Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blind Justice: “Seeing” Race and Gender in Cases of Violent Crime

Racial disparities in the justice system, particularly as they relate to the death penalty, have received increasing scholarly and public-policy scrutiny recently. Comparatively little attention has been paid to the role of the defendant's sex in cases of violent crime, though research has been conducted on how the victim's sex affects court decisions. This article seeks to extend this line of inquiry by asking how women accused of killing their spouses or nonspousal intimate partners are treated by the judicial system. I present a theoretical framework that elucidates the impact of intersectionality and sexual stratification on structuring outcomes for women defendants in cases of violent crimes. To test implications derived from this framework, I utilize an original data set of homicide cases from Oakland County, Michigan, from 1986 to 1988. I find that female defendants were convicted more frequently than were male defendants, and that there is an interactive effect with race. Further, I find that the conviction rate was higher if the victim was an alleged batterer of the defendant. Finally, my data indicate that sentencing decisions have a clear racial aspect to them. I conclude with suggestions for future research.
Purification and characterization of the chitosanase from Aeromonas sp . HG 08

In this work, the characterization of a chitosanase-producing bacterium isolated from soil was reported and this strain was grouped under the genus Aeromonas by virtue of its morphological, physiological properties and 16S rDNA gene sequences. It is the first report that the genus Aeromonas could produce chitosanase. Aeromonas sp. HG08 could secrete the chitosanase (named AsChi) with molecular weight of 70 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature of AsChi was 6.0 and 55°C, respectively. The activity of AsChi was markedly enhanced by Mn and inhibited by Fe, Cu, Ag and Hg; additionally, the activity of AsChi was increased with the degree of deacetylation (DDA) of chitosan. Through viscosimetric assay, AsChi probably hydrolyzed chitosan in an endo-type fashion.
Numerical Simulations on Piezoresistivity of CNT/Polymer Based Nanocomposites

Summary In this work, we propose a 3 dimensional (3D) numerical model to predict the piezoresistivity behaviours of a nanocomposite material made from an insulating polymer filled by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This material is very hopeful for its application in highly sensitive strain sensor by measuring its piezoresistivity, i.e., the ratio of resistance change versus applied strain. In this numerical approach, a 3D resistor network model is firstly proposed to predict the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite with a large amount of randomly dispersed CNTs under the zero strain state. By focusing on the fact that the piezoresistivity of the nanocomposite is largely influenced by the tunnelling effects among neighbouring CNTs, we modify this 3D resistor network model by adding the tunnelling resistance between those neighbouring CNTs within the cut-off distance of tunnelling effect, i.e., 1nm in this study. The predicted electrical conductivities by this modified 3D resistor network model are verified experimentally. Furthermore, to analyze the piezoresistivity of nanocomposite under various strain levels, this modified 3D resistor network model is further combined with a fibre reorientation model, which is used to track the orientation and network change of rigid-body CNTs in the nanocomposite under applied strain. This combined model is employed to predict the piezoresistivity of the nanocomposite iteratively corresponding to various strain levels with the experimental verifications. Some key parameters, which control the piezoresistivity behaviour, such as, cross sectional area of tunnel current, height of barrier, orientation of CNTs, and electrical conductivity of CNTs and other nanofillers, are systematically investigated. The obtained results are very valuable, which can provide a guidance for designing the strain sensor of this nanocomposite with enhanced sensitivity.
Frequency modulation detection using high‐Q cantilevers for enhanced force microscope sensitivity

A new frequency modulation (FM) technique has been demonstrated which enhances the sensitivity of attractive mode force microscopy by an order of magnitude or more. Increased sensitivity is made possible by operating in a moderate vacuum (<10−3 Torr), which increases the Q of the vibrating cantilever. In the FM technique, the cantilever serves as the frequency determining element of an oscillator. Force gradients acting on the cantilever cause instantaneous frequency modulation of the oscillator output, which is demodulated with a FM detector. Unlike conventional ‘‘slope detection,’’ the FM technique offers increased sensitivity through increased Q without restricting system bandwidth. Experimental comparisons of FM detection in vacuum (Q∼50 000) versus slope detection in air (Q∼100) demonstrated an improvement of more than 10 times in sensitivity for a fixed bandwidth. This improvement is evident in images of magnetic transitions on a thin‐film CoPtCr magnetic disk. In the future, the increased sensitivi.
FISCAL FEDERALISM AND ELECTORAL CHOICE IN BRAZILIAN MUNICIPALITIES

