Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Karyotype variability in neotropical catfishes of the family Pimelodidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

Karyotypic data are presented for four species of fish belonging to the Pimelodidae family. These species show a conserved diploid number, 2n = 56 chromosomes, with different karyotypic formulae. The analyzed species showed little amount of heterochromatin located preferentially in the centromeric and telomeric regions of some chromosomes. The nucleolus organizer regions activity (Ag-NORs) and the chromosomal location of ribosomal genes by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), with 18S and 5S probes, showing only one chromosome pair marked bearer of ribosomal genes, the only exception was Pimelodus britskii that presented multiple NORs and syntenic location of the 18S and 5S probes. Non-Robertsonian events, as pericentric inversion and NORs duplication are requested to explain the karyotype diversification in Pseudoplatystoma from the rio Paraguay (MS), Pimelodus from the rio Iguacu (PR), Sorubim from the rio Paraguay (MS) and Steindachneridion from the rio Paraiba do Sul (SP). The obtained data for the karyotype macrostructure of these species corroborates a conserved pattern observed in Pimelodidae. On the other hand, interspecific variations detected by molecular cytogenetics markers made possible cytotaxonomic inferences and differentiation of the species here analyzed. Dados cariotipicos sao apresentados para quatro especies da familia Pimelodidae. Todas apresentaram o mesmo numero diploide, 2n = 56 cromossomos, com diferencas nas formulas cariotipicas. As especies aqui analisadas mostraram pouca quantidade de heterocromatina localizada preferencialmente na regiao centromerica e telomerica de alguns cromossosmos do complemento cariotipico. As regioes organizadoras de nucleolo (Ag-RONs) e a localizacao dos genes ribossomais pela hibridizacao in situ fluorescente (FISH), com sondas 18S e 5S, evidenciaram somente um par cromossomico marcado portador de genes ribossomais, a excecao de Pimelodus britskii que apresentou NORs multiplas e localizacao sintenica das sondas 18S e 5S. Eventos nao-Robertsonianos, como inversao pericentrica e duplicacao das NORs sao requeridos para explicar a diversificacao cariotipica em Pseudoplatystoma do rio Paraguai (MS), Pimelodus do rio Iguacu (PR), Sorubim do rio Paraguai (MS) e Steindachneridion do rio Paraiba do Sul (SP). Os dados obtidos para a macroestrutura cariotipica destas especies corrobora um padrao conservado observado na familia Pimelodidae. Por outro lado, evidencias de variacoes interespecificas pelos marcadores de citogenetica molecular empregados possibilitam inferencias citotaxonomicas e diferenciacao das especies aqui analisadas.
Climate change and non-stationary flood risk for the upper Truckee River basin

Future flood frequency for the upper Truckee River basin (UTRB) is assessed using non-stationary extreme value models and design-life risk methodology. Historical floods are simulated at two UTRB gauge locations, Farad and Reno, using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model and non-stationary Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) models. The non-stationary GEV models are fit to the cool season (November–April) monthly maximum flows using historical monthly precipitation totals and average temperature. Future cool season flood distributions are subsequently calculated using downscaled projections of precipitation and temperature from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP-5) archive. The resulting exceedance probabilities are combined to calculate the probability of a flood of a given magnitude occurring over a specific time period (referred to as flood risk) using recent developments in design-life risk methodologies. This paper provides the first end-to-end analysis using non-stationary GEV methods coupled with contemporary downscaled climate projections to demonstrate the evolution of a flood risk profile over typical design life periods of existing infrastructure that are vulnerable to flooding (e.g., dams, levees, bridges and sewers). Results show that flood risk increases significantly over the analysis period (from 1950 through 2099). This highlights the potential to underestimate flood risk using traditional methodologies that do not account for time-varying risk. Although model parameters for the non-stationary method are sensitive to small changes in input parameters, analysis shows that the changes in risk over time are robust. Overall, flood risk at both locations (Farad and Reno) is projected to increase 10–20% between the historical period 1950 to 1999 and the future period 2000 to 2050 and 30–50% between the same historical period and a future period of 2050 to 2099.
Intelligent road control system using advanced image processing techniques

