Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ANALYSIS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF FOUR AFRICAN INDIGENOUS LEAFY VEGETABLES

The present study investigated the phytochemical composition and relative antioxidant activity of selected African indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs): Corchorus olitorius (Jute mallow), Crotalaria ochroleuca (Slender leaf), Solanum scabrum (Black nightshade) and Cleome gynandra (Spider plant). The crude extracts were prepared by methanol extraction. The study revealed the presence of a wide array of phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids and phenols whereas terpenoids, steroids and anthraquinones were absent in most ILVs. The antioxidant activity was achieved by screening the leaf extracts for their free radical scavenging properties using diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant.The ability of the extracts to scavenge DPPH radicals was determined spectrophotometrically at 517nm. The four ILV extracts had significant radical scavenging effects and almost all reported a significantly higher percentage of DPPH inhibition than ascorbic acid (P < 0.05). The extracts of C. olitorius and C. gynandra were most effective since they had higher percentages of radical scavenging activity and lower IC50 values (concentration which scavenged 50% of the DPPH radicals). The results therefore indicated that these vegetables are phytochemical rich and natural antioxidants with potent antioxidative activities. This is of health or nutraceutical significance and thus authenticates their usefulness for medicinal purposes.
Why Fit Doesn't Always Matter:: the impact of HRM and cultural fit on job involvement of Kenyan employees

The study investigates whether fit of human resources management (HRM) policies with employees’ preferences in developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, with specific reference to Kenya, impacts on levels of job involvement. We argue that the contextual variables in developing countries are varied and complex to the extent that organisations operating in these milieux might find that ‘fit’ as presented in the literature from developed economies does not matter. Further, we examine the role of individual value orientations and organisation value fit to look for a link with job involvement. The study contends that the use of simple difference scores to measure fit is inadequate, and adopts Edwards’ (1994) regression technique to analyse fit. Overall, the results indicate that the person–environment (HRM preference with actual policy practice) fit model can partially predict job involvement in a developing country context, but in a way that is not consistent with theory. However, job involvement is not related strongly to either the convergence of an individual’s values with those of others in the organisation, or convergence of HRM policies with individual preferences. It is the values themselves—not their fit—that are most predictive of job involvement.
Ambitions in Action

Using data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 and structural equation modeling techniques, this study focuses on the unique experiences of Hispanic adolescents who maintain bachelor’s degree expectations through the end of high school. Results indicate that the degree to which Hispanic students’ college expectations are aligned with the completion of key college-going actions during high school is strongly associated with their later level of college enrollment. The relationship between parent resources, including parent social capital, and engagement in college-aligned actions among Hispanic youth, however, appears less straightforward.
Flare Heating in Stellar Coronae

An open question in the field of solar and stellar astrophysics is the source of heating that causes stellar coronae to reach temperatures of millions of degrees. One possibility is that the coronae are heated by a large number of small flares. On the Sun, flares with energies as low as those of microflares are distributed with energy as a power law of the form ∝ E-α, with α ≈ 1.8, and α appears to increase to values of 2.2-2.7 for flares of lower energy. If the slope exceeds the critical value of 2, then in principle the entire coronal energy input can be ascribed to flares that are increasingly less energetic but are more numerous. Previous analyses of flares in light curves of active stars have shown that this index generally is greater than 2, although it may be as low as 1.6 when strong flares alone are considered. Here we investigate the contribution of very weak flares, covering the milliflare energy range, to the coronal luminosity of low-mass active stars. We analyze Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer/Deep Survey events data from FK Aqr, V1054 Oph, and AD Leo and conclude that in all these cases, the coronal emission is dominated by flares to such an extent that in some cases, the entire emission can be ascribed to flare heating. We have developed a new method to directly model for the first time stochastically produced flare emission, including undetectable flares, and their effects on the observed photon arrival times. We find that αFK Aqr = 2.60 ± 0.34, αV1054 Oph = 2.74 ± 0.35, and αAD Leo = 2.03-2.32, and the flare component accounts for a large fraction (generally greater than 50%) of the total flux.
Monetary and financial stability in Norway: what can we learn from macroeconomic stress tests?

