Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zingiberaceae

Zingiberaceae Family Description A family of over 56 genera and about 1300 species, pantropic, particularly well developed in Asia and Malesia; seven genera occur naturally in Australia. Genera Alpinia A genus of over 250 species in Asia, Malesia, Australia and the Pacific islands; six species occur naturally in Australia. Smith (1987). Amomum A genus of about 64 species in Asia, Malesia and Australia; one species occurs naturally in Australia. Smith (1987); De Boer et al (2018). Curcuma A genus of ca. 80 species from India, China, Taiwan, SE Asia, Papua New Guinea and Australia; 1 species occurs naturally in Australia with another naturalised in the CYP. Etlingera A genus of about 60 species in Asia, Malesia and Australia; one species occurs naturally in Australia. Smith (1987). Hedychium A genus of about 45 species in Asia and Malesia; two species have become naturalised in Australia. Smith (1987). Hornstedtia A genus of about 24 species in Malesia, Australia and the Pacific islands; one species occurs naturally in Australia. Smith (1987). Meistera A genus of 42 species in Sri Lanka, India, South East Asia, Malesia and Australia; one species occurs naturally in Australia. De Boer et al (2018). Pleuranthodium A genus of about 22 species in New Guinea, the Bismark Archipelago and Australia; one species occurs naturally in Australia. Smith (1990, 1991). Zingiber A genus of about 100 species in tropical Asia; two species have become naturalised in Australia. Smith (1987). References de Boer, H. et al (2018) Convergent morphology in Alpinieae (Zingiberaceae): Recircumscribing Amomum as a monophyletic genus. Taxon 67(1): 6-36. Ravindran, P.N. , Nirmal Babu, K. & Sivaraman, K. (2007). Turmeric: The Genus Curcuma. Sirirugsa, P., Larsen, K. & Maknoi, C. (2007). The genus Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae): distribution and classification with reference to species diversity in Thailand. Smith, R.M. (1987). Flora of Australia. 45: 22-23. Smith, R.M. (1987). Zingiberaceae. In 'Flora of Australia'. Vol. 45, (Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra.), pp. 19-34. Smith, R.M. (1990). Psychanthus (K. Schum.) Ridley (Zingiberaceae): its acceptance at generic level. Edinburgh Journal of Botany 47:7782. Smith, R.M. (1991). Pleuranthodium replaces the illegitimate Psychanthus (Zingiberaceae). Edingburgh Journal of Botany 48:63-68. Webb, L.J. (1948). Guide to the medicinal and poisonous plants of Queensland. CSIR Bulletin No. 232. : 171. Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants Online edition
Screening and Verification of Key Proteins in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background: The aim of this study was to simultaneously and quantitatively assess the expression levels of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) proteins in serum, and explore the intervention mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine. Methods: The differences between patients and controls were investigated by Raybiotech cytokine antibody microarray. Differentially expressed proteins between two groups were then used to build receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. The subsequent validation with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was widened to a larger number of RA (n=40) and healthy controls (n=10). Changes of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), rheumatoid factors (RF) and anti-citrullinated peptide autoantibodies (anti-CCP) in patients were statistically analyzed. Results: Six proteins interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-11 (IL-11), interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β), cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen (CTLA)-4 were significantly up-regulated in RA compared with controls, while interleukin-8 (IL-8), programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2) and B7-2 were significantly down-regulated. ELISA was performed to verify the three proteins with the most significant differences, and the results consistent with the antibody chip results. The highest diagnostic accuracy using a ROC curve was observed for IL-11 with an area under the curve of 1.00. Further, after treatment, IL-11, IL-17 and PD-L2 levels regulated, and compared with the herbs group (TC), xinfeng capsule (XFC) combination with herbs (UC) more regulated. The association rule results showed that the combination of XFC with herbs significantly improved IL-11, IL-17, PD-L2 and hs-CRP. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of antibody arrays to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. IL-11, IL-17 and PD-L2 regulated by XFC combined with herbs.
IgG galactosylation aberrancy precedes disease onset, correlates with disease activity and is prevalent in autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective— To examine the association of IgG galactosylation aberrancy with disease parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods— N-glycan analysis of serum from multiple cohorts was performed. IgG N-glycan content and timing of N-glycan aberrancy relative to disease onset was compared in healthy and RA subjects. Correlations between aberrant galactosylation and disease activity were assessed in the RA cohorts. The impact of disease activity, gender, age, anti-CCP titer, disease duration, and CRP on aberrant galactosylation was determined using multivariate analysis. N-glycan content was also compared between epitope affinity purified autoantibodies and the remaining repertoire IgG in RA subjects. Results— Our results confirm the aberrant galactosylation of IgG in RA (1.36 ± 0.43) compared to healthy controls (1.01 ± 0.23) (P < 0.0001). We observe a significant correlation between levels of aberrant IgG galactosylation and disease activity (Spearman rho = 0.37, p<0.0001). This correlation is higher in females [Spearman rho = 0.60 (P<0.0001)] than males [Spearman rho = 0.16 (P = 0.10)]. Further, IgG galactosylation aberrancy substantially predates onset of arthritis and the diagnosis of RA (3.5 years) and resides selectively in the anti-citrullinated peptide autoantibody fraction. Conclusions— Our findings identify aberrant IgG galactosylation as a dysregulated component of the humoral immune response in RA that begins prior to disease onset, that associates with disease activity in a gender specific manner, and that resides preferentially in autoantibodies.
External threats and group identity-The effect of the Russian invasion in Ukraine on European Union identity

