Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Cold Plasma Treatment on Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

The study discussed herein looks both to continue and to expand upon previous work conducted here at Seton Hall University, which investigated the effect of cold plasma processing on sweet basil and their essential oils. It was found that the application of cold plasma treatment increases plant growth and eugenol concentration, which is an essential oil component and one of the potential natural antioxidants used in food preservation. In this study, we considered methods for increasing the production and harvesting of plants that produce essential oils such as sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). The study also incorporated more controls than the previous study which served as a pilot of the present study. These controls included: more sample groups, i.e., seed treated, plant body treatment once and twice a week; different parts of the basil plant were separately treated, such as the leaves, stems, and flowers; and a standard distance of plasma application was maintained. The main focus of the current study was to investigate in detail the effect of the cold plasma treatment on the overall growth of the sweet basil plants, to optimize the extraction protocol of the essential oils present, and to determine quantitatively the effect which the plasma treatment plays on the distribution of the main compounds found in the control and plasma treated plant groups. Sweet basil contains different components of essential oil such as eucalyptol, linalool, estragole, eugenol, and methyl cinnamate. Results of this study showed an increase of the essential oils extracted from the plant based on the plasma treatment. Also, results showed an increase in the essential oil extracted from the basil plant according to the intensity of the treatment either once a week or twice a week with 30 second per treatment. Estragole was the predominant component in the leaves and linalool was predominant in the flowers, both at the twice a week treatment.
An investigation on the relationship between arbitrage and macro-economic indicators: A case study of Tehran Stock Exchange

Article history: Received July 28, 2013 Accepted 14 January 2014 Available online February 28 2014 This paper presents an empirical investigation to study the effects of macro-economic factors on the performance of stocks listed on Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). The proposed study considers the effects of money supply, inflation rate, oil price, unforeseen changes in the course structure of interest rates as well as unanticipated changes in industrial production on stock price. Using seasonal information of stock price over the period 1997-2007 as well as regression analysis, the study has determined that risk premium of unforeseen changes in the course structure of interest rates, money supply, inflation rate and unanticipated changes in industrial production are meaningful when the level of significance is five percent. In other words, Arbitrage pricing theory model describing the expected return per share is reasonable and macro-level variables explain systematic risk on TSE. © 2014 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Gas hydrate-related proxies inferred from multidisciplinary investigations in the Indian offshore areas

The presence of gas hydrates along the Indian continental margins has been speculated by earlier workers based on the identification of Bottom Simulating Reflection (BSR) on the multichannel seismic refle ction records and computed gas hydrate stability zone thickness map. The BSR alone is inadequate to infer gas hydrates as suggested by drilling results els ewhere. Therefore, to understand the subsurface distribution of gas h ydrates along the continental margins of India, multi disciplinary investigations have been undertaken. The observed geophysical anomalies (BSRs, pockmarks, gas upthrust zones, vents, blanking zones, etc.) in a ssociation with the geochemical (sulphate reduction trend and increase in methane flux with core depth) and microbiological proxy indicators (sulphate and nitrate-reducing bacteria, and fermenters) favour the presence of gas hydrates in some of the Indian of fshore regions.
GENERALIZED STUMMEL CLASS AND MORREY SPACES OF NONHOMOGENEOUS TYPE

In the context of the spaces of nonhomogeneous type, in this paper we study a relation between the generalized Stummel class and the generalized Morrey spaces. The stummel class is a class of functions related to local behavior of mapping by fractional integral operators. Meanwhile, the generalized Morrey spaces are classes of functions related to local behavior of Hardy-Littlewood maximal function. Our results employ the doubling condition of functions under consideration. DOI : http://dx.doi. org/10.22342/jims.20. 2.187. 141-147
Tailoring of Pre-existing Flaws in ECC Matrix for Saturated Strain Hardening

Strain-hardening and magnitude of ductility in high performance fiber reinforced composites are closely related to matrix properties, e.g. the pre-existing flaw size distribution and the matrix fracture toughness. For a brittle matrix composite such as ECC, cracking strength is determined by the largest flaw in the section normal to the maximum principle stress. The maximum fiber bridging stress imposes a lower bound of critical flaw size such that only those flaws larger than this critical size can be activated and contribute to multiple cracking. Insufficient number of large flaws in the matrix causes unsaturated multiple cracking. A practical approach to controlling the pre-existing flaws, i.e. introducing artificial flaws with prescribed size distribution, is proposed in this paper. This approach was verified in two versions of PVAECC where multiple cracking is hindered by high matrix toughness. Direct uniaxial tension test results confirmed the validity of the proposed material tailoring approach.
Intraclonal variation in defence substances and palatability: a study on Carex and lemmings

