Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Particulate Pollution Mitigating Ability of Some Plant Species

Foliar surface of plants is continuously exposed to the surrounding atmosphere and is, therefore, the main receptor of particulate pollutants. This physical trait can be used to determine the level of particulate pollution in the surroundings, as well as the ability of individual plant species to intercept and mitigate particulate pollutants. In the present study, leaf cuticle characters of four common roadside plant species, namely Bougainvillea â€˜Maharaâ€™, Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wt. and Arn, Cassia fistula Linn, and Polyalthia longifolia Thw. were studied from sites with heavy particulate pollutants in the atmosphere and compared with those of control/ non polluted environs to evaluate their respective pollution mitigating ability. The particles deposited on the leaf surface were 2.5 to 10.0 I¼m in size and the dust load was recorded in the trend of T. arjuna (2.31 mg/cm2)> C. fistula (1.47 mg/ cm2) > B. â€˜Maharaâ€™ (1.33 mg/cm2) and P. longifolia (0.97 mg/cm2). The increase in the size and frequency of epidermal cells and stomata were observed. Cuticle rupture was a major injury symptom, that was observed in T. arjuna, C. fistula and P. longifolia while no cuticular damage was not observed in B. â€˜Maharaâ€™. On the basis of these observations it can be concluded that B. â€˜Maharaâ€™ is a dust mitigator and it adsorbs and / or absorbs the pollutants from the environment in which it grows.
Analysing match attendance in the European Rugby Cup: Does uncertainty of outcome matter in a multinational tournament?

ABSTRACT Research question: The paper analyses the determinants of attendances in rugby union’s European Rugby Cup (ERC) and, in particular, whether uncertainty of outcome had a significant effect on spectator demand. Research methods: We use data on attendance from 1226 ERC group stage matches played between 1995/1996 and 2013/2014 to estimate a model of spectator demand for ERC matches. Results and findings: We find that short-run (match) uncertainty had little effect on attendances, whereas the strength of the home team had a significant effect on attendances. Medium-term uncertainty, that is, the possibility of the home team reaching the knock-out stages, had a significant impact on attendances. Implications: The findings are significant because the ERC was replaced with a new European Rugby Champions Cup (ERCC) from the beginning of the 2014/2015 season. Changes in the distribution of revenue between participating teams combined with increases in English and French teams’ domestic league broadcast revenues suggest that the ERCC may be more unbalanced than the ERC. This has implications for the business models of clubs from smaller countries and their ability to compete and may lead to the emergence of an Anglo-French duopoly in the new competition.
Predicting Biological Parameters of Estuarine Benthic Communities Using Models Based on Environmental Data

Este trabalho objetivou predizer parâmetros da estrutura de associacoes macrobentonicas (composicao especifica, abundância, riqueza, diversidade e equitatividade) em estuarios do Sul do Brasil, utilizando modelos baseados em dados ambientais (caracteristicas dos sedimentos, salinidade, temperaturas do ar e da agua, e profundidade). As amostragens foram realizadas sazonalmente em cinco estuarios entre o inverno de 1996 e o verao de 1998. Em cada estuario as amostras foram coletadas em areas nao poluidas, com caracteristicas semelhantes quanto a presenca ou ausencia de vegetacao, profundidade e distância da desenbocadura. Para a obtencao dos modelos de predicao, foram utilizados dois metodos: o primeiro baseado em Analise Discriminante Multipla (ADM) e o segundo em Regressao Linear Multipla (RLM). Os modelos baseados em ADM apresentaram resultados melhores do que os baseados em regressao linear. Os melhores resultados usando RLM foram obtidos para diversidade e riqueza. E possivel entao, concluir que modelos como aqui derivados podem representar ferramentas muito uteis em estudos de monitoramento ambiental em estuarios.
Implementation of a Wake Mode Forwar and Validation 1 for Low-Speed d Flight

This report details the computer implementation and calculations of the induced velocities produced by a wake model consisting of a trailing vortex system defined from a prescribed time averaged downwash distribution. Induced velocities are computed by approximating each spiral turn by a pair of large straight vortex segments positioned at critical points relative to where the induced velocity is required. A remainder term for the rest of the spiral turn is added. This approach results in decreased computation time compared to classical models where each spiral turn is broken down in small straight vortex segments. The model includes features such as harmonic variation of circulation, downwash outside of the blade and/or outside the tip path plane, blade hound vorticity induced velocity with harmonic variation of circulation and time averaging. The influence of various options and parameters on the results are investigated and results are compared to experimental field measurements with which, a reasonable agreement is obtained. The capabilities of the model as well as its extension possibilities are studied. An assessment of the model for possible adptation to interaction problems shows it not to be suitable for this purpose. However, further features like a shed vortex system, an inboard trailing wake system, close blade vortex interaction and lifting surface effects can be added to it. The performance of the model in predicting the recently-acquired NASA Langley Inflow data base for a four-bladed rotor is compared to that of the Scully Free Wake code, a well-established program which requires much greater computational resources. It is found that the two codes predict the experimental data with essentially the same accuracy, and show the same trends. The model is an efficient and flexible tool to obtain a description of a rotor's induced downwash field in a workstation-type of environment with accuracies comparable to those obtained by codes requiring an order of magnitude more of computer resources.
Performance voting and knowledge of cabinet composition q

