Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A solar cycle of upper thermosphere density observations from the EISCAT Svalbard Radar

We exploit a recently developed technique, based on ion‐neutral coupling, which allows estimations of the upper thermospheric neutral density using measurements of ionospheric plasma parameters made by the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) Svalbard Radar (ESR). The technique is applied to a 13 year long data set of measurements for the purpose of studying and quantifying the effect of solar activity on the upper thermospheric density inside the polar cap. We concentrate on the effect of solar activity at 350 km altitude and find a strong linear correlation between the ESR estimates for the atomic oxygen density and the solar irradiance proxy F10.7 index. We use the relationship to isolate variations in the thermospheric density that are present after solar activity influences are removed. Our results show a decrease in the density of a few percent over the 13 year period, which is nevertheless smaller than the uncertainty associated with the decline. We anticipate that the statistical significance of this result will only increase by studying a longer data set. Conjunctions with the CHAMP satellite that show very good agreement is achieved at 350 km especially during low solar activity.
Three‐dimensional MHD simulation of two coronal mass ejections' propagation and interaction using a successive magnetized plasma blobs model

A three-dimensional (3-D), time-dependent, numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model is used to investigate the evolution and interaction of two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the nonhomogeneous ambient solar wind. The background solar wind is constructed on the basis of the self-consistent source surface with observed line of sight of magnetic field and density from the source surface of 2.5 R(s) to Earth's orbit (215 R(s)) and beyond. The two successive CMEs occurring on 28 March 2001 and forming a multiple magnetic cloud in interplanetary space are chosen as a test case, in which they are simulated by means of a two high-density, high-velocity, and high-temperature magnetized plasma blobs model, and are successively ejected into the nonhomogeneous background solar wind medium along different initial launch directions. The dynamical propagation and interaction of the two CMEs between 2.5 and 220 R(s) are investigated. Our simulation results show that, although the two CMEs are separated by 10 h, the second CME is able to overtake the first one and cause compound interactions and an obvious acceleration of the shock. At the L1 point near Earth the two resultant magnetic clouds in our simulation are consistent with the observations by ACE. In this validation study we find that this 3-D MHD model, with the self-consistent source surface as the initial boundary condition and the magnetized plasma blob as the CME model, is able to reproduce and explain some of the general characters of the multiple magnetic clouds observed by satellite.
Property Maintenance Management in Malaysian Local Authorities: The Implementation Issues

Property maintenance management is an important practice in ensuring local governments (LG) are able to provide the best service to the local communities through the utilization of various property types. At present however, there is clear evidence demonstrating that the level of property maintenance management implementation is still unsatisfactory. This paper aims to discuss the related issues that often occur in the practice of property maintenance management within LG organizations. Secondary sources such as journal articles, reports, newspaper cuttings and other similar sources were used to support the identification and discussion of these issues. The paper managed to identify five main issues present in Malaysian LG organizations within the context of property maintenance management, namely, policy and strategy; human factor; resource constrain; knowledge and skill; and, governance factor.
Red giants observed by CoRoT and APOGEE: The evolution of the Milky Way's radial metallicity gradient

