Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Positive double-pulse streamers

Residual charges and species created by previous streamers have a great impact on the characteristics of the next discharge. This is especially pronounced in repetitively pulsed discharges, where the physical and chemical reactions during the decay phase play a very important role. We have performed double-pulse streamer experiments in artificial air and pure nitrogen with a varying pulse delay (∆t) from 0.45 μs to 20 ms. We have observed morphological transformations of the 2nd-pulse streamer as a function of ∆t and classified six typical stages by streamer length. The propagation distance of the 2nd-pulse streamer can be 66% longer than the 1st-pulse in 66.7 mbar nitrogen, while it is 37% longer in air under the same conditions. However, we find that the longer propagation distance of the 2nd-pulse streamer in N2 is not caused by a higher velocity nor by fast gas heating effect of previous streamer discharge in our experimental conditions, but by earlier inception which gives more time to propagate during the pulse. In air, on the other hand, the streamers initiate almost at the same time in both pulses but the inception cloud of the 2nd-pulse streamer breaks up earlier. The onset of every stage occurs at smaller ∆t in air than in N2 at the same pressure. These observations imply that different mechanisms work in N2 and air, e.g. photoionization and attachment.
Nutritional status assessment in Prediabetic subjects of Karimnagar District

Prediabetes refers to fasting plasma glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dl and/or HbA1C of 5.7% to 6.4%. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes has been increasing worldwide because of modern lifestyle, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. The objective of the study is to know the prevalence of prediabetes among adults aged 18-50 years and to assess their anthropometric values in Karimnagar district, Telangana state, India. A total of 49 adults were screened and found 51.02% of them are prediabetics, 42.85% were normal and 6.12% were diabetes as per HbA1C levels. The nutritional status of prediabetic subjects was assessed through anthropometry and found 44% was categorized as overweight, 32% under class I obese, 16% normal, 4% class II obese and 4% class III obese. Association was found between prediabetes and overweight/obese. The prevalence of prediabetes was higher in overweight/obese persons with higher body mass index.
Biophysical parameters of different tomato genotypes responsible for resistance/susceptibility to South American tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)

Biophysical parameters of different tomato genotypes were estimated during Rabi 2016-17 and 2017-18 to identify the resistance/susceptibility to Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). The leaflet length and width were significantly lower in moderately resistant genotypes EC-620410, EC-620343 and EC-620401 with 2.68 cm and 1.31 cm, 2.74 cm and 1.44 cm and 3.06 cm and 1.63 cm, respectively whereas significantly higher in highly susceptible genotypes EC-160885 and EC-620433 with 7.08 cm and 3.13 cm and 6.35 cm and 3.01 cm, respectively. The leaflet thickness and trichome density were significantly higher in moderately resistant genotypes EC-620410, EC-620401 and EC-620343 with 0.35 mm, 0.34 mm and 0.33 mm and 466.50, 408.66 and 431.67 per 0.25 cm, respectively, whereas leaflet thickness and trichome density were significantly lower in highly susceptible genotype EC-160885 (0.18 mm and 128.17 per 0.25 cm, respectively). The moderately resistant genotypes EC-620410, EC-620401, EC538153 and EC-164577 with highest SCMR values of 44.40, 42.25, 42.18, and 41.78, respectively, with lowest T. absoluta infestation whereas highly susceptible genotypes EC-620433 and EC-160885 recorded lowest SCMR values 31.99 and 31.91, respectively. The significant positive correlation was observed between leaflet length, width and with the infestation of T. absoluta on leaflets, fruits and larvae per compound leaf whereas leaflet thickness, trichome density and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR values) were found to be significant negative correlation.
Association of important morpho-physiological and biochemical traits associated with grain yield for moisture stress tolerance in rabi sorghum under late sown condition

