Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic survey of the Galaxy with Gaia– I. Design and performance of the Radial Velocity Spectrometer

The definition and optimization studies for the Gaia satellite spectrograph, the 'radial velocity spectrometer' (RVS), converged in late 2002 with the adoption of the instrument baseline. This paper reviews the characteristics of the selected configuration and presents its expected performance. The RVS is a 2.0 x 1.6 degree integral field spectrograph, dispersing the light of all sources entering its field of view with a resolving power R = lambda/Deltalambda = 11 500 over the wavelength range [848, 874] nm. The RVS will continuously and repeatedly scan the sky during the 5-yr Gaia mission. On average, each source will be observed 102 times over this period. The RVS will collect the spectra of about 100-150 million stars up to magnitude V similar or equal to 17-18. At the end of the mission, the RVS will provide radial velocities with precisions of similar to2 km s(-1) at V = 15 and similar to15-20 km s(-1) at V = 17, for a solar-metallicity G5 dwarf. The RVS will also provide rotational velocities, with precisions (at the end of the mission) for late-type stars of sigma(upsilonsin) similar or equal to (i) similar or equal to 5 km s(-1) at V similar or equal to 15 as well as atmospheric parameters up to V similar or equal to 14-15. The individual abundances of elements such as silicon and magnesium, vital for the understanding of Galactic evolution, will be obtained up to V similar or equal to 12-13. Finally, the presence of the 862.0-nm diffuse interstellar band (DIB) in the RVS wavelength range will make it possible to derive the three-dimensional structure of the interstellar reddening.
Comparative plant growth promoting potential of psychrotolerant diazotrophs, Pseudomonas sp. JJS2 and Enterobacter sp. AAB8 against native Cajanus cajan (L.) and Eleusine coracana (L.)

Two Himalayan diazotrophs, Pseudomonas sp. JJS2 and Enterobacter sp. AAB8 were examined for their plant growth promoting properties against the native crops, Cajanus cajan and Eleusine coracana. Pseudomonas sp. JJS2 was found to be more effective for C. cajan, whereas Enterobacter sp. AAB8 showed better plant growth promotion in E. coracana. The inoculation of JJS2 significantly (p<0.05) increased the fresh weight (93.73%), dry weight (52.58%) root length (38.02%) and shoot length (38.03%) in the legume C. cajan; while, in the case of E. corocana, the increment was lesser but still significant. Similar results were obtained with AAB8 where it showed better plant growth promotion in E. coracana plants by stimulating the fresh weight (7.0%), dry weight (58.42%), shoot length (8.52%) and root length (28.06%). In the case of C. cajan, the effect of AAB8 strain was also significant as shown by the increment in the plant growth parameters. Biochemical parameters in each treatment viz. nitrate reductase activity and chlorophyll content were also found to be enhanced significantly. The results suggest that Pseudomonas sp. JJS2 and Enterobacter sp. AAB8 strain could be used effectively as a low cost bioinoculant in high altitude agricultural belts. Key words: Psychrotolerant, bioinoculant, microflora, diazotrophs.
Novel anti-angiogenic agents for colorectal cancer. Are we moving on?

Tumours depend greatly on blood supply to grow, spread and metastasise. It has been proposed, for a long time now, that angiogenesis and neo-vasculature development are present in tumours. (1;2) Angiogenesis is subject to regulation by a number of pro-angiogenic growth factors such as the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), angiopoetin, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), placental growth factor (PlGF) and others, which are counteracted by proangiogenic growth factors such as angiostatin, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and others. (1;3) Among those growth factors, the most studied and associated with tumour growth and neo-angiogenesis is the family of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which includes VEGF-A (the archetypal member, often called as VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D (known also as c-Fos-induced growth factor, FIGF), and the viral VEGF-E. These growth factors exert their biological function through the VEGF transmembrane receptors VEGFR-1, -2 and -3. In particular, VEGF binds to VEGFR-1 and -2, VEGF-B and PlGF only to VEGFR-1, VEGF-C and VEGF-D to VEGFR-2 and -3. (4-8)
RINGO2: an EMCCD-based polarimeter for GRB followup

