Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Differentiation of Crucus Species by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA

Saffron has for decades been the world's most expensive spice by weight. It is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron (Crocus sativus), a species of Crocus in the family Iridaceae. Considering the importance of germplasm characterization and evaluation particularly in saffron, the present study was formulated with an objective to access the structure of genetic diversity among the accession of saffron at molecular levels. Twenty four wild type and six cultivated colonies were gathered from seven different states and were evaluated by 26 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers that we were expecting, to assess degree of genetic variability between them. A total of 322 bands were scored corresponding to an average of 16.6 bands per primer with 281 bands showing polymorphism (87.3%) and values of polymorphism information content (PIC) varying from 0.24 to 0.72. Results obtained after use of RAPD markers showed that “Operon M10” is more accurate and its application is recommended. A dendrogram constructed based on the UPGMA clustering method revealed two major clusters. Cluster I comprised four cancellatuse species. Cluster-II comprises of 26 cultivars that were further differentiated into two sub-clusters. All genotypes in subgroup IIa include six cultivated ones. The PCoA revealed a pattern in which the individuals were assigned into five separate groups. Cluster analysis and 2D and 3D principal component analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of RAPD markers in grouping of accessions under study, and analysis of their genetic relationships.
Temporal trends in global sea surface temperature fronts

Sea surface temperature (SST) fronts, generally defined as regions of enhanced surface temperature gradient, are of broad interest in oceanography both because of the role that they play in the dynamics of the upper ocean and because of the large volume of data available from satellite-borne sensors with which they can be studied. Gradients in the background surface temperature, surface wind stress, and cloud cover likely play a role in establishing and maintaining SST fronts. Furthermore, each of these characteristics is thought to be affected by changes in global climate. The objective of this study is to determine to what extent the probability of finding SST fronts in satellite-derived SST has changed in the recent past. To this end, front probability was determined from the output of an edge detection algorithm applied to the 30-year (1981-2011) time series of Pathfinder v5.2 SST data. Based on approximately 1°x1° squares that are 90% or more clear, front probability has been found to increase globally at a very nearly linear rate of approximately 0.25 %/decade; i.e., over the 30-year period the mean probability of finding a front has increased from approximately 5.58% to 6.30%. However, the trend in front probability is not globally uniform so the study also included a determination of regional trends in front probability. Requiring broad temporal coverage in each 1°x1° square, to reduce the uncertainty associated with the trend estimates, resulted in dense coverage only in an approximately 750 km wide ‘coastal’ band. In this region, clusters of predominantly positive trends that were significantly larger, 0.6 to 0.8 %/decade, than the mean trend were observed; i.e., increases of 30 to 50% in the number of fronts over the past 30 years. The mean trend in the ‘coastal band’ is approximately 0.30%/decade, substantially higher than the global trend. This implies that the increase in front probability in coastal regions is significantly larger than in open ocean regions.
Using Speech and Natural Language Technology in Language Intervention

Abstract : Educational and clinical techniques for language intervention in children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) focus on achieving a complete, speech-to-speech, communicative loop. To date, the AI technologies developed in areas like speech recognition, natural language processing, student modeling and intelligent tutoring have not been applied to the specific needs of children with ASD. In this paper we describe the design of Simone Says, a proposed software environment in which young children can practice semantically and socially meaningful language by playing a sort of interactive, linguistic game of Simon Says. Current research and practice in remediation both stress the need for achieving engagement and sustaining motivation in taking appropriate conversational turns and using language in functionally appropriate ways. Simone Says is intended to meet these requirements by using the natural attraction of computers to create opportunities for meaningful, speech-based language practice in a highly simplified social setting. In exercises that progress from vocabulary building to simple social conversation, the system will automatically generate contexts in which the student is rewarded for meaningful responses as defined by his or her current position along the normal developmental progression.
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Synthesis by Chemical Vapor Deposition Using Platinum-Group Metal Catalysts

