Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DUST-TO-GAS RATIO IN THE EXTREMELY METAL-POOR GALAXY I Zw 18

The blue compact dwarf galaxy I Zw 18 is one of the most metal-poor systems known in the local universe (12+log(O/H) = 7.17). In this work we study I Zw 18 using data from Spitzer, Herschel Space Telescope, and IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer. Our data set includes the most sensitive maps of I Zw 18, to date, in both the far-infrared and the CO J = 1 → 0 transition. We use dust emission models to derive a dust mass upper limit of only Mdust ⩽ 1.1 × 104 M☉ (3σ limit). This upper limit is driven by the non-detection at 160 μm, and it is a factor of 4–10 times smaller than previous estimates (depending on the model used). We also estimate an upper limit to the total dust-to-gas mass ratio of MDust/Mgas ⩽ 5.0 × 10−5. If a linear correlation between the dust-to-gas mass ratio and metallicity (measured as O/H) were to hold, we would expect a ratio of 3.9 × 10−4. We also show that the infrared spectral energy distribution is similar to that of starbursting systems.
Verification of the cryptic species Penaeus pulchricaudatus in the commercially important kuruma shrimp P. japonicus (Decapoda : Penaeidae) using molecular taxonomy

Abstract. The kuruma shrimp Penaeus japonicus Bate, 1888 (Decapoda : Penaeidae) is economically important in the global shrimp market. It was regarded as the only species in the subgenus Marsupenaeus. However, our previous molecular analyses revealed two cryptic species (Forms I and II) in this species complex. In this study, we confirm the phylogenetic relatedness between the two cryptic species; revise their taxonomic status; and review their range distribution. The name Penaeus pulchricaudatus Stebbing, 1914 (with type-locality off the eastern coast of South Africa), previously considered as a junior synonym of P. japonicus, is fixed for Form II through a neotype selection. P. japonicus (Form I) is only confined to the East China Sea (including Japan, its type-locality) and the northern South China Sea. P. pulchricaudatus is widely distributed in the South China Sea, Australia, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the western Indian Ocean. Phylogenetic analysis shows that P. japonicus is genetically homogeneous yet P. pulchricaudatus exhibits a strong phylogeographical structure. The Mediterranean stock of P. pulchricaudatus originated from the Red Sea population, supporting the Lessepsian migration hypothesis. The presence of two closely related cryptic species in the P. japonicus species complex provides important insights into fishery management and aquaculture development.
Predicting Insurance Investment: A Factor Analytic Approach

Problem statement: In the last decade growing attention has been paid to the pattern of investments by the insurance industry and the quest ion of how to evaluate such investments. In an economy where the capital market is huge and active, mathematical considerations come into play in the selection of investments to ensure yield maximisati on. Approach: This study examined the use of factor analysis as an emerging technique for the analysis of insurance investment in Nigeria. Results: The proposed technique described a number of methods designed to analyze interrelationships within the investment variables in terms of few underlying but unobservable random quantities called factors. The factors were constructed in a way that reduces the overall complexity of the data by taking advantage of inherent interdependencies. Conclusion: The result obtained through this approach were pro mising and shows that two principal components of the fact or loadings have a cumulative proportion of variance accounted for 94.5% of the total variation s of the investments pattern.
Distributed Dynamic Cuckoo Filter System Based on Redis Cluster

With the exponential growth of network data storage scale, the issue of uniform distribution and efficient retrieval of data in the distributed storage systems such as the Redis cluster has received increasing attention in recent years. In view of the existing problems in scalability, usability and other aspects of the solution in the current research, we propose the Distributed Dynamic Cuckoo Filter system based on Redis cluster. On the one hand, we introduce an efficient hash index structure—Dynamic Cuckoo Filter, which only stores the fingerprint information of data, and automatically scalable capacity to meet the demand of data storage on a dynamic scale. On the other hand, we use the consistent hashing algorithm to construct Redis cluster, and use the thorough communication mechanism of Redis cluster to achieve the data sharing and efficient utilization of multi-machine filters. The scheme proposed in this paper can take the time and space efficiency into account, greatly improve the retrieval performance of massive data, and improve the reliability and availability of Redis cluster.
The Implications of Climate Variability on Market Gardening in Santa Sub-Division, North West Region of Cameroon

