Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Phylogenies Derived from Two Molecular Data Sets in the Avian Genera Pipilo and Spizella

-we sequenced 433 bp of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b (cyt 6) gene from four species in the Brown Towhee complex (Pipilo spp.) and six species in the genus Spizellu. Phylogenies derived from sequence data were compared to those derived from mtDNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) data collected from the same individuals (Zink and Dittmann 1991, 1993), allozyme and sequence data were also combined. In Spizella, the sequence and RFLP data placed the American Tree Sparrow (S. arborea) basal and the Black-chinned and Field sparrows (S. atrogularis and S. pusilla) as sister taxa, but conflicted on the placement of Brewer’ s, Chipping, and Clay-colored sparrows (S. breweri, S. passerim, and S. pallida). Phylogenetic analysis of the combined sequence and RFLP data set for Spizella supports the two previously published hypotheses for the genus based on RFLP’ s alone (Zink and Dittmann 1993). Monophyly of Spizella including the American Tree Sparrow is supported. The Pipilo sequence tree was congruent with Zink and Dittmann’ s (1991) RFLP Do110 parsimony tree, suggesting that the Whitethroated Towhee (P. albicollis) is the basal member of the complex and not the sister-taxon to the Canyon Towhee (P. fuscus) as suggested by the RFLP Wagner parsimony tree and allozyme and morphometric data (Zink 1988). The Pipilo sequence and RFLP data agree in placing Abert’ s Towhee (P. aberti) as the nearest relative of the California Towhee (P. crissalis). Phylogenetic analysis of the combined data for Pipilo supports the basal position of the White-throated Towhee, but we still consider the position of this taxon unresolved. Overall, sequence and RFLP data produced significantly congruent phylogenetic trees in both genera, suggesting each type of data provides useful phylogenetic information. Received 23 Nov. 1994, accepted 14 May 1995. Analyses of molecular data such as allozyme frequencies, restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP’ s), and direct sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) yield inferences about character evolution and phylogenetic relationships (Hillis et al. 1990, Avise 1994). These techniques, however, differ in their ability to resolve phylogenetic relationships along the taxonomic hierarchy (Avise 1986). Relatively few direct comparisons of phylogenetic patterns in different molecular data sets are available. In studies of birds, phylogenetic trees derived from allozymes and mtDNA RFLP data were generally congruent (Zink and Avise 1990, Zink and Dittmann 1991). MtDNA, however, provided more characters for systematic analysis (Avise and Zink 1988). Direct sequencing of mtDNA ’ Bell Museum of Natural History. 100 Ecology Building, Univ. of Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108.
Optimization of drying process of Zea Mays malt to use as alternative source of amylolytics enzymes

This work aimed to study the drying process optimization of maize (Zea Mays) malt for obtaining maize malt, without affecting enzymatic activity of a e b-amylases from maize malt. Results showed that dryer operation must occur in zone at 54°C and 5.18-6 h process time. The maize malt obtained had good enzymatic properties.
Fine structure in sunspots - IV. Penumbral grains in speckle reconstructed images

The properties of penumbral grains (PGs) in a large regular sunspot are studied from a 70 min sequence of G -band images acquired on 20 September 1999 at the Dutch Open Telescope, La Palma. The frames were processed using the speckle masking algorithm, resulting in an almost diffraction-limited time series (30 s cadence), basically free of atmospheric distortions. Applying feature tracking to a movie of 140 frames yields proper motions, intensities, and lifetimes for a set of 1058 PGs with lifetimes longer than 10 min. About 54% of the PGs move toward the umbra and 46% toward the photosphere. The inward-moving PGs are located mostly in the inner penumbra (up to 0.6 of the distance from the umbra to the photosphere). Their average lifetime and median speed are 50 min and 0.52 km s -1 . Most of the outward-moving PGs are observed in the outer penumbra and their average lifetime and median speed are 31 min and 0.75 km s -1 . These measurements confirm the previous results published by Sobotka et al. ([CITE]).
Limitations to laser machining of silicon using femtosecond micro-Bessel beams in the infrared

