Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A performance characterization system for Suprime-Cam filters

We made a system which characterizes the performance of large glass filters for Suprime-Cam, prime focus camera for the Subaru telescope. We set up a standard format for the characterization based on a series of straightforward measurements. Characterization of Suprime-Cam filters has been made to be a routine work by this system. This paper describes the hardware of the system and format of the measurements. Transmittance curves of several filters measured with the system are also presented.
Verifying the Mediating Effect of the Expectations of Significant Others on the Academic Achievement and Self-Expectations of Indigenous Students

: The aim of this study was to verify that the expectations of significant others play a mediating role in the relationship between academic achievement and self-expectation among indigenous Taiwanese students. We surveyed 1,300 indigenous high school students in Eastern Taiwan (selected through stratified cluster random sampling), and recovered 1,216 valid questionnaires. Data was processed using regression analysis. Results: The expectations of significant others have a partially mediating effect on academic achievement and self-expectation. We recommend that parents, teachers, and friends expect greater scholastic achievement from indigenous students, which would lead students to expect more of themselves and ultimately perform better academically through the self-fulfilling prophecy effect. This would effectively contribute to closing the higher education gap among indigenous groups.
EFFECT OF POST-HATCH FEED DEPRIVATION ON FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF BROILER MEAT

T he objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of f eed deprivation over the first 48 h post-hatch on the composition of fatty acids in broiler meat. Sixty 1-d-old Ross chicks were divided to two experimental groups, i.e., birds provided access to feed and water ad libitum immediately post-hatch until d 35 and birds deprived from feed but not from water over the first 48 h post-hatch . Blood for cholesterol analysis was collected on d 34. The same birds were sacrificed on d 36, and immediately breast meat, abdominal fat, heart and liver were collected and weighed. Feed deprivation over the first 48 h post-hatch retarded (P 0.05) on the abdominal fat, fatty acid profile of meat, total serum cholesterol level as well as the weight of heart and liver of broiler. In conclusion, early post-hatch feeding is a beneficial means to enhance the final body weight of broilers without affecting the meat quality.
Anthropometric baseD Estimation of adiPoSity - The ADEPS Project

Worldwide, the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically. Obesity is a condition associated with an increased amount of adipose tissue in the body and is linked to increased morbidity and mortality. In clinical practice and research, determination of body fat percentage (%BF) is not always possible due to limitations in available resources (time, equipment, budget, etc.). Therefore, weight indexes like the body mass index (BMI; body weight (kg)/body height2 (m)) offer a major advantage because they are quick and inexpensive to use. Although the BMI is extensively used, it does not take into account fat or muscle distribution in the body and is unable to differentiate adipose tissue from lean body mass. Hence, it has been suggested that future research in body composition measurement should focus more on body shape and volume rather than body mass. With the advent of 3D body scanning technology, it is possible to obtain accurate and reliable anthropometric measures of an individual within a few minutes. Also, 3D body scans provide information on an individual’s body volume and body shape. From this data, %BF can be calculated using a two component model of the human body based on known densities of fat and fat-free mass. In addition, a 3D digital model of the body allows for visualization of regional fat deposition and division of the total body into segments for more detailed data analysis compared to total body measurements. The ADEPS project builds on experience with 3D body scanning gained during the SMARTFIT project and is looking to merge areas of expertise in medicine, health care and technology. The principal aim of the ADEPS project is to examine the extent to which %BF can be predicted using anthropometric measurements obtained from 3D body scans using a structured white light full body scanner. A comprehensive dataset of anthropometric measurements obtained by 3D body scanning is available within the research unit. From these data, samples of candidate anthropometrical measurements will be selected using a Design of Experiments approach. Regression analysis on sequentially selected datasets will yield anthropometric predictors which will be used to create a predictive model for %BF as calculated from total body volume. This model will then be validated by comparing the anthropometric-based %BF predictions with %BF obtained from the Bod Pod® air-displacement plethysmography system (reference method and gold standard for total body volume measurement). Finally, the regression equation will be converted into a nomogram for routine practical use in healthcare and research practice. The present article describes the research project and its methods and reports on the progress and intermediate results of the ADEPS project.
Etude écophysiologique du mollusque bivalve méditerranéen Pinna nobilis L. Reproduction, croissance, respiration

