Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A method to improve corner detectors (Harris, Shi-Tomasi & FAST) using adaptive contrast enhancement filter

A method to improve interested-points detectors in an image that suffers from the problem of illumination was conducted in this paper. Three algorithms are adopted based on Harris, Shi-Tomasi, and FAST algorithms to identify the interested-points in images that are required to match, recognize and track objects in the digital images. Detecting the interested-points in images with bad illumination is one of the most challenging tasks in the field of image processing. The illumination is considered as one of the main causes of damage of the natural images during the acquisition and transition. Detecting the interested-points of these images doesn’t give the desired results, which is why handling this problem for those images is very important. The Adaptive Contrast Enhancement Filter approach is applied for solving this problem.
ON SEX-SPECIFIC DISPERSAL AND MATING TACTICS IN THE COMMON EIDER SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA AS INFERRED FROM THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF BREEDING COLONIES

The common eider is a colony breeding seaduck with extreme female philopatry. Molecular genetic techniques (mtDNA sequencing and microsatellite analysis) were applied on Baltic eiders to infer sex-specific dispersal and mating tactics among breeding colonies with different seasonal migration behaviour, i.e. sedentary, short distance migratory, and long distance migratory. MtDNA patterns show pronounced differentiation among colonies in maternally inherited traits. The estimated number of exchanged females per generation was 1.0-1.4. Smaller colonies showed a lower level of genetic variation in mtDNA. Microsatellite patterns suggest male-mediated gene flow to be sufficient for preventing inbreeding even in smaller colonies. However, though eiders of different geographic origin mix on wintering grounds, where mating occurs, mate choice is not random: The bias towards mates of similar geographic origin might reflect a different time of arrival at the wintering ground for eiders of different origin, together with the adaptive significance of early pair formation.
Effects of Nd:Yag Laser on some virulence factor genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria

The aim of this study was to assess effects of the 532nm Nd-yag laser on the genes of Tox A, Exo S, and Opr L, of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria isolated from clinical (wounds, burns, otitis media) and environmental (water, soil) samples. Clinical samples were collected from patients coming to Saladdin General Hospital from wound, burns and middle ear infections while environmental samples were extracted from water and soil for Saladdin General Hospital . Bacterial samples irradiated by Nd-Yag laser with wavelength of 532 nm using energies (300mj,500mj) with (15 and 25 sec) and genomic DNA were extracted from all samples after the diagnosis of P. aeruginosa bacteria depending on the macroscopic and biochemical examination, then the PCR technique was performed. The results have shown an impact on P. aeruginosa bacteria of Nd-Yag laser by comparing PCR results of treated samples with control (unexposed) as loss of normal bands. This indicates that the laser had a genetic effect on the P. aeruginosa bacteria. We conclude that the laser induces genetic changes in P. aeruginosa's DNA so that lasers can be used in treatment and sterilization for clinical and environmental . The PCR technique could be used as a biomarker study to determine the biological effects of radiation on bacteria. http://dx.doi. org/10.25130/tjps.25. 2020.034
Does political orientation affect happiness? The case of South Korea

It is well known that in the US, conservatives are happier than liberals. The first empirical evidence for such a happiness gap between the two political groups was presented in 2006, and many subsequent studies have confirmed the finding consistently. In this study, we investigated whether a similar finding can be observed in the case of the Republic of Korea. We attempted to make a statistical estimation of the effect of political orientation on happiness using a dataset called ‘Seoul Survey’, which provides information on the happiness and political orientation of about 46000 citizens living in Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea. By controlling for all relevant socio-economic characteristics of each individual in the survey dataset, we found that political orientation has a significant effect on the level of subjective well-being or happiness. In contrast to the results observed in the US, our regression results indicated that liberals are significantly happier than conservatives. We also attempted to interpret the happiness gap in terms of monetary value.
Study of LCAT and some biochemical parameters in cardiovascular patient

