Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical tweezers and non-ratiometric fluorescent-dye-based studies of respiration in sperm mitochondria

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the mitochondrial membrane potential affects sperm motility using laser tweezers and a non-ratiometric fluorescent probe, DiOC6(3). A 1064 nm Nd:YVO4 continuous wave laser was used to trap motile sperm at a power of 450 mW in the trap spot. Using customized tracking software, the curvilinear velocity (VCL) and the escape force from the laser tweezers were measured. Human (Homo sapiens), dog (Canis lupis familiaris) and drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) sperm were treated with DiOC6(3) to measure the membrane potential in the mitochondria-rich sperm midpieces. Sperm from all three species exhibited an increase in fluorescence when treated with the DiOC6(3). When a cyanide inhibitor (CCCP) of aerobic respiration was applied, sperm of all three species exhibited a reduction in fluorescence to pre-dye levels. With respect to VCL and escape force, the CCCP had no effect on dog or human sperm, suggesting a major reliance upon anaerobic respiration (glycolysis) for ATP in these two species. Based on the preliminary study on drill sperm, CCCP caused a drop in the VCL, suggesting potential reliance on both glycolysis and aerobic respiration for motility. The results demonstrate that optical trapping in combination with DiOC6(3) is an effective way to study sperm motility and energetics.
CEO INCENTIVE COMPENSATION AND STOCK RETURNS: EVIDENCE FROM AUSTRALIA

We investigate the relation between CEO compensation and stock returns in Australia and find evidence that firms managed by CEOs with higher incentive pay earn higher returns in a period up to three years. The relation is more pronounced for firms led by younger CEOs and firms operating in research-intensive industries. In addition, we find some evidence indicating that innovation serves as a channel though which incentive pay affects stock returns. In particular, higher incentive pay induces CEOs to take more risk by investing more in risky projects, such as innovative activities which consequently make firms riskier and have higher expected stock returns.
Evaluation of Some Morphological and Agronomical Traits of Rapeseed Cultivars in Response to Withhold Irrigation from Different Growth Stages

Water deficit is an important factor limiting crop production worldwide. Drought stress can be managed by improving the availability of soil moisture conserved and selecting drought tolerant genotypes. In order to evaluate water deficit effects on morphological and agronomical traits in rapeseed cultivars, an experiment was conducted at research farm of the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran (35°59 ́N, 50°75E and 151 m altitude) over two successive years (2007-2009). The experiments were arranged in a split-plot on basis of randomized completely block design (RCBD) (water limitation treatments as a main plots and cultivars as a sub-plot) with three replications. The result of this experiment showed that rapeseed cultivars and water stress significantly affected on all traits except oil content, 1000-seed weight and harvest index. The least reduction of seed yield in water deficit conditions has produced in Zarfam cultivar. Also, this cultivar had lower decreasing of oil yield in stress conditions and it has the best adaptation in water deficit conditions. These results may be due to the reduction of photosynthesis and chlorophyll content.
Evaluation of Feed Stimulants in Diets for Sea Bream (Sparus aurata)

Six isoprotein and isolipidic diets were formulated to investigate the effect of dietary additives on growth and feed efficiency of sea bream (Sparus aurata) fry fed a fishmeal-based diet for 80 days. The additives (protorsan, hydrolyzed fish protein, squid meal, krill meal, and betaine + inosine-5’monophosphate) were added to the diets at the expense of fishmeal. The specific growth rates of the fish ranged from 2.17-2.18% per day for the protorsan and control groups to 2.42% per day for the group fed the squid additive. Significant differences (p 0.05) between treatments. The feed stimulating action of taurine was tested by observation. Pellets coated in a taurine solution were more actively consumed than control pellets during the morning feeding but consumption did not differ during the afternoon feeding.
The impact of thermal loads on indoor air flow

