Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photometry and Proper Motions of M, L, and T Dwarfs from the Pan-STARRS1 3π Survey

We present a catalog of 9888 M, L and T dwarfs detected in the Pan-STARRS1 3π Survey (PS1), covering three-quarters of the sky. Our catalog contains nearly all known objects of spectral types L0–T2 in the PS1 field, with objects as early as M0 and as late as T9, and includes PS1, 2MASS, AllWISE, and Gaia DR1 photometry. We analyze the different types of photometry reported by PS1 and use two types in our catalog in order to maximize both depth and accuracy. Using parallaxes from the literature, we construct empirical SEDs for field ultracool dwarfs spanning 0.5–12 μm. We determine typical colors of M0–T9 dwarfs and highlight the distinctive colors of subdwarfs and young objects. We combine astrometry from PS1, 2MASS, and Gaia DR1 to calculate new proper motions for our catalog. We achieve a median precision of 2.9 mas yr−1, a factor of ≈3−10 improvement over previous large catalogs. Our catalog contains proper motions for 2405 M6–T9 dwarfs and includes the largest set of homogeneous proper motions for L and T dwarfs published to date, 406 objects for which there were no previous measurements, and 1176 objects for which we improve upon previous literature values. We analyze the kinematics of ultracool dwarfs in our catalog and find evidence that bluer but otherwise generic late-M and L field dwarfs (i.e., not subdwarfs) tend to have tangential velocities higher than those of typical field objects. With the public release of the PS1 data, this survey will continue to be an essential tool for characterizing the ultracool dwarf population.
Effect of Processing Conditions on Physical Properties of Parboiled Rice

A laboratory-scale parboiling setup was fabricated to produce parboiled rice at low steaming temperatures for determination of its physical properties, the quality indicators, and to compare those qualities with rice produced at higher temperatures. Parboiled rice was prepared under different steaming conditions using different sample sizes, both of which affected the rice temperature and quality. A sample size of 200 g, which maintained a 10 mm thick layer of rough rice, was found adequate for favorable quality. Better quality of parboiled rice was achieved at lower steaming temperatures (80–100°C) than that at higher temperatures (110 and 120°C). The temperature-time combinations of 80°C-40 min, 90°C-30 min and 100°C-20 min were recommended steaming conditions. Parboiled rice produced under these conditions has adequate lightness and color intensity, 4.0 to 7.5% more milling yield having 55 to 80 N hardness values compared with an untreated sample. It is believed the proposed parboiling method would be seen as important by both household and commercial parboiling plants in their production of a good quality product.
EMPOWERING SOCIETY FOR BETTER CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR): THE CASE OF MALAYSIA

This article presents a theoretical proposition based on stakeholder theory for better Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices, specifically in the context of Malaysia. The aim of this article is to argue the need for a government initiative to help empower local communities and transform them into legitimate and powerful stakeholders. An understanding of the concept and importance of CSR is still lacking among the local communities in Malaysia, in contrast to the communities in certain developed nations where the idea of CSR originated. Competing for the limited resources of the firm, communities need to understand that they also have a role in promoting better CSR. This article contributes to the literature by providing a fundamental explanation of how the community could be empowered to become an important driver of CSR practices, contributing to a better atmosphere if both firms and communities work together towards a sustainable livelihood. The public sector includes all types of government agencies, which should play their role in providing awareness to the community about its rights and capability to become an effective change agent regarding the responsibility of firms operating within its environment.
Health Promotion Program among Breast Cancer Clients Receiving Chemotherapy in South Governorates in Gaza

