Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Personality traits and academic examination performance

British university students (N = 247) completed the NEO‐PI‐R (Costa & McCrae, 1992) personality inventory at the beginning of their course and took several written examinations throughout their three‐year degree. Personality super‐traits (especially Conscientiousness positively, and Extraversion and Neuroticism negatively) were significantly correlated with examination grades and were found to account for around 15% of the variance. Primary traits were also examined and results showed significant correlations between a small number of these traits (notably dutifulness and achievement striving positively, and anxiety and activity negatively) and academic achievement. Furthermore, selected primary personality traits (i.e. achievement striving, self‐discipline, and activity) were found to explain almost 30% of the variance in academic examination performance. It is argued that personality inventory results may represent an important contribution to the prediction of academic success and failure in university (particularly in highly selective and competitive settings). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GENERAL WALL CROSSING FORMULA

where μ is a fixed, imaginary valued, anti-self-dual 2-form on M . (The notation is from [T].) The Seiberg-Witten invariant SW (L) for the given spin structure L is obtained by making a suitable count of solutions. The group C∞(M ;S) naturally acts on the space of solutions and acts freely at solutions where ψ is not identically zero. The quotient is the moduli space and is denoted by M. Fix a base point in M and let C∞ 0 (M, S) denote the group of maps which map said point to 1. Let M0 denote the quotient of the space of solutions by C∞ 0 (M, S ). M0 is called the based moduli space. When
Twistor structures, tt -geometry and singularity theory

We give an overview on the tt ∗ -geometry defined for isolated hy- persurface singularities and tame functions via Brieskorn lattices. We discuss nilpotent orbits in this context, as well as classifying spaces of Brieskorn lat- tices and (limits of) period maps.
RECENT ADVANCES IN MICROSPONGES DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Microsponge technology has been introduced in topical drug products to facilitate the controlled release of active drug into the skin in order to reduce systemic exposure and minimize local cutaneous reactions to active drugs. Microsponges consist of microporous beads, typically 10-25 microns in diameter, loaded with active agent. When applied to the skin, the microsponge releases its active ingredient on a time mode and also in response to other stimuli (rubbing, temperature, pH, etc) that are used mostly for topical and recently for oral administration. Microsponge technology has many favorable characteristics which make it a versatile drug delivery vehicle. Microsponge systems can suspend or entrap a wide variety of substances, and then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. The outer surface is typically porous, allowing the sustained flow of substances out of the sphere. Microsponge drug delivery system (MDDS) can provide increased efficacy for topically active agents with enhanced safety, extended product stability, enhanced formulation flexibility, reduced side effects and improved aesthetic properties in an efficient and novel manner. In addition these are non-irritating, non-mutagenic, non-allergenic, and nontoxic. The present review introduces Microsponge technology along with its synthesis, characterization, programmable parameters and release mechanism of MDDS. Keywords : Controlled Drug Delivery System, Microsponge Technology, Programmable Release, Microsponge.
Self-fulfillment Development among the Arab Sector in Israel

Self-determination and fulfillment are central components of personal development in both developing and developed societies. These terms are used frequently by many researchers, especially in the work by Maslow, who particularly emphasized this concept. This article presents a roadmap of sorts that describes the factors that can leverage and promote a process that leads to self-fulfillment and the sources from where these factors are derived among Arab sector in Israel. Most importantly, it defines a professional protocol and its components. This is a route that will be certain to prove useful, understandable, and applicable for parents and professionals.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Gallic Acid against Cyclophosphamide- and Cisplatin-induced Immunosuppression in Swiss Albino Mice

Gallic acid is a triphenolic acid, widely distributed in fruits, vegetables and plants and is reported to produce antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antitumor effects. In the present study, immunomoduatory effect of gallic acid was tested against cyclophosphamide and cisplatin; two widely used anticancer agents induced immunosuppression in Swiss albino mice. Cyclophosphamide and cisplatin are known immunosuppressive agents, which elicit variety of immune responses. In recent years much attention is given for the identification of plants or their bioactive compounds as immunomodulators. Three different doses of gallic acid i.e., 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg weight were administered orally for 7 consecutive days. Cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) and cisplatin (10 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally as single dose. Levamisole 50 mg/kg was used as standard immunomodulatory drug. 0.5 % carboxymethyl cellulose was used as solvent control. Evaluation of immunomodulatory property of gallic acid was done by using haemagglutination antibody titre response and haematological parameters such as white blood cells, red blood cells, platelet counts and haemoglobin levels. Relative weight of thymus an important lymphoid organ was also determined. Augmentation of antibody titre values and haematological end points clearly indicated immunomodulatory effect of gallic acid against cyclophosphamide and cisplatin-induced myelosuppression in Swiss albino mice. Results indicate that, gallic acid could be used as an adjuvant with immunosuppressive drugs to reduce their adverse effects on immune system.
Gamma-Ray Burst Prompt Correlations

