Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and swelling behavior of polyurethane networks based on hyperbranched polymer

A series of six polyurethane (PU) networks was synthesized from BoltornR hydroxy-functional hyperbranched polyester (HBP) of the second pseudo generation as a crosslinking agent, α,ω- dihydroxy-(ethylene oxide-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-ethylene oxide) (EO-PDMS-EO) and 4,4’- methylenediphenyl diisocyanate, by a two-step polymerization in solution. Each sample of the prepared PUs had different EO-PDMS-EO content. The chemical structure of the synthesized networks was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. The influence of the EO-PDMS-EO content and type of the solvent on the swelling behavior of the PUs in 2-propanol and toluene was investigated. During the swelling measurements certain amount of sol fractions was extracted from the PUs by solvents. According to the 1H NMR results, sol fractions are mainly composed of the soluble hyperbranched PU, formed during the polymerization by partial modification of the end hydroxyl groups of HBP with NCO-terminated prepolymer synthesized in the first step of the reaction. Chains of the so reacted prepolymer can then fold back and form cyclic products by reaction of the free -NCO group from the NCO-terminated prepolymer with free -OH group of HBP. As the EO-PDMS-EO content increases the amount of the sol fractions and swelling degree also increased, indicating that networks with lower EO-PDMS-EO content are more crosslinked and have higher solvent resistance.
Using the Law to Change the Custom

The custom often acts as a powerful hindrance to equity-increasing changes. In this paper, we present a simple model of legal dualism in which a progressive legal reform can, under certain conditions, shift the conflicting custom in the direction intended by the legislator. Formal law then acts as an outside anchor that exerts a 'magnet effect’ on the custom. We also characterize the conditions under which a moderate reform performs better than a radical one in improving the welfare of the disadvantaged sections of the population. We illustrate our insights using examples on inheritance, marriage, and divorce in Sub-Saharan Africa and India.
Male Students More Likely to Abuse and Become Addicted to Drugs Than Females; A Case Study of Kirinyaga University

The use of alcohol and other substances among students at institutions of higher learning impacts negatively on their studies, therefore affecting academic performances. The purpose of this study was to investigate prevalence of alcohol, drugs, other substances use and abuse among students of Kirinyaga University (KyU), categories of drugs used or abused, factors contributing to the use or abuse of the substances, suppliers of the substances, suppliers, impact on performance, memory, extent of addiction to the substances and to propose means of overcoming the challenge. Using a descriptive survey, all registered KyU students (2006) were stratified and systematically sampled using class attendance registers as the sampling frame and programmes as the sampling units. A sample size of 270 (n= 270) was calculated and proportionately allocated to the strata of Degree and Diploma students. Significantly, 34% of male students’ respondents required more of the drugs to get high indicating addiction. Furthermore, there was a significant difference (Chi square value=3.89; p-value =0.048); P<0.05) between the male and female students’ respondents in their requirement for more of the drugs to get high, indicating an increased risk of addiction to the drugs and the other substances. Males student’ respondents were more likely to use or abuse drugs, other substances and also more likely to get addicted than their female student’ counterparts.
Determinants of cost of equity: The case of Shariah-compliant Malaysian firms

Firm-level analysis of the cost of equity is essential for many financial decision makings, capital structure choice, capital budgeting analysis, performance assessment and firm valuation. This study aims to shed some light on the determinants of cost of equity by analyzing Shariah compliant firms based in Malaysia. A list of potential determinants is identified and is divided into accounting-based and market-based variables. Pooled, fixed-effect, random-effect, and dynamic difference- and system-GMM panel models were employed to investigate determinants of cost of equity. The results show that for the full sample, the cost of equity is determined by debt-to-equity ratio (DE), earnings per share (EPS), total asset turnover ratio (TAT), firm size (SIZE) and stock liquidity (SL). Consistent with the literature, a significant positive relationship with cost of equity was found for DE and EPS, while a negative relationship with TAT and SIZE was exhibited. The study is also extended to seven subsectors, namely construction, consumer products, industrial products, plantation, properties, technology and services, to observe the sectoral effects on the cost of equity determinants. For the individual sectors, SIZE is significant for most of the sectors and is consistently negatively related to cost of equity. The results for other variables show that the determinants differ across different sectors, highlighting the importance of sectoral analysis. Firm based implication includes assisting firms to review their cost of equity estimates and optimizing capital allocation, while the government could fine-tune its policies based on the sectoral effects on the cost of equity determinants.
Cold molecular gas in the Perseus cluster core - Association with X-ray cavity, Halpha filaments and cooling flow -

