Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unexpected finding of the invasive Baikalian amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus in a cold spring of the southern Pamir Mountains

A specimen of the Baikalian micruropodid amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus was recently found in a spring brook in the Shugnansky District, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province of Tajikistan. This occurrence represents the first record confirmed with mt-cox1 sequence data for this species from the Pamir Mountains. Reliable information on the introduction of Gm. fasciatus and the pattern of its distribution in the region is not yet available, but we hypothesise that the species was introduced intentionally to increase the fish productivity of Yashilkul Lake in 1973−1974. This finding of probably an isolated population shifts the southernmost limit of the species range approximately 1400 km from the Bukhtarminskoye reservoir, Eastern Kazakhstan. A general overview of the morphology, ecology, distribution and invasive history of the species is provided.
A Low Glycemic Index Diet Combined with an Aerobic-Resistance Exercise Program Reduces Risk Factors Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Low Glycemic Index (LGI) and High Glycemic Index (HGI) versions of a low fat, Moderate Carbohydrate (CHO), moderate protein diet, when combined with an exercise program, on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors in people with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Methods: The four groups included ad libitum and 30% calorie restricted high and low GI diets. Twenty six individuals completed the 12 week intervention. Data was collected prospectively at weekly counselling sessions. Results: Calorie restriction was similar between groups (p=0.543), and thus the groups were pooled, leaving only the HGI and LGI groups. The LGI group significantly reduced the GI of their diet (10.5 GI units), significantly reduced the number of subjects classified with MetS (8 people), and had significantly greater improvements in total body weight (7.2 kg), BMI (2.0 kg/m2), percent body fat (3.3 %) and hip circumference (4.9 cm) compared to the HGI groups, as well as additional improvements in waist circumference (6.3 cm), blood pressure (10.5 mmHg systolic, 5.5 mmHg diastolic), triglycerides (0.6 mmol/L). Both groups had similar improvements in fitness. There were no significant changes in fasting levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, and serum total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol. Conclusions: The LGI diet and exercise program had a greater ability to reduce the number and severity of CVD risk factors in individuals with MetS, and represents valuable knowledge from which future lifestyle interventions can be developed to reduce the incidence of MetS and the development of CVD.
3D: The next generation near-infrared imaging spectrometer

The new MPE near infrared imaging spectrometer 3D represents a new generation of astronomical instrumentation. It is based on a 2562 NICMOS-3 Rockwell array and can simultaneously obtain 256 H - or K -band spectra at R = 1100 or 2100 from a square 16×16 pixel field on the sky. Typical pixel scales are 0.3″/pixel or 0.5″/pixel. 3D is a combination of a novel image slicer and a liquid nitrogen cooled long slit spectrometer. It includes high definition on-axis lens optics, a high efficiency directly ruled KRS-5 grism as well as a cold closed-loop piezo-driven tilt mirror allowing full spectral sampling. The instrument efficiency including detector is 15%. Combining the advantages of imaging and spectroscopy increases the observing efficiency on key astronomical objects (e.g. galactic nuclei) by such a large factor over existing grating or Fabry-Perot spectrometers that subarcsecond near-IR spectroscopy of faint Seyferts, starbursts, quasars, or distant galaxy clusters becomes feasible for the first time with 4m-class telescopes. As a portable instrument 3D has already been successfully deployed on several 2 and 4m-class telescopes.
A Comparative Study Between the Hidden Markov Models and the Support Vector Machines for Noisy Printed Numerals Latin Recognition

In this paper, we present a comparison between methods of learning-classification, the first one is called Hidden Model Markov (HMM) which is based on a unsupervised learning, and the second one called Support Vector Machine (SVM) which is based on a supervised learning. Those techniques are used for printed Latin numerals recognition, in different situation: rotated, resized and noisy. In the pre-processing phase we use the thresholding technic and in the features extraction we use the Hu invariants moments (HIM). The simulation results demonstrate that SVM is more robust than the HMM technic in the printed Latin numerals recognition.
Detecting Chaotic Behavior in Agricultural Exchange-traded Funds

This study investigates the chaos effect of agricultural exchange-traded funds (ETFs) using Brock, Dechert, and Scheinkman test, rescaled range analysis, and correlation dimension analysis. The standardized residuals from generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models are fitted into eight ETFs and examined in each case for evidence of chaotic behavior. This study also examines whether or not the ETFs are consistent with the chaos effect based on the underlying random data with trend-reinforcing series. Research results outline the financial insights for the agricultural ETF field of investment forecasting to eliminate trading emotions, while pursuing considerable profitable experience for investors.
Quality of life among traumatic brain injury survivors in indonesia: A preliminary study

