Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Rotating Nuclear Star Cluster in NGC 4244

We present observations of the nuclear star cluster in the nearby edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 4244 using the Gemini Near-Infrared Integral Field Spectrograph (NIFS) with laser guide star adaptive optics. From a previous study of edge-on galaxies, this nuclear star cluster was found to be one of a sample of clusters that appear flattened along the plane of their host galaxies disks. Such clusters show evidence for multiple morphological components, with younger/bluer disk components and older/redder spheroidal components. Our new observations of NGC 4244 show clear rotation of 30 km s−1 within the central 10 pc (0.5″) of the cluster. The central velocity dispersion is found to be 28 ± 2 km s−1. The multiple stellar populations inferred from the optical colors and spectra are seen as variations in the CO line strength in the NIFS spectra. The rotation is clearly detected even in the older, more spheroidal stellar component. We discuss evidence for similar structures and kinematics in the nuclear star clusters of other galaxies including M33 and the Milky Way. Our observations support two possible formation mechanisms: (1) episodic accretion of gas from the disk directly onto the nuclear star cluster; or (2) episodic accretion of young star clusters formed in the central part of the galaxy due to dynamical friction.
Removal efficiencies of a bioretention system for trace metals, PCBs, PAHs, and dioxins in a semiarid environment

AbstractThe negative effects of urbanization on water quantity and quality and the performance of bioretention for treating runoff and reducing concentrations and loads of sediment, nutrients, pathogens, and selected trace metals have been well documented. This study evaluated the efficiency of a bioretention system installed in semiarid Daly City, California, for a large suite of pollutants, including some that have been rarely evaluated in such systems. Stormwater flow and pollutant concentrations were measured before and after the construction of a bioretention system consisting of rain gardens and a bioswale. After installation, concentrations of most pollutants were reduced and met water quality guidelines. Water quality improvements (concentration or load reductions) were demonstrated for total Hg, polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) and dioxins ranging between 18 and 100%, and a suite of more conventional pollutants [SSC, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)] ranging between.
COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE REGIME AND THE RESPONSIVE GOVERNANCE IN OGUN STATE: A STUDY OF OGUN STATE COUNCIL OF ELDERS

The public administration system in Nigeria which has been traditional and patterned towards the bazaar canteen model of Riggs has over the years led to gross inefficiency and inability to meet the needs of the citizenry. The failings of the traditional administrative system necessitated an investigation of the adoption of collaborative governance regime as a tool for achieving responsive governance. The study conducted in Ogun State, one of the 36 states in Nigeria, utilized qualitative data, and primary data were collected through interview of 97 respondents drawn from eight selected local governments in the state. The key informants included top government officials at state and local government levels, career civil servants, community leaders, traditional rulers, as well as members of the Ogun State Council of Elders. Data collected were content analyzed. The adoption of collaborative governance between the state government and the Ogun State Council of Elders led to resolution of several crises in the state; economic development programmes and projects; enhancement of qualitative education in the state; effective poverty reduction; and grassroots development. The study suggested that embracing collaborative governance regime in a prismatic society such as Nigeria ensures the attainment of responsive governance in the society, and equally short circuit the excesses of corrupt officials following the involvement of educated and enlightened citizens.
Existence et non existence de solutions globales pour les équations d’évolution

Président Abbes BENAISSA Professeur à l’Université de Sidi Bel Abbes. Examinateurs Soufiane MOKEDDEM Professeur à l’Université de Sidi Bel Abbes Kacem BELGHABA Professeur à l’Université Oran 1 Ahmed Ben bella Mama A BDELLI MCA à l’Université de Mascara Fatima BOUDAOUD MCA à l’Université Oran1 Ahmed Ben bella Directeur de thèse Ali HAKEM Professeur à l’Université de Sidi Bel Abbes. Existence et non existence de solutions globales pour
A Review on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Variants to Human Motion Tracking

Automatic human motion tracking in video sequences is one of the most frequently tackled tasks in computer vision community. The goal of human motion capture is to estimate the joints angles of human body at any time. However, this is one of the most challenging problem in computer vision and pattern recognition due to the high-dimensional search space, self-occlusion, and high variability in human appearance. Several approaches have been proposed in the literature using different techniques. However, conventional approaches such as stochastic particle filtering have shortcomings in computational cost, slowness of convergence, suffers from the curse of dimensionality and demand a high number of evaluations to achieve accurate results. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a population-based globalized search algorithm which has been successfully applied to address human motion tracking problem and produced better results in high-dimensional search space. This paper presents a systematic literature survey on the PSO algorithm and its variants to human motion tracking. An attempt is made to provide a guide for the researchers working in the field of PSO based human motion tracking from video sequences. Additionally, the paper also presents the performance of various model evaluation search strategies within PSO tracking framework for 3D pose tracking.
Are Compassionate and Self-Image Goals Comparable across Cultures?

