Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obama’s legacy and the way forward

ABSTRACT This article aims at providing an assessment of the principles that have guided the foreign policy of President Obama’s two terms in the Oval Office. Our analysis adopts three angles: first, demonstrate the (necessity of) continuity in American foreign policy throughout the years and the presidents; second, analyse the impact that President Obama’s main doctrines have had in the short term (such as selective engagement, nation-building at home, leading from behind, etc.); and third, propose five general guidelines for the way forward to guarantee American leadership in the next two decades.
Corner Detection Algorithms for Digital Images in Last Three Decades

Abstract Corner detection is an important step in many computer vision applications. A large number of corner detection algorithms were already developed. An exhaustive review of the existing corner detection algorithms is, therefore,invaluable for the researchers working in this area. In the present literature, we have found a few reviews on this area.Most reviewers classified corner detectors into twocategories – boundary-based and intensity-based. Some reviewers classified the algorithms into two groups - template-based and geometry-based. Though we follow the first classification, still we feelthat there is a requirement of further subdivision. So, we subdivide each category into further twosubcategories - spatial-domain and transform-domain. In this paper, we have reviewed a total of 114 corner detection algorithms developed from 1977 to 2006, classified them in each of the four categories and found that most of the works have been done in spatial domain only as compared to transform domain approaches.
Progressive Multidimensional Projections: A Process Model based on Vector Quantization

As large datasets become more common, so becomes the necessity for exploratory approaches that allow iterative, trial-and-error analysis. Without such solutions, hypothesis testing and exploratory data analysis may become cumbersome due to long waiting times for feedback from computationally-intensive algorithms. This work presents a process model for progressive multidimensional projections (P-MDPs) that enables early feedback and user involvement in the process, complementing previous work by providing a lower level of abstraction and describing the speciﬁc elements that can be used to provide early system feedback, and those which can be enabled for user interaction. Additionally, we outline a set of design constraints that must be taken into account to ensure the usability of a solution regarding feedback time, visual cluttering, and the interactivity of the view. To address these constraints, we propose the use of incremental vector quantization (iVQ) as a core step within the process. To illustrate the feasibility of the model, and the usefulness of the proposed iVQ-based solution, we present a prototype that demonstrates how the different usability constraints can be accounted for, regardless of the size of a dataset.
Testing for inbreeding and outbreeding depression in the endangered Gila topminnow

The extent of inbreeding and outbreeding depression is thought to be a fundamental factor influencing the long term persistence of an endangered species. However, there have been no comprehensive examinations of either factor in an endangered species, except for a mouse species. Here we examined both the extent of inbreeding and outbreeding depression for five traits related to fitness in populations from the four watersheds in which the endangered Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis o. occidentalis) still exists in the USA by making experimental matings with replicate samples and simultaneous controls. There was generally high survival, similar body size, and little bilateral asymmetry for all the inbred and outbred matings for all populations, i.e. there was no evidence of either inbreeding or outbreeding depression for these traits. Similarly there was no evidence of inbreeding or outbreeding effects for fecundity or sex ratio except for the sample from Monkey Spring, which had highly skewed (female‐biased) sex ratios after one generation of inbreeding. In addition, brood sizes for Sharp Spring declined over time in inbred lines maintained by full‐sib mating. These results further support the suggestion, based on molecular genetic analysis and considerations of habitat differences, that Monkey Spring be considered an evolutionarily significant unit, distinct from the remainder of existing populations. Potential explanations for the results and their implications for conservation are discussed.
PREDATION ON A SOCIAL DESERT RODENT, RHOMBOMYS OPIMUS: EFFECT OF GROUP SIZE, COMPOSITION, AND LOCATION

