Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical and spectroscopic investigation of Kolakhar and its commercial importance

Kolakhar, a traditional food additive derived from banana plants and popular amongst the different communities in Assam, has been analyzed for its commercial importance. Chemical and spectroscopic investigation show that potassium, sodium, carbonate and chloride are the major constituents present in kolakhar along with a host of other trace elements. The analysis has been able to corroborate the traditionally known superior quality of kolakhar derived from Musa balbisiana Colla as compared to those derived from different varieties of Musa acuminata Colla and Musa paradisiaca Linn. kolakhar has been found to be an excellent renewable source of potassium carbonate for commercial exploitation.
Issuers, Underwriters and Institutional Investors: Why They All Like the Book-Building IPO Procedure

This paper shows that the flexibility offered to underwriters in pricing and placing book-built IPOs allows them to use two types of information that matter for the aftermarket equilibrium price of IPO shares: first, investor sentiment, which is publicly observed at the time of the offering, and second, private information about the value of the IPO company, held by a group of institutional investors who form the underwriter's coalition. More precisely, in bullish markets, underwriters can afford to set high IPO prices. In bearish markets, they can choose IPO prices that reflect institutional investors' private information. The main result of the paper is that book-built IPOs can be priced above their expected value, and still exhibit positive initial returns. A recently introduced IPO mechanism provides an ideal testing ground for this paper's predictions: French book-built offerings can now reserve a fraction for individual investors, whose demand is observable. Using a sample of 56 such IPOs, I find strong empirical support for the model.
Temporal delays can facilitate causal attribution: Towards a general timeframe bias in causal induction

Two variables are usually recognised as determinants of human causal learning: the contingency between a candidate cause and effect, and the temporal and/or spatial contiguity between them. A common finding is that reductions in temporal contiguity produce concomitant decrements in causal judgement. This finding had previously (Shanks & Dickinson, 1987) been interpreted as evidence that causal induction is based on associative learning processes. Buehner and May (2002, 2003, 2004) have challenged this notion by demonstrating that the impact of temporal delay depends on expectations about the timeframe between cause and effect. A corollary of this knowledge-mediation account is that in certain situations longer delays could facilitate, while shorter delays should impair, causal learning. Here we present two experiments involving a physical apparatus that demonstrate a detrimental effect of contiguity under certain conditions. In contrast to all previous studies, delays universally promoted causal learning. This evidence is clearly at variance with the notion of a bottom-up contiguity bias in causal induction. A new, more general timeframe bias is discussed.
Effect of Crude Leaf Extract of Bauhinia strychnifolia in BALB/c Mice Infectedwith Plasmodium berghei

Continuous emergence of antimalarial drug resistant malaria parasites and their rapid spread across the globe warrant urgent search for new antimalarials. Traditional medicinal plants have been the main sources for screening active phytochemicals against malaria. Accordingly, this study was aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activity of crude leaf extract of Bauhinia strychnifolia against Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Aqueous crude leaf extract of B. strychnifolia have been prepared and tested for acute toxicity and antimalarial efficacy in P. berghei ANKA infected BALB/c mice. At three oral doses of 100, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of extract were safe, chemosuppressive and thus prevented body weight loss, packed cell volume reduction and increased mice mean survival time in a dosedependent manner compared to the untreated control group. The maximum efficacious extract was found at the dose of 1,000 mg/kg which prolonged mean mouse survival past day 26 of infection with all the mice in this group having the highest parasitemia suppression rate (85%). This study suggests that the crude leaf extract of this plant have promising antimalarial activity against P. berghei in a dose dependent manner, which supports the folkloric use of the plant for treating malaria.
Environmental Policies, Pollution and Growth in a Model with Vertical Innovations

The paper introduces environmental considerations and public policies in a Schumpeterian model with vertical innovations and ”creative destruction”. It is shown that environmental policies affect growth through several partial and general equilibrium mechanisms. In particular, they affect profits in the intermediate good sector. Thus through this channel they influence the value of firms, and finally research and growth. These mechanisms lead to a trade-off between environment and growth.
Is Pennine England becoming more Polycentric or more Centripetal? an analysis of commuting flows in a transforming industrial region, 1981-2001

