Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Vitamin D and Cardio-Metabolic Biomarkers Among Saudi Postmenopausal Women

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide, and in Saudi Arabia in particular. There is growing evidence that hypovitaminosis D is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We determined concentrations of serum 25 hydroxy 25(OH) vitamin D in relation to several metabolic biomarkers including total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), atherogenic index (AI), glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), adiposity, and blood pressure in a cross-sectional analysis in 300 Saudi postmenopausal women. Participants completed a detailed questionnaire and fasting blood samples were collected. Vitamin D deficiency was common, affecting 89% of individuals. Higher serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were consistently found among subjects with no prevalent cardiovascular risk factors (p>0.05) except for those subjects with serum CRP level â‰¥3mg/dl, HDL-C <1.04mmol/L, AIâ‰¥5, exercising â‰¥3times/week, and those with 4 or more pregnancies. Hypovitaminosis D was inversely correlated with DBP (r=-0.118, p=0.042), TC (r=-0.165, p=0.004), TG (r=-0.119, p=0.040), LDL-C (r=-0.138, p=0.017), AI (r=-0.125, p=0.031), and veiling type (r=-0.127, p=0.028). No significant impact of hypovitaminosis D on CRP, levels of which were similar among vitamin D sufficient and deficient subjects. However, hypovitaminosis D was significantly related to dyslipidemia and diastolic blood pressure in a group of Saudi postmenopausal women.
Effects of various Carbonization Processes in the Preparation of Nanoporous Carbon Materials using Ipomoea Carnea Stem Waste for the Removal of Dyes from Textile Industrial Effluents

Nanoporous activated carbon materials were prepared from abundantly available Ipomoea Carnea stem waste. A series of five Nanoporous carbon samples were prepared by subjecting the carbon material to various chemical processes. The physico-chemical properties and adsorption capacities were compared. The adsorption capacity of selected derived carbon sample using Ipomoea Carnea stem waste prepared by Dolomite process was much greater than the capacities of the other carbons prepared by various processes viz., Acid process, ZnCl 2 process, Sulphate process and Carbonate process. The influence of surface area and porosity of the carbon samples on dye removal was analysed. The effects and influence of pKa values of dyes and isoelectricpoint (pH zpc ) of Nanoporous carbon materials were broadly studied and interpreted with dye adsorption onto Nanoporous carbon material. The results reveal that the prepared activated carbon could be employed as a lowcost alternative for removing toxic and carcinogenic dyes from the textile industrial waste water.
Spatial heterogeneity and transboundary pollution: a contingent valuation study on the Xijiang River drainage basin in south China

This article examines whether and how transboundary river water pollution spillover may affect resident’s Willingness to Pay (WTP) for a river water quality improvement project. Based on a CVM survey conducted in 20 cities located in the Xijiang river basin located in south China, our study demonstrates that the downstream city respondents report lower WTP when the water quality in the immediate upstream city is more polluted. This negative externality decreases with distance and relative bargaining power of downstream city. The simulated potential gain in social benefit if an integrated river basin management (IRBM) were installed, which is supposed to remove respondents’ concerns about negative externality of transboundary river pollution is found to be significant. We can consider this social benefit as upper bound for the transfer from downstream to upstream regions to ensure the reduction of transboundary river pollution spillovers in the Ecological Service Payment (ESP) regime, a hotly debated market-based environmental policy which is under polit project in some regions in China.
Change in Capital Gains Tax Rates and IPO Underpricing