Worldwide breast cancer was the second most common cancer when men and women were analyzed together. It is estimates there were 1.5 million new cancer cases in the United States in 2010 and 569,490 deaths. In Palestine the top cancer incidence among women is cancer breast. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of health promotion program among breast cancer clients during their chemotherapy in south governorates of Gaza Strip . Aquai-experimental design (pre-test/post-test)was used in this study; The study sample was 50 subjects were selected randomly from European Gaza Hospitals oncology outpatient clinic. Tools and data collection : 1-Structured interviewing questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, 2-(pre-test post-tool) based on Pender,s model which related to knowledge and practice, life style, physical activities, psychological and social role performance. The educational program was delivered Individual health promotion program comprised two teaching interviews with five sessions, scheduled over two weeks of clients visit. Results revealed that there was statistical significant difference between pre and post test in health promotion program in most variables related to clients knowledge about breast cancer and it’s treatment side effect, benefits of nutrition and exercise during chemotherapy course, either the result illustrate significant improvement in physical , psychological and social role performance and practice after the health promotion program. The study results concluded and recommended that:- The health promotion program for breast cancer clients under chemotherapy had improve the knowledge and practice concerning the side effects, and management of breast cancer as physical, psychological activities ,life style, and social role performance . Establish special oncology nursing courses for all nurses whom working with cancer clients to increase their knowledge and practice in how to deal and care of cancer client who under chemotherapy treatment. Keyword s : health promotion program, breast cancer, chemotherapy side effects,. south governorates in Gaza.
Small hepatocellular carcinoma keeping hypodense during dual phase helical CT scan and correlative pathology

Rationale and Objectives: To evaluate the dual-phase helical computed tomography (CT) appearance of small hepato- cellular carcinoma (SHCC) with hypodense and to evaluate its correlation with pathology. Materials and Methods: The helical CT dual-phase appearance of 33 lesions with keeping hypodense was retrospectively analyzed, all lesions were confirmed as SHCC by histopathology. CT appearance included border, inner density. Results: In 33 lesions, which were confirmed as SHCC by pathology, keeping hypodense during hepatic arterial phase and portal venous phase, 19 lesions are ill-defined borders and 14 lesions are well-defined borders, 22 lesions show homogenous hypodense and 11 lesions show heterogeneous hypodense in non-enhancing CT scan; however, only 9 lesions are ill-defined borders and the other 24 lesions are well-defined borders with slightly irregular contours, only 9 lesions show homogenous hypodense and the other 24 lesions show heterogenous hypodense with flecks of more hypodense in enhancing CT scan. Conclusion: SHCC with hypodense prefers to have a well-defined border with slightly irregular contour, and flecks of more hypodense in the lesion in dual-phase enhancing helical CT scan.
An assessment of the relationship between shared solid waste management services and effectiveness in service delivery in Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda

This manuscript assesses the effectiveness of KCCA in management of solid waste in Uganda through a theoretical framework of ‘social welfare’, ‘standardization’, ‘effectiveness’, ‘efficiency’, ‘equity’, ‘economies of scale and scope’, ‘cost’, ‘quality’ and ‘quantity’ (SSEEEECQQ). This study attempted to assess the relationship between sharing and the effectiveness of solid waste management services without considering other variables listed in the framework domain. The main instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire though informal discussions were included to supplement quantified results. Two categories were investigated i.e., (a) staff of KCCA at operational and senior level, and (b) town dwellers. The overall results indicate that sharing solid waste services significantly affects the implementation process, the supervision, trust between the community members and partnerships since the p –values are all less than 0.05. Moreover, the approach of sharing waste management resources among divisions i.e., (a) refuse trucks, (b) casual workers, and (c) heavy equipments has helped to improve service delivery in waste management. Hopefully the findings will help dwellers appreciate a shared responsibility of maintaining a clean city and policy makers will appreciate the need to draft a policy that will guide shared service operations which model can be replicated in many municipalities in Uganda to nurse the desire of achieving a competent and enterprising public service at the same time maintaining a clean city.
Prevalence of Bluetongue Virus Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors Among Cattle in East Darfur State, Sudan