Over the past few years, the discussion among academics and central bankers about the relationship between monetary and financial stability has intensified. The discussion has particularly focused on whether inflation targeting is consistent with financial stability, and if an inflation targeting regime contributes to financial stability. Furthermore, is there a conflict between monetary and financial stability, and if so, in what situations do such conflicts typically occur?
On the Rademacher maximal function

This paper studies a new maximal operator introduced by Hytonen, McIntosh and Portal in 2008 for functions taking values in a Banach space. The Lp-boundedness of this operator depends on the range space; certain requirements on type and cotype are present for instance. The original Euclidean definition of the maximal function is generalized to - finite measure spaces with filtrations and the L p -boundedness is shown not to depend on the underlying measure space or the filtration. Martingale techniques are applied to prove that a weak type inequality is sucient for L p -boundedness and also to provide a characterization by concave functions.
IMPACT OF LEVEL OF DETAILS IN THE 3D RECONSTRUCTION OF TREES FOR MICROCLIMATE MODELING

In the 21st century, urban areas undergo specific climatic conditions like urban heat islands which frequency and intensity increase over the years. Towards the understanding and the monitoring of these conditions, vegetation effects on urban climate are studied. It appears that a natural phenomenon, the evapotranspiration of trees, generates a cooling effect in urban environment. In this work, a 3D microclimate model is used to quantify the evapotranspiration of trees in relation with their architecture, their physiology and the climate. These three characteristics are determined with field measurements and data processing. Based on point clouds acquired with terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), the 3D reconstruction of the tree wood architecture is performed. Then the 3D reconstruction of leaves is carried out from the 3D skeleton of vegetative shoots and allometric statistics. With the aim of extending the simulation on several trees simultaneously, it is necessary to apply the 3D reconstruction process on each tree individually. However, as well for the acquisition as for the processing, the 3D reconstruction approach is time consuming. Mobile laser scanners could provide point clouds in a faster way than static TLS, but this implies a lower point density. Also the processing time could be shortened, but under the assumption that a coarser 3D model is sufficient for the simulation. In this context, the criterion of level of details and accuracy of the tree 3D reconstructed model must be studied. In this paper first tests to assess their impact on the determination of the evapotranspiration are presented.
The Development of Simulation and Game in 5E Learning Cycle to Teach Photoelectric Effect for Grade 12 Students.

Photoelectric effect is regarded as one difficult topic in physics for science students because it is the abstract and multidimensional phenomenon. This study aims to develop the learning unit incorporated simulation and game with the 5E learning cycle for promoting the grade 12 science students’ understanding of photoelectric effect and learning attitudes. The created learning unit was implemented with 31 grade 12 students in Bhutan. The students’ preand post-understanding of photoelectric effect were measured by the Photoelectric Evaluation Conceptual Evaluation Test (PECE). In addition, the students’ attitudes to the unit were explored by using the Multimedia Attitude Survey (MAS), individual interviews, and Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 18, Issue 2, Article 1, p.2 (Dec., 2017) Tshewang NAMGYEL and Khajornsak BUARAPHAN The development of simulation and game in 5E learning cycle to teach photoelectric effect for grade 12 students Copyright (C) 2017 EdUHK APFSLT. Volume 18, Issue 1, Article 1 (Dec., 2017). All Rights Reserved. reflective journals. The quantitative data were analyzed by calculating for mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The qualitative data were analyzed by inductive analysis. The results from PECE revealed that the mean scores of students’ preand post-tests were 12.94 (S.D. = 3.81) and 16.94 (S.D. = 3.12), respectively. The simulation and game based learning unit significantly helped the participating students improve their understanding of photoelectric effect (t = 7.79, p < .05). In addition, the students expressed their positive attitudes to the learning unit. The implications in teaching physics by game and simulation embedded in the 5E learning cycle are also discussed.
Effect of Silica Fume and Wood Ash Additions on Flexural and Splitting Tensile Strength of Lightweight Foamed Concrete

