Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Royal Society of Western Australia Medallist Lecture, 1995 The study of nature – A seamless tapestry

From time to time there have been inferences that my interests were too broad, my application undirected or that I was excessively opportunistic in my research. For example, when I was still involved with frog ecology and beginning studies of macropods, I was told by one worker that I could only expect one good idea in my life and I should stick with it. On a later occasion, another suggested that I had so many ideas that I must have stolen them. I take my cue for this lecture from these comments and briefly review and interpret the findings on the topics investigated by myself and coworkers to show that I did indeed pursue a theme of adaptations to aridity which led along many unexpected pathways.
On commissions and reciprocity

An advisor is supposed to recommend a financial product in the best interest of her client. However, the best product for the client may not always be the product yielding the highest commission to the advisor. Do advisors nevertheless provide truthful advice? If not, will a voluntary or obligatory upfront payment by clients induce more truthful advice? According to the results, both types of payment lead to more truthful advice. More generally, in a senderreceiver game with conflict of interest, an upfront payment to the sender by the receiver improves information transmission. JEL classification: C91, D82, D03, L15, M52
TACG_A_229828 25..35

Francisco Álvarez-Nava 1,2 Marcia Racines-Orbe 3 Julia Witt Jéssica Guarderas 1 Yosselin Vicuña 3 María Estévez Roberto Lanes 5 1Biological Sciences School, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Central University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador; 2Institute of Genetic Research, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela; 3Institute of Biomedicine Research, Central University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador; 4Ecuadorian Foundation in Support of Turner Syndrome, Quito, Ecuador; 5Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Hospital De Clinicas Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela Background and purpose: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disorder associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The frequency of each component of MetS in Turner syndrome (TS) subjects is high. An elevated incidence of hearing loss has also been reported in TS. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) affects at least half of young women with TS. The association between MetS and SNHL has not been previously considered in TS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between these two conditions. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional anthropometric, cardio-metabolic and audiological data were obtained from a cohort consisting of unrelated TS subjects (>20 years of age; n = 93). Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Types and severity of hearing loss were based on the American Speech Hearing Association guidelines. Results: Hearing loss was detected in 74% of ears from adult TS subjects and SNHL was observed in half of our TS subjects. The prevalence of MetS in TS subjects with or without SNHL was 64% and 11%, respectively (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, MetS was related to a ninefold increase in the odds of SNHL. This odds increased in a stepwise manner as the number of MetS components increased. Conclusion: MetS and its individual components were associated factors for SNHL in TS subjects. A reduction in the number and severity of the components of MetS might potentially contribute to decreasing the progression of SNHL at younger ages, but further studies will be needed to explain the underlying pathological mechanism connecting MetS and SNHL.
Geostatistical analysis of the distribution of Leptosphaeria species causing phoma stem canker on winter oilseed rape ( Brassica napus ) in England

In June ⁄ July 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2006, regional variation in distribution of the pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa that are causally associated with phoma stem canker was surveyed on winter oilseed rape crops in England. In 2001–2003, when isolates from basal cankers were visually identiﬁed as L. maculans or L. biglobosa based on cultural morphological characteristics, 70% were L. maculans and 30% L. biglobosa . In 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2006, when amounts of DNA of each species in basal cankers were determined by quantitative PCR, the abundance of L. maculans DNA was greater than that of L. biglobosa DNA in 77% of samples. When regional differences in amounts of L. maculans and L. biglobosa DNA were mapped geostatistically, quantities of L. maculans DNA were greater in cankers from southern England and those of L. biglobosa DNA were greater in northern England. A comparison with geostatistically mapped pre-dictions made using a weather-based model describing stages in development of phoma stem canker epidemics suggested that these differences in Leptosphaeria populations may have been a consequence of differences in temperature after onset of leaf spotting between northern and southern England. Both PCR and morphological evidence suggested that the abundance of L. maculans in England has increased since the last surveys in the 1980s. Implications of these surveys for control of phoma stem canker are discussed.
ENSO and Pacific Decadal Variability in the Community Earth System Model Version 2

