Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental Instability in Fragmented Populations of Prairie Phlox: A Cautionary Tale

Abstract: Considerable attention has recently been focused on using levels of developmental instability among members of a population to detect environmental or genetic stresses on animals or plants. It is not yet clear, however, that high developmental instability in a sample of individuals always indicates environmental stress or poor genetic quality. We studied 13 fragmented populations of prairie phlox ( Phlox pilosa L.) to test the hypothesis that developmental instability should decrease with increasing population size—as expected if small populations suffer genetic problems associated with inbreeding or are exposed to more environmental stress than larger populations. We used two different measures of developmental instability, each calculated for two different traits: radial asymmetry of flowers (for petal width and petal length) and modular fluctuating asymmetry of leaves ( for leaf widths at two points along the leaf ). There were weak but significant correlations among individuals for four of six pairwise combinations of these measures. Surprisingly, three of our four measures of developmental instability showed strong population size effects that were opposite to those expected: developmental instability increased with population size. We conclude that measures of developmental instability cannot be applied uncritically for biomonitoring without considerable knowledge of developmental mechanisms, natural history, and population biology of the species in question.
Toroidal magnetic fields around planetary nebulae

Many planetary nebulae have asymmetric winds, often forming bipolar outflow lobes or jets. One theory for this phenomenon is that differential rotation of the envelope twists the star's magnetic field into a toroidal fluxtube, which channels the fast winds. Direct testing of this theory is now possible using submillimetre polarimetry of magnetically aligned dust grains, and such a test has been made for the planetary nebula NGC 7027 and the proto-planetary nebula CRL 2688. The results show that the magnetic field is within 15 degrees of toroidal towards NGC 7027, but about 35 degrees off-axis for CRL 2688. However, the telescope beam size of 15" is well matched to the size of the jet base in NGC 7027 and poorly so in CRL 2688 where the observation is more sensitive to the extended envelope. Magnetic field directions in the envelopes are not well aligned with the outflow axes. The polarization percentage is an order of magnitude less towards NGC 7027 than in the outer envelope, so assuming similar grain alignment efficiencies everywhere, the scale of the organised toroidal field is of the order of 5000 AU.
Volkova Tatiana and Kuznetsova Marina: Modelling of Criteria for the Feasibility Assessment of Intellectual Products’ Potential in the Venture Financing System 197 MODELLING OF CRITERIA FOR THE FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PRODUCTS’ POTENTIAL IN THE VENTURE FINANCING SYSTEM Professor VOLKO

Objective of the research is to develop a logical modeling variant of criteria for the feasibility assessment of intellectual products` potential in the venture financing system. Research methodology is based on synthesis of institutional and new institutional economics theory, theories of innovations, uncertainty and risk, management of innovations. Essential characteristics of venture financing are structured in the article, its treatment as an economic category is suggested. The structure of institutional field of venture financing (by the example of Russia) is elaborated with consideration of projected development and co evolution of formal and informal institutions as a favorable environment for drawing into economic turnover and commercialization of technological developments and projects. A logical model of institutional criteria for the assessment of intellectual products` potential feasibility in the system of venture financing is suggested.
Humoral response in early stages of infection of cod (Gadus morhua L.) with atypical furunculosis

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) was experimentally infected with the bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromgenes (Asa), which causes atypical furunculosis in cod and other fish species. Uninfected fish and fish infected with two different bacterial dosages were used and blood samples collected before infection and after 1 and 6 days. The effect of infection on the following humoral parameters was determined: the total protein serum level, the concentration of cortisol, two types of pentraxins and IgM, and on the specific and natural antibody and anti-trypsin activity. The results showed that infection by Asa caused a significant increase in the stress hormone cortisol while other parameters showed limited and in general suppressive response to infection. Neither CRP PI nor CRP PII, the two types of cod pentraxins, acted as typical acute phase proteins in the early stages of infection. The short duration of the experiment may have influenced the limited response observed but the results also reflect the relatively slow immune response of cod.
Is a Single Product Cost Function Appropriate for Institutions of Higher Education? Empirical Evidence From China's Research Universities

