Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Description of the North Jamaican Timea micraster n. sp. (Porifera: Demospongiae: Hadromerida: Timeidae)

A new West-Indian species of Timea is described and compared with all other Caribbean, Atlantic and Mediterranean members of the genus. Timea micraster n.sp. has a surface system of furrows with elevated sides, not known from other congeneric species and has the tiniest asters known in the family. These asters are of unusual shape but comparable to known species of Timea. The large aster-category has unique cylindrical processes on top of conical rays.
Real effective exchange rate dynamics in Morocco: Exploring Balassa-Samuelson effect under capital account liberalization

This paper discusses the sources of real effective exchange rate appreciation in Morocco as a small developing economy that opens its market to international economies. The stylized facts show a downward tendency of real effective exchange rate from 2000Q1 to 2019Q4. The question is to explain how real effective exchange rate appreciation occurs during the period of economic transition and convergence. Theoretically, we refer to the BalassaSamuelson effect according to which the real exchange rate appreciation is a result of faster relative productivities. We refer to Balassa (1964) and Samuelson (1964) and to some recent working papers in order to formulate an adequate model for Moroccan case. Our objective is to explain how domestic and foreign factors affect real effective exchange rate through the productivity gap between tradable sector and non-tradable sector. The results show that an increase in trade openness rate, in weight of US dollar in Moroccan dirham’s basket currencies, in tradable production, in foreign tradable capital stock, in foreign tradable factors’ output elasticity and in domestic wage level, results in real exchange rate appreciation (deterioration in external competitiveness). Meanwhile, an increase in domestic labor output elasticity, in labor force and capital transfers to tradable sector, in foreign non-tradable capital stock and in foreign non-tradable factors’ output elasticity, results in real exchange rate depreciation (amelioration in external competitiveness).
Effects of fishmeal replacement with cottonseed protein concentrate on growth, digestive proteinase, intestinal morphology and microflora in pearl gentian grouper (♀
 Epinephelus fuscoguttatus
  × ♂
 Epinephelus lanceolatu
 )

A 56‐day feeding trial was conducted to study the effects of cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) as fishmeal (FM) replacement on growth, digestive proteinase, intestinal morphology and microflora in pearl gentian grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatu). FM of 0% (FM), 12.00% (R12), 24.00% (R24), 36.00% (R36), 48.00% (R48) and 60.00% (R60) was replaced with CPC, to prepare six diets and feed groupers. Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were highest in the R24 group, and the lowest feed coefficient rate (FCR) was observed in this group compared with the other groups (p < .05). Pepsin activity of the R12 group and chymotrypsin activity of the R36 group reached significant maximum (p < .05). With increasing CPC replacement, the plica height and width and the lamina propria thickness of intestine decreased significantly (p < .05). 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing suggested dominant intestinal microflora of grouper subjected to different treatments was similar. At the phylum level, the abundance of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria was high, while Photobacterium, Pseudoxanthomonas, Romboutsia, Akkermansia, Vibrio and Bifidobacterium were the dominant taxa at the genus level. The abundance of probiotics (Bifidobacterium) decreased, whereas the abundance of opportunistic pathogen (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Vibrio) increased. These results suggested that CPC replacement affected growth, digestive proteinase activity, intestinal morphology and microflora structure in grouper. Under the conditions of this experiment, the fishmeal replacement with CPC (24% level) yielded the most satisfactory results, providing reference for sustainable aquaculture.
A redescription of the Sea Anemone Bunodosoma Biscayensis (Fischer, 1874) (Actiniaria, Actiniidae)

Bunodes biscayensis Fischer, 1874, a species of Actiniaria described from Moulleau, Arcachon, south-western coast of France, and never recorded since, was rediscovered in July 1985 and found again in 1986 and 1987 in several localities along the French "Cote Basque" between the mouth of the river Adour and St. Jean-de-Luz. The species is here redescribed and referred to Bunodosoma Verrill, 1899, a genus of tropical and subtropical Atlantic and West-American intertidal and shallow water forms, hitherto not recorded from the Mediterranean and/or the Atlantic coast of Europe. Speculations are advanced as to the possible further distribution of B. biscayensis. A discussion is added concerning the morphological terms verruca and vesicle. The study is completed with an updated generic diagnosis of Bunodosoma.
Object Detection Based on Minimum Convex Hull and Generalized Hough Transform