This paper examines census-derived commuting data for the world's earliest major urbanindustrial region, now home to 10 million people. Owing its origins to water power from the Pennine rivers, this region now comprises many closely-spaced cities and towns whose distinct identities have been eroded through the loss of their local industrial specialisms and the long-term growth in mobility. It contains five of the city regions identified by 'The Northern Way', a policy initiative designed as part of the Labour government's 2004 Sustainable Cities Plan for stimulating agglomeration economies across the wider region, with a more polycentric structure being seen as a positive contribution to this development. The paper tests how far this part of Northern England may be evolving into a single polycentric mega-city region, using commuting data from the 1981, 1991 and 2001 Censuses. Two hypotheses are tested; namely, that there is increasing polycentricity within each of the five city regions and that there is increasing linkage between the five city regions. With gravity modelling removing the effects of generic reductions in distance deterrence, evidence is found of trends towards greater polycentricity at both these scales of analysis, albeit modest in scale: there has been some reduction in the five cities' attraction of commuters living in the other parts of their city regions and the boundaries between the city regions have become somewhat more permeable over time.
Free radical scavenging and insecticidal activity of Elaeagnus kologa Schldl.

Free radicals contribute to more than one hundred disorders in humans. Mosquitoes are the most important single group of insects acting as vector for many tropical and subtropical diseases. The present study was conducted to screen various solvent extracts of Elaeagnus kologa Schldl. for Antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging assay and insecticidal activity against second instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The extracts have exhibited concentration dependent radical scavenging activity. Among the extracts, methanol extract exhibited high free radical scavenging activity. A concentration dependent larval mortality was observed in all the extracts. The larval mortality was recorded as 100% in the case of 15 and 20mg/ml of methanol, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts. The radical scavenging and insecticidal activity could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals in the solvent extracts.
Spatial soil loss risk and reservoir siltation in semi-arid Tunisia

Abstract Soil erosion vulnerability and extreme rainfall characteristics over the Mediterranean semi-arid region of Tunisia are crucial input for estimation of siltation rate in artificial reservoirs. A comprehensive high-resolution database on erosive rainfall, together with siltation records for 28 small reservoirs, were analysed for this region, the Tunisian Dorsal (the easternmost part of the Atlas Mountains). The general life-span of these reservoirs is only about 14 years. Depending on the soil degradation in the different catchments, the corresponding reservoirs display a wide range of soil erosion rates. The average soil loss was 14.5 t ha−1 year−1 but some catchments display values of up to 36.4 t ha−1 year−1. The maximum 15-min duration rainfall intensity was used to determine the spatial distribution of rainfall erosivity. The northwestern parts of the Tunisian Dorsal display the most extreme rainfall erosivity. Spatial erosion patterns are to some extent similar; however, they vary greatly according to their location in the “soil degradation cycle”. This cycle determines the soil particle delivery potential of the catchment. In general, the northwestern parts of the Dorsal display modest soil erosion patterns due to the already severely degraded soil structure. Here, the soil surface is often the original bedrock. However, the greatest soil erosion occurs in the mid-eastern parts of the Dorsal, which represents the “degradation front”. The latter corresponds to the area with highest erosion, which is continuously progressing westward in the Dorsal. The large variation between the erosive rainfall events and the annual soil loss rates was explained by two important factors. The first relates to the soil degradation cycle. The second factor corresponds to the degradation front with the highest soil loss rates. At present this front is located at 300 m altitude and appears to be moving along an 80-km westward path starting from the east coast. A better understanding of the above can be used to better manage soils and soil covers in the Tunisian Dorsal area and, eventually, to decrease the soil erosion and reservoir siltation risk. Citation Jebari, S. , Berndtsson, R. , Bahri, A. & Boufaroua, M. (2010) Spatial soil loss risk and reservoir siltation in semi-arid Tunisia. Hydrol. Sci. J. 55(1), 121–137.
UV-B RADIATION INDUCED CHANGES IN PHOTOSYSTEM II PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF THE THYLAKOID MEMBRANES FROM PRIMARY LEAVES OF BARLEY