Abstract Predation can provide both positive and negative effects on formation of social groups in rodents. On the basis of observational data of predation by the desert monitor lizard (Varanus griseus caspius) on the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), a social rodent of desert Central Asia, we predicted that in a year after a peak in prey density, when the abundance of terrestrial predators is still high, the group mode of life of a prey species might become disadvantageous. Social groups could advertise themselves and attract predators. We therefore hypothesized that the probability of predation would be higher for gerbils in outlying social groups than in groups closely associated with each other, in larger compared with smaller groups, and in groups with an active adult male compared with solitary females with no resident male. We also analyzed whether the survival of gerbils and the stress levels in adult and juvenile males were related to frequency of visits by monitor lizards at gerbil colonies (isolated systems of burrows used by gerbil groups of any size), distance between colonies, and size of social groups. We found that frequency of visits by the monitor lizard depended on distance to the nearest neighboring colony. The more distant the gerbil colony, the more visits by the lizard and the lower the survival of juveniles. We also found a positive correlation between concentration of fecal corticosterone in young males and frequency of monitor lizard visits at colonies. This pattern was not as pronounced in adult males. Results did not support the hypothesis that larger groups would have higher predation because frequency of predator visits, distances to the nearest occupied colonies, and survival of juveniles did not correlate significantly with the size of family groups. There was no difference in survival of juveniles in colonies occupied by single females compared with colonies in which an adult male was present. These results suggest that there is a possible trade-off between competing strategies of antipredator behavior and that factors other than predation are influencing gerbil survival.
Empirical Verification of World’s Regions Profitability in Dynamic International Investment Strategy

The main goal of the work is to present the empirical verification of the investment attractiveness in a given world financial region. The attractiveness of a region is represented by the share of assets from this region in the optimal portfolio. The multivariate GARCH model has been used to describe international dependencies. Optimal portfolios based on Value at Risk and Expected Shortfall minimization have been compared to the Markowitz portfolio. Indications, which should be taken into account by investors willing to invest in different world regions, have been presented as the result
Heterogeneity among Mycoplasma hominis Strains as Detected by Probes Containing Parts of Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid Genes

To determine deoxyribonucleic acid sequence variability within ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) genes and flanking regions of Mycoplasma hominis, plasmids containing parts of rRNA genes from Mycoplasma sp. strain PG50 or M. hominis type strain PG21 were used as probes to detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). A total of 26 M. hominis strains selected to show either maximum diversity (14 strains) or possible cluster formation (12 strains) with respect to antigenic and genetic composition were included in the study. Although most of the RFLPs observed could be explained by variation in restriction enzyme cleavage sites outside the rRNA cistrons, variation in restriction enzyme cleavage sites within rRNA cistrons was also observed. RFLPs within the rRNA genes were demonstrated in three strains from the group selected to show heterogeneity. RFLPs outside the rRNA genes were equally pronounced in the two groups of M. hominis strains.
The relative preference index (RPI) for phytoplankton nitrogen use is only weakly related to physiological preference

In field studies where the uptake of different nitrogen compounds in phytoplankton is studied, a relative preference index (RPI) is often used which describes uptake relative to the abundance of a particular nitrogen compound, usually ammonium. This index can easily be misused when it is applied as a physiological preference indicator. In this study, it is shown that the index may be more dependent on nutrient concentrations than on the algal preference for ammonium under certain circumstances. In marine environments, nitrogen is available for phytoplankton in different forms. Ammonium is the most reduced form and preferentially used by phytoplankton. Nitrogen recycling within the photic zone is via ammonium or organic nitrogen. Nitrate, the most oxidized form, is considered to be formed below the photic zone. In stratified waters, the use of nitrate for phytoplankton growth relative to the total nitrogen uptake is often used to determine the new production (Dugdale and Goering, 1967), i.e. the import of nitrogen into the photic zone. The relative preference index (RPI), originally introduced by McCarthy et al. (1977) was meant to compare the utilization of a nitrogen compound (originally ammonium) relative to availability [equation (1)].
Sublinear-Space Lexicographic Depth-First Search for Bounded Treewidth Graphs and Planar Graphs