Over the past few years, Support Vector Machine (SVM) has been widely used in data classification field and has already been proved as an optimal solution for both linear and nonlinear classification problems. Since the image segmentation can be considered as a type of classification, SVM can be designed as an efficient image segmentation tool. This thesis aims to develop a SVM based intelligent road transportation control system, which involved three modules: pavement inspection, vehicle tracking, and collision warning. In the pavement inspection part, the SVM is used to extract the pavement from the background in a given image. The Radon transform is then applied to the pure pavement image to classify the crack to a particular type. In the vehicle tracking part, SVM trained by Gabor and edge features is involved to segment the first frame of a given video, which captured by an in-car camera. Another Wavelet feature based SVM is utilized to tracking this specific vehicle. In the collision warning part, the Time to Collision (TTC) is calculated by the scale change method. By the comparison between the TTC and a predefined threshold value, the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system is designed, which can inform the driver to push the brake to avoid crash. Although the traditional image processing methods can fulfill all the three tasks above, limited success has been accomplished due to the low accuracy of image segment result. The proposed SVM algorithm can be trained by the proper feature, such as RGB feature, Gabor feature, Wavelet feature, etc., which makes the system appear to be more effective and computationally more efficient.
Effects of surface application of dolomitic limestone and calcium-magnesium silicate on soybean and maize in rotation with green manure in a tropical region

Although lime is currently the material most frequently used to ameliorate soil acidity in Brazil, silicate could efficiently replace this source because of its greater solubility and its greater silicon content, which are beneficial for plant development. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of superficial lime and silicate application on soil chemical attributes as well as on soybean and maize nutrition and grain yields when these crops are grown in rotation with green manure. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with sixteen replicates. Plots were treated with one of two materials for acidity correction (dolomitic lime and calcium/magnesium silicate) or with no soil correction, as a control. Silicate corrected soil acidity and increased exchangeable base levels in soil at greater depths faster than does liming. The application of both acidity-correcting materials increased N, Ca and Mg leaf concentrations, and all yield components and grain yield in soybean; but in maize, just silicate also increased N and Si when compared with lime, whereas both acidity-correcting increased just two yield components: grains per ear and mass of 100 grains, resulting in highest grain yield. The application of both acidity-correcting materials increased dry matter production of green manures, but for pigeon pea the silicate provided the best result in this dry-winter region.
Generating Visible Spectrum Images from Thermal Infrared

Transformation of thermal infrared (TIR) images into visual, i.e. perceptually realistic color (RGB) images, is a challenging problem. TIR cameras have the ability to see in scenarios where vision is severely impaired, for example in total darkness or fog, and they are commonly used, e.g., for surveillance and automotive applications. However, interpretation of TIR images is difficult, especially for untrained operators. Enhancing the TIR image display by transforming it into a plausible, visual, perceptually realistic RGB image presumably facilitates interpretation. Existing grayscale to RGB, so called, colorization methods cannot be applied to TIR images directly since those methods only estimate the chrominance and not the luminance. In the absence of conventional colorization methods, we propose two fully automatic TIR to visual color image transformation methods, a two-step and an integrated approach, based on Convolutional Neural Networks. The methods require neither pre- nor postprocessing, do not require any user input, and are robust to image pair misalignments. We show that the methods do indeed produce perceptually realistic results on publicly available data, which is assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively.
THE EFFECTS OF WEB BASED DISTANCE EDUCATION METHOD ON STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENTS

The use of web-based teaching methods in mathematics education have attracted the attention of many educators in the world and in Turkey. In this research, the effects of web-based distance learning method created by blending synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods on students’ achievements and views about web-based mathematics teaching were investigated. The study was carried out with two groups of 59 students enrolled in on-campus and online education programs at the Computer Programming Program during 2012-2013 academic year. A quasi-experimental research design was used. Data was collected with “Personal Information Form”, “Mathematics Achievement Test” and “ View Determine Scale”. Results of the study showed that web-based distance learning method is more effective than traditional teaching methods in learning mathematics course in terms of achievement and web based learning environmet offers learner rich content, flexibility, availability of individual learning, time-saving. In addition, the majority of students believe that the interaction can not be established in web based learning environment such as the traditional classroom environment
Ethnic minorities in the labour market: Dynamics and diversity

This research examines the labour market performance of Britain’s ethnic minorities. In particular, it emphasises the diversity of their experience and the dynamic change in the relative positions of ethnic groups between 1991 and 2001. While some groups have improved their labour market position relative to white people, substantial disadvantage remains, both in access to jobs and in earnings once in employment. The study, by Ken Clark of the University of Manchester and Stephen Drinkwater of the University of Surrey, found:
A Pilot Study Using Educational Animations as a Way to Improve Farmers’ Agricultural Practices and Health Around Adama, Ethiopia

