Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variation of Nitrogen Oxides in the Central North Atlantic Lower Free Troposphere: Influence of Boreal Wildfires and North American Urban Pollution

[1] Measurements of NO, NO2, and NOy (total reactive nitrogen oxides) made at the Pico Mountain station, 38.47°N, 28.40°W, 2.2 km above sea level, from July 2002 to August 2005 are used to characterize the seasonal and diurnal variations of nitrogen oxides in the background lower free troposphere (FT) over the central North Atlantic Ocean. These observations reveal a well-defined seasonal cycle of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2 and NOy), with higher mixing ratios during the summertime. Observed NOx and NOy levels are consistent with long-range transport of emissions, with significant removal en route to the measurement site. Larger summertime nitrogen oxides levels are attributed to boreal wildfire emissions and more efficient export and transport of NOy from eastern North America during that season. In addition, measurements of NOx and NOy obtained during in-cloud and cloud-free conditions are used to estimate PAN and HNO3 mixing ratios and examine the partitioning of the reactive nitrogen species. These estimates indicate that reactive nitrogen over the central North Atlantic lower FT largely exists in the form of PAN and HNO3 (∼80–90% of NOy) year-round. The composition of NOy shifts from dominance of PAN in winter-spring to dominance of HNO3 in summer-fall, as a result of changes in temperature and photochemistry over the region. A further comparison of the nitrogen oxides measurements with results from the global chemical transport model GEOS-Chem finds that simulated nitrogen oxides are significantly larger than the observations.
ON THE PECULIARITIES OF THE CLINICAL-BIOLOGICAL INDICES IN PERIODONTAL DIAGNOSIS IN CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the periodontal health condition in children and teenagers by means of some periodontal clinical indices. Material and method: The study, developed over 3 years (20072009), was performed on 134 children and teenagers, divided into 3 groups, according to age. Periodontal scanning in the children and teenagers under investigation appeared as a simple and rapid method for the identification of the periodontal problems, easily tolerated by the patients, providing indications on the possible treatament or subsequent evaluation. Results and discussion: Out of the total number of cases, only 22.09% had periodontal symptoms, the highest value being represented by generalized bacterial gingivitis (63 cases-57.78%), followed by chronic surface marginal periodontitis, caused by some local inflammation factors (21.39%), and by aggressive forms of periodontal disease (such as aggressive periodontitis), in a ratio of 7.83% (7 cases), comparatively with a ratio of 1%, mentioned in the literature of the field. No cases of deep periodontal disease (chronic average/deep marginal periodontitis) were recorded, as they need a long time for their installation and evolution. Conclusions: children show a more important accumulation of bacterial plaque than adults, and numerous slight gingival inflammations. In children with ages betwen 12-17 years and in young adults, the gingival reaction is more important in the presence of a higher accumulation of bacterial plaque.
Strategies for Vaccination and Control of Apicomplexan Protozoan Parasites

Over the past several decades a great deal of effort has been invested in developing new control and vaccination strategies for apicomplexan protozoan parasites. These organisms are the cause of some of the most significant and harmful diseases in both humans and animals worldwide and include as examples; Plasmodium (malaria) and Cryptosporidium in humans, Toxoplasma in humans and animals, Babesia and Neospora in cattle, and Eimeria the cause of coccidiosis in animals (poultry, sheep, cattle, etc.). In spite of a great deal of progress made in understanding at the molecular level how these organisms invade, survive and transmit in their respective hosts, there has been a paucity of new vaccines commercially developed against these parasitic protozoa over the past few decades. In this chapter, we will discuss the types of strategies being developed to help control these parasites, which includes the development of live and subunit (both native and recombinant DNA based) vaccines, the search for and use of new or existing drugs (such as artemisinin combination therapy against malaria), as well as simpler management & hygiene strategies that can be employed to help alleviate the burden of parasitic diseases.
Dobór walorów oraz wyczucie rynku - umiejętności zarządzających funduszami inwestycyjnymi

