided beliefs and attitudes.
Assessment of Approximate Methods for Width Fluctuation Corrections

Using the exact triple‐integral expression for compound nucleus cross sections as a benchmark, the accuracy of the HRTW and Moldauer approximation methods is compared for a wide range of physically plausible cases. The Moldauer method is found to give superior results, although still with significant errors for weak elastic cross sections. An improved formula for the elastic‐enhancement factor is presented and assessed, and is shown to improve the accuracy of both methods. Finally, the convergence to exactness of the approximate methods in the high‐absorption limit is investigated.
Must cognitive anthropology be mentalistic? Moving towards a relational ontology of social reality

Maurice Bloch’s Anthropology and the Cognitive Challenge (Bloch 2012) is a luminous essay about the tumultuous relationships between cultural anthropology and disciplines more oriented towards the natural sciences. In a theoretical tour-de-force, Bloch’s clear writing allows the reader to better understand why most anthropologists are so reluctant to take into account naturalistic attempts to specify what makes us human. According to Bloch, one of the best ways to reduce the gap between anthropology and the cognitive sciences is to take the architecture of human cognition more seriously. This architecture is constituted by the deepest, universal level that is inherited ‘from our very remote pre-mammalian ancestors’ and the higher levels that are ‘unique specializations of our species’. Bloch argues that such an architecture also underlies human identity, which he calls the ‘blob’ in order to avoid confusion with any relevant existing theories. The blob can be separated into several levels that are ‘organically united’ with each other. The ‘core self’ is characterised by the pre-reflective experience of one’s body as an agent located in space and differentiated from other entities. The ‘minimal self’, which is particularly developed in social species, involves the sense of continuity of oneself and others in time and requires episodic, short-term memory in order to process information about past behaviours and to plan future behaviours. Last but not least, the ‘narrative self’ involves autobiographical memory that ismore or less reflexively ‘sustained’ by narratives that create an identity, invariant over time and contexts. Because this narrative self is infusedwith language andmetarepresentations, it is easily caught up in the public discourses onwhich anthropologists tend to focus. But, to Bloch, focusing on these ‘public selves’, so readily accessible to the anthropological gaze, might be misleading. The blob is a multilayered phenomenon that results from a two-way process, one going from the cultural settings to the core layers of the blob, the other going from natural neuro-psychological processes to high-level self-narratives. While we applaud and admire Bloch’s proposal to reconcile anthropology with cognitive sciences, we are more sceptical about the way he tends to take up the mentalistic framing of social cognition as theory of mind that most psychologists tend to favour. Indeed, after characterising the blobs as naturally differentiated entities, Bloch defines social interactions as the mutual process of reading, penetrating or colonising the minds or the ‘blobs’ of others. The social and cultural world is thus based on a process of ‘interpenetration’ that allows us to go in and out of each other’s bodies and minds. Admittedly, this process of interpenetration has different scales of space
Syllables for Sentence Classification in Morphologically Rich Languages

Sentence Classiﬁcation is one of the most fundamental tasks in NLP, where the aim is to classify a given sentence into a pre-deﬁned set of classes. A lot of work has been done in English in the last few years, which vary in their methodologies. A huge proportion of these works represent the input sentences as a sequence of words in their models. Only a few of them rely on character level representation. Through this work, we introduce a new method for representing a sentence - as a sequence of syllables . As we show in this work, syllables are a better choice to represent the sub-word level information in a sentence, which is essential for morphologically rich languages. We consider the tasks of Sentiment Analysis and Question Classiﬁcation in three languages showing varied morphological richness - English, Hindi and Telugu. Through extensive evaluation, we show that syllables are the best performing input type when compared to words or characters for the morphologically rich languages - Hindi and Telugu.
Quiescent High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission from Soft Gamma-Ray Repeaters

We present a model for the high-energy γ-ray emission from the outer gap of soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs) during their quiescent states. In this model, X-rays come from the stellar surface, but the emerging X-ray spectrum will have a power-law tail because of the multiple scattering at the cyclotron resonance in the magnetosphere, as pointed out by Thompson, Lyukitov, & Kulkarni. The outer gap is sustained by the collision between these X-rays with the high-energy photons produced in the outer gap through the photon-photon pair production. We have taken a magnetic dipole geometry into account in estimating the fractional size of the outer gap. The fractional size of the outer gap depends on the period, surface magnetic field, average X-ray energy, and the magnetic inclination angle of the neutron star. After the average fractional size outer gap is determined, the spectrum and luminosity of high-energy photons from the outer gap can be calculated. We apply this model to some SGRs, such as SGR 1806-20 and SGR 1900+14, and compare the expected integral fluxes with the sensitivities of EGRET, GLAST, MAGIC, and VERITAS. We predict that the integral flux of SGR 1900+14 may be greater than the sensitivity of GLAST, and especially that the integral flux for a large magnetic inclination angle (say 80°) may be greater than the sensitivities of GLAST and MAGIC. However, we predict that SGR 1806-20 would not be detected by GLAST because its distance is about 3 times of that of SGR 1900+14.
Design and Evaluation of a Mobile-based Cultivation Planning Application for empowering Sri Lankan Farmers

We have field tested a profit calculator for Sri Lankan farmers as a part of our investigation to develop mobile-based tools for empowerment. Lack of access to information to support livelihood activities is creating economic hardships for the farmers. Though the majority of the farmers use mobile phones there aren’t many useful mobile applications for them. In the field test we captured farmers’ experiences of using the profit calculator and a revised set of requirements. When reflecting on these observations we realised that instead of developing ICT applications just to provide information or perform tasks, we need to develop applications based on user goal-oriented empowerment processes. Based on this insight, we reviewed our original design of the profit calculator and designed a new Cultivation Planning Application.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository The effects of gas diffusion layers structure on water transportation using X-ray computed tomography based Lattice Boltzmann method

The Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) plays a crucial role in overall cell performance. It is responsible for the dissemination of reactant gasses from the gas supply channels to the reactant sites at the Catalyst Layer (CL), and the adequate removal of product water from reactant sites back to the gas channels. Existing research into water transport in GDLs has been simplified to 2D estimations of GDL structures or use virtual stochastic models. This work uses X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to reconstruct three types of GDL in a model. These models are then analysed via Lattice Boltzmann methods to understand the water transport behaviours under differing contact angles and pressure differences. In this study, the three GDL samples were tested over the contact angles of 60°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 120° and 140° under applied pressure differences of 5kPa, 10kPa and 15kPa. By varying the contact angle and pressure difference, it was found that the transition between stable displacement and capillary fingering is not a gradual process. Hydrophilic contact angles in the region of 60°<θ<90° showed stable displacement properties, whereas contact angles in the region of 100°<θ<140° displayed capillary fingering characteristics.