Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Free as a bird? Activity patterns of albatrosses during the nonbreeding period

This is the first comprehensive study of at-sea activity patterns of albatrosses during the nonbreeding period, based on data from combination geolocator-immersion loggers deployed on the wandering albatross Diomedea exulans, black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris, grey- headed albatross T. chrysostoma and light-mantled albatross Phoebetria palpebrata from South Georgia (54° 00' S, 38° 03' W). Differences in behaviour among species observed during the breeding season were maintained during the nonbreeding period, suggesting a high degree of foraging niche specialisation. Wandering albatrosses exhibited longer flight bouts, and spent more time on the water during daylight, than any of the smaller species. Light-mantled albatrosses were the most active nocturnally. During daylight, grey-headed albatrosses were the most aerial and black-browed albatrosses had the shortest flight bouts. Although all species still engaged in foraging behaviour predominantly during daylight, they spent a greater proportion of time on the water (presumably resting) during the nonbreeding period compared with the breeding period, suggesting that they could more readily meet their energy demands when no longer subject to central place constraints. There was no evidence from activity patterns that might suggest that wing feather moult handicaps flight capability during the nonbreeding period. Individuals of all species engaged in rapid east-west commutes, when considerably higher proportions of time were spent in flight than while resident, in particular during daylight, possibly because birds are unable to navigate effectively during complete darkness. Despite consistency in individual dispersal patterns, there were year-to-year differences in the nocturnal behaviour of black-browed albatrosses, probably attributable to prey variability.
Synthesis and Thermoelectric Property of 1 D Flexible PEDOT : pTSA / Glass Fiber

Exploiting the thermal insulation properties of glass fiber and excellent conductivity of conducting polymer, a novel one-dimensional (1D) composite thermoelectric material, based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): p-toluenesulfonic acid (PEDOT: p-TSA)/glass fiber, is prepared by coating the PEDOT: p-TSA on the surface of glass fiber with in situ polymerization method. We hope the materials can bring out the performance of the “electron conductor, photon glass”. During the polymerization process, the effects of oxidant concentration and dopant mass fraction on thermoelectric properties of the materials are investigated. The group type of the polymer chain and the morphology of the samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The maximal Seebeck coefficient (S) and electric conductivity (σ) of the pristine sample are 32 μVK and 169 Sm, respectively. After further post-processing with methanol, the thermoelectric properties of materials were improved, and the maximum value of S and σ increased greatly to 48.5 μVK and 3184 Sm, respectively. The maximal power factor (PF) of materials also increased from 0.12 μWm K to 6.74 μWm K. Moreover, we have proposed a preliminary explanation on the carrier transport mechanism.
Social Security Reform in Argentina: Impact on poverty, income inequality and vulnerability

In 1994, Argentina introduced deep reforms to its social security system. Such reforms were part of a major program aiming at modernizing its economy, including establishing a currency board to reduce inflation, a huge privatization program, opening of the economy and deregulation. The results in terms of stabilization and growth were impressive. Capital inflows and investment also grew very fast. However, employment stagnated, poverty augmented and income distribution worsened. While it can be argued that the deterioration of these social indicators was to some extent the result of the economy being hit by external shocks (Tequila crisis, etc.), the transformation of the social security system also had a significant effect over the evolution of social indicators. In this project we will analyze the effects of the introduction of a new individual accounts in Pension System –which is under effect since 1994over poverty, employment, vulnerability and income distribution. While the macroeconomic effects of a change in the pension system is an issue that is relatively well addressed by the literature, its microeconomic effects are often neglected in the analysis. This project is a first step in conducting a thorough study of the effects of pension reform, and builds on previous work conducted by IERAL and contributes to the design of a new methodology that can be used to test the effect of other policy changes on poverty and income distribution. In the future we aim at developing a dynamic microsimulation model with macro model interaction for prospective analysis.
Increased circulating microparticles in streptozotocin‐induced diabetes propagate inflammation contributing to microvascular dysfunction

Circulating microparticles (MPs) are elevated in many cardiovascular diseases and have been considered as biomarkers of disease prognosis; however, current knowledge of MP functions has been mainly derived from in vitro studies and their precise impact on vascular inflammation and disease progression remains obscure. Using a diabetic rat model, we identified a >130‐fold increase in MPs in plasma of diabetic rats compared to normal rats, the majority of which circulated as aggregates, expressing multiple cell markers and largely externalized phosphatidylserine; vascular images illustrate MP biogenesis and their manifestations in microvessels of diabetic rats. Using combined single microvessel perfusion and systemic cross‐transfusion approaches, we delineated how diabetic MPs propagate inflammation in the vasculature and transform normal microvessels into an inflammatory phenotype observed in the microvessels of diabetic rats. Our observations derived from animal studies resembling conditions in diabetic patients, providing a mechanistic insight into MP‐mediated pathogenesis of diabetes‐associated multi‐organ microvascular dysfunction.
WHAT IS A MEANINGFUL “ KILLER APP ” FOR STYLISTIC TEXT ANALYSIS ?

