Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can galaxy growth be sustained through HI-rich minor mergers?

Local galaxies with specific star-formation rates (star-formation rate per unit mass; sSFR~0.2-10/Gyr) as high as distant galaxies (z~1-3), are very rich in HI. Those with low stellar masses, log M_star (M_sun)=8-9, for example, have M_HI/M_star~5-30. Using continuity arguments of Peng et al. (2014), whereby the specific merger rate is hypothesized to be proportional to the specific star-formation rate, and HI gas mass measurements for local galaxies with high sSFR, we estimate that moderate mass galaxies, log M_star (M_sun)=9-10.5, can acquire sufficient gas through minor mergers (stellar mass ratios ~4-100) to sustain their star formation rates at z~2. The relative fraction of the gas accreted through minor mergers declines with increasing stellar mass and for the most massive galaxies considered, log M_star (M_sun)=10.5-11, this accretion rate is insufficient to sustain their star formation. We checked our minor merger hypothesis at z=0 using the same methodology but now with relations for local normal galaxies and find that minor mergers cannot account for their specific growth rates, in agreement with observations of HI-rich satellites around nearby spirals. We discuss a number of attractive features, like a natural down-sizing effect, in using minor mergers with extended HI disks to support star formation at high redshift. The answer to the question posed by the title, "Can galaxy growth be sustained through \HI-rich minor mergers? ", is maybe, but only for relatively low mass galaxies and at high redshift.
Effect of Long-Term Continuous Cotton Mono-Cropping on Depletion of Soil NPK and Changes in Some Selected Soil Chemical Characters on Vertisols and Fluvisols

A long-term cotton exhaustion trial was conducted on lowland Vertisols and Fluvisols at Werer Agricultural Research Center during the 1968–2002 in Ethiopia to investigate nutrient depletion rate and changes in selected soil chemical properties. Treatments used include cultivated fallow, control, 80kgN ha-1, 80-80 kgNP ha-1, 80-80kgNKha-1 and 80-80-80kgNPKha-1 arranged in RCBD with four and six replications in Vertisols and Fluvisols, respectively. The cotton was grown as a test crop and the status of soil N, P, K, OC, pHe and ECe were periodically monitored every seasons. Seed cotton yield had shown significant response to treatments imposed after 10 and 3 years of continuous cotton mono-cropping, respectively, on Vertisols and Fluvisols, and consistently continued for further 3 consecutive periodical checking years. Then onwards, until the end of the experiment, seed cotton yield didn't showed consistent yield response. Combined analysis revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) yield response to N applications. Despite the long-term continuous mining of soil nutrients through seed cotton harvest and crop residue removal, soil analytical result revealed no indication of depletion in total nitrogen, available K and P. Soil pHe (in both soil types) and ECe only in Fluvisols tend show gradual increase.
Comparison of the adsorption by rice hulls and Lewatit TP 214 of platinum from chloroplatinic solution

Rice hulls, a biomass waste product, and Lewatit TP 214, a thiosemi- carbazide sorbent, were investigated as adsorbents for the adsorption of pla- tinum(IV) ions from synthetically prepared dilute chloroplatinic acid solutions. The rice hulls were characterized by attenuated total reflection-Fourier trans- form infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The effects of the different adsorp- tion parameters, sorbent dosage, contact time, temperature and pH of the solu- tion on the percent adsorption were studied in detail for batch sorption. The adsorption equilibrium data were best fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities, Qmax, at 25 °C were found to be 42.02 and 33.22 mg g -1 for the rice hulls and Lewatit TP 214, respectively. Thermodynamic calculations using the measured ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG° values indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order rate equations were investigated; the adsorption of platinum ions for both sorbents was found to be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The kinetic rate, k2, using 30 mg sor- bent at 25 °C was found to be 0.0289 and 0.0039 g min -1 mg -1 for the rice hulls and Lewatit TP 214, respectively. The results indicated that the rice hulls could be effectively used for the removal of platinum from aqueous solution.
The Role of Structure Novelty on the Efficacy of Recasts: An Experimental Study on Iranian Upper-intermediate EFL students

