Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New molecular evidence for fragmentation between two distant populations of the threatened stingless bee Melipona subnitida Ducke (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini)

For a snapshot assessment of the genetic diversity present within Melipona subnitida, an endemic stingless bee distributed in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, populations separated by over 1,000 km distance were analyzed by ISSR genotyping. This is a prerequisite for the establishment of efficient management and conservation practices. From 21 ISSR primers tested, only nine revealed consistent and polymorphic bands (loci). PCR reactions resulted in 165 loci, of which 92 were polymorphic (57.5%). Both Φ ST (ARLEQUIN) and θ B (HICKORY) presented high values of similar magnitude (0.34, p<0.0001 and 0.33, p<0.0001, respectively), showing that these two groups were highly structured. The dendrogram obtained by the cluster analysis and the scatter-plot of the PCoA corroborate with the data presented by the AMOVA and θ B tests. Clear evidence of subdivision among sampling sites was also observed by the Bayesian grouping model analysis (STRUCTURE) of the ISSR data. It is clear from this study that conservation strategies should take into account the heterogeneity of these two separate populations, and address actions towards their sustainability by integrating our findings with ecological tools.
Route Selection Based on Soft MODM Framework in Transportation of Hazardous Materials

Route selection could be a part of most transportation planning scenarios from transportation planning for metropolitan areas to transportation of goods and materials. Meanwhile, as the importance of the subject of transportation increase, the sensitivity of the route selection procedure increase meaningfully. Due to the risk that is tied with transportation of hazardous material (Hazmat Shipment), developing algorithms to find safest route of transportation of such these goods could be very vital. There are two basic concerns exist in hazmat shipment: first is to define the risk of transportation and second one is to develop proper algorithm for route selection that minimize the risk of transportation. In fact, hazmat shipment is a Multi Objective Decision Making (MODM) problem. In this paper a soft framework is proposed to define and solve the problem. Genetic Algorithm is used as a tool to solve the problem and different scenarios are tested to evaluate the proposed framework.
Studies on sol-gel processes accompanying formation of the yttrium aluminum garnet nanocrystals

The sol-gel processes of YAG and YAG doped Nd are presented. The mechanism of YAG powders formation by sol-gel method is described. The gel is formed by reaction of inorganic salts or oxides Y, Al, Nd elements with acetic acid and ethylene glycol. Conditions of sol-gel processes in the range of temperature treatment from 100 0 C to 1000 0 C and mechanism of reactions are investigated using DTA, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopic methods. Size, shape, and morphology of the surface of the YAG powders are characterized by scanning electron microscope. Finally one phase of YAG and yttrium substituted by neodymium up to 28% at. are found. At higher concentration of Nd (up to 100% at.) two phases of garnet and perovskite type are detected.
Widespread occurrence of the anammox reaction in estuarine sediments

We assayed sediment for the anammox reaction at 40 sites from 9 estuaries during the summer of 2004. The anammox reaction was detected at all sites with its potential contribution to the production of N 2 (ra, %) ranging from 3 % (> 2 nmol N 2 ml -1 wet sediment for anammox after 24 h), below this, though still detectable, anammox was underestimated with 15 NH 4 + . The decrease in the estimate for anammox with 15 NH 4 + relative to 15 NO 3 - was partly explained by a decrease in the recovery of N 2 gas, probably as a result of significant dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in some of the slurries. The potential interference from DNRA in the anammox assay, however, would be low, with the probability of anamox making 30 N 2 (A 30 N 2 ) being about 1.4 %. Our findings provide firm evidence that the anammox reaction is widespread in estuarine sediments.
Industry and Foreign Trade in India, China and OECD countries: an analysis of causality, 1960-2002

We analyse causality relationships between industry and foreign trade in three major areas of the world economy: India, China and OECD countries for the period 1960-2002, and found that the effect of imports is usually positive and significant to favour industrial and non-industrial development, from a mixed approach to economic growth which has into account demand and supply sides. We use several approaches to causality, including Granger´s bivariate and trivariate tests and analysis of contemporaneous relationships.
Does weather affect US bank loan efficiency

