Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ground-based CCD astrometry with wide field imagers - I. Observations just a few years apart allow decontamination of field objects from members in two globular clusters

This paper is the first of a series of papers in which we will apply the methods we have developed for high-precision astrometry (and photometry) with the Hubble Space Telescope to the case of wide-field ground- based images. In particular, we adapt the software originally developed for WFPC2 to ground-based, wide field images from the WFI at the ESO 2.2m telescope. In this paper, we describe in details the new software, we characterize the WFI geometric distortion, discuss the adopted local transformation approach for proper-motion measurements, and apply the new technique to two-epoch archive data of the two closest Galactic globular clusters: NGC 6121 (M4) and NGC 6397. The results of this exercise are more than encouraging. We find that we can achieve a precision of �7 mas (in each coordinate) in a single exposure for a well-exposed star, which allows a very good cluster-field separation in both M4, and NGC 6397, with a temporal baseline of only 2.8, and 3.1 years, respectively.
Genetic divergence analysis of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.)

The D 2 analysis allowed the 49 garden cress accessions to be classified into seven distinct clusters. Cluster 1 included 16 accessions that mature and flower early. Cluster 2 contained 11 accessions, which had the higher mean values for both numbers of primary and secondary branches, harvest index and seed yield/plant. They also showed higher number of seeds per plant and per plot than the overall mean value. Cluster 3 had 15 accessions which had a relatively high biomass yield per plot. Cluster 4 included only one accession having longer height at flowering, high seed yield per plant and harvest index. Similarly, cluster 5 also had one accession which was characterized by late flowering, but very short in height at flowering. Cluster 6 also included a single accession, which is characterized by early flowering and maturity. The last cluster, cluster 7 had 3 accessions which had high seed yield per plant, harvest index and essential oils. The maximum inter-cluster distance (D 2 = 10.11) was observed between clusters 5 and 6 whereas the lowest value (D 2 = 3.07) was between cluster 2 and 4. Biomass yield per plot and number of seeds per plant contributed the maximum towards divergence in the existing germplasm.
An Assessment of Vertically Integrated Contract Poultry Farming: A Case Study in Bangladesh

The present study was undertaken to identify incentives for poultry farmers to participate in contract farming system in Bangladesh. This paper explores the causes why the farmer entering into contract farming system and evaluates the performance of vertically integrated contract poultry farming system on farmer's income by analyzing the cost and returns and labor utilization. Poultry meat is the most widely accepted meat in Bangladesh. Although Government provide various favourable policies for poultry sector development but still now meat deficiency is 89.5%. This is largely because the necessary backward and forward market linkages are rarely in place, i.e. rural farmers and small scale entrepreneurs lack both reliable and cost efficient inputs, credit for running business and guaranteed and profitable markets for their output. Vertically integrated contract farming could be one possible solution in this situation. With effective management, vertically integrated contract farming system can be a means to develop markets and to bring about the transfer of technical skill in a way that is profitable for both farmers and integrators. This study was based on the primary data collected from 50 sample farm of ABFL, the pioneer vertically integrated poultry contract firm, kishorganj in Bangladesh. It was revealed in the study that contract farmers get several incentives from vertically integrated firm such as credit, production and price risk reduction, marketing assistance, technical know-how etc. The study also found that the contract farmers were better off in their net income by getting the high net return from the poultry farm.
Perceptions of Place among Rural, Farm and Urban Young People in Ireland

In this paper, we report findings from a national survey of 8,316 Irish young people in 2002, which reveals the ways in which socio-spatial context impacts on young people's perceptions of the places in which they live and their views about the nature of certain 'social capital' aspects of their local communities, such as safety, friendliness, potential support from others, opportunities for recreation, and physical environment. It is clear from the evidence presented that perceptions of place are coloured by key contexts such as age, gender and social background. Our evidence also points to the striking significance that socio-spatial location implies for young people's perceptions of their communities. Differences are apparent between rural and urban young people, particularly the strength of positive perceptions among rural youth, while simultaneously reflecting the influence of gender, age and occupational status of parents. Within the rural environment, farm young people also show distinct patterns in the kinds of perceptions they are likely to hold. Our findings raise several conceptual considerations and implications for further inquiry.
Efficient simulation of Bayesian logistic regression models

In this paper we highlight a data augmentation approach to inference in the Bayesian logistic regression model. We demonstrate that the resulting conditional likelihood of the regression coefficients is multivariate normal, equivalent to a standard Bayesian linear regression, which allows for efficient simulation using a block Gibbs sampler. We illustrate that the method is particularly suited to problems in covariate set uncertainty and random effects models.
Coping with Bargains in the Ultimatum Game: The Triple Circuit Hypothesis