gmikros@isll.uoa. gr ABSTRACT The aim of this research is to describe tools and methods applied in the stylistic analysis of Modern Greek newswire corpora. We present a new method of selecting Author-Specific Words that can be used as reliable authorship discriminators. Furthermore, we explore the impact of different kinds of various other stylometric variables using Discriminant Function Analysis.
LONG RISE-TIME PRESSURE SIGNATURE THROUGH JET TURBULENCE IN A LABORATORY-SCALE EXPERIMENT

Turbulence effect on a pressure signature with the long rise time was experimentally investigated in a ballistic range facility to evaluate robustness of a low sonic boom signature. The long rise time pressure signature was produced by launching a conical projectile. High-speed schlieren photography and pointdiffraction interferometer were used to visualize the density field. The pressure waveform was measured using a pressure transducer. The turbulence effect is not critical issue for the long rise time pressure signature. The long rise time pressure signature possesses feature that the overpressure slowly increases; this is not a shock wave. A pressure wave which is not a shock wave is not affected by turbulence, although the turbulence effect appears on a shock wave possessing the short rise time.
Study on Braking Sensation Based on Urban Working Conditions

In this paper we researched the vehicle braking sense in three aspects of human, vehicle and environment and analysed their impacts on brake feeling. Through the real vehicle test we analysed the relationship among pedal force, pedal travel and deceleration. We used dynamometer test method to study the brake noise question. We designed a fixture which could imitate the suspension and made the test more close to the true level. Moreover we discussed how to establish the evaluation system of vehicle braking condition. Through real vehicle test of braking, we can test and record the brake system parameters in the braking process under urban working conditions. We recorded the brake frequency, the change of brake speed and brake disc temperature. Meanwhile, based on the analysis of braking condition, we put forward the index of brake load to reflect the city’s traffic conditions. Experiment show that the braking condition and brake feel are related, braking condition also provides theoretical support for the design of brake system.
Growth Maximizing Government Size and Social Capital

Our paper intersects two topics in growth theory: the growth maximizing government size and the role of social capital in development. We modify a simple OLG framework by introducing two key features: endogenous growth and a role for public officials in monitoring the public expenditures for intermediate goods and services supplied to private firms. Public officials have the opportunity to steal a fraction of public resources under their own control, subject to a probability of being caught and pay a fine. Hence, not all tax revenues raised by the Government reach private firms, as a fraction of them is being diverted by public officials, thus hampering growth. Under certain conditions on parameters, our main result establishes that, if the probability of detection or the fine charged on public officials who are caught stealing, or both, increase, then an increase of the tax rate is required in order to maintain an optimal growth rate, provided that also the number of public officials is increased as well. As both the probability of detection and the fine positively depend on the Social Capital level, we conclude that maximum growth rates are compatible with Big Government size, measured both in terms of expenditures and public officials, only when associated with high levels of Social Capital.
Recycling Waste of Rice Husk to Improve Entrepreneurship Motivation

The farmers in Indonesia have not maximally taken advantage of the existence of rice husk; therefore the huge number of the husk becomes disturbing waste, which spoils environment. The waste of rice husk is potentially capable of improving the farmers’ economy amidst the people’s lack of knowledge about its potential to commercially produce charcoal briquettes from it, make it a plant growing medium, and change it into manure. This research aims at knowing if the training of recycling waste of rice husk can improve the farmers’ entrepreneurship motivation. The subjects of the research were farmers in groups at Bimomartani village, Ngemplak district, Sleman regency. They were 60 participants divided into experintal and control groups. The planned experiment used untreated control group design with dependent pretest and posttest samples. The paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test were used as the techniques of analysis in this research. The result of t-test on paired sample t-test for the experimental group resulted in the value of t = -6.659 with p = 0.000 (p<0.01), which means there was a significant difference of entrepreneurship motivation before and after the training of recycling rice husk. The analysis for Independent sample t-test resulted in the value of t = 7.411 with p = 0.000 (p<0.01), which means there was a significant difference of entrepreneurship motivation between experimental and control groups. It can be concluded that the training of recycling waste of rice husk was effective in improving the farmers’ entrepreneurship motivation.
Credit Access , Multiple Sources of Borrowings and Household Wellbeing : The Case of Eleven Villages in Cambodia Final report