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the relationship between the reduction in capital gains tax rates as a result of the 1997 U.S. Taxpayer Relief Act and the magnitude of IPO underpricing. Previous studies show that the tax law changes in 1986, 1993 and 1997 affected IPO underpricing significantly. In contrast to the study by Robinson and Robinson [1], this study uses a larger sample of 1,898 IPOs from the Securities Data Company (SDC) U.S. New Issues Database for the period from 1995 to 1999. Ordinary least squares regression analysis is applied to examine the effect of reducing the capital gains tax rate on the degree of IPO underpricing by controlling widely examined variables such as share overhang, partial price adjustment, ownership retention, venture capitalist certification, and industry effect. The results confirm that the reduction in capital gains tax rates increases the IPO underpricing significantly. Moreover, the relationship is robust in IPOs that are venture capitalist backed, non-venture capitalist backed, high technology, non-high technology, and Nasdaq-listed.
Influence of nitrogen nutrition on growth and accumulation of rosmarinic acid in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) grown in hydroponic culture.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Genovese) was grown in hydroponic culture (floating raft system) for the extraction of rosmarinic acid (RA). Two experiments were undertaken to investigate the influence of nitrogen (N) nutrition on biomass and RA production. Sweet basil seedlings were cultivated for seven weeks from April to July of 2009, under the typical greenhouse conditions of Mediterranean regions. The nutrient solutions contained different NO3 - concentrations (0.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mol m -3 ) or NO3 - /NH4 + molar ratios (1:0, 1:1 and 0:1; total N concentration was 10.0 mol m -3 ). The concentration of other nutrients were as follows: 1.0 mol m -3 P-H2PO4, 10.0 mol m -3 K + ; 3.0 mol m -3 Ca 2+ ; 1.5 mol m -3 Mg 2+ plus trace elements. Plants were harvested at full bloom and RA was quantified by HPLC in roots, stems, inflorescences and leaves. In both experiments, sweet basil produced a large amount of biomass with relatively high RA concentration, which ranged from approximately 10 to 97 g kg -1 DW in leaf tissues, depending on leaf age and N nutrition. The use of a total NO3 - concentration of 5.0 mol m -3 resulted in optimal plant growth and RA production; this suggests that the standard N concentration used in hydroponic culture (10.0 mol m -3 or higher) could be reduced considerably, with important implications from the environmental point of view. In contrast, the addition of NH4 + to the nutrient
The effects of six species of aphids on some life history parameters of the ladybird Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

One of the factors affecting the effectiveness of predatory coccinellids in an aphid infested crop is the food specificity of the predator. The response towards six species of aphids (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) was therefore tested in one of the most abundant aphidophagous coccinellids in Bulgaria - Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). All aphid species studied (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, Aphis craccivora Koch, Eucallipterus tiliae (L.), Euceraphis betulae (L.), Phorodon humuli (Schrank) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) cultured on transgenic Bt and conventional (non-Bt) potatoes were suitable food according to the rate of larval development, larval mortality and adult fresh weight. Females of P. quatuordecimpunctata fed with M. persicae cultured on Bt potato, or on non-Bt potato or on a mixture of M. persicae from Bt potatoes and A. craccivora, laid a little more eggs than those fed only with A. craccivora.
Socializing Journalist Trainees in the Newsroom: On How to Capture the Intangible Parts of the Process1

Abstract In the present article, we investigate socialization practices in the newsroom. The analyses demonstrate how journalist trainees are socialized into this particular professional culture and community of practice. Theoretically, we combine traditional news ethnography with linguistic anthropology, conversation analysis, and theories of profession in order to investigate and interpret social and cultural (re)production in the routinized practice in the newsroom. The units of analysis are interactions between journalist trainees and their editors concerning ideas for news stories. These interactions play a key role in the socialization process as important loci for learning about the craft because of the constant reinforcement of competent practice which takes place here. Thus, these interactions are important sites for cultural production and reproduction that support the building of professional vision.
Resource Dependence, Knowledge Creation, And Growth: Revisiting The Natural Resource Curse