Many studies exist in the literature of scale and scope economies in institutions of higher education employing multi-product cost functions of quadratic, constant elasticity substitution (CES), or hybrid translog form. A single product cost function is normally considered inadequate and yield distorted results. Both quadratic and single product cost functions have been applied to university data from China’s Ministry of Education (MOE). This study compares those two methods and their statistical results and finds that ray economies of scale from these two cost functions are quite similar though the single product cost function which can not be used to calculate product-specific economies of scale or economies of scope.
Rethinking the Redistribution Effects of Trade Liberalization in Egypt: A Microsimulation Analysis

This paper aims at evaluating the liberalization policies effects on inequality in Egypt with respect to gender, region and qualification level. No previous studies in Egypt, to our best knowledge, have used the Microsimulation analysis which is a good tool that allows such an evaluation and determines the redistribution aspects of macro policies. The latter consists of linking macroeconomic changes to the micro level of the economy i.e. the individual level. A Computable General Equilibrium model (CGE) is first estimated for a maximum tariff rate of 10%. And, wages and employment changes resulted from the CGE are replicated, in a second stage, into our micro data. Results show that liberalization policies have important impacts on inequalities among the Egyptian population in general. Inequality has decreased among males and females as well as among different regions of the Egyptian society but has increased among high-skilled and low-skilled workers. Results of the present research have important policy implications that have to be considered.
Reductions in Real versus Tariff Barriers : The Effects on Industry Concentration

Economic integration in Europe has had ambiguous effects on industry concentration. The literature has proposed various explanations of the empirical findings. The present paper provides an additional theoretical argument. We show that in a world of monopolistic competition, integration in it self (modelled as a reduction of trade barriers) generates opposing effects on industry concentration, depending on wether the barrier is a real (frictional) or a tariff cost. In particular, the Herfindahl index of industry concentration falls for a reduction in real costs, but rises for a reduction in tariff costs. The reason is that real barriers burn up resources, such that industry profitability is reduced, reducing entry, and resulting in fewer firms and higher concentration. Under a tariff barrier, the redistributed tariff revenue stabilises industry profitability, resulting in more firms and lower concentration.
Sensitivity Study of Cloud-Resolving Convective Simulations with WRF Using Two Bulk Microphysical Parameterizations: Ice-Phase Microphysics versus Sedimentation Effects

This study examines the relative importance of ice-phase microphysics and sedimentation velocity for hydrometeors in bulk microphysics schemes. The two bulk microphysics schemes having the same number of prognostic water substances, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Single-Moment 6-Class Microphysics Scheme (WSM6) and the Purdue‐Lin scheme (PLIN), are evaluated for a 2D idealized storm case and for a 3D heavy rainfall event over Korea. The relative importance of microphysics and sedimentation velocity for ice particles is illuminated by the additional experiments that exchange the sedimentation velocity formula for graupel in the two schemes. In a 2D idealized storm simulation test bed, it is found that, relative to the PLIN scheme, the WSM6 scheme develops the storm late with weakened intensity because of a slower sedimentation velocity for graupel. Such a weakened intensity of precipitation also appears in a 3D model framework when the WSM6 scheme is used, in conjunction with the overall distribution of the precipitation band southward toward what was observed. The major reason is found to be the ice-phase microphysics of the WSM6 and related ice-cloud‐radiation feedback, rather than the smaller terminal velocity for graupel in the WSM6 than in the PLIN scheme.
The Consumer Burden of a Carbon Tax on Gasoline