Purpose: Due to several impacts of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the patient’s life, an individual’s quality of life (QoL) is often used as an outcome measure following TBI. However, little is known about QoL among TBI survivors in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of QoL among TBI survivors after hospital. Methods: One hundread and three patients with mild, moderate, and severe TBI at the time approached who were currently, at least, at one month after discharge, were selected for structured interview using the QOLIBRI. Results: Fifty eight percent (n=60) of patients were diagnosed with mild TBI and thirty nine percent (n=40) of patients were diagnosed with moderate TBI. The minimum QOLIBRI score was 38, and the maximum was 92 with a mean score of 69.00. More than half of the subjects (60%) had a moderate level of QoL, followed by high (18%) and low levels (17%). Emotion domain had the highest score, while physical problems domain had the lowest score. Conclusion: Although the QoL of patients with TBI in this study was at a moderate level, there is a need for improving some dimensions of QoL.
Translation of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test into IsiXhosa : its application and comparison to existing norms

In the present study the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) is translated into IsiXhosa, applied in either English or IsiXhosa, and results are compared to the norms of Wiens, McMinn and Crossen (1988). The aim is to provide a neuropsychological test to assess an IsiXhosa-speaking population with 15 or more years of education. It is also to determine the feasibility of assessing people in a second language if they have high proficiency in that second language, or to consider new norms for a South African population. Participants were 62 "healthy" male and female IsiXhosa and English home language speaking teachers, aged between 30 and 39 years, selected from schools in the Eastern Cape. The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and the instructions of the Rey Complex Figure are translated into IsiXhosa, and these are applied onto 3 subgroups: English in their home language; IsiXhosa in their home language; IsiXhosa in a Second Language, English. When the home languages groups are compared, the English home language group faired better on some trials than the IsiXhosa home language group. Between the Home Languages and the Second Language group, the former did better on some trials. However, most trials were compatible between these groups. When results from this study were compared to norms of Wiens et al. (1988), the South African population achieved higher scores on most trials. They seemed to learn more words, make fewer errors and repetitions, while the norm group recalled more words on Trial 1 and the Percentage Recall Trial (with an exception to the Home languages group). The compatibility of groups and the better South African results led to the conclusion that assessments might be done in the second language English, if the person is proficient, and meets the criteria for the current study population. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
Pleated pneumatic artificial muscles: actuators for automation and robotics

Reports on a type of pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) that was developed at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Its distinguishing feature is its pleated design. Due to this, it has a very high contraction force and an equally high travel. The weight of these pleated PAMs is very low: a muscle of only 60 gr can pull up to 3500 N and contract by 42%. Furthermore, dry friction and associated hysteresis, typical of many other designs, is avoided by the folding-unfolding action. This significantly simplifies position control using these actuators. Although the force-displacement characteristics of our actuators are non-linear, they can be effectively controlled using basic linear PI techniques. Another advantage of these actuators is their inherent and controllable compliance, making them ideally suited for walking/running machines or whenever delicate tasks, e.g. handling fragile objects, have to be performed. In view of all characteristics pleated PAMs are very well suited for automation and robotic applications.
Impact of the Zhovhe Dam on the lower Mzingwane River channel

The lower Mzingwane River was dammed in 1995 by the large (133 Mm 3 ) Zhovhe Dam. Managed releases from the dam supply commercial agro-business and Beitbridge town, downstream. A substantial change in the flow regime of the Mzingwane River occurs downstream of Zhovhe Dam, with the capture of all flows early in the rainy season, most low flows, many larger flows and the reduction in magnitude of some floods. This change in flow regime could be the cause of observed changes in the channel morphology, where the active riverbed has declined in width and portions of the river channel on either side have been abandoned. These abandoned parts of the river channel appear to be being colonised by vegetation, which represents competition for water with the established riparian vegetation as well as with the water users. The ongoing non-inundation and abandonments of portions of the river channel and the apparent loss in aquifer material indicate that the extent of the alluvial aquifer is likely to decrease. The change in grain size from a coarse sand to a fine gravel (if substantiated, further sampling is required) could result in a decline in specific yield. Such changes would negatively impact the water storage and water supply potential of the Lower Mzingwane alluvial aquifer, and thus the current and potential water users. It is widely acknowledged that indigenous vegetation has evolved to prevailing water balance and soil moisture conditions, the riparian ecosystem, notably an important stand of acacia woodland, is also likely to suffer.
Application of the Linkam TS1400XY heating stage to melt inclusion studies