This study focuses on the potential of animated videos in educational programs with low-literate farmers around Adama, Ethiopia. Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO), a University of Illinois initiative, focuses on the creation of animations to explain complicated concepts in a simple and visual way that can be used to improve farmers’ livelihoods in rural areas worldwide. Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) has been collaborating with SAWBO in promoting, disseminating, and evaluating the deployment outcomes of educational animated videos (animations). In this pilot study, we investigated participants’ attitudes toward such animations and surveyed them regarding the social settings and pathways through which they might obtain such animations, thereby determining potential approaches for a larger-scale release. We observed that animations were well received by the participants, who, when surveyed, liked the clarity of the audio and the message in their local languages as well as the animation presentation and duration. Additionally, respondents suggested potential deployment approaches using organizations familiar to them. This holds out the possibility of using informal social groups or traditional community-based organizations like iddirs and equbs as dissemination pathways. These combined data suggest that individuals in this region are open to the use of animation as an educational tool and as a pathway for their social improvement and economic advancement. We also present, based on our findings, a model for a larger-scale deployment pathway.
Positive effects of the placement of students with intellectual developmental disabilities in typical class

This paper is aimed at summarizing the results of the comparison of five different papers published on this journal. Those papers analyzed how including scholars with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a typical (instead of special) class might have effects on psychological development, academic and adaptive performances. Results are the following: a typical class fosters a better psychological development (particularly from a social point of view since their inclusion promotes, for example, friendship and social acceptance), higher school performances, better adaptive abilities. The present contribution considers also what characteristic typical class should have to offer an excellent inclusion model.
Interplay of index contrast with periodicity in polymer photonic crystals

We report how the strength of resonant Bragg reflection from polymeric photonic crystals (polymer opals) varies linearly with the refractive-index contrast, Δn, in contrast to the quadratic buildup of Fresnel reflections scaling as (Δn)2. This occurs due to the interplay of disorder and periodicity, in agreement with a simple 1-dimensional periodic model. Goniometry experiments show that opal films exhibit “cones” of resonantly scattered light, which extend to ±20° angular deviation from the specular direction. The intensity of the scattering cones varies super-linearly with Δn. Such medium contrast photonic crystals are of significant interest for understanding structural colors exhibited in nature, by structures with inherent disorder.
Surface tension and fluorescence studies of polysaccharide-surfactant solutions: Agar-CTAB

The interaction ofCTAB (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) with the agar has been investigated by surface tension and fluorescence measurements. The plots of the surface tension versus concentration of the surfactants for different polymer concentrations show interesting features of the polymer surfactant binding. The binding capacities of CTAB are found to be dependent on the polysaccharide concentrations. These results are interpreted in terms of a polymer surfactant complex or micelle formed by binding between the surfactant ions and the polymer. The surface tension studies show that the 218 mmol CTAB could be bound to the galactose-anhydrogalactose unit of agar. Fluorescence measurements using pyrene as a photophysical probe have been carried out for agar and CTAB mixtures. The interactions between the neutral agar and cationic CTAB leads to formation of pre-micelles at surfactant concentration lower than CMC (0.9585 mM/L) of CTAB. The aggregation process is caused by the electrostatic attraction. It has been proved, using pyrene fluorescence measurements methods, that CTAB forms induced micelles at concentrations smaller than those needed to form micelles in aqueous solution.
Purification and characterization of an anti-cancer enzyme produced by marine Vibrio Costicola under a novel solid state fermentation process

L - Glutaminase, a therapeutically and industrially important enzyme, was produced from marine Vibrio costicola by a novel solid state fermentation process using polystyrene beads as inert support. The new fermentation system offered several advantages over the conventional systems, such as the yield of leachate with minimum viscosity and high specific activity for the target product besides facilitating the easy estimation of biomass. The enzyme thus produced was purified and characterised. It was active at physiological pH, showed high substrate specificity towards L - glutamine and had a Km value of 7.4 x 10-2 M. It also exhibited high salt and temperature tolerance indicating good scope for its industrial and therapeutic applications.
Absenteeism, Favouritism, and Tardiness as Predictors of Job Deviance in Academia: The Nigeria Experience

The study investigated the influence of absenteeism, favouritism and tardiness on the deviant behaviour of university employees in Nigeria. This is for the purpose of ascertaining the relative and combined contributions of absenteeism, favouritism and tardiness on employees’ deviant behaviour in higher institutions in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A total of 600 respondents were selected for the study, using proportionate stratified sampling technique. Four standardized instruments were used for data collection. The hypotheses generated for the study were tested at 0.05 alpha levels using Regression Analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Statistics. The findings of the study revealed that absenteeism, favouritism and tardiness were found to have jointly contributed to employees’ deviant behaviour in academia in Ogun State of Nigeria. Also, favouritism was found to be the most potent predictor of employees’ deviant behaviour. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that managers should not favour any employee but recognize and reward hard work based on job performance.
A Method for Election Forecasting