Reducing building material costs by identifying sustainable and green construction materials is desirable for economic reasons and environmental responsibility. This study examines ways to enhance strength of foamed concrete by adding wood ash (WA) and silica fume (SF). The effect of different percentage combinations is investigated, to understand the effect on the flexural and splitting tensile strengths. The supplementary binders replace a percentage by weight of the cement and are blended with foamed concrete. The WA–SF mixes at 5%–15%, 10%–10%, and 15%–5%, were compared to standard foamed concrete. The microstructures show evidence of novel densification and there was an improvement in the flexural and tensile strengths. The 5% WA–15% SF mix has the most significant effect on the foamed concrete compared to the control. The binder matrix also prolonged the setting time of the cement paste.
The Implementation And Application Of Firm Valuation Models

This study focuses on methodological errors that arise when firm valuation is carried out in practice. Violation of assumptions underlying the valuation models are examples of methodological errors. We analyze valuation spreadsheets from five Danish financial institutions (i.e., stockbrokers and corporate finance departments) in order to trace if firm valuation models are properly applied. We conclude the following: (i) Methodological errors often cause valuation models to generate estimates that differ significantly from the theoretically correct value; and (ii) Firm value estimates were biased due to a variety of methodological errors. The implications of those errors may be significant. Investors are exposed to poor recommendations. Financial institutions such as investment bankers and stockbrokers may be exposed to bad reputation and lawsuits. Accounting firms that do not carry out firm valuation correctly (for example in testing goodwill for impairment) also run the risk of litigations.
Five decades of black common bean genetic breeding in Brazil

The increase in grain yield and other agronomic traits, in common bean cultivars, is due, in large part, to its genetic breeding. This study aimed at estimating the genetic progress for grain yield and other important agronomic traits in black common bean cultivars recommended by Brazilian breeding programs between 1960 and 2013. A randomized blocks design was used, with three replications and 40 black common bean cultivars. The following traits were evaluated: grain yield and appearance, plant architecture, number of pods per plant and seeds per pod and 1,000-seed weight. The genetic progress was estimated from the trait averages over the years, using bissegmented linear regression models that allowed the inference of the exact year in which the black common bean breeding began to present significant genetic progress. For grain yield, the genetic progress was observed from 1988, with an annual gain of 2.42 %. Improvements also occurred to grain appearance (1.85 %), plant architecture (1.35 %), number of pods per plant (2.36 %) and seeds per pod (2.24 %) and 1,000-seed weight (1.42 %), mainly after 1989.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling of DDGS Flowability with Varying Process and Storage Parameters

Neural Network (NN) modeling techniques were used to predict flowability behavior in distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) prepared with varying CDS (10, 15, and 20%, wb), drying temperature (100, 200, and 300°C), cooling temperature (-12, 0, and 35°C) and cooling time (0 and 1 month) levels. Response variables were selected based on our previous research results, and included aerated bulk density, Hausner Ratio, Angle of Repose, Total Flowability Index, and Jenike Flow Function. Various neural network models were developed using multiple input variables in order to predict single response variables or multiple response variables simultaneously. The NN models were compared based on R2, mean square error (MSE), and coefficient of variation (% CV) obtained. In order to achieve results with higher R2 and lower error, the number of neurons in each hidden layer, step size, momentum learning rate, and number of hidden layers were varied. Results indicate that for all the response variables, R2 >0.83 was obtained from NN modeling. NN modeling provided better models than PLS modeling procedures (Bhadra et al., 2010c). Also, the best NN models fitted fairly well (R2 >0.63) with the dataset of Ganesan et al (2007), indicating higher robustness in the proposed NN models. Finally, based on the predicted values (from NN modeling) surface plots yielded process and storage conditions for favorable vs. cohesive flow behavior in DDGS. Modeling of DDGS flowability using NN has not been previously done, and hence this work will be a step towards application of intelligent modeling procedures to this industrial challenge.
Exploring the Public Perception in Social Big Data: An Investigation in Mars Recall Scandal