Ten different genotypes and three checks of rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor var. Moench) were evaluated for their morpho-physiological, growth, biochemical parameters with yield parameters under moisture stress late sown condition at research farm of sorghum research, Akola. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design, replicated thrice. The morpho-physiological and phenological parameters viz., plant height, leaf area plant-1, total dry matter plant-1, relative leaf water content, chlorophyll content index, adaxial stomatal frequency and abaxial stomatal frequency showed positive and significant correlation with grain yield. The correlation between growth and biochemical parameters indicated that the growth parameters viz., relative growth rate, crop growth rate, absolute growth rate, leaf area index, specific leaf weight and number of green leaves plant-1, biochemical parameters viz., leaf proline content, chlorophyll stability index, nitrogen content in leaves, nitrogen content in seed and protein content in seed showed positive and significant correlation with grain yield. While, the phenological parameters viz., Days to 50 percent flowering, days to physiological maturity showed negative and significant correlation with grain yield. Therefore, these all parameters should be considered for the developing genotypes for stress tolerance under late sown rainfed condition.
The influence of priming reward stimuli and need for uniqueness on the effectiviness of scarcity as an influencing strategy

Scarcity is often used to persuade people in a variety of domains, for example in the marketing domain to buy more books or in the health domain to decrease snacking behavior. Still, using scarcity as an influencing strategy is not always effective, and many questions remain with regards to when scarcity is effective and when it is not. In the current research we investigated the combined influence of need for uniqueness (i.e., person characteristic) and priming reward stimuli (i.e., situation characteristic) on the effectiveness of scarcity. In an online experiment, participants were either primed with reward stimuli or not, then assessed scarce and non-scarce books, and filled out the need for uniqueness questionnaire. A linear mixed model analysis revealed that participants, regardless of the priming manipulation, valued scarce books more compared to non-scarce books (i.e., stronger purchase intentions and more favorable attitude). This effect was moderated by participant’s need for uniqueness. An explanation for the latter result might be that need for uniqueness has a depreciating effect on the valuation of non-scarce books. The results did not reveal the predicted combined influence of need for uniqueness and priming reward stimuli on the effectiveness of scarcity. Concluding, these results replicate the finding that scarcity is an effective influencing strategy, and that its effectiveness depends on a person’s need for uniqueness. Finally, implications for marketing and persuasive technology are discussed.
TUM-HEP-709 / 09 New strategies for New Physics search in B → K ∗ νν̄ , B → Kνν̄ and B → X s νν̄ decays

The rare decay B → K∗νν̄ is regarded as one of the important channels in B physics as it allows a transparent study of Z penguin and other electroweak penguin effects in New Physics (NP) scenarios in the absence of dipole operator contributions and Higgs (scalar) penguin contributions that are often more important than Z contributions in B → K∗`+`− and Bs → `+`− decays. We present a new analysis of B → K∗νν̄ with improved form factors and of the decays B → Kνν̄ and B → Xsνν̄ in the SM and in a number of NP scenarios like the general MSSM, general scenarios with modified Z/Z ′ penguins and in a singlet scalar extension of the SM. We also summarize the results in the Littlest Higgs model with T-parity and a Randall-Sundrum (RS) model with custodial protection of left-handed Zdid̄j couplings. Our SM prediction BR(B → K∗νν̄) = (6.8 −1.1) × 10−6 turns out to be significantly lower than the ones present in the literature. Our improved calculation BR(B → Xsνν̄) = (2.7 ± 0.2) × 10−5 in the SM avoids the normalization to the BR(B → Xceν̄e) and, with less than 10% total uncertainty, is the most accurate to date. The results for the SM and NP scenarios can be transparently summarized in a ( , η) plane analogous to the known (%̄, η̄) plane with a non-vanishing η signalling this time not CP violation but the presence of new right-handed down-quark flavour violating couplings which can be ideally probed by the decays in question. Measuring the three branching ratios and one additional polarization observable in B → K∗νν̄ allows to overconstrain the resulting point in the ( , η) plane with ( , η) = (1, 0) corresponding to the SM. We point out that the correlations of these three channels with the rare decays K+ → π+νν̄, KL → π0νν̄, B → Xs`+`− and Bs → μ+μ− offer powerful tests of New Physics with new right-handed couplings and non-MFV interactions.
Effect of weed management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of greengram