We produce and characterize high-angle femtosecond Bessel beams at 1300-nm wavelength leading to nonlinearly ionized plasma micro-channels in both glass and silicon. With microjoule pulse energy, we demonstrate controlled through-modifications in 150-μm glass substrates. In silicon, strong two-photon absorption leads to larger damages at the front surface but also a clamping of the intensity inside the bulk at a level of ≈4 × 1011 W cm−2 which is below the threshold for volume and rear surface modification. We show that the intensity clamping is associated with a strong degradation of the Bessel-like profile. The observations highlight that the inherent limitation to ultrafast energy deposition inside semiconductors with Gaussian focusing [Mouskeftaras et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 105, 191103 (2014)] applies also for high-angle Bessel beams.
Flexible insurance for heterogeneous farmers: Results from a small-scale pilot in Ethiopia

We analyze the effectiveness of a new approach in providing weather index–based insurance products to low-income populations. The approach is based on the concept of providing multiple weather securities that pay a fixed amount if the event written on the security (that monthly rainfall at a nearby weather station falls below a stated cutoff) comes true. A theoretical model is developed to outline the conditions in which weather securities could outperform crop-specific weather index–based insurance policies. Data collected during both an experimental game and real purchases of such insurance policies among farmers in southern Ethiopia suggest that the securities are well understood and can fit heterogeneous farmer needs. This paper documents (1) heterogeneity of rainfall risk among farmers, (2) the understanding of securities and transmission of information about weather securities among members of endogenously formed risk-sharing groups, and (3) the nature of purchasing decisions and manner in which they are made.
Mapping of QTLs for frost tolerance and heading time using SSR markers in bread wheat

Selection for complex genetic traits, such as frost tolerance, can be simplified in plant breeding programs when linked markers were detected. The use of microsatellite markers for tagging and mapping important genes or QTLs is a goal in wheat genetic projects. In this study, 200 microsatellite markers were studied and after parental assay, 41 polymorphic SSR markers were used for genotyping of 280 F2 individual plants derived from F1 generation of wheat cross (Norstar× Zagros). The progeny of individual F2 plants were used as F2:3 families for the assessment of LT50 and heading time. Single marker analysis revealed that seven markers with total of 27% of phenotypic variance determination linked to LT50 and five markers linked to the heading time. Two markers that were located on 2B and 5A chromosomes affected both LT50 and heading time significantly. It was assumed, therefore, that some closely linked QTLs or QTLs with pleiotropic effects govern both traits simultaneously, as the LT50 of F2:3 families were significantly correlated with the heading time of F2:3 families, Thus, it is concluded that later heading time is associated with the higher level of frost tolerance in wheat.
Development of an Automated Freeform Construction System and its Construction Materials

Recently, 3D printing technology in the manufacturing field is in the spotlight. In the construction industry, similar rapid prototyping technology that does not use conventional form can be applied to meet the demand on free formed structure that can provide aesthetic value and functionality. Conventional formwork can increase construction cost and period for various structure with complex shapes while it has numerous advantages such as high strength, convenience, accuracy and good quality of surface roughness. To meet the demand on free formed structure, automated freeform construction systems such as Contour Crafting and Concrete Printing have been developed with active collaboration between university and industry in USA and England. However, details on the system have not been fully released in public, so the possibility of its fusion and spin-off technology cannot be expected. In this paper, cost-effective solution for mechanical and control system for constructing a free curved structure without mold are described. As an appropriate material for the system, fiber reinforced mortar was selected by experiments on compressive strength, setting time and fluidity. After performing G-code simulation, transfer and extrusion experiments with the selected mortar mix were performed and the possibility of the development of automated freeform construction system was demonstrated. Based on this research results, it is required to keep the automated freeform construction system improve and extend it into the new application area in construction industry.
Novel Drug Delivery System Based on Docetaxel-loaded Gelatin Nanoparticles Treatment in Human Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7

