Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The local stellar luminosity function and mass-to-light ratio in the near-infrared

A new sample of stars, representative of the solar neighbourhood luminosity function, is constructed from the Hipparcos catalogue and the Fifth Catalogue of Nearby Stars. We have cross-matched to sources in the 2MASS catalogue so that for all stars individually determined Near Infrared photometry (NIR) is available on a homogeneous system (typically Ks). The spatial completeness of the sample has been carefully determined by statistical methods, and the NIR luminosity function of the stars has been derived by direct star counts. We nd a local volume luminosity of 0:121 0:004LK pc 3 , corresponding to a volumetric mass-to-light ratio of M=LK = 0:31 0:02M =LK , where giants contribute 80 per cent to the light but less than 2 per cent to the stellar mass. We derive the surface brightness of the solar cylinder with the help of a vertical disc model. We nd a surface brightness of 99LK pc 2 with an uncertainty of approximately 10 per cent. This corresponds to a mass-to-light ratio for the solar cylinder of M=LK = 0:34M =LK . The mass-tolight ratio for the solar cylinder is only 10 per cent larger than the local value despite the fact that the local population has a much larger contribution of young stars. It turns out that the eective scale heights of the lower main sequence carrying most of the mass is similar to that of the giants, which are dominating the NIR light. The corresponding colour for the solar cylinder is V K = 2:89 mag compared to the local value of V K = 2:46 mag. An extrapolation of the local surface brightness to the whole Milky Way yields a total luminosity of MK = 24:2 mag. The Milky Way falls in the range of K band Tully-Fisher (TF) relations from the literature.
Rocket in situ observation of equatorial plasma irregularities in the region between E and F layers over Brazil

Abstract. A two-stage VS-30 Orion rocket was launched from the equatorial rocket launching station in Alcântara, Brazil, on 8 December 2012 soon after sunset (19:00 LT), carrying a Langmuir probe operating alternately in swept and constant bias modes. At the time of launch, ground equipment operated at equatorial stations showed rapid rise in the base of the F layer, indicating the pre-reversal enhancement of the F region vertical drift and creating ionospheric conditions favorable for the generation of plasma bubbles. Vertical profiles of electron density estimated from Langmuir probe data showed wave patterns and small- and medium-scale plasma irregularities in the valley region (100–300 km) during the rocket upleg and downleg. These irregularities resemble those detected by the very high frequency (VHF) radar installed at Jicamarca and so-called equatorial quasi-periodic echoes. We present evidence suggesting that these observations could be the first detection of this type of irregularity made by instruments onboard a rocket.
Using discrete‐return airborne laser scanning to quantify number of canopy strata across diverse forest types

The vertical arrangement of forest canopies is a key descriptor of canopy structure, a driver of ecosystem function and indicative of forest successional stage. Yet techniques to attribute for canopy vertical structure across large and potentially heterogeneously forested areas remain elusive. This study introduces a new technique to estimate the Number of Strata (NoS) that comprise a canopy profile, using discrete‐return Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data. Vertically resolved gap probability (Pgap) aggregated over a plot is generalized with a nonparametric cubic spline regression (Ps). Subsequently a count of the positive zero‐crossings of second derivative of 1 − Ps is used to estimate NoS. Comparison with inventory derived estimates at 24 plots across three diverse study areas shows a good agreement between the two techniques (RMSE = 0·41 strata). Furthermore, this is achieved without altering model parameters, indicating the transferability of the technique across diverse forest types. NoS values ranged from 0 to 4 at a further 239 plots, emphasizing the need for a method to quantify canopy vertical structure across forested landscapes. Comparison of NoS with other commonly derived ALS descriptors of canopy structure (canopy height, canopy cover and return height coefficient of determination) returned only a moderate correlation (r2 < 0·4). It is proposed the presented method provides a primary descriptor of canopy structure to complement canopy height and cover, as well as a candidate Ecological Biodiversity Variable for characterizing habitat structure.
Effects of BCRP and P-gp Modulators on the Penetration of Aflatoxin B1 into the Mouse Brain [1]