Cold molecular gas has been recently detected in several cooling flow clusters of galaxies where huge optical nebulosities often stand. These optical filaments are tightly linked to the cooling flow and to the related phenomena, like the rising bubbles of relativistic plasma, fed by the radio jets. We present here a map in the CO(2-1) rotational line of the cold molecular gas associated with some Halpha filaments surrounding the central galaxy of the Perseus cluster: NGC 1275. The map, extending to about 50 kpc (135 arcsec) from the center of the galaxy, has been made with the 18-receiver array HERA, at the focus of the IRAM 30m telescope. Although most of the cold gas is concentrated to the center of the galaxy, the CO emission is also clearly associated to the extended filaments conspicuous in ionised gas and could trace a possible reservoir fueling the star formation there. Some of the CO emission is also found where the X-ray gas could cool down more efficiently: at the rims of the central X-ray cavity (where the hot gas is thought to have been pushed out and compressed by the central AGN expanding radio lobes). The CO global kinematics does not show any rotation in NGC 1275. The cold gas is probably a mixture of gas falling down on the central galaxy and of uplifted gas dragged out by a rising bubble in the intracluster medium. As recenlty suggested in other cluster cores, the cold gas peculiar morphology and kinematics argue for the picture of an intermittent cooling flow scenario where the central AGN plays an important role.
Photoassociation with chirped laser pulses: calculation of the absolute number of molecules per pulse

The total number of molecules produced in a pulsed photoassociation of ultracold atoms is a crucial link between theory and experiment. A calculation based on first principles can determine the experimental feasibility of a pulsed photoassociation scheme. The calculation method considers an initial thermal ensemble of atoms. This ensemble is first decomposed into a representation of partial spherical waves. The photoassociation dynamics is calculated by solving the multichannel time-dependent Schrödinger equation on a mapped grid. The molecules are primarily assembled in a finite region of internuclear distances, the ‘photoassociation window’. The ensemble average was calculated by adding the contributions from initial scattering states confined to a finite volume. These states are Boltzmann averaged where the partition function is summed numerically. Convergence is obtained for a sufficiently large volume. The results are compared to a thermal averaging procedure based on scaling laws which leads to a single representative initial partial wave which is sufficient to represent the density in the ‘photoassociation window’. For completeness a third high-temperature thermal averaging procedure is described which is based on random phase thermal Gaussian initial states. The absolute number of molecules in the two first calculation methods agree to within experimental error for photoassociation with picosecond pulses for a thermal ensemble of rubidium or caesium atoms in ultracold conditions.
Ja n 20 16 Approximation of Lyapunov Functions from Noisy Data

Methods have previously been developed for the approximati on of Lyapunov functions using radial basis functions. However these methods assume that t he evolution equations are known. We consider the problem of approximating a given Lyapunov fu nction using radial basis functions where the evolution equations are not known, but we ins tead have sampled data which is contaminated with noise. We propose an algorithm in which we first approximate the underlying vector field, and use this approximation to then approximate the Lyapunov function. Our approach combines elements of machine learning/statistical learning theory with the existing theory of Lyapunov function approximation. Error estimates are pr ovided for our algorithm.
Private sector innovation in biofuels in the United States: induced by prices or policies?

