Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnetic field topology of the RS CVn star II Pegasi

Context. The dynamo processes in cool active stars generate complex magnetic fields responsible for prominent surface stellar activity and variability at different time scales. For a small number of cool stars magnetic field topologies were reconstructed from the time series of spectropolarimetric observations using the Zeeman Doppler imaging (ZDI) method, often yielding surprising and controversial results. Aims. In this study we follow a long-term evolution of the magnetic field topology of the RS CVn binary star II Peg using a more self-consistent and physically more meaningful modelling approach compared to previous ZDI studies. Methods. We collected high-resolution circular polarisation observations of II Peg using the SOFIN spectropolarimeter at the Nordic Optical Telescope. These data cover 12 epochs spread over 7 years, comprising one of the most comprehensive spectropolarimetric data sets acquired for a cool active star. A multi-line diagnostic technique in combination with a new ZDI code is applied to interpret these observations. Results. We have succeeded in detecting clear magnetic field signatures in average Stokes V profiles for all 12 data sets. These profiles typically have complex shapes and amplitudes of similar to 10(-3) of the unpolarised continuum, corresponding to mean longitudinal fields of 50-100 G. Magnetic inversions using these data reveals evolving magnetic fields with typical local strengths of 0.5-1.0 kG and complex topologies. Despite using a self-consistent magnetic and temperature mapping technique, we do not find a clear correlation between magnetic and temperature features in the ZDI maps. Neither do we confirm the presence of persistent azimuthal field rings found in other RS CVn stars. Reconstruction of the magnetic field topology of II Peg reveals significant evolution of both the surface magnetic field structure and the extended magnetospheric field geometry on the time scale covered by our observations. From 2004 to 2010 the total field energy drastically declined and the field became less axisymmetric. This also coincided with the transition from predominantly poloidal to mainly toroidal field topology. Conclusions. A qualitative comparison of the ZDI maps of II Peg with the prediction of dynamo theory suggests that the magnetic field in this star is produced mainly by the turbulent alpha(2) dynamo rather than the solar alpha Omega dynamo. Our results do not show a clear active longitude system, nor is there evidence of the presence of an azimuthal dynamo wave.
Halorubrum sp. TBZ112, an Extremely Halophilic Carotenoid- Producing Archaeon Isolated from Urmia Lake

Background: Carotenoids are organic pigments with substantial applications in neutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industries. Considering the importance of carotenoids, we aimed to isolate and identify a carotenoid-producing microorganism in the present study. Methods: Gram-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped archaeon, Halorubrum sp. TBZ112 (KCTC 4203 and IBRC-M 10773) producing carotenoids with circle and red colonies were isolated from Urmia Lake in Northwest Iran. Phenotypic characterization and molecular identification of isolate were also conducted. In order to study the ability of TBZ112 to produce carotenoids as well as the production profile, carotenoids were extracted using acetone-methanol solution (7:3 v/v). Then, the carotenoid content of the extract was evaluated using UV spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The carotenoid profile was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques. Results: The 16S rRNA analysis showed that TBZ112 had the highest similarity with Halorubrum chaoviator Halo-G*T (99.78%). The total carotenoid content of strain TBZ112 was found to be 11.7 mg/l. The LC-MS analytical results indicated that carotenoids that were produced included bacterioruberin, lycopene and β-carotene. Among them, bacterioruberin was predominant. Conclusion: Consequently, we can suggest that future studies should investigate this new and natural source for producing carotenoids.
Shear Performance Assessment of Sand-Coated GFRP Perforated Connectors Embedded in Concrete

In order to evaluate the shear performance of sand-coated glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) perforated connectors (SCGPC) embedded in concrete, 8 pull-out tests were conducted. Finite element (FE) analysis considering GFRP failure and cohesion between GFRP and concrete of SCGPC were conducted for parametric analysis. Effects of surface treatment, hole’s radius, embedment length, and multi holes were examined. The test and theoretical analysis revealed that the strength of SCGPC is considerably larger than GFRP Perforated Connector (GPC). The stiffness of SCGPC is determined by the adhesion between concrete and GFRP. When GFRP plate’s thickness is less than the critical thickness, the embedment length plays a major role in the strength of SCGPC. When embedment length is less than the effective bond length, the shear strength of SCGPC is governed by both the adhesion and GPC’s shear capacity; otherwise, the strength of SCGPC is governed by the adhesion strength. Furthermore, an empirical equation was suggested to predict the shear strength of SCGPC. The equation involves the failure mechanism of both bond and GPC and deals the strength of SCGPC into two ranges according to the embedment length. Good agreement was achieved between the strength prediction by the suggested equation and the parametric analysis result.
Propagation of Noble Dendrobium ( Dendrobium nobile Lindl.) by cutting - doi: 10.4025/actasciagron.v35i4.15198