This paper aims to present a new hypothesis on cognitive and neurobiological processes involved in the evaluation of offers, based on Ultimatum Game (UG). Recently, different studies have linked serotonin and serotonin-related compounds to rejection rates in this game, through the mediation of intolerance to unfairness, thus leading to the serotonin hypothesis of UG. Despite the great interest of these findings, the current paper shows that the behavior of a responder in the game is much more complex than originally thought, and that are needed at least three cognitive schemas and neurobiological processes to properly cope with that behavior. This paper is designed as a classic scientific hypothesis. First, it defines the epistemological basis of the hypothesis, which is introduced in relation to limitations of the field that are expected to be overcome by this endeavor. Next, it presents evidence for the hypothesis, and finally it makes predictions that can be used to test it. The new hypothesis is named triple-circuit hypothesis; it states that at the cognitive level, the minimum schemas to represent the responder's behavior are: pre-consciousness discrepancy; attributional schema based upon valence activation; and the counterfactual tendency to repress impulsive behaviors. At the neurobiological level, it proposes that the essential circuit relies on: transient decreases in phasic activity of neurons located in the dorsolateral portion of midbrain (error processing); MPFC excitatory firings toward the limbic system (especially the amygdala), mainly through glutamatergic pathways; dopaminergic activity toward the MPFC, generating inhibitory activity, which disinhibits limbic activity. Several evidences in support our hypothesis are presented.
Attachment Orientation and Leadership Style: From Child’s Play to Partnerships with the Person Upstairs

The present study examined the relationship between attachment orientation—one’s working model for close relationships— and leadership style. Attachment measures consisted of a continuous trait measure, an experimental manipulation intended to prime attachment mindset, and a state attachment measure that served as a manipulation check. In addition, two leadership measures were employed. The results showed that secure and avoidant attachment mindsets yield directly opposing patterns of leadership strategies. The data on anxious attachment was less conclusive, but the attachment prime did have a main effect on transformational leadership strategies, yielding higher means for the anxious attachment condition. However, surprisingly, the attachment prime had no significant effect on the manipulation check state attachment orientation. The findings provide novel evidence that attachment style is associated with leadership style in theoretically meaningful ways. Furthermore, the results suggest that the effects of attachment style may extend to behaviors in the workplace in addition to intimate relationship dynamics.
Clothing Disposal System by Gifting

The study of clothing disposal systems, involving the flow of clothing from one household to another, is of great interest because of the positive social and environmental consequences. Based on 35 in-depth interviews with adult men and women in Ecuador, a Latin American country, the authors sought to expand knowledge regarding one of these systems: clothing disposal by gifting to family, friends, and acquaintances. The respondents’ narratives indicated that the clothing disposal system by gifting is noncentric; based on social exchange, it strengthens the links between givers and recipients while allowing for clothes to circulate for a longer time. The data also indicated an intersection between age and gender, offering insight into how the process of clothing disposal by gifting develops within households. In some disposal events reported by participants, the clothing disposal system by gifting demonstrated autonomy, but in other events, it interacted with the clothing marketing system.
Physical and Physiological Changes in Low-Temperature-Stored Pitahaya Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) ♦

Pitahaya fruit (Hylocereus undatus) is highly perishable, and so commercialization is limited. Refrigeration prolongs shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Nevertheless, some produce may be injured by low temperatures during storage. Studies on chilling injury in pitahaya fruit are scarce and this damage is mostly judged subjectively. This study was conducted to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of chilling injury in pitahaya, to eventually identify indicators that would be useful and consistent in describing degree of injury more objectively for future studies. Pitahaya fruits were stored at 4 ±2oC and 8 ±2oC for 5, 10, 16, or 21 d. At the end of each low-temperature storage period the fruits were removed from cold storage and kept at 26 ±2oC and RH 72 ±2% for 0, 3, or 6 d. An additional group of fruits (used as reference) was kept under environmental conditions (6 d at 26±2oC). At the end of each treatment period, external color, respiration rate, production of ethanol and acetaldehyde in pulp, and observable damage were assessed. Fruits not stored at low temperatures (reference) showed good color development (hue angle diminished from 45.09° to 17.5°) and good external appearance. However, external damage was exhibited in low-temperature-stored fruits at both low temperatures, although more intensely and sooner in fruits stored at 4oC than in those stored at 8°C. For both temperatures, after 5, 10, or 16 d of cold storage, a moderate reduction of hue angle was registered (around 18.6° to 26.7°) when removed from low-temperature storage, indicating moderate development of color. In fruits stored for 21 d at 4oC and ripening at 26±2°C, hue angle remained high (37.6o), indicating that the long period of cold storage inhibited natural reduction of hue angle, and so the development of the desirable external pinkish-red color did not occur. A 28% increase in respiration rate was also recorded, while production of ethanol and acetaldehyde increased 37 and 35 times. Also, external and internal appearance of the fruit deteriorated. In general, observable damage increased in fruits stored for longer periods, particularly at the lower temperature. It is suggested that external color (hue angle) and respiration rate are objective, useful, and consistent variables for measuring chilling injury in pitahaya fruits.
The effects of translanguaging on the bi-literate inferencing strategies of fourth grade learners

