Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Austrian Households’ Financial Wealth: An Analysis Based on Microeconomic Data

Microeconomic data on households are providing increasingly important information for many economic policy issues. This study presents the results of a survey conducted by the Oesterreichische Nationalbank on Austrian households’ financial wealth. The descriptive presentation of household financial wealth also covers data on household debt and investment. Household income is shown to have a significant influence on the level of financial assets. The results of logit estimates and a cluster analysis demonstrate the prominent role of net household income on investment decisions. By far the greatest volume of household financial assets is invested in savings deposits and in deposits made under building loan contracts, but 16% of all households also stated that they owned stocks.
LEARNED COMPACT LOCAL FEATURE DESCRIPTOR FOR TLS-BASED GEODETIC MONITORING OF NATURAL OUTDOOR SCENES

Abstract. The advantages of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for geodetic monitoring of man-made and natural objects are not yet fully exploited. Herein we address one of the open challenges by proposing feature-based methods for identification of corresponding points in point clouds of two or more epochs. We propose a learned compact feature descriptor tailored for point clouds of natural outdoor scenes obtained using TLS. We evaluate our method both on a benchmark data set and on a specially acquired outdoor dataset resembling a simplified monitoring scenario where we successfully estimate 3D displacement vectors of a rock that has been displaced between the scans. We show that the proposed descriptor has the capacity to generalize to unseen data and achieves state-of-the-art performance while being time efficient at the matching step due the low dimension.
Broadening the focus of bat conservation and research in the USA for the 21st century

Appropriately, bat conservation in the USA during the 20th century focused on species that tend to aggregate in large numbers and locations (e.g. maternity roosts, hibernacula) where pop- ulations are most vulnerable. Extensive research into habitat needs (primarily for roosting) of repro- ductive females during the previous 2 decades has produced a wealth of information useful for devel- oping conservation strategies for this group in their summer roost areas. However, the ecological needs of males, non-reproductive females, and juveniles have received far less attention, as have the ecological needs of all bats outside the pup-rearing season. Hence, it is unlikely that a single para- digm could comprehensively address conservation needs of all demographic groups within a species because they may have different seasonal distributions, reproductive strategies, and thermoregula- tory needs. Herein, we recommend research into a wider spectrum of demographic groups and sea- sons to form a more holistic vision of the conservation needs of bats. We urge greater attention to understanding thermo-energetic and reproductive underpinnings of observed patterns of seasonal distribution and habitat selection by bats in the USA. Such understanding is instrumental for devel- opment of scientifically sound conservation strategies to confront emerging threats to conservation of bats in the 21st century: climate change, disease, habitat degradation, and environmental contami- nants. We discuss interconnections among these emerging threats and the fundamental need to incorporate understanding of thermo-energetic strategies of bats in development of conservation strategies or legislation to mitigate potential impacts on bat populations of the USA.
Commentationes Mathematicae Universitatis Carolinae

Denote by C the commutator AB − BA of two bounded operators A and B acting on a locally convex topological vector space. If AC − CA = 0, we show that C is a quasinilpotent operator and we prove that if AC − CA is a compact operator, then C is a Riesz operator.
Seismic evidence for a chemical heterogeneity in the midmantle: A strong and slightly dipping seismic reflector beneath the Mariana subduction zone