A major theory from social psychology claims that external threats can strengthen group identities and foster cooperation. This paper exploits the 2014 Russian invasion in Ukraine as a sudden increase in the perceived military threat for eastern European Union member states. Comparing low versus high-threat member states in a differencein-differences design, I find a sizable positive effect on EU identity. It is associated with higher trust in EU institutions and support for common policies. Lower level identities are not affected and regional variation in the effect supports distance to Russia and the size of Russian minorities as driving high-threat status.
The (un)usual suspects? Exploring the links between illicit financial flows, Russian money laundering and dependent financialization in the Baltic states

The paper analyses the links between illicit financial flows, money laundering and dependent financialization using the Baltic states as exploratory case studies. Since the restoration of their independence, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have been involved in several massive money laundering scandals, with illicit funds flowing mainly from Russia, as well as other former Soviet Republics. Currently, these episodes have taken on a new dimension in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Until recently, the prevailing narrative was that illicit financial flows and money laundering in the Baltic states resulted from a failure in the financial system’s ability to monitor and detect these operations. However, this paper argues that far from being a simple shortcoming, money laundering and illicit financial flows in the Baltic states are products of dependent financialization in two main ways: first, in the decade leading up to the global financial crisis, the overall economic performance and the returns of financial actors in these countries became dependent on foreign capital inflows. This dependency was key to enabling the arrival of illicit financial flows and money laundering from the post-Soviet space, especially after the crisis. Second, due to its comparative advantages and its subordinate position in the international financial system, the banking sector of the Baltic states was used as an intermediary in global financial networks of money laundering for funds from the former USSR, where it assumed most of the financial, legal and reputational risks. Finally, the research also points to the emergence of new risks.
Sparse Markowitz portfolio selection by using stochastic linear complementarity approach

We consider the framework of the classical Markowitz mean-variance (MV) model when multiple solutions exist, among which the sparse solutions are stable and cost-efficient. We study a two - phase stochastic linear complementarity approach. This approach stabilizes the optimization problem, finds the sparse asset allocation that saves the transaction cost, and results in the solution set of the Markowitz problem. We apply the sample average approximation (SAA) method to the two - phase optimization approach and give detailed convergence analysis. We implement this methodology on the data sets of Standard and Poor 500 index (S & P 500), real data of Hong Kong and China market stocks (HKCHN) and Fama & French 48 industry sectors (FF48). With mock investment in training data, we construct portfolios, test them in the out-of-sample data and find their Sharpe ratios outperform the \begin{document} $\ell_1$ \end{document} penalty regularized portfolios, \begin{document} $\ell_p$ \end{document} penalty regularized portfolios, cardinality constrained portfolios, and \begin{document} $1/N$ \end{document} investment strategy. Moreover, we show the advantage of our approach in the risk management by using the criteria of standard deviation (STD), Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR).
A New Art from Emerging Markets

Contents: Foreword Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Introduction. All Change in the Art Market Chapter 2: The East Asian democracies: Taiwan, South Korea and Japan Chapter 3: Greater China Chapter 4: The Persianate Zone: Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan Chapter 5: Hindustan: India Chapter 6: South East Asia: Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia Chapter 7: The Offshore Exchanges: Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates Bibliography Index
Stress and the direction of slip on fault planes

