Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probing the Formation of Galaxies using Lyman-Alpha Emission and Absorption

The study of high redshift objects is important to analyze the physical conditions of the early universe and to study how galaxies form and evolve. High redshift radio galaxies and, in particular, the giant Lyα halos often found associated with them are useful to study the physical conditions and properties of the gas of what are believed to be massive galaxies in the process of formation. There have been many previous studies of the Lyα halos of high redshift radio galaxies using the long slit technique, almost always with the slit aligned with the major axis of the radio and UV/optical emission, providing only a limited view of Lyα halos. Here, we present new spectroscopic observations of TXS 0211-122 and TXS 0828+193, taken with the long slit placed perpendicularly to the radio axis. These two radio galaxies are known to be associated with giant Lyα halos. This allows the characterization of the morphological, kinematic, and ionization properties of the gas in regions that are outside of the ionizing beams of the AGN and which are not spatially coincident with the powerful radio jets. With access to pre-existing Keck II observations taken with the long slit positioned along the radio axis we are able to make comparisons between the properties of the gas in different regions of the galaxies. The observations of TXS 0211-122 show emission from Lyα, NV, CIV, HeII and CIII] in the direction perpendicular to the radio axis. The observations in both position angles suggest high levels of chemical enrichment of the gas. They also show that Lyα emission is being strongly absorbed and that its spatial and velocity profiles are affected by HI absorption and scattering. In the observations with the perpendicular slit, a continuum source is detected in the northern region of the centre of the radio galaxy, close to the edge of the Lyα nebula. We suggest that this source is part of an arc-like feature surrounding the Lyα halo. Evidence for outflowing gas is also found in TXS 0211-122. The outflow seems to be re-
The evolution of the star formation rate function in the EAGLE simulations : a comparison with UV, IR and Hα observations from z ∼ 8 to z ∼ 0.

We investigate the evolution of the galaxy star formation rate function (SFRF) and cosmic star formation rate density (CSFRD) of z ∼ 0–8 galaxies in the Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments (EAGLE) simulations. In addition, we present a compilation of ultraviolet, infrared and H α SFRFs and compare these with the predictions from the EAGLE suite of cosmological hydrodynamic simulations. We find that the constraints implied by different indicators are inconsistent with each other for the highest star-forming objects at z < 2, a problem that is possibly related to selection biases and the uncertainties of dust attenuation effects. EAGLE's feedback parameters were calibrated to reproduce realistic galaxy sizes and stellar masses at z = 0.1. In this work we test if and why those choices yield realistic star formation rates (SFRs) for z ∼ 0–8 as well. We demonstrate that supernovae feedback plays a major role at setting the abundance of galaxies at all star-forming regimes, especially at high redshifts. On the contrary, active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback becomes more prominent at lower redshifts and is a major mechanism that affects only the highest star-forming systems. Furthermore, we find that galaxies with SFR ∼1–10 M⊙ yr−1 dominate the CSFRD at redshifts z ≤ 5, while rare high star-forming galaxies (SFR ∼10–100 M⊙ yr−1) contribute significantly only briefly around the peak era (z ∼ 2) and then are quenched by AGN feedback. In the absence of this prescription objects with SFR ∼10–100 M⊙ yr−1 would dominate the CSFRD, while the cosmic budget of star formation would be extremely high. Finally, we demonstrate that the majority of the cosmic star formation occurs in relatively rare high-mass haloes (MHalo ∼ 1011–13 M⊙) even at the earliest epochs.
Modal Representation of the Resonant Body within a Finite Difference Framework for Simulation of String Instruments

This paper investigates numerical simulation of a string coupled transversely to a resonant body. Starting from a complete (cid:2)nite difference formulation, a second model is derived in which the body is represented in modal form. The main advantage of this hy-brid form is that the body model is scalable, i.e. the computational complexity can be adjusted to the available processing power. Numerical results are calculated and discussed for simpli(cid:2)ed models in the form of string-string coupling and string-plate coupling.
The RAVE survey : the Galactic escape speed and the mass of the Milky Way

