Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the infrared Tully-Fisher relation up to z = 1.4

Context. The Tully-Fisher relation represents a connection between fundamental galaxy parameters, such as its total mass and the mass locked in stars. Therefore, the study of the evolution of this relation in the optical and infrared bands can provide valuable information about the evolution of the individual galaxies through the changes found in each band. Aims. This work aims to study the Tully-Fisher relation at high redshift in the B,V,R,I ,a ndKS-bands by comparison with the local relations derived from a large sample of galaxies in the redshift range 0.1 < z < 0.3, processed in the same way, and with the same instrumental constraints that the high-redshift sample. Methods. Using the large amount of photometric information available in the AEGIS database, we determined the optimal procedure for obtaining reliable k-corrections. Instrumental magnitudes were then k- and extinction corrected and the absolute magnitudes derived, using the concordance cosmological model. The rotational velocities were inferred from the widths of optical lines in DEEP2 spectra. At high redshift, this method is found to provide more accurate results than using the rotation curve, because of spatial resolution limitations. Morphology was determined by visual classification of the HST images. From the above information, the Tully-Fisher relations in B,V,R,I ,a ndKS-bands are derived for the local and high-redshift sample. Results. We detect evolution in the B,V ,a ndR-bands in the sense that galaxies were brighter in the past at the same rotation velocity. The change in luminosity is more noticeable in the bluer bands. This colour evolution, unnoticed in our previous work, is detected thanks to the more reliable k-corrections carried out in this paper, which included photometry from B to IRAC bands. The change in the (V − KS )a nd (R − I) colours (for a fixed velocity) could be interpreted as an ageing of the stellar populations as consequence of the star formation decrease since z = 1.25. In addition, we conclude that spiral galaxies may have doubled their stellar masses in the past 8.6 Gyr.
The role of guanxi networks and contracts in Chinese vegetable supply chains

This paper investigates the effect of personal relationships (called guanxi in China) and contractual governance on compliance with channel requirements and on market performance for both vegetable farmers and processing and exporting firms in China. A survey of 167 farmers and 84 firms in Jiangsu Province, P.R. China provides the data for empirical study based on a structural model. The results demonstrate that guanxi networks in China significantly improve small-scale farmers' compliance with buyers' delivery requirements based on formal contracts, which eventually improves farmers' market performance. Vegetable firms, on the other hand, place more emphasis on formal contracts in order to improve suppliers' compliance with delivery requirements and thereby improve their own profitability. The results reveal that personal relationships and contracts have different impacts on farmers and firms.
Pleural fluid cytology, biochemistry and adenosine deminase level study in differentiating tubercular and non tubercular causes of pleural effusion

Background: Adenosine deaminase (ADA) level in pleural fluid study has gained popularity for quick diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous pleural effusion in tuberculosis burden countries. Studies have confirmed high sensitivity and specificity across the world. Pleural fluid cytology, biochemistry and malignant cell examinations are already in use and widely available.Objectives: Diagnostic approach to quickly differentiate between tubercular and non tubercular pleural effusions by analyzing cytology, biochemistry and ADA level.Materials & Methods: This study was carried out on 85 patients who were admitted or visited outpatient department with pleural effusion. The pleural fluid study was including measurement of ADA level was done.Results: 41 cases were diagnosed as tubercular pleural effusion. Among the low ADA group, 9 cases were diagnosed as malignant pleural effusion with positive malignant cell and 13 cases were transudative effusion.7 cases were diagnosed as parapneumonic effusion with exudative fluid, neutrophilic cell distribution and mixed ADA activity.Conclusion: ADA was found positive with a mean value of 88.3 U/L in tubercular pleural effusions. Non tubercular pleural effusion showed low ADA level. However the cytological and biochemical examination of pleural fluid was also found to be important in differentiating tubercular from non tubercular causes.KYAMC Journal Vol. 9, No.-1, April 2018, Page 28-31
Credit Card Fraud Detection

The usage of credit cards for online and regular purchases is exponentially increasing and so is the fraud related with it. A large number of fraud transactions are made every day. Various modern techniques like Data Mining, Genetic Programming, etc. are used in detecting fraudulent transactions. This paper uses genetic algorithm which comprises of techniques for finding optimal solution for the problem and implicitly generating the result of the fraudulent transaction. The main aim is to detect the fraudulent transaction and to develop a method of generating test data. This algorithm is a heuristic approach used to solve high complexity computational problems. It is an optimization technique and evolutionary search based on the genetic and natural selection. The implementation of an efficient fraud detection system is imperative for all credit card issuing companies and their clients to minimize their losses.
The Case for Blended Instruction: Is It a Proven Better Way to Teach?