Melt inclusions (MI) trapped in igneous phenocrysts provide one of the best tools available for characterizing magmatic processes. Some MI experience post-entrapment modifications, including crystallization of material on the walls, formation of a vapor bubble containing volatiles originally dissolved in the melt, or partial to complete crystallization of the melt. In these cases, laboratory heating may be necessary to return the MI to its original homogeneous melt state, followed by rapid quenching of the melt to produce a homogeneous glass phase, before microanalyses can be undertaken.Here we describe a series of heating experiments that have been performed on crystallized MI hosted in olivine, clinopyroxene and quartz phenocrysts, using the Linkam TS1400XY microscope heating stage. During the experiments, we have recorded the melting behaviors of the MI up to a maximum temperature of 1360°C. In most of the experiments, the MI were homogenized completely (without crystals or bubbles) and remained homogeneous during quenching to room temperature. The resulting single phase MI contained a homogeneous glass phase. These tests demonstrate the applicability of the Linkam TS1400XY microscope heating stage to homogenize and quench MI to produce homogeneous glasses that can be analyzed with various techniques such as Electron Microprobe (EMP), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Laser ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA ICP-MS), Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, etc.During heating experiments, the optical quality varied greatly between samples and was a function of not only the temperature of observation, but also on the amount of matrix glass attached to the phenocryst, the presence of other MI in the sample which are connected to the outside of the crystal, and the existence of mineral inclusions in the host.
THE INSURGENT STATE: TERRITORIAL BASES OF REVOLUTION

ABSTRACT For contemporary national revolutions, the capture and control of territory has virtually become a “territorial imperative. '’Control of a geographic part of the state is a manifesto proclaiming: “We have arrived. We are ready to replace the existing government. '’Each stage of a guerrilla war has its basis in geographic as well as political circumstances. “Mobile war'’is required when the insurgent is unable to establish a base in the cities and must continually move to avoid capture by government troops. Once a base area is established, it is possible to enter the stage of “guerrilla war. '’If a system of guerrilla base areas evolves, then a parallel state (insurgent state) is formed. It is the continual effort to create an insurgent state, complete with the elements of power, a raison d'etre, core areas, and administrative units that is the manifestation of the insurgent's territorial imperative.
MEANINGS FOR FRACTION AS NUMBER-MEASURE BY EXPLORING THE NUMBER LINE

Construction of meanings for fraction as number-measure is studied during the implementation of exploratory tasks concerning comparison and ordering of fractions as well as operations with fractions. 12-year-old students were working collaboratively in groups of two with software that combines graphical and symbolic notation of fractions represented as points on the number line. Fractions as points and segments, ordering fractions as part of kinesthetic activities and abstracting the scaling of the numerical unit on the number line are some of the meanings developed. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Is the Internet making markets more efficient? The evidence according to price indicators in Spain

It has been theorized that low search costs associated with e-commerce imply greater levels of efficiency relative to the conventional retail channels. Multiple empirical studies confirm this hypothesis concerning price level, although the evidence is mixed relative to price dispersion. This article empirically compares the efficiency of the Internet with the conventional retail channel through 4 price indicators for the CD market. The results, based on 1,603 prices collected in Spain, are surprising. The conventional channel shows greater efficiency for both posted and final prices. These findings together with the coincident results of other reviewed studies would suggest key factors related to the development of ecommerce. Implications of the study and future considerations are discussed.
Preparation and Optimization of PEG-PLGA Loaded with VincristineSulfate and its In vitro Release

The aim of this study was to prepare the PEG-PLGA loaded with vincristine sulfate nanoparticles (VCR-loaded PEG-PLGA-NPs) and investigate its in vitro release properties. VCR-loaded PEG-PLGA-NPs were prepared by the modified double emulsion (W1/O/W2) method, and the main experimental factors influencing the characteristics of the nanoparticles were investigated and the preparation was optimized. The results showed that the physicochemical characteristics of VCR-loaded PEG-PLGA-NPs were affected by the polymer concentration, the ratio of internal water phase to oil phase, external water phase to oil phase and ultrasound time for the second time. VCR-loaded PEG-PLGA-NPs, with average particle size of 135.9nm, zeta potential of -12.83mV, encapsulation efficiency of 68.2% and drug loading of 8.34%, were prepared under optimal conditions. The release experiments in vitro showed the VCR release from PEG-PLGA-NPs exhibited consequently sustained release for more than 13d, which was in accordance with Higuchi equation.
Evaluation Method for Selecting Innovative Product Concepts With Greater Potential Marketing Succes

