Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Megalonychid Sloths (Phyllophaga, Xenarthra) from the Quaternary of Hispaniola

Abstract As part of ongoing revisionary work on Antillean Megalonychidae, we document four new sloth species from Quaternary cave localities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. * The new taxa and their tribal affiliations are as follows: Megalocnus zile (Megalocnini), Acratocnus ye (Acratocnini), and Neocnus dousman and N. toupiti (Cubanocnini). Significantly, each is closely related to species in genera long known from Cuba. This observation is of primary biogeographical importance because the most parsimonious explanation for the presence of parallel arrays of lower-level clades of sloths on opposite sides of the Windward Passage is vicariance, not a series of uncoordinated over-water dispersals. For a brief period in the late Paleogene, eastern Cuba, northern Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Aves Rise formed a large positive structure (GAARlandia) that was evidently briefly continuous with northwestern South America. We infer that the later subdivision and subsidence of major portions of GAARlandia must have finely vicariated its biota (which included sloths at least as early as the Early Oligocene). On this argument, Megalocnus, Acratocnus, Neocnus, and Parocnus (= Mesocnus) must have already been in existence as independent clades at the time of origin of the Windward Passage (early Neogene), because cladistically diagnosable members of these taxa occur in Quaternary contexts in both Cuba and Hispaniola. This interpretation is consistent with several new lines of evidence concerning the paleontological and paleogeographical history of the Caribbean region.
Health and health related quality of life of children living with HIV infected parents

OBJECTIVE: To study the health and health related quality of life of children living with HIV infected parents using Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) ™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales. METHODS:The study was conducted from January 2013 to October 2014 at S.N. Medical College, Agra , ART centre and pediatrics OPD. The Pedsql generic core version 4.0 was administered to 300 children in the age group of 8-18 years living with HIV infected parents and 300 controls who visited the pediatric OPD for minor ailments. RESULTS:In this study it was found that children living with HIV infected parents had lower mean weight(26.89 vs 30.76 kg), height(1.09 vs 1.35metres) and body mass index (15.73 vs 17.16) compared with controls.The percentage of children not attending the school for more than six months was also significantly higher in the study group ( 32% vs 15% in controls.Their Pedsql scores were lower in emotional, social and school domains as compared with the controls. CONCLUSION:These findings are along expected lines, it is vital to establish a baseline of socioeconomic and physical parameters of such children in Indian context. This knowledge is vital to plan a meaningful policy intervention and to measure its efficacy. These findings can guide in the development of future interventions that promote care and support of children living in HIV/AIDS affected families. we feel more such studies are required in future to realise the big picture. DOI: 10.21276/AABS.1532
Modes of Land Access and Welfare Impacts in Uganda

This article estimates the poverty reducing impact of land access in rural Uganda. Using balanced panel data for 309 households in 2001, 2003, and 2005, models that control for unobserved household heterogeneity and endogeneity of land acquisition and disposition are employed to measure the poverty-reduction effect of land on household income and expenditure per adult equivalent. Significant poverty reduction effects of increased land access in form of owned, operated and market-accessed land were found. The poverty reduction effect for land accessed through the market was significantly larger than the poverty reduction effect of land accessed through inheritance.
On the Same Page: A Formal Process for Training Multiple Interviewers

The increased utilization of qualitative methodologies as part of mixed-method health and social science research has highlighted the need for training procedures for every stage of qualitative data collection and analysis. Yet, few group training models exist for collecting reliable, valid qualitative interview data. This article presents a multi-stage, collaborative interview training process for a large team of research assistants. The training program combines insights and techniques used in both structured and semi-structured interviewing. It also includes ongoing instruction and feedback prior to and during data collection in an effort to ensure consistency and reliability. In the article, I describe each stage of the training program in detail, review some of the challenges encountered during implementation, and conclude with a discussion of how researchers and course instructors might adapt the methods to fit their particular needs.
Location Modelling and the Localization of Portuguese Manufacturing Industries

The recent index proposed in Ellison & Glaeser (1997) is now well established as the preferred method for measuring localization of economic activity. We critically review this index and build on the McFaddenÂ’s Random Utility (Profit) Maximization framework to develop an alternative measure that is more consistent with the theoretical construct underlying the original work of Ellison and Glaeser. Given that our method is regression based it goes beyond the descriptive nature of the EG index and allows us to evaluate how the localization measure behaves with changes in the systematic forces that drive firmsÂ’ location decisions. JEL classification: C25, R12, R39
Riverine coupling of biogeochemical cycles between land, oceans, and atmosphere