Using combined asteroseismic and spectroscopic observations of 418 red-giant stars close to the Galactic disc plane (6 kpc $<R_{\rm Gal}\lesssim13$ kpc, $|Z_{\rm Gal}|<0.3$ kpc), we measure the age dependence of the radial metallicity distribution in the Milky Way's thin disc over cosmic time. The slope of the radial iron gradient of the young red-giant population ($-0.058\pm0.008$ [stat.] $\pm0.003$ [syst.] dex/kpc) is consistent with recent Cepheid measurements. For stellar populations with ages of $1-4$ Gyr the gradient is slightly steeper, at a value of $-0.066\pm0.007\pm0.002$ dex/kpc, and then flattens again to reach a value of $\sim-0.03$ dex/kpc for stars with ages between 6 and 10 Gyr. Our results are in good agreement with a state-of-the-art chemo-dynamical Milky-Way model in which the evolution of the abundance gradient and its scatter can be entirely explained by a non-varying negative metallicity gradient in the interstellar medium, together with stellar radial heating and migration. We also offer an explanation for why intermediate-age open clusters in the Solar Neighbourhood can be more metal-rich, and why their radial metallicity gradient seems to be much steeper than that of the youngest clusters. Already within 2 Gyr, radial mixing can bring metal-rich clusters from the innermost regions of the disc to Galactocentric radii of 5 to 8 kpc. We suggest that these outward-migrating clusters may be less prone to tidal disruption and therefore steepen the local intermediate-age cluster metallicity gradient. Our scenario also explains why the strong steepening of the local iron gradient with age is not seen in field stars. In the near future, asteroseismic data from the K2 mission will allow for improved statistics and a better coverage of the inner-disc regions, thereby providing tighter constraints on the evolution of the central parts of the Milky Way.
Household-level Recovery after Floods in a Developing Country: Evidence from Pakistan

Based on a panel survey conducted in rural Pakistan, this paper analyzes the extent to which households recovered from damage due to floods that hit the country in 2010. With regard to initial recovery, households who had initially fewer assets and were hit by greater flood damage had more difficulty in recovering. After one year, the overall recovery had improved, with initially rich households associated with faster recovery but the speed of recovery decelerated. The overall pattern indicates that the village economy was turning towards the initial asset distribution despite the short-run disturbance to the household economy.
Clinico-etiological pattern of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children (5-18 years age group) at a tertiary care center in central India

Background: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB), defined as bleeding occurring distal to the ligament of Treitz, is a common presenting symptom in pediatric patients. Objective: To understand the clinico-etiological pattern of LGIB in children in the age group 5-18 years. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out at a tertiary health-care center in central India between January 2011 and August 2012. We consecutively enrolled all patients in the age group 5-18 years who came to our center with gross LGIB or two consecutive positive occult blood tests with at least 1-week interval between tests. All patients underwent colonoscopy (small, flexible Olympus PCF-20 colonoscope) and the findings were recorded. The procedure was done only after proper informed consent from the parents. Results: Total 38 patients were included in the study with above-mentioned inclusion and exclusion criteria, during the study period. Male to female ratio in LGIB was 2.16:1. LGIB was most common in children aged 5-10 years (63.1%), followed by 10-14 years (26.3%). Hematochezia was the most common presenting symptom (78.9%) followed by melena (21.1%). The most common causes of LGIB were colitis and colorectal polyp (31.6% each) followed by anal fissures (21.1%). Anemia was present in 68.4% patients at the time of presentation. Recurrence of LGIB was noted in 18 (47.4%) patients. Conclusion: We conclude that LGIB is most common in 5-10 years of children (school age) with hematochezia as the most common presenting symptom. Causes of LGIB in children in developing countries are same as developed countries (polyps and colitis being most common, followed by anal fissure), but further studies are required to determine the significant correlation between findings.
Primary Mental Health Care Services in Ethiopia: Experiences,Opportunities and Challenges from East African Country

Ethiopia a country located in the horn of Africa, is one of the ancient independent nation in the world and has rich in diversity and cultures. The country covers 1.1 km2 [1]. It has population of 101,497,038 million peoples of which 50,524,765 (49.8%) are makes and 50,982,273 (50.2%) are females [1]. The country has over 80 different ethnic groups and it is the second most populous nation the east Africa next to Nigeria [1]. Total life expectancy (both sexes) for Ethiopia is 56.2 years. This is below the average life expectancy at birth of the global population which is about 71 years. Male life expectancy at birth is 53.6 years and female life expectancy at birth is 58.8 years [1].
Pharmacogenomic Testing in the Era of Patient-Tailored HCV Treatment