The mechanism responsible for the prompt emission of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is still a debated issue. The prompt phase-related GRB correlations can allow discriminating among the most plausible theoretical models explaining this emission. We present an overview of the observational two-parameter correlations, their physical interpretations, and their use as redshift estimators and possibly as cosmological tools. The nowadays challenge is to make GRBs, the farthest stellar-scaled objects observed (up to redshift ), standard candles through well established and robust correlations. However, GRBs spanning several orders of magnitude in their energetics are far from being standard candles. We describe the advances in the prompt correlation research in the past decades, with particular focus paid to the discoveries in the last 20 years.
On the Stability of the Wealth Effect ∗

Evidence of instability of the wealth eﬀect in the USA is presented through the estimation of a Markov switching model of the long-run aggregate consumption function. The dating of the regimes appears to bear relation to movements in asset prices. A model-based explanation of the ﬁndings is suggested, highlighting the importance of the short-run relation between consumption, income and wealth in explaining the estimated long-run coeﬃcients
Microhabitats and fragmentation effects on a ground beetle community (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in a mountainous beech forest landscape

The aim of this investigation was to analyze the effects of microhabitats and forest fragmentation on the composition and species abundance of a ground beetle community from three different beech forest patches on Mt. Osogovo (Macedonia), as well as to analyze the mobility (based on mark-recapture of individuals) and seasonal dynamics and sex ratio of the ground beetle community. The study site included three localities (A, B, C), one of them fragmented (A), with four microhabitats (open area, ecotone, forest stand, and forested corridor). Ground beetles were collected using pitfall traps during four sampling months (June-September 2009) that were operational for three continuous days per month. Species richness, abundance, diversity, homogeneity, and dominance were compared between the localities. Dissimilarities in carabid assemblages between localities and microhabitats were analyzed with Bray-Curtis UPGMA cluster analysis. In total 1320 carabid individuals belonging to 19 species were captured. The carabid assemblage structure of the continuous forest locality was substantially different from the other two smaller forest patches, indicating that microhabitat structure affects ground beetle communities through changes of species composition and richness.
Meat quality of chicken of different crossings in alternative system

The purpose was to evaluate the effects of gender and of different genotypes of chickens on the physicochemical parameters and centesimal composition, related to the quality of meat. The design was completely randomized arranged in 5x2 factorial scheme, five genotypes (Índio Gigante IG; New Hampshire NHS; Gigante Negra de Jersey GNJ; poultry from the crossing between the IG and NHS breeds IG x NHS; and between the IG and GNJ breeds IG x GNJ) and two genders, with five repetitions and each one represented by three poultry, totaling 150 animals, slaughtered at 105 days. The parameters evaluated on the breast and thigh were: centesimal composition (moisture, ether extract EE, protein and ash), ultimate pH, color (L*luminosity, a*redness, b* -yellowness, C* chroma index and h* hue angle), weight loss by cooking (WLC) and shear force (SF). The IG genotype had the highest average of ultimate pH of the breast (6.03). The NHS and IG x NHS genotypes showed, respectively, higher average of L * (58.93) and a* (1.92) of the breast. The IG, IG x NHS and IG x GNJ showed the highest values of b* of the breast (12.53, 13.37 and 12.69, respectively). The IG poultry showed high average of SF of the breast and thigh (4.79 and 5.01kgf, respectively). The IG x NHS and IG x GNJ genotypes showed the lowest ultimate pH values of the thigh (6.13 and 6.02, respectively). The IG x GNJ genotype showed a high average of b* of the thigh (14.94) and the NHS had a high average of WCL (24.65%). The females showed higher averages of EE on the breast and ash on the thigh (1.03 and 1.11%, respectively). The IG x NHS and IG x GNJ poultry showed higher averages of EE of the breast (1.21 and 1.38 %, respectively). The poultry of IG breed and those from the crossing with NHS and GNJ presented meat quality characteristics more desirable by the consumer in relation to physicochemical parameters and centesimal composition, while genders showed no influence on these aspects.
BIRD SONG: THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN URBAN NOISE AND SEXUAL SELECTION

ambient noise is present almost everywhere in the biosphere. Because background noise can potentially mask the acoustic signals that many animals use to communicate, many species may face a problem when trying to get their messages through noisy environments. Here I reviewed some of the strategies that birds use to deal with ambient noise, and related this information to the possible consequences that may result when birds use their songs in the context of sexual selection, a process that has been widely acknowledged as a main force shaping the evolution of bird songs. I suggest that, depending on the species-specific nature of the sexual selection process in relation to the sender songs, ambient noise may impair the probability of reproduction to different degrees in different species. For instance, species whose songs are effective at communicating in noisy environments, but at the same time render the sender a lowered probability of attracting a mate and defending a territory, may face a greater reduction in reproductive success than if the sender’s songs fail in one aspect of sexual selection (e.g. female attraction), but not in the other (e.g. male-male competition). However, more studies are needed if we are to obtain a clearer picture of the possible outcome that may result from the interaction between ambient noise and sexual selection. some questions that need answers are: to what extent ambient noise impairs the processes of sexual selection in nature? are sub-oscines equally vulnerable than oscines?
Early warning signals in complex ecosystems