The lexicographic depth-ﬁrst search (Lex-DFS) is one of the ﬁrst basic graph problems studied in the context of space-eﬃcient algorithms. It is shown independently by Asano et al. [ISAAC 2014] and Elmasry et al. [STACS 2015] that Lex-DFS admits polynomial-time algorithms that run with O ( n )-bit working memory, where n is the number of vertices in the graph. Lex-DFS is known to be P-complete under logspace reduction, and giving or ruling out polynomial-time sublinear-space algorithms for Lex-DFS on general graphs is quite challenging. In this paper, we study Lex-DFS on graphs of bounded treewidth. We ﬁrst show that given a tree decomposition of width O ( n 1 − (cid:15) ) with (cid:15) > 0, Lex-DFS can be solved in sublinear space. We then complement this result by presenting a space-eﬃcient algorithm that can compute, for w ≤ √ n , a tree decomposition of width O ( w √ n log n ) or correctly decide that the graph has a treewidth more than w . This algorithm itself would be of independent interest as the ﬁrst space-eﬃcient algorithm for computing a tree decomposition of moderate (small but non-constant) width. By combining these results, we can show in particular that graphs of treewidth O ( n 1 / 2 − (cid:15) ) for some (cid:15) > 0 admits a polynomial-time sublinear-space algorithm for Lex-DFS. We can also show that planar graphs admit a polynomial-time algorithm with O ( n 1 / 2+ (cid:15) )-bit working memory for Lex-DFS.
Assessing the Taxonomic Identity of White and Orange Specimens of Cantharellus: Occasional Colour Variants or Independent Species?

Abstract Species of Cantharellus contain carotenoid pigments, which produce yellow, orange and red colours. As microscopic characters are of limited value to separate species, colour has always been an important taxonomic character for species delimitation in Cantharellus. Entirely white Cantharellus or specimens lacking yellow pigments are occasionally reported from Europe, but it is unclear whether these represent independent species or are simply unusual colour variants of otherwise yellow species. The main objective of this study is to assess the taxonomic identity of such white and orange specimens using molecular data. In the context of an ongoing 4-gene phylogeny of European Cantharellus, an ITS2-LSU dataset representing all the European taxa was assembled, including 9 white and 3 orange specimens. Bayesian analyses revealed that white specimens may occasionally occur in C. amethysteus, C. cibarius, C. ferruginascens, C. pallens and C. romagnesianus, whereas orange specimens are found in C. cibarius and C. pallens. We therefore associate white specimens with an albinism phenomenon due to a possible absence of carotenoids. Accordingly, the names C. cibarius var. inodorus and C. cibarius f. pallidus are neotypified and synonymized with C. cibarius, while C. gallaecicus is considered a synonym of C. romagnesianus based on sequences from a paratype specimen of the former. Likewise, the name Cantharellus cibarius var. salmoneus is neotypified and falls in synonymy with C. cibarius.
Palynology of the Dinosaur Beds of Tendaguru (Tanzania) - Preliminary Results