Pinna nobilis l. Mollusque bivalve endemique de mediterranee, figure parmi les plus grands coquillages du monde. Une population dense dans l'etang de diana (corse) a permis d'etudier la sexualite de l'espece. P. Nobilis est hermaphrodite successive a maturation asynchrone, et son cycle sexuel se divise en 4 phases. La periode de maturite estivale semble etre un phenomene general en mediterranee occidentale. Les differents stades de la gametogenese sont decrits par une etude ultrastructurale. Le suivi d'individus marques a permis de retenir le modele de von bertalanffy avec modulation saisonniere comme descripteur de la croissance dans l'etang de diana. Il existe un arret de croissance hivernal non observe en mer ouverte. Des differences morphometriques ont ete mises en evidence entre des populations. Des experiences preliminaires sur la respiration ont ete realisees in situ. La confrontation de tous nos resultats permet d'envisager la culture de p. Nobilis en milieu controle, afin de reintroduire cette espece protegee dans des zones ou elle a disparu
Effect of supplementation of vitamin E and selenium from Lolyvit-ES on the performance of broiler

An experiment was conducted in the poultry rearing unit of Sahjalal Animal Nutrition Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh for a period of 30 days by using 108 one week aged straight run Starbro broiler chicks to find out the effect of vitamin E and selenium as feed supplement for the performance of broiler. Chicks were distributed into 4 dietary treatment groups each having three replications (R1, R 2 , R 3 ) and each replication contains 9 chicks. Dietary treatment groups were T 0 (Control i.e. without supplemental vitamin E and Selenium), T 1 (Control + 50 mg vitamin E 0.11 mg selenium per kg diet), T 2 (Control + 100 mg vitamin and 0.22 mg Selenium per kg diet and T 3 (Control + 150 mg vitamin E and 0.33 mg Selenium per kg diet). At end of the feeding trail the body weight of birds were 1238.28, 1231.85, 1272.59, and 1218.33 gm/bird in treatment groups T 0 , T 1 , T 2 and T 3 respectively which differ significantly (p<0.05) where highest body weight observed in T2 group . Body weight gain was highest in T2 (control+100mg vitamin E and 0.22 mg Selenium per kg diet) and lowest in T0 (control). Total Feed consumption during the experimental period was 2480.30, 2523.80, 2564.56 and 2555.39 g for T 0 , T 1 , T 2 and T 3 respectively. At 2 nd and 3 rd week of age, weekly feed conversion ratio were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T 2 group than the other groups including control. Meat yield parameter of broilers showed significant (P<0.05) differences in dressing weight, breast weight and shank weight. Based on the above findings, the result suggest that supplementation of Vitamin E 100 mg and 0.22 mg Selenium per kg diet from ‘‘Lolyvit-ES’’ as a source of Vitamin E and Selenium may be used in broiler rations. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2017, 3(4): 521-528
Induction of programmed cell death in mammalian cells by isolates of Ross River virus

