Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sponge spicule assemblages from the Cambrian (Series 2–3) of North Greenland (Laurentia): systematics and biogeography

ABSTRACT Isolated microscopic spicules from disarticulated scleritomes demonstrate the presence of a diverse sponge fauna otherwise not evident from the macrofossil record in carbonate successions deposited during the un-named Cambrian Series 2 and Cambrian Series 3 (Miaolingian) in North Greenland. Most of the spicule morphotypes are not recognised from faunas of articulated sponges known from contemporaneous siliciclastic strata elsewhere. Assemblages are described in terms of four Cambrian stages and contain numerous spicule morphotypes not previously recorded from Laurentia. Many of the spicules can be correlated worldwide, however, extending current knowledge of the biogeographic distribution of sponge spicule-based taxa in the Cambrian. In particular, similar Cambrian Stage 4 (Series 2) and Miaolingian assemblages (Wuliuan, Drumian and Guzhangian stages) faunas are recorded from tropical palaeolatitudes in Australia, South China, Siberia and Laurentia, although this may in part reflect a methodology focused on the preparation of the carbonate samples that dominate these successions. New spicule-based taxa: Eiffelia floriformis n. sp. , Australispongia? inuak n. sp. , Celtispongia dorte n. gen. n. sp. , Sanningasoqia borealis n. gen. n. sp. , Speciosuspongia inughuitorum n. sp. , Sulukispicula gelidae n. gen. n. sp.
Tax Policies and Residential Mobility

Governmental tax policies have direct consequences for public spending and the distribution of wealth among a country’s population. But unintended consequences may also occur as a result of the design of those policies. We illustrate the potential impact of such unintended consequences by analyzing differences in home ownership mobility in California, Illinois, and Massachusetts that appear to result from the distinct differences in the design of real estate tax polices across these states. California’s Proposition 13, which became law in 1978, limits the increase in real estate taxes to a maximum of 2% in any given year regardless of home value appreciation. With home value appreciation, Proposition 13 creates sizeable disincentives to move. The evidence from an analysis of single family home sales records in California, Illinois, and Massachusetts indicates that California’s homeowners are significantly less mobile than their counterparts in Illinois and Massachusetts. The lower mobility was clearly not intended by the passage of Proposition 13, though its impact on society is potentially very significant. We recommend that countries in the process of developing tax systems for residential real estate ownership (such as China, the countries of the former USSR, and many countries in Africa) take account of such originally unintended consequences.
SKILL SEGMENTATION OF INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT

This paper examines the skill segmentation of informal and formal labor markets. A theoretical model is developed assuming that concealment of production is increasingly costly in the informal sector. The results match the existent empirical evidence, which indicates that informal firms employ a larger proportion of low skilled workers than formal firms. Using data on the Brazilian informal economy (PNAD-2005), an econometric analysis is presented to compare the plausibility of our model with the one proposed by Fortin et al. (1997). The estimations indicate that our model fits the data better. Resumo O artigo examina a segmentação entre o setor formal e informal dos mercados de trabalho. Um modelo teórico é desenvolvido assumindo que o o custo de permancer no setor informal é crescente na produo. Os resultados do modelo estão em acordo com a literatura emṕırica e indicam que firmas no setor informal empregam uma grande proporção de trabalhadores desqualificados quando comparados com empresas no setor formal. Usando dados da PNAD-2005 para a economia informal brasileira, os resultados apontam que nosso modelo teórico explica melhor a realidade brasileira quando comparados ao modelo apresentado em Fortin et al (1997). JEL classification: H26, J24, O17.
Effect of Plumbago zeylanica L. on Blood Glucose and Plasma Antioxidant Status in STZ Diabetic Rats

The study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Plumbago zeylanica L. in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. The ethanolic extract of root of P. zeylanica L. at doses of 100 mg, 200 mg/kg p.o. for 21 days resulted in significant reduction in plasma TBARS and a significant elevation in plasma reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid. It is concluded that these results suggest that the ethanolic extract of root of P. zeylanica L. possess a strong antioxidant effect in diabetic rats.
THE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF TRANSPORTING WASTE IN THE PROVINCE OF CASTELLON

One of the major problems of waste management in the province of Castellon is the shortage of treatment facilities and the unsuitable geographical distribution of existing facilities. This situation is contrary to the principles of self-sufficiency and proximity governing correct waste management and leads to excessive transport costs, in both economic and environmental terms. An example of this situation can be seen in the facilities for treating municipal solid waste (MSW), most of which have been closed down in recent years. Yet, the construction of new facilities to replace them has suffered continual delays and, as a result, much of the MSW produced in the province of Castellon is transported to the province of Alicante. In this study a Geographical Information System is used, together with indicators of the carbon footprint and the ecological footprint, to assess the environmental impact of transporting MSW in the province of Castellon. The footprint of transporting MSW is thus assessed in both the current scenario and the future scenario, that is, once the planned treatment facilities become operational. Results are then compared in order to determine the environmental impact caused by the delay in setting up new facilities in the province.
Bats of Alagoa Grande, a semi-arid area of Northeastern Brazil