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are generally synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using Fe, Co, and Ni as catalysts. However, due to the Ostwald ripening of metal catalysts, the diameter distribution of the grown SWCNTs is considerably wide (>2 nm), which is not suitable for electronics applications. In addition, reduction in the growth temperature is desirable for fabricating SWCNT devices compatible with the LSI process. Herein, we performed SWCNT growth by alcohol catalytic CVD using platinum-group metal catalysts (Pt, Rh, and Pd) because these metals have high melting points, and the reduction in the Ostwald ripening of catalyst particles is expected. Our results revealed that web-like SWCNTs were obtained from Pt and Rh catalysts at growth temperature between 500 °C and 600 °C by optimizing the ethanol pressure. The SWCNT yield from Pd catalysts was considerably low. By decreasing the growth temperature, the diameter and chirality distribution of SWCNTs from Pt and Rh catalysts became small and narrow. In particular, the diameters of most SWCNTs grown using Pt catalysts were below 1 nm and their diameter distribution was considerably narrow. On the contrary, SWCNTs can grow from Rh catalysts even at 300 °C by optimizing the growth condition, which is the lowest temperature recorded for SWCNT growth. Our results demonstrated that platinum-group metals are useful for the growth of small-diameter SWCNTs and facilitate low-temperature growth. Keywords—Carbon nanotube, chemical vapor deposition, catalyst, Pt, Rh, Pd.
Microwave-cavity measurements for gas thermometry up to the copper point

This work explores the feasibility of acoustic gas thermometry (AGT) in the range 700 K to the copper point (1358 K) in order to more accurately measure the differences between ITS-90 and the thermodynamic temperature. To test material suitability and stability, we investigated microwave resonances in argon-filled cylindrical cavities machined from a Ni–Cr–Fe alloy. We measured the frequencies of five non-degenerate microwave modes of one cavity at temperatures up to 1349 K using home-made coaxial cables and antennas. The short-term repeatability of both the measured frequencies fN and the scaled half-widths gN/fN was better than 10−6 fN. Oxidation was not a problem while clean argon flowed through the cavity. The measurement techniques are compatible with highly accurate AGT and may be adaptable to refractive index gas thermometry.
Long-term entrenchment and consequences for present flood hazard in the Garona River (Val d'Aran, Central Pyrenees, Spain)

Abstract. On 18 June 2013, a damaging flood of the Garona River (Val d'Aran, Central Pyrenees, Spain) caused losses exceeding EUR 100 million. Few studies have related flood events to the geologic, tectonic and geomorphologic context. This study deals with both short- and long-term processes by studying the upper reach of the Garona River on different timescales and space scales. There has been a clear entrenchment tendency of the drainage network since the Miocene. Post-orogenic exhumation and uplift of the Axial Pyrenees determines the recent and active tectonics of the area and leads to fluvial incision. The last Upper Pleistocene glaciation affected Val d'Aran and gave rise to a destabilization period during the glacial–interglacial transition, marked by a postglacial incision tendency. Mean entrenchment rates between 0.68 and 1.56 mm yr−1 since deglaciation have been estimated. The assessment of the 2013 flood, characterized by the predominance of vertical incision and bank erosion, suggests that the long-term tendency of the fluvial system is reflected in short-term processes. The study of the geologic and geomorphologic evolution, combined with the analysis of this 30–50-year return period flood event, helps to improve flood risk management by providing contextual information that can constrain predictions and help guide choices and decisions. In fact, the millennial entrenchment tendency is shown at the human scale, which is considered useful for river management, but could be imperceptible in detailed hydrodynamic and channel morphology studies that describe river dynamics mostly at the 10–15-year timescale.
Health, Growth and Welfare: A Theoretical Appraisal of the Long-Run Impact of Medical R&D

This paper aims at providing a simple economic framework to address the question of the optimal share of investments in medical R&D in total public spending. In order to capture the long-run impact of tax-financed medical R&D on the growth rate, we develop an endogenous growth model in the spirit of Barro (1990). The model focuses on the optimal sharing of public resources between consumption and (non-health) investment, medical R&D and other health expenditures. It emphasizes the key role played by the public health-related R&D in enhancing economic growth and welfare in the long run.
Convolutional neural networks for the detection of damaged fasteners in engineering structures

Locating and classifying damaged fasteners, such as bolts, in large engineering structures is vital in many health monitoring applications. Whilst traditional signal processing methods are often used to identify the presence of such fasteners, accurately estimating their location remains an ongoing challenge. In recent years, image detection (or the location of objects within images) using deep learning algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), has seen substantial improvements. This is largely due to the abundant database of images provided by internet search engines, as well as significant advances in computing power. Moreover, advances in digital imaging technology mean that affordable computer vision systems are now more readily available than ever before. In this paper, a CNN architecture is proposed for the task of detecting damaged bolts in engineering structures. The new architecture forms part of a regional convolutional neural network (R-CNN), which applies a bounding box regression algorithm for bolt location alongside a softmax classifier for damage classification. A dedicated training set is also developed, which combines internet search engine data with images of a specifically-designed bolt rig. The new images extend the current dataset with the purpose of developing a bolt detector that is invariant to camera angle and location, as well as environmental factors such as lighting and shadows.
A comparison point of view video modeling and video self-modeling for preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder

