Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Size of Local Jurisdictions (

This paper aims at analysing the population size of local jurisdictions with respect to the characteristics of the goods they provide to their citizens. The economic analysis on the size of government units is mainly founded on the classical fiscal federalism literature (Tiebout, 1956; Buchanan, 1965; Olson, 1969; Oates, 1972) and on the more recent stream on the breaking-up of nations (Alesina and Spolaore, 1997; Bolton and Roland, 1997; Spolaore, 2005). We propose a theoretical framework to further develop the analyses accomplished in the mentioned studies. In particular, we build a model that takes into account the possibly different characteristics of local public expenditures, in terms of both the mix of cash and inkind components and the degree of "rivalness" of the goods and services supplied by local governments. We show that these factors may influence the optimal size of local units. Some conclusions about which level of government should perform any specific mix of public functions, in order to maximize individuals' welfare, are also drawn.
Applicability Analysis of Single-Machine Equivalent Method for Modeling Wind Farm Containing Full-Converter Wind Turbine Generators with PMSG

For the analysis of the applicability of singlemachine equivalent method for modeling wind farm containing full-converter wind turbine generators(WTG) with permanent magnet synchronous generator(PMSG), at frist, single-machine equivalent methods of equivalent model are provided, then the detailed and equivalent wind farm model is built on simulation software DIgSILENT/Power Factory platform. At last, for wind speed fluctuations and grid disturbance, the applicability of single-machine equivalent method is analyzed by comparing dynamic response at point of interconnection between equivalent model and the detailed model of wind farms. Results show that this method is suitable for the dynamic equivalent modeling of wind farm containing directly driven wind turbine with PMSG in certain situations.
Features Extraction and Matching of Teeth Image Based on the SIFT Algorithm

Abstrac t-Using of SIFT algorithm in the image of teeth model, can detect the features of the teeth image effectively. In this approach, first, search over all scales and image locations by using a difference-of-Gaussian function to identify potential interest points that are invariant to scale and orientation. Second, select keypoints based on measures of their stability and a detailed model is fit to determine location and scale at each candidate location. Third, assign one or more orientations to each keypoint location based on local image gradient directions. Last, measure the local image gradients at the selected scale in the region around each keypoint. And then use the KNN algorithm to match the features. Through lots of experiments and comparing with other feature extraction methods, this method can detect the features of the teeth model effectively, and offer some available parameters for 3D reconstruction of the teeth model.
The I nflue nce of Propyl Pyrazole Triol on the Post- Exercise Alpha Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Activation of Satellite Cells in Skeletal Muscle of Ovariectomized Rats

Estrogen has been shown to augment satellite cell activation, proliferation and total number and that this may occur through an estrogen receptor (ER) mediated mechanism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of ERs in the postexercise estrogen-induced augmentation of satellite cells in skeletal muscle of ovariectomized rats. Furthermore, the specific role of the ERa was examined through the use of an ERa agonist, propyl pyrazole triol (PPT). Ovariectomized rats were used (n=64) and separated into 4 groups: sham, estrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented and a combined estrogen and agonist supplemented group. These groups were further subdivided into control (unexercised) and exercise groups. Animals in the exercise group participated in an intermittent running protocol that involved animals running downhill on a motorized treadmill for 90 minutes. Surgical removal of white vastus and soleus muscles occurred 72 hours post-exercise. Muscle samples were immunostained for the satellite cell markers Pax7 and MyoD. Significant increases in total (Pax7-positive) and activated (MyoD-positive) satellite cells were found in all groups post-exercise. A further significant augmentation of total and activated satellite cells occurred in estrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented and the combined estrogen and agonist supplemented groups postexercise in white vastus and soleus muscles relative to unsupplemented animals. These results demonstrate that both estrogen and the ERa agonist, PPT, can significantly augment satellite cell number and activation following exercise-induced muscle damage. This suggests that estrogen acts through an ER-mediated mechanism to stimulate satellite cell activation and proliferation following exercise, with ERa playing a primary role. Acknowledgements I would first like to thank my advisor Dr. Peter Tiidus for his continued support during my Masters. Thank you for being available to answer my questions and for providing clear and encouraging feedback on all submitted materials in such a timely fashion. I truly appreciate it. I would also like to thank Sobia Iqbal for teaching me the necessary skills to perform in the laboratory. Thank you for your patience and support. Thank you to Kelley Putzu and Aditia Trilestari from animal care for all of your assistance. Lastly, I would like to thank Eric Bombardier for his assistance with the estrogen serum analysis.
Effect of Korean Music Therapy on Depression: Daegeum Playing of Arirang

