Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
( a ) ( b ) Harmonic Signal Analysis for Magnetic Nanoparticle Imaging

A harmonic signal analysis of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) used as tracers in magnetic particle imaging (MPI) was conducted. The harmonic spectrum from three types of immobilized MNPs namely, Resovist, fluidMAG, and SupraBead, were measured at excitation fields of 1.4 mT and 28 mT with a frequency of 10 kHz. Resovist showed the richest spectrum, followed by fluidMAG and SupraBead. These different harmonic properties among samples were analyzed on the basis of the magnetic moment m and anisotropy energy EB of the MNPs. We show the conditions of m and EB required for harmonic signal generation. As m and EB are widely distributed within MNPs, a fraction of MNPs satisfies the m and EB conditions and contributes to the harmonic signals. Resovist shows the largest such fraction satisfying these conditions. This is reflected in the experimentally obtained rich harmonic spectrum of Resovist. The experimental data was found to agree well with the numerical simulation results based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation when the distributions of m and EB within the MNPs were taken into account. These findings may serve as an important basis in the optimization of MNPs for MPI.
Time Series Analysis of Climate and Vegetation Variables in the Oreto Watershed ( Sicily , Italy )

During the last ten years several hydrological and climatological studies showed significant changes in the climate characteristics of several zones on the planet. These researches confirmed that frequent drought phenomena are affecting southern Mediterranean areas. Rainfall and temperatures, in particular, are affected by significant variations at spatial and temporal scale. One of the effects of a persistent drought is the modification of the vegetation cover and biomass. The aim of our research is to analyze climatic time series and vegetation data within Oreto watershed, located in Sicily. In order to do this, a monthly dataset, from 1988 to 2005, of NOAA-AVHRR multispectral images was acquired and then processed and calibrated. Time series analysis has been applied both on the NDVI and precipitation, temperature, SPI, RDI datasets in order to study the temporal dynamics of vegetation during the period under investigation and to relate the vegetation evolution to the climatic evolution. Results confirm a negative trend for rainfall and a positive trend for temperature. No significant trends have been found for vegetation confirming a substantial stability of vegetation in the study area.
The Impact of Supraclavicular Irradiation on Thyroid Function and Size in Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients by Comparing 2 D versus 3 D-CRT

Background: Post mastectomy supraclavicular (SC) nodal irradiation is recommended in addition to whole breast or chest wall irradiation for the adjuvant treatment of patients with locally advanced breast cancer, where it improved locoregional control and overall survival. (1) Thyroid dysfunction is usually underestimated in patients with breast cancer who had SC irradiation (RT). Aim: To determine the radiation impact on the thyroid function and size in patients with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy (RT) to the SC nodes by comparing 2 techniques of irradiation, in relation to total dose and irradiated volume of the thyroid gland. Results: Twenty patients were included in this study (age range from 25 to 70 years, mean age (45±2.81),all had breast cancer and treated surgically with mastectomy or breast conserving surgery followed by adjuvant irradiation to SC lymph nodes and breast or chest wall. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A (10 patients) received irradiation through 2D technique were compared to group B (10 patients) who received irradiation through 3D-CRT technique, for a total dose of 50Gy/25 fractions. The size of the thyroid gland was measured, and thyroid function tests, including serum thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, were analyzed before RT and 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months after RT. Conclusion: The 3D conformal radiotherapy technique of SC nodal irradiation is superior to 2D conventional radiotherapy technique in case of breast cancer patients regarding the impact on thyroid function. [Ahmad M. Alhosainy, Abd Elmotaleb Mohamed and Ahmed Z. Elattar.The Impact of Supraclavicular Irradiation on Thyroid Function and Size in Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients by Comparing 2D versus 3D-CRT.Life Sci J2015;12(5s):57-62]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 7. doi: 10.7537/marslsj1205s15.7.
Priorities for fisheries in marine protected area design and management : Implications for artisanal-type fisheries as found in southern Europe