Streams, rivers, lakes, and other inland waters are important agents in the coupling of biogeochemical cycles between continents, atmosphere, and oceans. The depiction of these roles in global-scale assessments of carbon (C) and other bioactive elements remains limited, yet recent findings suggest that C discharged to the oceans is only a fraction of that entering rivers from terrestrial ecosystems via soil respiration, leaching, chemical weathering, and physical erosion. Most of this C influx is returned to the atmosphere from inland waters as carbon dioxide (CO2) or buried in sedimentary deposits within impoundments, lakes, floodplains, and other wetlands. Carbon and mineral cycles are coupled by both erosion–deposition processes and chemical weathering, with the latter producing dissolved inorganic C and carbonate buffering capacity that strongly modulate downstream pH, biological production of calcium-carbonate shells, and CO2 outgassing in rivers, estuaries, and coastal zones. Human activities substantially affect all of these processes.
Assessing phenotypic diversity of interspecific rice varieties using agro-morphological characterization

The aim of this study is to identify the phenotypic variability of 60 lowland NERICA varieties and 18 promising lines for better management of their genetic inheritance. The experimental design used was an augmented randomized complete block. Data on 23 agro-morphological traits were collected and analyzed. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P<0.0001) between the variables and revealed the structure of the different genotypes from 11 quantitative discriminate traits. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were carried out. The entries were grouped into three clusters irrespective of the level of backcrossing of genotypes. Eighty percent of lowland NERICA containing the desired characters adapted to lowland rice cultivation were grouped in cluster 1. The second cluster includes lowland NERICA varieties that can be grown in both upland and lowland ecologies, while the last group comprised only varieties close to their African parent and mainly adapted to the upland. Tillering at 60 days after sowing (DAS), plant height at maturity, maturity and spikelet fertility were the most discriminate and could therefore supplement a wide range of variables for genetic diversity study. Key words: Lowland NERICA, promising lines, agro-morphological descriptors, cluster
Measuring the Effects of Green Urban Space on Property Values using GIS Metrics

This research focuses on the effects of green space on property values in the city of Rotterdam. The concept of environmental injustice is examined; in which the government promotes the development of green areas mainly in high-income neighborhoods. An OLS regression analysis using 2,654 properties in Rotterdam, reveals a negative effect on property values for green space located within 100 meters from each transaction. However, after controlling for historical land usage in a TSLS regression analysis, it is revealed that green coverage within 300 meters from each transaction has a significant positive effect on property values. Furthermore, it is estimated that the effect of green coverage depends mainly on the property's distance to the Central Business District.
A Slope-Update Scheme for Compressible Flow Simulation 1

The traditional MUSCL-type schemes consist of three stages [7], the initial reconstruction, the gas evolution, and the projection. In the reconstruction stage, a nonlinear limiter based on TVD or ENO concepts is used for the initial subcell data reconstruction at the beginning of each time step. In order to get a high spatial resolution, a stencil involving a large number of grid points is needed. In the gas-evolution stage, based on the reconstructed initial data, the fluid-dynamic equations are solved to evaluate a numerical flux across each cell interface, from which the conservative variables inside each cell are updated in the projection stage. In many flow applications with unstructured mesh, the appropriate reconstruction of the initial data inside each element requires a great amount of CPU time and computer memory. The objective of this note is to point out that if a time-accurate solution can be obtained in the gas-evolution stage, not only the conservative variables but also their slopes can be updated in a numerical scheme. Therefore, even with the stencil of a firstorder scheme, a high-resolution method can be constructed. The idea of slope update is not new in the literature. For example, the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method and Hermitian methods use that. van Leer also stressed the idea of retaining not only cell averages but slopes as well [7]. Recently, the slope update was successfully implemented in the central
Simulating dislocation loop internal dynamics and collective diffusion using stochastic differential equations

Nanoscale prismatic loops are modeled via a partial stochastic differential equation that describes an overdamped continuum elastic string, with a view to describing both the internal and collective dynamics of the loop as a function of temperature. Within the framework of the Langevin equation, expressions are derived that relate the empirical parameters of the model, the friction per unit length, and the elastic stiffness per unit length, to observables that can be obtained directly via molecular-dynamics simulations of interstitial or vacancy prismatic loop mobility. The resulting expressions naturally exhibit the properties that the collective diffusion coefficient of the loop (i) scales inversely with the square root of the number of interstitials, a feature that has been observed in both atomistic simulation and in situ TEM investigations of loop mobility, and (ii) the collective diffusion coefficient is not at all dependent on the internal interactions within the loop, thus qualitatively rationalizing past simulation results showing that the characteristic migration energy barrier is comparable to that of a single interstitial, and cluster migration is a result of individual (but correlated) interstitial activity.
A Strategy Language for Testing Register Transfer Level Logic