The impact of strong emotions or mood on decision making and risk taking is well recognized in behavioral economics and finance. Yet, and in spite of the immense interest, no study, so far, has provided any comprehensive evidence on the impact of weather conditions. This paper provides the theoretical framework to study the impact of weather through its influence on bank manager’s mood on bank inefficiency. In particular, we provide empirical evidence of the dynamic interactions between weather and bank loan inefficiency, using a panel data set that includes 69 banks operating in the US spanning the period 1994 to 2009. Bank loan inefficiency is derived using both a standard stochastic frontier production approach for bank loans and a directional distance function. Then, we employ a Panel-VAR model to derive orthogonalised impulse response functions and variance decompositions, which show responses of the main variables, weather and bank loan inefficiency, to orthogonal shocks. The results provide evidence insinuating the importance of specific weather characteristics, such as temperature and cloud cover time, in explaining the variation of gross loans.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase as A Prognostic Factor in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an immunomodulatory enzyme produced by tumor cells and some alternatively activated macrophages and other immunoregulatory cells. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the relative expression of the forkhead/winged helix transcription factor 3 (Foxp3) and IDO in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues.Methods: The NSCLC tissues from 141 patients who underwent complete surgical resection were collected at the time of surgery. The relative expression levels of Foxp3 and IDO in the tissues were determined by quantitative RT–PCR.Results: The histological types of cancer seen in these patients included 105 adenocarcinomas, 24 squamous cell carcinomas and 12 other types of carcinoma. The average expression levels of Foxp3 and IDO relative to that of s-actin in the NSCLC tissue were 0.052 ± 0.147% and 0.088 ± 0.157%, respectively. The relative expression of Foxp3 tended to increase with the relative expression of IDO (R=0.451, P=0.001). The five-year survival rates of the patients according to the relative expression of Foxp3 were 78.3% and 71.9% in the lower and higher groups, respectively. According to the relative expression of IDO, the five-year survival rate was 83.2% in the lower expression group, and 67.9% in the higher expression group. There was a significant difference between the lower and higher IDO expression groups (p=0.0389). Conclusions: The expression of IDO tended to have a positive correlation with the expression of Foxp3. The higher expression of IDO was therefore a significantly unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with NSCLC.
To use or not to use, that is the question: On students’ encounters with a library of examples

Abstract Understanding learning processes in an example-based environment is of interest to scholars from various disciplines. This qualitative study presents the missing perspective: the emotional and motivational aspects that accompany learning in an example-based environment. The participants of our study were 70 students in four classes (2010–2013) of “The Learning Processes,” an academic course at a teacher-education college. Research tools were: An open questionnaire to expose the students’ preconceptions regarding the use of a library of examples in learning processes, three reflective journals, observations, and a designated library of examples. In this study we adopted a unique pedagogical strategy, both in constructing the library of examples and in determining when the examples would be studied. Content analysis revealed two contrasting approaches : the “objecting” versus the “agreeing”; these led to identification of six academic emotional types (three “objecting” types and three “agreeing” types) of users of the example-based environment. The processes that caused each student to behave in a particular way were found to be complex, with external-behavioral expressions (actual use of examples), and internal expressions. These were related to each type’s focused achievement goal, academic self-concept, and to social-academic emotions aroused in this environment. The present study broadens the implications of the theory of learning through examples, and emphasizes the widely varied preferences of learners in a an example-rich environment.
Feature Selection Based on Fisher Criterion and Sequential Forward Selection for Intrusion Detection

Many redundant and irrelevant features not only slow training and classifying, increase computational consumption heavy but also reduce the accuracy of detection classification, especially when coping with big data. The features selection is an important issue for intrusion detection, an intrusion detection model based on SVM mixed with Fisher Criterion and SFS is proposed in this paper. In this method, the weights representing the relative importance of each feature are first obtained by Fisher Criterion. The features were joined to the feature subset one at a time, the ones with higher weight first, we run the classifier. Eventually, the optimized feature subset is obtained when a steady and satisfactory test result occurs. The performance of this algorithm is verified on MATLAB2012 platform in the KDD CUP 99 data, and the experimental results indicate good feasibility of the method.
Exploring power efficiency and optimizations targeting heterogeneous applications

Graphics processing units (GPUs) have become widely accepted as the computing platform of choice in many high performance computing domains, due to the potential for approaching or exceeding the performance of a large cluster of CPUs for many parallel applications. The availability of programming standards such as OpenCL makes the use of GPUs even more popular to leverage the inherent parallelism offered by them. However, given the power consumption of GPUs, some devices can exhaust power budgets quickly. Better solutions are needed to effectively exploit the powerefficiency available on heterogeneous systems. In this work, we evaluate the power-performance trade-offs of different optimizations used on heterogeneous applications. More specifically, we compare the performance of different optimization techniques on Fast Fourier Transform algorithms. Our study covers discrete GPUs and shared memory GPUs (APUs) from AMD (Llano APUs and the Southern Islands GPU), Nvidia (Kepler) and Intel (Ivy Bridge) as test platforms. This thesis studies each optimization platform to categorize it as power-efficient or compute efficient. The study identifies the architectural and algorithmic factors which affect power consumption. We observe up to 27% increase in power consumption across optimizations which yield more than 1.8X speedup.
An Improved Region Contrast and Global Distribution Saliency Detection algorithm