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif of 2013 at Agriculture Research Station, SK Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India with combination of 16 weed control treatments in three replications. Weed free check (two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS) was found most effective to control weeds in greengram and recorded lowest weed density, weed dry matter and weed index and highest weed control efficiency. It was also recorded significantly highest growth and yield attributes in greengram over all the other treatments, viz. plant height, dry weight of nodules, dry matter accumulation, number of pods/plant, seeds/pod and seed yield/ha. The maximum net return of 50,102/ha and B: C ratio (3.05) was recorded under weed free treatment. Among the different herbicides, preemergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + post-emergence application of imazethapyr 40 g/ha at 30 DAS recorded significantly higher net returns of 48,108/ha and B:C ratio (2.98).
The petrosal and inner ear of Herpetocetus sp. (Mammalia: Cetacea) and their implications for the phylogeny and hearing of archaic mysticetes

This paper describes the petrosal (periotic) and the inner ear of Herpetocetus sp. , an archaic mysticete whale (Mysticeti, Mammalia) from the Yorktown Formation (Pliocene) of North Carolina, USA. Parsimony analysis of 28 petrosal characters of Herpetocetus sp. and 11 other cetacean taxa supports the monophyly of mysticetes and the division of odontocetes and mysticetes. The in-group taxa of this analysis are: Herpetocetus, Parietobalaena, Pelocetus, Balaenidae, Eschrichtius, and Balaenopteridae. Odontocetes and the archaeocete Zygorhiza were used as successive outgroups to root phylogenetic trees and to establish character polarities. Among the modern mysticetes, the Balaenopteridae (rorquals) and the Eschrichtiidae (gray whales) are more closely related to each other than either is to the Balaenidae (bowhead and right whales). Several Miocene “cetotheriid” mysticetes and balaenids share some resemblance in the petrosal, suggesting their affinities. Quantitative information of the inner ear of Herpetocetus sp. was obtained by serial sectioning and computer graphic reconstruction. Herpetocetus sp. is much less developed than odontocetes in the cochlear structures that are crucial for high frequency hearing. Some cochlear structures in this fossil mysticete resemble more closely the non-echolocating modern mysticetes than early fossil toothed whales, indicating a possible specialization in low frequency hearing. This suggests that the archaic mysticetes of the Miocene and Pliocene did not have high frequency hearing necessary for echolocation. Herpetocetus sp. is similar to modern mysticetes but different from odontocetes in the spherical shape of the vestibule.
Roles of N-linked glycosylation in SNS-Duf/Kirre mediated cell-cell adhesion

To better understand SNS-Duf/Kirre mediated founder-fusion competent myoblast cell-cell recognition, we have addressed N-glycan requirements in SNS-Duf/Kirre mediated adhesion. Through site directed mutagenesis of N-glycosylation sites we have generated forms of SNS and Duf/Kirre lacking all N-glycans. Analysis of these mutants in S2 cell aggregation assays demonstrate a specific requirement for Nglycosylation of SNS in SNS-Duf/Kirre mediated aggregation, and for Duf/Kirre in Duf/Kirre-Duf/Kirre mediated aggregation. Since rescue experiments using SNS Nglycosylation mutants show only mild defects, it is apparent that, although the presence SNS is required for founder-fusion competent myoblast recognition, it is not the only molecule involved in proper execution of this process.
Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Potential of Nutraceutical Rich Amaranthus caudatus