We describe the design and construction of a new novel optical polarimeter (RINGO2) for the Liverpool Telescope. The instrument is designed for rapid (< 3 minute) followup observations of Gamma Ray Bursts in order to measure the early time polarization and time evolution on timescales of ~ 1 - 10000 seconds. By using a fast rotating Polaroid whose rotation is synchronized to control the readout of an electron multiplying CCD eight times per revolution, we can rebin our data in the time domain after acquisition with little noise penalty, thereby allowing us to explore the polarization evolution of these rapidly variable objects for the first time.
Physicochemical analysis on water quality status of Bertam River in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Seasonal variation study of physicochemical analysis in Bertam River, Cameron Highlands was carried out in August - November 2012. The river water quality was studied at six selected stations to represent different localities with varying anthropogenic discharge. Physicochemical parameters of the samples were measured pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, salinity, ammoniacal nitrogen, biochemical and chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, nitrate and phosphate following standard methods. The mean values of the measured parameters were compared with Malaysian National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and Water Quality Index Department of Environment (DOE WQI). Present level concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen, biochemical and chemical oxygen demand were under the categorization of Class II and III while suspended solids were categorized in Class IV in wet season. Mean WQI for Bertam River in dry season (78 Class II) was slightly better than in wet season (74 Class III). Thus it was indicated at meteorological change such as rainfalls having significant negative influence on study site. Statistical analysis of one way ANOVA test indicates that all measured parameters are shown significant difference except for pH, DO, salinity, COD and ammoniacal nitrogen. In conclusion, present the water quality of Bertam River should be extensively monitored since deterioration of water quality was clearly observed. Therefore, some sort of integrated river water management and good practice agriculture scheme should be implemented.
Ước tính lượng khí phát thải do đốt rơm rạ tại đồng ruộng trên địa bàn tỉnh Thái Bình

Tom tắt: Thai Binh la một tỉnh trọng điểm trồng lua của đồng bằng song Hồng (ĐBSH). Hoạt động đốt rơm rạ tren đồng ruộng diễn ra rất phổ biến tren địa ban tỉnh trong thời gian gần đây, gây ra nhiều hậu quả cho moi trường. Kiểm ke phat thải la một trong những bước cần thiết nhằm tạo cơ sở dữ liệu cho cong tac quản lý va kiểm soat o nhiễm. Chinh vi vậy, kiểm ke phat thải, trong đo co phat thải từ hoạt động đốt rơm rạ, la lĩnh vực ma hiện nay đang được cac cơ quan quản lý va cac nha khoa học moi trường rất quan tâm. Theo kết quả kiểm ke phat thải do hoạt động nay tren địa ban tỉnh Thai Binh trong năm 2012 cho thấy CO2 phat thải lớn nhất 738,8 nghin tấn/năm chiếm 89,6% tổng lượng phat thải khi; tiếp đến la khi CO phat thải 58,4 nghin tấn/năm chiếm 7,08% tổng lượng phat thải khi. Phần con lại (3,35%) la cac khi PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NOX, NH3, CH4, NMVOC, EC, OC. Kết quả tinh toan lượng khi phat thải do đốt rơm rạ năm 2012 cho thấy mức đong gop lớn nhất tập trung ở cac huyện Thai Thụy, Quỳnh Phụ. Đây la kết quả rất hữu ich cho cac nha hoạch định chinh sach va quản lý nha nước noi chung va lĩnh vực moi trường noi rieng. Từ khoa: Kiểm ke phat thải, Đốt rơm rạ, Thai Binh.
Inequality, Student Achievement, and College Admissions: A Remedy for Underrepresentation

