Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Gaia-ESO Survey: The present-day radial metallicity distribution of the Galactic disc probed by pre-main-sequence clusters

Context. The radial metallicity distribution in the Galactic thin disc represents a crucial constraint for modelling disc formation and evolution. Open star clusters allow us to derive both the radial metallicity distribution and its evolution over time. Aims. In this paper we perform the first investigation of the present-day radial metallicity distribution based on [Fe/H] determinations in late type members of pre-main-sequence clusters. Because of their youth, these clusters are therefore essential for tracing the current interstellar medium metallicity. Methods. We used the products of the Gaia-ESO Survey analysis of 12 young regions (age < 100 Myr), covering Galactocentric distances from 6.67 to 8.70 kpc. For the first time, we derived the metal content of star forming regions farther than 500 pc from the Sun. Median metallicities were determined through samples of reliable cluster members. For ten clusters the membership analysis is discussed in the present paper, while for other two clusters (i.e. Chamaeleon I and Gamma Velorum) we adopted the members identified in our previous works. Results. All the pre-main-sequence clusters considered in this paper have close-To-solar or slightly sub-solar metallicities. The radial metallicity distribution traced by these clusters is almost flat, with the innermost star forming regions having [Fe/H] values that are 0.10-0.15 dex lower than the majority of the older clusters located at similar Galactocentric radii. Conclusions. This homogeneous study of the present-day radial metallicity distribution in the Galactic thin disc favours models that predict a flattening of the radial gradient over time. On the other hand, the decrease of the average [Fe/H] at young ages is not easily explained by the models. Our results reveal a complex interplay of several processes (e.g. star formation activity, initial mass function, supernova yields, gas flows) that controlled the recent evolution of the Milky Way. (Less)
The ϵ ?> -expansion from conformal field theory

Conformal multiplets of φ and &phgr; 3 ? > recombine at the Wilson–Fisher fixed point, as a consequence of the equations of motion. Using this fact and other constraints from conformal symmetry, we reproduce the lowest nontrivial order results for the anomalous dimensions of operators, without any input from perturbation theory.
Abomasal Nematodes: Prevalence in Small Ruminants Slaughtered at Bishooftu Town, Ethiopia

A study was carried out to estimate the prevalence, species composition and worm burden of abomasal nematodes of small ruminants slaughtered at restaurants of Bishooftu town from October 2008 to March 2009. During the study period, 114 and 64 abomasum of sheep and goats respectively were examined according to standard procedures. Three genera of nematodes were identified in both sheep and goats abomasum with an overall prevalence of 83. 6% and 77.6%, respectively. The specific prevalence observed was T. axei (90.4%), Teladorsagia spp. (82.5%) and Haemonchus species (78.1%) in sheep, and T.axei (81.3%) Teladorsagia spp. (75.0%) and Haemonchus species (76.6%) in goats. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) observed among the risk factors (age and month) considered in relation to the prevalence of abomasal nematodes. However, there was statistically significant difference (p<.005) observed among the risk factors (host species) in the prevalence and worm count of three abomasal nematodes. In general, a high infection rate with abomasal nematodes was observed in both sheep and goats during the study period.
Crack formation and tensile stress-crack opening behavior of Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (FRCC)

The formation and further development of cracking in strain hardening cementitious composites under tensile loading strongly influences their mechanical behavior. The work presented in this paper describes the crack formation in fiber reinforced cement composites (FRCC). The experimental results are analyzed using a digital image analysis technique to gain detailed insight in the cracking process during the propagation and the opening phases under tensile loading. The data and observations obtained from these tests are used to derive the tensile stress-crack opening behavior of different types of FRCC and to analyze and compare the effect of various composite parameters including fiber reinforcement, cementitious matrix, and interfacial bond properties. In the experimental program, the FRCC specimens are notched and tested in direct tension with the purpose of inducing a single crack during testing. Subsequently, the corresponding crack behavior in terms of stress-crack opening for all specimens is derived, allowing a quantitative evaluation of the performance of the different fiber reinforcements. The monitoring of the crack formation with the digital image acquisition allows the identification of the stages of crack development. The comparison of the stage sequences among different tensioned specimens contributes to the qualitative assessment of the bridging effect obtained in each composite system and to the description of the features associated with the singular crack generated during testing.
Points and Proposals for the Emissions Trading Regime of Climate Change: For Designing Future System

This report summarizes the points of the two flexibility measures, GHGs emissions trading and joint implementation, focusing on former instrument, adopted in the Kyoto Protocol, aiming at identifying the issues for designing how the regime works efficiently and what points should be settled. Proposals are also mentioned especially focusing on the emissions trading based on the author ’s current opinion. This is the second version and therefore on developing stage of inviting comments and opinions related to this issue. Redistribution and citation with this version number are also welcome.
The mass dependence of satellite quenching in Milky Way-like haloes