Streszczenie: Artykuł koncentruje się na ocenie umiejętności zarządzających portfelami inwestycyjnymi polskich funduszy akcyjnych. W badaniu wykorzystano stosunkowo dużą próbę badawczą, liczącą 87 podmiotów. Horyzont czasowy badania ustalono na okres 2000-2015. Wyniki menedżerów oceniane były pod kątem umiejętności doboru walorów oraz wyczucia rynku. Otrzymane rezultaty wskazują na brak umiejętności w przewidywaniu tendencji rynkowych, mierzonych parametrami z modeli Treynora–Mazuya oraz Henrikssona–Mertona. Analiza z wykorzystaniem testu istotności dla wartości średniej, liczebności dodatnich i ujemnych wyników, jak również metod panelowych dla danych przestrzenno-czasowych nie dała jednoznacznych rezultatów co do istnienia umiejętności selekcji.
Online Network Traffic Characterization Deliverable Progress on the ONTIC Big Data Architecture

Fernández Cantón Enrique, Martínez Bravo de Medina Álex, Ordozgoiti Rubio Bruno, Vakaruk Stanislav, Zhu Matias Bo (UPM); Fernando Arias, Vicente Martín (EMC); Stefanos Anastasiou, Athanasios Tzaferis, Panos Georgatsos, Harris Augoustidis, Konstantinos Galatianos, Vassilis Karavassilis (ADAPTIT); Daniele Apiletti, Elena Baralis, Silvia Chiusano, Tania Cerquitelli, Paolo Garza, Luigi Grimaudo, Fabio Pulvirenti (POLITO)
Onion Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Their Management in the Treasure Valley of the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman and thrips-transmitted Iris yellow spot virus are the most significant pest complex affecting onion production in the Treasure Valley of eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho. Thrips feeding damage and virus infection significantly reduce onion bulb size and economic returns for this high value crop. The high concentration of onion fields in the Treasure Valley and the long, hot, dry growing season present a number of challenges for managing onion thrips and Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV). Insecticides are the primary tool that growers have to manage this pest complex. With the long growing season, growers need to exercise good insecticide resistance management programs to maintain the effectiveness of currently available insecticides. To do this, growers need to rotate among available products and use as few applications as practical. A challenge for researchers is to determine not only which insecticides are effective but also to determine when during the season different products may be most effectively used. Techniques for analyzing field trial data are discussed, including comparing changes in pest populations before and after various insecticide applications are made. These comparisons can be made through the use of linear estimates and contrasts as part of analyses of variance, and they can aid in determining efficacy of different treatments by accounting for pre-application populations. These techniques will help researchers in developing sound sequence of insecticide applications for onion thrips management.
Effect of Wet Brewer's Grain Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Carcass Performance, and Meat Quality of Finishing Cattle

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Wet Brewer’s Grains (WBG) on the growth performance, carcass performance, and meat quality of finishing cattle. Twentyfour (n=24; 12 heifers – 303kg, 12 steers – 346kg) calves of Simmental-Angus genetics were utilized. Calves were paired by sex, blocked by BW within sex in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with three replications per treatment, and fed for 140d. Control diets were a conventional corn silage – shelled corn finishing-diet. Experimental diets modeled the control diet with the inclusion of WBG on a thirty-percent DM basis. Cattle were visually appraised by an industry procurement agent for degree of finish. Finished cattle were transported 160km for slaughter under USDA-FSIS inspection. Primal ribs (IMPS #1103) were obtained and transported to ISU’s Meat Lab. Ribeye steaks (IMPS #1112) were fabricated from the ninth – eleventh ribs for further meat quality analyses. Statistical analysis was modeled in a two-way fixed ANOVA utilizing the MIXED procedure of SAS. No differences were observed in total gain and ADG between diets respectively (P = 0.6919). Average daily feed disappearance (ADFD) increased in WBG calves (P < 0.0001). Decreases in G:F were observed in WBG calves (P = 0.0121). No differences were observed in HCW, YG, or QG respectively (P > 0.05). No differences were observed in WarnerBratzler Shear Force, Package Purge, or Cook Loss measurements (P > 0.05). This data indicates WBG inclusion supports growth performance, carcass performance, and meat quality of finishing cattle similar to a conventional finishing diet.
Absolute Stability Of Impulsive Delay System