Much has been written in recent years regarding the advantages of marine protected areas (MPAs) as conservation tools. The benefits to fisheries have commonly been cited as primary motives in favour of the establishment of MPAs. To date, a good deal has been theorised with regard to the benefit of MPAs to fisheries in their adjacent areas, but there has been little empirical evidence to support or refute hypothetical claims. Considerations for fisheries’ benefits are different to those of ecological benefits in several respects. Economically, fishers’ livelihoods often depend on the marine reserve being successful. It is not enough to establish that populations of fish are growing due to protection; stocks, as well as individual fish have to be sufficiently large to be catchable by the industry. Furthermore, restrictions in fishable area ought to be compensated for by increases in catches over time. In terms of the biology of the fish themselves, evidence has shown that heavily exploited commercial fish stocks can take much longer to recover from overexploitation than previously expected. Although there have been several studies that consider the effects of export and spill-over, there have been few that focus on the patterns that these phenomena might have on the surrounding fisheries; many assume that ecological patterns will manifest in the fishery with time. Recently, assessment methods and predictive models have been suggested for fisheries (e.g. Rapfish, Ecopath/Ecosim), some of which have been adapted specifically for MPAs. In this paper we review recent progress in the field of MPA research with particular focus on fisheries assessment. We also identify priorities, and knowledge gaps, for determining and accurately predicting the benefits of MPAs to fishers. & 2008 Published by Elsevier GmbH.
*MOTIVATIONS BEHIND FIRMS’ SHARE REPURCHASES

Malaysia’s share repurchase regulations were initiated in 1997 as a recovery strategy to stabilize the stock market due to the 1997 financial crisis. Since the passing of the Act, there has been a tremendous growth in the volume of share repurchase activities where past research showed that stabilizing stock prices was one of the dominant reasons why firms repurchase their shares. Now that a decade has passed and that Malaysia is over with the 1997 financial crisis, the increasing popularity of share repurchase activities among the Malaysian firms should be motivated by other reasons other than to stabilize stock prices. In fact, the literature on why firms repurchase their stock continues to evolve, presenting a mixed understanding of the economic role of repurchases. In this paper, an academic review of this literature is provided to ultimately shed light on economists’ collective understanding of why firms undertake share repurchases.
Increased expression of the TSP-1 / TGF-β / MMP-9 axis in atrial fibrillation related to rheumatic heart disease

Atrial fibrosis is a hallmark of atrial fibrillation (AF). Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a matricellular protein, has been shown to play an important role in fibrogenesis. However, its role in atrial fibrosis of AF has not been defined. A total of 60 patients with sinus rhythm (SR) or AF were enrolled in this study. ELISA, Western blot, and Masson’s trichrome staining were used to detect expression of TSP-1, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and atrial fibrosis. The degree of atrial fibrosis and left atrial diameter (LAD) was significant higher in patients with AF than in the patients with SR. Expression of TSP-1, TGF-β, and MMP-9 in serum and right appendage (RAA) were upregulated in patients with AF as compared with patients with SR. In addition, serum TSP-1, TGF-β, and MMP-9 levels were positively correlated with atrial fibrosis in AF.
Extraversion-Introversion Tendencies and their Relationship with ESL Proficiency: A Study of Chinese Students in Vellore, India

This study investigates the relationship between the personality traits of extraversionintroversion and English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency among 145 undergraduate Chinese students at VIT University, Vellore, India. It is one of the few studies in the subject area that is conducted in Asia and focuses on Chinese students studying in India. The data were collected using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Student Information Questionnaire (SIQ) and scores from the English Bridge Course (EBC) for Chinese students. After analysing the data using correlation coefficient and ETA values, it was found that extraversion-introversion had a significant relationship with different language learning skills. Students who scored high on extraversion were likely to score better in speaking skills and reading skills, whereas introverts tended to perform better in listening skills. Writing skills did not correlate strongly with either of the personality traits. While the results refute the claim that ESL academic superiority rests solely with extraverts, as proven by the higher listening scores of introverts than their extraverted counterparts, they also refute the conclusions drawn by psychologists and support the applied linguists’ argument that extraversion is a positive trait for language learning. The paper concludes by suggesting that ESL instructors modify their teaching strategies, keeping in mind the various strengths of extraverted and introverted learners.
Leaf ontogeny and morphology in Acacia Mill. (Mimosaceae)

Leaves are the primary organs of photosynthesis in most higher plants. Despite their common function they display a spectacular diversity of form and structure. For several centuries botanists have attempted to define and explain the wide variety of leaf shape and size found within and between individuals. Various factors have been identified that influence variation within individuals: external factors such as mineral nutrition, light intensity and day length, and internal factors such as plant physiological age and the position on the plant at which the leaf arises (Ashby 1948). Developmental processes must mediate these influences, and molecular biology is just beginning to grasp the complexity of the interactions involved (e.g. Tsiantis & Hay 2003; Fleming 2005; Tsukaya 2006). The classical model of plant morphology divides plants‘ bodies into four discrete types of organs. These are the phyllome (leaf ), caulome (stem), rhizome (root) and trichome (numerous sources, see Rutishauser & Sattler 1985). All plant structures are considered to be modified versions of these basic units (e.g. flower petals are modified leaves). Leaves, as phyllomes, differ from other classical plant structures in several ways. They are formed as lateral organs from the shoot apical meristem and generally exhibit determinate growth and dorsiventral symmetry. Leaves can be classified into two basic forms: simple with a single blade region, or compound with multiple connected blade regions. Compound leaves are widespread and are believed to have arisen numerous times in angiosperms with multiple reversions to simple leaves (Champagne & Sinha 2004). Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the homology of compound leaves, and have been debated for fifty years. The first follows the precepts of classical morphology and suggests that the whole compound leaf is the equivalent of a simple leaf, with leaflets arising as subdivisions of the blade (e.g. Troll 1939). In this view toothed, lobed, pinnate and bipinnate leaves represent increasing levels of dissection. The second hypothesis of compound leaf homology equates each individual leaflet to a simple leaf and the entire structure as a ‘partial shoot’ (Sattler 1992). Abstract
Testing Prospect-Refuge Theory : A Comparative Methodological Review

