Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strong uniform consistency rates of conditional den- sity estimation in the single functional index model for Functional Data Under Random Censorship

• The main objective of this paper is to investigate the estimation of conditional density function based on the single-index model in the censorship model when the sample is considered as an independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables. First of all, a kernel type estimator for the conditional density function (cond-df) is introduced. Afterwards, the asymptotic properties are stated when the observations are linked with a single-index structure. The pointwise almost complete convergence and the uniform almost complete convergence (with rate) of the kernel estimate of this model are established. As an application the conditional mode in functional singleindex model is presented. Finally, a simulation study is carried out to evaluate the performance of this estimate. Key-Words: • Conditional density; Functional single-index process; Functional random variable; Nonparametric estimation; Small ball probability. AMS Subject Classification: • 62G05, 62G99, 62M10. 2 Nadia Kadiri, Mustapha Meghnafi and Abbes Rabhi Conditional density Under Random Censorship in the single functional index model 3
Protective effect of Spirulina platensis against aluminium-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in rats

The protective effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) powder against aluminium-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in rats was studied. Male rats receiving daily 40 mg/kg b.wt. aluminium chloride (AlCl3) orally had increased serum levels of urea and creatinine, up regulated kidney injury molecule-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 genes, down regulated catalase and glutathione peroxidase genes, and increased all parameters of kidney DNA damage using comet assay. Treatment with SP alleviated all AlCl3-induced effects of toxicity, especially when the animals were pre-treated.
Antibodies against spotted fever group Rickettsia sp., in horses of the colombian Orinoquia

Objective. It was determined the presence of antibodies against Rickettsia sp. of the spotted fever group, in horses of 8 municipalities of the Colombian Orinoquia. Matherials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 246 sera from apparently healthy horses and processed by the indirect immunofluorescence test (IFI). Results. General seropositivity was (2.85%; 7/246), while by municipalities the results were, Arauca (9.1%; 2/22), Saravena (5.6%; 1/18), San Jose del Guaviare (4.9%; 2/41), San Martin (3.8%; 1/26), Yopal (1.9%; 1/52). It was not identified the presence of antibodies in Puerto Lopez (0/52), Puerto Gaitan (0/15) and Villavicencio (0/20). Four of the positive samples presented titles of 1:64, while the remaining 3 1:128. Conclusions. It shows the circulation of Rickettsia sp. of the Spotted Fever Group in horses in the region of the Colombian Orinoquia, suggesting the need for further studies to understand the ecoepidemiology of municipalities with presence of seropositive.
Solving Critical Problems of the Muon Collider Higgs Factory: Optics, Magnets and their Protection, Detector Backgrounds

A low-energy medium-luminosity Muon Collider (MC) is being studied as a possible Higgs Factory (HF). Electrons from muon decays will deposit more than 300 kW in superconducting magnets of the HF collider ring. This imposes significant challenges to superconducting (SC) magnets used in the MC storage ring (SR) and interaction regions (IR). Magnet designs are proposed which provide high operating gradient and magnetic field in a large aperture to accommodate the large size of muon beams (due to low beta*), as well as a cooling system to intercept the large heat deposition from the showers induced by decay electrons. The distribution of heat deposition in the MC SR lattice elements requires large-aperture magnets in order to accommodate thick high-Z absorbers to protect the SC coils. Based on the developed MARS15 model and intensive simulations, a sophisticated radiation protection system was designed for the collider SR and IR to bring the peak power density in the superconducting coils below the quench limit and reduce the dynamic heat deposition in the cold mass by a factor of 100. The system consists of tight tungsten masks in the magnet interconnect regions and elliptical tungsten liners in the magnet aperture optimized individually for each magnet. These also reduce the background particle fluxes in the collider detector.
Dez anos do informe brasileiro sobre espécies exóticas invasoras: avanços, lacunas e direções futuras