This study tested whether compassionate goals to support others and self-image goals to maintain and defend desired self-images: 1) are equivalent constructs across three cultures (U.S., Japan, Poland); 2) overlap with interdependent self-construal; and 3) predict relationships and growth measures similarly in each country. We re-analyzed data from American (n = 130) and Japanese (n = 203) students, reported in Niiya et al. (2013), along with new data from Poland (n = 246). Single and multiple group confirmatory analyses showed that the two-factor structure holds across the three cultures. Interdependence correlated with compassionate and self-image goals only in Japan. In all three samples, compassionate goals correlated with non-zero-sum belief, feeling close, growth-seeking, self-compassion, and learning from failures, whereas self-image goals correlated with defensive responses to conflicts and validation-seeking. Our results suggest that compassionate and self-image goals may serve similar functions in relationships and growth across cultures.
Futures Trading and Spot Market Volatility: Evidence from Indian Commodity Markets

In the context of emerging Indian commodity futures markets, this paper empirically examines the effect of futures trading activity (trading volume ; proxy of futures liquidity) on spot price volatility for seven agricultural commodities (guar seeds, turmeric, soya bean, black pepper, barley, Maize and Castor Seed). We decompose the futures volume into expected and unexpected components using Hodrick–Prescott filter (HP filter) . To clearly understand the destabilization effect, the relationship of the unexpected liquidity of futures market is done with Unexpected volatility of spot market returns which is estimated by taking the residuals of the GARCH model. We find that unexpected futures trading volume is Granger causing spot price volatility and are significant for five out of seven agricultural commodities (Guarseed, Turmeric, Soybean, Maize and Castor Seed), consistent with Bessembinder and Seguin (1992). We find reversed effect for one commodity i.e. Pepper the effect of spot volatility on futures trading and for Barley no causality is revealed either from future to spot or Vice-Versa. Besides being of interest to the participants, this study is likely to be useful in addressing the concerns of policy makers in India on alleged destabilizing effect of futures markets on spot prices as for emerging futures markets. Commodity exchanges must be strengthen and put under strict and active monitoring for early detection of anomalous trading behaviour. Financial autonomy and adequate powers should be given to Forward Market Commission to penalise any insider trading and price manipulations, this will minimize price distortions. The Government support shall lead to market growth and overall economic development.
The Role of Articulatory Feature Representation Quality in a Computational Model of Human Spoken-Word Recognition

Fine-Tracker is a speech-based model of human speech recognition. While previous work has shown that Fine-Tracker is successful at modelling aspects of human spoken-word recognition, its speech recognition performance is not comparable to that of human performance, possibly due to suboptimal intermediate articulatory feature (AF) representations. This study investigates the effect of improved AF representations, obtained using a state-of-the-art deep convolutional network, on Fine-Tracker’s simulation and recognition performance: Although the improved AF quality resulted in improved speech recognition; it, surprisingly, did not lead to an improvement in Fine-Tracker’s simulation power.
LEAF STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANTS

The aim of this study was to provide key distinguishing leaf microscopic features of important medicinal leaves. Epidernal peels, transverse section of leaves were taken and were stained using safranin and fast green, permanent slides were prepared. The structures was studied using compound microscope, Photography of images were saved. 32 leafy drugs belong to 22 families were studied for their pharmacognostic features and their key features were tabulated. Among these 6 drugs were also consumed as food. Prominent macroscopic and microscopic characters were presented. 16 epidermal peel images were shown in the plates. 5 species showed compound leaves. 17 species were herbs, 3 were shrubs 6 were climbers and 6 were trees. 4 were hydrophytes. Anamocytic stomata was found in 12 species, Paracytic type was found in 8 species, diacytic stomata was found in 6 species, anisocytic stomata was found in 5 species. Cystolith crystals observed in 14 species. The leaves were glabrous in 20 species. Some leaves were having unique structure e.g. Stomata and resin canals of Aegle marmelos, Stomata, epidermal cells and venation of Cinnamomum tamala, two layered epidermal cells of Lagerstroemia speciosa and larger guard cells of Mangifera indica. In case of Indigofera tinctoria and Tephrosia purpurea (Fabaceae members) single colorless cell layer separates palisade and spongy tissue. Trichome structure shows so much diversity in the leaves which are often important tool for the identification of the drug when it is in powder form.
A method for cityscape analysis by determining the fractal dimension of its skyline