Hepatitis C affects approximately 180 million people worldwide, with 3–4 million newly infected each year. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been classified into seven different genotype categories, wherein HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1) is the most prevalent. To date, there is still no vaccine available against HCV infection. Until recently, combination therapy of pegylated interferon-a (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) has been the standard of care. Nevertheless, for many patients, particularly those infected with HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1), this treatment has resulted with unsatisfactory treatment response rates and high adverse drug reaction (ADR) rates. Many clinical factors, including pharmacogenetics, influence the treatment response rate. This review focuses on the association between pharmacogenetics and HCV antiviral therapy in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and other genotypes (GT); patients reinfected with HCV after liver transplantation; and patients coinfected with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus. Data considering triple therapy in HCV-infected patients are also reviewed. Additionally, various genetic polymorphisms, with an empha- sis to IL-28B, and their association with pharmacogenetic testing in HCV are discussed.
An estimation of the white dwarf mass in the Dwarf Nova GK Persei with NuSTAR observations of two states

We report on X-ray observations of the Dwarf Nova GK Persei performed by {\it NuSTAR} in 2015. GK Persei, behaving also as an Intermediate Polar, exhibited a Dwarf Nova outburst in 2015 March--April. The object was observed with {\sl NuSTAR} during the outburst state, and again in a quiescent state wherein the 15--50 keV flux was 33 times lower. Using a multi-temperature plasma emission and reflection model, the highest plasma temperature in the accretion column was measured as $19.7^{+1.3}_{-1.0}$~keV in outburst and $36.2^{+3.5}_{-3.2}$~keV in quiescence. The significant change of the maximum temperature is considered to reflect an accretion-induced decrease of the inner-disk radius $R_{\rm in}$, where accreting gas is captured by the magnetosphere. Assuming this radius scales as $R_{\rm in} \propto \dot{M}^{-2/7}$ where $\dot{M}$ is the mass accretion rate, we obtain $R_{\rm in} = 1.9 ^{+0.4}_{-0.2}~R_{\rm WD}$ and $R_{\rm in} = 7.4^{+2.1}_{-1.2}~R_{\rm WD}$ in outburst and quiescence respectively, where $R_{\rm WD}$ is the white-dwarf radius of this system. Utilising the measured temperatures and fluxes, as well as the standard mass-radius relation of white dwarfs, we estimate the white-dwarf mass as $M_{\rm WD} = 0.87~\pm~0.08~M_{\rm \odot}$ including typical systematic uncertainties by 7%. The surface magnetic field is also measured as $B \sim 5 \times 10^{5}$~G. These results exemplify a new X-ray method of estimating $M_{\rm WD}$ and $B$ of white dwarfs by using large changes in $\dot{M}$.
Biodegradable Poly-pentadecalactone (PDL) Synthesis via Synergistic Lipase and Microwave Catalysis

A large nu mber of currently used synthetic biodegradable polymers in bio med ical engineering applications are polyesters based materials and thus research on the synthesis, properties, manufacturing and processing of aliphatic polyesters continues to be of great importance. Poly -ω-pentadecalactone (PPDL) a lactone based ring opening polymer has good mechanical properties and the presence of hydrolysable ester linkages along the poly mer chain making it desirable as a biodegradable material for diversified bio med ical engineering applications. In this paper we report the formation of PPDL using the synergistic effects of lipase and microwave (MW) technology. The effect of reaction time on the PPDL poly mer chain growth has been investigated. PPDL have been formed using lipase and MW irradiation at varying reaction time intervals (30-240 mins). Synergistic MW and lipase catalyzed poly merization of PPDL gave a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 24,997 g/ mol and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.93 in 240 mins as compared to Mn of 8,060 g/mo l and PDI of 2.17 using lipase and tradit ional heating. Thermal characterizat ion of PPDL fo rmed using MW and lipase catalysis showed that MW did not have a detrimental effect on the thermal properties of the poly mer obtained.
INFLUENCE OF ANURAN PREY ON THE CONDITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF RANA MUSCOSA IN THE SIERRA NEVADA

Mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa) at high elevations of the Sierra Nevada must obtain enough food during summer to survive 7–9 winter months when their aquatic habitats are frozen and food is presumably unavailable. Adults of R. muscosa prey on a variety of organisms, including aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and anuran larvae. To determine if anuran larvae influence the condition, distribution, and survival of adults of R. muscosa, we assessed body condition (variation from the expected mass for given length) and distribution of R. muscosa in relation to abundance and distribution of larval Hyla regilla, Bufo canorus, and Bufo boreas. Using three years of mark-recapture data, we found that abundance of larval H. regilla in a water body was positively correlated with the condition of R. muscosa. Moreover, R. muscosa had higher relative mass (Wr) values in areas with other anuran larvae than in areas with no other amphibian species. High Wr values significantly increased the probability of recapturing frogs in following years. Using surveys of over 1700 lakes and ponds in the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park, we also found that the presence of larval H. regilla or Bufo in a water body was a significant indicator of the presence of adults of R. muscosa after accounting for significant habitat and isolation variables. These findings taken together suggest that some adults of R. muscosa actively seek out water bodies with other anuran species during the critical summer months and that the anuran larvae provide a nutritious food source that increases the body condition and, therefore, survival of the frogs.
Computationally efficient air quality forecasting tool: implementation ofSTOPS v1.5 model into CMAQ v5.0.2 for a prediction of Asian dust

Abstract. This study suggests a new modeling framework using a hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian-based modeling tool (the Screening Trajectory Ozone Prediction System, STOPS) for a prediction of an Asian dust event in Korea. The new version of STOPS (v1.5) has been implemented into the Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model version 5.0. 2. The STOPS modeling system is a moving nest (Lagrangian approach) between the source and the receptor inside the host Eulerian CMAQ model. The proposed model generates simulation results that are relatively consistent with those of CMAQ but within a comparatively shorter computational time period. We find that standard CMAQ generally underestimates PM10 concentrations during the simulation period (February 2015) and fails to capture PM10 peaks during Asian dust events (22–24 February 2015). The underestimation in PM10 concentration is very likely due to missing dust emissions in CMAQ rather than incorrectly simulated meteorology, as the model meteorology agrees well with the observations. To improve the underestimated PM10 results from CMAQ, we used the STOPS model with constrained PM concentrations based on aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI), reflecting real-time initial and boundary conditions of dust particles near the Korean Peninsula. The simulated PM10 from the STOPS simulations were improved significantly and closely matched the surface observations. With additional verification of the capabilities of the methodology on emission estimations and more STOPS simulations for various time periods, the STOPS model could prove to be a useful tool not just for the predictions of Asian dust but also for other unexpected events such as wildfires and oil spills.
AGE AND GENDER AS PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF COLLEGE MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDENTS.

This study examined the correlates between age and gender on academic achievement (CGPA) of Mathematics and Science students. The study used three hundred and thirty-two (332) students; two hundred and twenty-three(223) females and one hundred and nine (109) males . Scatter-plot, mean and Standard deviation were used for the descriptive statistics while univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression were used for the inferential statistics. Z-test was used to test the null hypothesis formulated (P< 0.05). Result revealed a linear relationship between, age-CGPA and gender–CGPA.A low positive correlation coefficients was obtained for ages and gender (r=0.030 and 0.111) which significant. The predictor variables jointly accounted for 1.3% of the variance, gender was the better predictor. The null hypothesis tested was accepted implying no significant gender difference in academic achievement of the students. It was suggested that some more variables be included so as to determine significant contributory effect of students academic achievement of Mathematics students .
The effects of instructor language choice on second language vocabulary learning and listening comprehension

The present study examined the interaction effects between teachers’ choice of language in lexical explanation and second language (L2) learners’ proficiency level on the learning of phrasal verbs and listening comprehension in a meaning-focused listening activity. Undergraduate L2 learners with two different levels of proficiency (intermediate and advanced) were assigned to three different conditions. These conditions included (1) code-switching, in which teachers briefly switched to learners’ first language for vocabulary teaching purposes, (2) L2-only, in which teachers maintained L2 for overall instruction and vocabulary teaching, and (3) control condition, in which learners were not given instruction about target vocabulary. The results revealed that teachers’ instruction about target vocabulary brought about more gains in learning of phrasal verbs than lack thereof. In addition, teachers’ use of code-switching benefited intermediate-level learners most, who were able to gain similar levels of vocabulary learning and listening comprehension to advanced learners.
New results on thermal and photodesorption of CO ice using the novel InterStellar Astrochemistry Chamber (ISAC)