Clonal sedges consist of integrated ramets at different development stages. Many of these sedges are important food for herbivores, yet differences in herbivore preferences and defence allocation between ramet development stages have not previously been evaluated. In this study we investigated intraclonal ramet variation in level of plant defence and nutrient compounds and intraclonal ramet preferences by lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus) in field samples of a rhizomatous sedge (Carex stans). Plant defence was measured as the level of proteinase inhibitor activity (PIA) and the ratio of PIA to soluble plant proteins (SPP), whereas plant nutrients were measured as the level of soluble plant sugars (SPS) and SPP. Flowering ramets generally had a higher content of defence compared to vegetative ramets, which is consistent with the optimal defence theory predicting that defence compounds are allocated to the ramet stage of the highest fitness value. Compared to vegetative ramets, the flowering ramets had a lower content of SPP and a higher content of SPS. The lemmings showed preference differences between the ramet development stages, and to a large extent the ramet content of defence compounds and nutrient compounds covaried with these preferences in the predicted way. This study shows that defence allocation between ramet development stages of the clonal sedge Carex conforms to predictions of the optimal defence theory.
Incentives and Adaptive Expectations in a Financial Market with Heterogenous Agents

This paper establishes an agent-based model to describe the dynamic behaviour of the financial market with mutual fund managers and investors under two types of compensation contracts: asset-based fees and performance-based fees, and using two types of adaptive expectation: trend chaser and contrarian. Our results show that both of trading strategies of trend chaser and contrarian destabilise the market. However, trend chasers always trigger significant fluctuations, while contrarian traders bring along the slight up and down oscillations. The types of compensation contracts change the behaviour of contrarian traders, but have no influence to trend chaser. We also find that inertia parameter decrease the stability of market and induce market price to be underestimated. In particular, the heterogenous analysis under different compensation contracts shows that asset maximisers dominate the whole market and produce higher returns, which can be used to explain the current situation in real market that most of mutual funds choose asset-based contract. Moreover, the coexistence of two compensation schemes may amplify market fluctuations and create bubbles.
Effect of chitosan solution on the bacterial septicemia disease of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) caused by Serratia marcescens

The in vitro antibacterial properties of chitosan solution and its effect in protecting silkworms from bacterial septicemia disease were evaluated. The results showed that chitosan solution at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 mg/ml exhibited strong antibacterial activity against two strains of Serratia marcescens. The antibacterial activity of chitosan solution against strain ZJS0801 of S. marcescens increased with the increase of chitosan concentration, while the antibacterial activity against strain ZJS0802 of S. marcescens was unaffected by chitosan concentration. The antibacterial activity of 0.10 mg/ml chitosan solution against S. marcescens increased with the increase of incubation time regardless of the tested strains. The mortality of larvae inoculated with the mixture of S. marcescens ZJS0801 and chitosan solution was significantly reduced compared to bacteria alone. In addition, the larvae mortality of silkworms inoculated with S. marcescens ZJS0801 was significantly reduced when silkworm larvae were fed on mulberry leaves treated with chitosan solution. Overall, the results indicated that chitosan solution had the potential for control of bacterial septicemia disease of silkworms.
The Compression Test for Snow Stability

The compression test is a quick stability test. It involves tapping on a shovel placed on top of a column of snow and noting the failures in weak layers that appear on the smooth walls of the column. Limited data show a correlation for compression scores (number of taps) with rutschblock scores and with the frequency of skier triggering on avalanche slopes. The effect of various experimental factors on compression scores are assessed. Two different designs of shovel blades (varying in size and shape) did not appear to affect the compression scores. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the columns increased the compression scores. Different operators generally obtained a score in the same range identified as easy, easy-moderate, moderate, moderatehard and hard. BACKGROUND The test method used for this study was developed by Parks Canada wardens in the 1970's although similar tests may have been developed elsewhere. Weak layers are identified when they fail and become visible on the walls of the column of snow either while tapping on a shovel placed on top of the column, or occasionally while initially cutting the column. Figure 1 Compression test
Corporate Taxation and Productivity Catch‐Up: Evidence from European Firms

Firms that lie far behind the technological frontier have the most to gain from imitating the technology or management practices of others. That some firms converge relatively slowly to the productivity frontier suggests the existence of factors that cause them to underinvest in their productivity. In this paper we explore how far higher rates of corporate taxation affect firm productivity convergence by reducing the after tax returns to productivity enhancing investments for small firms. Using data for 11 European countries we find evidence for such an effect; productivity growth in small firms is slower the higher are corporate tax rates. Our results are robust to the use of instrumental variable and panel data techniques with quantitatively similar effects found from a natural experiment following the German tax reforms in 2001.
Numerical analysis of the torsion problem using nonconforming finite elements