In view of the low efficiency and fallibility of the feature-based matching algorithm in object detection, a new algorithm based on convex hull region and generalized hough transform is proposed.By using the region of interest to narrow the detection region and applying the key feature points to the voting elements of the generalized hough transform, the computation is greatly reduced.Firstly, the fused key feature points are extracted and filtered to generate the convex hull region which is combined with the GBR clustering algorithm to determine the region of interest. Secondly, the key feature points are taken as the voting elements in the generalized hough transform algorithm to obtain the final result. In this paper, dozens of various transformation experiments(scaling, rotation, noise, etc.) based on the proposed algorithm are compared with other similar methods, and it is verified that the method has higher efficiency and accuracy according to the theoretical basis and concrete implementation, which can meet the real-time and high-precision requirements in industrial detection.
Institutional Factors affecting Academic Performance of Marketing Students in Nueva Ecija

With the growing diversity of students attending university, the factors affecting academic performance are becoming increasingly relevant.This paper described the institutional factors and the major category of the institutional factor affecting academic performance of marketing students in Nueva Ecija. This paper used descriptive method of research as itutilized survey questionnaire with likert-scale responses. A total 213 college students from private universities and colleges in Nueva Ecija were surveyed in this paper. Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that institutional factors categorized as instructional material and utility have minor affect to the academic performance of students. While the people and infrastructure category have moderate affect. Thus, the researchers recommended to improve the people and infrastructure categories of institutional factors to further uplift the academic performance of the marketing students.In the foregoing findings, the researchers specifically found out that method of lecture delivery as one of the institutional factors is the most influential affecting the performance of the students academically. Thus, the researchers recommended to focus on the development of methodologies of lecture delivery to further improve the academic performance which results to quality education.
Near-Time-Optimal Dynamics in PWM DC–DC Converters: Dual-Loop Geometric Control

Traditional voltage-mode and dual-loop current-mode linear schemes are widely used for controlling the fundamental dc–dc converters due to their simple implementation and fixed-frequency. Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) operation. While the dynamic response can be improved by pushing the control bandwidth, lower stability margins may lead to unexpected peak deviations in the inductor current and capacitor voltage, causing failures due to magnetic saturation or excessive voltage overshoot. The concept of dual-loop geometric-based control is introduced in this article by combining geometric state-plane analysis for the outer voltage loop with traditional current-control techniques for the inner loop. The traditional linear voltage compensator is replaced by a geometric alternative that can control the time-domain evolution of the state variables, providing a fast and reliable transient response by following a desired geometrical path to reach the steady-state operating point. In this way, stringent dynamic requirements can be successfully addressed by shaping the state variables’ time evolution by employing a simple geometric equation to define the voltage compensator. Circular trajectories are implemented using simple parametric equations resulting in remarkably well-defined, reliable transient behavior. Experimental results of dual-loop geometric controlled platforms validate the proposed control concept and highlight the strong contribution to the applied field made by this innovative controller.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Serious Arrhythmia during 6-minute Walk Test in Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of serious arrhythmia indicating six-minute walk test (6MWT) termination in phase II cardiac rehabilitation patients. Study design: Cross-sectional, analytic retrospective study. Setting: Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation clinic, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Subjects: Cardiac patients conducted the 6MWT with electrocardio-graphy (ECG) telemetry before commencing phase II cardiac rehabilitation program from June 2015 to March 2017. Methods: Medical records were collected from cardiac patients conducted the first 6MWT within 12 weeks after the onset of cardiac event, cardiac surgery, or cardiac intervention. ECG telemetry was monitored at before, during and 3 minutes after the test to determine the prevalence of serious arrhythmia indicating 6MWT termination. Patients’ data were analyzed to identify associated risk factors of serious arrhythmia occurrence. Results: The data from 178 cardiac patients were collected and 143 males (80.3%) were included with mean age of 60.2 (SD 14) years old. There were 159 (89.3%), 17 (9.5%), and 2 (1.1%) patients receiving cardiac surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and other diagnosis, respectively. Prevalence of serious cardiac arrhythmia during 6MWT was 13.48% (24 patients) including paired premature ventricular contraction (PVC) (41.7%), frequent multifocal PVC (41.7%), ventricular tachycardia (VT) (8.3%) and a new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) (8.3%). The statistically significant associated risk factor for serious arrhythmia was only the presence of arrhythmia before 6MWT (adjusted odds ratio=5.88, p = 0.018, 95%CI 1.36-25.54). Conclusion: Prevalence of serious arrhythmia indicating 6MWT termination was 13.48%. The presence of arrhythmia before test was statistically significant associated risk factor with 5.88 times increase in risk. Therefore, safety during 6MWT in phase II cardiac rehabilitation should be concerned.
ANALYSIS RAINFALL INTENSITY-DURATION-FREQUENCYRELATIONSHIPS UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE FOR MEKELE CITY, ETHIOPIA