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تحديد مدى إنتشار المضادات الحيوية لفيروس اللسان الأزرق وللتعرف على عوامل الخطر المرتبطة به وسط الأبقار بولاية شرق دارفور , جمعت 224 عينة سيرم عشوائيا من خمس محليات مختلفة . أختبرت عينات المصل للكشف عن المضادات المناعية لفيروس اللسان الأزرق باستخدام المقايسة المناعية المرتبطة بالإنزيم) الإليزا التنافسية ) . لوحظت دلائل مصلية لعدوى فيروس اللسان الأزرق في 150 من مجموع 224 من الأبقار بنسبة انتشار 67% . كانت الأبقار الكبيرة (فوق سنتين) أكثر قابلية للإصابة بست مرات من الأبقار الصغيرة ( 0.01 = p value , 2.87-15.26 = CI , 6.62= OR) . فيما يتعلق بمصدر الحيوانات (الإحتكاك بالقطعان الأخرى) كمصدر خطر وجد أن الأبقار التي مصدرها الأسواق أو التى أدخلت من قطيع أخر هناك خطر عالى بإصابتها بفيروس اللسان الأزرق بثلاث مرات ( ( 0.03= p value , 1.07-13.87 = CI , 3.87= OR. تعرض الأبقار للحشرة الناقلة يزيد من خطر الإصابة بفيروس اللسان الأزرق بست مرات مقارنة بالأبقار الغير متعرضة ( 0.01= p value , 1.53-27.08 = CI , 6.44= OR) . دلت النتائج على أن العمر ومصدر الحيوان ووجود الحشرة الناقلة تمثل عوامل خطر مؤثرة فى إصابة الأبقار بفيروس اللسان الأزرق بولاية شرق دارفور. يجب أن تمتد المسوحات لفيروس اللسان الأزرق لتشمل بقية المجترات المتعرضة ,وأن يدرس توزيع الحشرة الناقلة للتنبؤ ولإستجابة فاعلة لوباء محتمل بولاية شرق دا فور.
Alteration in corticospinal excitability, talocrural joint range of motion, and lower extremity function following manipulation in non-disabled individuals

Background: Clinical outcomes of manual therapy procedures, including manipulation, have been studied. However, mechanisms underlying observed improvements remain unclear. Objective: To determine the effect of ankle joint manipulation on corticospinal excitability, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (OF ROM), and lower extremity functional behavior in nondisabled individuals. Method: Six nondisabled individuals (age range: 31-50 years) received the main outcomes measurements of this study, before and after long axis distraction manipulation of the talccrural joint. Main outcomes measures were motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude of gastrocnemius (GN) and tibialis anterior (TA) using transcranial magnetic stimulation, ankle OF ROM with the knee Hexed and extended using standard goniometric techniques, and unilateral anterior squat reach (ASR) distance. All subjects received the main outcomes measures. Results: Significant increase in GN MEP amplitude (P < .05), but not TA MEP amplitude, were documented following intervention. Significant improvements also were noted in ankle OF ROM with knee extended and Hexed (P< .001) andASRdistance (P< .05) Significant correlations were found berween standardized change in GN MEP amplitude and ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexed (p = .582, p2 = .339, P < .01), and standardized changes in GN MEP amplitude and ASR distance (p = .601, p .361, P< .01). Conclusions: Increased corticospinal excitability appears to mediate improvements in ankle OF ROM and lower extremity function following long axis distraction manipulation Orthopaedic Practice \ml 25;2: 13 ~--------·to the talocrural joint in nondisabled individuals. These results establish comparative values with which to compare the corticospinal responses to manual therapy intervention in individuals with pathology.
Impact of Lifestyle on Brand Preferences (Genuine versus Counterfeits Smartphones)

The objective of this paper is to investigate the lifestyle of Pakistani consumers and their effect on brand preferences (genuine vs counterfeits brands). This is basically an empirical study and a scale was developed to find out the impact of three variables namely; Status consciousness, Price consciousness, and need for uniqueness on brand preferences (genuine vs counterfeits). The questionnaire was distributed among the respondents on the basis of convenience sampling. The results showed that Pakistani consumers having different lifestyles exhibited very different pattern in their purchase behavior regarding counterfeits or genuine brands. For example, consumers with salient “Need for Uniqueness” are found to quiet contingent on consuming products to look different and most likely to prefer counterfeits brands. Findings from this study provide a useful framework for marketers to link their products to various lifestyle groups of Pakistani consumers, thus enhancing their productivity and profitability in the Pakistani market. In order to increase the external validity of results future research can be done using longitudinal designs.
Modelling Overnight and Daytime Returns Using a Multivariate Garch-Copula Model