Bat fauna is surveyed mainly by mist-nets set in the ground level, and usually employing six hours per night of capture comprising the first peak of activity to most bat groups. Bat inventories with whole-night sampling effort (12 hours) have not been conducted so far in the northeastern of Brazil. This paper aims to report a whole-night survey of the bat assemblage from Alagoa Grande, a Caatinga site in the state of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil. Additionally, we compared the species richness and abundance between the two halves of the night, from dusk (5h p.m.) to 11h p.m. , and 11h p.m. to dawn (5h a.m.). We conducted 15 nights of sampling from September/2010 to January/2011, sampling three nights per month. A total of 56 individuals belonging to 12 species were captured, with Rhynchonycteris naso and Artibeus planirostris being the most abundant species. The Chao1 richness estimator predicted an average estimated richness of 18 species. There was no significant difference in the species richness between the first and the second halves of the night. However, the second half presented a higher overall abundance and three species were exclusive to each half. Our data highlighted the importance of whole-night samplings, mainly in short surveys. Keywords: whole-night sampling, Caatinga, Chiroptera, diversity, Rhynchonycteris naso.
In-line Critical Dimension Measurement System Development of LCD Pattern Proposed by Newly Developed Edge Detection Algorithm

As the essential techniques for the CD (Critical Dimension) measurement of the LCD pattern, there are various modules such as an optics design, auto-focus [1-4], and precise edge detection. Since the operation of image enhancement to improve the CD measurement repeatability, a ring type of the reflected lighting optics is devised. It has a simpler structure than the transmission light optics, but it delivers the same output. The edge detection is the most essential function of the CD measurements. The CD measurement is a vital inspection for LCDs [5-6] and semiconductors [7-8] to improve the production yield rate, there are numbers of techniques to measure the CD. So in this study, a new subpixel algorithm is developed through facet modeling, which complements the previous sub-pixel edge detection algorithm. Currently this CD measurement system is being used in LCD manufacturing systems for repeatability of less than 30 nm.
A Numerical Analysis Research on Earlier Behavior of Molten Droplet Covered with Vapor Film at the Stage of Triggering and Propagation in Steam Explosion

When the molten fuel with high temperature falls into the cavity water, it will be dispersed into droplets which are covered with vapor films due to the rapid heat transfer with phase transition. This situation cannot be simply described by liquid-liquid or gas-liquid systems. And there are no sufficient experimental studies on the behavior of droplet covered with vapor film because of the rapid reaction and the difficulty in capture of the film configuration. In this paper, a multiphase code with the volume of fluid (VOF) method is used to simulate the earlier behavior of droplet when vapor film exits. The earlier behavior is defined as behavior of the droplet before its disintegration. Thermal effect and pure hydrodynamic effect are, respectively, considered. The simulation results indicate that the film thickness and material density have significant effect on the earlier behavior of droplet. The situation assumed in Ciccarelli and Frost’s model (1994) is observed in current simulation of earlier thermal droplet behavior. The effect of triggering pressure pulse on earlier hydrodynamic behavior is also discussed and it indicates that vapor film has little effect on the hydrodynamic droplet deformation when the intensity of the pressure pulse is very high.
Author ' s personal copy

The waste low-calcium Czech brown coal fly ash represents a considerable environmental burden due to the quantities produced and the potentially high content of leachable heavy metals. The heterogeneous microstucture of the geopolymer Mn [–(Si–O)z–Al–O]n·wH2O, that forms during the alkaline activation, was examined by means of microcalorimetry, XRD, TGA, DSC, MIP, FTIR, NMR MAS (29Si, 27Al, 23Na), ESEM, EDS, and EBSD. The leaching of heavy metals and the evolution of compressive strength were also monitored. The analysis of raw fly ash identified a number of different morphologies, unequal distribution of elements, Fe-rich rim, high internal porosity, and minor crystalline phases of mullite and quartz. Microcalorimetry revealed exothermic reactions with dependence on the activator alkalinity. The activation energy of the geopolymerization process was determined as 86.2 kJ/mol. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed no additional crystalline phases associated with geopolymer formation. Over several weeks, the 29Si NMR spectrum testified a high degree of polymerization and Al penetration into the SiO4 tetrahedra. The 23Na NMR MAS spectrum hypothesized that sodium is bound in the form of Na(H2O)n rather than Na+, thus causing efflorescence in a moisture-gradient environment. As and Cr6+ are weakly bonded in the geopolymer matrix, while excellent immobilization of Zn2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, and Cr3+
Students ’ Attitudes towards Ethical Dilemmas in the Possible Future of Social Robots in Education