We estimate the impact of the Municipalities’ Participation Fund (Fundo de Participacao dos Municipios – FPM), the principal federal transfer to Brazilian small cities, on the local results of presidential elections. In special, we want to test whether the extra resource benefits the central government party, whereas the opposition party may lose votes. The hypothesis is that FPM is a key aspect of Brazilian federalism, as enforcing economic dependence of small cities and central government, it can be a channel of political alignment it is more hard to a mayor be opposite the federal government when the city is very dependent of resources. The methodology is based on a quasi-experiment to investigate whether FPM affects presidential election we estimate Regressions in Discontinuity Design around the four population thresholds where there are sharp changes on the transfer. The results show great effect of per capita FPM on votes for central government party and a negative effect to the opposition. The effects are increasing through the last three elections. We control for local spending and the results are stronger and more significant cities more FPM dependent are more likely to have victories to the central government party. For the last, we estimate the impacts of FPM on municipal elections for mayors and the results show that central government party is again more benefited.
Does the spacecraft trajectory strongly affect the detection of magnetic clouds

Magnetic clouds (MCs) are a subset of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) where a magnetic flux rope is detected. Is the difference between MCs and ICMEs without detected flux rope intrinsic or rather due to an observational bias? As the spacecraft has no relationship with the MC trajectory, the frequency distribution of MCs versus the spacecraft distance to the MCs axis is expected to be approximately flat. However, Lepping and Wu (2010) confirmed that it is a strongly decreasing function of the estimated impact parameter. Is a flux rope more frequently undetected for larger impact parameter? In order to answer the questions above, we explore the parameter space of flux rope models, especially the aspect ratio, boundary shape, and current distribution. The proposed models are analyzed as MCs by fitting a circular linear force-free field to the magnetic field computed along simulated crossings. We find that the distribution of the twist within the flux rope, the non-detection due to too low field rotation angle or magnitude are only weakly affecting the expected frequency distribution of MCs versus impact parameter. However, the estimated impact parameter is increasingly biased to lower values as the flux-rope cross section is more elongated orthogonally to the crossing trajectory. The observed distribution of MCs is a natural consequence of a flux-rope cross section flattened in average by a factor 2 to 3 depending on the magnetic twist profile. However, the faster MCs at 1 AU, with V>550 km/s, present an almost uniform distribution of MCs vs. impact parameter, which is consistent with round shaped flux ropes, in contrast with the slower ones. We conclude that either most of the non-MC ICMEs are encountered outside their flux rope or near the leg region, or they do not contain any.
Radioprotective effect of Eclipta alba (L.) against radiation induced haematological changes in Swiss albino mice

Eclipta alba has diverse pharmacological and antioxidative prop erties which aroused interest to obtain insight into the radioprotective effect of its aqueous leaf extract against gamma radiation induced haematological alterations in Swiss albino mice. Mice were treated for 15 days with a dose of 250mg/ kg b.wt of E. alba (L.) aqueous leaf extract selected on the basis of LD50 (2413.40 7mg/kg b. wt) and then exposed to single dose of 5Gy gamma radiation. Exposure to single dose of 5Gy gamma radiation in untreated mice (group-III) resulted in highly si gnificant decrease in levels ( P<0.01) of hematological parameters of RBC, MCV, HGB and MCH and the decrease was statistically very highly significant ( P<0.001) for WBC and HCT as compared to control group-I. Exposure to gamma radiations in E. alba pre-treated group-IV mice showed less severe alterations in haematological pa rameters. However, the normal values could not be obtained after two weeks in gro up-III while near normal values of haematological parameters of RBC, MCV, HGB and MCH except WBC were regained after two weeks in treated group-IV. Preli minary phytochemical analysis of aqueous leaf extract of E. alba showed positive tests for alkaloid, phytosterols, triterpenoid and flavanoids, saponins, tannins, sug ar, gum and mucilage. Thus E. alba aqueous extract modulates radiation induced hematological alterations which may be probably due to its antioxidative activity.
Fire, Plant Invasions, and Erosion Events on Western Rangelands

Abstract Millions of hectares of rangeland in the western United States have been invaded by annual and woody plants that have increased the role of wildland fire. Altered fire regimes pose significant implications for runoff and erosion. In this paper we synthesize what is known about fire impacts on rangeland hydrology and erosion, and how that knowledge advances understanding of hydrologic risks associated with landscape scale plant community transitions and altered fire regimes. The increased role of wildland fire on western rangeland exposes landscapes to amplified runoff and erosion over short- and long-term windows of time and increases the risk of damage to soil and water resources, property, and human lives during extreme events. Amplified runoff and erosion postfire are a function of storm characteristics and fire-induced changes in site conditions (i.e., ground cover, soil water repellency, aggregate stability, and surface roughness) that define site susceptibility. We suggest that overall postfire hydrologic vulnerability be considered in a probabilistic framework that predicts hydrologic response for a range of potential storms and site susceptibilities and that identifies the hydrologic response magnitudes at which damage to values-at-risk are likely to occur. We identify key knowledge gaps that limit advancement of predictive technologies to address the increased role of wildland fire across rangeland landscapes. Our review of literature suggests quantifying interactions of varying rainfall intensity and key measures of site susceptibility, temporal variability in strength/influence of soil water repellency, and spatial scaling of postfire runoff and erosion remain paramount areas for future research to address hydrologic effects associated with the increased role of wildland fire on western rangelands.
An evaluation of robust linear mixed models for bivariate datasets with slash distributed residuals.