This study of empirical research investigates four specific questions on blended instruction: Is there compatibility of blended instruction with accepted learning constructs? Should there be any consideration of program audience that are better suited for this teaching method? and Is there evidence on the effectiveness of the pedagogy of blended learning itself and finally how are planned learning outcomes affected by this instructional method? In reviewing the empirical studies of others, it was found that the use of blended instruction is in fact very compatible with most of our commonly accepted practices of learning theory. In examining the factor of the audience in terms of successful learning results, there are noticeable differences that materialize, such as a generational demograph, the component of a student’s intuitive learning quotient, and the pre-existing attitudes of the student on blended instruction. As far as the overall effectiveness of the pedagogy goes, it was found that this teaching method will lead to higher-level and higher-order thinking skills, a deeper appreciation of an academic community and an increase in self-regulated skills, such as time management. Finally, there is some evidence that suggests that in blended instruction, the use of concrete-sequential learning modules, the integration of greater visual imagery, and access to customized time allotment, there will be a positive impact on overall student outcomes. In summation, we can infer that when an instructor takes the effort and integrates well-constructed blended teaching principles aligned with individual students’ needs, the final course outcomes will be just as or even more effective for most students compared to a direct face-to-face class environment.
Development and characterization of bamboo and organic cotton fibre blended baby diapers

This paper reports study on the development and characterization of baby diapers made from four different fibrous compositions, namely pure bamboo, pure organic cotton, bamboo/organic cotton (70/30), and bamboo/organic cotton (50/50). Antibacterial activity tests have been carried out on baby diapers against S aureus and E coli. Superabsorbent polymer sodium polyacrylate has been incorporated into the diapers to enhance their absorption capacity. Various tests such as product density, thickness, absorption capacity, liquid strikethrough, acquisition time under load and diaper rewet under load have been carried out to study the performance of the diapers. It is found that the diaper made from bamboo/organic cotton (70/30) exhibits best performance.
Probiotic yoghourts sold in Accra: Potential public health issues arising from microbiological quality and safety

below the recommended standard of 10 6 CFU/ml whiles all (100%) pH values of both imported and local samples were within the recommended standard of 4.5. All identified genera have some history of use (safe contact) as probiotics even though some have a longer history of use than others. The most frequently isolated bacteria from local samples was Lactobacillus brevis (40%) and Bacillus licheniformis (40%) while in the case of imported samples Streptococcus thermophilus (37.5%) was isolated most frequently. Only Bacillus licheniformis showed haemolysis, in local samples (25%) and in imported samples (50%). In all, out of 36 isolates identified in both local and imported samples, 30.56% were sensitive to all 11 antibiotics tested whiles the remaining 69.44% isolates showed Multi Drug Resistance (MDR) to three or more antibiotics. Bacillus licheniformis from both local and imported samples exhibited resistance to the most 5 antibiotics. In general, MDR to three antibiotics dominated the resistance patterns: 25% (Ery/Chl/Tet) and 16.67% (Chl/Tet/Pen) followed by five antibiotics (Amp/Chl/Tet/Pen/Flx) 22.22% and four antibiotics (Amp/Chl/Tet/Pen) 5.56%. Irregularities in quality and safety found in this study suggest that all is not well in the probiotics industry and this calls for serious attention to avert possible public health issues associated with consumption of probiotics.
Differentiation Responding to Gender-Based Rejection : Objecting Against Negative and Disproving Positive Intergroup

We examined whether women (N 1⁄4 87) who are exposed to blatant discrimination show different responses depending on whether they are rejected with reference to positively (‘‘this is something for men’’) or negatively (‘‘this is nothing for women’’) phrased intergroup differentiation. Based on current insights on responses to discrimination, we predicted and found that those who are exposed to negative differentiation will tend to object to those who rejected them, while positive differentiation is more likely to induce efforts to disprove the validity of the rejection. Female participants facing negative differentiation objected against the discriminatory nature of their rejection and showed cardiovascular reactivity more indicative of threat (and less of challenge) than participants in the positive differentiation condition. In addition, positive differentiation caused participants to disprove the validity of these group-based expectations by claiming the possession of relatively more masculine (and less feminine) traits.
Alternative 'closures' to Sraffa's system - some reflections in the light of the changes in income distribution in the last decades.

The last 30 years have witnessed a dramatic change in the distribution of income, with the wage share 1 falling in all industrialized countries (figure 1). In addition, these data tend to underestimate the change, since the wage share include the compensations 2 of top-managers, which rose sharply particularly in the Anglo-Saxon countries and which may be regarded as capturing part of business profits rather than as labour incomes. In fact personal income distribution data (cfr Piketty and Saez, 2006, among others) and the trends in wages of non managerial workers suggest for the US an even sharper change in income distribution than is shown by income shares data – for example in the private sector the level of real hourly earnings of production workers actually fell in the US since the mid-seventies (–7%; see table 1), despite a steady increase in output per hour (+54%) in the same period (Pollin, 2003, p. 43).
Apraxia of Speech: Impaired Access to Motor Programs or Damaged Motor Programs?