Nearly every empirical study of outcome oriented retrospective voting assumes, though almost always implicitly, that a) every voter knows the composition of the incumbent government, or b) that voters who may not know who is in government do not cast retrospective votes. In this short essay we provide evidence that these assumptions are quite unlikely to hold and discuss how not taking this possibility into account has influenced our understanding of the retrospective voting mechanism and the conditioning effect of political sophistication on the economic vote. In so doing, we advocate for the inclusion of questions regarding cabinet composition in electoral surveys. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Numerical study of heat and mass transfer optimization in a 3D inclined solar distiller

A numerical study of the 3-D double-diffusive natural convection in an inclined solar distiller was established. The flow is considered laminar and caused by the interaction of thermal energy and the chemical species diffusions. The governing equations of the problem, are formulated using vector potential-vorticity formalism in its 3-D form, then solved by the finite volumes method. The Rayleigh number is fixed at Ra = 105 and effects of the buoyancy ratio and inclination are studied for opposed temperature and concentration gradients. The main purpose of the study is to find the optimum inclination angle of the distiller which promotes the maximum mass and heat transfer.
Cements for High-Temperature Geothermal Wells

Geothermal environments are among the most difficult conditions for cements to survive. Normally accepted for high-temperature oil wells silica-modified Portland-based cement formulations are not durable in hostile geothermal environments failing to provide good zonal isolation and metal casing corrosion-protection. High-temperature well cement compositions based on calcium-aluminate cements have been designed to seal such wells. Two types of calcium-aluminate cement are of particular interest for geothermal applications. One is–chemical type, calcium-aluminate-phosphate cement (CaP) already used in the field and the other, alkali-activated calcium-aluminate type (thermal shock resistant cement, (TSRC), has been recently developed. The CaP cements were designed as CO2-resistant cements for use in mildly acidic (pH ~ 5.0) CO2-rich downhole environments. TSRC was formulated to withstand dry-heat – cold water cycles of more than 500°C. This chapter includes information and discussions of cement forming mechanisms, cements mechanical properties, resistance to mild and strong acids, cementcarbon steel bonding and self-recovery of mechanical strength and fractures closure after imposed damage. Performance of common high-temperature OPC-based composites is discussed for comparison.
Assessment of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning style among undergraduate nursing students

Background: Learning styles refer to the ability of learner to perceive and process information in learning situations. The ability to understand students’ learning styles can increase the educational outcomes. VAK (Visual, auditory, kinesthetic) learning style is one of the learning style in which students use three of sensory perception to receive information. Teachers can incorporate these learning styles in their classroom activities so that students are competent to be successful in their courses. The purpose of this study is to assess Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learning style among undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out; the study was conducted during the period of 3rd. November, 2013-15, March, 2014, in two Nursing Colleges at Universities of Mosul and Kirkuk. A stratified random sampling was used for data collection. The target population was an undergraduate nursing students (210) students (60 male and 150 female). Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), Chi-square, Frequencies and Percentage was used for data analysis. The results: the findings reveal that Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learning style of the study sample was (40.0%), (29.5%), and 30.5% respectively. Females preferred auditory learning style (30.3%) more than males (27.3%), while males preferred kinesthetic learning style (32.3%) more than females (29.8%). Recommendation: The researcher recommended that nurse educators should aware of learning styles of the students and provide teaching style to be matched with their learning style.
Studienprojekte im Praxissemester

Die Beitrage dieses Themenheftes beschaftigen sich mit der Frage, wie und mit welchen fachlichen und fachdidaktischen Gegenstanden und Praxen ein Forschendes Lernen der Studierenden in Form von Studienprojekten gelingen kann. Die Ansatze der Beitrage sind multiperspektivisch und multiparadigmatisch.
How Do Philanthropic Venture Capitalists Choose Their Portfolio Companies?