Em 2004, o Ministerio do Meio Ambiente contratou a elaboracao do Informe Nacional sobre Especies Exoticas Invasoras, cujos objetivos eram a coleta, a sistematizacao e a divulgacao de informacoes no Brasil. Neste artigo, revisamos o que existia de conhecimento cientifico e normativas legais sobre invasoes biologicas no Brasil antes do Informe, fazemos uma avaliacao dos avancos e lacunas nos 10 anos pos-Informe e sugerimos direcoes futuras. Encontramos 143 artigos cientificos e 65 marcos legais sobre especies exoticas invasoras publicados entre 1999 e 2014. Os dados indicam que o Informe Nacional representa um divisor de aguas para o tema no Brasil, a partir do qual aumentou a frequencia da publicacao de normas legais e pesquisas cientificas. Identificamos avancos, ainda que aquem do necessario para considerar o tema consolidado no pais. Os avancos obtidos se devem em parte a mobilizacao do terceiro setor e a grupos de pesquisa trabalhando separadamente. Para os proximos anos devem ser promovidos projetos de pesquisa, manejo e gestao mais ambiciosos e relevantes para fazer avancar o tema no pais, contribuir para seu avanco em termos globais, embasar acoes praticas de manejo e consolidar um arcabouco legal integrado que efetivamente permita-nos prevenir, manejar e controlar invasoes biologicas.
Real-time tone mapping An evaluation of color-accurate methods for luminance compression

Recent advances in real-time rendering enable virtual production pipelines in a broad range of industries. These pipelines are based on a fast, latency-free handling in addition to the accurate appearance of results. This requires the use of high dynamic range rendering for photo-realistic results and a tone mapping operator for a matched display. However, color-accurate tone mapping of real-time rendering has not yet been the focus of most publications. Tone mapping furthermore tends to cause image appearance eﬀects, which causes changes in the perception of colors and therefore a discrepancy between displayed and real-world products. To compensate for these changes in appearance, seven tone mapping operators with diﬀerent approaches of color correction are evaluated in this paper. They are implemented as fragment shaders to facilitate real-time processing. In addition, their performance and subjective accuracy is measured. As a result, the ﬁlmic tone mapping operator as a global sigmoid-based operator performs best and can be recommended for the usage in color-critical real-time applications.
The Effect of Light and Sound Settings on the Physiological Responses in Premature Babies

Most premature infant deaths are caused by the maladaptive response of the extrauterine environment, which causes stress to the baby's environment. This can cause problems in circulation, oxygenation, and metabolism that can interfere with the growth and neurophysiological development of the baby. Different characteristics in the mother and baby can affect the optimisation of the application of various methods of developmental care. This study aims to ascertain the effects of light and sound on the physiological responses (O2 saturation) in premature infants. The study used a descriptive correlation design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample was comprised of 52 infants with consecutive sampling techniques. Analysis of the correlation test was used to determine the strength of the relationship (r) and the 95% confidence interval. Subjects were divided into two groups: control (n = 30) and intervention (n = 22). The control group showed that there was no significant difference in SaO2 (p = 0.558) and pulse (p = 0.396) before and after 24 hours. The intervention group showed that there was no significant difference in pulse (p = 0.104) but significant differences in SaO2 (p = 0.011) before and after 24 hours. Sound and light arrangements effectively improve SaO2.
Effect of Mikania micrantha Kunth. Meal as protein source on the performance of growing large white Yorkshire pigs in Mizoram, India