The Noble Dendrobium orchid ( Dendrobium nobile Lindl.) is an ornamental species usually propagated by leaf axillary shoots called “Keikes”, but cutting is possible although, many do not produce leaves or roots and eventually rot. To increase the proportion of successful stalk cuttings, two substrates were evaluated in the present study (gravel and a 1:1 tree-fern shredded trunk:palm seed mixture) in interaction with the application of nitrogen fertilizer (urea 2 g L -1 ) and a commercial leaf fertilizer made from kelp seaweed (“Kelpak” a 2 mL L -1 ). Only water was applied for the control treatment. The evaluated parameters included the proportion of successful cuttings, vigor, the proportion of rotten stalks, the number of roots/plant and root length/per plant. The gravel was found to be the best substrate for the rooting and/or shoot production (37.2% in average) of the cuttings. The application of urea or Kelpak induced vigor in the obtained plantlets, but the dosage required for a greater efficiency was not reached. The cuttings layered on gravel plus the application of urea at a concentration of 2 g L -1 was the most effective treatment, with 40.7% successful cuttings.
On the Use of Simple Scaling Stochastic (SSS) Framework to the Daily Hydroclimatic Time Series in the Context of Climate Change

Climate Change hypothesis pushed the scientific community to question the characteristics of the classical statistics such as mean, variance, standard deviation, covariance, etc. in the hydroclimatic field. Many studies have revealed that the climate has always changed and that these changes are closely related to the Hurst phenomenon detected in long hydroclimatic time series and in stochastic term which is equivalent to a simple scaling behavior of climate variability on the time scale. A new statistical framework taking into account the climatic variability is now applied. Most studies are at annual scale where variability at finer scales is not taken into account. This paper proposes to verify the validity of the new statistical framework at finer time scale: the daily time scale. Twelve (12) daily time series of flows, rainfalls and temperatures with 18,628 observations, each one, were studied. Four different methods, such as Rescaled range Statistic (R/S) method, R/S modified method, Aggregate Variances method and Aggregated Standard Deviation (ASD) were applied to determine the Hurst exponent (H). All methods lead to the conclusion that the investigated time series have a long-term persistence phenomenon. Contrary to annual time series where variability corresponds to a Simple Scaling Stochastic (SSS) process, the daily time series seem to correspond to a process having both a SSS component and a deterministic component.
Comparative Metabolomics of Early Development of the Parasitic Plants Phelipanche aegyptiaca and Triphysaria versicolor

Parasitic weeds of the family Orobanchaceae attach to the roots of host plants via haustoria capable of drawing nutrients from host vascular tissue. The connection of the haustorium to the host marks a shift in parasite metabolism from autotrophy to at least partial heterotrophy, depending on the level of parasite dependence. Species within the family Orobanchaceae span the spectrum of host nutrient dependency, yet the diversity of parasitic plant metabolism remains poorly understood, particularly during the key metabolic shift surrounding haustorial attachment. Comparative profiling of major metabolites in the obligate holoparasite Phelipanche aegyptiaca and the facultative hemiparasite Triphysaria versicolor before and after attachment to the hosts revealed several metabolic shifts implicating remodeling of energy and amino acid metabolism. After attachment, both parasites showed metabolite profiles that were different from their respective hosts. In P. aegyptiaca, prominent changes in metabolite profiles were also associated with transitioning between different tissue types before and after attachment, with aspartate levels increasing significantly after the attachment. Based on the results from 15N labeling experiments, asparagine and/or aspartate-rich proteins were enriched in host-derived nitrogen in T. versicolor. These results point to the importance of aspartate and/or asparagine in the early stages of attachment in these plant parasites and provide a rationale for targeting aspartate-family amino acid biosynthesis for disrupting the growth of parasitic weeds.
Consolidation of Methods for Visualization and Management of Engineering Design Data Sets

Existing design support tools and methods struggle to deal with numerous data management situations that arise in medium and large-scale design projects. Authors analyse and compare the suitability and efficiency of several methods for managing and visualization of relationships between engineering objects and propose guidelines for building a framework/interface for consolidated usage of those methods in industrial practice. The proposed matrix- based consolidation methodology builds on findings gathered from two monitored design projects as well as previous research in areas of traceability and visualization. For engineering objects (data sets) that belong to one or two domains which are not hierarchically structured it is argued that a simple matrix interface is sufficient to record the relations. Furthermore, if the engineering objects are hierarchically structured the browser interface is suggested. In the most complex situation, where objects belong to multiple different domains the use of diagrams and digital whiteboards is suggested.
HIV/AIDS Among Immigrants in Portugal: Socio-Demographic and Behavioural Correlates of Preventive Practices