Previous research suggests that enhanced cognitive and metacognitive skills are achieved when translanguaging techniques are applied in a multilingual classroom. This paper presents findings on the effects of translanguaging techniques on teaching grade 4 learners how to apply relevant background knowledge when drawing inferences during reading. It examines the efficacy of simultaneously using the learners' home language and second language in reading development among bilingual Xhosa-English readers in a rural school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design where the participants attempted pre-tests in the targeted languages and then after an intervention were provided interventions using translanguaging techniques, thereafter they attempted post-tests. The findings indicate improved performance in terms of learners' use of background knowledge when drawing inferences, instead of heavily relying on the reading text. The researchers argue for a literacy model that integrates skills and practices drawn from all accessible linguistic repertoires of learners when dealing with reading development at elementary grades since this helps learners develop a sense of self, which in return allows them to be active participants in their learning.
Interannual variation in the composition of the assemblages of medusae and ctenophores in St Helena Bay, Southern Benguela Ecosystem*

The assemblages of medusae and ctenophores were examined from samples collected each winter from St Helena Bay, over the 10-year period 1988-1997. A total of 50 hydromedusae, 1 scyphozoan and 2 ctenophore species were identified from 243 samples. Although the data set is characterised by great interannual variability, two main assemblages could be identified each year. These were characterised by either holoplanktonic medusae (e.g. Liriope tetraphylla, Aglaura hemistoma ) or meroplanktonic medusae (e.g. Mitrocomella millardae, Chrysaora hysoscella ) and ctenophores (e.g. Pleurobrachia pileus ). The holoplanktonic medusae were typical of samples at the southern edge of the Bay, and were positively associated with both depth and temperature. Their abundances tended to increase during warm years (1992, 1993 and 1997) as warm surface water flooded the Bay. The meroplanktonic medusae and ctenophores were typical of samples collected within the Bay, and the density of species tended to be negatively correlated with temperature and depth. In spite of the eurythermal nature of the meroplanktonic species, they were more common during cold years (1990 and 1995). This paper represents the first Bay-wide, interannual study of any zooplankton group, and contributes important base line information on the structure of regional pelagic assemblages.
Single Pile Settlement and Load Transfer Mechanism due to Excavation in Silty Clay

In densely built areas, development of underground transportation system often involves excavations for basement construction and cut-and-cover tunnels which are sometimes inevitable to be constructed adjacent to existing piled foundations. In order to gain new insights into single pile responses (i.e. settlement and load transfer mechanism) to an adjacent excavation in saturated silty clay, a three-dimensional coupled- consolidation numerical analysis is conducted in this study. An advanced hypoplasticity (clay) constitutive model with small-strain stiffness was adopted. A linear increase in pile settlement was observed due to excavation-induced stress release. This is because part of the pile is placed within the boundaries of a major influence zone due to excavation-induced ground movement. Based on a settlement criterion, apparent loss of pile‘s capacity is 14%. A maximum bending moment of about 350 kNm is induced in the pile with the maximum deflection of 28 mm. In addition, mobilisation of shear strength at the pile-soil interface was found to be a key factor governing pile-soil-excavation interaction. During excavation, a downward load-transfer mechanism in the piles can be identified.
A STUDY OF ASIAN-AMERICAN RICE DEMAND IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Responses to a product placement study of five long-grain rice varieties in 192 Asian-American households in Houston, Texas were utilized to estimate a quality-adjusted price model for rice demand. Quantity-dependent demand functions were estimated using actual price, quality-adjusted price, and no price scenarios. Results indicate that, although price was statistically significant, it explained very little of the variation in the quantity of rice demanded; further, income was not significant in determining rice demand for Asian Americans. Their demand appears to be driven primarily by ethnic and cultural considerations and household characteristics. Implications for retail marketing are discussed.
Structural, Optical Constants and Photoluminescence of ZnO Thin Films Grown by Sol-Gel Spin Coating