Absolute stability is a basic and important problem in the design of automatic control systems. This paper initiate the study of absolute stability of impulsive control systems with time delay. Several absolute stability criteria are established by constructing Lyapunov functionals. Some examples are also presented to illustrate the main results. AMS subject classifications: 34K35,34H05,49J25,
Men's sexual activity and perceptions of the facial attractiveness of unknown women

Prior research indicated that women's greater frequency of sexual activities is associated with perceiving the faces of unknown men as less attractive. In the present study, men aged 18–30 (n = 126) reported the frequency of a variety of sexual behaviors and rated the facial attractiveness and friendliness of 24 women. Unlike the results obtained with women, men's recent sexual behaviors were largely unrelated to perceptions of women's faces and this was the case independent of currently being in a stable relationship. There was no indication of confounding with social desirability responding. Results are discussed as consistent with evolutionary psychology predictions and consistent with men being more likely than women to find others attractive, even when satisfied with their primary intimate relationship.
The 1990s in Japan: A Lost Decade

This paper examines the Japanese economy in the 1990s, a decade of economic stagnation. We find that the problem is not a breakdown of the financial system, as corporations large and small were able to find financing for investments. There is no evidence of profitabkle investment opportunities not being exploited due to lack of access to capital markets. The problem then and still today is a low productivity growth rate. Growth theory, treating TFP as exogenous, accounts well for the Japanese lost decade of growth. We think that research effort should be focused on what policy change will allow productivity to again grow rapidly. (Copyright: Elsevier)
A review of MEMS external-cavity tunable lasers

The paper reviews the state-of-the-art of miniaturized tunable lasers constructed by microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, covering various topics of laser configurations, theoretical studies and some design issues, with primary focus on the uniqueness of MEMS tunable lasers in comparison to conventional opto-mechanical counterparts. Further studies have also been presented to investigate the tuning range and stability in order to provide a deep understanding of the specialities of MEMS lasers in the sense of physics. The introduction of MEMS has endowed two special features to tunable lasers. One is that MEMS facilitates external cavities at very short (<100 µm) and even extremely short length (<10 µm), leading to unusual tuning behaviors and different design concerns. The other is that the photolithography of the MEMS process makes it possible to fabricate gratings/mirrors in arbitrary profiles, which may inspire the innovation of new laser configurations that can only be realized by MEMS technology. With further work on integration and packaging, MEMS lasers would be able to deliver their merits of small size, fast tuning speed, wide tuning range and IC integration compatibility, and to broaden their applications to many fields.
A Hybrid Method for Circle Detection Circle Detection

We propose a hybrid method for detecting circles in this paper. In the first stage, dominant point detection is used to classifiy curve into linear and nonlinear segments. In the second stage, the geometric properties are used to estimate the centers and radii for nonlinear segments. In the final procedure, the nonlinear segments are classified into several clusters. The circles are identified if they have small fitting errors. The proposed hybrid method has been evaluated using both of the synthetic and real images. The experimental results show that the proposed method is efficient. Keywords—circle detection; asymmetry support region; dominant point; curve segmentation; fitting error
Sticking properties of transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP) during aging and biodegradation

Although many studies have addressed the role of bacteria in the degradation of organic matter, few have examined how bacteria alter the physicochemical properties of dissolved and colloidal organic matter in coastal systems. Here, we investigate how the sticking properties of transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP) varied with DOM age in batch cultures. We show that in two contrasted sites, despite different initial TEP sticking properties and bulk concentrations, after 48 h, the sticking properties were similar and increased (i.e. TEP became stickier) with increasing DOM age. We propose that TEP occurring after 48 h of incubation are mainly of heterotrophic origin, which is in contrast to the previously identified TEP of autotrophic origin. These results highlight the potential importance of bacterial DOM production, particularly in the aphotic zone, and further underline the potential of bacterial heterotrophs to produce biologically refractory dissolved organic matter that is physically reactive (i.e. sticky).
Age‐Dating of Starburst Galaxies