This study presents a description of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Variability (PDV) in a multicentury preindustrial simulation of the Community Earth System Model Version 2 (CESM2). The model simulates several aspects of ENSO relatively well, including dominant timescale, tropical and extratropical precursors, composite evolution of El Niño and La Niña events, and ENSO teleconnections. The good model representation of ENSO spectral characteristics is consistent with the spatial pattern of the anomalous equatorial zonal wind stress in the model, which results in the correct adjustment timescale of the equatorial thermocline according to the delayed/recharge oscillator paradigms, as also reflected in the realistic time evolution of the equatorial Warm Water Volume. PDV in the model exhibits a pattern that is very similar to the observed, with realistic tropical and South Pacific signatures which were much weaker in some of the CESM2 predecessor models. The tropical component of PDV also shows an association with ENSO decadal modulation which is similar to that found in observations. However, the ENSO amplitude is about 30% larger than observed in the preindustrial CESM2 simulation, and even larger in the historical ensemble, perhaps as a result of anthropogenic influences. In contrast to observations, the largest variability is found in the central Pacific rather than in the eastern Pacific, a discrepancy that somewhat hinders the model's ability to represent a full diversity in El Niño spatial patterns and appears to be associated with an unrealistic confinement of the precipitation anomalies to the western Pacific.
An evaluation of the large scale atmospheric circulation

17 The Community Earth System Model 2 (CESM2) is the latest Earth System Model de18 veloped by the National Center for Atmospheric Research in collaboration with the uni19 versity community and is significantly advanced in most components compared to its pre20 decessor (CESM1). Here, CESM2s representation of the large scale atmospheric circu21 lation and its variability is assessed. Further context is provided through comparison to 22 the CESM1 large ensemble and other models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison 23 Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6). This includes an assessment of the representation of jet 24 streams and storm tracks, stationary waves, the global divergent circulation, the annu25 lar modes, the North Atlantic Oscillation and blocking. Compared to CESM1, CESM2 26 is substantially improved in the representation of the storm tracks, Northern Hemisphere 27 (NH) stationary waves, NH winter blocking and the global divergent circulation. It ranks 28 within the top 10% of CMIP-class models in many of these features. Some features of 29 the Southern Hemisphere (SH) circulation have degraded, such as the SH jet strength, 30 stationary waves and blocking, although the SH jet stream is placed at approximately 31 the correct location. This analysis also highlights systematic deficiencies in these features 32 across the new CMIP6 archive, such as the continued tendency for the SH jet stream to 33 be placed too far equatorward, the North Atlantic westerlies to be too strong over Eu34 rope, the storm tracks as measured by low level meridional wind variance to be too weak 35 and a lack of blocking in the North Atlantic sector. 36
Anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic activity and DNA damage inhibition activity of carissa carandas fruit

Carissa carandas (C. carandas) fruits are well known ancient natural medicine owning high antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. It is a straggly, woody, climbing shrub rich in white gummy latex with sharp thornsand belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Because of its eminent medicinal property, the present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of C. carandas fruit along with DNA damage inhibition assay. C. carandas type 1 (T1) and type 4 (T4) fruits extract were prepared in methanol. In vitro, antioxidant activity was evaluated by four vitro assays viz. DPPH (2, 2diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay and ABTS (2, 2’-azinobis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation depolarization assay. Further anti-diabetic activity was also investigated by performing Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Assay. The extracts scavenged DPPH radicals efficiently. The scavenging effect was observed in case of T1 extract little higher than T4 extract. FRAP scavenging activity and also ABTS assay for methanolic extract of C. carandas were also analyzed, where result showed to be the activity of T1 was observed more than T4. The effect of C. carandas fruit extract on the activities of α-amylase and β–glucosidase were evaluated to determine anti-diabetic activity. The T1 fruit extract was shown formidable inhibition of β–glucosidase and alpha-amylase activity over T4. Green and pink coloured fruit extracts were used in DNA damage inhibition assay, resulted in green coloured fruit has more antioxidant activity over pink and showed potent inhibition of DNA damage. Keywords— Carissa carandas, Fruit extract, Anti-oxidant activity, Anti-diabetic activity, DNA damage inhibition
Influence of Collapsed Structure on β-carotene Stability in Freeze-Dried Mangoes

β-carotene gives benefits to human health; however, it is unstable and its degradation is accelerated by oxygen exposure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of collapsed and non-collapsed structures of freeze-dried mangoes on the stability of β-carotene. Freeze-dried mango structures were manipulated using three freeze-drying protocols. β-carotene content during storage was constantly monitored using highperformance liquid chromatography. The β-carotene degradation followed first order kinetics. The results showed that structural collapse decreased β-carotene degradation rate because the dense structures formed prevented oxygen penetration through the solids. However, the occurrence of surface cracking together with collapsed structure showed no protective effect on β-carotene. Such structure showed similar rate constant to non-collapsed systems. The cracking on mango surface has a potential to allow high oxygen penetration through the solids thus promoting β-carotene loss. These findings give benefit to the production of freezedried fruits to increase storage stability of β-carotene.
Thinking about Tomorrow? Predicting Experimental Choice Behavior and Life Outcomes from a Survey Measure of Present Bias