In this paper we describe an approach for semi-automated architectural analysis of a cityscape. The approach is based on the calculation of the fractal dimension of the cityscape’s skyline. The basic software system consists of an intensity based skyline extraction module combined with a box-counting approach to calculate the fractal dimension of the skyline. For images where obstacles such as power-lines, vertical poles or cranes interrupt the skyline a variation of this approach was developed. The paper describes the methods involved and presents three pilot experiments which indicate that: 1) If trees intersect the skyline they can change its fractal dimension; 2) The method has potential to distinguish characteristic skylines from different types of cities; 3) It can be a sensitive process to determine the best fit skyline in the image of a cityscape. The new method proposes to control this process by using the local minima of the skyline’s fractal dimension which is interpreted as a function of the image’s intensity cut-off values.
Nonparametric Bayes modelling of count processes

Data on count processes arise in a variety of applications, including longitudinal, spatial and imaging studies measuring count responses. The literature on statistical models for dependent count data is dominated by models built from hierarchical Poisson components. The Poisson assumption is not warranted in many applied contexts, and hierarchical Poisson models make restrictive assumptions about overdispersion in marginal distributions. In this article we propose a class of nonparametric Bayes count process models, constructed through rounding real-valued underlying processes. The proposed class of models accommodates situations in which separate count-valued functional data are observed for each subject under study. Theoretical results on large support and posterior consistency are established, and computational algorithms are developed based on Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. The methods are evaluated via simulation and illustrated by application to longitudinal tumour counts and to asthma inhaler usage. Copyright 2013, Oxford University Press.
GAMMA-GLUTAMYLTRANSFERASE - A MARKER OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Serum-gammaglutamyl-transferase (gamma-GT, GT, GGT, GGTP) is an enzyme which has been much used in the field of alcoholism during the last decades. Although first introduced as a liver test it had been tested as a market for alcoholism and for heavy drinking, as a screening instrument and as a tool during long-term follow-up of drinkers. It has also been investigated in general populations and correlated with other risk factors besides alcohol consumption, and been described as a predictor of ill health in its own right. GT has been extensively used and compared with other markers of alcohol consumption. It is a cheap and easily used instrument. It can also be studied in the area of traffic safety in the drinking and driving populations and in the rehabilitation of drunken drivers. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 893732.
Hearing screening in a group of paediatric patients attending an hiv/aids clinic: a pilot study

The aim of this investigation is to screen hearing function in a group of paediatric patients attending a HIV/AIDS clinic at a hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. There is a dearth of published research in this area, particularly from developing countries. A total of 62 paediatric patients attending a virology clinic at a teaching hospital in Johannesburg participated in the study. The sample included both males and females from ages 18 months to 6 years. An exploratory descriptive, non-experimental and observational design with no control group and non-randomization of participants was used. The participants’ age and medical history were the independent variables, while the audiological tests (otoscopy, tympanometry & otoacoustic emissions) were the dependant variables. Audiological measures that included case history and medical record reviews, otoscopic examination, immittance, as well as otoacoustic emissions testing were conducted on participants. After completing the test measures, each participant was classified as having either pass or refer screening findings. A closer descriptive analysis was then conducted of the participants who presented with refer findings. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data was performed. The estimated prevalence of abnormal hearing screening results among the participants assessed was found to be 26% in the current study. These findings were found at the various stages of the disease, and the symmetry, estimated type and degree of the auditory dysfunction was variable. Furthermore, otitis media was found to be prevalent in 23% of participants and was the most prevalent possible cause of hearing loss in the sample evaluated. These findings highlight the need for audiologists and otolaryngologists’ involvement in the assessment and management of this population.
The Modern Insecticide (Chlorantraniliprole) Used to Control Codling Moth (Cydia Pomonella L.)

Abastract A series of experiments aimed at testing the usefulness of the new chemical chlorantraniliprole (rynaxypyr) in the control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) were conducted in the 2006-2007 time period. The product was applied in various doses: 0.075, 0.125, 0.175, and 0.2 l/ha. The control treatments were applied 2 or 3 times, depending on pest threat. The insecticide was applied in the period of codling moth mass flight. It was noted, that there was a significant reduction in the amount of fruit the codling moth larvae were able to damage in all the conducted experiments. Very good results in codling moth control were obtained after application of the tested product at a dose of 0.125 l/ha and higher. Streszczenie W latach 2006-2007 wykonano serię badań nad przydatnością nowej substancji chemicznej − chlorantraniliprole (rynaxypyr) − w zwalczaniu owocówki jabłkóweczki. Badany produkt stosowano w zróżnicowanych dawkach: 0,075; 0,125; 0,175 i 0,2l/ha. W zależności od liczebności szkodnika wykonywano 2 lub 3 zabiegi zwalczające w okresie masowego składania jaj przez motyle owocówki jabłkóweczki. We wszystkich doświadczeniach stwierdzono istotną redukcję uszkodzeń owoców przez owocówkę. Najmniej efektywna była dawka najniższa (0,075 l/ha), szczególnie w sadzie, w którym populacja owocówki była bardzo wysoka. Bardzo dobre efekty zwalczania uzyskano po zastosowaniu badanego produktu w dawce 0,125 l/ha i dawkach wyższych. Uzyskane wyniki były podstawą do zarejestrowania badanego produktu w Polsce pod nazwą Coragen 200 SC do ochrony sadów przed owocówką jabłkóweczką. Preparat ten może być również stosowany w sadach prowadzonych w systemie Integrowanej Produkcji (IP), gdyż nie ma negatywnego wpływu na organizmy pożyteczne.
Challenges for forecasting based on accelerating rates of earthquakes at volcanoes and laboratory analogues