We made new estimates of the Galactic escape speed at various Galactocentric radii using the latest data release of the RAdial Velocity Experiment (RAVE DR4). Compared to previous studies we have a database that is larger by a factor of 10, as well as reliable distance estimates for almost all stars. Our analysis is based on statistical analysis of a rigorously selected sample of 90 highvelocity halo stars from RAVE and a previously published data set. We calibrated and extensively tested our method using a suite of cosmological simulations of the formation of Milky Way-sized galaxies. Our best estimate of the local Galactic escape speed, which we define as the minimum speed required to reach three virial radii R340, is 533 +54 −41 km s −1 (90% confidence), with an additional 4% systematic uncertainty, where R340 is the Galactocentric radius encompassing a mean overdensity of 340 times the critical density for closure in the Universe. From the escape speed we further derived estimates of the mass of the Galaxy using a simple mass model with two options for the mass profile of the dark matter halo: an unaltered and an adiabatically contracted Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) sphere. If we fix the local circular velocity, the latter profile yields a significantly higher mass than the uncontracted halo, but if we instead use the statistics for halo concentration parameters in large cosmological simulations as a constraint, we find very similar masses for both models. Our best estimate for M340, the mass interior to R340 (dark matter and baryons), is 1.3 +0.4 −0.3 × 10 12 M� (corresponds to M200 = 1.6 +0.5 −0.4 × 10 12 M� ). This estimate is in good agreement with recently published, independent mass estimates based on the kinematics of more distant halo stars and the satellite galaxy LeoI.
Will More Credit Increase Interest Rates in Rural Nepal

We test two alternative models of interest rates determination in informal rural credit markets, using data from a cross-sectional national household survey from Nepal. We find strong support for a full information, capacity-constrained and repeated oligopoly model with third-degree price discrimination. We find only marginal support for an asymmetric information cost-pricing monpolistic competition model.
A Pre-budget Exercise as a Pro-poor Development Tool

In the Tenth Plan (2008 – 2013), the Royal Government of Bhutan introduces a new results-based planning framework to help achieve its strategic commitment to poverty reduction. The three-year rolling Medium Term Fiscal Framework seeks to integrate development priorities, budgeting procedures, and implementation outcomes into a “dynamic, efficient, responsive, and results oriented” process (Draft Tenth Five Year Plan: [2008 – 2013]). This paper attempts to underline some of the issues relevant to, specifically, the expenditure budgeting facet or, explicitly, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework process of the proposed framework. It presents some qualitative (and quantitative) evidence for the incorporation of such a pre-budget exercise in the national budgeting process. And it seeks to reason that the benefits of such a practice inevitably accrue to the poor in developing countries. To do so, I draw heavily from the works of two World Bank authorsPhilippe Le Houerou and Robert Talierciowhose research in the Africa region demonstrates many similarities and sheds much light on the experiences with the MTEF in Bhutan.
The Effects of Salinity Toxicity on Species from a Sub-Arctic Zooplankton Community, in Light of a Changing Environment

THE EFFECTS OF SALINITY TOXICITY ON SPECIES FROM A SUB-ARCTIC ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY, IN LIGHT OF A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT Brittany K. Jones Advisor: University of Guelph, 2012 Professor K. Cottenie Increasing temperatures are expected to cause secondary salinisation in freshwater systems, such as the zooplankton community of Churchill, Manitoba. Salinity is a key environmental factor structuring these communities, thus, increasing salinity should cause these communities to change; however, previous research has shown that they are resilient. In order to ascertain how changing salinity will affect these communities I conducted toxicity tests for five crustacean species, individually and in a community setting. I sampled several pools throughout the season to ascertain the salinity level at which those same species were most abundant in the field. While the species had significantly different field distributions along the salinity gradient, the salinity levels associated with maximum densities did not correlate with the lab tolerances. However, lab tolerances were outside the field salinity range, thus providing an unexpected result. Local interactions appear to be very important in determining final community composition along this salinity gradient.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis extracts on weed seed germination of Sorghum halepense and Amaranthus hybridus

