Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macroeconomic and Institutional Determinants of Domestic Corporate Bond Yield Spread in Nigeria

On paper, the coupon on corporate bonds is simply seen as the risk-free rate plus a spread, but in reality, the empirical analysis of the determinants of the spreads is highly demanding. Unmasking the determinants of corporate bond yield spreads has remained an important research issue. In Nigeria, there seems to be dearth of research into this area of corporate spreads due to insufficient bond data. Even in the advanced economies where studies have been carried out, there seems to be no universally accepted determinants of corporate bonds yield spread: different variables and proxies are used in different studies. Other identified research problems include the measurement of the variables used in the studies. This study investigates the extent to which macroeconomic and institutional factors affect corporate bonds yield spread in Nigeria. It applies the random effects model on an unbalanced firm-level panel data from 2000 to 2014 to examine the determinants of domestic corporate bonds yield spread in Nigeria. We find that domestic corporate bonds yield spread responded to macroeconomic and institutional factors in Nigeria at the 1 per cent level of significance. The significance of the individual explanatory variables, with the control variables, was maintained, at the 5 per cent level for interest rate volatility and sovereign risk. The outcome of the study is consistent with most of the studies conducted with secondary market data on corporate bonds in the advanced economies, and so, justifies our use of inflation-adjusted coupons on bonds as the yield on corporate bonds. We therefore recommend that government should work hard to strengthen her institutional framework, as well as enhance the deepening of the financial market in order to assisting in narrowing corporate credit spreads. Researchers should also not shy away from using inflation-adjusted coupons as proxy for corporate bonds yield spread.
Approach Control of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites for Active Catheter Systems via Linear Parameter-Varying

The ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) is one type of electro-active material with the characteristics of low electric driving potential, large deformation, and aquatic manipulation. It is highly attractive to biomedical applications as an actuator or a sensor. The main purpose of this study is to explore closed-loop control schemes to an IPMC actuator for active catheter systems. In this article, by measuring frequency responses of a 20mm 5mm 200 mm IPMC, an empirical model is developed and used for closed-loop control. From previous work, two resonant peaks ranged at 3–4Hz and 18–20Hz are found in the Bode diagram for the frequency responses of IPMC. Based on this fact, a 4th order transfer function was modeled to describe the system. A parameter-dependent transfer function was then created to describe the bending dynamics of IPMC in response to different driving voltages. As IPMC actuators are nonlinear and slow time-varying systems, the controller was designed using linear parameter varying (LPV) approach. Compared with the conventional closed-loop PID control, the maximum overshoot and steady-state error was decreased to 2% and 1.32%, respectively. The rise time was about 0.186 s, which is within the limit for many biomedical applications.
Perceptions of educators and students about using fluoridated mouthwashes

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions and opinions of public school teachers and students in the city of Aracatuba, SP, Brazil, on the importance of using fluoridated mouthwashes, the difficulties of the method and the procedure in general. Methods: Students from grades 5 through 8 in schools with and without dental services were asked about their opinion on the use of fluoridated mouthwashes. The educators answered questions about the importance of preventive methods in oral health and the difficulties in performing those methods at school. Data were collected using a faces scale, a categorization method, and a Likert scale with five levels of responses to check the level of agreement with the questions. Results: The sample consisted of 264 (40.3%) teachers and 5,788 (73.6%) students. A total of 254 (96.2%) and 72 (27.3%) teachers responded favorably to the first and second questions, respectively. A total of 1,128 (19.5%) students had negative feelings about the fluoridated mouthwash. Conclusion: The majority of the teachers supported the use of fluoridated mouthwashes; however, a large number of teachers believed that the practice disrupts the class routine. Most of the students had a positive opinion about the use of fluoridated mouthwash, although they highlighted some negative aspects, which were overcome by the benefits that the method provides.
Best Periods for Deworming Cattle against Fasciolosis in Nigeria (A Tropical Sub-Saharan Country with Dry and Wet Seasons)

Best periods for deworming cattle against fasciolosis in Nigeria. A number of researches have confirmed the presence of fasciolosis and the extent of its harm both to cattle and humans in Nigeria. However, less attention has been given as to the specific periods during which cattle should be dewormed against the parasites. As a result, cattle are usually dewormed randomly at any time with just any fluckicide and in many cases are dewormed only when symptoms appear. This contributes to the lingering disease despite repetitive treatment. This study recommends specific periods in the rainy season and dry season for deworming cattle based on records of research findings in the past and of recent. A research was conducted towards the close of the rainy season (September ending and October ending, 2010) in 2 local Government Areas (Girei and Yola South) of Adamawa state in north eastern Nigeria. To fill the 5 microplates procured, blood samples were drawn randomly from the jugular vein of 225 field cattle. The sera obtained were screened for Fasciola gigantica antibodies using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A prevalence rate of 55.5% was obtained in September as against 75.5% in October. Analysis with a t-test paired sample statistics indicated a significant difference (P<0.05) in the incidence of the disease between the months of September and October hence the best period recommended for deworming in the rainy season is early September to early October. It can be deduced from records of seasonal prevalence of fasciolosis that the best periods to deworm cattle in the dry season is January/February.
Attempts to predate on gadid fish otoliths demonstrated by naticid gastropod drill holes from the Neogene of Mill-Langenboom, The Netherlands