© 2014 The Authors. Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we examine the quenching of satellite galaxies around isolated Milky Way-like hosts in the local Universe. We find that the efficiency of satellite quenching around isolated galaxies is low and roughly constant over two orders of magnitude in satellite stellar mass (M* = 108.5-1010.5M), with only ~20 per cent of systems quenched as a result of environmental processes. While largely independent of satellite stellar mass, satellite quenching does exhibit clear dependence on the properties of the host. We show that satellites of passive hosts are substantially more likely to be quenched than those of star-forming hosts, and we present evidence that more massive haloes quench their satellites more efficiently. These results extend trends seen previously in more massive host haloes and for higher satellite masses. Taken together, it appears that galaxies with stellar masses larger than about 108M are uniformly resistant to environmental quenching, with the relative harshness of the host environment likely serving as the primary driver of satellite quenching. At lower stellarmasses (<108M), however, observations of the Local Group suggest that the vast majority of satellite galaxies are quenched, potentially pointing towards a characteristic satellite mass scale below which quenching efficiency increases dramatically.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters and Selection of Parents for Hybridization in Dolichos Bean [Dolichos lablab L.]

Among vegetable legumes, dolichos bean [Dolichos lablab L. ] is an important crop grown throughout India. The crop is primarily grown for green pods but its dry seeds are used for various vegetable preparations. Even foliage of the crop provides hay, silage and green manures. Wide variation exists in the plant and pod characters among the cultivars grown all over the country (Peter and Kumar, 2008). Still the crop is not gained desired importance from the breeders even though wide genetic base exists for breeding programmes (Upadhyay and Mehta, 2010). The reason could be severe competition by other competing crops with higher return on the one hand, and long duration, photosensitivity and indeterminate growth habit from other. Few concerted efforts have been made (Chattopadhyay and Dutta, 2010; Das et al., 2015) to collect and conserve International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 12 (2017) pp. 381-395 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Gender differences in computer attitudes and skills

Studies on computer use in education have taken into account the gender factor since the 1980s. However, results regarding gender differences have not been consistent, especially from the aspect of attitudes towards computers. This study indentifies student’s attitudes toward computer technology and their skills in using computers. Information for this study has been gathered from a survey on 556 students in the district of Kubang Pasu, Kedah. Results show that generally, students have positive attitudes toward computers, but they have low skills in using computers. Female students have more confidence and positive attitudes toward the importance of computers. Male students however reported having better skills in handling computers. This article offered suggestions to strengthen the positive attitudes and expand the skills of using computers among students.
Export, Energy Consumption and Economic Growth Inter-Linkages: The Case of Lithuania

Abstract This paper has aimed to examine the causal relationships between energy consumption – economic growth, export – energy consumption and export – economic growth in Lithuania during the period of 1998 – 2015. Descriptive statistics analysis and econometric techniques have been applied for this purpose. Granger causality test has been used to a time series data set to determine the causality between variables. The results of Granger causality test have shown unidirectional causality running from GDP to energy consumption, from export to GDP and from export to energy consumption. It is obvious that GDP and export play significant roles in accelerating energy consumption in Lithuania. The determination of the causal links between energy consumption – economic growth, export – economic growth and energy consumption – export has provided policy makers with the main insights to formulate future policy directions for sustainable economic development in Lithuania.
DESIGNING TASKS TO AID UNDERSTANDING OF MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS

The concept of a ‘function’ can be viewed as a threshold concept in mathematics. To properly understand functions and to work with them in diverse areas of mathematics, students should be able to conceive of a function as an action, as a process and as an object in its own right. In fact, some authors have claimed that successful mathematical thinking lies in moving flexibly from one interpretation to another. However, most students find the transition of thought involved in progressing to view a function as an object troublesome. Once such ‘reification’ has taken place, it is unlikely to be forgotten, previously inaccessible means of thinking about many different mathematical concepts are opened up, and students’ conceptual understanding is transformed. The key role played by functions in mathematics justifies paying significant attention to the teaching of functions and to the types of tasks assigned to students to support their learning. Traditionally undergraduate courses in mathematics tend to be described in terms of the mathematical content and techniques students should master and theorems they should be able to prove. Moreover, recent studies have shown that many sets of mathematical tasks produced for third-level students emphasize lower level skills, such as memorization and the routine application of algorithms or procedures, rather than endeavouring to develop students’ understanding of the underlying concepts. In this paper, we will describe a set of tasks designed by the authors to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of functions and to move flexibly between different interpretations and representations of functions. The design of tasks drew on a number of frameworks, such as those of Swan (2008) and Mason and Johnston-Wilder (2004), adapted for use with undergraduate students.
Seismic microzonation of Mashhad city, northeast Iran