Abstract. Given the potential for elements of the Earth system to undergo rapid, hard to reverse changes in state, there is a pressing need to establish robust methods to produce early warning signals of such events. Here we present a conceptual ecosystem model in which a diversity of stable states emerge, along with rapid changes, referred to as critical transitions, as a consequence of external driving and non-linear ecological dynamics. We are able to produce robust early warning signals that precede critical transitions. However, we show that there is no correlation between the magnitude of the signal and magnitude or reversibility of any individual critical transition. We discuss these findings in the context of ecosystem management prior to and post critical transitions. We argue that an understanding of the dynamics of the systems is necessary both for management prior and post critical transitions and the effective interpretation of any early warning signal that may be produced for that system.
Quantitative geomorphology of the White Mountains (California) using detrital apatite fission track thermochronology

[1] Detrital thermochronology has been proposed as a method for measuring average basin-wide erosion rates. This paper illustrates how to use detrital apatite fission track (AFT) thermochronology to map out where in a basin erosion takes place. Five samples of detrital AFT ages were collected on an alluvial fan that is fed by the Marble Creek drainage basin in the northern White Mountains (California). Using a digital elevation model (DEM) to characterize the basin hypsometry and a few published basement samples to constrain the age-elevation curve of the catchment, the detrital AFT distribution was predicted. Comparing the observed with the predicted age distributions reveals that localized rockfall events provide the sediment source of the currently active Marble Creek, but a composite sample from the entire alluvial fan indicates that, over longer time scales, the entire catchment contributes material to the debris-flow dominated fan, with more material being derived from lower elevations than from higher up the Marble Creek Canyon. The observed AFT age distribution is compared with the hypsometric predictions using the “Cumulative Age Distribution” (CAD) which is the cumulative distribution of the measured ages. In contrast with probability density estimators and their cumulative equivalents, the CAD requires no numerical smoothing while properly accounting for (unequal) measurement uncertainties.
New Media - Opportunity for New and Small Parties? Political Communication before the Parliamentary Elections in Iceland in 2013

This article presents results from a survey among political candidates standing in parliamentary elections in Iceland in the spring of 2013 regarding their use of media in the election campaign. The purpose of this study was twofold; first to determine the extent to which politicians have adopted new technologies. Thereby adapting their election strategies to new realities and a transformed media environment characterized by hybridization between new networked media and traditional media logic. Secondly, to examine whether in a digitalized media era, there is a difference in media use between old and new political parties. The findings suggest a process of normalization and the potential advantage for new parties, due to easier access to communication channels created by less expensive new media outlets, was by and large negated by a more complex and diverse media environment.
Conservation Biology of Caecilian Amphibians

Abstract: Most of the available data on declining populations of amphibians pertain to frogs and, to a lesser extent, salamanders. In keeping with their generally less understood biology, the population trends and conservation status of caecilian amphibians (Gymnophiona) are also much less known. We reviewed reports of threats to and declines of populations of caecilians. Despite a lack of field‐study details (e.g., localities, dates, and sampling methods) and quantitative data, there are several recent reports of threats to and declines and extinctions of caecilians. A range of causal explanations (habitat loss, pollution, chytridiomycosis, and scientific collecting) for these perceived declines have been proposed but little or no associated evidence has been given. Although caecilians are often considered rare and thought to require pristine habitat, published, quantitative data demonstrate that at least some species can occur in high abundance in disturbed, synanthropic environments. Few estimates of caecilian population parameters have been made and very few field methods have been tested, so the assumed rarity of any taxa remains inadequately demonstrated. Distribution and taxonomic data are also inadequate. Because they are generally poorly known and often cryptic, caecilians can be overlooked in standard faunal surveys, meaning that lack of opportunistic collection over several years might not represent evidence of decline. The conservation status of most species must be considered data deficient. More precise assessments will require a substantial increase in all areas of caecilian research, especially those involving new fieldwork. Future reports of caecilian conservation biology need to be explicit and more quantitative.
Population abundance of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), on chilli and other vegetable crops under glasshouse conditions (Kelimpahan populasi lalat putih, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), pada cili dan sayur-sayuran lain di bawah rumah kaca)