Abstract. The Tendaguru Beds, southeastern Tanzania, have yielded two palynological assemblages of Kimmeridgian to Tithonian age: (1) the Anapiculatisporites-Densoisporites-Trisaccites assemblage from the Middle Saurian Beds and (2) the Barbatacysta-Pareodinia assemblage from the overlying Smeei Beds. A third assemblage with Rhizophagites and rare angiosperm pollen from the Upper Saurian Beds is contaminated by recent and subrecent material. The Anapiculatisporites-Densoisporites-Trisaccites assemblage is characterized by the presence of freshwater algae (Ovoidites), pteridopyhtic-bryophytic spores and gymnosperm (conifer) pollen, with Classopollis as the most abundant element. Among the rare elements of this assemblage is the questionable dinoflagellate Mendicodinium? quadratum, possibly a Kimmeridgian-Tithonian marker. The miospores show palaeobiogeographic links to Southern Gondwana, especially Madagascar, Australia, Argentina and India. Deposition of this assemblage took place in an aquatic environment with strong palynological influx from a terrestrial source and questionable marine influence. The Barbatacysta-Pareodinia assemblage contains a considerable number of dinoflagellates suggesting deposition in a marine environment. The terrestrially-derived miospores are impoverished and dominated by conifer pollen, while pteridophytic-bryophytic spores form a very subordinate element or are absent. Die Tendaguru-Schichten, Sudost-Tansania, haben zwei palynologische Assoziationen, deren Alter als Kimmeridge bis Tithon interpretiert wird, geliefert. Die Anapiculatisporites-Densoisporites-Trisaccites-Assoziation stammt aus den Mittleren Saurierschichten, und die Barbatacysta-Pareodinia-Assoziation charakterisiert die daruberlagernden Smeei-Schichten. Eine dritte Vergesellschaftung mit Rhizophagites und seltenen Angiospermen-Pollen aus den Oberen Saurierschichten ist durch rezentes bis subrezentes Material kontaminiert. Die Anapiculatisporites-Densoisporites-Trisaccites-Assoziation ist durch die Anwesenheit von Suswasser-Algen (Ovoidites), Pteridophyten-Bryophyten-Sporen und Gymnospermen-Pollen (Koniferen) gekennzeichnet mit Classopollis als dem haufigsten Element. Zu den seltenen Elementen dieser Assoziation gehort der fragliche Dinoflagellat Mendicodinium? quadratum, der moglicherweise als leitend fur das Kimmeridge-Tithon angesehen werden kann. Die Miosporen zeigen palaobiogeographische Verbindungen nach Sudgondwana, besonders nach Madagaskar, Australien, Argentinien und Indien. Das Ablagerungsmilieu dieser Assoziation war aquatisch mit starker Zufuhr von terrigenem Material, wahrend mariner Einflus fraglich ist. Die Dinoflagellaten-fuhrende Barbatacysta-Pareodinia-Assoziation wurde in einem marinen Milieu gebildet, in dem die Zufuhr terrigener Palynomorphe reduziert und im wesentlichen auf Koniferen-Pollen beschrankt war, wahrend Pteridophyten-Bryophyten-Sporen nur sehr untergeordnet vorkommen oder ganz fehlen. doi: 10.1002/mmng.1999. 4860020113
Copyright 2009 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Inc. All rights reserved. 10.1518/107118109X12524444082916

A “right-sizing” system is demonstrated that provides for: robust estimations of minimum study sample-size requirements, and efficient evaluations of alternate parameter assumptions. Importantly, ‘assumption evaluations’ often result in the avoidance of grossly-oversized studies [e.g., added $10K-$1000K costs]. “Right-sizing” calculations may be quickly conducted using simple-computational tools (eg, hand calculator) during a meeting as questions arise. Built upon an understanding of the robust mechanisms underlying the Dunlap “2-2” heuristic (re: α=0.05 2-tailed, and 1- > 0.80), it is applicable to the same range of dichotomous-to-interval data, but is also generalized to broadly accommodate correlated means and a full-spectrum of alternative α,1- combinations. We recommend our right-sizing system to HF/E and other practitioners interested in (1) Assuring adequate study sample-sizes, and (2) Avoiding grossly oversized studies that drain critical resources.
Interplay of TGFb superfamily members governs optic fissure closure

The optic fissure is a gap in the developing vertebrate eye and must be closed as development proceeds. A persisting optic fissure is referred to as coloboma, a major cause for blindness in children. Multiple factors have been linked to coloboma formation, however, the actual process of fissure closure is only poorly understood. Based on our findings we propose an important role of TGFb signaling for optic fissure closure. We show active TGFb signaling in the fissure margins, analyzed by a new TGFb signaling reporter zebrafish. We found BMP antagonists regulated by TGFb. These antagonists we also found expressed in the fissure margins. Finally we show a coloboma phenotype in a TGFb KO mouse. Microarray data analysis indicates intense TGFb dependent remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during optic fissure closure. We propose that TGFb is driving optic fissure closure by ECM remodeling. As previously shown, inhibition of BMP signaling is important for such TGFb dependent ECM remodeling. We show that this is achieved by the regulation of BMP antagonists, expressed in the optic fissure margins.
A Reordering Algorithm for Data Compression for FPGA Configurations