Recently, many studies have described the effectiveness of music therapy on depression. Arirang is a Korean music, often considered as the unofficial national anthem of Korea and has been listed on the UNESCO in 2012. Arirang has been sung for more than 600 years in Korea. It includes all of our feelings of joys and sorrows. Daegeum is a natural Korean transverse bamboo flute. However, the effects of the Daegeum playing of Arirang (DPA) on depression have not been investigated. Here, we evaluated the antidepressant-like effects of DPA. Mice were exposed to DPA once a day for 21 days in a sound isolation booth. Immobility times in the forced swimming test and distance moved in open field test were measured. DPA significantly decreased immobility times as compared with non-treated control without affecting locomotor activity. DPA increased levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and estrogen receptor-β in brains. In addition, protein and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor- in brains were significantly reduced in animals exposed to DPA. These findings indicate that DPA has positive effects on depression, and suggests that Korean music therapy be considered a potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of depression.
Vertical spatial behaviour patterns of Lymnaea truncatula in relation with origin of snails, infection with Fasciola hepatica, and experimental environment

Ethological studies were carried out on three Moroccan populations of Lymnaea truncatula of which two of them were living in a flooding irrigation system (Tassila, Oued Massa valley) and the third in a nonirrigated habitat. Most of the Tassila snails were found in the deep water zone. Two factors significantly influenced the presence of snails in this zone : the water current velocity, and parasitic infection of the molluscs. In the presence of other factors (lack of food, the presence of the snail Physa acuta ), the L. truncatula were recovered more frequently in zones outside of the water and just beneath the water’s surface. Despite the modifications noted in snail distribution, Bulinus truncatus did not appear to be a competitor. Lastly, habitat drying resulted in partial or complete burrowing of 50 % of snails.
Effectiveness of medium-chain fatty acids on feed intakeand weight gain in animal: Depending on balance

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) has been used in animal production, not only as an energy substance, but also as a kind of functional material, especially in pig production. At present, however, the action mechanism of MCFAs on ingestion and growth is not fully clear. In addition, there is no consensus for effect of MCFAs on feed intake and weight gain in animals. In this review, we summarized the information from comprehensive and rational arguments for the role of MCFAs on feed intake and weight gain in monogastric animal studies(mainly in rats and pigs). As a result, the supplementation level of MCFAs in diet is a key influence factor on animal ingestion, of which underlying action mechanism may be attributed to influence of MCFAs on appetite hormones (mainly, insulin and Acyl ghrelin) and fluctuation of energy balance. Additionally, the influence of MCFAs on growth performance is related to addition level of MCFAs, the types of MCFAs, characteristics of based diet, as well as the physiological status of animal. The effectiveness of MCFAs on ingestion and weight gain depend on the balance of the various influence factors.
The Oboe Works of Benjamin Britten

v Chapter 1: Benjamin Britten 1 Chapter 2: Phantasy Quartet, Opus 2 18 Chapter 3: Two Insect Pieces 24 Chapter 4: Temporal Variations 28 Chapter 5: Six Metamorphoses After Ovid, Opus 49 36 Conclusion 48 Appendices: A: Discography 49 B: Annotated Discography of Selected Recordings 52 Bibliography 66 Biographical Sketch 69
Microbiostratigraphy of the Oligo-Miocene Asmari Formation, Kuh Siah Anticline (Izeh Basin), SW Iran