This paper measures the incidence of a carbon tax on gasoline using current income and two measures of lifetime income to rank households. Our results suggest that carbon taxes on gasoline are more regressive when annual income is used as a measure of economic welfare than when lifetime income measures are used. In addition we find that the regional variation in the gasoline tax burden is likely to be modest varying by less than one-half of a percentage point with little fluctuation over the years of our analysis. These results carry through when we consider the incidence of the current state gasoline taxes, both across income deciles as well as across regions.
EVALUATION OF SELECTED LEAVES OF TREES AND FOLIAGE OF SHRUBS AS FODDER IN RUMINANT PRODUCTION

The potentials of selected leaves of trees and foliage of shrubs as fodder in ruminant production system were evaluated using chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility as indices. The selected trees were Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera, Gliricidia sepium, Pterocarpus santalinoides, and Millettia grifoniana, and shrubs were Stylosanthes scabra, Tephrosia bracteolata and Lablab purpureus. The results showed that the chemical compositions of leaves of trees and foliage of shrubs varied significantly (p<0.05) among species. The crude protein (CP) content of the tree leaves ranged from 15.20 to 25.43% for Pterocarpus santalinoides and Moringa oleifera leaves, respectively, while CP in foliage of shrubs ranged from 21.63 and 26.67% for Stylosanthes scabra, and Lablab purpureus, respectively. The in vitro dry matter digestibilities of these leaves also varied significantly (p<0.05) with the selected trees ranging from 40.80 to 74.75% for Millettia grifoniana and Gliricidia sepium, respectively while shrubs ranged from 50.35 to 61.24% for Stylosanthes scabra, and Lablab purpureus, respectively. Results indicated that these forages are highly digestible and their inherent nutrients are higher than the range recommended for maintenance in ruminant production. These fodders can be fed as supplements to low protein forage and can alleviate feed shortages experienced for ruminants in dry season.
Radio studies of novae: a current status report and highlights of new results

Novae, which are the sudden visual brightening triggered by runaway thermonuclear burning on the surface of an accreting white dwarf, are fairly common and bright events. Despite their astronomical significance as nearby laboratories for the study of nuclear burning and accretion phenomena, many aspects of these common stellar explosions are observationally not well-constrained and remain poorly understood. Radio observations, modeling and interpretation can potentially play a crucial role in addressing some of these puzzling issues. In this review on radio studies of novae, we focus on the possibility of testing and improving the nova models with radio observations, and present a current status report on the progress in both the observational front and theoretical developments. We specifically address the issues of accurate estimation of ejecta mass, multi-phase and complex ejection phenomena, and the effect of a dense environment around novae. With highlights of new observational results, we illustrate how radio observations can shed light on some of these long-standing puzzles.
IS THERE ANY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NEONATAL BABIES WEIGHT AND UNINTENDED PREGNANCY

Objective: To determine the relationship between unintended pregnancy and neonatal weight of babies. Methodology: It was a case-control study which included 114 women who were admitted in the post partum of a Maternity hospital in Kermanshah city in Iran. A questionnaire was used to gather the data and determine the unintended and intended pregnancies as case and control groups. The questionnaire consisted of variables such as age, mothers’ education level, parity, number of children and so on; also, an information form was utilized to collect the neonatal data such weight, height and sex. All the collected data was analyzed by Chi-Square, Fishers’ Exact test and Odds Ratio. Results: The findings showed that all participants were housewives, 27.3% were illiterate, 46.4% had unintended pregnancies (case group). There were not significant differences between two groups in mothers’ educational level and neonatal weights and heights. Conclusion: Among the study subjects approximately half had unintended pregnancies, but there was no relationship between neonatal/newborn weight and unintended pregnancy. It seems, the health services have some defects about counseling and instruction of emergency contraceptions, conversely they can detect the unintended pregnancies very well and present the perfect counseling and instruction during prenatal care. It is recommended to study complications of unwanted pregnancies in a large study to confirm our observations.
QUANTITATIVE CLTS ON A GAUSSIAN SPACE: A SURVEY OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

