Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single-step synthesis of nanostructured γ-alumina with solvent reusability to maximise yield and morphological purity

Insights of the chemical mechanism for the hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured alumina are elucidated for the first time, demonstrating the effect of the NaOH : Al molar ratio not only on the resulting morphology of the material but also on the product yield. Highly uniform pure γ-Al2O3 nanorods are synthesised under acidic conditions (pH 9) lead to γ-Al2O3 nanoplates. Maximisation of the morphological purity leads to a decrease in the overall aluminium yield which can be overcome by successful reusability of the synthesis medium in an effort to increase efficiency (yield and productivity) and minimise waste production towards feasible large-scale manufacturing of nanostructured materials.
A Light and Immunohistological Study on the Protective Effects of Ascorbic Acid (Vit.C) and L-Carnitine on Cisplatin-Induced Renal Impairment in Mice

Background: Despite being efﬁcient anti-neoplastic agent, Cisplatin therapy leads to nephrotoxicity as a major associated complication implicated to be induced via oxidative stress. Aim of the Work: This study was conducted to compare the nephro-protective effects of vitamin-C or L-carnitine in amelioration of the dramatic toxic effects of Cisplatin on renal tissue. Material and Methods: A total of thirty male mice were divided into six groups; each included 5 mice. Group (I) used as the control, mice received a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 1.5 ml of sterile distilled water. Group (II) is treated mice with a single IP injection of Cisplatin (10 mg/kg BW). In group (III) the animals received Cisplatin as in group II plus ascorbic acid (500 mg/kg BW) orally for 2 days before and 3days after Cisplatin injection. Group (IV) is L-carnitine +Cisplatin-treated mice, received Cisplatin as in group II plus L-carnitine (200 mg/kg BW) orally for 2 days before and 3days after Cisplatin injection. Group (V) is Ascorbic acid-treated animals that received the same dose of ascorbic acid as in group III orally for 5 consecutive days. Group (VI) is L-carnitine-treated animals, which received the same dose of L-carnitine as in group IV orally for consecutive 5 days. Results: Mice treated with Cisplatin showed extensive tubular necrosis, presence of casts in the cortex, changes in the basement membrane and brush border loss. While, mice treated with both Cisplatin and vitamin C or L-carnitine revealed marked reduction in the apoptotic cells, maintenance of brush border and marked decrease in basement membrane oedema. Conclusions: L- carnitine supply is a better protection against the nephrotoxic effects of drug Cisplatin.
Statistical dependence of auroral ionospheric currents on solar wind and geomagnetic parameters from 5 years of CHAMP satellite data

Abstract. The effects of the solar wind dynamic pressure ( P ), the z component of the solar wind magnetic field ( B z ), the merging electric field ( E m ), season and the K p index on R1 and R2 field-aligned currents are studied statistically using magnetic field data from the CHAMP satellite during 2001–2005. The ionospheric and field-aligned currents are determined from the magnetic field data by the recently developed 1-D Spherical Elementary Current System (SECS) method. During southward IMF, increasing | B z | is observed to clearly increase the total field-aligned current, while during northward IMF, the amount of field-aligned current remains fairly constant regardless of | B z |. The dependence of the field-aligned current on B z is given by | I r [MA]|=0.054· B z [nT] 2 −0.34· B z [nT]+2.4. With increasing P , the intensity of the field-aligned current is also found to increase according to | I r [MA]|=0.62· P [nPa]+1.6, and the auroral oval is observed to move equatorward. Increasing E m produces similar behaviour, described by | I r [MA]|=1.41· E m [mV/m]+1.4. While the absolute intensity of the ionospheric current is stronger during negative than during positive B z , the relative change in the intensity of the currents produced by a more intense solar wind dynamic pressure is observed to be approximately the same regardless of the B z direction. Increasing K p from 0 to ≥5 widens the auroral oval and moves it equatorward from between 66°–74° AACGM latitude to 59°–71° latitude. The total field aligned current as a function of K p is given by | I r [MA]|=1.1· K p +0.6. In agreement with previous studies, total field-aligned current in the summer is found to be 1.4 times stronger than in the winter.
Geological Statistics Analysis of Population Distribution at Township Level in Henan Province, China

Based on the sixth population census data at township level, this article analyzes the population distribution of Henan province, China by the geological statistics method. The result shows that population distribution of Henan province could be divided into three types: low density in mountain areas, medium density in plain areas, and high density in urban regions. The variation functions have similar trends in the four directions of E-W, N-S, NE-SW, and NW-SE. When the distance is over 80km, the anisotropy enhances. The exponential model has the best fitting effect for the variation function. The interpolation results represent the gradient change process of population density intuitively. Terrain condition is the basic factor influencing on the population spatial pattern. High population density in urban regions are the outcomes of mutual effects between the superior geographical condition and socioeconomic development.
How Culturally Appropriate Is the Communicative Approach with Reference to the Chinese Context

This paper first discusses the Chinese culture of teaching and learning and then further explores the appropriateness of adopting CLT through explorations into the past research on CLT in China. Finally, due to numerous cultural factors and difficulties in adapting CLT, this paper suggests an alternative approach by introducing the Context Approach, before a conclusion is drawn.
Factors Influencing Implementation of Open Innovation Concept in Malaysian Industries

