Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alkaline phosphatase activities in the central Atlantic Ocean indicate large areas with phosphorus deficiency

The activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (APA) was studied along 2 latitudinal transects in the central Atlantic (28° S to 28° N) and compared to the distribution of nutrient concen- trations, planktonic biomass and other variables reflecting community P status. Using 3-0-methyl fluorescein phosphate (MF-P), APA was measured fluorometrically in 2 size fractions (< 0.8 and <150 µm) and in the dissolved fraction (i.e. that fraction passing through 0.2 µm filters). Significant APA (p < 0.05) was recorded over extensive areas of the central Atlantic, ranging from 4 to 50 nmol MF-P l -1 h -1 . Most activity arose from the free dissolved fraction, followed by the <0.8 µm size frac- tion. The relatively low APA in the central Atlantic is due to the low biomass that characterises most of the area covered by the transects. Nevertheless, the specific activity per unit biomass was high in both the north and south Atlantic subtropical gyres in this area. Along the transects, APA displayed an inverse relationship to the calculated upward turbulent nutrient fluxes. The results support the existence of persistent P-limited conditions in much of the central Atlantic Ocean. This is consistent with stoichiometric data and estimated rate processes and fluxes in the area, indicating that P regen- eration from dissolved organic phosphorus may play an important role in the central Atlantic, allow- ing efficient utilisation of P in the biogenic layer and avoiding P loss through the diffusive vertical flux of dissolved organic matter that preferentially removes C and N.
Fishing down a Caribbean food web relaxes trophic cascades

The fishing down of marine food webs has been described in pelagic and demersal sys- tems but rarely documented in coral reef environments. We recorded a rapid shift in fish community structure in Belize that accompanied a marked decline in grouper and snapper abundance and a switch towards smaller, less desirable, herbivorous parrotfishes. In a 6 to 7 yr period (2002-2008/09), observations of large-bodied grouper (Serranidae) declined significantly from an encounter proba- bility of 21% per 200 m 2 transect to just 2%. The biomass of carnivorous snappers (Lutjanidae) underwent a 7-fold decline, primarily in the species Ocyurus chrysurus. During this period, the inclusion of parrotfish in fish catches at nearby Glover's Atoll increased from a frequency of 6% in 2004 to ~20% of speared individuals by 2008. Parrotfish biomass declined by 41% between 2002 and 2008/09, with a major decline in the large and dominant herbivore Sparisoma viride. No changes in parrotfish biomass were detectable in nearby marine reserves during this time. Several important indirect effects of fishing were observed. The biomass of mesopredators including Cephalopholis fulvus, C. cruentatus, and Epinephelus guttatus increased dramatically by 880% as compared to the 2002 levels. We putatively attribute this response to a release from predation and constraints to foraging behaviour imposed by large serranids. Further, we find that the density of adult damselfish of the species Stegastes planifrons and S. partitus decreased by ~45%. We attribute this decline to elevated predation by the increased densities of mesopredators, which have been shown to prey upon juvenile damselfish. No change in damselfish densities was found at 2 con- trol locations where fishing was prohibited. The decline in parrotfish in the central Mesoamerican barrier reef likely accounts for recent anecdotal observations of Halimeda tuna spreading to micro- habitats that have previously been grazed intensively. While these results imply that the resilience of these reefs may be seriously impaired, the Belize Government has recently enacted new legisla- tion to improve the management of grouper and outlaw harvesting of most herbivorous fish.
Haptic feedback from human tissues of various stiffness and homogeneity.

This work presents methods for haptic modelling of soft and hard tissue with varying stiffness. The model provides visualization of deformation and calculates force feedback during simulated epidural needle insertion. A spring-mass-damper (SMD) network is configured from magnetic resonance image (MRI) slices of patient’s lumbar region to represent varying stiffness throughout tissue structure. Reaction force is calculated from the SMD network and a haptic device is configured to produce a needle insertion simulation. The user can feel the changing forces as the needle is inserted through tissue layers and ligaments. Methods for calculating the force feedback at various depths of needle insertion are presented. Voxelization is used to fill ligament surface meshes with spring mass damper assemblies for simulated needle insertion into soft and hard tissues. Modelled vertebrae cannot be pierced by the needle. Graphs were produced during simulated needle insertions to compare the applied force to haptic reaction force. Preliminary saline pressure measurements during Tuohy epidural needle insertion are also used as a basis for forces generated in the simulation.
Digital Image Enhancement in Matlab: An Overview on Histogram Equalization and Specification