It has been shown in recent years that high energy prices induce investments in energy research. $100/barrel oil, strategic concerns, concerns about global warming, and pork-barrel politics have also rekindled the enthusiasm of the public and government for policies that encourage research and innovation on biofuels. This article is a first attempt to develop an econometric model to measure how innovations as measured by ethanolrelated patents have responded to high oil prices and to government policies. We look at both the demand-side factors, such as federal policies subsidizing ethanol production or mandates for the use of biofuels, and supply-side factors, such as government funding for biofuels research. We find that both oil prices and federal research grants have significant positive effects on innovation. However, the size of the ethanol market has a negative effect, as do federal tax credits, with mandates being insignificant.
Follicular growth and plasma progesterone patterns in Bos indicus x Bos taurus heifers submitted to different PGF2α/progesterone-based synchronization protocols

The effect of different levels of progesterone (P4) concentrations on follicle growth and ovulatory capacity was evaluated in 40 crossbred Bos indicus x Bos taurus cyclic heifers submitted to distinct PGF2α + progesterone-based protocols. Heifers in CIDR_PGF8 group (n = 10) received 2.0 mg i.m. estradiol benzoate (EB) and a new controlled internal drug release containing 1.9 g of progesterone (CIDR) on day 0 of study. At the time of CIDR withdrawal (day 8), heifers received an i.m. injection of PGF2α and 24 h later a second EB i.m. injection (0.5 mg). The three other groups received EB injections and CIDR insertion/withdrawal as aforementioned, except that an i.m. injection of PGF2α was administered on day 5. In addition, heifers in the CIDR_PGF5 group (n = 10) received a new CIDR, while heifers in the CIDR1x_PGF5 (n = 9) and CIDR2x_PGF5 (n = 11) groups received a previously used CIDR for 8 and 14 days, respectively. Heifers that received a PGF2α injection on day 5 showed lower circulating P4 than heifers treated on day 8 (CIDR_PGF5 = 1.98 ± 0.21 ng/ml; CIDR1x_PGF5 = 1.69 ± 0.17 ng/ml and CIDR2x_PGF5 = 1.33 ± 0.08 ng/ml versus CIDR_PGF8 = 3.31 ± 0.45 ng/ml). The dominant follicle (DF) growth rate was slower in those heifers receiving PGF2α injection on day 8 (CIDR_PGF8 = 0.72 ± 0.13 mm/day) than groups treated on day 5 (CIDR_PGF5 = 0.96 ± 0.12 mm/day; CIDR1x_PGF5 = 1.06 ± 0.15 mm/day and CIDR2x_PGF5 = 1.01 ± 0.06 mm/day). In consequence, preovulatory follicle diameter on day 10 was smaller in those animals injected on day 8 (CIDR_PGF8 = 8.81 ± 6.7 mm) than in those treated on day 5 (CIDR_PGF5 = 10.00 ± 0.58 mm CIDR1x_PGF5 = 10.5 ± 0.69 mm and CIDR2x_PGF5 = 10.5 ± 0.35 mm). For heifers receiving PGF2α injection on day 5, no significant differences on plasma P4 concentrations, follicular growth rate and DF diameters were observed among heifers that received new or previously used CIDR inserts. These results suggest that the presence of corpus luteum during synchronization protocols is the main factor responsible for the increase in the plasma P4 concentrations and inhibition of DF growth.
Modelling heterogeneous speculation in Ghana’s foreign exchange market: Evidence from ARFIMA-FIGARCH and Semi-Parametric methods

In this paper, we explore the weak form efficiency of Ghana’s foreign exchange (FX) market and analyse the existence of speculative activity and correlated shocks in the market. We use high and low frequency data covering May 31, 1999 to November 30, 2017. For robustness, four rigorous methods are employed. Our findings are as follows: First, the efficiency of the FX market is non-homogenous. This gives very little room for speculative trading options, hence, we surmise that speculative activities cannot necessarily account for the self-driven shocks in Ghana’s FX market system. Second, the cedi/dollar market inefficiency is concealed in conditional returns, and toggles between persistence and anti-persistence for the high and low data frequencies respectively. Third, varying significant persistence is detected for the volatility returns for all market series, however, the evidence is more pronounced for daily-, absolute-, and conditional volatility returns. These data dynamics prove useful and should be considered when examining empirical behaviours of asset markets. In summing up, investors and policy makers could rely on the findings and their implications in making decisions on investment and exchange rate control system.
The Survey of Pediatric Pleural Empyema in North of Iran (from 2004 to 2016)