Definitions of apraxia of speech (AOS) describe this motor speech disorder as an impairment in planning and programming of speech movements (Duffy, 2005). The exact underlying mechanism of the impairment, however, is not well understood. The purpose of this investigation is to specify the speech planning impairment in AOS by testing two specific hypotheses framed in the DIVA model (Guenther, 2006).
EVALUATING A VISUAL TOOL FOR SYSTEMATIC DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS FOR DESIGN STUDENTS

In creating a successful product it is important to understand consumers’ perceptions of a product early in the design process. Often, design students lack the necessary data collection and user testing skills to support effective design decision-making. Consequently, their products might not be acceptable to the intended consumers and are thus likely to fail in the marketplace. For design students to acquire those skills, design curricula should incorporate statistical courses teaching the concepts of data and user testing. We addressed this challenge by developing an automated tool named DACADE, assisting design students to systematically collect and analyze data. This paper reports the user acceptance study of DACADE designed to determine its level of user satisfaction and aesthetic appeal. The results confirmed a need for a formal introduction to systematic sampling, collection of performance data as well as of opinion data, data analysis, interpretation, and application of statistics to product design.
Effect of shear on poly(styrene-b-isoprene) copolymer micelles

The use of various shearing apparatuses to study the phase behavior of poly(styrene-b-isoprene) diblock copolymer micelles is described. A DMTA rheometer was modified so that one can apply oscillatory shear and obtain the scattering pattern along the shear gradient direction. A cone and plate shear cell was designed to access scattering along the shear vorticity direction, and both oscillatory and steady shear can be applied. The most popular way to employ steady shear on relatively low viscosity fluids is to use a Couette cell, because a high shear rate can be readily achieved without disturbing the sample by overflow. In this work, oscillatory shear was used to obtain a single crystal-like scattering pattern, and thereby to examine the mechanism of the thermotropic transition between face-centered cubic (fcc) and body-centered cubic (bcc) lattices. By applying the steady shear, the response of the fcc lattices to various shear rates is discussed.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository Exploring the performance gap in UK homes : new evidence from smart home and smart meter data

The performance gap between measured and predicted energy consumption in buildings is long established. This paper explores the reasons for the performance gap using data collected in ten UK homes. Predictions made by steady state energy models were compared to measured building performance data. Model inputs relating to external conditions and occupant practices were changed to align with measured data. The results show that the performance gap in individual homes is still significant after accounting for occupant practices and suggests that more work is required to develop techniques to estimate the thermal properties of the building fabric using measured data.
Theorising social transformation in occupational science: The American Civil Rights Movement and South African struggle against apartheid as 'Occupational Reconstructions'

ABSTRACT This article introduces a new way to think about social transformation in occupational science. The theory of o ccupational reconstructions is presented through examples of collective action by disempowered communities to achieve racial justice. An ‘occupational reconstruction’ is defined as what people do to remake ordinary life in response to a problematic situation . Occupational reconstructions are characterised by: (1) problematic situations; (2) meaningful and purposeful action; (3) embodied practices; (4) narrative structure; (5) creative transformations; (6) voluntary engagement; and (7) hopeful experimentalism. We apply the theory of occupational reconstructions here to large-scale situations of political activism in the American Civil Rights movement and the South African struggle against apartheid. The authors suggest that occupational reconstructions offer a distinctive theory of social transformation that can help occupational science and occupational therapy engage in both mass movements and more local situations relating to human rights and social justice. Key words: Occupational reconstruction, social activism, civil rights, protest music The South African Journal of Occupational Therapy http://dx.doi. org/10.17159/2310-3833/2015/v45n1a3
Screening of endophytic fungi that promote the growth of Euphorbia pekinensis

This study explored a strategy to use endophytic fungi for promoting the growth of the medicinal plant, Euphorbia pekinensis. The growth of E. pekinensis was examined in pot culture following inoculation of E. pekinensis with endophytic fungal strains (Fusarium spp.) from E. pekinensis (E4 and E5) and those not from E. pekinensis (B3, B6 and S12). The results showed that plants treated with E4 or E5 exhibited significant increase in growth and all tested growth parameters, as compared to the control (CK). The biomass of E4- and E5-treated plants was 2.08 and 1.50 fold higher than that of CK. Analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the indicator of unsaturated fatty acids (IUFA), showed a similar trend as the growth biomass, indicating that the treatments of E4 and E5 benefited the growth of the host plantlets. Indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) were found in the fermented broth of E4 and E5. E. pekinensis cell suspensions demonstrated similar responses to treatment with mycelia extract or filtrate of E5 culture medium. Replacement of MS culture medium components with E5 extracts in host cell suspensions suggested that E5 extract could replace auxin to enhance the plant growth. Therefore, strain E5 could be used as a growth-promoting strain for E. pekinensis. The method used in this study could be applicable to similar studies on the relationship between endophytic fungi and their host plants. This method provides a technique to accelerate the growth of E. pekinensis plantlets and suspension cells.
Exploring for Hidden Geothermal Systems