SUMMARY The potential for draught discomfort and high air velocities in the occupied zone are often studied with only cooling design in mind. During the transition season, however, downward flows with high air velocities may occur in the occupied zone due to cold window surfaces. Airflow generated by supply air terminal dervices may further enhence the velocity in the occupied zone. Furthermore, convection flows caused by thermal loads may significantly affect the air flow conditions in the room as a whole and assist the occurance of high velocity near occupants. Analyses of results from full-scale measurements with chilled beams presented in this paper reveal that installations with possibilities of convection flow oposing the supplied flow should be avoided. Generally speaking, convection flows have less impact on air distribution in rooms with chilled beams installed in lengthwise direction than when installed crosswise in rooms.
Electric effects induced by artificial seismic sources at Somma-Vesuvius volcano

In this paper, we present a series of self-potential measurements at Somma-Vesuvius volcanic area acquired in conjunction with an active seismic tomography survey. The aim of our study is both to provide further confirmation to the occurrence of seismo-electric coupling and to identify sites suitable for self-potential signal monitoring at Somma-Vesuvius district. The data, which were collected along two perpendicular dipoles, show significant changes on the natural electric field pattern. These variations, attributable to electrokinetic processes triggered by the artificial seismic waves, were observed after explosions occurred at a distance less than 5 km from the SP dipole arrays. In particular, we found that the NW-SE component of the natural electric field was more sensible to the shots than the NE-SW one, and the major effects did not correspond to the nearest shots. Such evidences were interpreted considering the underground electrical properties as deduced by previous detailed resistivity and self-potential surveys performed in the study area.
The unusual, lepidosome-coated resting cyst of Meseres corlissi [Ciliophora: Oligotrichea]: transmission electron microscopy and phylogeny

Summary. This is the first detailed study on the fine structure of the resting cyst of an oligotrichine ciliate, that is, the halteriid Meseres corlissi Petz and Foissner (1992), using a new, “strong” fixative composed of glutaraldehyde, osmium tetroxide, and mercuric chloride. The cyst wall consists of five distinct layers (from inside to outside): metacyst, endocyst, mesocyst, ectocyst, and the pericyst, a new term for all materials produced by the encysting cell and deposited upon the ectocyst. Structurally, the five layers of the Meseres cyst are similar to those of the stichotrichine (e.g., Oxytricha) and phacodinine (Phacodinium) spirotrichs, except of the thin ectocyst which is not lamellar but coarsely granular. The ectomesocyst likely corresponds to the chitin layer demonstrated by the Van Wisselingh colour test. The lepidosomes are within the fluffy, mucous pericyst whose proximal zone forms a reticulate, membrane-like structure on the ectoc yst. The mucus consists of very fine filaments with a diameter of about 3 nm, while the lepidosomes are composed of fibres about 20 nm a cross. The encysted cell is similar to other kinetosome-resorbing ciliate cysts, except of curious inclusions possibly related to the lepidosomes. The data are compared with respect to the classification of the halteriids. While the general wall structure indicates a sticho trichine relationship, the ectocyst, the lepidosomes, and the chitin layer in the cyst wall suggest the halteriids as a distinct group m ore closely related to the oligotrichine than stichotrichine spirotrichs.
The Effects of A 90-Minute Simulated Soccer Match-Play on Knee and Hip Kinematics