The development of modern ICs requires a huge investment in RTL verification. This is a reflection of brisk release schedules and the complexity of contemporary chip designs. A major bottleneck to reaching verification closure in such designs is the disproportionate effort expended in crafting directed tests; which is necessary to reach those behaviors that other, more automated testing methods fail to cover. This paper defines a novel language that can be used to generate targeted stimuli for RTL logic and which mitigates the complexities of writing directed tests. The main idea is to treat directed testing as a meta-reasoning problem about simulation. Our language is both formalized and prototyped as a proof-search strategy language in rewriting logic. We illustrate its novel features and practical use with several examples.
STRONG INTERMEDIATE-DEPTH VRANCEA EARTHQUAKES: DAMAGE CAPACITY IN BULGARIA

The sustainable development of the society depends not only on a reasonable policy for economical growth but also on the reasonable management of natural risks. The regional earthquake danger due to the Vrancea intermediate-depth earthquakes dominates the hazard of NE Bulgaria. These quakes have particularly long-period and far-reaching effects, causing damages at large epicentral distances. Vrancea events energy attenuates considerably less rapidly than that of the wave field radiated by the seismically active zones in Bulgaria. The available strong motion records at Russe, NE Bulgaria, due to both Vrancea events - August 30, 1986 and May 30, 1990 show higher seismic response spectra amplitudes for periods up to 0.6 s for the horizontal components, compared to the values given in the Bulgarian Code and Eurocode 8. A neo-deterministic analytical procedure which models the wavefield generated by a realistic earthquake source, as it propagates through a laterally varying anelastic medium, is applied to obtain the seismic loading at Russe. After proper validation, using the few available data and parametric analyses, from the synthesized seismic signals damage capacity of selected scenario Vrancea quakes is estimated and compared with available capacity curves for some reinforced concrete and masonry structures, representative of the Balkan Region. The performed modelling has shown that the earthquake focal mechanisms control the seismic loading much more than the local geology, and that the site response should be analyzed by considering the whole thickness of sediments until the bedrock, and not only the topmost 30 m.
In Vitro Propagation of Viburnum treleasei Gand., an Azorean Endemic with High Ornamental Interest

Additional index words. Viburnum, micropropagation, endemic, Azores islands, conservation Abstract. The purpose of our research was to establish a protocol for the in vitro culture of Viburnum treleasei, a rare and endangered taxon with high ornamental potential endemic to the Azores islands. The surface sterilization of the explants was better achieved with a pretreatment of 0.1% (w/v) Benomyl for 2 h followed by 0.2% (w/v) HgCl2 for 10 min with agitation. Shoot tips were the most efficient explants for shoot development and single-node segments for proliferation. Woody plant medium (WPM) was adequate for all micropropagation stages. For culture establishment and shoot development, a hormone-free medium was adequate, whereas a 1.1 mM N6-benzyl adenine medium supplement was more efficient for shoot multiplication. Elongation and rooting could be carried out on a 1.3 mM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid-supplemented me- dium. Acclimatization of in vitro-produced plantlets was achieved after 1 month with a success rate of 50%. This in vitro propagation procedure will be useful for the con- servation of Viburnum treleasei through production of morphologically true-to-type plants, allowing the recovery of depleted natural populations. Chemical names used: N6- benzyl adenine (BA); 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); HgCl2 (mercury bichloride).
Dielectric Behaviour of Some Woven Fabrics on the Basis of Natural Cellulosic Fibers

The electrical permittivity of the weaves obtained from natural cellulosic yarns or mixed with synthetic fibers was established with capacitor method. The highest value of relative electrical permittivity in case of the woven fabric from natural cellulosic fibers has been observed at the weave made of pure hemp (13.55) and the lowest at the weave obtained from the pure jute—weave packing (1.87). Electrical permittivity value of the pure jute weave packing is comparable to that of the permittivity for the glass thread, when the work conditions are as follows: temperature 25°C and air humidity 35%. The relative electrical permittivity of the weave is depending on the degree of crimping yarns especially in the weft direction, technological density in direction of the warp and weft, and surface mass of the weave.
Virtual Reality Technologies: A Way to Verify and Design Dismantling

The CEA must manage the end of its nuclear fuel cycle facilities' lifetime. Cleansing and dismantli ng actions are among its priorities. In order to address these iss ues, the CEA has created a dismantling division, which runs an R&D program to provide innovative tools. Intervention s cenario simulation is one of these R&D projects, enabling d efined scenarios to be run, their suitability for the envi ronment or scenario key points to be verified, taking into acc ount unexpected situations and providing technical answers. Simulation is a good means of visualizing and there fore understanding constraints, of testing different alt ernatives, and is a way to train workers prior to interventions. T his paper describes an application of such a technology: dism antling a chemical cell in the APM (Marcoule Pilot Workshop) facility at Marcoule (France). This highly radioactive cell wil l be dismantled by a remote handling system using the Maestro slave arm. An immersive room has helped to design the dismantling scenarios. The article presents all the pieces of equipment in detail. Then, we focus on the processe s of building the 3D model, especially the photogrammetric study step. Next, the software development we have done to couple the Maestro with a haptic interface and its carrier with game joysticks is described. All the remote handling is controlled in real time and with interactivity and detection coll ision. Thanks to force feedback and visual immersion, accessibili ty, operational trajectories and maintainability on the carrier have been verified. The overall scenario has been t ested and problems have been found, which have meant modifications and updates of the final scenario to guarantee the system will work properly. The results are very encouraging. Finally, the perspectives for the project are mentioned, especia lly worker training and radioactive dose rate simulation.
Simsum: Analyses of Simulation Studies Including Monte Carlo Error