This review covers age‐dating methods applied to young stellar populations in starburst galaxies with ages of 108 yr and less. First, recent advances in stellar modeling, both for the interior and the atmospheres, are discussed and spectral lines and colors suitable for age‐dating are identified. These age indicators are then applied to single stellar populations, the simplest building blocks of starbursts. More complex systems, such as luminous starburst galaxies, are a challenge for chronometric measurements. The dust reddening, metallicity, stellar initial mass function, and inhomogeneities of the interstellar medium introduce degeneracies which are often hard to resolve. Finally, some shortcomings in the stellar models are highlighted.
Millisecond pulsar velocities

We present improved timing parameters for 13 millisecond pulsars (MSPs), including nine new proper motion measurements. These new proper motions bring to 23 the number of MSPs with measured transverse velocities. In light of these new results we present and compare the kinematic properties of MSPs with those of ordinary pulsars. The mean transverse velocity of MSPs was found to be 85±13 km s−1, a value consistent with most models for the origin and evolution of MSPs and approximately a factor of 4 lower than that of ordinary pulsars. We also find that, in contrast to young ordinary pulsars, the vast majority of which are moving away from the Galactic plane, almost half of the MSPs are moving towards the plane. This near-isotropy would be expected of a population that has reached dynamic equilibrium. Accurate measurements of MSP velocities have allowed us to correct their measured spin-down rates for Doppler acceleration effects, and thereby derive their intrinsic magnetic field strengths and characteristic ages. We find that close to half of our sample of MSPs have a characteristic age comparable to or greater than the age of the Galactic disc.
Content of Ajmalicine on Cultured Callus Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don with Tryptophan Treatment

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don is cultivated as an ornamental plant and also has a high economic value because it contains terpenoid indole alkaloids such as ajmalicine that have pharmacological benefits. This research was conducted to investigate the content of ajmalicine in callus culture that was given tryptophan treatment with concentrations of 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 150 mg/L, 200 mg/L and 250 mg/L. Identification and analysis of ajmalicine using HPLC Shimpak VP-ODS C18 150 x 4.6 mm at a wavelength of 254 nm. The results showed that the ajmalicine content was lower after the tryptophan treatment, where the minimum ajmalicine content of the tryptophan 200 mg/L, ie 0.346 μg/g dw. Ajmalicine content of the treatment of 250 mg / L tryptophan, is the highest content in all treatments, ie 2.686 μg/g bk. So it can be concluded that the treatment of tryptophan in callus culture Catharanthus roseus can decrease the content of ajmalicine.
Cover Story Introduction The current therapeutic management of disseminated fungal infections

Introduction The current therapeutic management of disseminated fungal infections mostly includes triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole), echinocandins (caspofungin), flucytosine and the various formulations of amphotericin B. Echinocandins and amphotericin B are given intravenously while triazoles (except posaconazole) and flucytosine can also be administered orally.
Review of Trust based Methodologies in WSNs

: In this research paper we have done objective study on latest trust bas ed methodologies that are u sed in securing the WSN, the focu ses in our current study have been on the aspect of en ergy and memory consumption due to implementation of tr ust based techniques. We have developed a comparative chart and review of the techniq ues and have found certain limitat ions worthwhile fo r conducting this research work with respect to previous work. Based on these limitations we have also recommended certain valid points to improve trust based methodologies.
Switching Behavior between Social Networking Sites : Exploring The Philippine Case of Friendster Versus Facebook

Considering the widespread use of social networking sites (SNSs) and the sudden shift of Filipino SNS usage from Friendster to Facebook, this paper examines five factors that affect user intentions to switch SNSs. By surveying switchers from Friendster to Facebook in the Philippines, satisfaction, alternative attractiveness, and social influence were significant factors affecting switching intent.
A LONG TERM SELECTION FOR THE DURATION OF FERTILITY IN THE INTERGENERIC CROSSBREEDING OF DUCKS