Summary Some symmetric and heavy-tailed distributions, such as Student’s-t and Slash, have been suggested for robust inference in linear mixed models. These robust models are characterized by the degrees of freedom of these distributions, and include the normal distribution when the degrees of freedom approach infinity. This simulation study investigated joint estimation of degrees of freedom for the residual and all other genetic and non-genetic parameters in the Slash distributed residual datasets. Bivariate data with heavytailed distributed residuals were generated using Slash distributions with 4 or 12 degrees of freedom. Models with bivariate Student’s-t, Slash and normal residuals were fitted to each dataset using a hierarchical Bayesian approach. Predictive log-likelihood values strongly favoured the bivariate Student’s-t and Slash models over the normal models for simulated heavy-tailed datasets. Posterior mean estimates of degrees of freedom parameters seemed to be accurate and unbiased. Estimates of sire and herd variances were similar, if not identical, across fitted models. Posterior mean and 95% posterior probability interval estimates of error variances in simulated datasets were found to be similar. Reliable estimates of degrees of freedom were obtained in all simulated datasets. The predictive loglikelihood was able to distinguish the correct model among the models fitted to heavy-tailed datasets.
Optimization of Permanent Magnet Skew in Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motors Using Finite Element and Statistical Method

The permanent magnet skew is one of the techniques mostly used on the Permanent Magnet Linear Syn-chronous Motors (PMLSMs) to reduce the thrust ripple; even though there is a reduction in the amplitude of ripple and at the same time a significantly decrease of the motor’s thrust. This article proposes a combined technique between the Finite Elements Method (FEM) and statistical regression, to obtain an objective function that will allow the achievement of the optimal Permanent Magnet (PM) skew angle, so that there is a greater reduction of ripple with the minimum thrust diminishment.
The Link Between Competitive Priorities Of The Firm, Cultural Characteristics Of Its Top Managers And Innovation Performance: An Empirical Study In Turkey

The increasing global competition, rapid development in every area, uncertainty and complexity all threaten the life of the companies and lead them to be more creative and innovative. Today's business world needs innovation more than ever. Companies are struggling to increase their innovative capacities in every aspect of the business. Innovation is not an easy task. It is a process that requires tremendous effort and changes in various platforms. The number of studies related to innovation has increased. Different aspect of innovation from theoretical and practical point of view has been studied so far. This study looks at the innovation from a two different perspective. First, the study investigates the link between cultural characteristics of the top managers and innovation performance of the companies. Second, the study investigates the relationship regarding the link between competitive priories of the companies and innovation performance. In order to accomplish the objectives of this study, an empirical study has been conducted across Turkey and data were analyzed through using SPSS program. Results were discussed in relation to literature and practice.
Novel BsuRI-c.930A>G-FSHb Associated with Litter Size Traits on Large White X Landrace Crossbred Sows

The objective of this experiment was to identify the novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on porcine follicle stimulating hormone b subunit ( FSH b ) genes. Moreover, their association with litter size traits in commercial pigs will be analyzed. 1,155 Large White x Landrace crossbred sows were bled and DNA was extracted. The records included total number of piglet born (TNB), number of piglet born alive (NBA), number of piglets stillbirth (SB) and number of piglets mummified (MM). The known sequence of porcine FSH b (GenBank accession no. D00621.1) was screened homology to known sequences in term of express sequenced tags (ESTs) in public domain, GenBank. The primers were designed for amplified the novel Bsu RI-c.930A>G- FSH b fragment which confirmed by PCR-RFLP and nucleotide sequencing then genotyping. The favorable cut homozygous G/G allele was highly significant higher than A/G allele in terms of TNB and NBA. While, published marker Hae III- g.5894A>G-FSH b was not significant difference in any litter traits. For haplotype analysis, c.930A>G- g.5894 A>G of FSH? , unfavorable GG/AA haplotype was significantly lower TNB and NBA than other haplotypes. Conversely, this haplotype was significantly higher MM than others. The study concluded that Bsu RI-c.930A>G and the haplotype of Hae III-g.5894A>G - Bsu RI-c.930A>G of FSH b may used for marker-assisted selection on pig breeding program.
Tsunami hazard for the city of Catania, eastern Sicily, Italy, assessed by means of Worst-case Credible Tsunami Scenario Analysis (WCTSA)