Knee and hip extension are two proposed mechanisms of non-traumatic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This study aimed to investigate the changes of the hip extension angles following exertion induced by an overground simulated soccer match-play. Fifteen male recreational players consented to this study and were required to complete a 90 minutes of simulated soccer match-play. Knee and hip angles were measured at initial contact during 45° anticipated side-cutting tasks performed prior to the simulation (time 0 min), at the end of the first half (time 45 min) prior to the second half (time 60 min) and at the end of the soccer match simulation (time 105 min). A two (group: dominant, nondominant) × four (time: 0 min, 45 min, 60 min and 105 min) mixed between- and within- subjects ANOVA was utilized. Results revealed that both knee and hip extension angles were significantly altered over time (knee: F 3,102 = 4.464, p = 0.005, η 2 = 0.116; hip: F 3,102 = 9.998, p = 0.000, η 2 = 0.227), however no significant differences were observed between dominant and nondominant sides (knee: F 1,34 = 0.026, p = 0.872, η 2 = 0.001; hip: F 1,34 = 0.225, p = 0.638, η 2 = 0.007). Pairwise comparisons indicated that the knee and hip is more during the second half of the simulation (time 60 min and time 105 min), compared to pre-exertion (time 0 min) (p < 0.05). The more erect knee and hip landing postures observed suggested a greater risk of ACL injury during the latter stage of each halves of match-play, supporting epidemiological observations. Further interrogations of the kinematic differences in the knees and hips across limb dominance are warranted for a more comprehensive understanding of the changes in a multiplanar perspective following soccer specific fatigue development.
Psychological risk factors associated with falls among elderly people in Baghdad city, Iraq

Background: Ageing of the population is one of the most important demographic facts that come to the foreground in the 21st century. Objective: To assess the relationship between psychological factors (depression, loneliness, using anti anxiety medication, fear from falls and internal displacement of the population) and falls among elderly people in Baghdad city, Iraq. Methods: A matched 1:1 community based case-control study involving 716 elderly respondents, recruited randomly from six Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in different areas of Baghdad. Interviews to each respondent were done accordingly. Geriatric depression scale (GDS) was used to assess the depression among the elderly people. Results: The minimum age for cases and controls was 60 years old while the maximum age for cases was 87 and for controls was 85 years old. The female was predominant than male, 53.6% to 46.4% respectively. The relation between depression, fear from fall, using anti anxiety medication, internal displacement and falls was statistically significant (p
Educational Choices and Subjective Expectations of Returns: Evidence on Intra-Household Decisions and Gender Difierences

The goal of this paper is to improve our understanding of educational decisions in two dimensions: First, we investigate, if determinants of schooling difier between male and female youths. We take into account expectations about monetary returns to schooling, perceptions about earnings and unemployment risk and returns to schooling in the marriage market. Second, we analyze the decision-making process within the household by addressing the question whose expectations matter in schooling decisions, the ones of the parents or the ones of the youths, and whether this depends on the gender of the youth. To address these questions we use a data set on Mexican teenagers that elicits their own and their parents’ beliefs about future earnings for difierent scenarios of highest schooling degree, that contains proxies for returns in the marriage market and provides information about the actual schooling choice. We flnd that boys care more about monetary returns to schooling than girls {in particular in the decision to attend college{, while marriage market considerations seem particularly important for girls. Gender difierences in preferences are smaller in families with more educated parents. Risk perceptions matter for the high school decision and seem generally more important from the perspective of the parents. In terms of the intra-household decision process, boys seem to either decide on their own or jointly with their fathers, while mothers are always involved in the schooling decisions of girls. The exact role of parents depends on household composition and parental education.
Martensitic transformations with a classical isotropic two body potential: Intrinsic hysteresis and superelasticity

We constructed an isotropic interaction potential for a set of classical identical particles that displays a discontinuous change of its crystalline ground state when a parameter is varied. We used this model to study some properties associated to martensitic transformations. We concentrate here on the triangular-rombohedral transformation in two dimensions, focusing on the hysteresis of the transition, and present also results for the superelasticity effect.
THE INFLUENCE OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING ON YOUNG RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS BALANCE

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence proprioceptive training has on the development of the balance ability in young rhythmic gymnasts. This study was conducted on a sample of 60 healthy girls, aged 7-8, who practice rhythmic gymnastics. The whole sample was divided into two groups: an experimental (33 girls) and control (27 girls) one. The experimental group was engaged in proprioceptive training before regular rhythmic gymnastics training sessions for a period of 12 weeks (24 training sessions), while the control group was engaged in only regular rhythmic gymnastics training. Based on earlier research, it was assumed that proprioceptive training will improve the balance ability in rhythmic gymnasts. To estimate the effects of this method of training, balance ability was assessed by 6 balance tests. All of the participants were tested before the commencing of the experiment and subsequently after 12 weeks of applying experimental treatment. To determine the differences in the results from the initial measuring and the final measuring, the t-test for dependent samples was used and the t-test for independent samples was used to determine the difference between groups at the initial and also at the final measuring. It was concluded that proprioceptive training can significantly improve the ability of rhythmic gymnasts aged 7-8 to maintain balance.
A Dual Grating Waveguide Structure for Wakefield Acceleration at THz