Using a representative sample of the German adult population, this paper investigates the extent to which a survey measure of present bias predicts present-biased choice behavior in incentive-compatible experiments and real-world outcomes related to investments in financial assets and human capital. The results are threefold. First, the survey and experimental measures of present bias are significantly related. Second, the survey measure predicts choices between immediate and delayed monetary payoffs in an incentive-compatible experiment, but not between payoffs at two future points in time. Third, the survey measure of present bias is a good predictor of the propensity to save money, to obtain a university degree, and to maintain a healthy life style. In most specifications, the survey measure tends to be a stronger predictor of real life outcomes than the experimentally elicited measure of present bias. JEL Classification: D01, D03, C91, D91. PsycINFO classification: 3920, 2300
Advanced human-robot cooperation in neurosurgery

Over the last decades, neurosurgery has greatly benefitted from the introduction of image-guided techniques and robotic devices. Thanks to their superior resolution, geometric accuracy and indefatigability, robotic systems are mainly used as an accurate and repeatable tool support system during keyhole procedures. Conversely, open-skull procedures for brain resection/disconnection are traditionally performed free-hand with intraoperative physiological monitoring techniques to identify the functional (eloquent) cortical/subcortical areas, which has to be preserved during the surgery. In particular, direct electrical brain cortex stimulation encompasses the repetitive execution of target reaching gestures on delicate tissue. The conventional approach can benefit from the introduction of a cooperatively controlled robotic assistant, to provide increased positional accuracy and reduce the surgeon’s fatigue during the holding phase. Moreover, it could allow the acquisition of the target positions and guide the surgeon towards the recorded sites, thus increasing the reliability of the intraoperative monitoring technique. In this thesis, we investigated and developed new methodologies for human-robot and robot-tissue interaction control, specifically designed to augment surgeon's skills during cooperatively assisted targeting tasks on soft tissues. Differently from the standard force-to motion control schema, the control approach proposed exploited the high compliance of a redundant flexible joints industrial manipulator. The validation was performed in a realistic setup with brain-mimicking phantoms, enrolling naïve users as well as novice and expert neurosurgeons. The research was focused on these particular research topics: (i) investigate the best control strategy for a comfortable and effective cooperation during patient targeting approaching. The reaching task with the proposed space variable damping controller was shown under laboratory condition to result in reduced targeting error, which guarantees the respect of the position accuracy requirement, and user efforts, which ensure that assisted tool trajectories feel natural to the user. (ii) investigate the best control strategy for a safe and stable placement of surgical instruments on soft tissue during the tool placement. The proposed non-linear force feedback controller was shown to improve the user’s skill in performing tool’s placement
Sound Characterization through Intensity of Acoustic Radiation Measurement: A Study of Persian Musical Instruments

The physics of musical instruments often uses modal analysis as one of the most important methods for describing the behavior of sound chests and their acoustic radiation. However, some studies conducted in Europe (Wogram), Japan (Suzuki) and the United States (Giordano) underlined a very weak correlation between sound radiation and modal analysis. This mismatch required further research. The acoustic parameter intensity of acoustic radiation (IAR) is highly related to the mechanical vibration of the sound source. IAR was able to quantify the sound efficiency of musical instruments, and to relate sound radiation with modal analysis. This paper investigates IAR measured on three Persian stringed musical Instruments, namely the thar, si-thar and santoor. The analysis contributes to the knowledge of stringed musical instruments and sound propagation, since IAR is capable of linking the mechanical vibrations of soundboards with the sound generation of the musical instruments. The IAR results coming from the modal analysis carried out during the study of the instruments are reported herein.
Development of a protocol for the management of Obstetric Erb’s palsy

Introduction:Erb’s palsy is a paralysis of the arm caused by injury to the upper trunk (C5-C6) of the brachial plexus sustained during delivery as a result of a birth emergency known as shoulder dystocia. The other possible causes of this injury could be due to excessive pulling on the shoulder during vertex presentation, by the pressure on the raised arms during breech delivery or due to clavicle fracture unrelated to dystocia. The signs of it are sensory loss in the arm and paralysis & atrophy of the deltoid, biceps & brachialis muscles. The position of the limb is arm adducted & internally rotated, elbow extended, forearm pronated, wrist flexed & fingers extended. It is been documented by the results of a recent systemic review, where McNeekly& Drake (2003) found that there was no conclusive evidence showing a benefit of surgery in children with ObstetricBrachial Plexus Palsy (OBPP). Occupational therapy treatment of such patients aims at positioning, splinting, strengthening, facilitation & sensory reeducation. Hence it is very important to establish an effective & comprehensive management for such children.
FISCAL POLICY FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH: A CASE STUDY OF PAKISTAN