Exposure of UV-B radiation (25-100 μ moles) induced inhibition in both whole chain electron transport as well as PS II photochemistry in a intensity dependent manner. The probable site of inhibition in PS II catalyzed electron transport could be water oxidation complex. To confirm this, an artificial donor, Diphenylcarbazide has been used and methyl viologen is employed as an acceptor. The above electron transport measurements clearly demonstrated that water oxidation complex is main target for the action of UV-B radiation.
Phylogenetic analysis of Geotrupidae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) based on larvae

Abstract. Thirty‐eight characters derived from the larvae of Geotrupidae (Scarabaeoidea, Coleoptera) were analysed using parsimony and Bayesian inference. Trees were rooted with two Trogidae species and one species of Pleocomidae as outgroups. The monophyly of Geotrupidae (including Bolboceratinae) is supported by four autapomorphies: abdominal segments 3–7 with two dorsal annulets, chaetoparia and acanthoparia of the epipharynx not prominent, glossa and hypopharynx fused and without sclerome, trochanter and femur without fossorial setae. Bolboceratinae showed notable differences with Pleocomidae, being more related to Geotrupinae than to other groups. Odonteus species (Bolboceratinae s.str.) appear to constitute the closest sister group to Geotrupinae. Polyphyly of Bolboceratinae is implied by the following apomorphic characters observed in the ‘Odonteus lineage’: anterior and posterior epitormae of epipharynx developed, tormae of epipharynx fused, oncyli of hypopharynx developed, tarsal claws reduced or absent, plectrum and pars stridens of legs well developed and apex of antennal segment 2 with a unique sensorium. A ‘Bolbelasmus lineage’ is supported by the autapomorphic presence of various sensoria on the apex of the antennal segment, and the subtriangular labrum (except Eucanthus). This group constituted by Bolbelasmus, Bolbocerosoma and Eucanthus is the first evidence for a close relationship among genera, but more characters should be analysed to test the support for the clade. A preliminary classification at tribe level of Geotrupinae is suggested as follows: Chromogeotrupini (type genus Chromogeotrupes), Lethrini (type genus Lethrus), Taurocerastini (type genus Taurocerastes) and Geotrupini (type genus Geotrupes). Some ecological facts of Geotrupidae evolution could also be explained by the present results, such as those related to diet and nesting behaviour. Both coprophagy and male–female co‐operation in nesting appear as derived traits.
The Value Compressive Strength and Split Tensile Strength on Concrete Mixture With Expanded Polystyrene Coated by Surfactant Span 80 as a Partial Substitution of Fine Aggregate

The value of the density normal concrete which ranges between 2200-2400 kg/m 3 . Therefore the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) as a subitute to fine aggregate can reduce the density of concrete. The purpose this research is to reduce the density of normal concrete but increase compressive strength of EPS concrete, with use surfactant as coating for the EPS. Variables of substitution percentage of EPS and EPS coated by surfactant are 5%,10%,15%,20%,25%. Method of concrete mix design based on SNI 03-2834-2000 "Tata Cara Pembuatan Rencana Campuran Beton Normal (Provisions for Proportioning Normal Concrete Mixture)". The result of testing, every increase percentage of EPS substitution will decrease the compressive strength around 1,74 MPa and decrease density 34,03 kg/m 3 . Using Surfactant as coating of EPS , compressive strength increase from the EPS's compressive strength. Average of increasing compressive strength 0,19 MPa and increase the density 20,03 kg/m 3 ,average decrease of the tensile split strength EPS coated surfaktan is 0,84 MPa. Along with technological developments in the field of construction, using concrete materials are commonly used as a material that supports the building structure . Theoretically, the concrete material is able to resist high compressive strength, but not good enough to resist tensile strength. The value of the density normal concrete which ranges between 2200-2400 kg/m 3 , this will affect the total weight of the building structure. The decreasing density of the concrete will reduce the weight of the building. To reduce the density of normal concrete, concrete toward research that has less weight is being carried out at several universities or in the concrete mix design company. One way to reduce the density of normal concrete by reducing the fine aggregate, material to be added Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in the concrete mix. So in this way is expected that the resulting concrete material has a light density. Park and Chisholm use polystyrene as fine aggregate and has a less specific gravity ranges from 520 to 1040 kg/m3 has a very low compressive strength, which is in the range 0.7 MPa to
Evaluation of the probiotic properties of Bacillus spp. strains isolated from Tunisian hypersaline environments