In this note we investigate a non-conforming finite element discretisation of the torsion problem. It turns out to be convenient to treat this problem by a Lagrangian formalism. The approach offers several alternatives for the numerical analysis of variational inequalities. Employing a conforming FE-method to the underlying saddle point problem yields instable behaviour of the dual variable, whereas the non-conforming Crouzeix-Raviart element produces stable results. We derive a posteriori error bounds for the corresponding discretisation error measured in the energy norm. Eventually numerical tests demonstrate the performance of the adaptive grid refinement based on the proposed reliable error estimate. Mathematics Subject Classification: 65N30
Evaluation of the K9CATH peptide in the treatment of experimental pulmonary tuberculosis

The antimicrobial activity of the peptide K9CATH against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv in vitro and its therapeutic potential against pulmonary tuberculosis in a murine model was evaluated. By the alamar blue colorimetric assay, a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 10.66 μg/ml was obtained. Also, K9CATH did not show to be cytotoxic at 32 μg/ml on lung cells (A549). Electron microscopy images obtained of M. tuberculosis treated with the peptide showed disruption of the membrane and condensation of the cytoplasmic content. Mice infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv and treated with 32 μg/ml of K9CATH for 30 and 60 days showed a significant decrease (p < 0.5) in colony-forming units (CFU) and pneumonic area.
A proof of the two-dimensional Markus-Yamabe Stability Conjecture and a generalization

The following problem of Markus and Yamabe is answered affirmatively: Let f be a local diffeomorphism of the euclidean plane whose jacobian matrix has negative trace everywhere. If f(0) = 0, is it true that 0 is a global attractor of the ODE dx/dt = f(x) ? An old result of Olech states that this is equivalent to the question if such an f is injective. Here the problem is treated in the latter form by means of an investigation of the behaviour of f near infinity.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Elisa) In The Serodiagnosis Of Hydatidosis In Camels (Camelus dromedarius) And Cattle In Sokoto, Northern Nigeria

This study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of Enzyme Linked-Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in determining the current status of hydatidosis in Camels and Cattle slaughtered in the Sokoto metropolitan abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria and also to ascertain the sensitivity and specificity of the test. A total of 474 serum samples were examined from 189 camels and 285 cattle. The overall prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus antibody response was 38.6%. The higher prevalence of 59.3% was recorded in camels while cattle had the least (24.3%). The occurrence of antibodies to hydatidosis in both species was significantly different (p 0.05) and no association between age and disease prevalence, however the association between the sex of the animals and disease prevalence was highly significant (p<0.01). The result of this study concludes that hydatidosis is prevalent in camels and cattle in Sokoto and the ELISA is a sensitive and specific assay and could be employed in serodiagnosis of hydatidosis in camels, cattle and other domestic animals particularly for large scale screening purposes.
Evaluation of school administrator ’ s life quality in terms of some certain variables

In this study, whether or not school administrators’ life quality and self-esteem levels differed inrespect to their gender and economic levels was inquired. Data used in the study were collected through scales. This study revealed that in social and environmental sub-categories, the life quality of male administrators was found to be higher, but such difference did not exist among genders in physical, mental and self-esteem categories. On the other hand, administrators whose economic situation was good were also observed to have a relatively high quality of life. There was also a positive correlation between self-esteem and life quality.
Absorbed dose of sensitive organs in maxillofacial region by different radiographic techniques: Panoramic, Waters, Caldwell and cone-beam computed tomography

BACKGROUND AND AIM : Due to increasing use of X-rays in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, this study aimed to measure and compares the absorbed dose in a number of sensitive organs of head and neck in different radiographic techniques. METHODS : Thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) and a male equivalent RANDO phantom were used to measure the absorbed dose in organs. The dosimeters were set in certain sites of phantom related to eye, parotid, thyroid gland, occipital area and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Panoramic and Caldwell techniques with two different exposure conditions as well as Waters technique with three different exposure conditions were performed. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was applied in low and normal resolutions with different field of view (FOV), and the mean absorbed dose was calculated and compared by the dosimeters related to each of the organs. RESULTS : The panoramic imaging technique revealed the lowest dose for the eyes, but interestingly higher doses for the parotid gland and the occipital area. In total, Waters and Caldwell imaging techniques indicated that the occipital area and the parotid gland absorbed a higher dose than other organs. In the majority of CBCT scans the parotid region received the highest dose. However, during sinus CBCT (both in low-dose and high-dose modes), the TMJ and eye areas absorbed the highest dose. Investigation of the use of thyroid shield on the absorbed dose in this organ in CBCT showed an average 22% reduction in dose. CONCLUSION : In total, panoramic, Waters and Caldwell imaging techniques indicated that the occipital area and the parotid gland absorbed a higher dose than other organs. In the majority of CBCT scans, the parotid region received the highest dose.
Inventory Management in Malaysian Construction Firms: Impact on Performance