recent developments regarding error correction demonstrate an increasing interest in finding the determining elements that are influential in the effectiveness of recasts. In line with this trend, present paper aims at investigating the effect of structure novelty on the effectiveness of two types of recasts, namely combination recast and single-move recast. To this end, 60 upper-intermediate students in 4 classes were chosen to form 2 experimental groups (each 2 classes formed 1 experimental group), and later the two above-mentioned corrective feedback were utilized by the teacher in each experimental group to correct the erroneous utterances stemming from both newly and previously learned structures. To collect the required data students participated in 10-minute discussion for 10 sessions. Then two paired t-tests were administered after the treatment to compare the performance of both groups on the post-test. The results indicated that structure novelty is a determining factor regarding the effectiveness of the recasts owing to two reasons. Firstly, while both types of recasts acted the same on correcting the incorrect structures rooted in the previously-learned structures, combination recasts were more effective over single-move recasts in correcting the fallacious structures emanated from newly-learned structures. Secondly, upper intermediate students whom are believed to benefit from recasts (Ammar and Spada, 2006; Philip, 2003) due to their high proficiency couldn't make the most of recasts as their erroneous utterances stemmed from their novel and newly-learned structures.
Gradient ranges of bumps on the plane

For a C 1 -smooth bump function b: R 2 → R we show that the gradient range ⊇b(R 2 ) is the closure of its interior, provided that Vb admits a modulus of continuity ω = ω(t) satisfying ω(t)/√t → 0 as t \ 0. The result is a consequence of a more general result about gradient ranges of bump functions b: R n → R of the same degree of smoothness. For such bump functions we show that for open sets G ⊂ R n , either the intersection ⊇b(R n )∩G is empty or its topological dimension is at least two. The proof relies on a new Morse-Sard type result where the smoothness hypothesis is independent of the dimension n of the space.
Contrasting various notions of convergence in geometric analysis

We explore the distinctions between $L^p$ convergence of metric tensors on a fixed Riemannian manifold versus Gromov-Hausdorff, uniform, and intrinsic flat convergence of the corresponding sequence of metric spaces. We provide a number of examples which demonstrate these notions of convergence do not agree even for two dimensional warped product manifolds with warping functions converging in the $L^p$ sense. We then prove a theorem which requires $L^p$ bounds from above and $C^0$ bounds from below on the warping functions to obtain enough control for all these limits to agree.
NGC 1980 Is Not a Foreground Population of Orion: Spectroscopic Survey of Young Stars with Low Extinction in Orion A