Large socioeconomic and ethnic disparities exist in college admissions. This paper demonstrates that by systematically accounting for the effect of socioeconomic circumstance on pre-college achievement, colleges can substantially reduce these disparities. A conceptual model distinguishes students' realized achievement from their underlying ability (inclusive of effort and motivation) and relates achievement differences to both ability and socioeconomic circumstance. The model shows that an admissions policy that systematically accounts for the relationship between circumstance and achievement can significantly increase the representation of socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority students. Empirical findings using California data confirm this result: socioeconomic circumstance is strongly related to pre-college achievement, and much of the ethnic disparity in achievement, as measured by SAT I scores and high school grade point averages, can be attributed to circumstance. The estimated relationship between circumstance and achievement is used to construct alternative measures of achievement that account for the influence of circumstance. Simulation of admissions policies demonstrates that, by relying on such measures, a college can greatly reduce socioeconomic and ethnic underrepresentation among admitted students.
Improving the performance of financial forecasting using different combination architectures of ARIMA and ANN models

Despite several individual forecasting models that have been proposed in the literature, accurate forecasting is yet one of the major challenging problems facing decision makers in various fields, especially financial markets. This is the main reason that numerous researchers have been devoted to develop strategies to improve forecasting accuracy. One of the most well established and widely used solutions is hybrid methodologies that combine linear statistical and nonlinear intelligent models. The main idea of these methods is based on this fact that real time series often contain complex patterns. So single models are inadequate to model and process all kinds of existing relationships in the data, comprehensively. In this paper, the auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs), which respectively are the most important linear statistical and nonlinear intelligent models, are selected to construct a set of hybrid models. In this way, three combination architectures of the ARIMA and ANN models are presented in order to lift their limitations and improve forecasting accuracy in financial markets. Empirical results of forecasting the benchmark data sets including the opening of the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJIAI), closing of the Shenzhen Integrated Index (SZII) and closing of standard and poor’s (S&P 500) indicates that hybrid models can generate superior results in comparison with both ARIMA and ANN models in forecasting stock prices.
The Quality Factor in 2 D Anisotropic Photonic Crystal Cavity

This work focuses on the study of the in uence of geometrical parameters on the quality factor of a cavity H1, realized with one missing hole in the center. For obtaining the H1 characteristics and the band structure of the photonic crystal, the nite di erence time domain (FDTD) method, which is based on solving Maxwell's equations in a spatially and temporally discretized domain, and plane wave expansion (PWE) method, which is a resolution method of Maxwell equations in the frequency domain, were used respectively. In this method, one simulates a space of theoretically in nite extent with a nite computational cell. The quality factor increases until a maximum value equal 1.23× 10 for a lling factor r/a = 0.44, and then decreases to a value of 3.39× 10 for a lling factor r/a = 0.47.
Spatial and temporal variation in the ecological stoichiometry of aquatic organisms in an urban catchment

Abstract Urban land use has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Urban streams are distinguished from forested or agricultural streams, in particular, by their more variable and unpredictable hydrologic pattern. The resulting high variability in nutrient loading is likely to alter the elemental composition of primary producers and, ultimately, to change the elemental composition of other foodweb components. Ecological stoichiometry is a useful framework for improving our understanding of the mass balance of multiple key elements in ecosystems. To this end, the C∶N∶P of key foodweb components were measured in Oxley Creek, an urban catchment in southeastern Queensland, Australia. Ten stream reaches were sampled to explore the spatial variation of C∶N∶P of abundant taxonomic groups across the catchment. Four of these sites were sampled weekly (for 8 wk) to examine temporal variation in elemental composition. Our results suggested that spatial and temporal variation in elemental composition of primary producers and some animal taxa were highly dependent on local (i.e., site) conditions. This local dependence makes determination of catchment-wide drivers of stoichiometric variability difficult, but our results do suggest that site-based influences in urban streams can generate substantial variability in the C∶N∶P content of in-stream biota. In the context of other studies that have been undertaken principally in forested streams, this application of ecological stoichiometry promises to further our understanding of the effects of urbanization on stream food webs and the stability of elemental flow.
Collective Bargaining and Social Pacts: Greece in Comparative Perspective