A dual grating waveguide accelerator structure is investigated and compared with the dielectric wakefleld accelerator at THz frequencies. In a dielectric wakefleld accelerator, thinner liners for a given current and liners having lower dielectric constant are not preferable due to the fact that they generate much lower axial wakeflelds. This limits the operation of the device at THz. On the other hand, it is shown that a grating waveguide is tuned at THz with shallower slot heights with competitive wakefleld gradients than a dielectric wakefleld accelerator.
Effect of predation risk and food availability on parental care and nest survival in suburban and wildland Florida Scrub-Jays

Human modification of habitats can reduce reproductive success by creating “evolutionary traps” that mimic natural cues and cause maladaptive behaviors. Differences in food and predator abundance in urban areas can cause miscues that could potentially lead to a reduction in parental care and reproductive success. By manipulating an adult’s perception of predation risk and the availability of nestling foods in urban and wildland areas, we were able to test whether these factors influenced parental care, nestling begging and nest survival during the nestling stage. Experimentally increasing the perception of adult predation risk reduced parental care in both suburban and wildland females. Increasing the availability of nestling food reduced parental care in suburban females but had no effect in wildland females. Increasing food availability, but not predation risk, decreased call rates but increased call frequency in nestling scrub-jays from both habitats. However, neither parental care nor food availability had much influence on nest survival during the nestling stage. Instead, side nest concealment and the presence of helpers were the most important variables in nest survival analyses prompting other 1 This chapter will be submitted as a co-authored manuscript. I will be the primary author and I will include Reed Bowman as a co-author.
Supply Chain Management Scenario in India

Despite the extensive research carried out in the area of supply chain management (SCM) all over the world, SCM practices have not yet been well adopted in developing countries like India. Supply Chain Management and Logistics involves optimizing the delivery of goods, services and information from supplier to customer. An effective supply chain makes companies competitive and profitable. Information is essential to making optimal supply chain decisions because it provides the global scope needed to make optimal decisions. Information technology (IT) provides the tools together this information and analyses it to make the best supply chain decisions
The Spears of Twilight: Life and Death in the Amazon Jungle

The Jivaro tribe, or Achuar, as they prefer to be known, have survived in isolation in the Amazonian jungle by headhunting. They have preserved a tribal life which resembles that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Only one representative of civilized society, Philippe Descola has been admitted to their company. This book depicts an unfamiliar civilization whose values are often bizarre to Western eyes. Over 20 years of increasing intimacy with the Achuar, Descola has produced a portrait of a culture no less complex than our own. He describes their myths, their interpretation of dreams and their concepts of time and nature and leadership.
A reflective characterization of Occasional User

This work revisits established user classifications a d aims to characterise a historically unspecified user category, the Occasional User (OU) . Three user categories, novice, intermediate and expert , have dominated the work of user interface (UI) desi gners, researchers and educators for decades. These categories were created to conceptua lise ser’s needs, strategies and goals around the 80s. Since then, UI paradigm shifts, such as di rect manipulation and touch, along with other advances in technology, gave new access to people w ith little computer knowledge. This fact produced a diversification of the existing user categories not observed in th e li erature review of traditional classification of users. The findings o f this work include a new characterisation of the occasional user, distinguished by user’s uncertaint y of repetitive use of an interface and little knowledge about its functioning. In addition, the s pecification of the OU, together with principles and recommendations will help UI community to infor matively design for users without requiring a prospective use and previous knowledge of the UI. T he OU is an essential type of user to apply user-centred design approach to understand the inte raction with technology as universal, accessible and transparent for the user, independently of accu mulated experience and technological era that users live in.
Non-Keynesian Effects of Fiscal Consolidation: An Analysis with an Estimated DSGE Model for the Hungarian Economy