Several explanations have been put forward for the phenomenon - referred to as i®curse of natural resourcesi¯ - that resource-rich countries tend to display low rates of economic growth. This paper studies an R&D-related explanation, using an endogenous growth model with natural resources and R&D-based technological change. For suitable values of preference parameters, the model predicts that knowledge creation as well as capital formation are inversely related to natural-resource intensity, thus providing an explanation for the i®cursei¯. Estimation results on cross-sectional data for 77 countries (1965-1998) are consistent with these predictions. Basic results of the paper remain valid when institutional aspects (corruption, democracy) are included.
Role of Game-Oriented Instruction in Learning L2 Vocabulary: A Case of Iranian EFL Young Beginner Learners

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the role of game-oriented instruction on learning vocabulary of Iranian young beginner students. Ninety public school students were selected to participate in this study. Because of practical limitations, the researchers could not assign students to different groups randomly but the selection of the three groups as control and experimental groups were done randomly. After administration of Key English Test (KET), the groups were homogenized and 18 students were eliminated from this study. The treatment starts with 72 students, each group has 24 students. Before starting a treatment, a 20-item multiple choice test was used as pretest. After administration of pretest, the treatment was started. In the control group, new vocabularies were taught through traditional textbook method. In one of the control group, game was used as a main medium of instruction and in the other one, the combination of game and traditional methods were used. In this group, game was used as a supplementary activity. After treatment, posttest was administered in all three groups. In order to analyze the data, SPSS version 20 was used. Since the design of this study was pretest-posttest, analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used for data analysis. Data analysis showed that there was not significance difference between game group and traditional group, but there was a significance difference between mixed group and traditional group. It means that using game as a supplementary activity has the most beneficial effects on learning new vocabularies.
The Production of Stops by Seoul and Yanbian Korean Speakers

This study investigates dialectal differences in the acoustic properties of Korean lenis, aspirated, and tense stops Seoul Korean (standard Korean) and Yanbian Korean (spoken in the largest Korean Autonomous Prefecture in China). This production study the main acoustic cues that each dialect uses to mark the laryngeal distinction between the three types of Korean stops. Measurements included VOT, and the initial F0 of the following vowel. Data collected from 10 young Seoul Korean speakers, 10 young Yanbian Korean speakers, and 6 older Yanbian speakers. two key findings: First, aspirated and lenis stops are mainly differentiated by F0 in Seoul Korean, and by H1*-H2* in Yanbian Korean. Second, there is no VOT merger between lenis and aspirated stops in Yanbian Korean, whereas there is in Seoul Korean. These results are discussed in terms of the phenomenon of VOT shift and the function of F0t is argued that the function of F0 to substitute for VOT difference as a primary cue for the coding of laryngeal contrast can be predicted by the pitch accent system of the language involved.
Spatial Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity Models

This study proposes a spatial extension of time series autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH) models to those for areal data. We call the spatially extended ARCH models as spatial ARCH (S-ARCH) models. S-ARCH models specify conditional variances given surrounding observations, which constitutes a good contrast with time series ARCH models that specify conditional variances given past observations. We estimate the parameters of S-ARCH models by a two-step procedure of least squares and the quasi maximum likelihood estimation, which are validated to be consistent and asymptotically normal. We demonstrate the empirical properties by simulation studies and real data analysis of land price data in Tokyo areas.
The KMOS Redshift One Spectroscopic Survey (KROSS):the Tully-Fisher Relation at z ~ 1