Whitefly (WF), Bemisia tabaci (Genn), is one of the most damaging pests for several vegetables in Malaysia which affects plant vigour, transmits geminiviruses and reduces crop quality. This study estimated the population abundance of B. tabaci on chilli, Capsicum annuum MC 11 alone, MC 11 planted with brinjal, Solanum melongena MT e1, tomato, Lycopersicum esculentum MT 1 or okra, Abelmoschus esculentus MK BE1 and MC 11 planted with a combination of all the other crops under glasshouse conditions. WF adults, egg and nymph samples were obtained every 4 days from the underside of the leaf (abaxial) on the upper, middle and lower strata of the plant for one month. The total mean numbers of WF adults, eggs and nymphs were significantly higher (p <0.05) on chilli in the monoculture experiment than on chilli in multiple crops experiment with okra, tomato and brinjal. Results also showed that the population of WF adults and eggs were significantly higher in the upper stratum than in the middle and lower plant strata. Interestingly, the number of nymphs was higher in the middle stratum than in the other strata in all treatments. This phenomenon indicated that mixed crops can lower pest populations and indirectly reduce virus disease incidence.
Disillusion of the Democratization of Finance: Housing Prices and Crowdfunding

The ability of crowdfunding to “democratize” finance has attracted much interest among entrepreneurs and funders. Entrepreneurs initiating crowdfunded projects, located anywhere, are able to access sources of credit from around the world. As such, entrepreneurs who face less attractive credit environment may choose to engage more in crowdfunding. In this paper, we examine how geography affects the formation of crowdfunded projects. We obtain data on housing prices that are closely related to the cost of accessing traditional sources of financing, especially bank financing, and match the data to the novel data set obtained from a leading crowdfunding market from 2009 to 2013. Adopting a first-difference approach to address unobserved area-specific effects and using housing supply elasticity as an instrument for housing price change, we find that a higher decrease in housing prices leads to a greater increase in the creation of crowdfunded projects. Moreover, the effect varies across projects. It is stronger for larger projects, while it is indifferent between successful and unsuccessful projects. In addition, the effect of housing prices on crowdfunded projects is more significant for low socioeconomic status areas. The increase in crowdfunded projects in the low status areas is entirely driven by a significant increase in unsuccessful projects, whereas the effect of housing prices on successful crowdfunded projects is significant only in high socioeconomic status areas. Overall, the results show that web-enabled crowdfunding could be a viable option for entrepreneurs having difficulty accessing traditional offline channels of credit, thereby democratizing access to finance.
Aggregate Fluctuations and the Network Structure of Intersectoral Trade

This paper analyzes the flow of intermediate inputs across sectors by adopting a network perspective on sectoral interactions. I apply these tools to show how fluctuations in aggregate economic activity can be obtained from independent shocks to individual sectors. First, I characterize the network structure of input trade in the U.S. On the demand side, a typical sector relies on a small number of key inputs and sectors are homogeneous in this respect. However, in their role as input-suppliers sectors do differ: many specialized input suppliers coexist alongside general purpose sectors functioning as hubs to the economy. I then develop a model of intersectoral linkages that can reproduce these connectivity features. In a standard multisector setup, I use this model to provide analytical expressions linking aggregate volatility to the network structure of input trade. I show that the presence of sectoral hubs - by coupling production decisions across sectors - leads to fluctuations in aggregates.
Clinical study for advanced pancreas cancer treated by oncothermia

Pancreas cancer (PCA) is an aggressive, common malignant tumor. We present two retrospective clinical studies of PCA done in two medical centers (HTT-MED Day-clinic and Peterfy Hospital). Both of the centers made the treatments by oncothermia in combination with the conventional tumor-therapies. We present the data from both centers and make a metaanalysis of the data as well. Results show a remarkable survival benefit for the patients compared to the historical data. The comparison of the studies shows a good correspondence in the data, which strengthens the reliability of the studies, and points out the feasibility of the oncothermia application on PCA.
An Evaluation of the Effect of Bird Strikes on Flight Safety Operations at International Airport

As man continues to encroach on the natural habitat of the arboreal (birds and other wildlife), problems like aircraft-bird strikes continue to aggravate as air traffic volume increases. This study focused on the Aminu Kano International Airport in Nigeria due to importance of its geographical location and the air traffic flow. The analysis result reveals that 12 bird species were involved in 44 strikes at the airport between the year 2001-2010 and mostly during the rainy seasons. The airport during the same period recorded 55,205 aircraft movement that carried 3,551,587 passengers. Distribution of these strikes by phase indicates that 32% occurred on approach, 25% on landing roll, 20% on takeoff, 4.5% on descend, 4.5% during climb while 14% at other phases. Using the International Bird Strike Committee strike rate (per 10,000 flights), the computed strike rate for this airport is 7.97 per 10,000 flights. It is therefore recommended that “Bird Strike Avoidance Radar” equipment that will alert the control tower which will in turn alert the pilot of the presence of birds along his way be installed in major airports in the country.