Wild medicinal herbs are currently being viewed as alternative food sources with potential health benefits, and are mostly used as vegetables in several parts of the world. One such ignored wild medicinal herb Amaranthus caudatus, an underutilized vegetable from Kashmir region is believed to be highly nutritional and quite health beneficial, but is fully unexplored. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and antidiabetic potential of this wild vegetable under in vitro conditions. The phyochemical composition of aqueous extracts of Amaranthus caudatus (AAE) revealed it to be a rich source of total phenols (545±0.003mg/100g) and total flavonoids (127±0.02mg/100g). The AAE also exhibited strong antioxidant activity (73±0.04μmolFe 2+ FRAP/g FW) and dose dependent in vitro antidiabetic activity. The antidiabetic mode action of AAE seemed to be via targeting the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism with mild inhibition of α-amylase, strong inhibition of α-glucosidase and moderate inhibition of invertase activities respectively. These findings of current study are quite encouraging and suggest that the aqueous extract of Amaranthus caudatus can be better exploited to be used as nutraceutical rich antioxidant supplement as well as to suppress post-prandial glucose rise and can thus play a role as anti hyperglycemic food based medicine for diabetic patients.
Variation in physical properties of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. wood grown in Thrissur district, Kerala

The study physical properties of jack wood plays an important role providing its strength and durability and also for its utilization in various aspects. The properties like the colour parameters (L* value, a* value and b* value), texture, moisture content, green specific gravity, oven dry specific gravity and shrinkage (volumetric, tangential and radial) were taken into account. The analysis revealed significant differences between the zones for shrinkage (volumetric, tangential and radial) between three zones while rest of the properties showed non-significant results between the three zones and girth classes within these zones. The strength and durability of the woods obtained from different zones are thus being analysed and the data could be further used for utilization of jack wood.
MGARCH models: Tradeoff between feasibility and dynamic dependencies in volatilities and covariances

The multivariate GARCH (MGARCH) models are popular to represent conditional second-order moments of conditionally heteroscedastic multivariate time series. The original MGARCH models were strongly restricted to reduce the number of parameters to make their estimation feasible in systems with a large number of series and to guarantee positive definiteness of the conditional covariance matrices. However, these restrictions limit the dynamics that MGARCH models can represent, assuming for example, that the volatilities evolve in a univariate fashion in such a way that they are not related either among them nor with the correlations. This paper focuses on the limitations implied by the restrictions usually imposed in practice in symmetric MGARCH models. The models are illustrated using simulated and empirical data.
Interactive comment on “ Arctic hydroclimate variability during the last 2000 years – current understanding and research challenges ” by

This is a very well written – and very timely and important – article that I hope will be published speedily after only minor revision. It serves both as an excellent review article of the state-of-the-art knowledge about the hydroclimate signal in various hydroclimate proxy records from the Arctic/sub-Arctic region and at the same time presents new important findings leading the research forward. Because the article to a considerable extent discusses a recent article of mine (Ljungqvist et al. 2016), I have read it very carefully with great interest and found some minor things that the authors may want to correct or improve prior to final publication.
Effect of sulphur and potassium on yield, nutrient uptake and quality characteristics of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in udic haplustepts of Kanpur

Field experiment conducted on mustard crop (Varuna) with four levels each of S (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg S ha−1) and K (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg K2O ha−1) on Udic Haplustepts during rabi seasons of 1998–99 and 1999–2000 showed that mustard crop responded significantly to the application of S and K. The seed and stover yields increased in the linear order up to 40 kg S and 60 kg K2O ha−1. The highest seed yield (2035 kg ha−1) at 40 kg S ha−1 was 27.59 per cent higher in comparison to the yield at control. Similarly, application of 60 kg K2O ha−1 produced highest seed yield (2085 kg ha−1) which was 35.48% higher in comparison to the yield in control. Sulphur showed synergistic relationship with potassium. The uptake of N, K and S at maturity was significantly affected with treatments. The P uptake significantly increased up to 40 kg S ha−1 and thereafter, decreased significantly. Per cent utilization of added K and S was maximum when lowest levels of K and S were applied. Oil, protein and total S-amino acid contents increased significantly with the application of S and K. Sulphur and K addition also influenced remarkably the fatty acids composition; oleic and linoleic acid contents increased and erucic acid decreased showing improved quality of mustard oil.
Effects of an antibiotic and two phytogenic substances (cinnamaldehyde and 1,8-cineole) on yolk fatty acid profile and storage period-associated egg lipid peroxidation level