We present the stellar mass ($M_{*}$), and K-corrected $K$-band absolute magnitude ($M_{K}$) Tully-Fisher relations (TFRs) for sub-samples of the 584 galaxies spatially resolved in H$\alpha$ emission by the KMOS Redshift One Spectroscopic Survey (KROSS). We model the velocity field of each of the KROSS galaxies and extract a rotation velocity, $V_{80}$ at a radius equal to the major axis of an ellipse containing 80% of the total integrated H$\alpha$ flux. The large sample size of KROSS allowed us to select 210 galaxies with well measured rotation speeds. We extract from this sample a further 56 galaxies that are rotationally supported, using the stringent criterion $V_{80}/\sigma > 3$, where $\sigma$ is the flux weighted average velocity dispersion. We find the $M_{K}$ and $M_{*}$ TFRs for this sub-sample to be $M_{K} / \rm{mag}= (-7.3 \pm 0.9) \times [(\log(V_{80}/\rm{km\ s^{-1}})-2.25]- 23.4 \pm 0.2$ , and $\log(M_{*} / M_{\odot})= (4.7 \pm 0.4) \times [(\log(V_{80}/\rm{km\ s^{-1}}) - 2.25] + 10.0 \pm 0.3$, respectively. We find an evolution of the $M_{*}$ TFR zero-point of $-0.41 \pm 0.08$ dex over the last $\sim $8 billion years. However, we measure no evolution in the $M_{K}$ TFR zero-point over the same period. We conclude that rotationally supported galaxies of a given dynamical mass had less stellar mass at $z \sim 1$ than the present day, yet emitted the same amounts of $K$-band light. The ability of KROSS to differentiate, using integral field spectroscopy with KMOS, between those galaxies that are rotationally supported and those that are not explains why our findings are at odds with previous studies without the same capabilities.
Experimental Investigation of Indoor MIMO Ricean Channel Capacity

-We investigate the variation of measured MIMO channel capacity for line-ofsight (LOS) Ricean scenarios inside a typical indoor environment for various transmitterreceiver positions at a centre frequency of 2.45 GHz. In order to quantify the effect of LOS component on indoor MIMO performance, an absorber-loaded metal panel was utilized to artificially obstruct the LOS path between the transmit and receive antennas. Our results confirm that MIMO capacity decreases with the increase in the values of Ricean K factor. We have also observed that the variation in channel capacity closely follows the corresponding deviations in root mean square (RMS) delay spread of the channel.
Physico-chemical indicators and identification of selected Slovak honeys based on colour measurement

The aim of study was to characterize 52 samples of Slovak honeys of six types (multifloral, acacia, rape, honeydew, forest and mixed). Physico-chemical analysis of honey included the water content, free acidity, pH, water activity, electrical conductivity, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content. In addition, the colour of honeys was measured using spectrophotometer and Commission Internationale de IEclairage method (CIE L*a*b*); four types of honey were used for identification: multifloral, acacia, rape, and honeydew. Mean values of physico-chemical indicators were as follows: water content 16-21%, acidity 6-42 mekv·kg -1 , pH 3.68-5.15, water activity 0.505-0.667, electrical conductivity 0.155-1.585 mS·cm-1 and HMF content 0.17-78.5 mg·kg-1. The highest HMF content was found in forest honey with one sample above the limit established by Council Directive 2001/110/EC. The colour of Slovak honeys analysed in this study was very variable and ranged from pale yellow to dark brown. Differences of physico-chemical indicators and colour of honey samples were found to be significant (P < 0.05). The CIE L*a*b* methods can be used for identification of selected honey samples. This is the first similar study on Slovak honey.
The renaissance of the "renaissance man"?: specialists vs. generalists in teams of inventors

Is there a role for the multifaceted Renaissance Man in modern team-intensive innovation activities? This paper argues that researchers with broad knowledge, also known as generalists, make an especially valuable contribution to innovation teams. Given the re-combinative nature of technological progress, innovation results depend crucially on the skilful matching of different pieces of knowledge. The presence of generalists in innovation teams makes the knowledge recombination process more effective, even if this comes at the cost of reduced knowledge depth. Moreover, typical barriers in team processes become less acute with the presence of generalists. We analyze the role of generalists versus specialists in innovation teams by tracking the trajectories of inventors in the electrical and electronics industry through their patenting activity. Our findings suggest that innovation teams with the contribution of generalists outperform those that rely on a diverse set of specialists
Gender differences in limb and joint stiffness during the fencing lunge