The study was to evaluate the effect of feeding Mikania micrantha Kunth. (locally called Japan hlo in Mizoram) meal (MMM) on performance and feed efficiency of growing Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pigs under intensive rearing. Sixteen weaned LWY piglets (Ava. 20.10±3.24 to 20.63±3.75 kg body weight, 2-3 month of age) were assigned to four treatments with MMM at the rate of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% as replacement of soyabean meal on equivalent protein basis. Feeding trail was conducted for 75 days. The digestibility trial was carried out for 5 days during the last week of feeding trial. There was linear decrease in feed intake with increased inclusion of MMM, but without any significant differences between the groups. Body weight changes were variable without any significant differences. Total gain in body weight was 36.38±1.19, 34.55±2.13, 33.35±2.43 and 32.83±1.29 kg, respectively for 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% MMM inclusion level. Digestibility co-efficient of nutrients decreased with increased inclusion of MMM. The feed efficiency was calculated as 3.07±0.30, 3.21±0.33, 3.16±0.28 and 3.14±0.34 for 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% MMM inclusion level. Considering the non-significant effect of MMM on growth, nutrient utilization and feed conversion efficiency, it was concluded that MMM could be included up to 15% level as protein source in place of soyabean meal for LWY pigs in Mizoram.
Time-Variable Gravity: Using Satellite Laser Ranging as a Tool for Observing Long-Term Changes in the Earth System

Temporal variations in the long-wavelength gravity field have been observed using the satellite-laser-ranging (SLR) technique for the past twenty years. The long-term trends in these estimates have generally been consistent with and attributable to post glacial rebound, in addition to a number of secondary contributors. However, since 1998, the Earth’s oblateness parameter J2 reversed its decreasing trend and began increasing. At present we don’t have strong indications whether this aberration represents a change in the long-term rate, or whether it is short term in nature. In addition to changes in the mean J2, the amplitude of the annual variation has been changing. This change signifies a large change in global mass distribution whose J2 effect clearly overshadows that of the post-glacial rebound. A number of possible causes have been considered, with oceanic mass redistribution as the leading candidate and core effects as another possible alternative. Several components of the low-degree time series show correlation to known ocean processes. These include correlations between the sectorials and the Southern Oscillation Index, as well as some level of long-term correlation between the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the observed J2 series. While the exact cause of the recent changes in J2 may not have been formally identified, these results do indicate the usefulness of SLR as a tool to observe long-term changes in the climate. We will present our analysis of the changes in the low-degree spherical harmonics of the gravity field and results of our investigations into the causes.
The Stability of the Banking Sector and Credit Default Swaps

This paper considers credit default swaps (CDS) in which both, the protection buyer and the protection seller is a bank. These CDS improve the diversification of the banks’ risk which encourages the banks to invest more into an illiquid, risky credit portfolio and less into a relatively liquid, safe asset. On the one hand, this bank behavior implies a higher expected utility of their depositors, but on the other hand, it reduces the stability of the banking sector in a macroeconomic downturn, and it may reduce this stability in a macroeconomic upturn. JEL classification: G21; G28
Jumps and Stochastic Volatility: Exchange Rate Processes Implicit in Deutsche Mark Options

An efficient method is developed for pricing American options on stochastic volatility/jumpdiffusion processes under systematic jump and volatility risk. The parameters implicit in deutsche mark (DM) options of the model and various submodels are estimated over the period 1984 to 1991 via nonlinear generalized least squares, and are tested for consistency with $/DM futures prices and the implicit volatility sample path. The stochastic volatility submodel cannot explain the “volatility smile” evidence of implicit excess kurtosis, except under parameters implausible given the time series properties of implicit volatilities. Jump fears can explain the smile, and are consistent with one 8 percent DM appreciation “outlier” observed over the period 1984 to 1991.
Structural Study of Proteins Involved in Autophagy