Arthritogenic alphaviruses, such as Ross River virus (RRV) are associated with worldwide outbreaks of human polyarthritis/arthralgia. The pathogenesis of RRV and other alphaviruses is poorly understood. Studies have shown potential links between the different strains of RRV and variation in their pathogenesis and virulence. Currently there is believed to be two circulating strains of RRV, the south western (SW) from the south west region of Western Australia and the north eastern (NE) from the east coast of Australia. Studies have suggested that the persistence of RRV may be the result of an impaired immune response. This study was designed to determine if the SW and NE isolates of RRV have the ability to induce apoptosis in DCs and fibroblasts and discover any possible variation in their apoptosis-inducing capacity. Both Vero cells and murine bone marrow DCs (BMDCs) were infected with the SW74249 (SW) and SW82627 (NE) strains of RRV. A time course analysis of two apoptotic markers and a cell viability marker for both cell types was conducted by flow cytometry. The results indicate RRV- induced apoptosis in both Vero cells and BMDCs, with RRV inducing a stronger pro-apoptotic response in BMDCs than Vero cells, 24 h after infection. Between the two strains there was little variation in the Vero cells over time. In the BMDCs there was some variation with the RRV-SW strain inducing a higher percentage of cell death than the RRV-NE strain, 24 h after infection. Collectively, the data indicates that RRV has the capacity to induce a pro-apoptotic response in DCs, with the SW presenting as more aggressive compared to the NE, potentially leading to greater virulence. This data could help to explain the mechanism of RRV persistence in vertebrate hosts, as well as the reported differences in severity and duration of human clinical symptoms. Immunotherapy aimed at correcting the patient’s dysfunctional immune system, may represent a new strategy for the successful medical treatment of RRV infection.
Evaluation of the search and rescue LEEWAY model in the Tyrrhenian Sea: a new point of view

Abstract. The trajectories' prediction of floating objects above the sea surface represents an important task in search and rescue (SAR) operations. In this paper we show how it is possible to estimate the most probable search area by means of a stochastic model, schematizing the shape of the object appropriately and evaluating the forces acting on it. The LEEWAY model,a Monte Carlo-based ensemble trajectory model, has been used; here, both statistical law to calculate the leeway and an almost deterministic law inspired by the boundary layer theory have been considered. The model is nested within the subregional hydrodynamic model TSCRM (Tyrrhenian Sicily Channel Regional Model) developed in the framework of PON-TESSA (Programma Operativo Nazionale; National Operative Program – TEchnology for the Situational Sea Awareness) project. The main objective of the work is to validate a new approach of leeway calculation that relies on a real person in water (PIW) event, which occurred in the Tyrrhenian Sea in July 2013. The results show that by assimilating a human body to a cylinder and estimating both the transition from laminar to turbulent boundary layer and the drag coefficients, it can be possible to solve a force balance equation, which allows the search area to be estimated with good approximation. This new point of view leads to the possibility of also testing the same approach for other different categories of targets, so as to overcome the limitations associated with the calculation of the leeway in the future by means of standard statistical law.
Late Glacial to Preboreal sea-level rise recorded by the previous termRhône deltaic systemnext term (NW Mediterranean)

A unique late Glacial–Preboreal record of changes in sea-level and sediment fluxes originating from the Alps is recorded in the Rhône subaqueous delta in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The compilation of detailed bathymetric charts, together with high-resolution seismic profiles and long cores, reveals the detailed architecture of several sediment lobes, related to periods of decreased sealevel rise and/or increased sediment flux. They are situated along the retreat path of the Rhône distributaries, from the shelf edge and canyon heads up to the modern coastline. They form transgressive backstepping parasequences across the shelf, the late Holocene (highstand) deltas being confined to the inner shelf. The most prominent feature is an elongated paleo-shoreface/deltaic system, with an uppermost sandy fraction remolded into subaqueous dunes. A long piston core into the bottomsets of this prograding unit allows precise dating of this ancient deltaic system. In seismic data, it displays aggradation, starting at ~ 15 cal kyr BP, followed by progradation initiated during the first phase of the Younger Dryas, a period of reduced sea-level rise or stillstand. The delta kept pace with resumed sea-level rise during the Preboreal (which is estimated at about 1 cm/yr), as a result of increased sediment supply from the Alps (melting of glaciers and more humid climate “flushing” the sediment down to the sea). Abandonment of the delta occurred around 10,500 cal yr BP, that is to say about 1,000 yr after the end of the Younger Dryas, probably because decreased sediment flux.
CaloCube: an innovative homogeneous calorimeter for the next-generation space experiments