This paper has two major parts. In the first part histogram equalization for the image enhancement was implemented without using the built-in function in MATLAB. Here, at first, a color image of a rat was chosen and the image was transformed into a grayscale image. After this conversion, histogram equalization was implemented on the grayscale image. Later on, in the same image for each RGB channel, histogram equalization was implemented to observe the effect of histogram equalization on each channel. In the end, the histogram equalization was implemented to this specific color image of a rat. In the second part, for the grayscale image in part 1, the desired histogram of another colored image of a rat was introduced and histogram specification was implemented on the original colored image.
A ghost imaging modality in a random waveguide

We study the imaging of a penetrable scatterer, aka target, in a waveguide with randomly perturbed boundary. The target is located between a partially coherent source which transmits the wave, and a detector which measures the spatially integrated energy flux of the wave. The imaging is impeded by random boundary scattering effects that accumulate as the wave propagates. We consider a very large distance (range) between the target and the detector, where that cumulative scattering is so strong that it distributes the energy evenly among the components (modes) of the wave. Conventional imaging is impossible in this equipartition regime. Nevertheless, we show that the target can be located with a ghost imaging modality. This forms an image using the cross-correlation of the measured energy flux, integrated over the aperture of the detector, with the time and space resolved energy flux in a reference waveguide, at the search range. We consider two reference waveguides: the waveguide with unperturbed boundary, in which we can calculate the energy flux, and the actual random waveguide, before the presence of the target, in which the energy flux should be measured. We analyze the ghost imaging modality from first principles and show that it can be efficient in a random waveguide geometry in which there is both strong modal dispersion and mode coupling induced by scattering, provided that the standard ghost imaging function is modified and integrated over a suitable time offset window in order to compensate for dispersion and diffusion. The analysis quantifies the resolution of the image in terms of the source and detector aperture, the range offset between the source and the target, and the duration of the measurements.
The Taxation of Bonuses and its Effect on Executive Compensation and Risk‐Taking: Evidence from the UK Experience

This paper explores the reaction of compensation components awarded to directors of UK nancial institutions following the temporary adoption of the bonus payroll tax in December 2009. Excessive bonuses are blamed for encouraging risk taking and are regarded as one of the pull factors of the nancial crisis. The British government attempted to reduce bonuses and accordingly corporate risk-taking by means of a special tax on cash-based bonuses. Using a comprehensive dataset on executive compensation we show that the introduction of the bonus tax decreased the cash bonuses awarded to directors by about 40%, accompanied however by a simultaneous increase in other compensation components leaving total compensation unaected.
Characterization of particle emissions from consumer fused deposition modeling 3D printers

ABSTRACT Particle emissions from multiple fused deposition modeling consumer 3D printers were systematically quantified utilizing an established emission testing protocol (Blue Angel) to allow quantitative exposure assessments for printers operating in different environments. The data are consistent with particle generation from volatilization of the polymer filament as it is heated by the extruder. Typically, as printing begins, a burst of new particle formation leads to the smallest sizes and maximum number concentrations produced throughout the print job. For acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments, instantaneous concentrations were up to 106 #/cm3 with mean particle sizes of 20 to 40 nm when measured in a well mixed 1 m3 chamber with 1 air change per hour. Particles are continuously formed during printing and the size distribution evolves consistent with vapor condensation and particle coagulation. Particles emitted per mass of filament consumed (particle yield) varied widely due to factors including printer brand, and type and brand of filament. Higher extruder temperatures result in larger emissions. For filament materials tested, average particle number yields ranged from 7.3 × 108 to 5.2 × 1010 g−1 (approximately 0.65 to 24 ppm), with trace additives apparently driving the large variations. Nanoparticles (diameters less than 100 nm) dominate number distributions, whereas diameters in the range of 200 to 500 nm contribute most to estimated mass. Because 3D printers are often used in public spaces and personal residences, the general public and particularly susceptible populations, such as children, can be exposed to high concentrations of non-engineered nanoparticles of potential toxicity. Copyright © 2017 American Association for Aerosol Research Video abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo
The Influencing Factors Model of Cross-Border E-commerce Development: A Theoretical Analysis

Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) is the future trend of cross-border trade. Although China is at the forefront of CBEC development, its transaction volume is still not satisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to study factors influencing the development of CBEC industry from the macro-environment perspective. First, we commented and summarized relevant literature at home and abroad about business ecosystem and factors determining the development of CBEC, then proposed a model of factors influencing CBEC development by combining business ecosystem theory with PEST framework, followed by interpretation and discussion. The model consists of core species, key species, supporting species, parasitic species in the CBEC ecosystem, and they are affected by external environmental factors from political, economic, social and technological perspectives.
Countertransference in Trauma Therapy

