Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An assessment on dispersion of carbon monoxide from acement factory

Background: Modeling the dispersion of pollutants from factory stacks addresses the problem of matching emissions of a cement plant with the capacity of the environment to avoid affecting the environment and society. The main objective of this study was to simulate the dispersion of carbon monoxide (CO) from the main stack of a cement plant in Doroud, Iran using SCREEN3 software developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Methods: Four samplings were conducted to measure the concentration of CO in the three-stack flow of a cement factory. The input parameters were those affecting gas dispersion and included CO rate, meteorological parameters, factors associated with the stack, and various factors related to the receptor. All factors were incorporated in the model, and dispersion was modeled by SCREEN3. Results: Southwesterly winds have been dominant in the past 5 years. According to the results of this study, the highest and the lowest CO levels were estimated by the model in spring and autumn as having maximum amounts of 842.06 and 88.31 μg/m3, respectively, within distances of 526 and 960 m from the cement plant, respectively, at a downwind southwesterly direction from the plant. Conclusion: Although the maximum predicted CO levels in each of the four seasons were lower than the NAAQS criteria, the simulation results can be used as a base for reducing CO emissions to prevent the potentially significant health and environmental impacts imposed by long-term contact to such emissions.
Adjustment of photosynthetic carbon assimilation to higher growth irradiance in three-year-old seedlings of two Tunisian provenances of Cork Oak (Quercus suber L.)

Abstract: Three-year-old seedlings of two Tunisian provenances of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) differing in climatic conditions at their geographical origin were subjected to increasing light intensities. Gaâfour was the provenance from the driest site and Feija from the wettest site. Low-light adapted seedlings from both provenances were exposed to two light treatments: full sunlight (HL) and low light (LL, 15% sunlight) for 40 days. The CO2-response curve of leaf net photosynthesis (An-Ci curve) established under saturated photon flux density was used to compare photosynthetic parameters between leaves subjected to continuous low light (LL leaves) and leaves transferred from low to high light (HL leaves). Transfer from low to high light significantly increased net photosynthesis (An) and dark respiration (Rd) in Gaâfour provenance but not in Feija. After transfer to high irradiance, specific leaf area (SLA) did not change in either provenance. This suggested that the increase in photosynthetic capacity on a leaf area basis in HL leaves of Gaâfour provenance was not due to increased leaf thickness. Only the seedlings from the Gaâfour provenance were able to acclimate to high light by increasing Vcmax and Jmax.
Lipotoxicity-associated inflammation is prevented by guarana (Paullinia cupana) in a model of hyperlipidemia

Abstract Hyperlipidemia causes lipotoxicity which prompts an inflammatory response linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Natural compounds have been receiving special attention for its potential to treat diseases, inexpensiveness, and safety. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) has demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may prevent chronic diseases caused by changes in lipid profile. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of guarana powder (Paullinia cupana) in the purine metabolism and inflammatory profile in lymphocytes and serum of rats with Poloxamer-407-induced hyperlipidemia. Pretreatment with guarana 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day or caffeine (0.2 mg/kg/day) by gavage was applied to adult male Wistar rats for a period of 30 days. As a comparative standard, we used simvastatin (0.04 mg/kg) post-induction. Hyperlipidemia was acutely induced with intraperitoneally injection of Poloxamer-407 (500 mg/kg). Guarana powder and caffeine increased the activity of the E-NTPDase (ecto-apyrase), and all pretreatments decreased the E-ADA (ecto-adenosine deaminase) activity, reducing the inflammatory process caused by lipotoxicity. In hyperlipidemic rats, ATP levels were increased while adenosine levels were decreased, guarana and caffeine reverted these changes. Guarana powder, caffeine, and simvastatin also prevented the increase in INF-γ and potentiated the increase in IL-4 levels, promoting an anti-inflammatory profile. Guarana promoted a more robust effect than caffeine. Our results show that guarana powder and caffeine have an anti-inflammatory as seen by the shift from a proinflammatory to an anti-inflammatory profile. The effects of guarana were more pronounced, suggesting that guarana powder may be used as a complementary therapy to improve the lipotoxicity-associated inflammation.
Performance of Short Duration Groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) Variety (TG 51) as Influenced by Nutrient Management Strategy under New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