Incomplete drill holes produced by naticid snails are occasionally found in late Cenozoic gadid otoliths from the North Sea Basin. Among the Neogene otoliths found at Mill-Langenboom naticid drill holes are relatively common. Their occurrence is linked to strata that formed under reduced rates of sedimentation and/or that reflect non-sedimentation and erosion. The Upper Miocene–Upper Pliocene deposits at Mill-Langenboom (province of Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands) constitute a condensed sequence comprising most North Sea Basin stages of this interval from the Gramian to the end of the Pliocene, as demonstrated by index taxa amongst gadid otoliths, with a considerable hiatus between Miocene and Pliocene strata. The lag deposit at the base of the Pliocene yields otoliths that were reworked from eroded Upper Miocene, and Lower and Middle Pliocene sedimentary rocks. Smaller hiatuses exist within the Pliocene. Under such conditions, isolated otoliths can occur in sufficient numbers on the sea floor or just below it, where naticids live and search for prey. The drill holes occur exclusively in otoliths of relatively small, locally abundant extinct species of cod. Most of these otoliths originate from individuals that must have been eaten by larger predators. Overall otolith shape more or less resembles the shell of tellinid bivalves. It is evident that the naticids have become aware of their mistake prior to finishing their drilling, because drilling never exceeded depths more than half the otolith thickness. This is the first published record of drill holes in otoliths.
Comparative study of the therapeutic effect of pomegranate alone or in combination with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on experimentally induced gastric ulcer in adult male rats: A histological and immunohistochemical study

therapeutic effects. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a novel approach with promising therapeutic potential for curing human diseases.Aim of the work: To evaluate the effect of pomegranate and BMSCs on experimentally induced gastric ulcer in adult male rats.Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male rats were divided into four groups. Group I kept as the control group. Group II (Gastric ulcer), rats received 100% ethanol orally by gastric tube. Group (III) subdivided into 3 subgroups. Subgroup IIIa included rats with gastric ulcer that treated with pomegranate only. Subgroup IIIb, rats with gastric ulcer treated with BMSCs alone. Subgroup IIIc; gastric ulcer rats treated with a combination of pomegranate and BMSCs. Group IV included the untreated gastric ulcer rats. Fundus of stomach specimens were prepared and examined using histological and immunohistochemical techniques.Results: Groups II and IV showed various changes as deep erosion, marked damage of most of the cells. The presence of the inflammatory cells in gastric mucosa were supported by a significant increase of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression and collagen fibers depositions (P<0.01). A significant decrease of Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) positive reaction and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was observed (P<0.01). Subgroup IIIa showed attenuation of some histological changes, while subgroups IIIb and IIIc revealed more improvement of the histological and immunohistochemical changes described before.Conclusion: BMSCs can ameliorate experimentally-induced gastric injury in rats and protect the gastric tissue. Addition of pomegranate to BMSCs can lead to better results.
Implementing quantum gates and channels using linear optics

This thesis deals with the implementation of quantum channels using linear optics. We begin with overviews of some important concepts in both quantum information and quantum optics. First, we discuss the quantum bit and describe the evolution of the states via quantum channels. We then discuss both quantum state and process tomography, methods for how to determine which states and operations we are experimentally implementing in the lab. Second, we discuss topics in quantum optics such the generation of single photons, polarization entanglement, and the construction of an entangling gate. The first experiment is the implementation of a quantum damping channel, which intentionally can add a specific type and amount of decohering noise to a photonic qubit. Specifically, we realized a class of quantum channels which contains both the amplitudedamping channel and the bit-flip channel, and did so with a single, static, optical setup. Many quantum channels, and some gates, can only be implemented probabilistically when using linear optics and postselection. Our main result is that the optical setup achieves the optimal success probability for each channel. Using a novel ancilla-assisted tomography, we characterize each case of the channel, and find process fideilities of 0.98± 0.01 for the amplitude-damping channel and 0.976± 0.009 for the bit-flip. The second experiment is an implementation of a protocol for quantum computing on encrypted data. The protocol provides the means for a client with very limited quantum power to use a server’s quantum computer while maintaining privacy over the data. We perform a quantum process tomography for each gate in a universal set, showing that only when the proper decryption key is used on the output states, which is hidden from the server, then the action of the quantum gate is recovered. Otherwise, the gate acts as the completely depolarizing channel.
Comparison of safe alternative dipping treatments to maintain quality of zucchini