This paper examines the deal flow and screening process characterizing the philanthropic venture capital investment model. The practices explicitly adopted by philanthropic venture capitalists are then compared to those employed by traditional for-profit venture capitalists to understand whether the investment behaviour of the two investor categories is the same. By surveying the population of European and US philanthropic venture capitalists, results suggest that they originate and select deals similarly to traditional venture capitalists. However, they also adopt different deal origination criteria which are not traditionally used by venture capitalists, such as, incubation and direct creation of an organization in the event of not finding a suitable one. Furthermore, screening variables such as “deal terms” and “technology” are not considered to be as important as in the case of venture capital.
Characteristics and Origins of Hot Springs in the Tatun Volcano Group in Northern Taiwan

This paper systematically surveyed distribution and field occurrences of 13 hot springs as well as geochemical investigation on the geothermal area of the Tatun Volcano Group (TVG). According to Piper diagrams, pH values, field occurrences and water-rock interactions, these hot springs can be classified into three types: (1) Type I, SO4(superscript 2-) acidic water where the reservoir is located in the Wuchishan Formation; (2) Type II, HCO3(superscript -) a near neutral spring where waters originate from the volcanic terrane (andesite); and (3) Type III, Cl(superscript -)-rich acidic water where waters emanate from shallower Wuchishan Formation. In terms of isotopic ratio, δD and δ18O values, two groups of hot spring can be recognized. One is far away from the meteoric water line of the Tatun area with values ranging between -26.2‰ and -3.5‰, and from -3.2‰ to 1.6‰, respectively. However, another close to the meteoric water line of the Tatun area is between -28.4‰ and -13.6‰, and from -5.5‰ to -4.2‰, respectively. In addition, the δ34S value of thermal waters can also be distinguished into two groups, one ranging from 26.1‰ to 28.5‰, and the other between 0.8‰ and 7.8‰. Based on field occurrences and geochemical characteristics, a model has been proposed to illustrate the origin of these hot springs.
Impact of Minimum Tillage and Crop Rotation as Climate Change Adaptation Strategies on Farmer Welfare in Smallholder Farming Systems of Zambia

Worldwide, climate change is currently recognized as one of the major challenges to increased food production. The agriculture sector is the main source of livelihoods, growth and foreign exchange earnings in many developing countries including Zambia. However, it is also a sector that is mostly vulnerable to effects of climate change. Smallholder farmers in Zambia have been adopting agricultural related adaptation strategies including minimum tillage and crop rotation to mitigate effects of climate change. There has been contentious debate on whether the two strategies (that are elements of conservation farming) increase crop yields and incomes. Available literature heavily relies on biophysical experiments and show contradictions in the ability of these strategies to improve crop yields. Taking cognizance of the differences in socioeconomic circumstances of the farmers, the purpose of this study was to estimate the impact of minimum tillage and crop rotation on maize yields and incomes for farmers adopting the strategies. The study used cross sectional data collected in 2012/13 from 1231 households across six districts of Zambia and applied propensity score matching techniques and Heckman’s selection estimators to account for observed and unobserved heterogeneity between the adopters and non-adopters. The results showed that about 12 and 19% of the farmers have adopted minimum tillage and crop rotation respectively. The strategies improved on-farm maize productivity by about 26% to 38% for minimum tillage and 21% to 24% for crop rotation. Minimum tillage also improved total household maize production. On the other hand crop rotation did not significantly improve total maize production and gross income from the crop. This could reflect the small proportions of areas allocated to legumes versus the areas subsequently allocated to the maize crop during crop rotation. The impact of crop rotation on the staple maize crop could be boosted by encouraging farmers to increase the areas allocated to legumes. The legumes portfolio in the government sponsored input support programme should be increased. The results from this study generally confirm the potential direct role of agricultural related climate change adaptation strategies in improving crop productivity levels in small holder farming systems.
Effect of Aerobic Exercise with DASH on Blood Pressure and Lipid Profile in Prehypertensive Women

Purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise with DASH on blood pressure and lipid profile in prehypertensive women. Methods: Forty prehypertensive women aged from 55-65 years old were recruited from outpatient Internal medicine clinics, El-Mataria Teaching Hospitals. They were assigned into two groups: group (A): (n=25) received aerobic exercise (consisted of moderate intensity for 45 min of training per day, 3 days a week, for 12 weeks) with DASH and group (B): (n=15) received DASH only. For all women, blood pressure, and lipid profile were measured before the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks. Results: There were statistical significant decline in systolic, diastolic blood pressure, (TC), (LDL-c) and (TG) levels -7.57%, -8.19%, -14.88%, -20,6%, -31.16% respectively and significant increase of (HDL-c) concentrations by 20.4% in response to aerobic exercise with DASH. Also, There were significant decline in systolic, diastolic blood pressure, (TC), (LDL-c) and (TG) levels -2.98%, -1.93%, -2.77%, 1.4%, -3.36% respectively and significant increase of (HDL-c) concentrations by 2.2% in response to the DASH only. Conclusion: It was concluded that aerobic training with DASH dietary pattern could be used as preventive methods from developing cardiovascular disease such as hypertension and dyslipidemia.
The influence of stigmatisation on psychosocial wellbeing of HIV/AIDS clients attending Living Faith Support Group, Oyo Town, Nigeria