Fiscal policy plays a significant role in achieving inclusive economic growth as it can reduce inequalities, mitigate poverty and generate productive employment opportunities by regulating public expenditures and taxes. Current research examines the role of fiscal policy in plummeting poverty, reducing inequality, generating productive employment and last but not the least in attaining broad based inclusive economic growth for Pakistan. Various components of government expenditure and taxes are evaluated by estimating multiple vector autoregressive (VAR) models and by computing elasticities on the basis of cumulative impulse response functions (IRFs). The analysis suggests that fiscal policy is not playing an effective role in promoting broad-based inclusive economic growth. The frail linkage between fiscal policy and inclusive economic growth is countermand to very essence and spirit of the former in a developing country like Pakistan.
Assessment of bacteriological quality of water sources from an agrarian settlement in South-East Nigeria

This study assessed the bacteriological quality of groundwater, rainwater and surface water sourced from an agrarian settlement in South-eastern Nigeria. Agamede, Amede, Ihenyi, Mgbuji and Umuhu communities in Eha-Amufu served as sampling locations. Samples were sourced from River Ebenyi, hand-dug wells and rooftop harvested rainwater. Bacterial isolation, identification and enumeration followed standard methods. Coliform counts were above WHO permissible standard except groundwater sourced at Mgbuji. Whereas a significant difference occurred in the means of coliform counts of lactose-fermenters (LF) of groundwater and rainwater, no significant difference occurred among non-lactose fermenters (NLF) across all locations. There was no significant difference between the mean coliform colony count of LF and NLF across surface water in different locations. Bayesian Paired Samples T-Test and Post-Hoc showed no significant difference in the total colony count of LF and NLF coliforms and means of total colony count between and within water sources across stations. However, the mean total coliform count in rainwater was the highest. Our results demonstrate that water sources from the agrarian settlements were contaminated by coliforms whilst settlers and others that consume them via drinking and domestic purposes are vulnerable, especially the aged, children and immunocompromised. Key words: Water quality, bacteriology, agrarian settlement, coliform.
Exceptional Enlargement of the Mitochondrial Genome Results from Distinct Causes in Different Rain Frogs (Anura: Brevicipitidae: Breviceps)

The mitochondrial (mt) genome of the bushveld rain frog (Breviceps adspersus, Brevicipitidae, Afrobatrachia) is the largest (28.8 kbp) among the vertebrates investigated to date. The major cause of genome size enlargement in this species is the duplication of multiple genomic regions. To investigate the evolutionary lineage, timing, and process of mt genome enlargement, we sequenced the complete mtDNAs of two congeneric rain frogs, B. mossambicus and B. poweri. The mt genomic organization, gene content, and gene arrangements of these two rain frogs are very similar to each other but differ from those of B. adspersus. The B. mossambicus mt genome (22.5 kbp) does not differ significantly from that of most other afrobatrachians. In contrast, the B. poweri mtDNA (28.1 kbp) is considerably larger: currently the second largest among vertebrates, after B. adspersus. The main causes of genome enlargement differ among Breviceps species. Unusual elongation (12.5 kbp) of the control region (CR), a single major noncoding region of the vertebrate mt genome, is responsible for the extremely large mt genome in B. poweri. Based on the current Breviceps phylogeny and estimated divergence age, it can be concluded that the genome enlargements occurred independently in each species lineage within relatively short periods. Furthermore, a high nucleotide substitution rate and relaxation of selective pressures, which are considered to be involved in changes in genome size, were also detected in afrobatrachian lineages. Our results suggest that these factors were not direct causes but may have indirectly affected mt genome enlargements in Breviceps.
Adaptive feature space Transformation in Generalised Matrix Learning Vector Quantization

We propose and investigate a modiﬁcation of Generalized Matrix Relevance Learning Vector Quantization (GMLVQ). In the novel approach we restrict the linear transformation to only the data set instead of transforming both the prototypes and the data like in the original GMLVQ. The method is implemented using a rectangular transformation matrix in a modiﬁed Euclidean distance measure. We analyse the performance of the modiﬁed algorithm and compare with original GMLVQ. In this paper, the method is outlined and experimental results are discussed in terms of a benchmark classiﬁcation task.