Social media has become a popular platform of interpersonal communication in which users can search for news and convey real-time information. Researching into social big data, such as Twitter, can be an effective way to identify public opinions and feelings in risk emergence, as it provides rich sources of data for opinion mining and sentiment analysis. This study aims to investigate and analyse the public perception towards the Mars and Snickers product recall scandal. The study proposes a comprehensive data analysis framework, and utilises the dataset formed of 10,930 Twitter messages over the span of 10-day following the product recall announcement made by Mars Inc., to gauge public attitudes and opinions. The study finds that the overall attitude of Twitter users towards the scandal was negative, and Snickers were the most mentioned product in the 10-day periods after the announcement of the recall. The data analysis highlights that the Tweet diffusion (retweeting) has positive associations with the number of followers and the use of hashtags, hence companies should pay more attention to users who have a large number of followers, as their tweets will be read by a great number of other Twitter users. The findings suggest effective methods for practitioners in crisis management (e.g., how to use social media to disseminate information). The study also presents a progressive tweet-mining framework that can serve as a tool in crisis management to classify the tweet topics, identify and analyse the sentiment and comprehend the changes of the public attitudes.
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory FERMlLULcOnf-92 & i Operation and Radiation Resistance of a FOXFET Biasing Structure for Silicon Strip Detectors

AC-coupled strip detectors biased with a FOXFET transistor structure have been studied. Measurement results for the basic operational characteristics of the FOXFET are presented together with a brief description of the physics underlying its operation. Radiation effects were studied using photons from a *37Cs source. Changes in the FOXFET characteristics as a function of radiation dose up to 1 MRad are reported. Results about the effect of radiation on the noise from a FOXFET biased detector arc described. Submitted to Sixth European Symposium on Semiconductor Detectors, Milan0 24. 27.2. 1992
A study of the lateral dynamic behaviour of high speed railway viaducts and its effect on vehicle ride comfort and stability

The study of the lateral behaviour of railway bridges and vehicles is an important issue on bridges with low lateral stiffness, which has been defined by ERRI (1996) as those with lateral natural frequencies below 1.2 Hz. This limit applies to the deformation of the deck in one span, and was demonstrated to be a real issue on measurements and models of bridges with open deck sections and supporting trusses, of low lateral bending stiffness for the deck. Although not included in the above category, modern long viaducts for HSR with continuous decks on tall piers may also exhibit very low lateral stiffness and frequencies, which could produce undesired effects for the comfort or even the stability of the railway vehicles. In this work a simple model has been developed and applied to consider worst-case scenarios in a representative bridge, the “Arroyo de las Piedras” viaduct in Spain. The trains considered are representative of those circulating in the Spanish HSR network, as well as a freight wagon. Threedimensional dynamic models were developed with finite elements. The actions considered include the lateral deformation of the bridge in response to vertical eccentric loads, track alignment irregularities and finally lateral motion of vehicles due to conicity of wheel-rail contact. The results show that there is, at least in this case, no cause for concern. However, for some scenarios the results in terms of lateral motion and forces are not negligible and should be considered in the design.
Floral Biology and Africanized Honeybee Behaviour in Transgenic (Roundup ReadyTM var. BR-245 RR) and Conventional (var. BRS-133) Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) Flowers

Therefore, this research was carried out to evaluate the Africanized honeybee effect on soybean production, mainly, over genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This chapter presents experimental data about floral biology of soybean Glycine max L. Merrill, BR-245 RR (transgenic soy – Roundup ReadTM) and BRS-133 (conventional soy) with and without application of Glyphosate, as well as the honeybee behaviour in those flowers of these varieties.
Ovarian responses after superovulation with different dosages of oFSH in goats