Decay and quality loss severely affect the marketability of fresh zucchini. Zucchinis are easily damaged during harvesting, handling and storage, and no commercial treatment is currently available that can protect the fruit from desiccation, quality loss and decay. The aim of this study was to compare different environmentally friendly dipping treatments (CaCl2, Aloe vera, warm water, chitosan, ascorbic and citric acid) to retain the quality of fresh zucchini. Treated fruit were evaluated for physiological, sensory and microbiological parameters after storage for 7 and 14 days at 5.8C and 85% relative humidity. The CaCl2, Aloe vera and warm water treatments were the most effective in maintaining firmness and preventing an increase in the total microflora of the fruit. The outcome of this study shows that alternative control methods have potential for effective quality maintenance of fresh zucchini. Future studies should focus on alternative packaging materials in combination with these treatments. Practical Applications Zucchinis are rich in carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins and are good nutritional additives to a balanced and healthy diet. Recent observations at retail level showed preventable quality losses, indicating the need to improve postharvest technologies for retaining the overall standard of the product after harvest and during the supply chain. Quality parameters include firm texture, shiny, dark-green skin color and freedom from shrivel and mechanical injuries. The assessment of different environmentally friendly dipping treatments indicated that CaCl2, Aloe vera and warm water treatments could lead to improved quality maintenance of zucchinis. Practical applications stemming from these results include the ability to extend shelf life and preserve the microbiological profile of this fruit after harvest. These treatments may serve as alternatives to chemical or synthetic treatments and may be considered as an inclusion to current postharvest management practices.
The folk-medicinal plants of Kadişehri (Yozgat – Turkey)

This paper contains significant ethnobotanical information on folk-medicinal plants and their ethnopharmacological uses in Kadisehri. The aim of the study was mainly to collect and identify the plants used therapeutically by the local people, and to make available information about traditional herbal medicine. It was undertaken during the period 2011–2012 and is based on plants collected during field work. Fifty-six plants used in folk-medicine and belonging to 34 families were identified in this study. Of these, 48 species were wild, and 8 species were cultivated plants. The most common families were Rosaceae (12.5%), Lamiaceae (8.9%) and Asteraceae (7.1%); and the most common preparations were decoctions (36.7%). In addition, a cultural importance index ( CI ) and use report ( UR ) were calculated for each species. Based on the CI , the most important plants were Cydonia oblonga (0.77), Ecballium elaterium (0.66), Urtica urens (0.66), Vitis vinifera (0.66), Plantago lanceolata (0.65), Plantago major subsp. major (0.65) and Rosa canina (0.62). We found three species of plant ( Astragalus noaeanus , Populus ×canescens and Salvia cyanescens ) which had never before been reported to have medicinal properties.
A Comparative Analysis of Four-Factor Model and Three-Factor Model in the Nigerian Stock Market

The study investigates if the three-factor model explains variation in expected returns of stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); and also ascertains if the four-factor model explains the variation in expected returns of stocks on the NSE better than the three-factor model. The study use a sample size of 139 stocks with continuous trading on the NSE for the period January 2007 to December 2014 to construct 10 portfolios on the bases of size, value and returns. By means of multiple OLS regression analysis method with the aid of StataC13 software the analysis was done. The empirical analysis reveals that the three-factor model explains cross sectional variation in expected returns in the NSE. Also, the study shows that the size effect, value effect as well as momentum effect is present in the market. Comparing the four-factor model with three-factor model, shows that the four-factor model have better explanatory power than the three-factor model in explaining returns in the Market. It is recommended that equity investors, fund/portfolio managers and investment advisers should embed in their operational strategies the explanatory power of market beta, size and value as well as momentum on stock/portfolio returns to enable them build up trading strategies that minimize loss and maximize returns. Market regulators and policy makers should ensure appropriate measures are in place to improve market viability and liquidity in order to enhance the depth and breathe of the market.
Study of Bacterial infection associated with male infertility in Hillah city-Iraq

Objectives : To identify bacterial species present in the lower genital tract of males and to investigate the relationship with semen quality and male infertility. Methods : The microscopic analyses, cultures and ELISA technique of 175 semen and serum specimens, collected over 9 months from males investigated for infertility, were prospectively assessed. Results : One hundred and seventy five seminal fluid, blood and serum specimens were collected from men investigated for infertility over a period of 9 months (from April 2011 to December 2011) were analyzed. The seminal fluids and serum of patients mentioned to the laboratory from the fertility clinics of Babylon maternity and children Hospital and outer clinics. The results had shown that from 17 microbial species there are, Ureaplasma urealyticum 4.938272 %, Ureaplasma parvum 2.160494 %, Mycoplasma hominis 2.469136 %, Mycoplasma genetalium 5.864198 %, Chlamydia trachomatis 9.876543 %, Streptococcus pyogenes 8.641975 % , Staphylococcus aureus 11.11111 %, Staphylococcus epidermidis 12.03704 %, Staphylococcus saprophyticus 0.925926 %, Escherichia coli 20.06173 %, Proteus mirabilis 1.234568 %, Proteus vulgaris 2.469136 %, Klebsiella pneumoniae 0.925926 %, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa 1.54321 %, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2.777778 %, Toxoplasma gondii 6.17284 % and Candida 6.790123 %. Also the infection with microorganisms revealed that it is higher in azoospermic patients than normospermic group (control). Keywords: Male infertility, ELISA technique, Bacterial infection.
Cardiovascular risk factors and risk of venous thromboembolism