In 1975, Jay Appleton theorised that certain spatio-environmental conditions engender feelings of safety and security by providing opportunities for outlook and seclusion. This proposition, which has since become known as prospect-refuge theory, has been widely debated in a range of fields and has found an enduring place in environmental psychology. It first became popular in architecture in 1991 when Grant Hildebrand demonstrated its relevance to Frank Lloyd Wright1s housing design. Hildebrand used this theory to argue that particular combinations of spatial qualities – including enclosure, light and view – are essential for a liveable space. While prospect-refuge theory has since been widely used to interpret a range of architects’ works, and to support many theories of design, only limited empirical evidence is available to substantiate the theory. This paper analyses thirty separate attempts, over a twenty-eight year period, to examine the validity of prospect-refuge theory. The paper is not concerned with the results of these tests, but rather with the methods that have been used, their characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive, critical foundation for future empirical or sociological studies of this important theory as it relates to architecture. Conference theme: Architecture and environment
Development of Waste Polystyrene as a binder for emulsion paint formulation II : Effect of different types of Solvent 1

Abstract: In our continuous desire to find suitable methods of recycling waste, expanded polystyrene waste was converted into a paint binder using different solvents (such as gasoline, toluene, xylene, CCl4 and chloroform). Some properties of the binder developed were investigated. Properties like refractive index, density, viscosity, turbidity, melting point, elongation at break and moisture uptake was found to vary from one solvent to another. The binder developed with gasoline, toluene, xylene and chloroform were found to be soluble in water, while the binder developed with CCl4 was found to be insoluble in water. However, only binder developed with gasoline showed appreciable percentage elongation at break and projects waste polystyrene as a potential binder for emulsion paint formulation.
Non-simplified SUSY: τ̃ -coannihilation at LHC and ILC

If new phenomena beyond the Standard Model will be discovered at the LHC, the properties of the new particles could be determined with data from the High-Luminosity LHC and from a future linear collider like the ILC. We discuss the possible interplay between measurements at the two accelerators in a concrete example, namely a full SUSY model which features a small τ̃1-LSP mass difference. Various channels have been studied using the Snowmass 2013 combined LHC detector implementation in the Delphes simulation package, as well as simulations of the ILD detector concept from the Technical Design Report. We investigate both the LHC and the ILC capabilities for discovery, separation and identification of various parts of the spectrum. While some parts would be discovered at the LHC, there is substantial room for further discoveries at the ILC. We finally highlight examples where the precise knowledge about the lower part of the mass spectrum which could be acquired at the ILC would enable a more in-depth analysis of the LHC data with respect to the heavier states.
GROWTH AND FRUIT YIELD OF WATER MELON (Citrullus lanatus) AS INFLUENCED BY COMPOST AND NPK FERTILIZER

The study assessed the influence of compost and NPK fertilizer rates on the growth and fruit yield of water melon in 2008 and 2009 growing seasons. There were 24 treatments combination which consisted of four different varieties of water melon: sugar baby, kao lack, crimson sweet and charlston crey), six differ ent types of fertilizer which were: 0% NPK, 100% NPK, 100% co mpost, 75% NPK + 25% compost, 50% NPK + 50% compost, and 25% NPK + 75% compost The experiments was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on the growth and yield parameters of the crop and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% l evel of probability. The results showed that applic ation of compost and NPK fertilizer enhanced plant growth and fruit yield. The leaf number of Sugar baby var iety is significant (P 0.05). Sugar baby variety also produced the longest primary vine from application of 25%NPK + 75compost. Application of 50% NPK + 50% co mpost produced significant (P 0.05) higher number of fruit per plant (15.0) from kaolack varie ty. Kaolack variety also gave the highest number of fruit (15.0) through the addition of 50% NPK + 50% Compost . Charlston crey produced the best fruit weight of (1.86 kg). Application of 50% NPK + 50% compost pro duced the highest fruit weight of (3.13 kg) for charlston crey variety . Therefore it was evident th at application of fertilizer had effects on the gro wth and fruit weight of water melon in this study.
Serum SQSTM 1 is a potential predictor for chemotherapeutic efficacy against non-small cell lung cancer