The shear stress direction on a fault plane depends only on four of the six components of the stress tensor. Assuming only that the slip direction marks the shear stress direction on any fault plane (and that stress is homogeneous), it is possible to estimate these four stress parameters from populations of fault planes with known slip directions, as several workers have observed. Different formulations of the problem may yield varying best-fitting stresses and estimates of uncertainty. In the simplest case, no assumptions are made regarding the orientations of fault planes relative to the stress tensor; thus the technique allows for the possibility that the fault planes may be very weak. Here we present simple analytical and graphical descriptions of the field of admissible fault geometries relative to any four-parameter stress model, which can be used to illustrate the significance of various inverse strategies. In particular, this paper explores the effects of using two alternative measures of misfit between an observed fault datum and stress model: (1) the pole rotation (the angle between the observed and predicted slip direction on the observed fault plane), and (2) the minimum rotation (the smallest angle between the observed fault geometry and any fault geometry which is consistent with the model). By allowing for variation of the fault plane as well as the slip vector, the minimum rotation procedure generally achieves a more stable and (presumably) realistic estimate of the actual discrepancy between a fault observation and stress model than the pole rotation procedure. In a test case using 17 earthquake focal mechanisms from the YuIi region of eastern Taiwan, separate inversions based on the two misfit criteria yield different optimum stress models and uncertainty estimates. Additional constraints on the stress tensor, such as the effect of friction, can be superimposed on the ones used here.
A comparison of stratosphere‐troposphere transport in convection‐permitting and convection‐parameterizing simulations of three mesoscale convective systems

[1] The transport of stratospheric air into the troposphere within deep convection was investigated using the Met Office Unified Model version 6.1. Three cases were simulated in which convective systems formed over the UK in the summer of 2005. For each of these three cases, simulations were performed on a grid having 4 km horizontal grid spacing in which the convection was parameterized and on a grid having 1 km horizontal grid spacing, which permitted explicit representation of the largest energy-containing scales of deep convection. Cross-tropopause transport was diagnosed using passive tracers that were initialized above the dynamically defined tropopause (2 potential vorticity unit surface) with a mixing ratio of 1. Although the synoptic-scale environment and triggering mechanisms varied between the cases, the total simulated transport was similar in all three cases. The total stratosphere-to-troposphere transport over the lifetime of the convective systems ranged from 25 to 100 kg/m2 across the simulated convective systems and resolutions, which corresponds to ∼5–20% of the total mass located within a stratospheric column extending 2 km above the tropopause. In all simulations, the transport into the lower troposphere (defined as below 3.5 km elevation) accounted for ∼1% of the total transport across the tropopause. In the 4 km runs most of the transport was due to parameterized convection, whereas in the 1 km runs the transport was due to explicitly resolved convection. The largest difference between the simulations with different resolutions occurred in the one case of midlevel convection considered, in which the total transport in the 1 km grid spacing simulation with explicit convection was 4 times that in the 4 km grid spacing simulation with parameterized convection. Although the total cross-tropopause transport was similar, stratospheric tracer was deposited more deeply to near-surface elevations in the convection-parameterizing simulations than in convection-permitting simulations.
The Relationship Between High Ozone Days and Atmospheric Patterns in Atlanta, Georgia

Tropospheric ozone pollution is a world-wide problem, based on studies reported from locations as diverse as India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Greece, Canada, and the United States. Ozone is a serious pollutant in the troposphere due to its adverse effects on the health of plants, and on the respiratory systems, eyes, and mucous membranes of humans. Due to the seriousness of the issue, the ozone problem in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area was investigated. A review of the literature revealed a research deficiency, since no environment-to-circulation analysis of the ozone problem in the Atlanta metropolitan area could be found. Therefore such a study was conducted, in order to determine how high ozone days in Atlanta were related to atmospheric patterns and meteorological variables. Statistical analysis of radiosonde data, and data from eleven air quality monitoring stations in metropolitan Atlanta, for the summer months of 2000-2003, revealed a relationship between high ozone days and both highand lowpressure patterns, as well as between high ozone days and higher temperature and lower dew point temperature. The data revealed two groups of stations differentiated by geography, and also suggested transport of precursor chemicals as a factor at some stations. This research may assist policy-makers as well as policyimplementers in elucidating associations or mechanisms that can assist efforts to reduce tropospheric ozone concentrations in the Atlanta area.
Comparative Study on Homegardens of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in Terms of Species Diversity and Plant Utilization Pattern