Using an estimated DSGE model for Hungary, the paper identifies the possible non-Keynesian channels through which a fiscal consolidation may manifest as expansionary. Simulations show that fiscal consolidation policies are typically contractionary. Nevertheless, taking into account some specific features of the Hungarian economy, there is a possibility that expansionary effects arise. These effects may take the form of a drop in interest rate risk premium or favourable balance sheet effects through the appreciation of the currency. However, the credibility of fiscal consolidation is key in achieving positive output effects. A non-credible consolidation is unlikely to expand output, regardless of the assumptions regarding the specific features of the economy, and regardless of the composition of a consolidation package. Les effets non-Keynesiens de l'assainissement budgetaire : une analyse avec un modele DSGE estime pour l'economie hongroise A partir d’un modele d’equilibre general dynamique et stochastique (DSGE) estime pour la Hongrie, ce papier identifie les canaux non-Keynesiens susceptibles de donner un caractere expansionniste a un assainissement budgetaire. Les simulations montrent que les politiques d’ajustement budgetaire se traduisent generalement par une contraction de l’activite. Toutefois, compte tenu de certaines caracteristiques propres a l’economie hongroise, il est probable que des effets expansionnistes surviennent. Ces effets peuvent prendre la forme d’une baisse de la prime de risque de taux d’interet ou d’effets de bilan favorables du fait d’une appreciation du taux de change. Cela etant, la credibilite de l’assainissement budgetaire est indispensable pour obtenir des effets positifs sur la production. Un ajustement non credible a peu de chances de produire de tels effets, quelles que soient les hypotheses retenues a propos des caracteristiques de l’economie et quelle que soit la composition du programme d’assainissement.
Late Pleistocene to Holocene climate and limnological changes at Lake Karakul (Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan)

Abstract. Lake Karakul, located in the eastern Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, is today dominated by the Westerlies. It is a matter of debate whether the Indian Monsoon influenced the region in the past. We analysed an 11.25 m sediment core covering the last 29,000 years to assess and separate lake-internal and lake-external processes, and to infer changes in the predominant atmospheric circulation. Among the parameters indicating lake-external processes, high values in grain-size end-member (EM) 3 (wide grain-size distribution, marking fluvial input) and Sr/Rb and Zr/Rb ratios (coinciding with coarse grain sizes, implying increased physical weathering) are interpreted as a strong monsoonal impact. High values in EM1, EM2 (peaking at small grain sizes reflecting Westerlies-derived dust) and TiO2 (terrigenous input) are assumed to reflect a strong influence of Westerlies. High input of far-transported dust from the pre-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the late glacial reflects the Westerlies influence, while peaks in fluvial input suggest monsoonal influence. The early to early-mid Holocene is characterised by coarse mean grain sizes, increased physical weathering and constantly high fluvial input indicating a strengthened Indian Monsoon that reached further north into the Karakul region. A steady increase in terrigenous dust, decrease in fluvial input and physical weathering from 6.7 cal kyr BP onwards signals that Westerlies became the predominant atmospheric circulation and brought an arid climate to the region. Proxies for productivity (TOC, C/N, TOCBr), redox potential (Fe/Mn) and changes in the endogenic carbonate precipitation (TIC) indicate lake-internal changes. Low productivity characterised the lake from the late Pleistocene until 6.7 cal kyr BP and rapidly increased afterwards. The lake level remained low until the LGM, but water depth increased during the late glacial, reaching a high-stand during the early Holocene. Subsequently, the water level decreased until its present state. Today the lake system is mainly climatically controlled but the depositional regime is also driven by lake-internal limnogeological processes.