A total of 35 crossbred goats (Capra hircus) were used to evaluate the effect of oFSH dosages on ovarian responses during superovulation. A controlled internal drug release (CIDR) was inserted for 14 days in each goat. The animals were divided into 3 groups. Groups M1 and M2 received 8.8 mg and 14.08 mg, respectively, of oFSH through multiple intramuscular (i.m.) injections starting from 2 days before the CIDR removal and Group S received 8.8 mg of oFSH through a single i.m. injection upon CIDR removal. Ovarian responses of all treatments were evaluated during laparotomy session on Day 3 or 7 after CIDR removal. All of the does (100%, 22/22) of Groups M1 and M2 responded positively to the treatments by ovulating at least 1 tertiary follicle. On the other hand, only 69% (9/13) of the does of Group S responded correspondingly to the treatment. The total ovarian responses (CL plus anovulatory follicles) among the treatments were significantly higher (P<0.05) in Groups M1 and M2 compared with Group S. There were no significant differences between multiple-administration groups for CL per doe (high dosages vs. low dosages: 16.9±3.9 vs. 11.6±1.0, respectively). The percentage of anovulatory follicles was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Group S followed by Groups M1 and M2. The structure (embryo plus oocyte) recovery rate per doe was significantly the highest (P<0.05) in Group M2 followed by Group M1 and Group S (5.4±2.4, 3.2±1.2 and 0.5±0.5, respectively). The numbers of embryos per doe were 0.1, 2.4 and 2.0, for Groups S, M1 and M2, respectively. It is concluded that multiple injection at high dosage (14.0 mg) of oFSH in goat superovulation protocol gives better structure recovery than multiple injection at low dosage (8.8 mg) as well as single injection (8.8 mg) of oFSH. However, more detailed research is needed to optimize the dosage of oFSH for viable embryo recovery during superovulation of Malaysian crossbred goats.
The puerperium in dairy cows: ovarian activity, uterine involution and follicular dynamics

The study of ovarian follicular dynamics (OFD) and other changes in the bovine reproductive tract has developedsignificantly over the past two decades, primarily due to the use of non-invasive investigative approaches suchas ultrasound. Advances in ultrasound examinations have provided a better understanding of ovarian activity,uterine involution, oviducts status, and other segments of the reproductive tract in the bovine postpartumperiod. Procedures including tracking of the reproductive tract have likewise aided in the development of newmethodologies and techniques to improve reproductive performance in cattle. The aim of this review was tosummarize knowledge regarding the reproductive tract in dairy cows during the postpartum period.
EFFECT OF WILD OATS (Avena fatua) DENSITIES AND PROPORTIONS ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF WHEAT

To study the effect of wild oats densities and proportions on yield and yield components of wheat, field trials were conducted at Malakandher Research Farm, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar. The experiment was laid out in Randomize Complete Block (RCB) design with split plot arrangement. Four seed rates of wheat viz.100, 130,160 and 190kg ha -1 were assigned to main plots, while wild oats densities 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 seeds m -2 were kept into sub-plots. Data were recorded on number of spikes m -2 , spike length (cm), grains spike -1 , 1000 grain weight (g), tiller wild oat -1 , number of seed/ tiller of wild oat and grain yield (kg ha -1 ) . Statistical analysis of the data showed that most of the parameters were statistically affected by wild oats densities and seed rates. Maximum number of spikes m -2 (281.9), spike length (9.33cm), number of grains spike -1 (50.0), 1000-grain weight (30.26) and were recorded in wheat monoculture (0 wild oat density plot). Seed rate of 160 kg ha -1 had significantly higher spikes m -2 (283.4), spike length (8.58cm), 1000-grain weight (30.87g) and grain yield. Thus a seed rate of 160kg ha -1 was recommended for suppression of wild oats population in wheat crop. The regression analysis also predicted lowest competition of wild oats in wheat seeded at 160kg ha -1 .