This research focusses on the biostratigraphy and paleoecological implications of the carbonatesof the Asmari Formation. The Asmari Formation is located in the Siah Kuhanticline of Izeh, Zagros Basin, SW Iran. It is of Late Oligocene (Chattian) Early Miocene (Burdigalian) age. In this stratigraphic section, the Asmari Formation overlies the Pabdeh Formation and underlies the Gachsaran Formation. It consists of cream-colored limestone intercalated with marl. 182 thin sections were prepared and the benthic foraminifera distribution analyzed. Examination of large benthic foraminifera from the 228 m-thick Asmari Formation led to the identification of 3 biozones: the LepidocyclinaOperculinaDitrupa Assemblage Zone, Miogypsina-Elphidium sp. Assemblage Zone and the Borelis melocurdicaMeandropsina iranica Assemblage Zone.
In vitro flowering in embryogenic cultures of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour ´ C. deliciosa Tenora)

Embryogenic cultures of Kinnow mandarin (C. nobilis Lour × C. deliciosa Tenora) were raised from unfertilized ovules dissected from unopened flower buds of this plant inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L kinetin (KN). In vitro flowering was induced in these cultures by using different concentrations of KN and sucrose as well as subjecting these cultures to different photoperiods. Maximum percentage (31.94%) of cultures producing flowers and maximum number (5.58) of flowers per culture was observed on MS medium supplemented with KN (2 mg/L) and sucrose 40 g/L at 12-h photoperiod.
Using gravitationally lensed images to investigate the intrinsic AGN variability

We discuss about how the relative flux densities among the images of gravitationally-lensed active galactic nuclei (AGN), can be used to study the intrinsic AGN variability with high accuracy. Multi-frequency monitoring observations of resolved gravitational lenses can allow us to detect signals of very weak variability and also provide information about the jet opacity and structure. As an example, we investigate the variability of the flux-density ratio between the two lensed images of the blazar B 0218+357, using dual-frequency cm-wave observations. Similar to our previously reported submm-wave observations of the lensed blazar PKS 1830-211, we observe a clear chromatic variability, starting short before an increase in the flux-density of the blazar. The evolution of the flux-density ratios between the blazar images shows a more clear and rich structure than that of the mere lightcurves of each individual image. The accuracy in the ratio measurements is allowing us to see variability episodes in the blazar that are weaker than the natural scatter in the absolute flux-density measurements. A simple opacity model in the jet is used to consistently explain the difference between the flux-density-ratio evolution at the two frequencies.
Estimating the power of lack-of-fit test for the mean of multivariate spatial regression

The purpose of this paper is to establish an estimation of a boundary crossing probability composed by a multivariate centered Gaussian processes and a vector of deterministic trends. Such probability corresponds in statistics to the power function of an asymptotic lack-of-fit test conducted based on the Kolmogorov functional of set-indexed partial (cumulative) sums process of the least squares residuals of multivariate spatial regression. Since the analytical computation of the probability is impossible, we investigate its upper and lower bounds by applying some methods relied on the multivariate Cameron-Martin translation formula on the space of high dimensional set-indexed continuous functions. Our consideration is mainly for the multivariate set-indexed Brownian pillow. The results are shown not only useful for analyzing the behavior of the test, but also worth for the abstraction and generalization of some existing results toward univariate Gaussian process studied in many literatures. Mathematics Subject Classification: 60G15, 62H15
FUNCTIONAL AND ANTIOXIDATIVE PROPERTIES OF SORGHUM OGI FLOUR ENRICHED WITH COCOA

This study was carried out to determine the functional and antioxidative properties of blends of sorghum ogi flour and cocoa powder. The blends were produced by adding cocoa powder in proportional gradients of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% to sorghum ogi. The pH, total titratable acidity, bulk density, oil absorption capacity and least gelation concentration of the resulting samples as determined were 4.13 to 6.69, 0.109 to 0.198%, 0.515 to 0.646 g/mL, 133.50 to 144.24% and 6 to 12%, respectively. The swelling power and solubility of the blends decreased with the inclusion of cocoa powder but increased with increase in temperature upon evaluation. The water absorption capacity increased with addition of cocoa powder and increase in temperature. The extent of relationship of the swelling power, solubility and water absorption capacity of all the samples, control sample (100% ogi sample) inclusive, to temperature was found to be polynomial in nature. The antioxidative activities (DPPH radical scavenging ability, ferric reducing ability, metal chelating ability and total phenolic content) of the blends also increased proportionately with increase in the inclusion of cocoa powder. The study established that the inclusion of cocoa powder enhanced the functional and antioxidative properties of the enriched sorghum ogi samples.
Vers une ethnopsychiatrie mexicaine : la médecine traditionnelle dans une communauté nahua du Guerrero