Mashhad city has a substantial risk of earthquakes due to the potential of the underlying soft soils to amplify ground motions. It is therefore imperative to conduct detailed seismic hazard assessment of the area (seismic microzonation). Seismic microzonation of big cities, like Mashhad, provides a basis for site-specific hazard analysis. In the present study, microtremor observations were carried out at 90 sites in the east part of Mashhad city. The predominant frequency and spectral ratio amplitude of the ground were determined by the Nakamura technique, and a microzonation map was developed for Mashhad on the basis of the variations of the predominant frequency and spectral ratio amplitude of the ground. Soil texture and N-value standard-penetration-test (N-SPT) maps and sections were prepared for different depths below the city, by analysis and interpolation of data collected in the study area from 169 boreholes. Then the predominant frequency variations were compared with soil texture and N-SPT variations for four sections in different directions in the study area. This comparison shows that with decreasing soil softening and N-SPT values, the soil predominant frequency also decreases.
Knowledge, Information, Biases and Signal Assemblages

Information has been usually treated by Information Theory that provides tools to measure the capacity of signals to store data. However, it often makes more biological and empirical sense to measure information stored in a signal by the changes it induces on the recipient’s knowledge. Knowledge is defined here as the individual’s estimate of the mean values and variances of the variables that affect its decision about its future actions, relatively to their true values when it acts. Given this definition, knowledge, hence also information, are best estimated by using tools that are derived from Signal Detection Theory, rather than those provided by Information Theory, because the former measures the precision of decision making. In order to improve their knowledge, organisms have developed tools that improve their perception of the relevant parameter values, and corresponding biases that improve performance. Because knowledge is required on many different variables, it only makes sense that so are biases for certain estimated values of these variables. Each bias can lead to the evolution of at least one signal. It can lead to an exaggeration of a trait, which becomes either Fisherian or a handicap, and/or to signals that function as amplifiers and improve its perception. Hence, if organisms evolve multiple biases in response to the assessment of different variables, we should expect that these biases will lead to assemblages of multiple co-existing signals. I present here an analysis of an observation on pursuit-deterrent signals of the spur-winged plover, Hoplopterus spinosus. I use it to explore some of the possible parameters, detectable in prey, which might be important to predators. Predators that evaluate these parameters may evolve
Structure and Composition of Androstachys johnsonii Woodland across Various Strata in Gonarezhou National Park, Southeast Zimbabwe

A study on the structure and composition of Androstachys johnsonii Prain (Euphorbiaceae) woodland across three strata was conducted in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), southeast Zimbabwe. Specifically, the objectives of the study were: (i) to determine the spatial structure and composition of A. johnsonii woodland in GNP and (ii) to determine factors that influence the structure and composition of A. johnsonii woodland in GNP. This study was based on a stratified random design with three major soil groups, and 30 plots were sampled in May 2010. The three soil strata were comprised of soils derived from (i) rhyolite, (ii) malvernia and (iii) granophyre bedrocks. A total of 1258 woody plants were assessed and 41 woody species were recorded. There were significant differences in mean tree heights, tree densities, basal area and species diversity in A. johnsonii woodland across the three soil strata. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the mean number of dead plants per ha in the three study strata in the GNP. Our study findings suggest that A. johnsonii woodland in GNP is being degraded. GNP management should develop a monitoring program through establishing monitoring plots in A. johnsonii woodland, and further studies need to be carried out, particularly on recruitment of A. johnsonii in the GNP.
Evaluation of the Effects of Intelligent Cruise Control Vehicles in Mixed Traffic

This is the final report for the project entitled "Evaluation of the Effects of Intelligent Cruise Control Vehicles in Mixed Traffic". The project was initially under MOU392 and switched to Task Order 4217 at the beginning of the 2nd year of the project. Due to this administrative change a final report was submitted to PATH for MOU392 covering all the tasks completed during the 1st year of the project. The two research tasks that were not completed under MOU392 became the main focus of Task Order 4217.
Generations of meanders in Serbian part of Tisa valley