Abstract. Eastern Sicily is one of the coastal areas most exposed to earthquakes and tsunamis in Italy. The city of Catania that developed between the eastern base of Etna volcano and the Ionian Sea is, together with the neighbour coastal belt, under the strong menace of tsunamis. This paper addresses the estimation of the tsunami hazard for the city of Catania by using the technique of the Worst-case Credible Tsunami Scenario Analysis (WCTSA) and is focused on a target area including the Catania harbour and the beach called La Plaia where many human activities develop and many important structures are present. The aim of the work is to provide a detailed tsunami hazard analysis, firstly by building scenarios that are proposed on the basis of tectonic considerations and of the largest historical events that hit the city in the past, and then by combining all the information deriving from single scenarios into a unique aggregated scenario that can be viewed as the worst virtual scenario. Scenarios have been calculated by means of numerical simulations on computational grids of different resolutions, passing from 3 km on a regional scale to 40 m in the target area. La Plaia beach results to be the area most exposed to tsunami inundation, with inland penetration up to hundreds of meters. The harbour turns out to be more exposed to tsunami waves with low frequencies: in particular, it is found that the major contribution to the hazard in the harbour is due to a tsunami from a remote source, which propagates with much longer periods than tsunamis from local sources. This work has been performed in the framework of the EU-funded project SCHEMA.
Species richness and composition of butterfly with reference to anthropogenic activities in the wildlife management areas, Southern Tanzania

The objectives of this study were to assess butterfly communities, and to determine the influence of disturbance on individual butterflies, species richness and composition within five Wildlife Management Areas (Mbarang’andu, Kimbanda, Kisungule in Namtumbo District; Nalika and Chingoli in Tunduru Didistict) located in Ruvuma landscape. The survey was conducted between September and November 2014 using sweep nets and visual observations. A total of 545 butterflies from 90 species that belong to 6 families, were recorded. Butterfly species richness was highest in Mbarang’andu (28.7±0.81) and lowest in Kimbanda (2.2±0.29). Mean number of individual butterfly was higher (3.1±0.26) in miombo woodlands compared to riverine forest (2.9±0.37). Further destruction of vegetation could affect species richness and abundance, hence; we recommend that more resources and effort such as human resource be in place to safe guard these Wildlife Management Areas from any environmental degradation for the benefit of present and future generation.
A Framework to study learning in an internationally distributed course.

This paper presents a framework for studying the various ways in which learning of computer networks is experienced by students who take part in an internationally distributed, computer-supported, project-based university course. The students’ learning and their perceptions of their learning environment are studied in a phenomenographic research tradition (Marton and Booth, 1997), illuminated by elements of activity theory (Engestrom, 1987). By studying the learning of the subject matter, the learning environment, and the complex relationship between the two, as they are experienced by the students, insights can be gained that can help to improve learning environments and thereby learning outcomes. The purpose of the study This paper presents a research framework for studying the complex interplay between the learning of a subject area and a learning environment. The framework has been developed to study learning situations, where students work in internationally distributed teams collaborating over Internet. It offers a way to analyse and interpret the learning that takes place and to identify critical factors in the learning environment that promote students’ learning. Studies within the framework are useful when designing and redesigning computer-supported distributed project-based courses to better promote students’ learning of the subject area. From such studies insights can be gained into how students go about collaborating, and how collaboration and learning relate to different elements in the course environment. The research framework presented here is targeted towards the study of academic courses. Both the course content and the learning environment are here important and together contribute to how the learning takes place and what is learnt. The different actors in the situation, the tools that are used, the rules etc form together an environment in which the learning takes place and of which it is an integrated part. In a complex way the students’ interaction with all these factors forms the basis for the environment as perceived by the students. Neither the course content nor the situation can be omitted, since the two are not experienced as separate entities by the students, and the students interact with both.
GA Optimization of the Optical Directional Coupler

─ Optical couplers, which are passive devices, couple optic waves through optical waveguides and can be employed in many applications, including power splitters, optical switches, wavelength filters, polarization selectors, etc. In this work, a simple, fast and instant optimization design is presented for an optical directional coupler based on Genetic Algorithms (GA). This optimization design is preferred due to its favourable usage and fast convergence capability. Finally, the designed methodology has been analytically and experimentally evaluated and the results show that the GA is an advantageous method for designing an optical element where the measurable data is obtainable instead of complex formulas. Index Terms ─ Genetic Algorithm, optical directional coupler.