The effects of cell-free supernatants (S) and anionic fractions (Q) from three different strains of Bacillus subtilis were evaluated on weed seed germination. The plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains DN and Car13, as well as a non-promoting strain (PY79), were tested on pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.) and Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense L. pers). The application of anionic fractions QCar13, QDN and QPY caused a drastic decrease in the germination rates of both pigweed and Johnson grass seeds relative to controls. These results suggest the presence of one or several metabolites capable of inhibiting germination in both weeds, while acting more effectively on dicotyledonous seeds. This work shows the potential of essayed fractions in weed control
Distribution of the bloom-forming diatom Didymosphenia geminata in the Ebro River basin (North-East Spain) in the period 2006-2009.

* Corresponding author Abstract This paper presents the distribution and the ecological parameters of Didymosphenia geminata in the Ebro River basin (Northeast Spain) during the period 2006-2009. The presence of blooms in some rivers in 2009, as in Cinca River in Las Pilas bridge, is reported. D. geminata was found in summer at 24 localities, forming blooms in three of them. It prefers mountainous calcareous rivers, regulated or not, with oligotrophic waters, low flow conditions and well illuminated stretches. In order to prevent nuisance blooms of the species, it is necessary to study its ecology and establish a monitoring network for detecting early stages of blooms in order to take control measures.
Assessment and Prediction of Self-Reported HIV- Risk Behaviors by Women in Substance Abuse Treatment

The optimal method for assessing HIV-risk behavior among vulnerable women is unknown. This study compared information obtained from self-administered questionnaires (SAQ) and faceto-face interview (FTFI) versions of the HIV Risk-taking Behavior Scale. This study also compared women intravenous drug users (IVDU’s) and non-IVDU’s on rates of HIV risk behaviors and the extent to which unstable housing, unemployment, single parenthood, barriers to accessing health care, and number of years of drug abuse predicted HIV risk. There were no differences in rates of risk behavior reported between SAQ and FTFI formats. IVDU’s had higher sexual risk behaviors than non-IVDU’s. Unstable housing significantly predicted risk behavior. Relative to those with more education, those with less than a high school education disclosed more through FTFI than SAQ. Results suggest that, among relatively educated samples, SAQ administration may yield equal rates of disclosure of HIV risk behavior in a more costand time-efficient manner.
QUALITY AND SAFETY CHARACTERISTICS OF HONEY PRODUCED IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF KENYA

Honey possesses numerous nutritional, healing and prophylactic properties. Honey has the image of being natural, healthy and clean. However, currently honey is produced in an environment polluted by contaminants from different sources. In order to have a beneficial effect, honey must be free of any contaminating agents. Heavy metals, chlorinated and phosphorous containing pesticides as well as medicinal substances of veterinary use are considered among the important potential harmful polluting agents. The extent of contamination of honey samples on sale in various important beekeeping zones of Kenya was evaluated. These zones include Mwingi, Kitui, Ntubo, Tharaka, Embu, Mbeere, Timboroa, Turbo, Malaba forest, Lenana forest, Thika Kakuzi, Kakamega forest and Taita Taveta. Parameters analyzed included moisture content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), reducing sugars and sucrose content, free acidity, ash content, heavy metals (cadmium, lead, zinc, copper), residues of oxytetracyline, tetracycline, organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides. Average constituent values were: Moisture (15.27-20.29%), HMF (2.69-263.36 mg/kg), pH (3.62-4.52), Free acidity (17.22-43.0 meq/kg), Total reducing sugars (63.24-73.34%), Ash content (0.05-0.3%), Sucrose (0.172-16.15%). Cadmium (0.01-0.05 mg/kg), Lead (0.01-0.05 mg/kg), Copper (0.07-0.24 mg/kg) and Zinc (1.01-2.10 mg/kg). Most of the samples had constituent levels within the limits sets by the Codex Alimentarius, indicating that most farmers’ harvested ripened capped honey and that generally honey was stored under suitable conditions. There was significant difference in the honey samples from different regions, this was expected. However, some samples had values of sucrose (11.16-15.47%) and HMF (59.03-263.36 mg/kg) way beyond the set limits of not more than 5% for sucrose and 40 mg/kg for HMF respectively, indicating adulteration of the honey. Most of thehoney samples had tetracycline and oxytetracycline residues below the limit of detection which was set at 0.005 μg/ml. This showed that most farmers did not use drugs to treat their bees and if they do they are administered. Chlorinated and phosphorous containing pesticides analyzed included; Aldrin, pp-DDE, Endosulfan, Lindane, Dicofol and Chloropyrifos. The limit of detection was in the range of 0.002-0.008 μg/ml. No pesticide residues were detected in all the samples analyzed from different regions, indicating that the bees collected their nectar and water in pesticide- free environments. It is recommended that regulatory mechanisms for heavy metals, residues of antibiotics and residues of pesticides be put in place; this will strength honey monitoring and inspection within the industry.
Scale economies in electricity distribution: a semiparametric analysis