Background: The goal of the present investigation was to evaluate docetaxel (DOC)-loaded gelatin nanoparticles for cancer therapy. Materials and Methods: DOC-loaded gelatin nanoparticles using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, particle size and size distribution, scanning electron microscopy, drug entrapment efficiency, infrared, and in vitro drug release were characterized. The viability of MCF-7 breast cancer (BC) cells was determined by MTT. Cell sensitivity to drugs and growth curves were measured by MTT assay. Changes of cell morphology and ultrastructure were examined by optical and electron microscopy. Results: Solubility, crystallinity, and the crystal properties of an active pharmaceutical ingredient play a critical role in the value chain of pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and formulation. The rate of drug release for formulation stored at 45°C ± 1°C was increased as compared with the fresh formulation; it might be due to the formation of more pores in the nanoparticles due to evaporation of residual amount of solvent. The in vitro release studies of drug-loaded nanoparticles were conducted at 37 ± 0.5 and 100 rpm using phosphate buffer pH 7.4 (900 ml) in a USP dissolution apparatus under sink condition. DOC-loaded gelatin nanoparticles depleted the viability of MCF human breast cell line. In this study, MCF BC cell line revealed growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner when treated DOC-loaded gelatin nanoparticles at concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 μg. Conclusion: The DOC-loaded gelatin nanoparticles displayed differential cytotoxicity toward MCF7 cancer cells. These biogenic nanoparticles are biocompatible and found to be good candidates for sustained drug delivery in diseases like cancer.
Stellar mass versus velocity dispersion as tracers of the lensing signal around bulge-dominated galaxies

We present the results of a weak gravitational lensing analysis to determine whether the stellar mass or else the velocity dispersion is more closely related to the amplitude of the lensing signal around galaxies, hence to the projected distribution of dark matter. The lensing signal on smaller scales than the virial radius corresponds most closely to the lensing velocity dispersion in the case of a singular isothermal profile, but is also sensitive on larger scales to the clustering of the haloes. We have selected over 4000 lens galaxies at a redshift z {lt} 0.2 with concentrated (or bulge-dominated) surface brightness profiles from the ~{}300 square degree overlap between the Red-sequence Cluster Survey 2 (RCS2) and the data release 7 (DR7) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We consider both the spectroscopic velocity dispersion and a model velocity dispersion (a combination of the stellar mass, the size, and the Sersic index of a galaxy). Comparing the model and spectroscopic velocity dispersion we find that they correlate well for galaxies with concentrated brightness profiles. We find that the stellar mass and the spectroscopic velocity dispersion trace the amplitude of the lensing signal on small scales equally well. The model velocity dispersion, however, does significantly worse. A possible explanation is that the halo properties that determine the small-scale lensing signal - mainly the total mass - also depend on the structural parameters of galaxies, such as the effective radius and Sersic index, but we lack data for a definitive conclusion.
Regional variation in the life cycle of Rhincalanus gigas (Copepoda: Calanoida) in the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean--re-examination of existing data (1928 to 1993)

A regional comparison of the life cycle of Rhincalanus gigas was undertaken on the basis of selected net haul data collected in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean between the years 1928 and 1993. Data were pooled into 3 regions, a northern region (NR) extending from the Scotia Sea to the sub-Antarctic Front and incorporating the Polar Front and Polar Frontal Zone, the Weddell-Scotia Confluence (WSC) and the Eastern Weddell Sea (EWS). There are distinct regional contrasts in the physical environment, the NR being largely ice-free throughout the year compared to the 9 mo ice cover found in the EWS. R. gigas was more abundant in the NR, particularly at the Polar Front, than in either the WSC or EWS and seasonal fluctuations in abundance in all regions were low. A clear seasonal vertical migration pattern was found in the NR and EWS, with the population commencing its descent in February in both; however, arrival back in the surface waters was up to 2-3 mo earlier in the NR and recruitment commenced correspondingly sooner. In the WSC no clear seasonal pattern could be resolved, which probably reflects this region's dynamic nature. Clear differences in overwintering stage structure were also seen between the NR and EWS. In the former, the new generation overwinters mainly as CIII, compared to CII in the EWS. A winter decline in the abundance of CIV to CVI in the NR and their clear recruitment from October onwards suggests that a proportion of the population has a 1 yr life cycle. In contrast in the EWS a strong overwintering presence of CIV to CVI suggests that 2 yr is more likely. In both regions females were present throughout the year indicating their ability to overwinter and possibly spawn again. Low mortality rates (<0.004 d-1) in both regions during the autumn and winter offer further support for a 2 yr life cycle.
Effects of Zinc Supplement on Rabbits Performance and Growth Rate