We perform a spectroscopic survey of the foreground population in Orion A with MMT/Hectospec. We use these data, along with archival spectroscopic data and photometric data, to derive spectral types, extinction values, and masses for 691 stars. Using the Spitzer Space Telescope data, we characterize the disk properties of these sources. We identify 37 new transition disk (TD) objects, 1 globally depleted disk candidate, and 7 probable young debris disks. We discover an object with a mass of less than 0.018–0.030 M⊙, which harbors a flaring disk. Using the Hα emission line, we characterize the accretion activity of the sources with disks, and confirm that the fraction of accreting TDs is lower than that of optically thick disks (46% ± 7% versus 73% ± 9%, respectively). Using kinematic data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and APOGEE INfrared Spectroscopy of the Young Nebulous Clusters program (IN-SYNC), we confirm that the foreground population shows similar kinematics to their local molecular clouds and other young stars in the same regions. Using the isochronal ages, we find that the foreground population has a median age of around 1–2 Myr, which is similar to that of other young stars in Orion A. Therefore, our results argue against the presence of a large and old foreground cluster in front of Orion A.
Effect of Inventory Management on Financial Performance of Firms Funded by Government Venture Capital in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inventory management on the financial performance as well as to explore the moderating effect of political environment on the financial performance of firms funded by Government Venture capital in Kenya. The target population comprised all firms funded by government venture capital in Kenya. Twenty four firms had been funded by government venture capital through ICDC as at 31 st December, 2013. The study adopted a census approach because of the small number of firms. The study reviewed both theoretical and empirical literature on inventory management. From the review of related literature, a comprehensive conceptual framework of argument of the relationship between inventory management and firm financial performance was formulated. Based on the conceptual framework, a questionnaire was formulated and with the use of Cronbach’s Co-efficient Alpha the instrument’s validity and reliability was tested through a pilot study. The pretested questionnaire was used to collect primary data for the independent variables while a record survey sheet was used to collect secondary data for the dependent variable. Out of 72 respondents, 51 responded, being 71%. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used as the statistical tool for analysis of the data. Normality tests were carried on the dependent variable. Multi collinearity and homoscedasticity tests were carried out on the independent and dependent variables respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed and described using descriptive and inferential statistics. Scatter plots were used to test if linear relationships existed after which inferential statistics analysis for every variable was made. There are few studies in Kenya on Cash flow management and financial performance and therefore this study was an attempt to fill this gap and provide empirical evidence on the effect of cash flow management on the financial performance of firms funded by government venture capital in Kenya. Keywords: Working capital management, financial performance, inventory management, EOQ.
Preference Analysis of Smart Meters , Photovoltaic Generation , and Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Japan , and Mechanisms to Enable Their Diffusion

Recently, expectations about the deployment of smart grids have risen in Japan, making it important to investigate the diffusion process of smart equipment, such as smart meters, photovoltaic generation, and electric and hybrid vehicles. However, since the revealed preference data have not been accumulated for smart equipment diffusion, this paper conducts a conjoint analysis to examine consumers’ stated preferences on the basis of an online survey administered in March 2011. A mixed logit model that allows for individual heterogeneity is adopted for estimation, and willingness-to-pay (WTP) values are calculated for the attributes. Furthermore, rates of diffusion, reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and interdependencies among types of smart equipment are investigated.
Local prediction of stand structure using linear prediction theory in Scots pine-dominated stands in Finland

This study produced a family of models for eight standard stand characteristics, frequency and basal area-based diameter distributions, and a height curve for stands in Finland dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). The data consisted of 752 National Forest Inventorybased sample plots, measured three times between 1976 and 2001. Of the data, 75% were randomly selected for modelling and 25% left out for model evaluation. Base prediction models were constructed as functions of stand age, location and site providing strongly average expectations. These expectations were then calibrated with the known stand variables using linear prediction theory when estimating the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP). Three stand variables, typically assessed in Finnish forest management planning fieldwork, were quite effective for calibrating the expectation for the unknown variable. In the case of optional distributions, it was essential to choose the weighting of the diameter distribution model such that the available input variables and the model applied were based on the same scale (e.g. arithmetic stand variables for frequency distribution). Additional input variables generally improved the accuracy of the validated characteristics, but the improvements in the predicted distributions were most noteworthy when the arithmetic mean and basal area-weighted median were simultaneously included in the BLUP estimation. The BLUP method provided a flexible approach for characterising relationships among stand variables, alternative size distributions and the height–diameter curve. Models are intended for practical use in the MOTTI simulator.
Estimating Fracture Toughness Using Tension or Ball Indentation Tests and a Modified Critical Strain Model

A simple technique is described for estimating the fracture toughness by coupling the measured flow properties (either from a uniaxial tensile test or from a new automated ball indentation test) with a modified but empirically correlated critical fracture strain model. This technique is currently limited to ductile fracture applications. The modified model was used in combination with either tensile or ball indentation data to estimate fracture toughness of A515 grade 70 carbon steel and A533 grade B class 1 pressure vessel steel, respectively. The difference between fracture toughness predictions and measured values, using a computerized single-specimen unloading compliance technique in accordance with ASTM E-813, was less than 11%.
Osedax mucofloris (Polychaeta, Siboglinidae), a bone-eating marine worm new to Norway