This study was conducted to determine whether the plasma and brain concentrations of AFB1 are affected by the modulation of P-gp and BCRP using zosuquidar (ZQR) and prazosin (PRZ), respectively. In this study, a total of 40 healthy adult male BALB/c mice (32±3.7 g) were used. The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups, with 8 animals per group. Group 1 was used for method validation. Group 2 (AF) received intraperitoneal AFB1 at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight. Groups 3 (AF+PRZ), 4 (AF+ZQR), and 5 (AF+PRZ+ZQR) received 20 mg/kg of AFB1 intraperitoneally 30 min after the intraperitoneal administration of prazosin (0.3 mg/kg), zosuquidar (25 mg/kg), and prazosin+zosuquidar (0.3 mg/kg prazosin + 25 mg/kg zosuquidar), respectively. Six hours after the administration of AFB1, blood and brain samples were collected from the animals in Groups 2 to 5. AFB1 concentrations were determined using an HPLC system with fluorescence detection. Individual and simultaneous administration of prazosin and zosuquidar significantly reduced the brain concentrations of AFB1 in comparison to a single administration of AFB1 (P<0.05). The brain/plasma ratio of the AF group was higher than that of the other groups (AF+PRZ, AF+ZQR, and AF+PRZ+ZQR) (P<0.05). Inducers of transmembrane proteins, especially BCRP, can be life saving during acute AFB1 poisoning.
Variability in Calanus spp. abundance on fine- to mesoscales in an Arctic fjord: implications for little auk feeding

Abstract We studied the abundance of calanoid copepods of the genus Calanus in a high-resolution sampling grid located in the vicinity of a breeding colony of an avian Calanus predator, the little auk (Alle alle) in an Arctic fjord (Isfjorden, Svalbard) in July 2007. Within diving reach of little auks, all copepodite stages of C. finmarchicus, as well as stages CIII–CV of C. glacialis, were recorded in all 26 stations sampled. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to detect spatial heterogeneity (patches) in the distribution of Calanus spp. Positive spatial autocorrelation was detected on scales up to 1.2 km for C. finmarchicus stages CIII–CV and for C. glacialis CIV and CV, but was rarely detected for the younger stages. This suggests that the tendency to form patches varies with ontogeny in Calanus spp. At an adjacent little auk colony, the diet prey composition from 30 gular pouches of little auks returning from feeding trips was investigated. Calanus glacialis CIV and CV were numerically dominant in the prey samples, while C. finmarchicus CIV which was dominant in the net samples did not contribute to the little auk diet. This could suggest selective feeding, a detection of patches beyond the scale of our survey, feeding beyond the sampling area or a combination of these factors. Large Calanus abundance differences within the sampling grid underline the necessity of a proper choice of grid size, in this case 2 km between stations.
Designing playful sensory experiences with interactive whiteboard technology: the implications for children on the autistic spectrum

By definition, individuals on the autistic spectrum have difficulties with social interaction and communication; their different cognitive and sensory processing occurs in every modality and can result in a perception of the physical world that is fragmented, alarming and very different from nonautistic people. This can lead to high levels of fear and anxiety and a lack of understanding of the intentions of others. This paper will document part of the Reactive Colours design research project, which has been developing customisable software, called ReacTickles, to engage the unique sensory interests of children on the autistic spectrum and will focus on how the ReacTickles software is being used on interactive whiteboards with young autistic children in a number of UK schools. Whereas the conventional view maintains that educational technology should be interactive, Reactive Colours offers tangible interfaces as an embodied play activity. The benefit of this approach is, I argue, that it elicits outward expression of inner sensation and, as such, encourages greater bodily awareness in autistic children who experience distorted or even disconnected relationship with their body due to proprioceptive and vestibular sensory disorders. The interactive whiteboard removes the necessity to manage control in a confined space and, in so doing, reduces the impediment to bodily expression created by the limited spaces of traditional interfaces.
Behavioral Economics and Its Implications for Enterprise Risk Management