What are the institutional prerequisites for the creation and maintenance of centralized collective bargaining and social pacts? This article compares Greek experience since 1990 with that in other countries, arguing that societies are likely to diverge on how they respond to the issues of changing bargaining structure and tripartite policy-making. While neo-institutionalist approaches, and particularly their ‘varieties of capitalism’ variant, can go a long way in interpreting these diverse responses, they have problems accounting for institutional change. To accomplish this we need a more dynamic understanding of how past institutional arrangements in combination with current tensions over particular issues, and the costs and opportunities presented to actors, give rise to distinctive responses.
Formation of Virtual Manufacturing Cells by Incorporating Flexibility

In recent years, there has been a tremendous growth in the number of cell formation methods. The surge of interest in the area has been fueled by the substantial industry interest in implementing cellular manufacturing (CM) system to reduce set-up times, material handling and lead times. In this paper, a new approach for cell formation has been presented with main focus on flexibility in regrouping of operations. The procedure includes three phases. In phase 1, primary cells are formed by dividing operations into three ranges (high, mediu m and low). The frequency of flow occurring between the operations has been taken as a measure for dividing flows into three ranges. Phase 2, involves decomposition of individual primary cells into sub-cells by employing phase 1 again on individual primary cells until further d ivision into sub-cells becomes impossible. Phase 3, involves shifting of operations based upon machine utilization in cells. The formulation forms a formal framework for further research for the development of multi-criteria models by incorporating various flexibilities.
Survival and Growth of Seedlings of Two Rhododendron Tree Species along an Altitudinal Gradient in a Temperate Broad Leaved Forest of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Seedling survival and growth of two Rhododendron species viz., Rhododendron kenderickii and Rhododen- dron grandewere studied along an altitudinal gradient in a temperate forest. Differences in survivality and relative growth responses of the two selected rhododendrons in terms of height, collar diameter and leaf number were monitored seasonally. High seedling mortality was recorded highest in winter season as well as in the higher altitude. Both the species attain maximum growth in terms of height, collar diameter and mean leaf number during rainy season while, minimum in winter season. Moreover, both the Rhododendron species exhibit variation in growth response with altitude and higher total growth was recorded in lower altitude. The result of the present study showed that the survival and growth of seedlings of both the selected Rhododendron species were greatly influenced by altitude as well as season. This variability may be due to the variation in light, temperature, moisture and edaphic factors in various seasons as well as at different altitudes, which results into development of an array of microclimatic conditions for differential growth behavior of different species.
Proximate Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Antifungal Activity of Nalca ( Gunnera tinctoria )

The present study investigated the anthocyanins and total polyphenols contents. Nalca (Gunnera tinctoria) is a plant of recognized importance in southern Chile, since it has an edible petiole which provides incomes to rural groups that are engaged in their commercialization. Nevertheless, no background exists about his secondary metabolites. The antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH method, and its biological activity was evaluated against Cladophialophora and Cryptococcus laurentii. The results indicated that the Nalca petiole has high crude fiber content (11.57%). Also, it presented a high concentration of total polyphenols (7291.1 ± 224 mg GAE/100 g dry weight) and a high antioxidant capacity ((105735 ± 3008.14 μmoles TEAC/100 g dry weight). On the other hand, the extract showed a fungicide effect against the microorganisms assayed. The results suggest that Nalca is promissory source of bioactive compounds and a potential fungicide alternative in development.
The effect of inbreeding on milk traits in Holstein cattle in the Czech Republic