Background: Pleural empyema is a collection of purulent exudate between the lungs and the chest wall. Despite the importance of the disease in children, no study has investigated it in Mazandaran province, Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and its outcome in children referring to hospitals of Mazandaran during 12 years. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, medical records of all children aged 0 to 18 years admitted to 5 educational hospitals of Mazandaran province, Iran, with Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes confirming pleural empyema or effusion from March 2004 to 2016 were identified retrospectively. The clinical records were reviewed for demographic information, hospitalization information, medications, symptoms; laboratory and medical imaging results and the patient's condition on discharge were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: Of 50 patients with the mean age of 7.08±5.6 years, 31(62%) were boys and empyema incidence was higher (58%) in 5-18 year-old children.The mortality rate was 12% (6 patients). The most common microorganisms were Escherichia coliand Klebsiella (33.3%). In 17(34%) patients, antipyretics were prescribed prior to admission and pre-admission treatment regimen included beta-lactams with or without macrolides.The most commonly prescribed drug regimens were vancomycin and beta-lactam (50%), and the most common drug resistance of microorganisms was to ampicillin, cephalexin and ceftazidime. Conclusion: Since most of the gram-negative organisms in Mazandaran hospitals were Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL), and all the microorganisms of this study were susceptible to gentamicin, it is suggested to consider it in empiric therapy of pediatric pleural empyemain Mazandaran province. Also, lower rate of surgical intervention in children who received pre-admission antibiotics highlights the importance of antibiotic intervention before admission.
Optimized Monitoring of Production of Cellulose Nanowhiskers from Opuntia ficus-indica (Nopal Cactus)

Preparation of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) has grown significantly because they are useful for a wide range of applications. Additional advantage in their design requires that they meet the following characteristics: nontoxicity, abundance, sustainability, renewability, and low cost. To address these requirements, nanowhiskers were prepared from Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal) cellulose by acid hydrolysis. Monitoring the process of CNWs preparation is necessary to ensure maximum yield and purity of the end product. In this study, the cellulose preparation was monitored by analyzing microscopic morphology by SEM; the purity degree was determined by fluorescence microscopy as a novel and rapid technique, and FTIR spectroscopy was used for confirmation. The additional parameters that monitored the process were the crystallinity index by X-ray diffraction and the size of the particle by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Nopal cellulose was found to be comparable to commercial microcrystalline cellulose. The use of Opuntia ficus-indica is a viable alternative for the production of highly pure CNWs and the strategy to supervise the preparation process was rapid.
A comparative cross-sectional study on the level of empathy between the freshmen to senior undergraduate student nurses