The underlying premise of this paper is that enterprise risk management (ERM), as it continues to evolve as both a process and a collection of risk management techniques, can benefit from several different (but ultimately somewhat related) “megatrends. ” The core of this paper concentrates on the impact on ERM of one of those megatrends: the emergence of a behavioral economics perspective, which is beginning to have a large impact on our understanding of the economy and on certain economic and business processes. The evolution and context of behavioral economics are described, and potential implications for the practice of ERM are discussed. The paper culminates with a variety of specific suggestions for ERM practice in response to findings from behavioral economics research, specifically a number of human cognitive dissonances which are inconsistent with traditional economic theory.
Donkeys and development: socio-economic issues in the use and management of donkeys

The paper provides an overview of the consequences of 'development 'for donkey use and management. It argues that the prevailing' development' model of economic growth and modernisation marginalises large numbers of people. It tries to show how the use of donkeys has enabled these people to withstand some of the threats to their lives and livelihoods. Even though donkeys have been extensively used by people in many areas in the world, their use has been synonymous with backwardness, underdevelopment and low status. This is apparent both in traditional attitudes towards donkeys and in the institutional neglect of donkey issues. Changes in agriculture and transport have favoured tractorisation and motorisation. Most smallfarmers can afford neither tractors nor motorised transport. So small farmers, transporters and women are increasingly using donkeys for cultivation, for transport and for incomegeneration. The paper provides several examples of how these different uses ensure the survival of women and men in hostile environments and enables them to integrate into the social and economic processes from which they are often excluded. It concludes that development professionals must recognise donkey use and management as an appropriate and affordable technology for people with minimal resources.
Fermentation Capacity of Yeasts Using Mango (Mangifera indica Linn.) as Substrate

The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by employing yeast fermentation technology to produce a more stable, value-added product in this case fruit wine. The design of the study involved determination of the fermentative capabilities of four commercial yeast types on musts obtained from an improved (Keitt) mango cultivar that is popularly cultivated in some parts of Ghana for export. The characteristics of the mango musts that were monitored included total soluble solids (TSS), pH and total acidity (TA), microbial populations (aerophilic mesophiles, yeasts and Acetic acid Bacteria), alcohol content and colour over the course of the fermentations. Descriptive and hedonic sensory evaluation was carried out on the ferments obtained from all treatments. Results showed that two of the yeast types namely; Red Star Pasteur and Red Star Montrachet displayed superior fermentation characteristics and produced mango wines that were acceptable by both descriptive and affective sensory panels. Keywords : mango, yeast, fermentation, alcohol, wine, must, soluble solids, acidity.
Variations in Mail Survey Procedures: Comparison of Response Rates and Cost.

The cost-effectiveness and impact: on response rate of variations in mailing procedures involved in a mail survey of teacher education graduates were a.7sessed. Variables studied were use of a preliminary or advance letter, postcard versus letter reminders as the first follow-up mailing. timing of the reminder (1 versus 2 weeks after the first mailing), use of a reminder versus no reminder prior to the mailing of the duplicate questionnaire, and timing of the mailing of duplicate questionnaires (3 versus 4 weeks following the first mailing when no reminder was sent). Subjects were 288 indtviduals who had completed teacher preparation programs leading to initial certification at a major institution in the Southeast from the fel] quarter of 1987 through summer quarter of 1988; and 288 individuals identified through comparison of applications for certification, student teaching records, and graduation lists. Daily tabulations of returns for each experimental condition were maintained. Cost analyses covered outgoing postage; return postage; mailing labels for envelopes; letterhead stationary and envelopes; plain return envelopes; and duplication of letters, postcards, and questionnaires. Results indicate that the preliminary letters are not cost effective, while reminders and duplicate follow-up questionnaires are cost effective. Three tables and one figure are included. (TJH) * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * *** ***** ****** ***** ************** ***** * ***** ****** ********************* Variations in Mail Survey Procedures: Comparison of Response Rates and Cost U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Othc of Educatiofial Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIO4 CENTER (ERIC) Znis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it 0 Minor changes have been made 10 improve reproduction Quality Points of view or Ocouonsstated in this docu ment do not neCessarily represent official OF PI position or policy 'PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY \77)7),-7-4 d. Ease4 TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)"
Propagation and conservation of Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. ("hierba del cancer") through in vitro culture