The study investigated influence of stigmatization on psychosocial wellbeing of HIV/AIDS clients attending Living Faith Support Group, Oyo town, Nigeria. The study examined whether stigmatization has influence on the psychological and sociological wellbeing of HIV/AIDS clients. It evaluated whether stigmatization has influence on the family relationship of HIV/AIDS clients in Oyo town. A descriptive research design of survey type was used. Population for the study consists of all registered HIV/AIDS patients attending state Hospital, Oyo town, Oyo State. Close-ended questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three Jurors in related fields. A reliability co-efficient of 0.73r was obtained through split-half method using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The three null hypotheses were tested using the inferential statistics of Chi-square at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings of this study showed that HIV/AIDS clients suffered low morale, had the tendency to commit suicide, had disturbed mood disorders, experienced broken marital relationships, sexual denial, rejection, isolation and low self-esteem. The study concluded that stigmatization adversely affects psychological and sociological wellbeing and impairs family relationship of HIV/AIDS clients. The authors recommend the need for the integration of services of clinical psychologists into the antiretroviral clinic services in order to help improve the psychological state of HIV/AIDS clients. Also, family members should be educated on the importance of family therapy as a means of alleviating burdens of HIV/AIDS clients within the home. Keywords: Stigmatization, Psychological Wellbeing, Sociological Wellbeing, Living Faith Support Group, Clinical Psychologists
Effect of barley (Hordeum vulgare L) / faba bean (Vicia fabae L) intercropping on productivity and land use efficiency in highlands of Southern Ethiopia

Field experiment was conducted at Bule testing site of Hawassa Agricultural Research Center during 2006 to 2008 cropping season to assess the effect of barley faba bean intercropping on productivity and profitability of the component crops. The treatments consisted of one, two and three rows of barley with one, two and three rows of faba bean combined in factorial and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Sole crops of barley and faba bean were included in the treatments as control. Sole barley was planted at row spacing of 20 cm while inter and intra row spacing for barley were 40 and 10 cm, respectively. Biomass, grain yield, productivity and profitability reacted differently to spatial arrangement of barley and faba bean intercropping. Significantly the highest biomass yield recorded for sole cropping barley and followed by spatial arrangement of 1B:3FB. Similarly, significantly the highest grain yield was recorded for spatial arrangement of 1B:1FB and followed by 1B:2FB. The highest biomass yield was obtained from sole faba bean which was followed by spatial arrangement of 3B:2FB. In line with this the greatest grain yield was achieved from sole faba bean followed by spatial arrangement of 3B:2FB.In general productivity and profitability improved in intercropping as compared to sole cropping. Based on this result spatial arrangements of 1B:1FB and 1B:2FB could be used in considering barley as main crop and faba bean as bonus crop. Keywords: - intercropping, changing climate, monetary benefit, productivity, subsistence
The effect of a custom Area Elastic Surface with different stiffness on hopping performance and safety with an emphasis on familiarity to the surface

There is no doubt that sporting surfaces are extremely important for every activity. However, there is not sufficient scientific report regarding the effect of the area elastic surface floor with common range stiffness on vertical hopping safety and performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of custom area elastic surface with different stiffness on the hopping performance and safety with emphasis on familiarity to the surfaces. Fifteen young and healthy experienced male were volunteered in this study. Kinematic and kinetic data recorded during hopping on four surfaces (300-500 kN/m) using the Motion Analysis System and AMTI force plate. In the data analysis process, leg and joint stiffness, maximum vertical ground reaction force, mechanical energy and power and angular position of joints calculated. The results of this study show that surface stiffness does not effect on the leg and joint stiffness, but after familiarity to the surface, there was a significant increase in 400 kN/m surface positive mechanical energy and power of ankle joint and a significant decrease in negative mechanical energy and power of knee joint (P<0.05). In conclusion, it seems the change in surface stiffness after familiarity to the surface causes an improvement of hopping performance without any change in leg and joint spring stiffness. It can be proposed that deformation following impact also does not enough to significantly reduce the vertical ground reaction force.