Normal 0 21 false false false NO-BOK X-NONE X-NONE The bone-eating siboglinid polychaete Osedax mucofloris Glover, Kallstrom, Smith & Dahlgren, 2005 is reported from Norwegian waters for the first time. Dense growth was found on bovine bones deposited at 118 meters depth off western Norway. Dwarf males were observed for the first time. The two specimens sequenced were identical to haplotypes previously found at a Swedish whale fall. The possibility of finding additional species of Osedax is discussed.
Ecosystem services and livelihoods in a changing climate: Understanding local adaptations in the Upper Koshi, Nepal

Mountain ecosystems are increasingly being affected by global environmental change, challenging the ubiquitous agro-ecosystem-based livelihoods of the people. This article uses participatory research methods to document and analyse (1) local and regional impacts of climate change on ecosystem services (ES) and livelihoods, and (2) the main current adaptation strategies of local peoples in the mountains of central Nepal. Major observed impacts include reduced precipitation and an irregular rainfall pattern, affecting paddy cultivation and winter crop production. Production is also affected by increased pest and pathogen prevalence. Other impacts include increased livestock disease and reduced forest regeneration. Our results confirm earlier findings of a decrease in the district’s forest cover in past; however, substantial efforts in forest conservation and management at the local level have gradually increased forest cover in recent years. Despite the increased potential for forest ecosystem services, the availability of forest goods, in particular fuel wood, fodder and litter, have decreased because of a strict regulation on forest goods extraction. Additionally, new invasive species are colonising these forests, preventing regeneration of preferred and local forest vegetation in some areas and, as a result, the densities of tree crops are changing. Most users cope with these changes by short term, reactive solutions. However, a number of local adaptation strategies, such as changing both agricultural practices and water harvesting and management, are increasing efficiency in resource use. To increase the adaptive capacity of poor households, we suggest it is essential to incorporate climate change adaptations within the local planning process.
Setaria faberi Seed HeteroblastyBlueprints Seedling Recruitment: III. Seedling Recruitment Behavior

Seedling recruit ment of heterogeneous Setaria faberi seed entering the soil post-abscission is elucidated herein. This is the third in a series of three articles providing evidence that weedy Setaria seedling recruit ment behavior is predicated on dormancy state heterogeneity at abscission (seed heteroblasty), as modulated by environmental signals. Co mplex oscillating patterns of seedling emergence were observed during the first half of the growing season in all 503 soil burial cores of the 39 populations studied. These patterns were attributed to six distinct dormancy phenotype cohorts arising fro m inherent somatic poly morphis m in seed dormancy states (canalized phenotypes). Early season cohorts were formalized using a mixtu re model consisting of four normal distributions. Two, numerically low, late season cohorts were also observed. Variation in emergence patterns among Setaria populations revealed a fine scale adaptation to local conditions. Seedling recruit ment patterns were influenced by both parental-genotypic (time of embryogenesis) and environmental (year, co mmon nursery location, seed age in the soil) parameters. The influence of seed heteroblasty on recruitment behavior was apparent in that S. faberi populations with higher dormancy at the time of dispersal had lower emergence numbers the follo wing spring, and in many instances occurred later, co mpared to those less dormant. Heteroblasty was thus the first determinant of behavior, most apparent in recruit ment nu mber, less so in pattern. Environ ment modulated seedling numbers, but mo re strongly influenced pattern. The resulting pattern of emergence revealed the actual "hedge-bet" structure for Setaria seedling recruit ment investment, its realized niche, an adaptation to the predictable mortality risks caused by agricultural production and interactions with neighbors. These comp lex patterns in seedling recru it ment behavior support the conjecture that the inherent dormancy capacities of S. faberi seeds provides a germinability 'memory' of successful historical exp loitation of local opportunity, the inherent starting condition that interacts in both a determin istic and plastic manner with environ mental signals to define the consequential heterogeneous life history trajectories.
JC virus genotype profile in the Mamanwa, a Philippine Negrito tribe, and implications for its population history