Improvement on the quantity and quality of non traditional animal protein sources has become necessary in order to meet the need for adequate food and nutrition action plans of government at all level to ensure consistent and continuous supply of basic health need such as protein, vitamins and energy food. Dietary supplementation of rabbits with zinc was carried out to determine its effects on reproduction performance and growth rate of rabbits. Fifteen adult does were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 5 rabbits per group: the control group and two treatments groups. The control group was not supplemented with zinc while treatment groups A and B were supplemented with zinc of 20μg and 40μg respectively for 60 days. Zinc enhanced increase in litter size of treatment groups that recorded 25 and 22 kittens for 20μg and 40μg respectively against 7 kittens for the control. The difference was statistically significant at P <0.001. Though, there was geometric increase in size and weight in all the groups following weaning but the growth rate was independent of zinc treatment. Mortality was 60% and 81.87% among kittens kindled by does supplemented with 20μg and 40μg of zinc respectively against 42.86% of the control does. It is not unlikely that adaptive immunity from mammary gland of does fortified with zinc impacted the kittens and improved their survival rate.
An inverse optimality argument to improve robustness in constrained control

Abstract This paper presents a new approach to synthesize a nominal constrained model-based predictive control law which can avoid the ”non-robustness” curse in the presence of model uncertainty. This approach builds on inverse optimality arguments and shows that the unconstrained control law and the choice of nominal system are design elements to synthesize a piecewise affine regulator that guarantees the stability of the polytopic system in a non-degenerate region containing the origin in its interior. Some advantages of this approach are presented and a series of related problems are discussed.
The Long Run Performance of Mega Mergers

This research seeks to analyze the long run performance of mergers that are in the 90 th percentile of all U.S. mergers announced between 2001 and 2013. Mergers historically have been found to create negative abnormal returns for acquiring firms. Furthermore, there exists evidence from previous literature that there are short term negative abnormal returns for very large merger transactions. In order to find evidence of long term negative cumulative abnormal returns for large mergers, I use data from CRSP/COMPUSTAT as well as Thompson One to quantify the abnormal monthly returns of mega mergers that occurred between 2001 and 2013. From these databases, I obtain 1,156 mega mergers along with their respective monthly value weighted returns. I use these monthly returns to calculate excess returns from the risk free interest rate as well as to obtain a predicted value for each asset. I use the Fama-French 5 factor pricing model to control for various company variables that could impact the firm’s abnormal returns. My results show that on average, mega mergers have significantly negative cumulative abnormal returns. Furthermore, I find evidence that during a merger wave, mega mergers will typically be overvalued until a future market correction.
Nudging Boserup? The impact of fertilizer subsidies on investment in soil and water conservation

The new fertilizer subsidies in Sub-Saharan Africa are intended to increase agricultural production and ensure fertilizer market development. Fertilizer adoption requires complementary inputs such as investment in soil and water conservation for efficient and optimal nutrient uptake, and many fertilizer subsidy programmes implicitly assume that fertilizer subsidies crowd in such investments. The present study, therefore, evaluates the impact of fertilizer subsidies on the provision of soil and water conservation efforts in Ghana. The results indicate that beneficiaries of the studied fertilizer subsidy programme do not invest significantly more in soil and water conservation, which advises against excessive reliance on farmers to respond to fertilizer subsidies with substantial investment in soil and water conservation. Thus, in order to achieve increased investment in soil and water conservation for sustainable agricultural development, more comprehensive measures that include these investments explicitly (such as integrated soil fertility management programmes) may be needed.
GENDER DIVERSITY IN LARGE LISTED INDIAN COMPANIES