I will provide a short survey of recent findings concerning normal approximations on a Gaussian space. The results discussed in this work involve Stein's method, Poincare-type inequalities, as well as the use of techniques from information theory. The guiding example involves 'exploding Brownian functionals', that are used as a tool for enhancing the reader's intuition.
Health Care Maintenance of HIV Infected Women at a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: HIV care should change from HIV focused approach to one which addresses chronic diseases, counseling, screening of non-AIDS related malignancies and immunization. Our objectives are to review standard of health maintenance services (screening, counselling and immunization) among HIV infected women and to find the prevalence of co-morbid conditions. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study to review HIV infected women in HIV clinic at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (KFSH&RC) from January 2008 to December 2012. Results: Among 103 HIV infected women, dyslipidemia accounts for 31.07%, hypertension 16.5%, diabetes mellitus 14.6%, patients who have more than two co-morbid conditions were 24.5%. Vitamin D level was requested for 93.20%. HIV viral load wasn’t detectable in 63.11% and antiretroviral therapy was prescribed for 99.02%. The median latest CD4 lymphocyte count was 725 cells/ µmol. Tuberculin screening test (TST) was done for 5.88%. Screening mammography and Pap smear were done for 37.25%, 13.73% respectively. Colorectal cancer screening was not done in 96.11%. Bone densitometry screening was done for 36.36%. Mental status evaluation was performed for 63.73%. Influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B virus and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination were received by 93.20%, 49.51%, 17.47% and 1.94% respectively. Counseling for condom use was provided to 64.79% and hormonal contraception/obstetrics referral were done for 49.02%. Conclusion: Our HIV clinic is providing a standard HIV focused patient care. Screening for tuberculosis, malignancies, counseling for hormonal contraception and immunization were deficient. There is high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among our patients. There is an urgent need to improve delivery of preventive health care to HIV-infected women.
Microwave assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was used to extract curcuminoids from turmeric (Curcuma longa). Several MAE conditions were tested, and the method proved to be superior to soxhlet extraction and maceration with regard to time expended. The antioxidant activities of MAE and soxhlet extraction determined from 1/IC50 by the DPPH radical assay were higher than synthetic antioxidant 2, 6-di-ter-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT). MAE exhibited a range of antioxidant activities varying from 1.37-1.87 mM TEAC/g extract in ABTS assay while soxhlet extraction and maceration were 1.72 and 1.40 mM TEAC/g extract, respectively. The total phenolic contents of MAE ranged from 181.00 to 196.36 mg/g extract; expressed as gallic acid equivalent, while soxhlet extraction and maceration were 180.10 and 170.44 mg/g extract. The contents of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin of extracts obtained from MAE were in range of 163.00-183.77, 91.73-99.48 and 46.36-53.35 mg/g extract, respectively which were higher than soxhlet extraction. Higher curcumin content may be major contributor to its higher antioxidant activity. The optimum condition of MAE was 900 watt for 1 min of exposure time as it provided higher bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity than conventional methods.
Organizational innovation and value creation in small technology-based companies in malaysia

This paper seeks to apply the resource-based view theory of organisational competitiveness based on in-depth interview, document review and observation of 13 small technology-based companies in Malaysia. Based on an exploratory study, the interplay of innovativeness and value creation as the main drivers of competitiveness within the perspective of time were studied. In addition, three types of value creation and the transition from compatitive advantage to comparative advantage were uncovered. To conclude, only a few companies were able to demonstrate capabilities to become global players in the near future. We propose that Malaysian companies embrace the concept of learning culture to be the driver for the attainment of high value added value creation and organization innovation.
High Surface Area Ceria Nanoparticles via Hydrothermal Synthesis Experiment Design