Le groupe ethnique choisit pour cette recherche est le nahua qui forme le groupe indigene majoritaire au mexique avec 1 200 000 personnes parlant cette langue. Sont decrits, de facon synthetique les concepts fondamentaux et un ebauche historique de l'ethnopsychiatrie ainsi que quelques troubles ethniques. Il est presente la cosmovision nahua a l'epoque prehispanique ainsi que la medecine nahua prehispanique et coloniale. Special attention est donne aux concepts de sante et de maladie, aux entites vitales (tonalli, teyolia et ihiyotl) a l'etiologie et diagnostic des maladies et a leur traitement. L'auteur souligne l'importance du nagualismo et montre la continuite de la nahuatlite. La recherche a ete mene aupres d'une population nahua de xalitla, village de la region du alto balsas dans l'etat du guerrero. Des entretiens faits aux tepatiani montrent les etapes marquantes de l'initiation de chaque therapeute traditionnel ainsi que leurs methodes diagnostiques et therapeutiques. La complexite des itineraires et des rituels therapeutiques de la population est aussi decrit. La nosologie indigene presente comprends les maladies suivantes : le susto ou onomujti, le coacihuiztli, le topontli, la tetlanonoxilia ou cochinada, le mauvais oeil, la tlayocoya, le coraje, l'alcoolisme et quelques maladies propres aux naguales et aux enfants. Actuellement les habitants de la zone du alto balsas pensent qu'il y a des maladies "domestiques" ou "diaboliques" et des maladies "naturelles". Les premieres sont insaisissables pour les medecins et relevent de la sorcellerie et des conduites psychopathologiques. La cosmologie precolombienne et le syncretisme des croyances jaillissent au moment de la reponse communautaire face aux maladies "domestiques". L'auteur a recueilli plusieurs versions classificatoires actuelles des aires. Les maladies gardent donc un rapport etroit avec les emanations nocives, les envies et les "aires" ou esprits. En conclusion, le travail realise permet de constater qu'a l'heure actuelle dans les communautes nahuas du alto balsas, les methodes diagnostiques et therapeutiques de la medecine nahua prehispanique persistent et qu'elles se sont enrichies et metamorphosees en incorporant ou en rejetant la medecine dite moderne.
Symmetry in Structure Building

This paper defends three interconnected claims: (a) selection is the only licensing procedure available to UG, specifically, checking is an instance of selection; (b) selection obtains in the mutual c-command configuration; and (c) though a head does not mutually c-command its own specifier, it mutually c-commands the specifier of its complement. A head may therefore license the specifier of its complement (as well as its complement) but not its own specifier (it is not local enough). This effectively eliminates the spec-head configuration from the repertoire of syntactic configurations, in favor of a unified notion of locality strictly identifiable with mutual c-command, a symmetric configuration. The discussion shows that a theory that collapses these distinctions remains empirically discriminating. The resulting theory is therefore genuinely reductionist.
Blockchain with Internet of Things: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions

The Internet of Things (IoT) has extended the internet connectivity to reach not just computers and humans, but most of our environment things. The IoT has the potential to connect billions of objects simultaneously which has the impact of improving information sharing needs that result in improving our life. Although the IoT benefits are unlimited, there are many challenges facing adopting the IoT in the real world due to its centralized server/client model. For instance, scalability and security issues that arise due to the excessive numbers of IoT objects in the network. The server/client model requires all devices to be connected and authenticated through the server, which creates a single point of failure. Therefore, moving the IoT system into the decentralized path may be the right decision. One of the popular decentralization systems is blockchain. The Blockchain is a powerful technology that decentralizes computation and management processes which can solve many of IoT issues, especially security. This paper provides an overview of the integration of the blockchain with the IoT with highlighting the integration benefits and challenges. The future research directions of blockchain with IoT are also discussed. We conclude that the combination of blockchain and IoT can provide a powerful approach which can significantly pave the way for new business models and distributed applications.
Cultural Influences in Probabilistic Thinking