We undertook this study to (1) evaluate an in vitro procedure for plantlet regeneration of Castilleja tenuifl ora Benth. (Scrophulariaceae) from axillary buds and (2) induce callugenesis and organogenesis through the manipulation of explant type, culture media and plant growth regulators. An effi cient propagation protocol for in vitro multiplication and plantlet regeneration of C. tenuifl ora using axillary buds of wild plants was developed. Shoot multiplication was induced from axillary buds in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.2 mg L -1 BAP and 0.1 mg L -1 NAA with an effi ciency of 33%. Shoot multiplication and elongation were achieved in one step using 0.1 mg L -1 IBA and 0.25 mg L -1 BAP. After 14 days, an average of four shoots per explant was observed. For rooting, IBA was increased to 1.0 mg L -1 and BAP was excluded. Hyperhydricity was not observed and 88% of the shoots rooted. From one axillary bud, 250 plantlets were produced within eight weeks. To induce callugenesis and organogenesis, explants (leaves and internodes) from plantlets were excised and inoculated into MS, B5 and NN culture media in combination with NAA (0-10 μM) and kinetin (0-0.5 μM). In general, rhizogenesis was the main in vitro response (up to 100%) followed by shoot formation (5-50%) and, fi nally, callugenesis (2-35%). Internodes were more competent than leaves for both callugenesis and organogenesis, along with the fact that leaf explants oxidized easily. Rhizogenesis depended on exogenous NAA, but auxin requirement varied according to the culture medium and type of explant used. On the basis of our results, conditions for callugenesis and organogenesis induction of C. tenuifl ora can be recommended: a) callus-internode, 0.1 μM NAA and B5 medium; b) rhizogenesis-0.1 μM NAA and NN medium; and c) shoots-internode, 0.1 μM NAA and MS medium. Results of the present study show the feasibility of using in vitro culture to propagate and conserve germplasm of the ‘cancer herb’ C. tenuifl ora.
Are there hot spots for Elliptio complanata in the shallow littoral zone of a large Canadian Shield lake

The variability in habitat conditions in large lake basins may provide areas favourable for unionid recruitment and growth. Here we test whether the distribution, body size, and growth rate of Elliptio complanata differ between upwind and downwind sites in a 5.8 km long lake basin. We measured density and morphological characteristics of E. complanata at nine upwind and nine downwind sites. We also measured growth rates and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) signatures at three upwind and three downwind sites. We found no difference in density or body size of E. complanata between upwind and downwind sites, despite clear differences in water temperature and food availability. Contrary to our expectations, the growth rate of E. complanata was higher (by 62%) at upwind sites. The reason for this difference is uncertain, but higher shell erosion and a negative relationship between δ13C and C/N ratio suggest that E. complanata may be more stressed at downwind sites. The δ15N of E. complanata did not differ systemati.
Population recovery and differential heat shock protein expression for the corals Agaricia agaricites and A. tenuifolia in Belize