This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of gender diverse boards on financial performance in large listed Indian companies by taking a resource dependency perspective. Gender diverse board is measured by presence of the independent female director on the board. Further, financial performance is measured by the market performance measure taking Tobin’s Q. This relationship is examined by collecting information for eleven financial years from 2003-13. Panel regression model is employed to assess the proposed relationship. The analysis confirms that independent gender diverse boards significantly affect financial performance. Another important revelation of the study is that the financial performance of company having gender diverse boards increases with board size.
On $L^p$ integrability and convergence of trigonometric series

We first give the necessary and sufficient condition for x^{-\gamma} \theta(x) \in L^p, 1 < p < \infty, 1/p−1 < \gamma < 1/p, where \theta(x) is the sum of either \sum_{k=1}^\infty a_k \cos kx or \sum_{k=1}^\infty b_k \sin kx and its associated Fourier coefficients are \lambda_n, n = 1, 2, . , (i.e., \lambda_n is either a_n or b_n), under the condition that {\lambda_n} belongs to the class of so called Mean Value Bounded Variation Sequences (MVBVS). Then we discuss the relations among the Fourier coefficients \lambda_n and the sum function \theta(x), under the condition that {\lambda_n} \in MVBVS, and deduce a sharp estimate for the weighted modulus of continuity of \theta(x) in L^p norm.
Market structure, efficiency and performance of banking industry in Sri Lanka

During the period of 1977-2005, reforms in the financial-services sector, development in information and communication technologies (ICT) and globalization of the industry have drastically changed the market structure of banking industry in Sri Lanka. Financial reforms commenced in late 1970s were the main driving force of those changes. The reforms aimed to enhance both the productivity and efficiency and the degree of competition of banking market as a way of improving overall operational performance of the financial services sector in Sri Lanka. This paper reviewed how the banks’ efficiency and market structure affect the overall performance of the banking firms measured in terms of profitability and net interest margin using structure conduct performance literature. The study findings suggest that traditional structure conduct performance argument is not held in the banking industry in Sri Lanka and the banks performance does not depend on either market concentration or market power of individual firms but on the level of efficiency of the banking units.
Revisión sistemática sobre los estudios de intervención de actividad física para el tratamiento de la obesidad

espanolEl objetivo de esta revision fue conocer el estado actual del tratamiento de la obesidad en adultos mediante estudios de intervencion que apliquen la Actividad Fisica (AF) como uno de los pilares fundamentales. La busqueda se realizo en las bases de datos Pubmed, ISI Web of Science y Scopus descartando en la busqueda aquellos resultados referentes a ninos, mujeres embarazadas y personas mayores. De los 850 resultados iniciales, se seleccionaron 27 articulos referentes a programas de actividad fisica que combinaban de diferente forma el ejercicio fisico y la dieta para el tratamiento de la obesidad. En conclusion, aunque diferentes programas lograban reducir la obesidad, los mas eficaces fueron los que combinaron dieta y ejercicio fisico, siendo mas recomendables aquellos en los que se realizaba una combinacion de entrenamiento aerobico y de fuerza resistencia muscular. Otros aspectos como sesiones para el cambio del comportamiento y el apoyo de las nuevas tecnologias pueden ayudar a la eficacia de la intervencion. EnglishThe aim of this review was to highlight the current state of obesity treatment programs that include physical activity. The search was performed in Pubmed, ISI Web of Science and Scopus databases, with programs applied in children, pregnant women, and older people being excluded from the final sample. Of the 850 initial results, we selected 27 articles regarding programs implementing exercise and diet for the treatment of obesity. In conclusion, though different programs may induce weight loss, the most efficacious incorporate exercise and diet, programs combining muscular endurance and resistance being the most recommended. Other aspects like behavioral change sessions and new technologies support may imply greater weight loss.