By definition, hidden (or “blind”) geothermal systems lack obvious surface manifestations such as hot springs, fumaroles, or hydrothermally altered ground. Most of the now-documented but previously-hidden geothermal systems (e.g., the geothermal reservoirs in the Imperial Valley of southern California, U.S.A.) were discovered accidentally, as a result of exploration drilling for oil and gas and/or mining activities. Although the occurrence frequency of hidden geothermal systems is unknown, a methodology is needed to identify promising targets for subsequent deep confirmation drilling. Based on theoretical calculations, Pritchett concluded that a combination of earth-surface electrical surveys (self-potential, magnetotelluric, and DC resistivity) in concert with other relevant information may be used to locate blind or hidden geothermal systems. Subsequently, Garg and coworkers used available geophysical and reservoir data from the Beowawe geothermal field (Nevada, U.S.A.) to demonstrate that electrical surveys may be employed to infer favorable subsurface geothermal reservoir characteristics. In this paper, we review the historical experience and the results of the theoretical studies. We suggest that a suite of electrical surveys together with shallow heat flow surveys and relevant local geological observations offers a promising approach to the identification and preliminary characterization of hidden geothermal systems.
Sickle Cell Nephropathy: Current Understanding of the Presentation, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Sickle cell nephopathy (SCN) begins early in childhood from failure of urinary concen- tration (hyposthenuria), albuminuria to hyperfiltration, hematuria and progression to falling glomerular filtration to end-stage renal disease and increased mortality. Renal involvement is more severe in homozygous individuals (HbSS) than in compound het-erozygous patients (HbSC). The pathogenesis of SCN is multifactorial from hypoxia, acidosis, hemolysis, ischemia-reperfusion injury and albuminuria. The clinical manifes tations depend on whether the main pathology is tubular, glomerular or a mixture of both abnormalities. This chapter offers a critical review of the recent literature and will highlight the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and management of sickle cell nephropathy with particular focus on the major advance in the early diagnosis. Learning points : For SCN, the onset of hyperfiltration and albuminuria in infants and childhood is an opportunity to intervene early. There is no diagnostic markertest capable of detecting the onset of these changes. Moreover there is no reliable therapeutic agent to prevent or halt early changes due to SCN. The development of a marker of renal impair - ment in SCD such as such as Cystatin C assay if validated may be appropriate for wider clinical application.
Optimal Hedging Strategies with an Application to Hedge Fund Replication

The derivation of the bi-variate Payoff Distribution model by Kat and Palaro (2005) represents an interesting contribution to the performance evaluation and asset pricing literature. Nonetheless, their approach for evaluating the function is significantly flawed. Recently, Papageorgiou et al. (2007) have proposed a much more robust approach to modeling the marginal distributions and copula functions, and also extend the results of Schweizer (1995) to evaluate the model and derive an optimal dynamic trading (hedging) strategy. In this paper, we will discuss the technical challenges of implementing a multi-variate extension of Dybvig (1988) model and discuss the possible solutions.
The Prevalence of Secondary Traumatic Stress among Nurses in Iran, Malayer: The Predicting Role of Mindfulness and Social Support

Background Nurses are at risk for symptoms of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). The role of social support and mindfulness in predicting STS is important among nurses. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of the symptoms of STS and the role of mindfulness and social support in predicting the STS in Iranian nurses in Malayer. Methods Using a cross-sectional analytic research design, we selected 173 participants among the nurses working in public hospitals of Malayer, Iran. Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory-14 (FM I-14), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for collecting the data. Results The obtained results indicated that 39.9% of the nurses had symptoms of STS and that the severity of symptoms in emergency nurses and non-emergency nurses was 41.5% and 37.9%, respectively. There was a negative correlation between mindfulness and social support (significant other, family and friends) with STS; social support (from family) negatively predicted the STS in hospital nurses. Conclusion Based on the obtained results, the relationship between mindfulness, social support and STS and the role of social support from family in predicting the STS in Malayer nurses were confirmed. Thus, it is necessary to develop support systems for nurses who are at risk for STS.