The CHAMPSKNOW system was used to predict the 2016 Jamaican General Election. The questions asked were: what were the probabilities of the JLP or the PNP winning the election? Would the election be close? How many seats would each party receive? Integrated or mixed methods were used with quantitative and qualitative data. These data were macro-economic and demographic indicators (1962-2015) and regression was done to identify the significant predictors of party in power; general election results (1962-2011) were used to calculate the vote share and frequency of wins and seat type; type of CDF disbursements (2008-2015) and a regression was done to determine the significant predictors of MP victory; published polls (1962-2016) were used to identify the most accurate poll to guide the forecast; independent voter survey in marginal seats was used with vote share, frequency of wins and seat type to determine seat count; newspaper stories about the election were coded as positive and negative stories about the parties; the parties’ audio-visual ads were coded as positive, negative and contrasts ads. The final forecast gave the PNP a 55% chance of winning (with 35 seats) and the JLP a 45% chance (with 28 seats), a close election. The JLP won with 49.5 % of the popular vote (31 seats) to the PNP’s 49.1% (30 seats) because of the promised tax break. This wildcard was not assessed since voters tend to ignore campaign promises because they were usually unfulfilled.
Characterization of Flavor Compounds Released During Grinding of Roasted Robusta Coffee Beans

The characteristic volatile compounds released during the grinding of roasted coffee beans are as attractive for coffee-flavored products as the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee itself. In this study, the volatile compounds released during the grinding of various roasted robusta coffee beans (originating in Vietnam and Indonesia ; roasting degree L26, L23, and L18) were collected by exposing a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber to nitrogen gas discharged from a glass vessel in which the electronic coffee grinder was enclosed. Identification and characterization of the volatile compounds were achieved using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and GC/olfactometry (GC/O), and by applying principal component analysis (PCA) to the GC/O results. The variation in volatile compounds released during grinding, based on origin, roasting degree and species, is described and compared with the results of a previous study on the compounds released during grinding of roasted arabica coffees.
Problem-based Universal Design for Learning in Technical Communication and Rhetoric Instruction

It is crucial for Tech Comm instructors to address challenges of audience within the artificial environment of classroom instruction. Without a distinct and specific audience, course content often remains theoretical and abstract, and students struggle both to connect the unknown to the known, and to generate meaningful and effective communication. As a consequence, teachers often ask students to create "authentic" audiences in order to provide a tangible anchor for learning. Truly authentic audiences, however, are increasingly mixed, composed of constituents who have disparate interests and needs that must be addressed with multiple sophisticated appeals, arguments, and modalities. Theories of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be used to embrace these complexities meaningfully, strengthening students' opportunities for learning through scaffolded instruction and flexible course design.
Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Bio-based Fertilizers : a BioAvailability and Fractionation Study

Although to date some technologies producing bio-based phosphorus (P) fertilizers have been proposed and implemented, the efficient use of the recovered products is still limited due to legislative constraints, lack of insights in their P release with time, and in the corresponding mechanisms. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the fertilizer performance in terms of P release and use efficiency of recovered struvite, iron phosphate (FePO4) sludge, digestate, and animal manure as compared to fossil reserve-based mineral triple superphosphate (TSP). First, product physicochemical characteristics and P fractionations in the context of European fertilizer legislation were assessed. Next, a controlled greenhouse experiment was set up to evaluate plant reactions as well as changes in P availability on sandy soils with both high and low P status. P soil fractions were determined in extracts with water (Pw), ammonium lactate (PAl), CaCl2 (P-PAE), and in soil solution sampled with Rhizon soil moisture samplers (Prhizon). Based on all results, long-term field trials evaluating the P release effect of struvite and digestate as compared to animal manure and TSP on different soil types with varying P status appear to be worthwhile. These products show promise as sustainable substitutes for conventional P fertilizers and could contribute to a more efficient use of P in agriculture. A refined classification of P application standards/recommendations in terms of soil P status, texture, and fertilizer characteristics, next to the crop P demand, is recommended. Moreover, the additional use of Rhizon samplers for determination of direct available P, including dissolved organic P, is proposed for better understanding and categorization of different P fertilizers in environmental and fertilizer legislations.