If Cameroon maintains its position as the “bread basket” of the Central African sub-Region, one of the areas to be credited is the Santa Sub-Division which is one of the major agricultural production basins, particularly market gardening. Apart from grappling with the conventional pre and post-harvest problems which plague the agricultural sector in Cameroon, observed variability in climate has aggravated the scenario. Using climatic records temperature and rainfall) for a 10 year period, including the output of market garden crops (carrots, leeks, tomatoes and cabbage), complemented by field observations and interviews, we established a correlation between climatic variations and variations in output of market garden crops The results showed both direct and inverse relationships between climate variability and market gardening resulting in differential implications for market gardeners. The implications of this results is that in the future, market gardeners could logically shift their focus to some specific crops; this could reduce the output of these crops leaving a bearing on demand and price. As a logical way forward, we suggest some adaptation options which can help farmers to “climate –proof” the market gardening sector which remains a source of livelihood for many farmers in Santa Sub-Division.
Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside - A Phytoestrogen Nutraceutical of Flaxseed: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antioxidant Potency

This paper evaluates critically the science base that underpins the argument that oxidative damage is a significant causative factor in the development of human diseases and that antioxidants are capable of preventing or ameliorating these disease processes. Lignans, as polyphenol compounds, have been reported to serve as good and healthy nutrients. By reason of possessing many biological activities, it takes a major part in curing degenerative diseases. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), the chief lignan found in flaxseed, is believed to reduce serum cholesterol levels, delay the onset of type II diabetes and decrease formation of breast, prostate and colon cancers. These health benefits of SDG may be partially attributed to its antioxidant properties. Retrospectively of the above information, in the present study, SDG was synthesized for the first time and screened for its antioxidant properties. The synthetic route of SDG used the coupling of two molecules of 3,4-dimethoxy toluene with dibromobutanediol as the key step to yield the SDG skeleton. The synthesized SDG was found to have potential antioxidant activity. It scavenges the DPPH radical at EC50 of 76.67 μg/ml which is comparable to that of antioxidant references namely Ascorbic acid, Std-SDG and α-tocopherol (60.64, 66.57, 83.24 μg/ml) respectively. Further, its dose dependent reducing power was observed. The synthesized SDG showed 1.25 times higher activity compared to α-tocopherol and lesser activity (0.70, 0.75 times) compared to Ascorbic acid and Std-SDG respectively. Additionally, it was found to protect DNA from hydroxyl radicals generated by an oxidant agent as Fenton's reagent at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml.
The Role of Domestic Private Investment in Promoting Per Capita Income Convergence amongst Association of Southeast Asian Nations-5 Economies

Using data spanning 1980-2014, this study investigates the phenomena of per capita income convergence across a panel of Association of Southeast Asian Nations-5 (ASEAN-5) economies. The study also delves on the role of domestic private investment in facilitating per capita income convergence amongst the economies. Employing seemingly unrelated regression augmented Dickey-Fuller test to investigate per capita income convergence of the countries to the group average, it was observed that, as opposed to Malaysia and Singapore, economies of Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand tend convergence to the group average. On the impact of gross domestic investment (GDI) on per capita income convergence, results from system generalized method of moments indicate that gross domestic product gap ratio between a pair of economies tend to diminish with a reduction in the GDI gap ratio between the economies.
Antioxidant Activity of Phyllanthus niruri Extract, Rutin and Quercetin

BACKGROUND: Normal metabolism of oxygen and exogenous factors constantly generate free radicals which could be harmful to the human body. Human need antioxidants to provide protection against free radicals, thus plants are a good source of natural antioxidants. Phyllanthus niruri ( P. niruri ) has been known to possess several medicinal properties and contain numerous active phytochemical. In this research, we conducted phytochemical screening and antioxidant assay of P. niruri extract along with the compounds rutin and quercetin, which are flavonoids possessing medicinal properties. This study was conducted to determine P. niruri , rutin and quercetin as antioxidant. METHODS: In this study, qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to detect phenol, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, steroid/triterpenoid, terpenoid and alkaloid in P. niruri extract. Antioxidant analysis of P. niruri , rutin and quercetin was conducted using total measured phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. RESULTS: The study revealed that P. niruri extract contained saponin, phenol, flavonoid and tannin based on phytochemical screening. In DPPH and ABTS assays quercetin possessed highest antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 0.55 and 1.17 μg/ml respectively. Meanwhile, P. niruri extract showed the highest FRAP activity which was 373.95 μM Fe(II)/μg extract. Rutin possessed the lowest antioxidant activity in all antioxidant assays. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that P. niruri extract and quercetin have great potential as a natural antioxidant source. KEYWORDS: asntioxidant, phytochemical, Phyllanthus niruri , quercetin, rutin, free radical
Effect of Rice Husk Ash Addition on Geotechnical Characteristics of Treated Residual Soil