The direct measurement of the cosmic-ray spectrum, up to the knee region, is one of the instrumental challenges for next generation space experiments. The main issue for these measurements is a steeply falling spectrum with increasing energy, so the physics performance of the space calorimeters are primarily determined by their geometrical acceptance and energy resolution. CaloCube is a three-year R&D project, approved and financed by INFN in 2014, aiming to optimize the design of a space-born calorimeter. The peculiarity of the design of CaloCube is its capability of detecting particles coming from any direction, and not only those on its upper surface. To ensure that the quality of the measurement does not depend on the arrival direction of the particles, the calorimeter will be designed as homogeneous and isotropic as possible. In addition, to achieve a high discrimination power for hadrons and nuclei with respect to electrons, the sensitive elements of the calorimeter need to have a fine 3-D sampling capability. In order to optimize the detector performances with respect to the total mass of the apparatus, which is the most important constraint for a space launch, a comparative study of different scintillating materials has been performed using detailed Monte Carlo simulation based on the FLUKA package. In parallel to simulation studies, a prototype consisting in 14 layers of 3 x 3 CsI(Tl) crystals per layer has been assembled and tested with particle beams. An overview of the obtained results during the first two years of the project will be presented and the future of the detector will be discussed too.
Redundancy analysis and the evolutionary learning algorithm as complementary processing tools for dendrochronological data

To process dendrochronological data sets, mathematical techniques that can handle complexity are needed. Two methods from the field of numerial ecology are introduced in tree ring analysis: redundancy analysis (an eigenvector method) and the evolutionary learning algorithm (a machine learning tool). Both methods show to be appropriate for a stringent test case. Redundancy analysis explains variance in tree ring data by environmental date revealing main trends. The evolutionary learning algorithm can be applied to look for unexpected strong environmental signals possibly departing from main trends.
THE EFFECT OF PGR sON IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOCORMS, REGENERATION AND MASS MULTIPLICATION DERIVED FROM IMMATURE SEEDS OF RHYNCHOSTYLIS RETUSA (L.) BLUME

Rhynchostylis retusa is a monopodial, epiphytic orchid. Owing to its high commercial value in the floricultural industry, mass propagation provides an alternative means of satisfying the demand. Unfortunately, conventional propagation is slow and difficult, suggesting in vitro methods for mass multiplication may be more appropriate. In this case germination ability and early developments of PLBs in MS, ½MS, B5 and PM media were evaluated. In addition, different plant growth regulators viz. BAP, Kin, NAA and IAA were used either single or in combination. The maximum percentage of seed germination (72.60%) was recorded after 7-8 weeks of culture initiation in MS medium. Secondary protocorms were developed from primary PLBs on MS medium fortified with different concentrations and combinations of cytokinins (BAP and Kin) and auxins (NAA, Picloram, IBA and IAA). The highest numbers of secondary PLBs (16.0) were obtained from each of primary protocorms in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl -1 BAP and 1.0 mgl -1 NAA. The maximum root induction (7.0 per shoot) was observed in ½MS medium that supplemented with 1.0 mgl -1 IAA. Plants were acclimatized successfully (survive 80%) in the potting mixture containing brick pieces, charcoal, coconut husk in the ratio of 1:1:2 and eventually established under natural condition.
Object-oriented design framework for stock keeping unit generating system

This paper proposes an object-oriented design for generating Stock Keeping Unit coding system. Through recognition and analysis of the inventory item particulars and conceptualizing the important classes as one package, the framework is developed in a modular-basis able to be integrated with other parts of the system. Using UML class and package diagram as of the best practice in object-oriented, conducting the analysis and design is elaborately discussed. A prototype implementation is carried out to support the designed framework over its applicability at a modular information system. Moreover, the item particular package with unique and organized SKU numbering system efficiently supports the fundamental need of item identification at inventory control operations and classification and guarantees different types of reports and lookups.
Emotional Intelligence and Psychographic Profiles of the Potential First Class Students

The study examined the correlation between emotional intelligence dimensions and psychographic attributes among Potential First Class students. The study also explored the differences between age and ethnicity factors on the level of psychographics attributes among 424 potential first class students (69 males and 355 females). The result showed significant relationship between emotional intelligence dimensions as well as significant correlation between psychographics attributes. Furthermore, significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence construct and psychographics attributes. In addition, the results showed that there were differences on the level of psychographics attributes based on the age and ethnicity factors. Lastly, the study recommended that emotional intelligence, and psychological constructs are important factors that could improve student success, especially for the university students.
High-ion absorption in the proximate damped Ly-α system toward Q0841+129