[1] A clear later phase ∼80 s after the direct P wave is observed in most of individual seismograms recorded by a short-period seismometer network in Japan (J-array) from a cluster of deep earthquakes that occurred at the northern Mariana subduction zone. This phase (1) shows a P wave particle motion, (2) arrives later from earthquakes with shallower focal depths, (3) has a steeper incident angle than that of P wave, and (4) shows a deviation of a few degrees in the arrival azimuth from that of P wave. We interpret it as an S-to-P converted wave which takes off downward from the source and is reflected at a velocity discontinuity (reflector) below the earthquakes. Travel time inversion shows that the seismic reflector dips southwest by ∼20° at 24.25°N, 144.75°E, and at a depth of 1115 km with a lateral extension at least 100 × 100 km. The location corresponds to the lower edge of a high-velocity anomaly in global tomographic models. Amplitude and waveform analyses suggest a decrease of S wave velocity by 2–6% and an increase of density by 2–9% within the reflector. There is almost no difference in P wave velocity (<1%) between the reflector and the surrounding mantle. The estimated thickness of the reflector is ∼12 km. These observations indicate that the observed seismic structure is more likely to be a chemical reservoir rather than a purely thermal anomaly. The seismic reflector might be a piece of subducted oceanic crust, as suggested by a previous study. It also could be related to the break down of the D phase of dense hydrous magnesium silicates at midmantle pressure condition reported by recent mineral physics studies. Both scenarios imply that mechanical/chemical segregation might occur within the subducted slab at midmantle condition.
Development and verification of a new wind speed forecasting system using an ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation technique in a fully coupled hydrologic and atmospheric model

Wind power is rapidly gaining prominence as a major source of renewable energy. Harnessing this promising energy source is challenging because of the chaotic nature of wind and its inherently intermittent nature. Accurate forecasting tools are critical to support the integration of wind energy into power grids and to maximize its impact on renewable energy portfolios. We have adapted the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART), a community software facility which includes the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) algorithm, to expand our capability to use observational data to improve forecasts produced with a fully coupled hydrologic and atmospheric modeling system, the ParFlow (PF) hydrologic model and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale atmospheric model, coupled via mass and energy fluxes across the land surface, and resulting in the PF.WRF model. Numerous studies have shown that soil moisture distribution and land surface vegetative processes profoundly influence atmospheric boundary layer development and weather processes on local and regional scales. We have used the PF.WRF model to explore the connections between the land surface and the atmosphere in terms of land surface energy flux partitioning and coupled variable fields including hydraulic conductivity, soil moisture, and wind speed and demonstrated that reductions in uncertainty in these coupled fields realized through assimilation of soil moisture observations propagate through the hydrologic and atmospheric system. The sensitivities found in this study will enable further studies to optimize observation strategies to maximize the utility of the PF.WRF‐DART forecasting system.
A study of clinicopathologic spectrum of vesicobullous disorders

Background: Blistering diseases are alarming skin conditions. Autoimmune blistering diseases are a group of bullous disorders characterized by pathogenic antibodies directed at the target antigens in the epidermis or dermoepidermal junction. The objectives were to study the spectrum of histopathological changes by light microscopy, to evaluate the pattern of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and to correlate clinical, histopathological features and DIF findings of vesiculobullous lesions of the skin or/and mucosa. Methods: The present study was carried out on 110 skin and/or mucosal biopsies with vesicobullous disorders from July 2013 to June 2016. Detailed clinical history, morphology of lesions, site of involvement and other findings were recorded as per proforma. These cases were analysed clinically, histopathologically and on immunofluorescence . Results: Majority of the patients presented in the age group of 41-50 years (30.9%). The male: female ratio was 1:1.15. Pemphigus vulgaris was the most common vesiculobullous disorder constituting 48.2%, followed by Bullous Pemphigoid constituting 27.3%. Dermatitis herpetiformis constituted 8.3%; Pemphigus foliaceous 3.6%, varicella and Stevens Johnson Syndrome both were observed in 2.7% each. DIF was performed in 81 cases out of which only 72 cases (92.6%) showed positivity. Conclusions: DIF is a sensitive tool for distinguishing immune mediated bullous diseases from other vesiculobullous disorders especially in cases which pose a diagnostic dilemma both clinically and histologically. The final diagnosis depends on correlation of clinical, histopathological and immunoflourescence findings.
Pre-induction supports for flexible learners: The Head Start Online MOOC pilot