Product innovation helps companies to obtain competitive advantage and operate successfully in an increasingly global market. Product development (PD) is a lengthy, expensive process. Thus, companies have a crucial need to assess whether or not they are on the right track from the early stages of product development. That is, to know whether their product is going to be creative and a marketing success. A proper assessment will allow the right decisions to be made, leading to the development of innovative products. The conceptual design stage is critical when assessing the innovation potential of a product. In this stage, there is a shortage of methods to help companies identify the most innovative product concepts. In this article, a method for assessing the innovation potential of product concepts and selecting those with greater probability of success is described. To that avail, aspects regarding the degree of novelty of product concepts and their potential for success in the market are taken into account. These aspects were integrated into a modified QFD matrix. The proposed method was successfully applied in two companies.
Opinion Mining and Sentiment Analysis- Its Tools and Challenges

The explosive growth of social media also sparkle today’s competitive scenario of market that always concern about the sales growth chart of their products . The businesses always want to find public or consumer opinions about their products and services. Potential customers also want to know the opinions of existing users before they use a service or purchase a product. The customers opinion can be taken online by means of customer feedback, internet forums, customer reviews, comments, newsgroups, post, discussion groups or blogs which is collectively called user generated contents. Users express their views and opinions regarding products and services that lead to overcome the requirements of marketing intelligence and product benchmarking in the production industry. These opinions are subjective information which represents user’s sentiments, feelings or appraisal related to the same. Gaining information effectively and easily for businesses and individuals is a technically a very challenging task and at the same time practically beneficial too. It requires lot of natural language processing tasks. In this paper, I tried to analyze the basics of opinion mining, key players of opinion mining, different text evaluation task involved in opinion mining ,tools and challenges of opinion mining,
INNOVATION THROUGH DESIGN FOR EMOTION

Innovation represents a key role in firm success. Though the literature provides much advices and methods, companies sometimes do not know how to proceed when they feel they have exhausted all innovation possibilities or when they are in need of a specific type of evolution. The present paper proposes an overview of product innovation types and emotional design methods to make competitive products, bringing emotional benefits to the final users. Based on the synthesis of existing methods and tools from the literature and on our experience in design for emotion, we propose to illustrate how to design for emotion in the three main types of product innovation: incremental, disruptive and forecasting. We propose a visual tool, a brochure, dedicated to SMEs, to help understanding the differences between these types of innovation and how design for emotion can contribute to each type of innovation. Each case is supplemented with a toolbox of relevant tools, allowing company’s design team to understand and to start innovation through design for emotion.
Periglacial landscape evolution and environmental changes of Arctic lowland areas for the last 60 000 years (western Laptev Sea coast, Cape Mamontov Klyk)

Non-glaciated Arctic lowlands in north-east Siberia were subjected to extensive landscape and environmental changes during the Late Quaternary. Coastal cliffs along the Arctic shelf seas expose terrestrial archives containing numerous palaeoenvironmental indicators (e.g., pollen, plant macro-fossils and mammal fossils) preserved in the permafrost. The presented sedimentological (grain size, magnetic susceptibility and biogeochemical parameters), cryolithological, geochronological (radiocarbon, accelerator mass spectrometry and infrared-stimulated luminescence), heavy mineral and palaeoecological records from Cape Mamontov Klyk record the environmental dynamics of an Arctic shelf lowland east of the Taymyr Peninsula, and thus, near the eastern edge of the Eurasian ice sheet, over the last 60 Ky. This region is also considered to be the westernmost part of Beringia, the non-glaciated landmass that lay between the Eurasian and the Laurentian ice caps during the Late Pleistocene. Several units and subunits of sand deposits, peat–sand alternations, ice-rich palaeocryosol sequences (Ice Complex) and peaty fillings of thermokarst depressions and valleys were presented. The recorded proxy data sets reflect cold stadial climate conditions between 60 and 50 Kya, moderate inderstadial conditions between 50 and 25 Kya and cold stadial conditions from 25 to 15 Kya. The Late Pleistocene to Holocene transition, including the Allerød warm period, the early to middle Holocene thermal optimum and the late Holocene cooling, are also recorded. Three phases of landscape dynamic (fluvial/alluvial, irregular slope run-off and thermokarst) were presented in a schematic model, and were subsequently correlated with the supraregional environmental history between the Early Weichselian and the Holocene.
RacketScript: a Racket to JavaScript compiler.

We present RacketScript, a Racket-to-JavaScript compiler that incorporates features and data structures from both Racket and JavaScript, enabling RacketScript programs to interoperate with libraries from either language. In addition, RacketScript aims to generate human-readable code with performance and memory usage comparable to handwritten JavaScript. To achieve such goals, our compiler must approximate the semantics of some features such as tail-call optimization and continuation marks. This dissertation describes these and other key design decisions. To evaluate the effectiveness of our design, we used RacketScript to implement an event-driven game library, several popular games, and a sandbox web app (both client and server) that allows other programmers to experiment with RacketScript.