Hydrothermal synthesis of CeO2 was optimized on two reactant concentrations and synthesis temperature and duration, in order to achieve material having the greatest specific surface area (SSA). Taguchi method of experimental design was employed in evaluation of the relative importance of synthesis parameters. CeO2 nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and scanning electron microscopy. Optimum conditions for obtaining particles with greater SSA were calculated according to Taguchi? s model ? the-higher-the-better. Synthesis temperature was found to be the only parameter significant for enabling nanoparticles with greater SSA. Mesoporous nanocrystalline ceria with SSA as great as 226? m2? g? 1 was achieved, which is unprecedented for the hydrothermally synthesized ceria. The reason for this achievement was found in temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient which, when low, favors nucleation yielding with fine particles, while when high it favors crystal growth and formation of one-dimensional structures. The occurrence of 1D-structure in sample exhibiting the smallest SSA was confirmed. Very fine crystallites with crystallite size as low as 5.9? nm have been obtained being roughly inverse proportional to SSA. Selected samples were tested as catalyst for soot oxidation. Catalyst morphology turned out to be decisive factor for catalytic activity.
An analysis of prey remnants from Osprey Pandion haliaetus and White-Bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaetus leucogaster feeding roosts

Prey 'middens' (or 'butcheries'; Storr 1966) have been noted around feeding roosts on the Great Barrier Reef islands by MacGillivray (1928). However, there have been no subsequent attempts to quantify and compare the diets of Osprey and White-bellied Sea-eagle inhabiting reef environments. The aims of this study were to compare the contents of prey middens of each species and to interpret midden material in the context of other information on the feeding behaviours of each species.
Sexual reproduction in the Mediterranean solitary coral Balanophyllia europaea (Scleractinia, Dendrophylliidae)

Balanophyllia europaea (Risso, 1826) is a common scleractinian coral living on subtidal rocky substrates in the Mediterranean Sea. The annual sexual reproductive cycle of this species is studied in specimens from an area near Leghorn (Tuscany, Italy). This study represents the first report of a reproductive cycle in a Mediterranean scleractinian coral. B. europaea is a simultaneous hermaphrodite and brooder. Polyp size at sexual maturity occurs at approximately 3 yr of age (6 to 10 mm maximum oral disc diameter). Observation of hermaphroditic polyps shows several significant differences in the distribution of spermaries and oocytes along the oral-aboral axis. Mean distance of spermaries from the oral pole is less than that of oocytes. Also, large mature spermaries tend to line up towards the mouth, while large mature oocytes tend to line up towards the polyp base. This dif- ferential gamete distribution could result in a barrier to self-fertilization, as it reduces encounters between gametes of the opposite sex produced by the same individual. Testes require 1 yr to reach maturity with a maximum spermary diameter of 500 µm. Oogenesis lasts 2 yr with a maximum oocyte diameter of 1400 µm. Fecundity varies significantly with polyp size. The rate of gonadal development increases significantly during January and February, fertilization takes place in March to June and planulation in August and September. Released larvae have a maximum diameter of 2000 µm. The annual cycle of photoperiod and water temperature appear to coincide with the reproductive cycle in B. europaea.
HOW COMBINATION OF RETAILER’S RELATIONSHIP EFFORT COULD CREATE LOYAL CONSUMER

This study develops and empirically tests a model for examination of the impact of different relationship efforts made by a retailer (financial bonding, social bonding, and structural bonding) on key relationship marketing outcomes (trust, relationship commitment, and behavioral loyalty) as relationship duration and product involvement are used as controllable variables in a relationship marketing system. A study in education services from XYZ Company, in Taiwan. The purpose of this study is to test the effects of relationship duration and product involvement, to summarize existing evidence about the behavioral sequences of relationship efforts and relationship outcomes at the individual consumer’s level. The methods of this study use s imple linear regression, multiple linear regressions, One‐Way ANOVA, crosstab analysis, descriptive analysis, frequency analysis. Specifically, the results show that relationship duration does have positive influence on consumer behavioral loyalty, and so does product involvement on relationship outcomes. Consequently, managers and employees of retail companies need to be trained, motivated, and rewarded for making relationship efforts to regular consumers.