This practice report discusses the development of the Head Start Online MOOC. This initiative targeted flexible learners, defined as adults engaged in part-time or online distance learning, during the initial stages of the study life-cycle. Drawing on the literature, the experiences of major international Online and Distance Learning (ODL) providers, and a set of overarching design principles, the MOOC (Massive open online course) was developed with a suite of digital readiness tools at its heart. These tools were combined with other supporting materials in order to deliver a comprehensive pre-entry socialisation course. A small pilot of Head Start Online ran over five weeks with 150 people enrolled and 50 going on to receive a certificate of completion. The feedback received, albeit limited by the numbers of respondents, indicates that a course that strategically uses digital readiness tools can have a positive impact on new and prospective flexible learners.
The Large-scale Structure of the Halo of the Andromeda Galaxy. II. Hierarchical Structure in the Pan-Andromeda Archaeological Survey

The Pan-Andromeda Archaeological Survey is a survey of >400 square degrees centered on the Andromeda (M31) and Triangulum (M33) galaxies that has provided the most extensive panorama of an L⋆ galaxy group to large projected galactocentric radii. Here, we collate and summarize the current status of our knowledge of the substructures in the stellar halo of M31, and discuss connections between these features. We estimate that the 13 most distinctive substructures were produced by at least 5 different accretion events, all in the last 3 or 4 Gyr. We suggest that a few of the substructures farthest from M31 may be shells from a single accretion event. We calculate the luminosities of some prominent substructures for which previous estimates were not available, and we estimate the stellar mass budget of the outer halo of M31. We revisit the problem of quantifying the properties of a highly structured data set; specifically, we use the OPTICS clustering algorithm to quantify the hierarchical structure of M31's stellar halo and identify three new faint structures. M31's halo, in projection, appears to be dominated by two “mega-structures,” which can be considered as the two most significant branches of a merger tree produced by breaking M31's stellar halo into increasingly smaller structures based on the stellar spatial clustering. We conclude that OPTICS is a powerful algorithm that could be used in any astronomical application involving the hierarchical clustering of points. The publication of this article coincides with the public release of all PAndAS data products.
Genotype-Associated Variation in Nutritional Indices of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Fed on Canola

In this study, the nutritional indices of the larval stages of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were determined on 10 canola (Brassica napus L.) genotypes (Talaye, Opera, Licord, Modena, SLM046, Hayula420, Zarfam, Okapi, RGS003 and Sarigol) at 25±1 ̊C, 60±5% RH and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L: D) hours. The third instar larvae reared on Talaye showed the highest value of Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested food ECI and Efficiency of Conversion of Digested food ECD (7.005±0.632 and 8.972±1.862, respectively). However, the lowest value of ECI and ECD was on Licord (0.503±0.017 and 2.507±0.449, respectively). The highest (0.778±0.091) and lowest (0.594±0.059) Relative Growth Rate (RGR) of the fourth instar larvae were obtained on SLM046 and Sarigol, respectively. Results indicated that the highest values of ECI and ECD for fourth instar larvae were on Talaye (6.300±0.585 and 8.880±1.954, respectively). The lowest value of the Relative Consumption Rate (RCR) and Approximate Digestibility (AD) of the fifth instar was recorded on Modena (5.193±0.629 and 38.625±11.340, respectively). The ECI and ECD values of the fifth larval instar were the highest on Talaye (9.893±0.889 and 19.655±0.966, respectively). The highest value of RCR and AD of the sixth instar was on Okapi (7.781±0.665 and 82.223±1.922, respectively). Among different genotypes tested, the highest ECI and ECD of the whole larval instars (12.323±0.310 and 32.357±5.508, respectively) were observed on Talaye and the lowest ones (5.947±0.257 and 6.922±0.320, respectively) were on Okapi. Together, Talaye and Okapi were the most suitable and unsuitable genotypes, respectively, for H. armigera larvae.
Organic Solvent’s Effect in the Deposition of Platinum Particles on MWCNTs for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