This study was aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum SQSTM1 for routine chemotherapy against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung tumor tissues and the paired normal lung tissues from 40 NSCLC patients undergoing primary surgical, and then SQSTM1 expressions in tumor tissues or normal lung tissues were detected by using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Furthermore, serum levels of SQSTM1 were investigated in 80 patients with advanced NSCLC receiving chemotherapy, and other 40 patients with benign pulmonary diseases (BPD) were served as the control. Our results indicated that SQSTM1 is significantly up-regulated in NSCLC tumor tissues, and however, it has no correlation to the clinical outcomes of NSCLC. The serum level of SQSTM1 elevated in 78.75% of the patients prior treatment, and in such individuals were less likely to obtain complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) than patients with normal or moderately elevated serum SQSTM1 (p < 0.05). After two chemotherapy cycles, 38 of the 47 (80.85%) patients with CR or PR had a SQSTM1 serum level below the cut-off point versus, and there are only four of the 33 (12.12%) patients in the group with stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD), and the decreases of SQSTM1 were statistically significant differences in serum between the effective group and ineffective group (p < 0.01). These results were validated by western blotting analysis. Overall, the SQSTM1 could be served as a useful diagnosis factor for NSCLC, and our results also support the link between serum level of SQSTM1 and chemotherapeutic efficacy against non-small cell lung cancer.
The Directory of Australian Birds : Passerines

PRESERVING Wildlife: An International Perspective is an anthology of twenty papers exploring the issues related to the preservation of wildlife, with an emphasis on related management approaches. This topic is introduced philosophically with a discussion of moral values associated with human activities. Sport hunting, the medical aid of injured wild animals and the manipulation of wildlife during ecological field studies are discussed within this context. The focus then shifts to a selection of wildlife management strategies including habitat protection, captive breeding, culling of non-native species, eco-tourism and marketing of wildlife products.
Who dissents? Self-efficacy and opposition action after state-sponsored election violence

Reactions to acts of state-sponsored election violence and other forms of repression vary greatly across individuals. This article develops a theory that the psychological characteristic of self-efficacy moderates opposition supporters’ reactions to state-sponsored election violence. I use data from an original survey and in-depth qualitative interviews with opposition supporters in Zimbabwe to illustrate and test this theory. Self-efficacy is a strong predictor of intention to take action in support of the opposition after episodes of state-sponsored election violence and is related to the emotional reactions that opposition supporters have after violent events. Specifically, people who are higher in self-efficacy report that they would feel more anger relative to fear after episodes of state-sponsored election violence. The relationship between self-efficacy and persistence in pro-opposition action after violence is similar in magnitude to variables that the existing literature argues are the most important predictors of dissent in repressive environments, including strength of identification with the opposition and gender. These results provide empirical support for the assumption in many collective action theories that psychological characteristics create variation in dissent in repressive environments. Understanding how individual psychological differences can shape reactions to coercive violence may help explain why forms of repression like state-sponsored election violence have such unpredictable effects on subsequent pro-opposition mobilization.
Neuroprotective effect of 7 , 8-dihydroxyflavone in spinal cord injury

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of the specific tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone in spinal cord injury and the involved mechanisms. Methods: A total of 130 male ICR mice were randomly divided into five groups, including a sham-operated group, spinal cord injury group, spinal cord injury + solvent group, spinal cord injury + 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (3 mg/kg) group, and spinal cord injury + 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (5 mg/kg) group. The spinal cord injury model was established via the cross-clamp method (the spinal cord at the level of T7-T11 was exposed). 7,8-dihydroxyflavone or a solvent was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes after the induction of injury. Protein expression of p-TrkB, p-Akt, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 was examined using immunoblotting 24 hours after the spinal cord injury was induced. HE staining and in situ TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) assays were used to detect neuronal damage. Another batch of mice were maintained for 14 days after the spinal cord injury was induced, administered 7,8-dihydroxyflavone daily at the same time point, and assessed for neurological function. Results: 7,8-dihydroxyflavone significantly upregulated the protein expression of p-TrkB and p-Akt, suppressed the expression of the caspase-3 protein, increased Bcl-2 protein expression, and reduced neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone remarkably improved the neurological function scores after the occurrence of spinal cord injury. Conclusions: A significant neuroprotective effect was induced by 7,8-dihydroxyflavone in mice with spinal cord injury, and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone may be used for the clinical treatment of patients with spinal cord injury.