Concerns about students' difficulties in statistics and probability and a lack of research in this area outside of western countries led to a case study which explored form five (14 to 16 year olds) students' ideas in this area. The study focussed on probability, descriptive statistics and graphical representations. This paper presents and discusses the ways in which students made sense of probability constructs (equally likely and proportional reasoning) obtained from the individual interviews. The findings were interpreted in relation to cultural perspective. The findings revealed that many of the students used strategies based on cultural experiences (beliefs, everyday and school experiences) and intuitive strategies. While the results of the study confirm a number of findings of other researchers, the findings go beyond those discussed in the literature. The use of beliefs, everyday and school experiences was considerably more common than that discussed in literature. The paper concludes by suggesting some implications for teachers and researchers.
Urban Design Studio Project: The Revitalization of Dungun as a Cultural And Heritage Town

This paper discusses a design urban project by a group of Master of Urban Design students at Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The aim of the project is to resolve the segregation developments between the new town and old town. It was caused by the ad-hoc development which is being deteriorated by piecemeal development in Dungun town. The project begun with site observation and visual assessment, and interviews to recognize the potential and constraint of the study area. Secondary data as supportive resource was obtained from literature review, local municipal’s briefing, technical report, and local plan. Subsequently, the implication of site analysis and synthesis mappings were used to translate as complements conceptual initiative for urban design master plan and appropriate design guidelines. From the design process, it was found that the town is facing with poor legibility and imageability, incompatible land use and building use, lack of connection throughout the circulation linkages and inadequate urban amenities.
Rapportage veranderingen in het beweeggedrag van mbo studenten

Binnen het middelbaar beroepsonderwijs (MBO) wordt veel aandacht geschonken aan het bevorderen van een gezonde leefstijl. Om sport en bewegen duurzaam te implementeren binnen het mbo is eind 2008 het masterplan bewegen en sport opgesteld door de mbo raad. Dit masterplan sluit nauw aan bij de doelstellingen die zijn geformuleerd binnen het Beleidskader Sport, Bewegen en Onderwijs (SBO) waar het platform SBO uitvoering aan geeft. Het masterplan bewegen en sport binnen het mbo vormt daarom een van de vijf deelprojecten binnen het platform SBO. Het platform SBO heeft als doelstelling dat in 2012 minimaal 50% van de jongeren (4-23 jaar) voldoet aan de beweegnorm (i.e. combinorm). Deze doelstelling geldt ook voor mbo studenten. Om te bepalen of deze doelstelling binnen het mbo is gehaald, is gebruik gemaakt van data die verzameld zijn met Testjeleefstijl.nu (TJL). Dit is een digitale leefstijlscan die mbo scholen o.a. in staat stelt om de leefstijl van mbo studenten te monitoren over de tijd. De data die verzameld zijn in het studiejaar 2009/2010 dienden hierbij als voormeting en de data die verzameld zijn in het studiejaar 2011/2012 dienden als nameting. Met behulp van deze data is onderzocht in hoeverre het beweeggedrag van mbo studenten is veranderd gedurende de periode dat het Masterplan bewegen en sport mbo van kracht was. Hiertoe zijn de veranderingen in kaart gebracht in het percentage mbo studenten dat voldeed aan Nederlandse Norm Gezond Bewegen, (NNGB), de fitnorm en de combinorm. Om te bepalen in hoeverre het beweeggedrag van mbo studenten veranderd is tussen de voor- en nameting is primair gekeken naar de verandering in het percentage mbo studenten dat voldeed aan de combinorm. Tevens is onderzocht in hoeverre er veranderingen optraden in het percentage studenten met overgewicht en obesitas. De verwachting was dat het percentage mbo studenten dat voldoet aan de De verwachting was dat het percentage mbo studenten dat voldoet aan de beweegnorm (i.e. combinorm) zou toenemen in de periode dat het Masterplan van kracht was en dat het percentage studenten met overgewicht en obesitas zou afnemen.