To study the effect of nutrient management strategy on production potentiality of short duration high yielding summer irrigated groundnut variety TG 51, field experiments were conducted during summer seasons of 2011 and 2012 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. Results revealed that, application of 100 % RDF + 7.5 t/ha FYM as basal increased growth and yield attributes that led to significantly higher productivity (pod yield 3320 kg/ha) besides enrichment of soil available nutrients after harvest of the crop. Pod yield decreased with further increase in NPK fertilizer above 100% RDF. However, maximum haulm yield (3979kg/ha) was recorded with 150% RDF + 7.5t/ha FYM as basal. Maximum net return: cost ratio (3.43) was found with 100 % RDF which was closely followed by that of 100 % RDF + 7.5 t/ha FYM.
The Impact of Party Affect on Voter Sincerity in Open and Closed Electoral Systems

eScholarship provides open access, scholarly publishing services to the University of California and delivers a dynamic research platform to scholars worldwide. Abstract: Building on scholarship that seeks to explain sincere voting in electoral context, this paper investigates whether system openness, defined by the complex of electoral institutions which shape party system dynamics like district magnitude, proportional seat allocation and legal thresholds, has consequences for voters’ decisions to remain loyal to their preferences. I begin by asking under what circumstances we should expect voters to be loyal to their preferences, identifying three baseline correlates of sincerity. I then investigate the extent to which such conditions hold when placed in the proper electoral context. The study makes use of matched vote choice and party preference data from respondents across 18 advanced democracies compiled by the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES). I find that small party supporters are more likely to cast sincere ballots when they have strongly positive feelings for their party and when their affect toward the top two parties differs little. By contrast, when voters are less positive about their party and especially when they perceive a large difference between the top alternatives, they are much more likely to stray. Finally, institutional characteristics alter these relationships, with more open electoral systems strengthening the relationship between affect and sincerity, and weakening the pressure to cast strategic ballots when the top alternatives seem very different. These results provide generalized support for previous work linking sincerity levels to permissive electoral arrangements, while providing a contextualized understanding of how electoral institutions can impact voter rationale.
Antibody prevalence against respiratory viruses in naturally infected cattle in Central Anatolia

Gerec ve Yontem: Bu calismada Ic Anadolu Bolgesi’ndeki 5 ilden (Amasya, Corum, Kayseri, Nevsehir ve Yozgat) solunum sisteminin en onemli enfeksiyoz ajanlari olan Bovine Herpesvirus tip 1 (BHV-1), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), Parainfluenza Virus-3 (PIV-3) ve Bovine Adenovirus-3 (BAV-3)’e karsi herhangi bir asi uygulamasi yapilmamis toplam 500 sigirdan kan ornekleri toplandi. Serum ornekleri BHV-1, BVDV, BRSV, PIV-3 ve BAV-3’e karsi gelisen spesifik antikor varliklari yonunden serolojik olarak indirekt Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) ile incelendi.
The Effect of Value Add Tax on Economic Growth and Its Sources in Developing Countries

Today the role of economic growth for its effect on social welfare is undeniable. For this reason, the factors influencing the economic growth are taken into account by policy makers and researchers. On the other hand, the VAT has been considered by most of the countries due to its numerous advantages and benefits. Hence, investigating how this type of tax affects the economic growth seems to be indispensable, particularly in developing countries. In this study, the effect of value added tax on economic growth was examined especially on the developing countries. In details, the effects of VAT on the economic growth of 19 developing countries for duration of 1995 to 2010 were investigated. For analysing the data, the GMM panel was employed because of the structure of the model. Afterwards, the effect of VAT through the channel of saving on the capital accumulation and productivity and ultimately the economic growth was examined. The results revealed that VAT has a negative effect on capital accumulation growth in the level; the positive effect of VAT on the level of economic growth seems to have been imposed through channels other than the increase of saving and its effect on capital accumulation.
Investigating the effectiveness of school health services delivered by a health provider: A systematic review of systematic reviews

Schools are the only institution regularly reaching the majority of school-age children and adolescents across the globe. Although at least 102 countries have school health services, there is no rigorous, evidence-based guidance on which school health services are effective and should be implemented in schools. To investigate the effectiveness of school health services for improving the health of school-age children and adolescents, a systematic review of systematic reviews (overview) was conducted. Five databases were searched through June 2018. Systematic reviews of intervention studies that evaluated school-based or school-linked health services delivered by a health provider were included. Review quality was assessed using a modified Ballard and Montgomery four-item checklist. 1654 references were screened and 20 systematic reviews containing 270 primary studies were assessed narratively. Interventions with evidence for effectiveness addressed autism, depression, anxiety, obesity, dental caries, visual acuity, asthma, and sleep. No review evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-component school health services intervention addressing multiple health areas. Strongest evidence supports implementation of anxiety prevention programs, indicated asthma education, and vision screening with provision of free spectacles. Additional systematic reviews are needed that analyze the effectiveness of comprehensive school health services, and specific services for under-researched health areas relevant for this population.
Collective Bargaining and High-Involvement Management in Comparative Perspective: Evidence from U.S. And German Call Centers