The Clinical study included individuals (m23ales and females aged 25-75y) with cardiovascular disease. The activity of Lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GPx) was estimated, in addition to the level of apolipoprotein AI (apo AI), apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), glutathione (GSH), peroxy nitrate (PN), malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose and certain elements (Zn, Cu, Mg and Co) in blood serum. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in the activity of LCAT and GPx, and the level of apoAI, HDL-c, GSH, Zn and Mg. on the other hand, it was shown that there was a significant increase in the level of apoB100, TC, TG, LDL-c, PN, Glu, Cu and Co but on unsignificant change in the level of MDA for both male and females. http://dx.doi. org/10.25130/tjps.25. 2020.026
The ubiquitin hydrolase Doa4 directly binds Snf7 to inhibit recruitment of ESCRT-III remodeling factors in S. cerevisiae

ABSTRACT The ESCRT-III protein complex executes reverse-topology membrane scission. The scission mechanism is unclear but is linked to remodeling of ESCRT-III complexes at the membrane surface. At endosomes, ESCRT-III mediates the budding of intralumenal vesicles (ILVs). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ESCRT-III activity at endosomes is regulated through an unknown mechanism by Doa4, an ubiquitin hydrolase that deubiquitylates transmembrane proteins sorted into ILVs. We report that the non-catalytic N-terminus of Doa4 binds Snf7, the predominant ESCRT-III subunit. Through this interaction, Doa4 overexpression alters Snf7 assembly status and inhibits ILV membrane scission. In vitro, the Doa4 N-terminus inhibits association of Snf7 with Vps2, which functions with Vps24 to arrest Snf7 polymerization and remodel Snf7 polymer structure. In vivo, Doa4 overexpression inhibits Snf7 interaction with Vps2 and also with the ATPase Vps4, which is recruited by Vps2 and Vps24 to remodel ESCRT-III complexes by catalyzing subunit turnover. Our data suggest a mechanism by which the deubiquitylation machinery regulates ILV biogenesis by interfering with ESCRT-III remodeling. Highlighted Article: ESCRT-III remodeling is needed for its membrane scission activity. The Doa4 ubiquitin hydrolase in yeast is shown to interfere during association of ESCRT-III with its remodeling factors.
Image segmentation with a multilevel threshold using backtracking search optimization algorithm

Image segmentation is an important process in image processing. Though, there are many applications are affected by the segmentation methods and algorithms, unfortunately, not one technique, but the threshold is the popular one. Threshold technique can be categorized into two ways either simple threshold which has one threshold or multi- thresholds separated which has more than two thresholds . In this paper, image segmentation is used simple threshold method which is a simple and effective technique. Therefore, to calculate the value of threshold solution which is led to increase exponentially threshold that gives multi-thresholds image segmentation present a huge challenge. This paper is considered the multi-thresholds segmentation model for the optimization problem in order to overcome the problem of excessive calculation. The objective of this paper proposed an slgorithmto solve the optimization problem and realize multi-thresholds image segmentation. The proposed multi-thresholds segmentation algorithm should be segmented the raw image into pieces, and compared with other algorithms results. The experimental results that show multi-thresholds image segmentation based on backtracking search optimization algorithm are feasible and have a good segmentation. http://dx.doi. org/10.25130/tjps.25. 2020.036
Strength in numbers: males in a carnivore grow bigger when they associate and hunt cooperatively

Group-living has been recognized as one of the major transitions in evolution. Male sociality along with solitary females is rare in mammals, but it can provide unique insights into the evolution of sociality and cooperation. Because males compete with each other over females, male cooperation in mammals has been explained by joint defense of females against other males. Here, we demonstrate that the benefits of male cooperative hunting can play a major role in shaping sociality. By quantifying differences in morphology, activity, diet, and mating success, we show that in Madagascar’s top predator, the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), some males associate to jointly hunt large prey, which allows them to grow bigger than both solitary males and females. These associated males’ physical superiority also represents an advantage in contest competition for females, as reflected by higher mating success. Our results demonstrate that enhanced access to food resources by cooperative hunting is a key to physical development and competitiveness in fosas. In contrast to previous findings, we show that male sociality must not be limited to joint defense of territory and females, but that cooperation in food acquisition can favor sociality in sexually dimorphic species.
Influence of a Polycarboxylate Based Solution on Stability of Hydrogen Peroxide and Application to E-waste Leaching