The papers of the thesis are not available in Munin, due to publisher's restrictions: 1. Braekkan SK, Mathiesen EB, Njolstad I, Wilsgaard T, Stormer J, Hansen JB: 'Family history of myocardial infarction is an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism – The Tromso Study', Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2008, Nov; 6(11): 1851–1857 (Wiley-Blackwell). Available at http://dx.doi. org/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008. 03102.x 2. Borch KH, Braekkan SK, Mathiesen EB, Njolstad I, Wilsgaard T, Stormer J, Hansen JB: 'Abdominal obesity is essential for the risk of venous thromboembolism in the metabolic syndrome - the Tromso study', Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2009 May; 7(5): 739-45. Available at http://dx.doi. org/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008. 03234.x 3. Braekkan SK, Borch KH, Mathiesen EB, Njolstad I, Wilsgaard T, Hansen JB: 'HDL-cholesterol and future risk of venous thromboembolism – The Tromso Study', Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2009 Aug; 7(8): 1428-30. Available at http://dx.doi. org/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2009. 03481.x 4. Braekkan SK, Mathiesen EB, Njolstad I, Wilsgaard T, Stormer J, Hansen JB: 'Mean platelet volume is an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism – The Tromso Study', Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2010 Jan; 8(1): 157-162. Available at http://dx.doi. org/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2009. 03498.x
EFFECT OF LANDUSE/LANDCOVER CHANGE ON SOILS OF A KASHMIR HIMALAYAN CATCHMENT-SINDH

In the current study, the change in Landuse/Landcover (LULC) in Sindh catchment of Kashmir Himalayan region was examined and its effect on certain soil properties of the catchment was determined. The LULC change over a span of 15 years (1995-2005) was investigated through remote sensing approach using two date satellite images. Post-classification comparison technique was used to detect LULC changes from these images. Soil samples at (0-20cm) depth, were primarily collected from four main LULC types of the catchment namely forests, pastures, cultivated land, and urbanized areas. These soil samples were analyzed for various parameters such as soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, water holding capacity and available nutrients (N, P and K). The results indicated variation of soil characteristics with different LULC types. Land use significantly influenced most soil properties (p<0.05). Change in LULC was found to influence most soil properties. The findings of LULC change revealed that the study catchment has experienced decrease in forests and pastural lands with increase in cultivated area and settlements. Deforestation and overgrazing of pasture lands was found to diminish soil quality, while as extensive tillage practices were found to lead to a decrease in soil organic matter content and available nutrients thus degrading soil quality. Concluding, the changes in the properties of the soils may be attributed to the changes in the LULC resulting in the decline of soil productivity. The study emphasizes on a need to consider appropriate land use policy and proper management practices for increasing soil sustainability and productivity.
Stress drops for intermediate‐depth intraslab earthquakes beneath Hokkaido, northern Japan: Differences between the subducting oceanic crust and mantle events

Spatial variations in the stress drop for 1726 intermediate‐depth intraslab earthquakes were examined in the subducting Pacific plate beneath Hokkaido, using precisely relocated hypocenters, the corner frequencies of events, and detailed determined geometry of the upper interface of the Pacific plate. The results show that median stress drop for intraslab earthquakes generally increases with an increase in depth from ∼10 to 157 Mpa at depths of 70–300 km. More specifically, median stress drops for events in the oceanic crust decrease (9.9–6.8 MPa) at depths of 70–120 km and increase (6.8–17 MPa) at depths of 120–170 km, whereas median stress drop for events in the oceanic mantle decrease (21.6–14.0 MPa) at depths of 70–170 km, where the geometry of the Pacific plate is well determined. The increase in stress drop with depth in the oceanic crust at depths of 120–170 km, for which several studies have shown an increase in velocity, can be explained by an increase in the velocity and a decrease in the water content due to the phase boundary with dehydration in the oceanic crust. Stress drops for events in the oceanic mantle were larger than those for events in the oceanic crust at depths of 70–120 km. Differences in both the rigidity of the rock types and in the rupture mechanisms for events between the oceanic crust and mantle could be causes for the stress drop differences within a slab.