ABSTRACT This study was aimed at determining the effects of two phytogenic antioxidants, namely, cinnamaldehyde and 1,8-cineole, and an antibiotic added to laying hen feed on the fatty acid profile of egg yolk and the weight loss and lipid peroxidation levels of eggs stored for different periods. Ninety-six 48-week-old Bovans White hens were randomly assigned to four groups, each with four replicates of six hens per replicate. The four groups were provided with the following feeds: maize and soybean-based laying [. ]
Growth, yield and quality of hybrid mustard as affected by crop geometry and varieties

A field experiment was carried out in the CR Farm of Gayeshpur, BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal, India during rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to find out suitable hybrid variety and optimum spacing for different hybrids. Three hybrid varieties of mustard viz. Kesari 5111(V1), Kesari 5222(V2) and Kesari Gold(V3) were taken as treatments in the main plot, whereas, four spacing - 30cm ×10cm (S1), 30cm × 20cm (S2), 40cm × 20cm (S3) and 40cm × 30cm (S4) were imposed as subplot treatment. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with 3 replications and repeated in rabi seasons for two consecutive years (2015-16 and 2016-17). The results of the experiment revealed that the maximum seed yield was recorded in Kesari Gold (1746 and 2153 kg ha-1 respectively in 1st and 2nd year) followed by Kesari 5111. Regarding plant geometry significantly higher yield was noticed in 30 cm × 20 cm (1689 and 2244 kg ha-1 respectively in 1st and 2nd year). The oil content and oil yield was greatly influenced by hybrid variety. It was observed that Kesari Gold variety recorded higher oil content (40.89 % and 41.45 % respectively in 1st and 2nd year) and oil yield of (713.97 kg/ha and 892.40 kg/ha respectively in 1st and 2nd year). The hybrid varieties of mustard are highly suitable in Gangetic plains of West Bengal due to their higher yields and oil content. Slightly wider spacing (30 cm × 20 cm) is suitable for hybrids because of their bigger canopy.
Data – dependent parameter choice for a conditional kernel density estimate

In this paper we present a method to choose the parameters of a conditional kernel density estimate. This method is based on the combinatorial method for choosing the parameters of a density estimate. In contrast to most literature we consider conditional density estimation in L1. We derive a theoretical result about the quality of the proposed method and illustrate the performance of the estimate for finite sample size by using simulated data.
Examining the Aftermath of the Brexit Referendum Through the Principle- Agency Dilemma

There have been few topics that are more detrimental to the further development of the European Union than the decision of the electorate of the United Kingdom to leave. The discussion has largely shifted to how the future of the relationship between the EU and UK will develop. Recognizing that the existing literature covers this topic in sufficient depth, this paper aims to implement elements of the Principle Agency Dilemma when examining key decisions by U.K. policy-makers. The methodological approach of the paper is based on qualitative research methods, including critical analysis of existing theories, case studies, and a detailed review of the existing literature. The paper concludes that the Principle Agency Dilemma has a significant impact on U.K policy-makers and focuses on the need of ending social media disinformation campaign and using innovative methods to end the gridlock. An example of such a measure could be the ranked voting system as used in some U.S. states including in Maine. The paper further takes note of measures that could be used to decrease the democratic deficit caused by the 2016 Brexit Referendum.
Mathematica Bohemica

Sufficient conditions are formulated for existence of non-oscillatory solutions to the equation y + n−1 ∑ j=0 aj(x)y (j) + p(x)|y| sgn y = 0 with n > 1, real (not necessarily natural) k > 1, and continuous functions p(x) and aj(x) defined in a neighborhood of +∞. For this equation with positive potential p(x) a criterion is formulated for existence of non-oscillatory solutions with non-zero limit at infinity. In the case of even order, a criterion is obtained for all solutions of this equation at infinity to be oscillatory. Sufficient conditions are obtained for existence of solution to this equation which is equivalent to a polynomial.