This article assesses the relationship between national and collective bargaining institutions, management practices, and employee turnover, based on case study and survey evidence from U.S. and German call center workplaces. German call centers were more likely to adopt high-involvement management practices than those in the United States, even across workplaces with no collective bargaining institutions. Within Germany, union and works council presence was positively associated with high-involvement practices, while works council presence alone had no effect. In contrast, union presence in U.S. call centers showed either a negative association or no association with these practices. National and collective bargaining institutions and high-involvement management practices were associated with lower quit rates in both countries, with only partial mediation.
Measuring Hydrometeors with a Precipitation Microphysical Characteristics Sensor: Calibration and Field Measurements

Aiming at the simultaneous measurement of the size, shape, and fall velocity of precipitation particles in the natural environment, we present here a new ground-based precipitation microphysical characteristics sensor (PMCS) based on the particle imaging velocimetry technology. The PMCS can capture autocorrelated images of precipitation particles by double-exposure in one frame, by which the size, axis ratio, and fall velocity of precipitation particles can be calculated. The PMCS is calibrated by a series of glass balls with certain diameters under varying light conditions, and a self-adaptive threshold method is proposed. The shape, axis ratio, and fall velocity of raindrops were calculated and discussed based on the field measurement results of PMCS. The typical shape of large raindrop is an oblate ellipsoid, the axis ratio of raindrops decreases linearly with the diameter, the fall velocity of raindrops approaches its asymptote, and the above observed results are in good agreement with the empirical models; the synchronous observation of a PMCS, an OTT PARSIVEL disdrometer, and a rain gauge shows that the PMCS is able to measure the rain intensity, accumulated rainfall, and drop size distribution with high accuracy. These results have validated the performance of PMCS.
Optimization of Purslane Plant Using Cooking and Pickling Processes for Reducing Oxalate Conten

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an edible plant rich in benefcial nutrients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition, minerals, fatty acid analysis, phenolic compounds and radical scavenging activity of purslane plant. In addition, the effect of cooking of purslane at different temperatures (60, 80 and 100 °C), for various durations (5, 10, 15 and 20 minute), and pickling for various durations (3, 6 and 9 days) on oxalate content. Sensory evaluation of quality characteristics and fatty acids analysis of biscuits fortified by purslane powder after reducing oxalate content were carried out. Protein, fat, ash and fiber contents of purslane were 5.64, 5.30, 23.42 and 16.03 %, respectively on dry matter basis. The highest concentration mineral was K (4694.0 mg/100g), while the lowest concentration mineral was Zn (0.93 mg/100g). Total phenolic and radical scavenging activity of purslane were 193.22 mg/100g gallic acid equivalent and 87.29 %, respectively. Purslane contains high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linolenic acid (40.4 % of total fatty acids). On the other hand, the soluble fraction of total oxalate content of purslane cooked for 20 minutes at 60, 80 and 100 °C were 34.65, 19.84 and 15.84 %, respectively. While, the soluble fraction of total oxalate content of purslane pickled for 0, 3, 6 and 9 days were 47.80, 36.23, 25.60 and 14.39 %, respectively. Fortification of biscuits using purslane powder after treatments led to improvement of the quality characteristics of product. Portulaca oleracea could be used as a good source of minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 especially for functional food and nutraceutical applications.
Changes in horizontal structure of natural beech forests on an altitudinal gradient in the Sudetes

The article describes horizontal structure of the tree layer, natural regeneration, snags and crown projections of natural beech stands on three permanent research plots in the wide altitudinal range in the Krkonoše Mts (Czech Republic). The spatial structure was classified from 1980 to 2010 and subsequently the prediction of spontaneous development with an outlook for 30 years (to 2040) was done by growth simulator. Hopkins-Skellam index, Pielou-Mountford index, Clark-Evans index and Ripley’s K-function were calculated. Further, the vertical structure and total diversity index was evaluated. The horizontal structure of individuals in the tree layer had not changed significantly during the monitored years. Tree spatial pattern of the lowest altitude lying herb-rich beech forest was mostly regular to random, in acidophilous mountain beech forest predominantly random and in fragments of beech groups around the timberline aggregated. Juvenile growth on all investigated plots was distributed aggregated and snags randomly. The horizontal structure of crown projection centroids had always higher values toward the regularity than tree layer and was random to regular. The result of principal component analysis also confirmed that spatial pattern was dependent on the altitude, but also on the number of trees. Additional key words: European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), spatial pattern, structural indices, forest dynamics, development prediction Addresses: Z. Vacek, S. Vacek, L. Bilek, J. Remeš, I. Štefančík, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic, e-mail: vacekz@fld.czu. cz I. Štefančík, National Forest Centre, T.G. Masaryka 22, 460 01 Zvolén, Slovak Republic
Loss of EZH2 Reprograms BCAA Metabolism to Drive Leukemic Transformation.