Hydrogen peroxide with its high oxidising potential is commonly used in hydrometallurgical extraction of metals from ores, anode slimes and waste materials (e.g. WEEE) and treatment of cyanidation effluents. Main detraction to H2O2 is its rapid catalytic decomposition leading to prohibitively high consumption. Effect of pH (0-4), Cu(II) (0-10 g.l-1) and temperature (20-80°C) on H2O2 stability was investigated using response surface methodology. Influence of neutral-alkaline conditions (pH 7.3-11.8) and presence of solids (1-20% w/v) was also tested. A polycarboxylate based solution (PBS) was utilised to improve H2O2 stabilisation. The significance order of parameters on H2O2 decomposition was temperature > pH > Cu(II). Elevating the level of these parameters increased H2O2 decomposition. The activation energy (60.7±2.5 kJ.mol-1) indicated a chemically controlled process. Alkaline conditions (up to pH 11.8) led to higher H2O2 decomposition. Presence of solids adversely affected H2O2 stability under certain conditions. The addition of PBS significantly improved (up to 54%) H2O2 stability in the presence of copper. The presence of PBS in H2SO4-H2O2 leaching of waste of printed circuit boards (WPCBs) enhanced copper extraction by up to 19%. PBS can be suitably utilised to stabilise and hence reduce H2O2 consumption in aqueous solutions particularly in the presence of copper.
The Changing Dynamic of Latinx Outdoor Recreation on National and State Public Lands

The Latinx population is the largest growing minority population in the United States and is estimated to comprise 28% of the U.S. population by 2050. This continued growth is no longer due to foreign-born immigration, which accounted for 34% of all Latinx people in 2015, but rather to those born in the U.S., who comprised 66% of all Latinxs that year. Therefore, the current and future Latinx population consists of second-, third-, and fourth-generation Americans who report being fluent in English and Spanish, have higher levels of education, and earn higher incomes. As the Latinx population becomes larger and more complex, their outdoor recreation preferences and perceptions are also changing. Our survey findings reveal three significant ways that this is happening. First, Latinxs are expanding their recreation activities beyond day-use activities to engage in overnight backpacking and camping—activities that enable participants to explore a broader array of forests and natural resources. Second, despite earlier research that found significant gaps in environmental awareness among “Hispanics,” recent polling data and this study show that today’s Latinxs overwhelmingly support protecting public lands. Third, while prior research identified overt racial discrimination as a significant barrier to public land use, our findings show that the Latinx population feels welcome on federal and state public lands. Staff and other visitors are generally perceived to be friendly, which suggests a shift in a Latinx sense of belonging when visiting national forests and parks. Nonetheless, there continue to be institutional barriers and low visitation rates to public lands amongst racial and ethnic minorities. Future research on Latinx outdoor recreation on public lands could examine how new generations draw meaning from their outdoor experiences and how they are combining traditional cultural traits with more diverse and active outdoor recreation activities. Subscribe to JPRA
Fetal mortality from day 30 of pregnancy in Merino ewes offered different levels of nutrition

The effect of nutritional restriction during mid pregnancy on fetal mortality was examined in 3 experiments in which multiparous 3-6 year old Merino ewes were fed at maintenance (M) or 0.3M from about day 30 to 90 of pregnancy, followed by M or 2M for the remainder of gestation. Fetal wellbeing was determined by ultrasound examination at periodic intervals throughout pregnancy. Among 134 single borne fetuses, mortality was detected in only 3, between days 70-92 of pregnancy. There were no losses in 58 ewes bearing twins and fed at M. By comparison, 9 of 93 ewes bearing twins and fed at 0.3M lost 1 or both fetuses between days 30 and 95, and a further 3 of 66 remaining ewes had fetal losses between days 95 and 140. It was concluded that such losses in ewes bearing twins during periods of nutritional restriction may need to be considered when using scanning to predict the number of lambs born. Also it highlights the need to confirm the viability of each fetus during ultrasound examinations of multiple fetuses.
Oxidative cleavage of carotenoids catalyzed by enzyme models and beta-carotene 15,15´-monooxygenase