Video modeling interventions have been recognized as effective and evidence-based behavioral interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders; however, the effectiveness of different types of video modeling is still being explored. The present study examined the effectiveness of point of view video modeling compared to video self-modeling using a novel object retrieval task. A multiple baseline, across participants research design was used to assess four, three to four-year-old children with a primary diagnosis of autism. Although both forms of video modeling were successful in teaching the task to all of the participants, point of view video modeling resulted in faster acquisition. Possible explanations for the difference in effectiveness between the models are discussed.
An Examination of Key Factors of Influence in the Development Process of Credit Union Industries

The aim of this paper is to analyse credit union industries within a development framework. Explicit consideration is given to credit union industries in four countries - Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States. It is argued that in terms of a developmental typology the credit union industry in Great Britain is at a nascent stage of development, the industries in Ireland and New Zealand are at a transition stage while the US credit union industry is mature in nature. In progression between stages the analysis considers the influence of factors such as situational leadership, the complexion of trade associations, professionalisation, regulatory and legislative initiatives and technology. The analysis concluded that while there was a substantial commonality of experience, there were also significant differences in the impact of these factors. This consequently encouraged the recognition of the existence of 'a variety of the species' in respect of credit union development.
Benefits of hybrid DCT domain image matching

An enhancement to least squares image matching is proposed which combines a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) domain solution of the linearized normal equations, and resampling between iterations in the pixel domain. This approach reduces the size of the normal equations by discarding higher frequency DCT coefficients, while avoiding the overhead of image resampling in the DCT domain. A method for computing the DCT of the sampled derivative of a function from the DCT of its samples is given, and the least squares problem is framed in the DCT domain. In an experimental comparison between the proposed algorithm and an equivalent pixel domain algorithm, we find that the match time can be halved for 32 × 32 pixel windows, and reduced to 75% for 16 × 16 windows, while measures of match quality remain comparable or improve. The measures of much quality considered were the mean and standard deviation of the disparity error, and the number of match windows that converged. The optimum percentages of DCT coefficients for these window sizes were 20% for the 16 × 16 window and 10% for the 32 × 32 window. An 8 × 8 window size was also tested, but showed no speed-up over the pixel domain algorithm. The approach incorporates derivative estimates that result in better accuracy than can be achieved using the first differences of a pixel domain approach.
High Efficiency Power Amplifiers for Modern Mobile Communications: The Load-Modulation Approach

Modern mobile communication signals require power amplifiers able to maintain very high efficiency in a wide range of output power levels, which is a major issue for classical power amplifier architectures. Following the load-modulation approach, efficiency enhancement is achieved by dynamically changing the amplifier load impedance as a function of the input power. In this paper, a review of the widely-adopted Doherty power amplifier and of the other load-modulation efficiency enhancement techniques is presented. The main theoretical aspects behind each method are introduced, and the most relevant practical implementations available in recent literature are reported and discussed.
Chapter 9 . 5 Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 Transcription Factors in Heart Development and Disease

This chapter was originally published in the book Heart Development and Regeneration, published by Elsevier, and the attached copy is provided by Elsevier for the author’s benefit and for the benefit of the author’s institution, for non-commercial research and educational use including without limitation use in instruction at your institution, sending it to specific colleagues who know you, and providing a copy to your institution’s administrator.
Black women victimization of domestic violence in Brazil