Epigenetic gene regulation and metabolism are highly intertwined, yet little is known about whether altered epigenetics influence cellular metabolism during cancer progression. Here we show that EZH2 and NRasG12D mutations cooperatively induce progression of myeloproliferative neoplasms to highly penetrant, transplantable and lethal myeloid leukemias in mice. EZH1, an EZH2 homolog, is indispensable for EZH2-deficient leukemia-initiating cells and constitutes an epigenetic vulnerability. BCAT1, which catalyzes the reversible transamination of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), is repressed by EZH2 in normal hematopoiesis and aberrantly activated in EZH2-deficient myeloid neoplasms in mice and humans. BCAT1 reactivation cooperates with NRasG12D to sustain intracellular BCAA pools, resulting in enhanced mTOR signaling in EZH2-deficient leukemia cells. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of BCAT1 selectively impairs EZH2-deficient leukemia-initiating cells and constitutes a metabolic vulnerability. Hence, epigenetic alterations rewire intracellular metabolism during leukemic transformation, causing epigenetic and metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer-initiating cells.
The Treatment of Word Sense Inventories in the 'LACELL WSD Project'

The WSD community has long debated whether the criteria for representing polysemy in general purpose dictionaries meet the specific demands of sense disambiguation tasks. Concern is growing that pre-defined sense inventories might not adjust well to the needs of WSD, because word occurrences can rarely be paired with rigid sense classes in a one-toone fashion. A second cause for concern is the level of sense granularity adopted in conventional dictionary entries. Fine-grained distinctions can be useful for a dictionary user but complicate the design and evaluation of WSD systems in a way that is often unnecessary. As a result of these objections, many experts have voiced the opinion that dictionaries are not adequate sources of sense inventories for WSD. However, the problem of word sense overlaps can also be resolved by modifying the way in which dictionary entries are processed by WSD programs. This is the solution applied in the LACELL WSD system. The algorithm selects simultaneously two or more dictionary senses if the context does not allow sufficient discrimination between/among them. This article explains the underpinnings of such proposal, as well as discussing some advantages and disadvantages.
Graphing Calculator and Geometers’ Sketchpad in Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

Normal 0 false false false EN-MY X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:. 0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} This study aims to develop a module for teaching and learning of Straight Lines topics using graphing calculator (GC) technology and dynamic geometry software, Geometer’s Sketchpad (GSP) and also to determine the pedagogical usability of the module. The study is carried out in two phases. Phase 1 is the development of the module and phase 2 is a survey research using a questionnaire. A sample of 30 mathematics teachers from three different schools in district of Sabak Bernam, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor are randomly selected to participate in this study. The instrument used in this study is the pedagogical usability questionnaire. The pedagogical usability criteria are the student control, student activities, objective-oriented, application, value-added, motivation, knowledge value, flexibility and response. The data are analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, percentage, and frequency. The findings showed that the module developed has a high pedagogical usability . Findings from this study provide evidence of pedagogical impact in incorporating the latest trends in mathematics education, namely, integrating the GC tool and GSP software to maximize the mathematical and pedagogical benefits to students.
Pacing in lane-based head-to-head competitions: A systematic review on swimming

ABSTRACT Athletes’ energy distribution over a race (e.g. pacing behaviour) varies across different sports. Swimming is a head-to-head sport with unique characteristics, such as propulsion through water, a multitude of swimming stroke types and lane-based racing. The aim of this paper was to review the existing literature on pacing behaviour in swimming. According to PRISMA guidelines, 279 articles were extracted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. After the exclusion process was conducted, 16 studies remained. The findings of these studies indicate that pacing behaviour is influenced by the race distance and stroke type. Pacing behaviours in swimming and time-trial sports share numerous common characteristics. This commonality can most likely be attributed to the lane-based racing set-up. The low efficiency of swimming resulting from propulsion through the water induces a rapid accumulation of blood lactate, prompting a change in swimmers’ biomechanical characteristics, with the goal of minimising changes in velocity throughout the race. Although the literature on youth swimmers is scarce, youth swimmers demonstrate more variable pacing profiles and have more difficulty in selecting the most beneficial energy distribution.
Company Dividends and Ownership Structure: Evidence from UK Panel Data

This study investigates the relationship between dividends and ownership structure for a panel of 330 large quoted UK firms. Controlling for unobserved firm-specific effects, results indicate a negative relationship between dividends and ownership concentration. Ownership composition also matters, with a positive relationship observed for shareholding by insurance companies, and a negative one for individuals. These results are consistent with agency models in which dividends substitute for poor monitoring by a firm's shareholders but can also be explained by the presence of powerful principals who are able to impose their preferred payout policy upon firms.