Ethical considerations as well as users’ attitudes and perceptions of robots are increasingly being explored using a variety of methods. Considering the views of key stakeholders, and allowing such views to shape technology, is a prerequisite for the future of robotics. Yet, eliciting such views in a situation where participants have no frame of reference is no easy task. In our field of educational robotics, we are currently exploring ways in which to highlight potential ethical concerns and attitudes held by students and teachers. In this paper, we present the results of a questionnaire study conducted with 45 students in Sweden during a workshop called Robots in School: Fun or Scary?
ydrogen production by the engineered cyanobacterial strain Nostoc

Nitrogenase based hydrogen production was examined in a hupW strain of the filamentous heterocystous cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC 7120, i.e., cells lacking the last step in the maturation system of the large subunit of the uptake hydrogenase and as a consequence with a non-functional uptake hydrogenase. The cells were grown in a developed flat panel photobioreactor system with 3.0 L culture volume either aerobically (air) or anaerobically (Ar or 80% N2/20% Ar) and illuminated with a mixture of red and white LED. Aerobic growth of the hupW strain of Nostoc PCC 7120 at 44 molar photons m−2 s−1 PAR gave the highest hydrogen production of 0.7 mL H2 L−1 h−1, 0.53 mmol H2 mg chlorophyll a−1 h−1, and a light energy conversion efficiency of 1.2%. Anaerobic growth using 100% argon showed a maximal hydrogen production of 1.7 mL L−1 h−1, 0.85 mmol per mg chlorophyll a−1 h−1, and a light energy conversion efficiency of 2.7%. Altering between argon/N2 (20/80) and 100% argon phases resulted in a maximal hydrogen production at hour 128 (100% argon phase) with 6.2 mL H2 L−1 h−1, 0.71 mL H2 mg chlorophyll a−1h−1, and a light energy efficiency conversion of 4.0%. The highest buildup of hydrogen gas observed was 6.89% H2 (100% argon phase) of the total photobioreactor system with a maximal produc−1 −1 tion of 4.85 mL H2 L h . The present study clearly demonstrates the potential to use purpose design cyanobacteria in developed flat panel photobioreactor systems for the direct production of the solar fuel hydrogen. Further improvements in the strain used, environmental conditions employed, and growth, production and collection systems used, are needed before a sustainable and economical cyanobacterial based hydrogen production can be realized. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Automized Scene Layout Generation

Automized scene layout generation gives the opportunity for saving time and scaling up variations in 3D city models. In this contribution, a method for combining structure from motion with semantic segmentation to obtain the street network and bounding boxes of scene objects as parts of the scene layout is proposed. Tests with an image sequence of a suburban scene show the potential to obtain the street network and bounding boxes of multiple objects belonging to different semantic classes.
The fluid/gravity correspondence: a new perspective on the membrane paradigm

This paper gives an overview of the recently-formulated fluid/gravity correspondence, which was developed in the context of gauge/gravity duality. Mathematically, it posits that Einstein's equations (with negative cosmological constant) in d + 1 dimensions capture the (generalized) Navier–Stokes equations in d dimensions. Given an arbitrary fluid dynamical solution, we can systematically construct a corresponding asymptotically AdS black hole spacetime with a regular horizon whose properties mimic that of the fluid flow. Apart from an overview of this construction, we describe some of its applications and implications.
In vitro impact on growth, fumonisins and aflatoxins production by Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus using anti-fungal compounds and a biological control agent.

The temporal efficacy of three different chemical fungicides (Folicur®, Proline®, Sportak 45EW®) and a biocontrol bacterium (Serenade, B. subtilis ) in reducing growth and toxin production by isolates of F. verticillioides and A. flavus was studied in vitro under different water activity regimes (0.99, 0.98 and 0.95). All the fungicides significantly inhibited mycelial growth compared with the control; the most effective treatment, both against F. verticillioides and A. flavus , was Sportak 45EW® (approx. 99%). The inhibitory effect of all fungicides generally improved with increasing concentration. Serenade always decreased fungal growth, with optimal results at concentrations of 104 and 106 (70‒75% reduction). All the fungicide treatments resulted in a significant reduction in both FB1+FB2 and AFB1 production when compared to the control, at the end of the incubation period and with the 2 concentrations used (approx. 99%). A threshold concentration inoculum of at least 104 CFUs of B. subtilis per g was required to achieve a significant control of mycotoxin production. Sportak 45EW® and Serenade gave the best control of mycotoxin production with a reduction of 95% compared to the controls. Use of Serenade in the field should include due consideration to its sensitivity to low water activities, when compared to the target pathogens.
INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COPPER AND ALUMINUM COVETICS USING NANOINDENTATION BY SAKSHI BRAROO