This study discusses the evolution of the Serbian part of Tisa (Tisza/Theiss) valley in the context of phase meandering process during the Late Pleniglacial and Holocene. This study is focused on the subsiding central part of the Pannonian (Carpathian) Basin in the Vojvodina province. Palaeomeanders are reconstructed by using digital elevation models. Large number of old river beds are eroded and filled with deposits, and only a few remainings of them can be found on modern maps. The identification of these channels were achieved by studying historical maps of the region, and by creation of a digital elevation model. Spatial disposal and altitude correlation allowed identification of several palaeomeander generations in the Tisa valley. The formation of different generations are the result of concurrence influences of neo-tectonic processes of subduction in the western part of the Great Hungarian Plain and climate variability during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. Studying hydro-geomorphologic characteristics of meanders is based on determination and analysis of their characteristic parameters: wavelength, arc length and radius of curvature.
Community-weighted mean traits but not functional diversity determine the changes in soil properties during wetland drying on the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract. Climate change and human activities have caused a shift in vegetation composition and soil biogeochemical cycles of alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau. The primary goal of this study was to test for associations between community-weighted mean (CWM) traits, functional diversity, and soil properties during wetland drying. We collected soil samples and investigated the aboveground vegetation in swamp, swamp meadow, and typical meadow environments. Four CWM trait values (specific leaf area is SLA, leaf dry matter content is LDMC, leaf area is LA, and mature plant height is MPH) for 42 common species were measured across the three habitats; three components of functional diversity (functional richness, functional evenness, and functional divergence) were also quantified at these sites. Our results showed that the drying of the wetland dramatically altered plant community and soil properties. There was a significant correlation between CWM of traits and soil properties, but not a significant correlation between functional diversity and soil properties. Our results further showed that CWM-LA, CWM-SLA, and CWM-LDMC had positive correlations with soil readily available nutrients (available nitrogen, AN; available phosphorus, AP), but negative correlations with total soil nutrients (soil organic carbon is SOC, total nitrogen is TN, and total phosphorus is TP). Our study demonstrated that simple, quantitative plant functional traits, but not functional diversity, are directly related to soil C and N properties, and they likely play an important role in plant–soil interactions. Our results also suggest that functional identity of species may be more important than functional diversity in influencing ecosystem processes during wetland drying.
The AMBU® Aura-i™ Laryngeal Mask and LMA Supreme™: A Randomized Trial of Clinical Performance and Fibreoptic Positioning in Unparalysed, Anaesthetised Patients by Novices

Introduction. Manikin studies' data cannot accurately be extrapolated to real-life scenarios and inherent differences in design and materials of newer products may affect their clinical performance. Methods. Hence, we compared the AMBU® Aura-i™ and LMA Supreme™ in this randomized trial involving 100 ASA 1-2 unparalysed anaesthetised patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery. Investigators had <20 Aura-i insertions. Primary outcome was time to achieve effective ventilation and secondarily insertion parameters, oropharyngeal leak pressures (OLP), fibreoptic positioning, and pharyngeal morbidity. The position of the Ambu Aura-i was evaluated with the Ascope; the fiberoptic view of the glottis was scored on a five-point scale. Results. 43 (86%) AMBU Aura-i and 44 (88%) LMA Supremes were successfully inserted on first attempt (p = 0.59), with similar ease (p = 0.79), and comparable times to first capnogram, mean (SD) 18.2 (6.0) versus 17.3 (6.4) sec, p = 0.9. The Aura-i needed significantly less volume of air to inflate its cuff to 60 cmH2O on the manometer, 17.7 (3.5) versus 23.1 (4.4) mL, p < 0.001. Both devices exhibited similar OLP, Aura-i versus LMA Supreme, mean (SD) 28.8 (7.1) versus 27.3 (5.3) cmH2O, p = 0.24. There was no difference in ease of insertion or adjustment manoeuvres to aid ventilation. 90% of patients had good positioning of Aura-i on fibreoptic check, yielding a view of the vocal cords and epiglottis. In 5 patients (10%), the vocal cords were not seen, but ventilatory function was unaffected. Conclusions. The Aura-i handled well in novices hands, with comparable times to insert and establish ventilation, similar leak pressures, and successful first attempt insertion rates compared to the LMA Supreme.
Entry into Export Markets and Product Quality Differences

Using a rich dataset of Chilean exporters, we analyze several issues related to the relationship between entry into export markets and product quality. We find that every year a large number of new exporting relationships are initiated, but the survival rate of these entries is very low and declines over time. Using unit values as a proxy for product quality, our estimations show that entry is generally associated with higher product quality. This higher product quality, however, tends to reduce over time and eventually disappears three years after entry. To better identify this effect, we explore whether there are systematic differences across sectors. As expected, for sectors in which quality differentiation may be important, our findings reveal that reference-price and differentiated products show a higher price in the year of entry and it takes longer to converge to the incumbent prices. These results hold after controlling for potential sample selection bias.