Abstract The enzyme that catalyzes the central cleavage of β-carotene is an iron monooxygenase. The protein was isolated from chicken intestinal mucosa and overexpressed in two different cell lines. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission analysis revealed that the hydrophobic 60.3-kDa enzyme contains one iron/mole protein. The substrate specificity was investigated, and the reaction mechanism elucidated incubating α-carotene in the presence of highly enriched 17O2 and H218O. A supramolecular enzyme model was synthesized, binding carotenoids Ka > 106 mol-1, which mimics the regiospecific enzymatic cleavage of carotenoids.
Learning about Uncertainty from Options Trading

We hypothesize that managers can learn about a firm’s investment uncertainty from the equity options market. Using a US sample of 1,865 merger and acquisition attempts during 1996–2015, we show that the volatility implied from an acquiring firm’s equity options around an acquisition announcement negatively predicts the likelihood of acquisition attempts being completed. This negative impact is robust to controls for stock prices, alternative uncertainty proxies, and endogeneity tests. Moreover, we document three economic channels, finding that the effect of option implied volatility on deal completion is stronger among acquirers in which disinvestment is more difficult, whose managers are more susceptible to risk aversion, and whose options market is expected to have more information. Our findings suggest that options trading functions as a feedback mechanism to help managers learn about riskiness when making investment decisions.
Food–niche relationships within a guild of alpine ungulates including an introduced species

To assess competition for trophic resources within a guild of ungulates, we studied the food niches of sympatric ungulates in an alpine area of the Italian Western Alps and evaluated the extent of their dietary overlap, especially with regard to the presence of the introduced mouflon Ovis musimon. The roe deer Capreolus capreolus had the most diverse diet including dicotyledons, young sprouts of trees and an unusually high percentage of graminoids. The red deer Cervus elaphus and chamois Rupicapra rupricapra mainly consumed graminoids, supplemented with dicotyledonous herbs and woody plants. The mouflon was a grass feeder, with graminoids representing the majority of items ingested in all seasons. Among the native species, we recorded a high overlap of feeding choices between red deer and chamois, which frequently used the same areas and are both intermediate feeders. The mouflon showed considerable dietary overlap with the chamois and red deer in all seasons, while the similarity with roe deer was low. High food–niche overlap can imply competition but only if resources are limited and the species use the same habitats.
IMPLEMENTASI USER EXPERIENCE MENGGUNAKAN METODE DESIGN THINKING PADA PROTOTYPE APLIKASI CLEANSTIC

Abstrak — Permasalahan plastik menjadi penyumbang terbesar limbah, karena sifatnya yang sulit teruarai menghasilkan efek terlalu banyaknya limbah plastik yang kemudian menjadi salah satu sebab ketidakseimbangannya alam. Ancaman yang dihasilkan mulai dari kesehatan, rusaknya ekosistem dan banyak hal lainnya merupakan sebuah masalah yang ada saat ini. Tujuan dari prototype ini adalah untuk mengedukasi masyarakat tentang pengolahan sampah plastik dan juga mempermudah masyarakat dengan prototype berbasis android ini dalam menjual ataupun menyumbangkan sampah plastiknya kepada yang membutuhkan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah design thinking mulai dari awal perancangan sampai akhir, sehingga menghasilkan tingkat user experience yang baik. Dari hasil evaluasi yang didapat dari pengujian prototype menggunakan System Usability Scale (SUS) dan User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) dengan hasil learnability 62.5, usability 82.2, SUS score 78.8 serta impresi kelompok attractiveness 2.197, perspicuity 2.275, efficiency 2.150, dependability 2.050, stimulation 2.383, novelty 2.089. Keseluruhan hasil pengujian mendapatkan hasil good dan excellent . DOI: https://doi.org/10.26905/jtmi.v6i1. 3785
History of the Cheetah: Acinonyx jubatus in zoos 1829–1994