SUMMARY ‘Mean-field’ models have been proposed as falsifiable hypotheses for the acceleration in earthquake rate and other geophysical parameters prior to laboratory rock failure and volcanic eruptions. Importantly, such models may permit forecasting failure or eruption time. However, inexistingretrospectiveanalysesitiscommontofindexamplesofinappropriatetechniquesfor fittingthesemodelstodata.Herewetestthetwomaincompetinghypotheses—exponentialand power-law acceleration—using maximum likelihood techniques and an information criterion for model choice, based on a Poisson process with variable rate. For examples from the laboratory and Mt Etna, the power law is clearly the best model, both in terms of the fit and the resulting error structure, which is consistent with the Poisson approximation. For examples from Kilauea and Mauna Loa the results are less clear-cut and the confidence interval underestimates the number of outliers. Deviations from the models most likely reflect local interactions and/or non-stationary loading processes not captured by the mean-field approach. In addition, we use simulations to demonstrate an inherent problem with model preference, in that a power-law model will only be preferred if failure or eruption occurs close to the singularity. Although mean-field models may well provide valuable insight into the physical process responsible for precursory accelerations in earthquake rate, our findings highlight major difficulties that must be overcome to use such models for forecasting.
The Implications of Non Performing Loans on Nigerian Economic Growth (1992-2009).

Traditionally, the ability of the financial subsector to play its role in reducing non-performing loan has been periodically punctuated by its vulnerability to systemic distress and macroeconomic volatility, and policy fine turning inevitability. The purpose of this project was to ascertain the implication of non-performing loan on economic growth in Nigeria. This study adopts quantitative technique in generating data and OLS in its analysis. A stationary test was carried out using the Augmented Dickey - Fulker test (ADF) and stationary test found at first difference at 1% and 5% level of significance. The Johansen-guselius co-integration technique employed in this study proved to be superior in assessing the co-integrating properties of variables. The result of the test indicates if co integration equations at 5 percent level of significance. The study finds that there is a long run relationship between non-performing loan and economic growth in Nigeria and there is significant relationship between inflation rate and non-performing loans. We conclude that non-performing loan can induce or retard in order to minimize the effort non-performing loan o the economy as a whole and also avoids the encroachment of the factors responsible for non-performing loan into the banking system, the regulatory authorities may have to use better measures of evaluating the features of non-performing loan at an early stage.
Quantification of rapid temperature change during DO event 12 and phasing with methane inferred from air isotopic measurements

The description of rapid climatic changes during the last glacial period at high northern latitudes has been largely documented through Greenland ice cores that are unique climatic and environmental records. However, Greenland ice isotopic records are biased temperature proxies and it is still a matter of debate whether changes in the high latitudes lead or lag rapid changes elsewhere. We focus here on the study of the mid-glacial Dansgaard Oeschger event 12 (45 ky BP) associated to a large d18Oice change in the GRIP (GReenland Ice core Project) ice core. We use combined measurements of CH4, d N and dAr in entrapped air associated with a recently developed firn densification and heat diffusion model to infer (i) the phasing between methane and temperature increases and (ii) the amplitude of the temperature change. Our method enables us to overcome the difficulty linked with rapid accumulation change in quantifying the temperature change. We obtain a 12F2.5 8C temperature increase at the beginning of DO event 12 thus confirming that the conventional use of water isotopes in the Greenland ice cores largely underestimates the actual amplitude of rapid temperature change in central Greenland. In agreement with previous studies, methane and temperature increase are in phase at the sampling resolution of that part of our profile (90 years). D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Quasiperiodic functions on the plane and electron transport phenomena

While quasiperiodic functions in one variable appeared in applications since Eighteen hundreds, for example in connection with the trajectories of mechanical systems with 2n degress of freedom having n commuting first integrals, the first applications of multivariable quasiperiodic functions were found only in Seventies, in connection with solitonic solutions of the KdV equation. Later, several other physical applications were found, especially in connection with Solid State Physics, in particular with the electron transport phenomena. In this article we reformulate, specifically in terms of the topology of level sets of quasiperiodic functions on the plane, some fundamental theoretical results found in Eighties and Nineties, then we review the physical models of electron transport and their connections with quasiperiodic functions and finally we present some old and new numerical results on the level sets of some specific family of quasiperiodic functions, some of which related to the magnetoresistance in normal metals.