We introduce a multivariate GARCH-Copula model to describe joint dynamics of overnight and daytime returns for multiple assets. The conditional mean and variance of individual overnight and daytime returns depend on their previous realizations through a variant of GARCH specification, and two Student’s t copulas describe joint distributions of both returns respectively. We employ both constant and time-varying correlation matrices for the t copulas and with the time-varying case the dependence structure of both returns depends on their previous dependence structures through a DCC specification. We estimate the model by a two-step procedure, where marginal distributions are estimated in the first step and copulas in the second. We apply our model to overnight and daytime returns of SPDR ETFs of nine major sectors and briefly illustrate its use in risk management and asset allocation. Our empirical results show higher mean, lower variance, fatter tails and lower correlations for overnight returns than daytime returns. Daytime returns are significantly negatively correlated with previous overnight returns. Moreover, daytime returns depend on previous overnight returns in both conditional variance and correlation matrix (through a DCC specification). Most of our empirical findings are consistent with the asymmetric information argument in the market microstructure literature. With respect to econometric modelling, our results show a DCC specification for correlation matrices of t copulas significantly improves the fit of data and enables the model to account for time-varying dependence structure.
A Proximal Fully Parallel Splitting Method for Stable Principal Component Pursuit

As a special three-block separable convex programming, the stable principal component pursuit (SPCP) arises in many different disciplines, such as statistical learning, signal processing, and web data ranking. In this paper, we propose a proximal fully parallel splitting method (PFPSM) for solving SPCP, in which the resulting subproblems all admit closed-form solutions and can be solved in distributed manners. Compared with other similar algorithms in the literature, PFPSM attaches a Glowinski relaxation factor to the updating formula for its Lagrange multiplier, which can be used to accelerate the convergence of the generated sequence. Under mild conditions, the global convergence of PFPSM is proved. Preliminary computational results show that the proposed algorithm works very well in practice.
Predictors of volunteerism: A study of older adults in Japan

Volunteerism has risen steadily as a viable activity at old age in Japan for it gives older adults ways to contribute to society as well as enhancing their quality of life. It has also been addressed by the national government and adopted by many local municipalities under the long-term care insurance program as a health promotion and preventive care activity. However, studies examining why older adults volunteer and why some don’t are limited. Using a modified version of Baltes and colleagues’ model of competence, this study examines the predictors of volunteerism among older adults in Japan. Data from a city located northeast of Tokyo was used (n=703). Results indicated that basic competence does not predict volunteerism, but rather competence gained from experiences. To increase the number of older volunteers, the study suggests that civic engagement must start at an earlier age coupled with financial stability. Keywords: volunteerism, older adults, Japan, competence, long-term care insurance
Searching for the Key to Expand Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are mostly derived from the undifferentiated inner mass cells of a blastocyst. These cells give rise during development of the embryo to all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. They do not contribute to the extra-embryonic membranes or the placenta. Ex-vivo, they can be cultured for extended periods of time and under the appropriate conditions, they can be also directed to differentiate into many specialized types of cells. These particular features are being exploited to use ESC as starting material for treatment of degenerative diseases and replacement of damaged organs. Although their potential is great, the promise of ESC-derived therapies will be unfulfilled unless several challenges are overcome. For example, the quite small production of ESCderived cells obtained or the active immune rejection of the ESC-derived graft.
EMBRYONALITY AND MALIGNANT GROWTH: PROBLEMS, CREATION OF AN ANTICANCER VACCINE