Keywords: Saliency detection, region contrast, global distribution Abstract. According to the local contrast and global distribution of an image, this paper detecting salient images through bottom-up data driven . First, this paper using adaptive segmentation method divided image into non-overlapping images, improved Block and Chessboar distance from a linear combination to replace the Euclidean distance method to calculate the regional features of contrast functions, then calculate the global distribution of feature functions, finally fusion of the above features for computing saliency map. The algorithm taking into account local features and global features to get more accurate saliency map. Test our method on the international public data sets MSRA-1000,the experimental result proves that the images extracted by this method are more accurate and more clearly, while reducing the calculation time of regional characteristics, having strong noise and high texture regions resistance , and can basically ignore the complex background.
the black-scholes type financial models and the arbitrage opportunities

By using the conservation laws concept, we study certain financial models similar to the Black–Scholes model. We show that without complement limitations such models can have two or more volatilities. This fact imposes several intrinsic limitations for the dynamical system parameters in order to guarantee the correct definition. Keywords: Black–Scholes model, volatility, laws of conservation.
The Economic Influence of Natural Disaster and Climate Change in Sub-Saharan African Economic Development

This article looks at the links among natural disasters, economic development and climate change. It attempts to outline a framework for thinking about these links. The work summarizes the limited knowledge of the long term economic impact of natural disasters. It is essential to draw links among disasters, conflicts, resource management, and other transmission channels to develop an appropriate response to natural disasters. The paper argues that African governments, along with their development partners, need to develop a more robust adaptation and response capability to disasters as part of their overall development planning. The work makes the case for more market-based financing mechanisms than have been used hitherto and for an emphasis on forecasting research. It also argues for more work on the links between climate change and disasters and a novel way of observing the disaster resilience as a continuum to development plans. Keywords : Climate change, Economic development, Natural disaster, Sub-Saharan Africa
Evidence for sperm limitation in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

Reproductive success of female blue crabs may be limited by the amount of sperm received during the female’s single, lifetime mating. Sperm must be stored in seminal receptacles until eggs are produced and fertilized months to years after mating. Further, intense fishing pressure impacts male abundance, male size and population sex ratio, which affect ejaculate quantity. We measured temporal variation in seminal receptacle contents in relation to brood production for two stocks differing in both fishing pressure on males and latitudinal effects on reproductive season: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland and Virginia, experienced intensive fishing and relatively short reproductive season; and the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, experienced lower exploitation and longer reproductive season. Nearly all ( .98%) females were mated, and mating prevalence did not vary among sites during 1996. Seminal receptacle weight declined markedly for 2 mo following mating as seminal fluid disappeared to leave only spermatophores for long-term storage, which suggests that seminal fluid serves as a short-term sperm plug. Seminal receptacle weight in upper Chesapeake Bay declined by 31% from 1992‐1999, indicating that females received smaller ejaculates. In 1996, seminal receptacle contents were highest (3.75 g wet wt, 2.3 3 10 3 mg DNA, 1.2 3 109 sperm) in Florida, but were significantly lower by: 25% for weight and 50% for sperm number at the upper Chesapeake Bay site; and 30% for weight and 65% for sperm number at lower Chesapeake Bay sites. Generally, females receive 2‐3 3 10 3 spermatophores and 108‐109 sperm cells for a full ejaculate, whereas females produce ca. 3 3 10
A REVIEW ON PALMYRA PALM (BORASSUS FLABELLIFER)

The medicinal plants have very important role in the health of human beings as well as animals. India is the largest producer of medicinal plants. One such plant, Borassus flabellifer L, belongs to family Arecaceae, commonly known as Palmyra palm is a native of tropical Africa but cultivated throughout India. Traditionally the different parts of the plant such as root, leaves, fruit, and seeds are used for various human disorders. Leaves are used for thatching , mats , baskets , fans . Flowers of B. flabellifer were investigated for analgesic and antipyretic effects, anti-inflammatory activity, haematological, biochemical parameters, and immunosuppressant property. The different parts of the plant are being used for medicinal properties like antihelminthic and diuretic. The fruit pulp of B. flabellifer has been used in traditional dishes and the sap, has been used as a sweetener for diabetic patients. Phytochemical studies of the plant revealed the presence of spirostane-type steroid saponins; steroidal glycoside also contains a bitter compound called flabelliferrins. Although investigations have been carried out a lot more can still be explored, exploited and utilized. The present review highlights the phytochemical and pharmacological studies including folklore medicinal uses of this plant. Keywords: Borassus flabellifer , Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology.
Cyanobacteria and macroalgae in ecosystem of the Neva estuary