Appropriate communication is one of the important aspects of the nursing profession and it is a most challenging task. Among the therapeutic communication techniques, empathy plays a major role that helps nurses to understand and provide care to the client. Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person experiencing from within their frame of reference that is the capacity to place oneself in another’s position. The study design adopted was a comparative cross-sectional design. Total Eighty students were enrolled 20 each from the freshmen to Senior undergraduate student nurses participated in the study. Tools used were Demographic data and Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Majority of the student nurses posses above the average level of empathy. High level of Empathy was found high in the sophomore. The average level of empathy was majorly noted among the Freshmen and 1 of the Senior students only. The comparison between the Freshmen to Senior students showed that overall the sophomores (second year) were possessing a high level of empathy. Comparatively, Seniors (Fourth year) students have lower empathy than the Sophomore and the juniors but higher than the Freshman. Whereas, the Freshmen’s were found to have lower empathy than the other three group of students. In the present scenario empathy is an essential skill expected of all the nurses. Improving the empathetical attitude and skills is very much necessary.
Macrofungal diversity in Yangambi Biosphere reserve and Yoko reserve rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Detecting and understanding patterns in the distribution of taxa is a fundamental element in implementing biodiversity conservation. Regarding fungi, understanding how functional diversity varies with forest types helps to define their niche and allows predicting the impact of forest degradation on communities of macrofungi. It also allows better understanding of the way in which they realize their ecological function and nourishment purpose. This study aimed to assess the species richness and functional diversity of macrofungi within rainforests from Yangambi Biosphere reserve and Yoko reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Results from this study show significant differences in number of macrofungi species between forest stand types (p-value<0.001). Based on all macrofungi functional groups, the most species-rich forest stand was the Gilbertiodendron dewevrei. Of the five reported functional groups (saprotrophic fungi, ectomycorrhizal fungi, insect parasitic fungi, plant parasitic fungi and termites’ symbiotic fungi), the saprotrophic fungi were the most abundant trophic group represented 210 species of a total of 341 fungal taxa. The results revealed also that woody decaying and terrestrial saprotrophic are mainly characteristic of mixed forests while the occurrence of ectomycorrhizal taxa depends on the presence of ectomycorrhizal trees. In addition, strong relation has been demonstrated between fungal composition and the composition in vascular plants. Each forest stand type is characterized by specific floristic composition which has a corresponding and fairly predictable mycological composition. The study gave evidence that species richness and functional diversity of macrofungi are strongly influenced by vascular plants composition. The various reported functional groups differently intervene in nutrients cycling, and then play key role in forests functioning. Key words: Species richness, functional diversity, macrofungi, rainforests, DR Congo.
Size-dependent, Spatial, and Temporal Variability of Juvenile Walleye Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) Feeding at a Structural Front in the Southeast Bering Sea

The waters surrounding the Pribilof Islands are an important nursery ground for juvenile walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), an important forage fish in the pelagic food web of the productive Bering Sea shelf region. The diet of juvenile pollock was studied in two consecutive years along a transect line crossing from a well-mixed coastal domain, through a frontal region to stratified water farther offshore. Variability in stomach fullness was high and evidence for increased feeding intensity in the front was weak. Prey diversity and prey size generally increased with increasing fish size, shifting from predominantly small copepods to larger, more evasive prey items such as euphausiids, crab megalopae and fish. The diet of the fish reflected changes in the relative abundance of copepods and euphausiids in the prey fields between years. Juvenile pollock showed increased feeding rates at dusk, and stomach fullness as well as prey condition were generally lowest just before sunrise; however, the proportion of euphausiids increased in the diet of pollock caught at night, suggesting that some food was also ingested during darkness. Juvenile pollock and their euphausiid prey both vertically migrated above the thermocline at night, although each had a different daytime depth.
On the long‐term behavior of meandering rivers

In spite of notable advances in the description of river morphodynamics, the long‐term dynamics of meandering rivers is still an open question, in particular, regarding the existence of a possible statistical steady state and its scaling properties induced by the competing action of cutoffs and reach elongation. By means of extensive numerical simulations, using three fluid dynamic models of different complexity and analysis of real data from the Amazon, North America, and Russia, we show that the reach cutoffs, besides providing stability and self‐confinement to the meander belt, also act as a dynamical filter on several hydrodynamic mechanisms, selecting only those that really dominate the long‐term dynamics. The results show that the long‐term equilibrium conditions are essentially governed by only one spatial scale (proportional to the ratio of the river depth and the friction coefficient) and one temporal scale (proportional to the square of the spatial scale divided by the river width, the mean longitudinal velocity, and the erodibility coefficient) that contain the most important fluid dynamic quantities. The ensuing statistical long‐term behavior of meandering rivers proves to be universal and largely unaffected by the details of the fluid dynamic processes that govern the short‐term river behavior.