Embryonic cellular stigmata, which remain after birth, do not acquire new histoblastic potentialities during tumor transformation and merely lose ability to display these. Of metabolic, energetic, structural and other parameters the embryonality appears to be the most cardinal distinctive feature of malignant degeneration. “Stray” cellular complexes since the period of intra-uterine development under certain conditions may become a major source of neoplastic growth during different age periods. As the first cancer cells not only arise, but also survive and furthermore proliferate in an uncontrolled way, they have to adapt to the attacking factors of immunity. According to our data, there are 2 levels of protection: the covering of malignizating cells by embryonic proteins and wrapping them with «a fibrin cocoon». By expressing normal embryonic proteins, cancer cells simulate a developing fetus, towards which living organisms display a status of maximal immunological preference. In fact, for its survival the insidious cancer cell has used the sacred biological property – to preserve an embryo. The second level of protection is production of tromboplate substances. As a result fibrin-covered cells disorient the immune response, escape immune surveillance, causing immunological tolerance. Due to polyclonality, “patchiness” of membrane molecular receptors, target medicinal therapy is not successful for most forms of solid tumors. It is evident that immunorehabilitation measures in high oncological risk groups (actually healthy people) should be absolutely harmless and maximally effective. We consider that one of promising directions in struggle against cancer is vaccine prophylaxis for high oncological risk groups by the approbation of a wide pool of normal embryonic proteins, with which adults and aged persons do not come across for decades. It will allow making up for people’s weakened natural antineoplastic resistance by sensitization of the mononuclear-macrophage system towards permanently arising mutant cellular forms already at the stage of tumor growth promotion.
Growth Curve of Commercial Broiler as Predicted by Different Nonlinear Functions

This study was carried out to identify the better function that fit the growth curve in broiler depending on some criteria [coefficient of determination (R 2 ), Adjusted R 2 and mean square error (MSE)]. Eighty day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in this study for the period from 6/4/2015 to 17/5/2015. The growth data of broiler through 6 th weeks were subjected to three nonlinear functions (Weighted Least Square (WLS), Gompertz, and Logistic). Results revealed that the WLS function was the best for fitting the growth curve in the broiler as compared with the two functions. The estimated values of asymptotic weight (β 0 ), the integration constant (β 1 ) and maturity rate (β 2 ) parameters according to WLS model were 2088, -3.68 and 0.14 respectively. In conclusion: The results confirmed that WLS function was more appropriate to describe the growth curve in the broiler (Ross 308) as compared with other functions.
Super convergence of ergodic averages for quasiperiodic orbits

The Birkhoff ergodic theorem asserts that time averages of a function evaluated along a trajectory of length N converge to the space average, the integral of f, as N→∞, for ergodic dynamical systems. But that convergence can be slow. Instead of uniform averages that assign equal weights to points along the trajectory, we use an average with a non-uniform distribution of weights, weighting the early and late points of the trajectory much less than those near the midpoint N/2. We show that in quasiperiodic dynamical systems, our weighted averages converge far faster provided f is sufficiently differentiable. This result can be applied to obtain efficient numerical computation of rotation numbers, invariant densities and conjugacies of quasiperiodic systems.
Demography and biomass change in monodominant and mixed old-growth forest of the Congo

Abstract: Mbau forest covers much of the Congo, and shifts in its composition could have a large impact on the African tropics. The Ituri forest in east Congo is near a boundary between the monodominant mbau type and non-mbau mixed forest, and two 20-ha censuses of trees ≥ 1 cm diameter were carried out over 12 y to monitor forest change. Based on published diameter allometry, mbau forest had 535 Mg ha−1 biomass above ground and gained 1.1 Mg ha−1 y−1. Mixed forest had 399 Mg ha−1 and gained 3 Mg ha−1 y−1. The mbau tree (Gilbertiodendron dewevrei) increased its share of biomass from 4.1% to 4.4% in mixed forest; other common species also increased. Sapling density declined at both sites, likely because increased biomass meant shadier understorey, but the mbau tree increased in sapling density, suggesting it will become more important in the future. Tree mortality and growth rates were low relative to other tropical forests, especially in the mbau plots. Shifting toward G. dewevrei would represent a large gain in carbon in the mixed forest, but mbau is presently more important as a high-carbon stock: biomass lost during forest harvest could not recuperate for centuries due to slow community dynamics.