Residual soil is commonly used as medium for foundation or material for constructions. Its low strength characteristic is attributed to weakly bonded structure inherited from parent rock and/or resulting from secondary crystallization during weathering. Soil stabilization is a common practice in attempt to improve the mechanical structure of particular soil prior to soil engineering works. The re-utilization of industrial wastes is widely used in stabilization of problematic soils. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the effect of rice husk ash (RHA) addition on the geotechnical characteristics of treated residual soil. The treated samples were prepared by mixing varying amount of RHA between 0% and 20% of the base soil. The results found that the Atterberg limits of liquid limit, w and plastic limit, w decreased as the amounts of added RHA were increased. LP Compaction tests indicated an increase in maximum dry density, and decrease in optimum water content, max w with the increase of RHA contents. As RHA contents were increased in treated soils, the hydraulic opt conductivity and soil strength values also increased apparently. These results showed that the presence RHA can modify the geotechnical characteristics of treated residual soil and can be potentially utilized as alternative material for soil stabilization.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON DROSOPHILA LARVAL LOCOMOTION AND NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION MORPHOLOGY

by EMMA YUNYI YANG Closely related Drosophila species are ideal models for understanding evolutionary processes. Here we characterize phenotypic variations in locomotion patterns and Neuromuscular Junction morphology within related Drosophila species, D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. sechellia, D. pseudoobscura, and D. busckii, and demonstrate possible mechanisms underlying these phenotypic differences. We describe larval peristaltic crawling in terms of speed, rate of contractions and dispersal efficiency. Comparisons across species show species-specific pattern of larval locomotion. Quantitative analyses on the NMJ anatomy reveal that the pattern of NMJ morphology correlates with larval locomotor behaviors, and suggests the observed differences in locomotion may be explained by variations in NMJ morphology. We also perform hybrid studies to investigate the inheritance pattern of these traits by using the sibling species D. melanogaster, D. simulans, and D. sechellia. We are able to demonstrate that NMJ formation, larval movement speed, and larval dispersal efficiency are associated with X-linked genes, while the rate of peristaltic contractions is maternally influenced.
Expression of Genetic Variability and Character Association in Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Smith) Growing Wild in North-Western Himalayas

The present investigation was carried out in various districts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu&Kashmir and Uttarakhand States falling under north-western Himalayan region of India. As a result of sustained exploration, 170 wild raspberry genotypes were marked and studied for berry quality attributes. Variation ranged from 0.25 g-0.93 g for berry weight. Berry length varied between 6.31 mm and 14.46 mm, while, berry breadth was 7.02 mm to 15.91 mm. Variation in Total Soluble Solids (TSS) in berry ranged between 9.6oB and 18.6oB whereas, acidity in berries ranged between 1.02 and 1.72%. The range of variation was 2-4.90% for reducing sugars, 4.2° - 11.6° for non-reducing sugars and 2.4- 5.2 mg/100 g for ascorbic acid. Berry weight had significant and positive correlation with its length and its breadth. Berry length exhibited positively significant correlation with berry breadth.
Habit-Based Versus Goal-Directed Decision Making

concept learning: Learning strategies and related issues in Macaca mulatta, Cebus apella, and Columba livia. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 121, 387-397. Yang, T. , & Shadlen, M. N. (2007). Probabilistic reasoning by neurons. Nature, 447, 1075-1080. Yin, H. H. , Knowlton, B. J., & Balleine, B. W. (2004). Lesions of dorsolateral striatum preserve outcome expectancy but disrupt habit formation in instrumental learning. European Journal of Neuroscience, 19, 181-189. Yin, H. H. , Knowlton, B. J., & Balleine, B. W. (2005). Blockade of NMDA receptors in the dorsomedial striatum prevents action– outcome learning in instrumental conditioning. European Journal of Neuroscience, 22, 505-512. (Manuscript received March 3, 2008; revision accepted for publication August 26, 2008.) Preuss, T. M. (1995). Do rats have prefrontal cortex? The Rose–Woolsey– Akert program reconsidered. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 7,
Gonorrhea and syphilis co-infection and related risk factors in HIV patients from Shiraz, South of Iran

Background: Neisseria gonorrhea and Treponema pallidum as an obligate human pathogen are two common causes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae and T. pallidum among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in the southwest Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed from 2004 to 2013, on HIV patients who were tested for detection of gonorrhea and syphilis infection at Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center. ELISA technique was used for preliminary detection of HIV and confirmed by a Western Blotting test. Gonorrhea was routinely diagnosed using direct Gram-staining and culturing on selective agar. Syphilis was routinely diagnosed by RPR test. Results: Of the 806 HIV patients, 39 (2.6%) cases had co-infection with gonorrhea. Compared with mono-HIV infected patients, gonorrhea was significantly more likely among the males (69.4% vs. 92.3%, P=0.002). History of addiction and prison seems to be a significant risk factor for gonorrhea infection (P<0.05). Also, the mean of CD4+lymphocyte was higher among gonorrhea infected patients (368±238 vs. 415±328). Logistic regression analysis showed that sexual contact increased risk of gonococcal infection about 4 fold (OR: 4, CI: 1.7-9.39, P=0.001). None of the HIV patients had syphilis co-infection. Conclusions: As a preliminary survey, our findings provided unique information on the prevalence of gonorrhea and syphilis co-infections among HIV patients. Moreover, we introduced the main risk factors associated with gonorrhea co-infection in HIV patients in our region including gender, history of addiction and prison, CD4+lymphocyte count, and transmission routes for effective management of STDs.
Observational constraints on the physical nature of submillimetre source multiplicity : chance projections are common