We estimate the costs of distributing electricity using data on municipal electric utilities in Ontario, Canada for the period 1993–5. The data reveal substantial evidence of increasing returns to scale with minimum efficient scale being achieved by firms with about 20,000 customers. Larger firms exhibit constant or decreasing returns. Utilities which deliver additional services (such as water/sewage), have significantly lower costs, indicating the presence of economies of scope. Our basic specifications comprise semiparametric variants of the translog cost function where output enters non-parametrically and remaining variables (including their interactions with output) are parametric. We rely upon non-parametric differencing techniques and extend a previous differencing test of equality of non-parametric regression functions to a panel data setting. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilrost: Connecting the Internet of Things through human Social Networks with a Domain-Specific Language

Nowadays, we have many Smart Objects near us connected to the Internet. These objects could make things together if an easy platform existed. There are many researches about interconnecting Smart Objects but we propose a novel approach using human Social Networks and a Domain-Specific Language. This approach makes easier the creation of intercommunications not only among objects but also between objects and humans. We propose a novel DSL that allows defining objects with sensors and actuators, and defining connections to Social Networks in order to publish the sensors' values and to do actions based on events triggered by messages. Moreover, with the DSL we will be able to establish external actions and status in order to make the objects be aware of the environment. Keywords—Internet of Things; Smart Objects; Model-Driven Engineering; Domain-Specific Language; Social Networks
Healthy Value and Quality Characteristics of Yoghurt as Affected by Different Concentrations of Cinnamon and Dill Ethanolic Extracts

This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of addition of ethanolic extract of cinnamon bark (Ci) and dill (D) seed on health value and quality of resultant yoghurt. These extracts were added at levels of 0.0, o.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 gm/l to cow's milk. Addition of these extracts significantly reduced the time of yoghurt coagulation and decreased the pH values significantly. Also these extracts significantly increased the antioxidant activity and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) of resultant yoghurt. Treated yoghurt also showed significant higher content of acetaldehyde and diacetyle than control yoghurt. Also treated yoghurt showed lower synersis and higher values for firmness and apparent viscosity than control. Addition of cinnamon up to 0.6 gm/l and dill extract at 0.4 gm/l showed acceptable organoleptic properties for resultant yoghurt. More over Ci extract was more effective than D extract in improving organoleptic properties.
Dynamic Placement of Virtual Machines with Both Deterministic and Stochastic Demands for Green Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has come to be a significant commercial infrastructure offering utility-oriented IT services to users worldwide. However, data centers hosting cloud applications consume huge amounts of energy, leading to high operational cost and greenhouse gas emission. Therefore, green cloud computing solutions are needed not only to achieve high level service performance but also to minimize energy consumption. This paper studies the dynamic placement of virtual machines (VMs) with deterministic and stochastic demands. In order to ensure a quick response to VM requests and improve the energy efficiency, a two-phase optimization strategy has been proposed, in which VMs are deployed in runtime and consolidated into servers periodically. Based on an improved multidimensional space partition model, a modified energy efficient algorithm with balanced resource utilization (MEAGLE) and a live migration algorithm based on the basic set (LMABBS) are, respectively, developed for each phase. Experimental results have shown that under different VMs’ stochastic demand variations, MEAGLE guarantees the availability of stochastic resources with a defined probability and reduces the number of required servers by 2.49% to 20.40% compared with the benchmark algorithms. Also, the difference between the LMABBS solution and Gurobi solution is fairly small, but LMABBS significantly excels in computational efficiency.
Genetic variability in Mediterranean buffalos evaluated by pedigree analysis