Bacillus species are ubiquitous and diverse both in the terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In this study, Bacillus species were isolated from Tunisian hypersaline environments and their probiotic properties were studied. In total, 13 strains were identified as a Bacillus spp. Antagonism assay revealed an inhibitory effect of these strains against pathogenic bacteria. Cell surface hydrophobicity values ranged between 0.33 and 30%. The tested strains were able to produce extracellular enzymes such as amylase, lipase, caseinase, and lecithinase. Qualitative analysis of biofilm results show that seven strains were able to produce slime on Congo red agar. Furthermore, the investigated strains were fairly adhesive to glass and polystyrene with values ranging from 0.07 to 0.70 at 570 nm. Key words: Bacillus spp. , hypersaline, antagonism, extracellular enzymes, adhesion.
14. CARBON AND OXYGEN ISOTOPE ANALYSIS OF LAKE SEDIMENT CELLULOSE: METHODS AND APPLICATIONS

Carbon and oxygen isotope analysis of lake sediment cellulose is a recently developed paleolimnological approach that is gaining increasing usage, especially in carbonate-free sedimentary systems. As with carbonate-based paleolimnological investigations (see Ito, this volume), lake sediment cellulose can provide a record of lake paleohydrology. As a result, studies incorporating this technique typically aim to address the following research questions:
Serum Interleukin-13 Levels Are Elevated In Mild And Moderate Persistent Asthma

Background: Interleukin-13 is thought to play a key role in modulating airway inflammation in asthma. Elevated levels of serum interleukin-13 (IL-13) have been documented in acute severe asthma. However, there are no reports of serum IL-13 levels in mild and moderate asthmatics who form the majority of patients. Methods: In a cross sectional survey, fifty-four asthmatics and 54 age and sex matched controls were recruited prospectively from an outpatient department. Information on asthma severity and use of inhaled steroids was gathered by a questionnaire. Results: There were 32 atopic and 22 non-atopic mild-to-moderate asthmatics. The median serum IL-13 level in the whole group of asthmatics (6.67 pg/ml) was significantly higher than in normal controls (3.09 pg/ml) (p=0.001). The median serum IL-13 levels in moderate persistent asthmatics (7.72 pg/ml) and mild persistent asthmatics (5.11pg/ml) were significantly higher than in normal controls (p<0.01and p=0.03). Whereas there was a tendency for serum IL-13 levels among moderate persistent asthmatics (7.72pg/ml) to be higher than in mild persistent (5.11 pg/ml) asthmatics, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.9). The median serum IL-13 levels were not different among patients using regular inhaled glucocorticoids (6.72 pg/ml) and those using only an inhaled beta-2 agonist (3.36pg/ml) (p=0.8). Conclusion: Serum IL-13 levels are elevated in mild and moderate persistent atopic and non-atopic asthmatics. These data suggest the presence of a systemic Th2 inflammatory response even in mild and moderate asthmatics, which is not abrogated by inhaled glucocorticoids.
Lost (in) Dimensions: Consolidating progress in multidimensional poverty research