Countertransference in Trauma Therapy Background: Trauma is perceived as a highly subjective experience depending on personal resources and resilience. The therapeutic relationship in trauma psychotherapy seems to be a special one due to the powerful, emotional charged process of revealing and working with memories of traumatic experiences. This qualitative study explored the countertransference in trauma therapy by means of applying a special protocol in interviewing therapists from various cultural backgrounds. Methods: Seven trauma therapists were interviewed following a specific in-depth protocol where the method of emergent scenarios was applied. In this method, the therapist describes a client’s traumatic event, thereby triggering various countertransference responses, which are registered and analysed in clusters. Results: Participants indicated the exceptional use of defence mechanisms, such as minimisation of the clients’ traumatic stories and the presence of reactions such as: affective disconnection, absorption by the scene, use of metaphors, being invaded by the scene, identification with specific feelings, blank-out, confusion of feelings, dreaming and emergent scenario’s appearance. The findings indicated that therapists, who have experienced trauma in their life course and/or genealogy, showed stronger countertransference emotions and reactions. Therapists who did not experience trauma and who were still in the beginning of their career, showed relatively low emotional and physical countertransference responses. The therapists indicated the application of self-healing and other coping strategies to deal with the countertransference feelings and reactions. Conclusions: The vivid descriptions of the participants gave deep insights into and highlighted the specificity of the therapeutic relationship in trauma therapy. This was presented in the stories of the therapists, which reflected personal aspects of their life experiences. Several participants mentioned silence surrounding personal trauma posed major challenges in trauma therapy. Moreover, the therapists indicated several measures to deal with countertransference issues, such as supervision, specialization and support.
Greenhouse Gases Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Plants: Minimization, Treatment, and Prevention

The operation of wastewater treatment plants results in direct emissions, from the biological processes, of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), as well as indirect emissions resulting from energy generation. In this study, three possible ways to reduce these emissions are discussed and analyzed: minimization through the change of operational conditions, treatment of the gaseous streams, and prevention by applying new configurations and processes to remove both organic matter and pollutants. In current WWTPs, to modify the operational conditions of existing units reveals itself as possibly the most economical way to decrease N2O and CO2 emissions without deterioration of effluent quality. Nowadays the treatment of the gaseous streams containing the GHG seems to be a not suitable option due to the high capital costs of systems involved to capture and clean them. The change of WWTP configuration by using microalgae or partial nitritation-Anammox processes to remove ammonia from wastewater, instead of conventional nitrification-denitrification processes, can significantly reduce the GHG emissions and the energy consumed. However, the area required in the case of microalgae systems and the current lack of information about stability of partial nitritation-Anammox processes operating in the main stream of the WWTP are factors to be considered.
Assessment of Soil Moisture Status Using Mid and Thermal Infrared Bands Case Study: Wadi Hassib, Khartoum State, Sudan

Soil moisture is the key factor that controls plant biological processes and indicates the environmental status. Recently, the application of remote sensing techniques in soil moisture monitoring has been widely used. In this study soil moisture was monitored during pre-autumn in March, autumn in September and post-autumn in December (2002), in order to identify the signature of different types of moist soils, which can be useful to interpret images. Supervised classification technique was adopted to determine the dominant land use/land cover classes in the area so that they can be vital indicators for the area and its suitability for many life styles. Monitoring moisture statuses can be used for general evaluation of land suitability for agriculture. The assessment of moisture statuses was performed in landsat ETM+ images using band 5 (MIR) as it is known as a sensitive band for moisture status and band 6 (Thermal) as a sensitive band to temperature variation as indicator of moisture status. The study revealed that band 5 and band 6 can be used to monitor soil moisture status during the different seasons in semi-arid areas, however, band 6 is less sensitive to variations in moisture. Therefore, this study recommends the use of Band 5 for monitoring soil moisture in semi-arid regions, and does not recommend the use of band 6 alone but with some supporting bands.
Development and Characterization of Ramipril Loaded Solid self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System SNEDDS for Improved Oral Delivery of Lipophilic Drugs

SNEDDS are lipid based liquid formulations which are defined as self nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) that offer potential vehicle for improved oral delivery of poorly water soluble and low bioavailable drugs. The primary goal of the present work was to formulate solid SNEDDS (SSNEDDS) in order to improve the solubility of highly lipophilic drug Ramipril. The main intention behind choosing SNEDDS formulation for Ramipril was that lipid based formulations enhance solubility of lipophilic drugs and as a result dissolution rate and absorption may be further enhanced. SNEDDS are generally liquid form preparations obtained by homogenously mixing drug along with oils, surfactants and co-surfactants using cyclomixer. After screening various vehicles for solubility studies, Capmul MCM C8, Gelucire 50/13 and Transcutol P were selected as oil, surfactant and co-surfactant respectively in order to prepare ramipril loaded SNEDDS. Nine different liquid SNEDDS (L-SNEDDS) formulations were prepared and subjected to various evaluation tests. Out of these nine different L-SNEDDS, L-SN9 formulation was optimized as it formed thermodynamically stable emulsion without any drug precipitation and phase separation on storage and also showed least globule size (22.5nm). This optimized formulation, was loaded on to inert carrier (Sylysia FCP 350) to obtain solid SNEDDS (S-SNEDDS). They were further processed for solid state characterization such as PXRD, SEM and the results confirmed the transformation of native crystalline nature of drug to amorphous state. FTIR analysis was also performed and showed no drug-excipient interaction. Finally, Ramipril loaded S-SNEDDS formulation was successfully prepared, encapsulated in hard gelatin capsules and this formulation proved to have improved solubility for Ramipril.
Playing evolution in the laboratory: From the first major evolutionary transition to global warming