Abstract: Predicted future climate change impacts indicate that there will be increases in rainfall, leading to an intensification of the hydrologic cycle. One of the expected consequences of change is an increase in the magnitude and frequency of extreme events (e.g. high intensity rainfall, flash flooding, severe droughts, etc.). The main focus of this study is to see how intensity of rainfall changes in Mekele city under the conditions of the changed climate. To provide present and future Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) information, historically daily and hourly rainfall data was collected and RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate scenarios was spatially downscaled using Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM 4.2.9). Daily rainfall climate scenario data was generated and disaggregated in to hourly basis using regression models. Expected rainfall quantiles (XT) for0.5Hr,1Hr,2Hr.4Hr,6Hr,8Hr,12Hr& 24Hr durations were computed at return periods of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years using frequency analysis. Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) model parameters (A, B and C) were estimated and their performances evaluated. Mathematical relationships between Intensity-Duration-Frequency of rainfall were developed for all stations for the present and future climate conditions. Percentage differences in the intensity of rainfall between the current and future climate scenarios were quantified and general trends for the 21 st century time line has established. In general, the outcomes of this study indicate that future rainfall Intensity patterns under the emerging climate change scenarios at Mekele city would vary. It is expected to decrease up to maximum range of 78.61% for longer frequencies while it tends to be higher up to 65.95% at shorter frequencies. These have major implications on ways in which current and future water management infrastructures are designed, operated, and maintained. Consequently, design standards and guidelines currently employed in the study area should be reviewed and/or revised with the reflection of the impacts of climate change.
Pedagogical considerations when educators and researchers design a controversy-based educational programme in a science centre

This article reports from a 1,5 yearlong co-design process where mainly one researcher and four science centre educators collaboratively designed a controversy-based educational programme for upper secondary school in a Norwegian science centre. Its aim was to contribute to our understanding of the transition in science centres from embracing neutral, science facts, to invite visitors to discuss and think critically about contemporary issues. The data for this study consists of sound recordings from one group interview, eight workshops and three informal meetings. In the analysis, we identified barriers related to both choosing a controversial issue and choosing pedagogical activities. For example, to address an issue that was both science and society based, and finding ways to engage students in discussion. Based on our findings, we recommend paying special attention to the role of sparking students’ emotional engagement, the aspect of no right or wrong answer, and the balance between hands-on activity and dialogue when designing controversy-based activities in these institutions.
Gut-microbiome Taxonomic Profiling as Non-invasive Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Alcoholic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background/Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent form of primary liver cancer and the fifth leading cause of worldwide cancer mortality. Though early diagnosis of HCC is important, so far lack of effective biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC has been a problem. In this study, we searched for potential functional biomarkers of alcoholic HCC by using metagenomics approach. Methods Between September 2017 and April 2019, normal control (n=44), alcoholic liver cirrhosis (n=44), and alcoholic HCC (n=13) groups were prospectively enrolled and analyzed. Gut microbiota was analyzed using the 16S-based microbiome taxonomic profiling platform of EzBioCloud Apps and analyzing system. Results There was a statistically significant difference among groups in diversity (P<0.05). In the comparison of phylum between cirrhosis and HCC, Proteobacteria were increased and Bacteroidetes were decreased. Firmicutes were not significantly different among the three groups. In the taxonomic profiling, relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the cirrhosis and HCC groups showed richness (P<0.05). In the biomarker analysis between cirrhosis and HCC, obiquinome Fe-S protein 3, global nitrogen regulator, Vesicle-associated membrane protein 7, toxin YoeB, peroxisome-assembly ATPase, and nitrogen oxide reductase regulator were differently expressed (P<0.001). Conclusions Alcoholic HCC showed different expressions in the stool taxonomy and biomarker compared with that of cirrhosis and control. Therefore, new biomarkers using stool analysis for alcoholic HCC are necessary.
Dissecting the transcriptional regulatory network of embryonic stem cells

The process by which a single fertilized egg develops into a human being with over 200 cell types, each with a distinct gene expression pattern controlling its cellular state, is poorly understood. An understanding of the transcriptional regulatory networks that establish and maintain gene expression programs in mammalian cells is fundamental to understand development and should provide the foundation for improved diagnosis and treatment of disease. Although it is not yet feasible to map the entirety of these networks in vertebrate cells, recent work in embryonic stem (ES) cells has demonstrated that core features of the network can be discovered by focusing on key transcriptional regulators and their target genes. Here, I describe important insights that have emerged from such studies and highlight how similar approaches can be used to discover the core networks of other vertebrate cell types. Knowledge of the regulatory networks controlling gene expression programs and cell states can guide efforts to reprogram cell states and holds great promise for both disease therapeutics and regenerative medicine. Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Richard A. Young Title: Professor of Biology
How, and why, does participatory evaluation work for actors involved in the delivery of a sport-for-development initiative?