Since 1829 the African Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus has been exhibited in over 373 zoological facilities. As at 31 December 1994 the international captive population was 1218 animals of which 880 (72%) were captive‐bred and 338 (28%) were wild‐caught. The steady increase in the captive population is a result of captive breeding, co‐operative captive‐management programmes and importation from the wild. Of facilities holding Cheetah 26%. (96) have bred the species, 15% of which have bred continuously producing 63%> (n= 1580) of all cubs born in captivity. Although the number of facilities breeding Cheetah has increased, in 1994 only 10%) of them reported successful reproduction. The Ne has increased gradually and in 1994 was equivalent to 17% of the captive population. Of 1564 animals that have been imported, c. 20% (n= 308) have reproduced and in 1994 155 have living descendants in the captive population. Except for a few East African Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus raineyi all of the imported animals are the southern African subspecies Acinonyx jubatus jubatus. There has been an increase in the number of subspecific hybrids in the captive population and between 1990 and 1994 28 hybrids produced 24%, (190) of cubs. The captive population is not yet self‐sustaining and is maintained by the importation of wild‐caught animals. Continued progress can be achieved by implication of a co‐ordinated global management programme.
Dukungan Sosial dengan Strategi Koping Religius pada Janda Polisi (Warakawuri)

Tergantikannya peran suami dalam sebuah keluarga karena meninggal dunia, mengharuskan janda polisi (warakawuri) menghadapi masalah perubahan hidup yang dapat menjadi sumber stres. Strategi koping religius dilakukan saat menghadapi situasi yang menekan yakni penyelesaian masalah dengan pendekatan keagamaan seperti berdoa, berdzikir serta mendengarkan ceramah, dan salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi strategi koping religius yaitu dukungan sosial. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan dukungan sosial dengan strategi koping religius. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian korelasional. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan teknik purposive sampling . Jumlah subjek sebanyak 57 janda polisi (warakawuri) di kota Sumenep. Instrumen yang digunakan yaitu skala IRCOPE ( Iran Religiousitas Coping ) dan Multidimensional Scale Of Perceived Social Support . Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan analisis data korelasi product momen. Hasil analisis data diperoleh nilai (r) = 0,390, (p) = 0.003 (sig < 0.05). Sehingga dapat disimpulkan terdapat hubungan antara dukungan sosial dengan strategi koping religius. Implementasi dari penelitian adalah agar janda polisi (warakawuri) mengikuti banyak kegiatan positif yang dapat membangkitkan semangat dan rasa optimis, serta tidak merasa malu dan menutup diri untuk bersosialisasi dengan orang lain. When the husband's role in a family is replaced because he has died, it makes police widow (warakawuri) required to play a dual role in her family. The problem of life changes that are felt after a husband died can be a source of stress for police widow (warakawuri). To overcome all issues (problems) due to changes in life after the husband died, police widow ( warakawuri) used coping strategies is religious coping strategies, religious coping strategies is used to overcome the issues with a religious approach such as pray (sholat), dhikr and listen to sermons. One of the factors that affect religious coping strategies is social support . The availability of social support acts as a deterrent (preventive) to stress tendency (indication). The aim of this research is to know the relationship between social support and religious coping strategies. This research employed quantitative method with correlational design . Purposive sampling technique was opted to pick out the sample . The partisipants of this research were 57 police widows (warakawuri) in Sumenep, East Java . The instruments used were the scale of IRCOPE (Iran Coping Religiousity) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The results of data analysis showed that (r) value = 0.390, (p) = 0.003 (sig < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a positive relationship between social support with religious coping strategies . The implementation of the research is so that police widow (warakawuri) follow many positive activities that can arouse enthusiasm and sense of optimism, and not feel ashamed and close themselves to socializing with others.