Identifying, locating and profiling the poor and deprived individuals in a society are the most basic imperatives for good social policy design. Understanding why people are, and remain, poor is the next analytical step. Multidimensional poverty and deprivation estimates are important new tools in this undertaking. This paper reviews the insights of various contributions from research into multidimensional poverty and deprivation and combines them into an internally consistent framework. The framework adds an important element by emphasising that people may experience various types and forms of poverty and deprivation simultaneously. The experience of poverty is often multifaceted and deprivations are interrelated in many cases. This highlights the necessity to clearly separate the different concepts of poverty and to study their overlap.
TASK-ORIENTED METACOGNITIVE STRATEGY USE AND READING COMPREHENSION BY EFL LEARNERS

Developing reading comprehension ability is an important aspect of language learning; and Metacognitive strategies (MCSs) have a crucial role in learning language skills and sub-skills including reading. The present study focused on improving reading comprehension ability and MCSs’ use through Task-based Instruction (TBI). In doing so, 75 advanced EFL learners out of a total 100 were selected through the TOEFL and assigned to three homogeneous groups, with 25 students in each. The first experimental group worked out Information-gap tasks, the second experimental group practiced Opinion-gap tasks, while the control group was instructed conventionally in their reading instruction. Metacognitive Strategy Use (MSU) and reading performances of the participants were assessed before and after the treatment sessions. Obtained data underwent multiple statistical analyses of ANOVA. As to the reading performance, both treatment groups outperformed the control group. With respect to the MSU, however, Opinion-gap task group outperformed Information-gap and control group. It is concluded that, though tasks were not significantly distinctive from each other in their effects, they proved effective in developing reading ability compared to conventional instruction. Moreover, certain tasks showed to be significantly effective in affecting MCSU, conservatively implying that learner's strategy use might be a function of task type. Citation: Bazvand Mojtaba (2018). Task-Oriented Metacognitive Strategy Use And Reading Comprehension By EFL Learners. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research (IJAMSR ) ISSN:2581-4281 Vol 1, Issue 3, May, 2018, #Art.130, pp15-23 International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research(IJAMSR) ISSN:2581-4281 Volume 1, Issue 3 , May,2018 https://doi.org/10.31426/ijamsr.2018. 1.3. 130 https://doi.org/10.31426/ijamsr.2018. 1.3. 130 16 International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Scientific Research (IJAMSR) ISSN:2581-4281 According to Branden (2016), task-based instruction principles are in harmony with the aim of communicative language teaching and theoretically relates to second language acquisition (SLA) regarding enhancing communicative use of language among learners. One of the earliest, but still helpful curricular applications of TBLT to appear in the literature is the Bangalore project. In this project, as Nunan (2004) writes, three principal task types are recognized: information gap, opinion gap, and reasoning gap. The first two types are focus of the present study. Information-gap task: This type of task involves division of information and giving each part to a learner or a group. The task includes the transfer of information from a person or a situation to a newer one. One example of informationgap activity is pair work in which each member has a part of information and tries to convey it verbally to the other (Prabhu, 1987).
Can milk protein percentage or yield serve as indicator of fertility (calving interval) in dairy cattle

Data on milk yield traits, survival from first to second lactation and calving interval ( CI) were analysed to estimate the relationships among them and determine whether the reliability of estimated breeding values (BVs) for CI could be increased from multi-trait analyses. The data consisted of 87,942 first parity cows which were daughters of 1679 sires. The genetic correlations of milk, protein and fat yield with CI were unfavourable (0.4 to 0.5) and were not influenced by stage of lactation while environmental correlations were slightly higher (~0.05) towards the end of the lactation (181 to 210 days) than at the beginning of the lactation (6 to 91 days). Protein percentage was favourably correlated both genetically (at the beginning) and environmentally (throughout the lactation) with CI. However, the genetic correlation between CI and protein % was slightly weaker than between CI and other milk yield traits. Consequently, protein % did not improve the reliability of estimated BVs for CI whereas milk yield resulted in a modest increase.