The objective of this research was to study the population genetic structure of four herds of Mediterranean buffaloes in Brazil. It was used pedigree data from 6,588 buffaloes of Mediterranean breed born from 1980 to 2002. Of the total number of animals studied, 60.5, 15.3 and 2.1% had a pedigree in the first, second and third ascendancy, respectively. The effective number of herds that provided breeding males was 1.60 for parents, 1.16 for grandparents and 1.00 for great-grandparents. There were 923 founder animals and only 71 effective founders. The effective number of ancestors explaining the genetic variability of the population was 71 and only 30 ancestors accounted for 50% of the genetic variability of the population. The average relatedness coefficient (AR) between individuals and inbreeding (F) of the population were estimated at 0.37 and 0.34% respectively. The average estimate of generation interval was 8.71±2.85 years. The variability of the current population is the result of a few ancestors, who are mostly also founders showing that the population was developed from a narrow genetic base which characterizes the occurrence of founder effect.
Molecular Identification of an MHC Class Ib (H2-Q9) Restricted T Cell Receptor Specific for a Mouse Polyoma Virus Peptide VP2.139

The murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib region encodes more than 20 proteins with diverse biological functions, and many have not been characterized. Evidence emerging in recent years, indicates that MHC class Ib-restricted CD8 T cells can play an important role in antiviral immunity. We molecularly cloned an α/β T cell receptor (TCR) from a T cell hydridoma cell line, that is restricted by a MHC class Ib molecule H2-Q9, and specifically recognizes the VP2.139 peptide epitope from mouse polyoma virus (PyV). We further demonstrated that the cloned TCR, using TCRα10 and TCRβ4 genes, is functional and mediates the development of Q9/VP2.139-restricted CD8 T cells in vivo. The cloning of a H2-Q9-restricted, PyV-specific αβ TCR provides a useful tool for future study of the potential role of MHC class Ib restricted CD8 T cells in antiviral immunity.
Pattern of Intradermal Antigen Sensitivity in Patients with Nasobronchial Allergy in a Tertiary Care Centre in South Kerala

Authors Raseela Karunakaran, Jose Raj R, Dinesa Prabhu V, Parvathy Santhosh Department of Respiratory Medicine, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Kerala Corresponding Author Parvathy Santhosh Senior Resident, Department of Dermatology, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala Phone number: 9847153539, Email: drparvathysanthosh@gmail.com Abstract Introduction: The modern man is exposed to a large variety of allergens compared to his predecessors. Intradermal antigen testing provides a clinically useful method to understand the common allergens among patients. Identification of culprit allergens in patients with nasobronchial allergy shall aid in allergen avoidance and specific treatment. Aim: To study the pattern of allergen sensitivity in patients with nasobronchial allergy. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, the pattern of antigen sensitivity was analysed in 2048 patients with nasobronchial allergy who were subjected to intradermal antigen testing over a period of six years. A total of 34 antigens were tested which consisted of 16 pollen antigens, 8 dust antigens, 6 insect antigens and 4 fungal antigens. Results: Out of 2048 patients tested, 1170 showed positive reaction. 81% of the patients had asthma, 79.6% had rhinitis, 60.6% had both, 21% had cough and 6.26% had urticaria. Among those showing positive reaction, 75% had a definite history of allergy. Maximum number of positive reaction was seen with insect antigens belonging to house dust mite (27.25%) followed by cockroach antigen. The major dust antigen was cotton dust(25.12%). Among pollen antigens, Cynodon dactylis showed maximum number of positive reaction (12.99%). Aspergillus flavus and niger were the most common fungal antigens0020(both 4.44%). Conclusion: The commonest culprit allergens identified in this study was house dust mite followed by other insect antigens. The pattern of sensitivity may vary in different regions owing to geographical and environmental influences.