Insufficient clearance of proteins with aberrant structure and dysfunctional organelles in non-dividing neural cells has been implicated in severe human neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer, Huntington, and Parkinson disease [1]. Such potentially harmful matter is now thought to be degraded by a complex cellular pathway termed “macroautophagy”, commonly referred to as simply “autophagy”. However, the molecular details of many steps in this degradation process are still poorly understood. Selective autophagy consists of four major stages: 1. labeling of matter destined for degradation by covalent attachment of ubiquitin; 2. recognition of this label by receptor proteins; 3. assembly of a vesicle (“autophagosome”) around these receptor proteins and finally 4. degradation of the vesicle’s constituents by lysosomal degradation. This thesis aims at a molecular explanation of stages 1 and 2 (Fig. 1). The initial step of the pathway, covalent attachment, of the protein “tag” ubiquitin is achieved by the action of ubiquitin ligases. A prominent example is the ubiquitin ligase parkin, which is responsible for labeling dysfunctional mitochondria for degradation. However, parkin is reported to reside in the cytosol in an inactive state under basal conditions. Indeed, x-ray crystallographic studies established that the catalytic center of parkin is buried inside the structure of parkin, thereby preventing its enzymatic action. This thesis aims at solving this contradiction (section 4). By combining the biophysical methods of NMR, ITC and fluorescence spectroscopy, I show that binding of an agonist (Ser-phosphorylated ubiquitin) induces partial opening of the catalytic center of parkin, thereby priming the enzyme for catalysis. Interestingly, I found that a part of parkin, the N-terminal ubiquitin-like (UBL) domain adopts an antagonistic role in cis, which suggests a regulatory mechanism by competition of agonist and antagonist for the same binding site on core parkin. After covelent attachment to the autophagic matter, the ubiquitin label is then recognized by autophagy receptor proteins. Two of these receptor proteins – p62 and NBR1 – recognize ubiquitin by similar, yet distinct mechanisms (chapters 2, 3). p62 shows weak ubiquitin binding, whereas NBR1 was found to recognize ubiquitin ≈ 100-fold more avidly. NBR1-mediated ubiquitin recognition could be characterized in molecular detail by solving the solution structure of the NBR1 UBA:ubiquitin
Efficacy of microbials against chickpea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is one of the important pulse crop. It is extensively grown in Vidisha, Narsinghpur, Hoshangabad and Guna districts of Madhya Pradesh (Ali and Mishra, 2004). It suffers from insect pests right from sowing to storage. Among them, the pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) is considered as major devastative pest. This pest is responsible for yield loss up to 40 %. Synthetic insecticides are advocated for its control, but due to side-effects on environment, alternate ecosafe method is developed. Microbial pathogens are considered ecofriendly management strategy. Hence, a field trial consisting of five microbial products were tested for efficacy against pod borer, H. armigera on chickpea at Experimental Field of JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.).
How Tropospheric Ozone Influences the Allelopathy of Woody Species: Some Experimental Approaches

Plants undergo a high concentration of tropospheric ozone formed mainly as a result of industrial and automobile pollution that may act on allelopathic relations in biocenosis. The problem was considered in first experiments modeling in test reactions with leaf leachates from 10 woody species as plant-donors, exposed to ozone, and able to influence on herbs (plant-acceptors) grown under their canopy. The effects were dependent on the duration and the intensity exposure to ozone. The color and the autofluorescence of the woody plant leaves with secretory cells contained allelochemicals changed under the ozone treatment. The effects of water extracts (models of rain leachates) from leaves of woody species exposed to ozone on the seed germination of herb Lavatera trimestris (Malvaceae), plant-acceptor of allelochemicals, differed from untreated samples. This showed a possible transformation of allelochemicals or/and the formation of new similar exometabolites after the ozone treatment. In the fluorescence spectra of whole leaves, the maxima, peculiar to phenols, were found at different experiments, while peaks related to terpenes disappeared in ozonated samples. Under acute or chronic ozone exposure the formation of biogenic amines (dopamine and histamine) known as allelochemicals was observed in leaf cells. These test-reactions on tropospheric ozone stress could be used in the analysis of allelopathic relations in urban conditions.
Characterization and Suitability Evaluation of Soils over Sandstone for Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) Production in a Nigerian Southern Guinea Savanna