We report manufacturing and characterization of low cost ZnO thin films grown on glass substrates by sol-gel spin coating method. For structural properties, X-ray diffraction measurements have been utilized for evaluating the dominant orientation of the thin films. For optical properties, reflectance and transmittance spectrophotometric measurements have been done in the spectral range from 350 nm to 2000 nm. The transmittance of the prepared thin films is 92.4% and 88.4%. Determination of the optical constants such as refractive index, absorption coefficient, and dielectric constant in this wavelength range has been evaluated. Further, normal dispersion of the refractive index has been analyzed in terms of single oscillator model of free carrier absorption to estimate the dispersion and oscillation energy. The lattice dielectric constant and the ratio of free carrier concentration to free carrier effective mass have been determined. Moreover, photoluminescence measurements of the thin films in the spectral range from 350 nm to 900 nm have been presented. Electrical measurements for resistivity evaluation of the films have been done. An analysis in terms of order-disorder of the material has been presented to provide more consistency in the results.
Online Multi-Parameter 3D Signature Verification through Curve Fitting

Summary Biometric based personal identification is a reliable and widely accepted method for authentication. Human 3D signature is distinct from other biometric authentication methods due to the presence of third dimensional hidden information. In this paper, a new model for on-line 3D signature verification using multiple parameters is proposed. The parameters considered from human signature namely, velocity, acceleration, pressure, direction, pen ups/downs, total time taken, length and depth of the signature are unique for each person. The proposed model highlights the third dimensional distinctive parameter, depth of the signature for its hidden information. Curve fitting is performed on the points obtained from different non-linearly spaced layers of the signature pad. The best fitted curves from all the layers and other signature parameters are used in the process of verification of 3D signature. The digital multi-parameters of the 3D signature are further encrypted with cryptographic algorithms to protect from cryptanalysis. The attempts for 3D signature expert forgery by satisfying both the global and local parameters of the signature are difficult. The application of the 3D signature verification broadly ranges from authentication of financial transactions to authorization of administrative documents.
Taguching the Atmospheric Plasma Spraying Process:Influence of Processing Factors on Droplet ImpactProperties Obtained on Dense ZrO2 and H2Ar75%Plasma Gas

In this paper a study of the atmospheric plasma spraying process was conducted. The Jets&Poudres code was used to solve the partial differential equations for the conservation of mass, momentum and energy involved in the problem together with the K-ε turbulent model. The Taguchi technique was used to study the influence of processing factors on droplet impact properties obtained on dense zirconia (ZrO2) under H2Ar75% plasma gas that allow optimal functioning condition. The test of the operating parameters for the studied ranges showed that the "thermal power" factor plays a key role on the state of sprayed powder. It was found also that the carrier gas flow rate and the powder size do not influence the dispersion of the impact behavior of droplets/particles. The validation of the chosen levels combination was conducted on the Jets&Poudres code and showed good agreement with the results predicted by the Taguchi technique.
Fractionation and structural identification of antibiotic activity substances from Streptomyces herbaricolor HNS2-2

Four groups of antibiotic activity compounds were separated and purified from the ethyl acetate fraction of a broth culture of Streptomyces herbaricolor HNS2-2.Trace analyses were performed and anti-microbial activities were determined. The antibiotic activity compounds were identified as quercetin dehydrate ①, p-hydroxyphenyl ②, 4’-hydroxyflavanone ③, and 3-hydroxyflavone ④ based on spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-4 showed significant antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and the tobacco mosaic virus in vitro, suggesting their potential agricultural and medical applications.
Drought Resistance and Mitotic Instability of Tritipyrum Compared with Triticale and Bread Wheat

This study presents the first data on the drought resistance pattern of seven new synthetic 6x primary Tritipyrum amphiploid linesand evaluates their mitotic instability. The primary Tritipyrum lines were crossed with Iranian 6x bread wheat â€˜Navidâ€™ cultivar and theirF1 and F2 progenies were obtained. Two experiments with complete randomized design were conducted under optimum and limitedwater conditions to evaluate Tritipyrum-derived genotypes for drought resistance in greenhouse. Under optimum water conditions,grain yield, numbers of grains per spike and harvest index of Tritipyrum-derived genotypes were significantly lower than bread wheat;however the differences were not significant under limited water conditions. These results showed the better responses of Tritipyrumderivedgenotypes to drought conditions. Evaluation of leaf osmotic and water potentials and drought susceptibility index showedthat drought resistance of Tritipyrum and F1 genotypes was significantly higher than that of bread wheat and Triticale. Cytologicalinvestigations showed that Tritipyrum-derived genotypes aneuploidy was significantly higher than Triticale and bread wheat (p 30 gr) inparental and F2 genotypes (p<0.01). Aneuploidy has showed a significant negative correlation with fertility, grain yield and 1000-grainsweight in Tritipyrum genotypes. In general, Tritipyrum may complement the role of bread wheat in arid and semi-arid regions; butfurther breeding research is needed to overcome its mitotic instability.