This paper uses a panel data of eleven, mainly rural, villages in Cambodia collected between 2011 and 2014 to investigate impacts of microcredit on a set of outcomes: paddy quantity and income, expenditure on paddy production, non-land durable assets, self-employment income and total consumption. The difference-indifferences (DD) estimator indicates that credit participants observe a 26.1% increase in paddy income, 68.9% in paddy quantity and 26.5% in expenditure on paddy production. Participants also observe an increased non-land durable assets relative to those of non-participants. In addition, DD results indicate that borrowing both from formal and informal sources, at least, has no negative impact on borrowers’ paddy production and income. We find little evidence that microcredit access increases non-farm self-employment income and per capita consumption. Lastly, the triple difference (DDD) shows week evidence that women participants benefit more from credit programme than male counterparts. However, women are more likely to start self-employment activities with the loans.
Pregnancy outcome in Chinese women with systemic lupus erythematosus : a retrospective study of 255 cases in a single center

Purpose: Pregnancy is risky for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) women, because it could increase SLE activity and obstetric complications. This study aimed to investigate pregnancy outcome in SLE women, minimize risk of miscarriage, and improve perinatal quality. Patients and methods: Medical records of 282 pregnancies in 280 SLE patients were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age was 28.25 ± 4.12 years. In the remaining 255 cases, there were 206 (80.8%) planned pregnancies and 49 unplanned pregnancies. Among 255 SLE pregnancies, there were 215 successful deliveries and 40 fetal losses. The incidence of pregnancy loss, SLE flare, preterm birth and IUGR was significantly higher in unplanned pregnancy group than in planned pregnancy group (P < 0.05). The birth weight and gestational age were significantly higher in planned pregnancy group than unplanned pregnancy group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it was found that the lupus nephritis group had worse maternal and fetal outcome than the non-lupus nephritis group. Conclusion: Pregnancy in SLE remission phase has a good outcome. Controlling SLE activity, improving renal function is critical to improve pregnancy outcome, especially for nephritis patients. Counselling obstetrician and rheumatologist before pregnancy is an essential step. Furthermore, anti-SSA/Ro antibody is closely related to neonatal lupus and low birth weight. Aspirin is able to improve the birth weight and reduce the incidence of small gestational age.
Should the population limit its exposure to media coverage after a terrorist attack

This study investigates the relationship between media exposure to the terrorist attacks in Norway on July 22, 2011 and post-traumatic stress reactions (PTSR) three years after the attacks. The sample consisted of two groups of parents not present during the attacks. The bereaved parents lost a child during the attacks, while the control group was selected from the general Norwegian population and did not lose a close relation during the attacks. The results showed that the bereaved parents reported a significantly higher amount of PTSR and media exposure than the control group. Furthermore, the amount of media exposure was found to be a significant predictor for the level of PTSR in both groups combined as well as in the group of bereaved parents alone. It was not a significant predictor in the control group alone. In spite of this tendency, we found no interaction-effect between the trauma of losing a child and media exposure that could account for the level of PTSR. In line with these results, we recommend that people who have lost a close relation in a public event limit their exposure to media following the event. However, we have no empirical foundation for extending this recommendation to members of the general public.
Effect of different nematicide applications per year on banana ( Musa AAA ) root nematode control and crop yield

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nematicide applications per year on control of banana root nematode, root weight and crop yield in Belize. The relationship between cost and benefit of the nematicide applications was also estimated. Methodology and results: A field experiment was conducted in a 40 years old commercial banana (Musa AAA cv. Grande Naine) plantation from November 2011 to February 2013. Four treatments were evaluated: 1. Three nematicides (Nemacur®, Mocap®, Vydate®) applications per year with a 4-month interval, 2. Two nematicides (Nemacur®, Mocap®) applications per year with a 6-month interval, 3. Nematicides applied based on nematode threshold (100 nematodes per g of fresh root) which resulted in two applications; Nemacur® and Mocap® with a 7-month interval, and 4. An untreated control. Averaging the 12 root nematode samplings, the lowest R. similis (P= 0.0008), Helicotylenchus spp. (P< 0.0001) and total nematode (P< 0.0001) population were observed in the plots treated with the three nematicide applications per year. Compared with the untreated control, the three nematicide applications reduced R. similis in 53%, Helicotylenchus spp. in 48% and the total nematode population in 53%. Even though the three nematicide applications per year resulted in higher R. similis control efficacy with 42.4%, no difference (P= 0.6372) was detected with two 32% (at 6-month interval) applications per year, and two 33% (at 7-month interval) applications per year, based on nematode population threshold. For Helicotylenchus spp. (P= 0.0047) and total nematodes (P= 0.0018), three applications were better than two at 6-month interval or two applications per year based on nematode population threshold, with 65.3 and 58.5% of efficacy on nematode control, respectively. No difference in total root weight (P= 0.9812) and functional root weight (P= 0.7742) was observed among treatments, varying from 88 to 90 and 73 to 79 g / plant, respectively. At harvest, 12 months after the nematicide applications, bunch weight was increased (P= 0.0013) in 7.2 (41%), 4.8 (27%) and 4.7 (27%) kg per bunch resulting in an extra gain of $2468, $1660 and $1427 ha-1 with three, two at 6month interval and two applications per year based on nematode population density, respectively. Journal of Applied Biosciences 101:9598 – 9609
Progression of spontaneous in‐plane shear faults from sub‐Rayleigh to compressional wave rupture speeds