Domestic violence against women remains hitherto a prevailing social, economic, and political problem that affects the generality of social groups: women of all class status, ethnicities, races, countries and religions are to be found among those who are impacted by its direct consequences. Measuring the scope and magnitude women are victimized in domestic sphere presents methodological challenges such as encouraging women to disclose abuse. Although, WTO’s population-based survey (2006) found that between 10% and 69% of women report being physically assaulted by an intimate male partner at some moment in their lives. The few available researches and recent crimes extensively broadcasted suggest that domestic violence against women is widespread also in Brazil. According to PNAD 2009 (IBGE, 2009), 43.1% of the women interviewed reported to have been physically assaulted, 25.9% of which (about 280 thousand) claimed the aggressions were perpetrated by intimate partner or expartner. An opinion research carried out by Perseu Abramo Fundation (2010) found that 40% of women have experienced violence committed by a man, whether known or unknown. In the 1970s, amid demands for democratization and political amnesty in the country, domestic violence against women has been included in the agenda of feminist movements and women’s movements (Bandeira, 2009; Blay, 2003). Opposed to the acquittal of men who had murdered their partner and claimed "honor killing", social movements confronted the impunity systematically assured by courts in cases of domestic violence against women. Since then, the topic appears as "one of the catalysts of the feminism national identity" (Heilborn; Sorj, 1999, p. 210). In the last years, specific Public Policies targeting at combating domestic violence against women have been implemented. After at least three decades of feminist organized mobilization, the Brazilian government finally absorbed the demands for opposing the problem. Remarkable in this sense was the sanction of the Maria da Penha law, in 2006, which categorizes domestic violence as a type of Human Rights violation. Thus, an innovative approach has been incorporated, as the new legal device assures that women’s physical, sexual, and psychological integrity are to be protected by the State even inside domestic and familiar sphere. Mechanisms promoting women’s right to a life free from violence include now rigorous punishment for the perpetrators of domestic violence against women, assistance and protection to victimized women, and a network of specialized courts. In addition to traditional law enforcement and judicial mechanisms that society adopts to combat crime, the law also incorporated an educational purpose. It was influenced by an understanding of feminist movements that, to counter a phenomenon of high incidence and widely accepted by society, it
Do Hope Foster Innovative Work Behavior through Employee Engagement and Knowledge Sharing Behavior? A Conservation of Resources Approach Using MPLUS tool

The aim of this study is to develop and test a conceptual path model that examines the relationship among positive psychological resources, i.e. hope, positive organizational behaviors (knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) and innovative work behavior (IWB)) and employee engagement (job engagement (JE) and organizational engagement (OE)). The framework for this study is drawn on the basis of conservation of resource theory using causal research design. This study investigates the impact of hope on employees' innovative work behavior through engagement and knowledge sharing behavior. Therefore, the present study has explored the indirect mechanism of hope and innovative work behavior through sequential mediation of engagement and knowledge sharing behavior that helps in attaining the desired organizational goals as innovative work behavior. Data were collected from 354 respondents in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector organizations located within twin cities of Pakistan (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) through a self-administered questionnaire. Analysis was conducted using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique through maximum likelihood estimation using MPlus software. The findings reveals a significant positive impact of hope on IWB through employee engagement and KSB. Limitations and future research recommendations are also discussed at the end of the study.
Examining Integration Between Dubai and Kuwait Stock Markets

The objective of this study is to examine the GCC stock markets integration mainly through its stock markets concentrating on specific markets namely, Dubai and Kuwait. There are several methods have been used to examine the existence of integration. However, the Johansen approach to integration is considered a more reliable method than other conventional integration approaches, Johansen approach is more robust and performs well for large sample size, the results show that the null hypothesis of no integration cannot be accepted. This suggests the existence of a long-run relationship between Dubai and Kuwait.stock markets. Keywords: stock markets integration, Johansen cointegration , Granger causality
Constraints on the outer radius of the broad emission line region of active galactic nuclei.

Here we present observational evidence that the broad emission line region (BELR) of active galactic nuclei (AGN) generally has an outer boundary. This was already clear for sources with an obvious transition between the broad and narrow components of their emission lines. We show that the narrow component of the higher-order Paschen lines is absent in all sources, revealing a broad emission line profile with a broad, flat top. This indicates that the BELR is kinematically separate from the narrow emission line region. We use the virial theorem to estimate the BELR outer radius from the flat top width of the unblended profiles of the strongest Paschen lines, Paα and Paβ, and find that it scales with the ionizing continuum luminosity roughly as expected from photoionization theory. The value of the incident continuum photon flux resulting from this relationship corresponds to that required for dust sublimation. A flat-topped broad emission line profile is produced by both a spherical gas distribution in orbital motion and an accretion disc wind if the ratio between the BELR outer and inner radius is assumed to be less than ∼100–200. On the other hand, a pure Keplerian disc can be largely excluded, since for most orientations and radial extents of the disc the emission line profile is double-horned.
The physical condition of red deer falling a prey to the wolf and lynx and harvested in the Carpatian Mountains

Examination was made of the condition of red deer killed by wolves and lynxes in the Bieszczady Mountains over a period of two winters (1981/82 and 1982/83) or shot by hunters. The fat content in the bone marrow of the limbs was taken as a criterion of condition. Important differences were found in the age structure of red deer killed by wolves and lynxes.