The Baltic Sea and Neva estuary are plagued by coastal eutrophication. In order to estimate the scale of the problem, quantitative estimates of phytoplankton and macroalgal mats were determined in the Neva estuary. Long-term monitoring (1982–2009) of phytoplankton showed changes in its species composition and abundance. Summer phytoplankton biomass increased significantly in the 1990s, with concomitant changes in species composition, despite a decline of nutrients in the Neva estuary. The cyanobacteria Planktothrix agardhii became a dominant species. The summer biomass of phytoplankton reached a maximum of 5.2 ± 0.4 mg·L-1 in 2002–2004. Monitoring of macroalgal community in the coastal area of the Neva estuary from 2002 to 2009 showed the dominance of the filamentous green alga Cladophora glomerata in the phytobenthos. Average biomass of macroalgae in inner and outer estuary differed significantly at 132 ± 29 and 310 ± 67 g DW·m-2 , respectively. This study showed, that fluctuations in macroalgal biomass reflected human influence on estuary, although it was less sensitive to human impact than the phytoplankton community. Thus qualitative and quantitative characteristics of phytoplankton and macroalgal blooms can indicate anthropogenic influence on the ecosystem, and help to better manage the Neva estuary.
Collapse behaviour of unsaturated compacted soil with different initial densities

Very few experimental data on the mechanical behaviour of unsaturated soils exists, particularly on the collapse behaviour under general stress states, because of the technical difficulties and time-consuming nature of measuring suction and deformation. This paper presents the results of a series of controlled-suction triaxial tests on the collapse behaviour of an unsaturated compacted clay with different initial dry densities and suctions. The collapse behaviour here includes deformation characteristics, such as volume changes, and hydraulic characteristics, such as saturation changes. It is found that the wetting-caused collapse mainly depends on the mean net stress and the initial density, and that the volume decrease reaches a maximum when the specimen is under the initial yielding mean net stress. It is also found that the soil-water characteristic curve in terms of suction and degree of saturation shifts upwards with increasing specimen density. The soil-water characteristic curve of a compacted soi.
Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis CRY1A(c) d-endotoxin on growth, nodulation and productivity of beans [Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) and siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum DC.)]

The recent introduction of Bt maize and Bt cotton transgenic crops into Africa has raised concerns on their potential short and long-term ecological effects on the environment. The effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1A(c) d-endotoxin on the growth, nodulation and productivity of two leguminous plants grown in clay soil were evaluated. Bt Cry1A(c) d-endotoxin from a local B. thuringiensis isolate (ICIPE L1-2) active against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) was used. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum DC.) seedlings were grown in pots treated with Bt Cry1A(c) dendotoxin solution (100 ig/ml). Control experiments were treated with water. The plants were maintained in the greenhouse until nodulation (8 weeks) and maturity (14 weeks) stages when sampling was done for measurements of morphological, productivity and nodulation traits. Nodulation was observed in both plants species. Nitrogen content in treatments for both bean and siratro plants, with and without Bt-toxin not were significantly different. Leaf area, plant dry weight, number of pods per plants and number of seeds per pod observed in treatments with and without Bt-toxin for both bean and siratro plants were also not significantly different. This shows that Bt Cry1A(c) delta-endotoxin does not interfere with the host plant growth, nodulation and productivity in clay soil. Findings will provide researchers with data to design more robust experiments and will inform the decisions of diverse stakeholders regarding the safety of transgenic crops.
Prevalence of chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnant females attending North Indian hospital

Malaria is an important public health problem in countries where its transmission occurs regularly, as well as in areas where transmission has been largely controlled or eliminated. Drug resistance has been implicated in the spread of malaria to new areas and re-emergence of malaria in areas where it had been eradicated. P. falciparum has developed resistance to nearly all antimalarials in current use. Chloroquine, inexpensive 4-amino quinolone compound has been used for decades as primary drug in malaria treatment. This accumulates inside the digestive vacuoles of the infected RBCs. Chloroquine resistance was first reported in South-east Asia and South America and has now spread to the vast majority of malaria endemic countries (1). Resistance of P. falciparum to chloroquine is believed to be due to an increased capacity of the parasite to expel chloroquine at a rate that does not allow chloroquine to reach levels required for inhibition of haem polymerization (2). This chloroquine efflux occurs at an increased rate of about 40 to 50 times faster among resistant parasites than sensitive strains (3). This test reflects pure antimalarial drug resistance. Prevalence of malaria is higher among pregnant women than other groups (4) and that this can lead to abortion, intrauterine fetal death, premature delivery and even maternal death (5). Pregnant females are prone to hypoglycemia, acute pulmonary edema, hemolytic anemia, fetal distress, premature labor and stillbirth (6). The problem of antimalarial drug resistance is greater for pregnant women because of their increased risk of malaria (7) and the limited availability of anti-malarial drugs that can be used in pregnancy (8). Moreover, there occurs physiological changes in pregnancy that can alter drug metabolism (9) ABSTRACT