HIV infection remains a major public health concern in Europe, with evidence of continuing transmission of HIV. Surveillance data published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe indicate that, in 2009, 53 427 cases of HIV were diagnosed and reported by 49 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region; the rate of HIV cases diagnosed was 8.5 per 100 000 population in this region (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control/World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe [ECDC/WHO Regional Office for Europe], 2010). Migration has been acknowledged as a factor influencing the epidemiology of HIV in Europe (ECDC, 2010a). In 2005, 46% of all cases of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in Western Europe involved migrants from high prevalence countries (ECDC, 2009).
Constraints on the Space Density of Intermediate Polars from the Swift-BAT Survey

We construct a complete, hard X-ray flux-limited sample of intermediate polars (IPs) from the Swift-BAT 70-month survey, by imposing selection cuts in flux and Galactic latitude (FX (is) greater than 2.5 1011 erg cm2 s1 at 14-195 keV, and |b| (is) greater than 5 deg). We then use it to estimate the space density () of IPs. Assuming that this sample of 15 long-period systems is representative of the intrinsic IP population, the space density of long-period IPs is 1+1 0.5 107 pc3. The Swift-BAT data also allow us to place upper limits on the size of a hypothetical population of faint IPs that is not included in the flux-limited sample. While most IPs detected by Swift-BAT have 14-195 keV luminosities of approximately 10(exp 33) erg s1, there is evidence of a fainter population at LX approximately 10(exp 31) erg s1. We find that a population of IPs with this luminosity may have a space density as large as 5 10(exp -6) pc3. Furthermore, these low-luminosity IPs, despite appearing rare in observed samples, are probably at least as intrinsically common as the brighter systems that are better represented in the known IP sample.
Compliance by Believing: An Experimental Exploration on Social Norms and Impartial Agreements

The main contribution of this paper is twofold. First of all, it focuses on the decisional process that leads to the creation of a social norm. Secondly, it analyses the mechanisms through which subjects conform their behaviour to the norm. In particular, our aim is to study the role and the nature of Normative and Empirical Expectations and their influence on people's decisions. The tool is the Exclusion Game, a sort of 'triple mini-dictator game'. It represents a situation where 3 subjects - players A - have to decide how to allocate a sum S among themselves and a fourth subject - player B - who has no decisional power. The experiment consists of three treatments. In the Baseline Treatment participants are randomly distributed in groups of four players and play the Exclusion Game. In the Agreement Treatment in each group participants are invited to vote for a specific non-binding allocation rule before playing the Exclusion Game. In the Outsider Treatment, after the voting procedure and before playing the Exclusion Game, a player A for each group (the outsider) is reassigned to a different group and instructed about the rule chosen by the new group. In all the treatments, at the end of the game and before players are informed about the decisions taken during the Exclusion Game by the other co-players, first order and second order expectations (both normative and empirical) are elicited through a brief questionnaire. The first result we obtained is that subjects' choices are in line with their empirical (not normative) expectations. The second result is that even a non-binding agreement induces convergence of empirical expectations - and, consequently, of choices. The third results is that expectation of conformity is higher in the partner protocol. This implies that a single outsider breaks the 'trust and cooperation' equilibrium.
75-79 Sue-Yin Chu.pmd

Nowadays, heavy usage of fungicide in agricultural industries has resulted in environmental pollution in additional to expose a significant risk to human health. Hence, there is a need to develop alternatives to replace synthetic fungicides. In this research, phytochemical test was carried out on both fruits and leaves of Cerbera odollam Gaertn using standardized procedures to determine the antifungal compounds present in the ethanol extracts. Antifungal bioassay was performed through KirbyBauer disc diffusion method at various weight (0.5mg to 100mg) against fungi: Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicilium citrum. Fungi assay was assessed based on the minimum inhibitory amount of both ethanol extracts. The results of the research showed the presence of the active compounds such as alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, phenol, steroid, tannin and terpenoid in the extracts. Leaves extracts were found to have more phytoconstituents as compared to the fruits extracts. Besides, antifungal activity of leaves extract had moderate antifungal effects against Aspergillus niger (13.40mm inhibition zone) and Penicilium citrum (15.73mm inhibition zone). However, Fusarium oxysporum did not exhibit inhibition zone with this extract. Leaves extract showed best antifungal activity against Penicilium citrum, with the lowest dosage (<1mg) when compared to others. Meanwhile, fruits had showed weak antifungal activity (below 11.00mm inhibition zone) for all the tested fungi. The study on Cerbera odollam’s fruits and leaves extract indicated that they have an antifungal potential to be used as an alternative to synthetic fungicides. Investigation for its active biocompounds could be exploited further.
Prior knowledge modulates peripheral color appearance