Abstract. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of the level of inbreeding on the milk production (MP) and the breeding values (BV) of milk production. Data included cows calved in years 1990-2005 at farms in the Czech Republic. Inbred cows were grouped according to F x coefficient (F x = 1.25 %, F x = 2.0–3.125 %, F x = 4.0–12.5 % and F x = total). MP and BV of inbred cows were compared with their outbred equals – half-sisters, sharing the same sire (n = 2,063), dam reached the same breeding value (±5 %) and their first calving happened in the same farm and at the same time (±2 months). The PROC GLM of SAS® with fixed effects (age at first calving, year of calving, number of lactations, first calving interval and relative breeding value of the sire and dam) was applied to all data. In the examined groups of Fx coefficient milk production of inbred cows at the first lactation decreased of −103.02, −236.8, −472.24 and −247.65 kg of milk. Also an insignificant increase of percentage of fat was found in most of the inbred groups: −0.0025, +0.1204, −0.0064 and +0.0708, as well as percentage of protein: −0.0063, +0.0365, −0.0346 and +0.0157. A similar tendency was also found when the milk production was represented by breeding values. Breeding value for milk in kg showed a decrease of −36.57, −43.55, −92.23 and −50.81 kg milk. Breeding value for fat percentage showed in inbred animals an increase of +0.0068, +0.0394, +0.0152 and +0.0251 %. A similar increase was also found in breeding value for protein percentage: +0.0015, +0.0216, −0.0035 and +0.0134 %. The Fx coefficient increasing by 1 % decreases milk production (regression coefficient) by 59.75 kg milk and increases fat and protein by +0.0112 % and +0.0030 %.
O ct 2 01 1 Quantum Open-Closed Homotopy Algebra and String Field Theory

We reformulate the algebraic structure of Zwiebach’s quantum open-closed string field theory in terms of homotopy algebras. We call it the quantum open-closed homotopy algebra (QOCHA) which is the generalization of the open-closed homotopy algebra (OCHA) of Kajiura and Stasheff. The homotopy formulation reveals new insights about deformations of open string field theory by closed string backgrounds. In particular, deformations by Maurer Cartan elements of the quantum closed homotopy algebra define consistent quantum open string field theories. Electronic address: korbinian.muenster@physik.uni-muenchen.de Electronic address: sachs@physics.harvard. edu
Histological study of the effect of tributyltin on the adrenal cortical cells of adult male albino rats.

Background: Tributyltin is widely used as antifouling paint for marine vessels. It is slowly released from the paint to the water and becomes incorporated into soil, animals and plants. TBT has been identified as an endocrine disruptor and induces oxidative damage.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the probable toxic effect of tributyltin on adrenal cortical cells of adult male albino rats for two different durations.Materials and Methods:Twenty four adult male albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups: Group I: was the control group; Group II: each rat received tributyltin orally at a dose of 1mg daily for one week. Group III: received the same daily dose for successive two weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were subjected to hormonal assay for aldosterone, corticosterone and ACTH levels. Serum tin levels were assessed. The adrenal tissue was processed for light and electron microscopic examination. In addition, immunoreaction for CD44 cells was performed.Results: A significant decrease in aldosterone and corticosterone, an increase in ACTH levels and an increase in the mean count of CD44 positive cells in group III have been revealed when compared with the other groups. Histological changes in group II were shown in zona glomerulosa and fasciculata in the form of loss of architecture, cytoplasmic vacuolation and disrupted mitochondrial cristae. Meanwhile, Group III showed few lipid droplets and deeply stained nuclei in both zones. Conclusion:Tributyltin has deleterious effects on cells of zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex of adult male albino rats which were time-dependent.
Can We Control the Progression of HIV by Monitor Markers of MicrobialTranslocation

This review summarizes microbial translocation in HIV infection. Microbial translocation can be measured by bacterial products in plasma, such as LPS and bacterial DNA or RNA fragments, or indirectly by LBP, sCD14, EndoCAb, and antiflagellin antibodies. In some study, these markers had contrary results. May be microbial translocation is not the sole driver of HIV progression. Several lines of research indicated that a major contributor to immune activation and disease progression during HIV infection was microbial translocation. Although successful treatment with ART increased GALT CD4+ T cells and suppresses HIV RNA, the numbers of these cells did not return to prior levels. There is a negative effect of mucosal immune dysfunction and microbial translocation on HIV disease progression in the presence of ART. The topic of microbial translocation and immune activation in HIV infection still is a research focus.