A 12-generation selection experiment comprising a selected (S) and a control (C) line was conducted with the objective of increasing the number of fertile eggs (NEF) of the Brown Tsaiya duck after a single artificial insemination (AI) with pooled Muscovy semen. Both lines consisted of about 20 males and 60 females as parents in each generation and each female duck was tested 3 times, at 26, 29 and 32 weeks of age. The fertile eggs were measured by candling at day 7 after incubation. The selection criterion in the S line was the BLUP animal model value for NEF. On average, 28.9% of females and 17.05% of males were selected. The direct response to the selection for NEF, and correlated responses for the number of eggs set (NES), the number of total dead embryos (NED), the maximum duration of fertility (MD) and the number of hatched mule ducklings (NEH) were measured by the differences across the generations of selection between the phenotypic value averages in the S and C lines. The selection responses and the predicted responses had similar trends. The average selection responses per generation were 0.40, 0.45, and 0.32 genetic standard deviation units for the NEF, MD, and NEH traits respectively. Embryo viability was not impaired by this selection. For days 2-8 after AI, the fertility rates (NEF/NES) were 89.14% and 61.46% (26-32w);88.88% and 62.26% (36-42w), the hatchability rates (NEH/NEF) were 60.62% and 69.26% (26-32w);73.0% and 73.06% (36-42w) respectively in the S and Clines. The largest increases of the fertility per day rates after a single AI were observed between d5 and d11. In the selected line, in G12, the fertility rate was 91% at d2, 94% at d3, 92% at days 4 and 5 and decreased to 81% at d8, 75% at d9, 58% at d10 and 42% at d11. The same tendencies were observed for the changes in the evolution of the hatchability according to the egg set rates. It was concluded that selection on the number of fertile eggs after a single AI with pooled Muscovy semen could be effective in ducks to increase the duration of the fertile period and that research can now be focused on the detection of a quantitative trait locus of the duration of fertility and on how to improve the viability of the hybrid mule duck embryo.
Cancer Stem Cells and Chemoresistance

Chemoresistance is a complex mechanism, involving various biological pathways. Also, chemoresistance is a major cause of cancer treatment failure. Cancer stem cell (CSC) in solid cancer has recently identified, but its role in solid organ tumour is not clearly documented. However, research data supported that CSC may involve in carcinogenesis, invasion and metastasis, as well as resistance to various form of chemotherapy. Understanding more how CSCs involve in chemoresistance would enhance our knowledge and thus would lead us to the possibly newly developed cancer treatment.
Seismicity of the upper lithosphere and its relationships with the crust in the italian region

In a recent paper we compared the earthquake hypocenters, plotted according to updated catalogs, with the structure of the earth’s Crust interpreted after the results of seismic exploration (mainly the Deep Seismic Soundings – DSS). The comparison was made along several cross sections in the Alpine range, the Italian Peninsula and the surrounding seas. The main conclusions of this analysis were that 1) the majority of the events is positioned in the upper, rigid crust and 2) the earthquakes tend to concentrate above the discontinuities unveiled by the seismic exploration in the deep crust and at the Moho boundary. With the goal to shed some light on the continuation of these structures with depth, in this paper a similar analysis is conducted even in volumes where DSS information are not available. It is apparent that the upper mantle seismicity is very unevenly distributed; therefore we only focus on the areas where a sub-crustal seismicity is recorded, adding to the seismic models of the crust some information, if available, on the physical characters of the upper Lithosphere. Four areas are examined: the well known Calabrian (Aeolian) Arc where the Ionian plate is subducted beneath the Tyrrhenian, thin crust of oceanic type, the active subduction of the slab being witnessed by deep and very deep earthquakes; the north-central Apennines where the continental crust of the Adria microplate seems also subducted beneath the transitional, peri-Tyrrhenian type of crust but where the observed hypocenters are limited to the depth of about 100 km; the northern Apennines, where the same type of subduction seems to occur beneath the north-eastern slope of the mountain