Experimental evolution allows testing hypotheses derived from theory or from observed patterns in nature. We have designed a droplet-based microfluidic “evolution machine” to test how transient compartmentalization (“trait-groups”) of independent molecular replicators (likely a critical step in the origin of life) could have prevented the spread of parasitic mutants; that is, inactive RNAs that have been reported to spoil a system of free replicators. In remarkable agreement with the theory, we show that this simple population structure was sufficient to prevent takeover by inactive RNAs. A more complex scenario arises when we use experimental evolution to test field-derived hypotheses; for instance, the idea that temperature is driving genetic spatiotemporal patterns of climate change. In the fly Drosophila subobscura, latitudinal clines in gene arrangement frequencies occur worldwide, and more equatorial gene arrangements are becoming more frequent at higher latitudes as a correlated response to climate change. However, the evolution at different constant temperatures in the laboratory was not consistent with patterns in nature, suggesting some limitations of experimental evolution. Finally, also in D. subobscura, we show that repeatability in experimental evolution is staggeringly consistent for life history traits, making evolution quite predictable and suggesting that laboratory selection can quickly erase differences between populations. Yet, the genetic paths used to attain the same adaptive phenotypes are complex and unpredictable.
J an 2 00 5 Quantum parallel dense coding of optical images

Abstract We propose quantum dense coding protocol for optical images. This protocol extends the earlier proposed dense coding scheme for continuous variables [S. L. Braunstein and H. J. Kimble, Phys. Rev. A 61, 042302 (2000)] to an essentially multimode in space and time optical quantum communication channel. This new scheme allows, in particular, for parallel dense coding of nonstationary optical images. Similar to some other quantum dense coding protocols, our scheme exploits the possibility of sending a classical message through only one of the two entangled spatially-multimode beams, using the other one as a reference system. We evaluate the Shannon mutual information for our protocol and find that it is superior to the standard quantum limit. Finally, we show how to optimize the performance of our scheme as a function of the spatiotemporal parameters of the multimode entangled light and of the input images.
A Fast Iterative Pursuit Algorithm in Robust Face Recognition Based on Sparse Representation

A relatively fast pursuit algorithm in face recognition is proposed, compared to existing pursuit algorithms. More stopping rules have been put forward to solve the problem of slow response of OMP, which can fully develop the superiority of pursuit algorithm—avoiding to process useless information in the training dictionary. For the test samples that are affected by partial occlusion, corruption, and facial disguise, recognition rates of most algorithms fall rapidly. The robust version of this algorithm can identify these samples automatically and process them accordingly. The recognition rates on ORL database, Yale database, and FERET database are 95.5%, 93.87%, and 92.29%, respectively. The recognition performance under various levels of occlusion and corruption is also experimentally proved to be significantly enhanced.
Complexity and simplicity: tensions in teaching computation to large numbers of architecture students.

This paper describes the challenges and approaches to introduce computational thinking to a large and diverse group of architecture students. Set up as an international one week workshop with 300 participating students from different cultural backgrounds and educational levels it also integrated a diverse group of tutors whose computational expertise ranged from not existent to high level expertise. The approach suggested to articulate a design task which enforced computational, systematic or algorithmic thinking but enabled different levels of engagement with actually using computer as tools. Hypothetically this would allow all students and tutors to engage with the computational thinking agenda regardless their computational affinity even whilst applying analogue methods. In the further course of the paper some of the approaches to the design task will be exemplified and discussed. In the larger perspective of the workshop it was evident that there was a great engagement with the computational agenda even from students and staff who rather avers to the use of computers. A key element in the conception of the workshop was the provision of predefined algorithms to ease the initial access to the use of the computational tools. The projects resulting from the one week workshop demonstrated different achievements in terms of computational thinking ranging from grid solutions, over simple continuous patterns, to the implementation of L-systems to overlapping and interconnected patterns creating a continuum with disruptions based on function, environmental conditions and topographic influences. Besides the intercultural experience the workshop was successful in exposing a large group of students and tutors to the concepts of computational design whilst accommodating different learning preferences and engagement with the computer as a device.