We reported the synthesis of platinum particles anchored on the surface of multiwall carbon nanotubes MWCNTs. The synthesis of platinum particles was carried out by microemulsion method using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide CTAB as surfactant to enhance the dispersion of platinum particles in hexane C6, heptane C7, and octane C8 solutions. The effects of the microemulsion dispersion medium on the synthesis of platinum particles on MWCNTs MWCNT/Pt hybrid materials and their catalytic activities of the oxygen reduction reaction ORR in HClO4 were investigated. The anchored platinum particles showed good dispersion on carbon nanotubes surface with the average particle sizes of 2.65±0.60, 2.89±0.68, and 0.97±0.29 nm for the dispersion medium of C6, C7, and C8, respectively. The experimental results of ORR experiments indicated a relationship between the size and the dispersion media of the platinum particles; also the catalytic activity of the anchored platinum on MWCNT particles strongly depends on the dispersion medium employed in the microemulsion process.
Amlodipine Ameliorates Up-Regulation of ET-1 in Left Ventricle of Hypercholesterolemia Rabbits

Objective(s) In addition to antihypertensive effects, amlodipine may exhibit cardiovascular protective effects in heart tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of amlodipine and/or high cholesterol diet on blood, heart tissue concentration and mRNA expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in male New Zealand white rabbits. Materials and Methods A total of 40 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups: the normal control group, normal group receiving amlodipine, high-cholesterol diet group and high-cholesterol diet with amlodipine group. After 8 weeks, all the animals anesthetized and blood or tissues samples were collected. Results After 8 weeks of a high cholesterol diet, the group with such a diet had a significantly higher ratio of left ventricle (LV) weight to body weight than the control group (P= 0.0001). After treatment with amlodipine for 8 weeks, ET-1 level was reduced considerably in comparison with the control (P= 0.01) and highcholesterol diet groupes (P= 0.01). Amlodipine consumption caused significant reduction (P= 0.01) in the level of ET-1 in heart tissues of high-cholesterol diet group but it had no remarkable effect on the reduction of heart tissue ET-1 in amlodipine group compared with the control group. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that ventricular prepro-ET-1 mRNA quantitatively increases in the highcholesterol diet rabbits which results in development of ventricular hypertrophy. It seems that the treatment with amlodipine retards the progression of LV hypertrophy through attenuation of ET-1 levels independent of lipid changes.
A Phylogenetic Analysis of the African Plant Genus Palisota (family Commelinaceae) Based on Chloroplast DNA Sequences

The plant genus Palisota (family Commelinaceae, or spiderwort family) consists of approximately 20 species and is distributed throughout the forests of tropical Africa. The genus exhibits several unusual morphological characteristics, and as a result has been difficult to classify based on morphology. Molecular phylogenetic studies have placed it near the base of Commelinaceae, but the exact placement of Palisota within the family is not clear. As the African continent has become more arid in recent geological times, the forests have receded, reducing the habitat for Palisota species and potentially impacting speciation and extinction rates within the genus. The goal of this study is to sequence the chloroplast-encoded gene rbcL in several additional species of Palisota and its relatives in order to: 1) determine the phylogenetic relationship of the genus with respect to other members of Commelinaceae; 2) evaluate phylogenentic relationships among species of Palisota; and 3) infer relative speciation/extinction rates within the genus. Additionally, we are exploring the use of other molecular regions for phylogenetic analysis with the genus.
The effect of omega-3 enriched meat production on lipid peroxidation, antioxidative status, immune response and tibia bone characteristics in Japanese quail