With the introduction of programmable logic devices with large capacities, the time taken to configure these devices has been of prime concern. One of the simplest solutions to reduce the configuration time is to compress the bit stream, as the compressed data would take less time to load on the device. Lossless compression can be achieved by using sophisticated algorithms but none of these algorithms has been able to achieve the theoretical limit to which the data can be compressed. This paper presents an algorithm for reordering the configuration bit stream prior to compression to improve upon the compression efficiency.
Antimicrobial Activities of Some Medicinal Plants of Nakyal District Kotli Azad Kashmir

Three medicinal plants, namely Euphorbia helioscopia (Family: Euphorbiaceae), Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum nigrum (Family Solanaceae), were screened for potential antimicrobial activity against medically important microbial strains, namely Pseudomonas syringae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium and a fungal strain i.e. Aspergillus flavus . Antimicrobial activity was determined in acetone, chloroform, ethanol and methanol extracts using agar disc diffusion method. The ethanol and methanol crude extracts of selected plants were more potent than acetone and chloroform extracts of all the plants studied against bacterial strains but fungus was resistant to all the extracts. The ethanol and methanol extract of Solanum nigrum showed strong activity against all the tested bacterial strains. Hence, it was observed that this plant can be used to discover bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals that address unmet therapeutic needs.
Alleles survival from Portuguese and Spanish strains in a population of Iberian pig.

This work is an application of several techniques of genealogical analysis to the line Torbiscal, produced by blending four old strains of Iberian pigs from Alemtejo (Portugal) and Extremadura (Spain). The complete genealogy, with 3489 breeding animals descending from 116 founders, was used to estimate the recorded changes in the period 1963-97, for the following parameters: (i) genetic contributions of the founder strains, with present values 26.9, 14.5, 23.4 and 35.2%; (ii) expected number of founder alleles of these strains, with present values 2.6, 1.7, 2.3 and 3.4 survival alleles; and (iii) partial inbreeding coefficients ascribable to every strain, with mean present values 3.9, 1.7, 3.4 and 5.3%, for a total mean inbreeding of 14.4%. The highest values are found in the strains belonging to types practically extinguished (Ervideira, the golden pig from Alemtejo or Puebla, the hairless black pig from Guadiana valley), which points out the interest of Torbiscal line as a reservoir of the genetic legacy of Iberian pig.
Mol*: Towards a Common Library and Tools for Web Molecular Graphics

Advances in experimental techniques are providing access to structures of ever more complex and larger macromolecular systems. Web-browser based visualization and analysis of macromolecular structures and associated data represents a crucial step in gaining knowledge from these data. A common library and a set of tools for working with such macromolecular data sets would streamline this step. We present a project called Mol* (/’mol-star/) whose goal is to provide a common library and a set of tools for macromolecular data visualization and analysis. The project includes modules for data storage, in-memory representation, query language, UI state management, and visualization; and tools for efficient data access. CCS Concepts •Computing methodologies → Rendering; Graphics systems and interfaces; •Applied computing → Bioinformatics;
Screening of advanced breeding material of sorghum against shoot fly, Atherigona soccata (Rondani).

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech] is the fifth most important cereal crop worldwide after wheat, rice, maize and barley (FAO, 2011). In Maharashtra, sorghum is being grown on 5.50 million hectares and production is 6.05 million tonnes. sorghum shoot fly, Atherigona soccata Rondani (OrderDiptera, FamilyMuscidae) is the most destructive one and causes severe damage in the early i.e. seedling stage and last up to 4 weeks causing severe reduction in plant population thereby causing heavy yield losses. The maggot crawls to the plant whorl and then moves downward between the fold of young leaves till they reach the growing point. It cuts the growing tip and feeds on the decaying leaf tissues, which results in dead heart formation. Resistance to shoot fly, A. soccata in sorghum is expressed in terms of antixenosis for ovipositon, antibiosis and tolerance (Sharma and Nwanze, 1997; Dhillon et al., 2005 a, b).