ABSTRACT Purpose: Understanding how and why a participatory approach to evaluation could work within, and add value to, sport-for-development programmes is crucial if to enhance the current approaches to evaluating sport-for-development programmes and foster use of evaluation findings. Design: This study consisted of realist interviews with 12 actors whom had been involved in mobilising participatory evaluation within a sport-for-development programme to establish and explain what worked, why and under what circumstances. The findings are synthesised to inform a refined model to guide practitioners in mobilising participatory evaluation. Findings: The findings support the utility of participatory evaluation within sport-for-development. The flexible nature, role of the researcher as facilitator and appropriate participatory opportunities are key mechanisms in co-producing and implementing a contextually relevant monitoring and evaluation framework. Practical Implications: Incorporating stakeholder motivation(s) to evaluate, evaluation capacity building and reflection on evaluation practice is required if to embed a participatory approach to evaluation. Research Contribution: This paper adds knowledge to operationalising participatory evaluation within sport-for-development programmes.
Environmental and Adaptive Changes Necessitate a Paradigm Shift for Indicators of Fecal Contamination

Changes in the occurrence, distribution, and seasonal variation of waterborne pathogens due to global climate change may increase the risk of human exposure to these microorganisms, thus heightening the need for more reliable surveillance systems. Routine monitoring of drinking water supplies and recreational waters is performed using fecal indicator microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. , and coliphages. However, the presence and numbers of these indicators, especially E. coli and Enterococcus spp. , do not correlate well with those of other pathogens, especially enteric viruses, which are a major cause of waterborne outbreaks associated with contaminated water and food, and recreational use of lakes, ponds, rivers, and estuarine waters. For that reason, there is a growing need for a surveillance system that can detect and quantify viral pathogens directly in water sources to reduce transmission of pathogens associated with fecal transmission. In this review, we present an updated overview of relevant waterborne enteric viruses that we believe should be more commonly screened to better evaluate water quality and to determine the safety of water use and reuse and of epidemiological data on viral outbreaks. We also discuss current methodologies that are available to detect and quantify these viruses in water resources. Finally, we highlight challenges associated with virus monitoring. The information presented in this review is intended to aid in the assessment of human health risks due to contact with water sources, especially since current environmental and adaptive changes may be creating the need for a paradigm shift for indicators of fecal contamination.
Financial Stability of Islamic Finance

The aim of this paper is to study the stability of the Islamic financial system. To do this, we are interested in the scoring method and the volatility of stock market indices. The first empirical study includes all the components of the financial system, in particular, banks, insurance companies, leasing, factoring and investments companies. The results of this study suggest that, Islamic finance saw a loss of 0.014% of its stability score, in 2007, against 0.43% and 1.675% for conventional finance, respectively in 2007 and 2008. In contrast, during the period of the Arab revolutions only Islamic finance depreciated. In order to refine our research, we used the autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticit models to study the volatility of the DJ index and the DJIM index. The empirical results reveal that, the DJIM index is less volatile than the DJ index of emerging countries, Europe, Asia and the United States. However, the DJ Global Index is less volatile than the DJIM index, which seems paradoxical compared to previous results. From then on, we studied the volatility of the two indices before, during and after the crisis. The empirical results reveal that, the DJIM index is much more stable than the DJ index during the crisis (2007-2009). On the other hand, before and after the crisis (2002-2006 and 2010-2015), the DJ Global index is more stable but the difference is insignificant.
Evaluation of the reanalysis surface solar radiation from NCEP, ECMWF, NASA, and JMA using surface observations for Balochistan, Pakistan

Solar radiation from reanalysis datasets can be used to estimate solar energy potential in the absence of long-term surface measured data. Comprehensive validation of reanalysis data against short-term measurements of solar radiation is necessary to find uncertainties. The evaluation of the performance of seven reanalysis datasets (ERA-5, MERRA-2, ERA-Interim, JRA-55, NCEP-NCAR, NCEP-DOE, and CFSR) for Balochistan against high-quality surface measured data was performed using statistical analysis. The relative mean bias error (rMBE), relative mean absolute error (rMAE), and relative root mean square error of reanalysis solar radiation range from −4 to 7%, 8 to 14%, and 16 to 21%, respectively, using sub-daily data of six datasets except for NCEP-NCAR. Seasonal statistical analysis was performed to study seasonal variation of performance of datasets, which reveals the significant variation of errors in different seasons. Analysis of monthly mean data shows that rMBE and rMAE are less than 3 and 5% for ERA-.