The aim of the current investigation was to examine gender differences in limb and joint stiffness characteristics during the fencing lunge. Ten male and ten female fencers completed simulated lunge movements. Lower limb kinematics were collected using an eight camera optoelectric motion capture system which operated at 250 Hz. Measures of limb and joint stiffness were calculated as a function of limb length and joint moments divided by the extent of limb and joint excursion. Gender differences in limb joint stiffness parameters were examined statistically using independent samples t-tests. The results showed firstly that both limb (male = 64.22 ±19.12, female = 75.09 ±22.15 N.kg.m) and hip stiffness (male = 10.50 ±6.00, female = 25.89 ±15.01 Nm.kg.rad) were significantly greater in female fencers. In addition it was also demonstrated that knee moment (male = 1.64 ±0.23, female = 2.00 ±0.75 Nm.kg) was significantly larger in females. On the basis of these observations, the findings from the current investigation may provide further insight into the aetiology of the distinct injury patterns observed between genders in relation to fencing.
Corporate Governance and Performance: The REIT Effect

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer a natural experiment in corporate governance due to the fact that they leave little free cash flow for management, which reduces agency problems. We exploit a unique and leading corporate governance database to test whether corporate governance matters for the performance of U.S. REITs. We document for a sample including governance ratings of more than 220 REITs that firm value is significantly related to firm-level governance for REITs with low payout ratios only. Repeating the analysis with the complete database that includes more than 5,000 companies and a control sample of firms with high corporate real estate ratios, we find a strong and significantly positive relation between our governance index and several performance variables, indicating that the partial lack of a relation between governance and performance in the real estate sector might be explained by a REIT effect.
Particle Size for Improvement of Peptide Production in Mixed-Culture Solid-State Fermentation of Soybean Meal and the Corresponding Kinetics

Experiments were undertaken to study particle size and its distribution for improvement of peptide production by mixed-culture (Bacillus sublitis, Saccharomyces sp. and Lactococcus lactis) solid-state fermentation (SSF) of soybean meal and the corresponding kinetics. A particle size of 1-1.4mm of soybean meal gave the highest finial peptide yield, and as the proportion of 1-1.4mm/1-2mm in natural soybean meal up to 61.30%/58.58%, the distribution of particle size was also appropriate for peptide production. Logistic model fitted the data most accurately and could be used for growth kinetic profiles during the course of fermentation, and the higher growth rate was calculated for the substrate with optimal particle size distribution. Hence the mechanism could be inferred that appropriate particle size did improve the according rate of microbial growth, thus leading to the higher peptide yield in soybean meal SSF within a limited fermentation time.
MARKUS LAHIKAINEN THE EFFECT OF GOLD NANOROD DOPING IN OPTICAL-TO-ME- CHANICAL ENERGY CONVERSION IN LIQUID-CRYSTAL ELAS- TOMERS

MARKUS LAHIKAINEN: The Effect of Gold Nanorod Doping in Optical-to-Mechanical Energy Conversion in Liquid-Crystal Elastomers Tampere University of Technology Master of Science Thesis, 62 pages, 2 Appendix pages December 2016 Master’s Degree Programme in Science and Engineering Major: Chemistry Examiners: Prof. Arri Priimägi and D. Sc. (Tech.) Matti Virkki
Further Observations on Changes in the Phage-Typing Pattern of Phage Type SO / 81 Staphylococci

Two distinct temperate phages (594a, 594n) lysogenizing phage type Sol81 staphylococci and producing gains in sensitivity to typing phages 52 and 52A were found in lysogenic clones of a strain of staphylococcus of phage type 52/52A/80/81. When either of these phages infected type 80/8l cocci a new phage (594b) appeared in the lysates. This phage was unable to replicate in type Sol81 cocci but could grow in them when they had been lysogenized with phage 594a or 59411. The source of phage 594b was found to be recombination of phage 594a or 59411 with a prophage present in cocci of phage type 80/8l. This prophage was completely defective and could be demonstrated only by recombination. The gains in phage sensitivity that follow lysogenization of type SO/Sl strains with the so-called ‘ converting’ phages can be most satisfactorily explained on the basis of prophage substitution.