Color perception deteriorates with increasing eccentricity in the visual field. Here, we investigated peripheral color perception using a painting method, asking how prior knowledge affects color appearance. A professional artist was presented with complex, cluttered images in the visual periphery. The task was to paint as accurately as possible how each image appeared. Eye tracking assured that the image was only viewed in the periphery. The resulting paintings were strongly compromised. After finishing a painting, the target image was freely viewed to acquire knowledge about it. Next, the same image was presented at the same peripheral location and painted again. There were two conditions for the second painting. In the first condition, the image was again masked when not fixating the fixation dot (as during the first presentation). In the second condition, the image was not masked, allowing saccades to the image. In both conditions, the paintings resulting from the first presentation showed clear differences compared to the second presentation. Salient color regions in the images that were not painted during the first presentation, were painted during the second presentation. Color changes were less pronounced in the first than in the second condition. Importantly, several image features were remembered but not painted during the second presentation, showing - in addition to subjective reports – the perceptual nature of the effect. Our results indicate that prior knowledge of peripheral targets strongly shapes perception.
Evaluation of Rumen Metabolism and Digestibility when Treated Crop Residues are Fed in Cattle Finishing Diets

A metabolism trial was conducted to evaluate rumen pH, digestibility, and ruminal VFA concentrations of steers fed 25% CaO treated or untreated cobs, wheat straw, and corn stover. Treated diets had greater digestibility of DM, OM, and NDF compared to untreated diets. Substituting 15 percentage units of corn and 10% roughage with 25 percentage units of 5% CaO treated cobs, wheat straw, or corn stover resulted in similar DM digestibility, rumen pH and VFA concentrations.
Does the Universe Have a Hard Drive

We discuss an apparent information paradox that arises in a materialist's description of the Universe if we assume that the Universe is 100% quantum. We discuss possible ways out of the paradox, including that Laws of Nature are not purely deterministic, or that gravity is classical. Our observation of the paradox stems from an interdisciplinary thought process whereby the Universe can be viewed as a "quantum computer". Our presentation is intentionally nontechnical to make it accessible to as wide a readership base as possible.
Vector and Scalar Potentials, Advanced and Retarded Waves and Nonlocal Phenomena

The issue of whether Bell's theorem and other remote connectedness phenomena, such as Young's double slit experiment, demands superluminal or space-like signals or prior generated luminal signals is an area of hot debate. This also relates to the existence of advanced vs. retarded potentials and annihilation creation operators which are of interest in this regard. Using the complex model of we will examine the issue of the nonlocality of Bell's theorem as quantum mechanical ‘transactions’ providing a microscopic communication path between detectors across space-like intervals, which violate the EPR locality postulate [1]. See Chap. 4. This picture appears consistent with the remote connectedness properties of complex Minkowski space. Also, there are implications for macroscopic communications channels; another area of debate. Detailed discussions of Bell's theorem are given in [2].
Ecology and Biology of Coral Disease on the Great Barrier Reef

This study examines the implications of disease for the structure and resilience of Great Barrier Reef (GBR) coral assemblages. Annual disease surveys in the northern and central sections of the GBR between 2004 and 2006 indicate that disease is ubiquitous and persistent throughout much of the GBR. Seven diseases commonly affect a wide range of anthozoan taxa, albeit at relatively low levels of prevalence (~ 3% of scleractinian corals). Nonetheless, values recorded for disease prevalence and for rates of tissue loss and mortality indicate that the acute impacts of diseases such as black band disease (BBD) and skeletal eroding band (SEB) can be similar to those of diseases that have caused significant declines in Caribbean coral populations, highlighting the significant role disease is likely to play in structuring at least some GBR coral assemblages. Two families, the Pocilloporidae and Acroporidae, consistently ranked highest in a disease susceptibility hierarchy determined for GBR corals. Consistency in spatial patterns in the prevalence of BBD coupled with consistency in disease susceptibility hierarchies over crossand long-shelf gradients in turbidity, wave action, and water quality, indicate that these environmental factors are not the primary drivers of disease occurrence on the GBR. Instead, concordance in family rankings for susceptibility to disease and susceptibility to other factors that compromise coral health (thermal bleaching, injury from predators, and interactions with macro-algae) suggests that fast growing, branching morphologies of acroporid and pocilloporid corals, and their resultant high abundance in many Indo-Pacific coral assemblages, enhance the vulnerability of these families to a diversity of pathogens, in addition to a range of other biological and physical stressors.
STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS ON PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE OF NONLINEAR RELATIONSHIPS OF LISTED COMPANIES IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS

This work concerns the study of the influence of governance mechanisms on the performance of listed companies in different contexts, with evidence for nonlinear relationships. The sample consisting of 146 companies is grouped in 46 Portuguese and 100 British companies. The multiple linear regression and nonlinear regression were used. It was concluded that the influence of governance mechanisms on the performance of companies in different contexts is diverse and that there are nonlinear relationships whose effect represents an important contribution to understand the governance model.