A B S T R A C T In the present investigation, species diversity and plant uses were studied in the homegardens of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. High diversity of plant species is recorded in studied homegardens with a total of 268 species (107 trees, 53 shrubs and 108 herbs) belonging to 200 genera under 82 families. Species richness per homegarden varied greatly and it ranged from 25 to 87 with an average of 46 (SE ± 1.98) species. Five vertical strata (emergent, canopy, under storey, shrub and herb) were identified in the studied homegardens with highest percentage of species in herb stratum (37%). In case of plant utilization pattern, almost similar occurrences of medicinal plants, vegetables, spice and condiments, fuel wood and timber trees were recorded both in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. But, there was a difference in occurrence of ornamental, fruit and plants of miscellaneous uses. Diverse life style, tradition and cultural practices in both the states may also have a greater effect in such variation in species composition and plant utilization pattern. Besides, owners are cultivating some rare/endangered species like Aquilaria malaccensis, Livistona jenkinsiana, Clerodendrum colebrookianum along with other homegarden species.
The Impact of the Macroeconomic Factors on the Bucharest Stock Exchange During the Latest Crisis

The purpose of the paper is to observe and analyze how the dynamics of macroeconomic factors impact the evolution of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) during the latest crisis (Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian war), through the lens of various market stock indices (BET, BetPlus, BET-FI and BETNG). After the monthly values of both the macroeconomic factors (inflation rate, unemployment rate, RONEURO exchange rates, industrial production index, average salary, money supply, interest rate and oil price) and Bucharest Stock Exchange indices were collected, during the period January 2020- June 2023, the descriptive statistics was used to describe all the observed data (mean value, standard deviation, minimum/ maximum value). Finally, the multiple regression was used to see exactly how the Romanian stock market indices are influenced by any changes of macroeconomic factors.
Student-Led Campus Happiness Lunchboxes: Paying for Positive Impact

In the aftermath of the 2022 Russian–Ukrainian war, Taiwan experienced economic shocks that prompted the government to initiate the happiness lunchbox program, aimed at fostering sustainable development and zero hunger concerns. Despite these efforts, economically disadvantaged university students faced challenges due to the unconventional outsourcing of campus meals. This study, conducted by leveraging campus culinary facilities, adopts an inferred value approach as opposed to the subjective willingness-to-pay (WTP) method, providing a more conservative assessment of students’ willingness to contribute. Through regression analysis, this study highlights the positive correlation between student engagement in charitable activities and WTP for student-led events. This involvement not only enhances food safety and hygiene but also reflects a genuine commitment to supporting financially challenged students. The comprehensive nature of this approach effectively tackles issues related to campus nutrition, emphasizing the significance of establishing a sustainable campus environment to achieve objectives such as “zero hunger” and “responsible consumption and production” on campus.
Hepatitis B screening and knowledge among Chinese and Vietnamese students in Australia

Research has shown that there are significant gaps in hepatitis B knowledge among migrant communities who are at risk of hepatitis B, such as Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Many students studying within Australia come from countries with high prevalence of hepatitis B. However, there is very little research examining hepatitis B knowledge, screening, or vaccination among university students in Australia or worldwide. The aim of this paper was to measure both levels of and demographic differences in hepatitis B screening and knowledge among Chinese and Vietnamese students in Australia. Online surveys were completed by 112 Chinese- and 95 Vietnamese-identifying students in Australia, measuring knowledge of hepatitis B, engagement in screening and vaccination, and demographic characteristics. Results show that although engagement in screening and vaccination for hepatitis B was high, there were significant gaps in knowledge around transmission of hepatitis B. There were also some key demographic differences in screening and knowledge. For instance, those born in Australia were more likely to have been screened compared to those born Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Vietnam. Chinese students born in Australia had lower levels of knowledge compared to those born in Mainland China or Hong Kong. Among both samples, knowing someone living with hepatitis B was associated with higher levels of knowledge. Findings underscore the need for education-based interventions to address the significant gaps that exist in knowledge around hepatitis B, with a specific need for culturally appropriate resources in a range of languages to cater to the diverse communities who may be at risk of hepatitis B.
Reviving the “Yellow Peril” Digitally: Anti-Asian Hate on Twitter During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Racist sentiments against Asian, specifically Chinese, communities have risen alongside the COVID-19 pandemic. Combining Twitter data, employment data, and COVID-19 case data, this study uses interrupted time series analysis and traditional time series analysis to investigate how the revival of anti-Asian sentiments on Twitter has been facilitated by the combination of elite discourse on social media, economic slowdown, and public health crises. Results suggest that tweets about the “Chinese virus” from former president Trump serve as elite cues that positively and significantly impact the spread of anti-Asian hate on Twitter. This correlation is unidirectional. In addition, newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and unemployment rates are also positively correlated with the increase in anti-Asian hate tweets. The results draw attention to how the historical racialization of Asian populations has been extended to the social media arena during the public health crisis.