Over recent decades, coral reefs worldwide have experienced severe sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Associated with an El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event of 1997-1998, nearly 100% mortality of the space-dominant coral Agaricia tenuifolia was reported at several shelf lagoonal sites of the Belize barrier reef system; a less abundant congener, A. agaricites, had lower mortality rates. We assessed A. agaricites and A. tenuifolia populations at coral reef ridges in the south-central sector of the Belize shelf lagoon and forereef sites to document recovery following the 1998 ENSO event and subsequent passage of Hurricane Mitch. To investigate the difference in heat stress tolerance between the 2 species, heat shock protein (HSP) expression was examined in the laboratory under ambient (28°C) and elevated (+6°C) temperatures. Populations of A. agaricites and A. tenuifolia surveyed at forereef sites in 1999 showed after effects from the 2 disturbances (partial colony mortality was ∼23 and 30% for A. agaricites and A. tenuifolia, respectively), but partial mortality declined by 2001. At reef ridge sites, A. tenuifolia exhibited 75 to 95 % partial colony mortality in 1999 compared to 18 % in the less abundant A. agaricites. We measured a significant increase in percentage live cover at ridge sites for both Agaricia species from 1999 to 2001, except at Tunicate Ridge; at this site, which has restricted water flow, live A. tenuifolia cover remained low (∼10 %) 3.5 yr after the 1998 warming event, due in part to high sponge cover (> 75 %). Immunoblotting results indicated that A. agaricites had twice as much HSC 70 (16.9 μg cm -2 ) as A. tenuifolia (8.7 pg cm -2 ) at ambient temperatures and 6x as much under the +6°C treatment. In addition to the inducible response by A. agaricites, this species expressed HSP 90, whereas A. tenuifolia did not. The distinctive patterns of population recovery and HSP expression suggest that A. tenuifolia has a lesser ability to produce HSPs for protection against environmental stress than A. agaricites. Such differences in resilience to large-scale environmental disturbances such as intermittent ENSO episodes may drive a dramatic change in coral species abundance patterns.
Colonization by Chironomidae larvae in decomposition of Eichhornia azurea (Swartz) Kunth in an Amazonian lake in Brazil

Few studies have investigated the colonization of macroinvertebrates during macrophyte decomposition. The goal of this work was to study the colonization process of Chironomidae larvae during the decomposition of Eichhornia azurea in a lake in the southern state of Amazonas, Brazil from August to October 2012. Multiple regression analysis identified a significant loss of macrophyte biomass during the 72 days of the experiment. Six genera were identified: Ablabesmyia, Chironomus, Goeldichironomus, Labrundinia, Polypedilum, and Tanytarsus. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis conducted between the densities of Chironomidae larvae and biotic and environmental factors showed that Chironomus and Goeldichironomus larvae tolerated the temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and macrophyte biomass of the lake. Chironomus and Goeldichironomus were the densest genera, especially in the last days of the experiment. We conclude that the tolerance of some Chironomidae genera, such as Chironomus, may have contributed to their success in colonization because macrophyte decomposition significantly changes the chemical composition of water. In addition, we identified a significant increase in the E. azurea decomposition rate in Lake Paraiso compared to other lakes at greater latitudes, suggesting a direct effect between the temperature and the macrophyte decomposition rate.
Applications of Mathematics

We develop a new technique which, for the given smooth function, generates the anisotropic triangular grid and the corresponding polynomial approximation degrees based on the minimization of the interpolation error in the broken H-seminorm. This technique can be employed for the numerical solution of boundary value problems with the aid of finite element methods. We present the theoretical background of this approach and show several numerical examples demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed anisotropic adaptive strategy in comparison with other adaptive approaches.
A Popularity Scaled Latent Space Model for Large-Scale Directed Social Network

Large-scale directed social network data often involve degree heterogeneity, reciprocity, and transitivity properties. A sensible network generating model should take these features into consideration. To this end, we propose a popularity scaled latent space model for the large-scale directed network structure formulation. It assumes for each node a position in a hypothetically assumed latent space. Then, the nodes close (far away) to each other should have larger (less) probability to be connected. As a consequence, the reciprocity and transitivity properties can be analytically derived. In addition to that, we assume for each node a popularity parameter. Those nodes with larger (smaller) popularity are more (less) likely to be followed by other nodes. By assuming different distributions for popularity parameters, different types of degree heterogeneity can be modeled. Furthermore, based on the proposed model, a comprehensive probabilistic index is constructed for link prediction. Its finite sample performance is demonstrated by extensive simulation studies and a Sina Weibo (a Twitter-type social network in China) dataset. The performances are competitive.