JC virus (JCV) is ubiquitous in the human population, usually being transmitted from parents to children during cohabitation. JCV genotyping is a useful means of elucidating the origins of various ethnic groups in the world. We used this method to gain insights into the origin of the Mamanwa, a Philippine Negrito tribe in Northeast Mindanao. We found that the Mamanwa carried two major JCV genotypes, B3-b/2E and SC-f/7A. This was in contrast with the JCV genotype profile of modern Filipinos who carry up to five genotypes, with B3-b/2E showing only a low frequency. B3-b/2E is spread throughout Oceania but rare on the Asian continent. In contrast, SC-f/7A is spread throughout Southeast Asia (including neighboring Oceanic islands) but rare in Remote Oceania. The present findings thus suggest that the Mamanwa tribe was formed by early colonization by people carrying B3-b/2E followed by an admixture of more recent immigrants carrying SC-f/7A. As the indigenous tribe (the Chamorro) in the Mariana Islands has essentially the same JCV genotype profile as the Mamanwa, other indigenous tribes in Southeast Asian and Oceanic islands may have a population history analogous to that suggested for the Mamanwa.
Penumbral thermal structure below the visible surface

$Context$. The thermal structure of the penumbra below its visible surface (i.e., $\tau_5 \ge 1$) has important implications for our present understanding of sunspots and their penumbrae: their brightness and energy transport, mode conversion of magneto-acoustic waves, sunspot seismology, and so forth. $Aims$. We aim at determining the thermal stratification in the layers immediately beneath the visible surface of the penumbra: $\tau_5 \in [1,3]$ ($\approx 70-80$ km below the visible continuum-forming layer). $Methods$. We analyzed spectropolarimetric data (i.e., Stokes profiles) in three Fe \textsc{i} lines located at 1565 nm observed with the GRIS instrument attached to the 1.5-meter solar telescope GREGOR. The data are corrected for the smearing effects of wide-angle scattered light and then subjected to an inversion code for the radiative transfer equation in order to retrieve, among others, the temperature as a function of optical depth $T(\tau_5)$. $Results$. We find that the temperature gradient below the visible surface of the penumbra is smaller than in the quiet Sun. This implies that in the region $\tau_5 \ge 1$ the penumbral temperature diverges from that of the quiet Sun. The same result is obtained when focusing only on the thermal structure below the surface of bright penumbral filaments. We interpret these results as evidence of a thick penumbra, whereby the magnetopause is not located near its visible surface. In addition, we find that the temperature gradient in bright penumbral filaments is lower than in granules. This can be explained in terms of the limited expansion of a hot upflow inside a penumbral filament relative to a granular upflow, as magnetic pressure and tension forces from the surrounding penumbral magnetic field hinder an expansion like this.
The productivity of ‘unnatural’ labial palatalization in Xhosa

Xhosa (Bantu, South Africa) has a pattern of labial palatalization. When the passive suffix /-w-/ is added to a stem ending in a labial, the labial becomes palatal (uku-lu m -a → uku-lu ɲ -w-a). Two main types of analysis have been proposed for this alternation: (i) the ‘phonological analysis’, which states that the alternation is part of speakers' synchronic phonological grammar, and (ii) the ‘lexical analysis’, which states that speakers learn the palatalized passive forms as part of their lexical knowledge. To distinguish between the two hypotheses, we conducted a wug test in which speakers of Xhosa were shown nonce verbs and asked to provide their corresponding passive form. Since the phonological analysis requires there to be a synchronic phonological rule, speakers should passivize nonce forms in the conditioning environment. Under the lexical analysis, however, speakers are predicted not to palatalize nonce forms, since the real-word palatalized passives they produce are simply stored in the lexicon. Our results show a great deal of inter-speaker variation. While some speakers produced palatalized nonce forms nearly 100% of the time, other speakers failed to produce any palatalized nonce forms at all. We argue that labial palatalization may be analyzed in different ways by different speakers.