Aims. We present the novel InterStellar Astrochemistry Chamber (ISAC), designed for studying solids (ice mantles, organics, and silicates) in interstellar and circumstellar environments: characterizing their physico-chemical properties and monitoring their evolution as caused by (i) vacuum-UV irradiation; (ii) cosmic ray irradiation; and (iii) thermal processing. Experimental study of thermal and photodesorption of the CO ice reported here simulates the freeze-out and desorption of CO on grains, providing new information on these processes. Methods. ISAC is an UHV set-up, with base pressure down to P = 2.5 × 10 -11 mbar, where an ice layer is deposited at 7 K and can be UV-irradiated. The evolution of the solid sample was monitored by in situ transmittance FTIR spectroscopy, while the volatile species were monitored by QMS. Results. The UHV conditions of ISAC allow experiments under extremely clean conditions. Transmittance FTIR spectroscopy coupled to QMS proved to be ideal for in situ monitoring of ice processes that include radiation and thermal annealing. Thermal desorption of CO starting at 15 K, induced by the release of H 2 from the CO ice, was observed. We measured the photodesorption yield of CO ice per incident photon at 7, 8, and 15 K, respectively yielding 6.4 ± 0.5 x 10 -2 , 5.4 ± 0.5 × 10 -2 , and 3.5 ± 0.5 x 10 -2 CO molecules photon (7.3-10.5 eV) -1 . Our value of the photodesorption yield of CO ice at 15 K is about one order of magnitude higher than the previous estimate. We confirmed that the photodesorption yield is constant during irradiation and independent of the ice thickness. Only below ~5 monolayers ice thickness the photodesorption rate decreases, which suggests that only the UV photons absorbed in the top 5 monolayers led to photodesorption. The measured CO photodesorption quantum yield at 7 K per absorbed photon in the top 5 monolayers is 3.4 molecules photon -1 . Conclusions. Experimental values were used as input for a simple model of a quiescent cloud interior. Photodesorption seems to explain the observations of CO in the gas phase for densities below 3-7 ×10 4 cm -3 . For the same density of a cloud, 3 x 10 4 cm -3 , thermal desorption of CO is not triggered until T = 14.5 K. This has important implications for CO ice mantle build up in dark clouds.
Effects of replacing soybean meal with corn gluten meal on milk production and nitrogen efficiency in Holstein cows

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of partial replacement of soybean meal with corn gluten meal on lactation performance and nitrogen (N) efficiency in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Nine multiparous lactating cows in mid lactation (109 ± 19 days in milk) received three treatments in a 3 × 3 Latin square design for 21 days. The three treatments consisted of i) Ctrl: low protein diet with 15.2% crude protein (CP); ii) SBM: soybean meal-based diet with 18.4% CP; and iii) CGM: soybean meal partially replaced with corn gluten meal with 18.3% CP. Two pre-planned orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the treatments: i) Prot compared Ctrl and average of SBM and CGM to see the effect of increasing protein supplies; and ii) Rep compared SBM and CGM treatments. Increasing CP supplies did not affect dry matter intake, whereas it significantly increased milk protein and lactose yield by 3.6% and 3.3%, respectively. Increasing CP supplies decreased milk nitrogen efficiency (MNE) by 10.9%. The milk yield, milk component yield, milk composition and feed efficiency were similar in the SBM and CGM treatments. Similarly, no difference was observed on dry matter, N and net energy for lactation (NEL) intakes between SBM and CGM treatments. However, MNE significantly decreased by 4.8% in the CGM treatment compared with SBM. The results indicated that soybean meal could be partially replaced with corn gluten meal without negatively affecting productive performance. Keywords : Dairy cows, feed efficiency, nitrogen utilization, production performance, protein sources