Managers act rationally in managing their inventory efficiently if they are convinced that the practice enhances firm performance. However, extant research in operations management has revealed divergent insights into the inventory-performance link. This study empirically examines the relationship between inventory management and firm performance and capital intensity on a sample of financial data for 82 construction firms in Malaysia for the period 2006–2010. By employing regression and correlation techniques, it was found that inventory management is positively correlated with firm performance. In addition, the results indicate that there is a positive relationship between inventory management and capital intensity.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Zinc Oxide Varistor Ceramics

ZnO varistors are nonlinear resistors used as surge arresters in power transmission and distribution for the protection of electronic devices. Electrical characteristics of these materials have been extensively studied, but their mechanical behavior is not completely understood. It has been suggested that the breakdown of ZnO varistors is related to microstructure heterogeneities and processing defects. These defects are the same that usually control the mechanical strength of ceramic materials. In this work, mechanical properties (flexural strength, fracture toughness, elastic constants, and hardness) of five commercial blocks of ZnO varistors (class I) from different producers were measured and correlated to their microstructure. Pore fraction and size significantly affected the flexural strength.
Stigma on the Homeless in the USA and Hungary: An Essay on the Interplay of Prejudice with the Sociocultural Environment

Homelessness is an increasingly severe problem in many countries around the world. The homeless are often stigmatized by the rest of society. This essay explores how several contextual factors can moderate the expression of prejudice towards the homeless in two countries with different backgrounds, Hungary and the USA. Ambivalent opinions of the homeless exist in both societies, and prejudice is present to some extent in both, but especially in Hungary. Differences and similarities in public attitudes are related to specific challenges of a Western capitalist system, present in both countries, and of the legacy of Communism, unique to Hungary. Psychological mechanisms and cultural values also influence prejudice, such as the perception of threat towards the ingroup, a need for stability, individualism and belief in a just world. It is hoped that this essay can contribute to a complex and dynamic understanding of prejudice.
Teaching Pronunciation of English with Computer Technology: A Qualitative Study

This study investigated teachers’ views toward computer technology in teaching English pronunciation. In order to select teachers for the semi-structured interview, the researcher used a questionnaire and distributed it to 25 teachers from two Islamic Azad Universities of Guilan, Iran. The researcher chose 15 of them based on their answers to the questionnaire. Then a qualitative method design was used. It consisted of semi-structured interview questions with a sample of 15 teachers chosen from two Azad Universities. Data were collected and analyzed. Qualitative data were analyzed according to the process of reducing data, constructing theme, and drawing conclusions from the data. The findings showed teachers’ interest in using computer technology because it provided them with enjoyable and interactive environment, helped them obtain accurate pronunciation, and improved the quality of their pronunciation instruction. The findings also revealed that using computer technology raised teachers’ confidence and motivation toward it because it had a high potential that changed their instruction. Moreover, the findings indicated that teachers had enough knowledge of computer technology that helped them teach pronunciation effectively. In addition, the findings represented that using computer technology was not a threat to the traditional methods but it brought about better results than these methods.
How do students understand computer network protocols

When computing education research is performed in a rigorous and theoretically sound way, it can inform and improve teaching. Having conducted a phenomenographic study of students’ understandings of computer network protocols, we present our findings and explain how they can inform the teaching of these protocols. We go on to explore what our results can tell us about the discipline of computer science as a whole.
Enriched eggs as a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for humans

The aim of the research was to enrich eggs with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by using plant oils and fish oil as dietary supplements in laying hens’ feed. The focus was put on the effect of the daily consumption of 100 g of egg yolk, i.e. 100 g of egg mass, on the human health. The 1st group of laying hens was fed a diet containing soybean and fish oil, and the 2nd group was given feed containing a combination of linseed, rapeseed, soybean, and fish oils. Eggs laid by the 2nd group contained 4.73% α-linolenic acid, 0.20% eicosapentaenoic acid and 2.37% docosahexaenoic acid (% of total fatty acids in yolk lipids, P < 0.001), which marks an increase of × 4.04 for α-linolenic acid, × 3.33 for eicosapentaenoic acid, and × 1.75 for docosahexaenoic acid compared to eggs laid by the 1st group. Total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in eggs of the 2nd group were × 2.8 higher than in the 1st first group. Calculated per 100 g of eggs of the 2nd group, the intake for the human body corresponds to 435 mg α-linolenic acid, 18.43 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, and 218.2 mg docosahexaenoic acid.