We investigate numerically the passage of spontaneous, dynamic in‐plane shear ruptures from initiation to their final rupture speed, using very fine grids. By carrying out more than 120 simulations, we identify two different mechanisms controlling supershear transition. For relatively weaker faults, the rupture speed always passes smoothly and continuously through the range of speeds between the Rayleigh and shear wave speeds (the formerly considered forbidden zone of rupture speeds). This, however, occurs in a very short time, before the ruptures reach the compressional wave speed. The very short time spent in this range of speeds may explain why a jump over these speeds was seen in some earlier numerical and experimental studies and confirms that this speed range is an unstable range, as predicted analytically for steady state, singular cracks. On the other hand, for relatively stronger faults, we find that a daughter rupture is initiated by the main (mother) rupture, ahead of it. The mother rupture continues to propagate at sub‐Rayleigh speed and eventually merges with the daughter rupture, whose speed jumps over the Rayleigh to shear wave speed range. We find that this daughter rupture is essentially a “pseudorupture,” in that the two sides of the fault are already separated, but the rupture has negligible slip and slip velocity. After the mother rupture merges with it, the slip, the slip velocity, and the rupture speed become dominated by those of the mother rupture. The results are independent of grid sizes and of methods used to nucleate the initial rupture.
Growth and yield of barley genotypes as influenced by INM and In-situ moisture conservation practices in peninsular India

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014 -15 in farmers’ field at model watershed, Neeralkatti village, Dharwad district of Karnataka to study the “Growth and Yield of Barley Genotypes as Influenced by INM and in situ moisture conservation Practices in Peninsular India” in rainfed condition. The treatments comprised of two main plots as land management practices viz. L 1 : broad bed and furrow (BBF), L 2 : farmer’s practice (flat bed), two genotypes viz. G 1 : DWRB – 73, G 2 : BH 902 as sub plots and sub-sub plots consists of five integrated nutrient management practices viz. N 1 : RDF ( 50:25:0 N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O kg ha + 7 t ha FYM), N 2 : 75% N through urea + 25% N through FYM and recommended P through inorganic, N 3 : 50% N through urea + 50% N through FYM and recommended P through inorganic, N 4: 75% N through urea + 25% N through vermicompost and recommended P through inorganic, N 5: 50% N through urea + 50% N through vermicompost and recommended P through inorganic. Crop raised on BBF recorded significantly higher grain yield (1757 kg ha) compared to flat bed. Genotype DWRB – 73 recorded significantly higher grain yield (1888 kg ha), number of tillers per m row length, total dry matter production at harvest and SPAD value. Among the INM practices, application of RDF (50:25:0 N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O kg ha + 7 t ha FYM) recorded significantly higher growth and yield parameters which was on par with the application of 75% N through urea + 25% N through vermicompost and recommended P through inorganic. Among the interaction effects, genotype DWRB -73 planted on BBF (L 1 G 1 N 1 ). with the application of RDF (50:25:0 N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O kg ha + 7 t ha FYM) registered significantly higher grain yield compared to rest of the interactions. Whereas genotype BH – 902 recorded significantly higher straw yield, plant height, leaf area and leaf area index when grown on broad bed and furrow (BBF) with application of RDF (50:25:0 N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O kg ha + 7 t ha FYM) (L 1 G 2 N 1 ) which was on par with the application of 75% N through urea + 25% N through vermicompost and recommended P through inorganic (L 1 G 2 N 4 ).
3 D Volume Visualization in Medical Application

Extracting 3D/2D information from twoand three-dimensional models is one of the requirements for visualization purposes. Dedicated computer programs and software perform the image extraction and visualization of models. These programs have specific algorithms that utilize computer graphics and image processing capability to perform the rendering. The work in this paper elaborates upon the procedures in carrying out 3D rendering. Some information about a variety of algorithms is also discussed. In this paper, Marching Cubes and ray casting are further reviewed because those two techniques are the most commonly used in medical applications.