A new Stata command, simsum, analyzes data from simulation studies. The data may comprise point estimates and standard errors from several analysis methods, possibly resulting from several different simulation settings. simsum can report bias, coverage, power, empirical standard error, relative precision, average model-based standard error, and the relative error of the standard error. Monte Carlo errors are available for all of these estimated quantities.
Source identification of heavy metals in atmospheric dust using Platanus orientalis L. leaves as bioindicator

Studies on atmospheric dust have been limited by the high cost of instrumental monitoring methods and also sampling difficulties. The use of organisms acting as bioaccumulators has recently been proposed. In this study, the leaves of Platanus orientalis L . , as a possible biomonitor of heavy metals in atmospheric dust, were evaluated to understand the likely source(s) of pollution in Isfahan, Iran. Concentration of Zn, Cu, Ni and Mn and Magnetic susceptibility (χ lf ) were determined in washed (WL) and unwashed leaves (UL), monthly sampled from May to Nov., 2012. By subtracting the amount of metal concentrations and χ lf in UL and WL, the amount of these parameters in dust deposited on the leaves (UL-WL) were calculated. Enrichment factor analysis (EF), correlation coeficient, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) on the UL-WL data were employed to trace the heavy metals sources. Results showed that the metal concentration in UL and WL in primary sampling times was not statistically different. As time passed, this difference became more noticeable. Seasonal accumulation trends of elements concentration in UL-WL, referred to as accumulative biomonitors showing the accumulation of dust on the leaves are considerable and the contamination of plants by metal occurs mainly by retention of particulate matter. All the heavy metals are well correlated with χ lf , indicating the potential of magnetic measurement as an inexpensive and less laborious method to estimate heavy metals. Cu and Zn exhibited a very strong correlation with each other and the highest correlation with χ lf , suggesting an anthropogenic nature of these two metals. High EF of Cu and Zn showed that anthropogenic sources contribute a substantial amount of these metals to dust deposited on leaves. Whereas, less EF for Mn and Ni shows that natural source and local polluted soils might be the main origins of these metals. PCA results showed 2 principal components. Factor 1 with significant loading for Cu and Zn and factor 2 for Mn and Ni. In an agreement with the PCA and correlation results, CA showed strong clusters for Zn and Cu and also for Mn and Ni. Zn seems to originate from vehicular emissions, oil combustion and wear and tear of vehicle tires. Cu seems to originate from industrial processes, traffic and combustion of fossil fuels. Polluted soils in the area appear to be the main natural source for Mn and Ni in dust, while anthropogenic activities could be considered as the second origin.
Physical properties of local palm oil clinker and fly ash

As Malaysia will focus on biotechnology field as indicated in Ninth Malaysian Plan (RMK9) will bring tremendous effects to the local palm oil industry which also produces palm oil clinker as its waste by-product. This paper will studied the suitability of palm oil clinker to be used as coarse and fine aggregate for palm oil clinker concrete production. The parameters studied includes sieve analysis, specific gravity, moisture content, water adsorption, bulk density, aggregate impact value, crushing aggregate value, etc. Another local waste material from coal combustion, pulverized fuel ash (pfa) which react as pozzolanic material which have been proved by previous researchers as cement replacement in concrete mix proportioning to enhance the concrete properties also been studied for its physical properties. This study includes consistency of cement-fly ash paste, initial and final setting of different proportion of cementfly ash paste as well as the specific gravity of fly ash. All parameters for local palm oil clinker and pulverized fly ash were conducted and measured according to British Standard. All parameters were analyzed and compared to the values that been proposed by British Standard. The results given by the palm oil clinker and fly ash were found to be in good agreement with the concrete testing values for structural use.
Life history and ecology of flammulated owls in a marginal New Mexico population

we studied Flammulated Owls (OtusJlammeolus) nesting in a forest-woodland ecotone at the species' lower elevational limit. Most adults did not renest in the same tree cavity despite previous success. Clutch size was smaller, and eggs were less likely to produce fledglings than in a coniferous forest population studied concurrently by Reynolds and Linkhart (1987b). Additional features of life history and nesting density were similar to other populations, but nesting mass of females and productivity were lower, while density flux was higher. Our study population is marginal ecologically, perhaps limited by food shortage during courtship plus predation and maintained by immigration. Received