The study examined the properties as well as the Taxonomic classification of soils developed on sandstone in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The soils were also evaluated for their suitability for cashew production. The contour map of Bekwarra was obtained in the ArcGIS 10.2. 1.3 environment and two profile graphs plotted to represent two toposequences. Six profile pits were then sited. The soils were deep (>100 cm) to weathered rock with argillic B horizons. The surface soils were dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4) to very dark gray (2.5YR 3/1) and gray (7.5YR 5/1). Soil bulk density was < 1.60 Mg/m. Amount of clay fluctuated with soil depth while sand fraction dominated the soils. Irrespective of landscape position, the soils were severe to moderately acid in reaction, and low to moderate in organic carbon. The soils were moderate in exchangeable Ca and Mg and low in K and Na. The soils were moderately suitable (S2) and currently not suitable (N1), potentially for cashew production. Pedon 1 was classified as Typic Haplustalf (Haplic Luvisols), pedons 2, 3 and 4 as Typic Paleustalfs (Haplic Luvisols) while pedon 4 was Rhodic Luvisols in the WRBSR system. Soils at the valley bottom were classified as Aquic Udorthents (Hypereutric Gleysols). Site specific conservation farming, combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as the application of calcite and dolomite at appropriate dosages are advocated. Furthermore, it is pertinent to change land use of the soils at the valley bottom (pedons 5 & 6).
Genetic evaluation and selection index in tetraploid Brachiaria ruziziensis

Half-sib progenies of congo signal grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain & Evrard, syn.: B. eminii, Urochloa ruziziensis) were analysed using a mixed model methodology. The objective was to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters, predict individual genetic values, estimate correlations between characters associated with biomass production and forage nutritive value and use this information to determine the economic weights to compare three multiplicative selection indices. Individual narrow-sense heritabilities corrected for inbreeding varied from 0.14 to 0.91 for characters associated with biomass production and from 0.04 a 0.24 for nutritional value characters. The correlations among characters associated with annual biomass production were of high magnitude. In contrast, biomass production characters were negatively correlated with crude protein, acid detergent fibre and lignin. Total dry matter yield, crude protein and regrowth ability were weighted separately in evaluations during wet and dry season or annually in selection indices. Index that considered characters annually resulted in better distribution of forage production along the year than indices that separated wet and dry season production.
Uncovering First Year Students’ Language Learning Experiences, Attitudes and Motivations in a Context of Change at the Tertiary Level of Education

Articles Learner Characteristics of Early Starters and Late Starters of English Language Learning: Anxiety, Aptitude, and Motivation Tomoko Takada 31 Uncovering First Year Students’ Language Learning Experiences, their Attitudes, and Motivations in a Context of Change at the Tertiary Level of Education Kevin O’Donnell 3 Study Abroad, Language Proficiency, and Learner Beliefs about Language Learning Koichi Tanaka & Rod Ellis
Juvenile steelhead movements in relation to stream habitat, population density, and body size: consequences for individual growth rates

Anadromous salmonids can display considerable movement within their natal streams prior to outmigration, reflecting behavioural responses to biotic and abiotic conditions. Here we quantify dispersal and site fidelity in juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) over four weeks in the fall, their consequences for individual growth rates, and how habitat, density, and individual body size can explain individual movement decisions. Retention rates ranged from 29% to 66% and were greater among yearlings (61%) than subyearlings (31%). Site fidelity in yearlings was best predicted by individual body mass (negative relationship), and site fidelity in both age classes was positively related to pool habitat availability. An experimental increase in density caused depressed growth rates in both age classes, and site fidelity was lower among translocated fish than among individuals originally residing in the manipulated sites. Within control sites, there were no significant consequences of movement for growth rates i.
Production of high-frequency embryogenic calli from integuments of immature seeds of Carica papaya L.

SummaryTissue culture conditions that enable production in Carica papaya L. of high frequency embryogenic calli on the internal integuments of immature seeds are defined: The explants have to be removed three or four months after anthesis and cultured on the three monthly successive media: Ml-1 (2,4-D 9 µM), M2 (2,4-D 0.09 µM + KIN 1 µM), M3 (M2 + ABA 0.5 µM). A histocytological study during culture proved that friable calli capable of producing embryos were of maternal origin. This procedure thus permits the cloning of adult plants.