The Flatiron Institute is supported by the Simons Foundation. Some of this work was supported by a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Keck PI Data Award, administered by the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute. EI acknowledges partial support from Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cientifico y Tecnologico (FONDECYT) through grant no. 1171710. MJM acknowledges the support of the National Science Centre, Poland through POLONEZ grant 2015/19/P/ST9/04010. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 665778. Some of the data presented herein were obtained at the W. M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and NASA. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. The authors wish to recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Mauna Kea has always had within the indigenous Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain. Partially based on observations obtained at the Gemini Observatory, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the Gemini partnership: the NSF (United States), the National Research Council (Canada), Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (CONICYT) (Chile), Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Productiva (Argentina), and Ministerio da Ciencia, Tecnologia e Inovacao (Brazil). This research has made use of the NASA/Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) Extragalactic Database (NED), which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the VizieR data base of astronomical catalogues (Ochsenbein, Bauer & Marcout 2000), NASA’s Astrophysics Data System Bibliographic Services, the arXiv.org preprint server, and ASTROPY, a community-developed core PYTHON package for astronomy (Astropy Collaboration 2013).
Sensing performance of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition SiC-SiO2-SiC horizontal slot waveguides

Abstract. We have studied, for the first time, the sensing capabilities of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) SiC-SiO2-SiC horizontal slot waveguides. Optical propagation losses were measured to be 23.9 dB/cm for the quasi-transverse magnetic mode. To assess the potential of this device as a sensor, we simulated the confinement factor in the slot. This simulation revealed that SiC-based slot waveguides can be used, advantangeously, for sensing as the confinement strongly varies with the refractive index of the slot material. A confinement factor change of 0.15/refractive index units was measured for different slot materials.
The Suitability of External Control-Groups for Empirical Control Purposes: a Cautionary Story in Science Education Research

This article deals with a specific effect in one external control group incorporated to account for any pretest bias in a more comprehensive cognitive achievement study in a gene technology lab (as part of a modified Solomon’s four-group plan). We monitored 12 th graders (N = 117) in two external groups without any intervention: a one-test group (n = 55) and a three-test group (n = 62). Both samples participated in identical tests which quantified the relevant knowledge of the lesson unit applied in the main study. The three-test group yielded an unexpected increase in achievement scores. Subsequent analysis revealed two subsamples: one with no changes, the other with an increase (although without an intervention took place). A likely reason for the latter situation may lie in the role of the teacher(s) involved who might have wish to avoid potential negative results in his/her class. Consequently, we recommend the application of a modified Solomon’s four group plan in science education research in order to prevent the influence of teacher intervention in future empirical analyses.
Testing the Long-Run Fisher Effect in Selected African Countries: Evidence from ARDL Bounds Test

This paper tests the validity of the Fisher hypothesis for a sample of ten African countries. Recognizing the possibility of spurious regression results, we undertook unit root and cointegration tests. We found nominal interest rates to be I(1) series while inflation rates are I(0) series. Hence, we employed the bounds test to cointegration. The results provide evidence supporting the full Fisher effect only in Kenya. In Cote d’Ivoire and Gabon, we found a positive but less than one-for-one reaction of nominal interest rates to changes in inflation rates, lending support to the partial Fisher effect. For the other seven countries, the results suggest no evidence of long-run relationship between nominal interest rates and inflation.
The Effect of Filipino Overseas Migration on the Non-Migrant Spouse's Market Participation and Labor Supply Behavior

This paper examines the effect of one partner’s overseas migration on the other non-migrant partner’s labor force participation and supply behavior. I compare the effect when the migrant partner is male and when she is female. The study uses merged 2003 data sets from the nationally representative Labor Force Survey, the Family Income and Expenditures Survey and the Survey of Overseas Filipinos. Employing alternative empirical specifications of the labor supply function, the study examines the income remittance and the conjugal home-time effects of overseas migration. Addressing the potential endogeneity of income and migration, estimates establish stronger conjugal home time effects of migration for married women and larger remittance income effects for married men.