The objective of the present study was to research the effects of different supplemented dietary sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) to produce n-3 enriched meat on growth performance, meat quality, serum antioxidative status, immune response and tibia bone characteristics in Japanese quail. Three hundred 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly weighed and divided into five dietary treat - ments containing 0% oil (C, negative control), 2% vegetable oil (VO, positive control), 2% linseed oil (LO), 2% fish oil (FO) and a mixture of 1% linseed oil +1% fish oil (LO+FO). Body weight and feed consumption were recorded. Fatty acid profile, cholesterol content, chemical composition and physical characteristics of breast meat were determined. Serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and total antioxidant capacity were measured. No negative effects were detected in live weight, feed consumption and physical characteristics of meat. The incorporation of n-3 PUFA in the meat proved to be successful when different sources of n-3 PUFA were used. The supplementation of n-3 PUFA caused a significant decrease in TBARS values and a significant increase in both the GSH-Px activity and total antioxidant capacity. Interestingly, the inclusion of n-3 PUFA in quail diets enhanced the antibody titre and bone morphological characteristics. Therefore, it can be concluded that the inclusion of n-3 PUFA in diets at moderate levels increased the n-3PUFA content in meat, improved the antioxidative status, reduced lipid peroxidation, enhanced the antibody response and bone morphological characteristics and did not have any negative influence on physical characteristics of meat and growth performance in Japanese quail.
Rural Social Organization and Farmer Cooperatives Development in Russia and other Emerging Economies: Comparative Analysis

Farmer cooperatives development is an important direction of rural economic growth in developing countries which attracts serious international attention of both practitioners and scholars in the face of global “food demand”. Russia is of special interest in this regard because it occupies the biggest in the world area of farmland which is not yet incorporated in agricultural production. In spite of significant financial support from the government, farmer cooperatives development in Russia faces major difficulties. In order to better understand the perspectives for successful farmer cooperatives development in Russia, we conduct comparative analysis of emerging economies in the field of rural social organization’s influence on farmer cooperative development (the question that has not yet been given full attention in literature). We use empirical evidence from literature dealing with farmer cooperatives development in India, Vietnam, China and other emerging economies as well as results of our own empirical research in Russian Belgorod region. The main findings of our study are: 1. Local characteristics of social organization may influence development of farmer cooperatives significantly. 2. Traditional elements of rural social organization may affect farmer cooperative development both positively and negatively. 3. In the present conditions of rural social organization farmer cooperative development in emerging economies may need strong and complex governmental assistance. Keywords: social organization, rural communities, farmer cooperatives, Russia
Woody vegetation structure and composition at four sites along a latitudinal gradient in Western Burkina Faso

Comprendre la distribution de la vegetation ligneuse et les facteurs qui la sous-tendent est une etape cruciale pour la conservation et la gestion des communautes vegetales de l'ecosysteme des savanes boisees. Cet article presente la composition specifique, la structure et la diversite des essences ligneuses de quatre sites sur un gradient latitudinal dans les secteurs nord-sahelien, sud-sahelien, nord-soudanien et sud-soudanien du Burkina Faso occidental. Toutes les essences ligneuses ont ete systematiquement identifiees et mesurees sur 82 placettes de 50 x 20 m 2 . La densite, la dominance, la frequence, les especes et les valeurs d'importance ont ete calculees pour caracteriser la composition specifique. Des mesures de diversite ont ete calculees pour analyser l'heterogeneite de chacun des sites. Au total, 74 especes representant 26 familles et 53 genres ont ete recensees, parmi lesquelles les familles des Combretacees, Mimosacees et Caesalpiniacees s'averent dominantes. Les caracteristiques structurelles font apparaitre des differences significatives (p < 0,001) entre sites et especes. Pour certains sites, les distributions par classe de dimension font apparaitre une courbe en J inverse, indiquant une vegetation dominee par des arbres juveniles. La composition specifique fait apparaitre une faible similitude entre sites, indiquant une diversite beta elevee qui reflete des differences au niveau des conditions du milieu, de la topographie et de distance entre sites. Les differences specifiques entre sites mettent en lumiere l'importance des approches a l'echelle du paysage pour comprendre les distributions, la composition, la structure et la diversite specifiques, dans une optique de mise en œuvre de mesures de restauration et de conservation favorisant la surface terriere totale et la diversite de ces ecosystemes.