We present VLT/UVES spectroscopy of the quasar Q0841+129, whose spectrum shows a proximate damped Ly-α (PDLA) absorber at z = 2.47621 and a proximate sub-DLA at z = 2.50620, both lying close in redshift to the QSO itself at zem = 2.49510 ± 0.00003. This fortuitous arrangement, with the sub-DLA acting as a filter that hardens the QSO’s ionizing radiation field, allows us to model the ionization level in the foreground PDLA, and provides an interesting case-study on the origin of the high-ion absorption lines Si iv, C iv ,a nd Ovi in DLAs. The high ions in the PDLA show at least five components spanning a total velocity extent of ≈160 km s −1 , whereas the low ions exist predominantly in a single component spanning just 30 km s −1 . We examine various models for the origin of the high ions. Both photoionization and turbulent mixing layer models are fairly successful at reproducing the observed ionic ratios after correcting for the non-solar relative abundance pattern, though neither model can explain all five components. We show that the turbulent mixing layer model, in which the high ions trace the interfaces between the cool PDLA gas and a hotter phase of shock-heated plasma, can explain the average high-ion ratios measured in a larger sample of 12 DLAs.
The Impact of Social Connections in Personalization

Personalization is typically based on preferences extracted from the interactions of users with the system. A recent trend is to also account for the social influence among users, which may play a non-negligible role in shaping one's individual preferences. The underlying assumptions are that friends tend to develop similar taste, i.e., homophily, and that similar users tend to connect to each other, i.e., social selection. In this work, we investigate the conditions under which social influence has a significant impact on the preferences of users. We find that pairs of friends, where one is socially very active whereas the other is not, exhibit stronger correlations in their preferences compared to other pairs of friends, implying thus a stronger mechanism of influence.
Protoplast Isolation and Culture of Dendrobium Sonia "Bom 17"

The optimization of Dendrobium Sonia “Bom 17” protoplast isolation and culture conditions were investigated. Protoplasts were successfully isolated from one-month-old leaves of in vitro-grown plantlets using an enzyme solution comprising 1% Cellulase Onozuka R-10, 0.2% Macerozyme, 0.3 M mannitol, 10 mM CaCl2.2H2O and 10 mM 2 (N-morpholino)-ethanesulfonic acid (MES) at pH 5.8. Approximately 3.97±0.63 · 10 5 protoplasts per gram fresh weight were obtained when digested in enzyme solution for 4 h on a shaker under dark conditions, then washed with 0.3 M mannitol solution supplemented with 10 mM CaCl2.2H2O and 10 mM MES, and purified with 0.3 M sucrose solution. Freshly isolated protoplasts were then cultured at final density of 2 · 10 5 protoplasts/ml in Kao & Michayluk medium (KM8P) by agarose-bead cultures under dark conditions at 25°C. First cell division was observed after culturing for 2 days and multicellular colonies (15-20 cells) were formed after 2
Quality of Kiwifruit Juice Clarifed by Modifed Poly(Ether Ether Ketone) Hollow Fiber Membranes

Poly(ether ether ketone) with cardo group-based (PEEK-WC) membranes, in hollow fber (HF) confguration, were prepared via the dry-wet spinning technique through the phase inversion process and used to clarify kiwifruit juice. The depectinised juice was processed according to a batch concentration confguration in selected operating conditions (transmembrane pressure, 1.6 bar; feed ﬂowrate 70 L/h; temperature, 25±2 °C) up to a volume reduction factor (VRF) of 1.8. The quality of clarifed juice was analysed in terms of total antioxidant activity (TAA), content of ascorbic, malic, succinic and citric acid, total polyphenols, suspended solids and total soluble solids (TSS). The prepared membranes allowed to remove suspended solids producing a clear juice with a content of organic acids, vitamin C and polyphenols comparable to that of the fresh juice. Accordingly, the TAA of the fresh juice was well preserved in the clarifed juice.