Covetics are novel metal-carbon materials invented by Third Millennium Metals, LLC (TMM). Covetics involve copper, aluminum, tin, zinc, silver, gold and other metals or their alloys which are infused with a high weight percent of carbon powder (up to 10%). The amount of carbon in covetics far exceeds the solubility limits of these metals and carbon. The covetics are made using a proprietary method of carbon catalyzation which uses molten metal or metal alloys as an ionizing medium. In this thesis we study local mechanical properties of copper and aluminum alloy based covetics using the nanoindentation technique. Covetic copper 10200 and aluminum 6061 alloy samples along with standard, commercially available copper 10200, obtained from TMM, were tested. All the samples were as-cast and not heat treated. The copper covetic samples had carbon contents of 0, 3, 5 and 9 weight percent whereas the aluminum covetic samples had carbon contents of 0 and 2.3 weight percent as reported by TMM. Elastic modulus, hardness and friction coefficients were measured. In addition, viscoelastic properties such as storage and complex moduli were assessed for all the covetic samples and standard sample. The obtained values were compared with each other and with those available in literature. The value of elastic modulus for standard copper 10200 was found to be lower by 7 % from the literature reported value. The copper covetic samples studied here were found to have lower elastic modulus and hardness values by 13.5 % 16.8 % and 4.8% 10.8%, respectively when compared to those measured for a standard copper 10200 sample. The results did not show a clear trend with an increase in carbon content. The aluminum covetic samples also exhibited lower elastic modulus than the modulus of aluminum 6061 reported in literature. However, the aluminum covetic samples exhibited a clear increase in modulus and hardness with an increase in carbon content. In addition, 200 nm thick thin-film samples made of pure copper and
Effect of Quality Financial Services on Customer Satisfaction by Commercial Banks in Kenya

Customer satisfaction is vital for the success of service firms like the banks. The quality of service has become an aspect of customer satisfaction which transforms itself to a better performance. Day by day it has been proven that service quality is related to customer satisfaction. This study seeks to establish the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction in commercial banks in Kenya. The five dimensions of service quality by Parasurama et al, 1985(servqual) such as tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, empathy, and assurance were considered as the vile for this study. A structured questionnaire with 5 point Likert scale has been used to collect the data by conducting survey. The sample size is 287 and is chosen on a convenient basis. Data has been analyzed by using SPSS software (version: 20). Result of the study showed that reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy significantly and positively influenced customer attitudes in terms of satisfaction but tangibility had no significant influence on satisfaction level of customers that is service quality dimensions are crucial for customer satisfaction in commercial banks in Kenya. Keyword: Tangibility, Reliability, Empathy, Assurance, Responsiveness, Service Quality, and customer satisfaction
from 1981 to 2010 Confusion and inconsistency in diagnosis of Asperger syndrome : a review of studies

This paper presents a review of past and current research on the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome (AS) in children. It is suggested that the widely used criteria for diagnosing AS in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV are insufficient and invalid for a reliable diagnosis of AS. In addition, when these diagnostic criteria are applied, there is the potential bias of receiving a diagnosis towards the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum. Through a critical review of 69 research studies carried out between 1981 and 2010, this paper shows that six possible criteria for diagnosing AS (specifically, the age at which signs and symptoms related to autism become apparent, language and social communication abilities, intellectual abilities, motor or movement skills, repetitive patterns of behaviour and the nature of social interaction) overlap with the criteria for diagnosing autism. However, there is a possibility that some finer differences exist in the nature of social interaction, motor skills and speech patterns between groups with a diagnosis of AS and autism. These findings are proposed to be of relevance for designing intervention studies aimed at the treatment of specific symptoms in people with an autism spectrum disorder.
Syddansk Universitet iRNA-seq : computational method for genome-wide assessment of acute transcriptional regulation from total RNA-seq data

RNA-seq is a sensitive and accurate technique to compare steady-state levels of RNA between different cellular states. However, as it does not provide an account of transcriptional activity per se, other technologies are needed to more precisely determine acute transcriptional responses. Here, we have developed an easy, sensitive and accurate novel computational method, iRNA-seq, for genome-wide assessment of transcriptional activity based on analysis of intron coverage from total RNA-seq data. Comparison of the results derived from iRNA-seq analyses with parallel results derived using current methods for genome-wide determination of transcriptional activity, i.e. global run-on (GRO)-seq and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) ChIP-seq, demonstrate that iRNA-seq provides similar results in terms of number of regulated genes and their fold change. However, unlike the current methods that are all very laborintensive and demanding in terms of sample material and technologies, iRNA-seq is cheap and easy and requires very little sample material. In conclusion, iRNA-seq offers an attractive novel alternative to current methods for determination of changes in transcriptional activity at a genome-wide level.