Malaysia needs to transform to an innovation-led economy. It needs to develop new policies focused on value creation and new concepts of innovation. A quantitative study conducted in Selangor, where 43.2% of the total firms are located. A questionnaire was used in data-gathering to investigate the relationship between the proposed factors and open innovation dimensions. The total number of respondents was 281. The study revealed that there are nine factors preventing the adoption of an open innovation and can be grouped under three areas, namely, IP management in Malaysian universities, Malaysian governmental policy and laws, and IP management in Malaysian industries. The finding had long term implication for policy-makers interested in the Malaysian innovation system. This study has identified the real obstacles preventing the industry sector from implementing open innovation. 
The Impact of High Density SNP chips on Genomic Evaluation in Dairy Cattle

New SNP chips for the bovine with densities of 500,000 to 800,000 SNP markers will become available for genomic evaluation of dairy cattle within the next 2 years. The aim of this study is evaluate the impact of increased SNP marker density on the accuracy of genomic evaluation using a simulation. This study has found that if the underlying genetic structure is defined by a large number of small QTL then large training data set sizes and precise phenotypic measures will be required to realise improvements in accuarcy from increasing SNP density.
Complete Time-Reversed Refocusing in Reflection with an Acoustic Lagrangian Model

Discrete re∞ection-transmission acoustic models are introduced and analysed re- garding their underlying physical properties. Namely, phenomena related to multiple scattering as encountered in the underlying continuous model. Moreover, the discrete models are designed so that computational experiments can be performed e-ciently. Each discrete model is expressed through its corresponding re∞ection-transmission matrix establishing a connection with lattice models encoun- tered in the Physics literature. Their connections with the continuous acoustic model are discussed in detail. In particular we show how a Goupillaud medium can arise from a stable discretization of a more general random medium. Related physical phenomena are studied computationally. In particular re∞ection-transmission properties of waves in a rapidly varying random medim, which are valid over long propagation distances. By using a long computational domain, in a regime where we have Anderson localization, the energy of an incoherently scattered signal is entirely re∞ected back and, by time-reversal, completely recompressed into the smooth initial data. Experiments are also performed in a regime where separation of scales fails to hold. Another new result is the time-reversed refocusing, in re∞ection, of a wave train in the form of a bit stream. The bit stream is scrambled by re∞ection and unscrambled through time reversal. The robustness of the time-reversed refocusing phenomenon is outstanding.
Variability in yield of four grain legume species in a subhumid temperate environment I. Yields and harvest index

In 1998/99 and 1999/2000, field trials were conducted to try to explain why grain legume yields and harvest index are more variable than many other crops. Treatments involved varying plant populations and sowing depths and were selected to maximize plant variability. Both yields and harvest index were variable. Total dry matter (TDM) production generally increased as plant population increased up to twice the optimum population. Increases ranged from 80 to 130% with lupins producing the highest yields of 878 and 972 g/m2 of TDM in 1998/99 and 1999/2000 respectively. While plants sown at 10 cm depth produced more TDM than did plants sown at 2 cm, the difference was only 3%. Seed yields followed similar trends to TDM, with maximum yields (mean of 403 g seed/m2) produced at twice the optimum population. Crop harvest index (CHI) was quite variable and ranged from 0·31 to 0·66. Crop HI was lowest (0·43) at the lowest population and increased to 0·55 at twice the optimum plant population. In both seasons, lentil had the highest CHI and lupin the lowest. While CHI was variable there were very close relationships between seed yield and TDM which suggested that maximum seed yield depends on maximizing TDM production. The results also suggest that growers should increase population by a factor of two to obtain maximum seed yields.
Leverage in Pyramids: When Debt Leads to Higher Dividends

This paper explores the use of leverage in pyramids and its relationship to dividend policy. The use of leverage in holding companies widens the disparity between control rights and cash flow rights. We postulate that it also leads to more generous dividend payouts since dividends are needed to service debt in the holding companies. We analyze a comprehensive sample of French pyramidal structures. Consistent with our hypothesis, we find that dividend payouts increase in the disproportionality between control and cash flow rights that is explained by holding company debt. By contrast, disproportionality generated by holding company equity leads to lower payouts. Servicing debt in the holding companies of a pyramidal structure is the primary motive for dividends, as opposed to alternative explanations such as investments or dividend preferences. Finally, the combination of high leverage in holding companies and high dividends negatively affects firm value, consistent with the hypothesis of tunneling by dominant owners.
The Equity Premium and the Risk Free Rate in a Production Economy: A New Perspective

We study a competitive equilibrium in a production economy, i.e., a system of prices at which firms’ profit maximizing production decisions and individuals’ preferred affordable consumption choices equate supply and demand in every market. We derive the equilibrium price of the firm and the equilibrium short term interest rate, the optimal consumption in society, as well as the risk premium on equity. Both a linear, and a nonlinear production technology are considered. For the linear one applied to the Standard and Poor’s composite stock price index for the last century, a risk premium of 0.062 corresponds to a relative risk aversion of 2.27. The model provides a riskfree interest rate for the period of 0.8%. The nonlinear model, however, highlights a hedging demand for the investors related to the real economy, which would, if taken into account, make the stock market of the last century less risky than it was perceived to be.
Control Charts to Enhance Quality

Control charts are important tools of statistical quality control to enhance quality. Quality improvement methods have been applied in the last few 10 years to fulfill the needs of consumers. The product has to retain the desired properties with the least possible defects, while maximizing profit. There are natural variations in production, but there are also assignable causes which do not form part of chance. Control charts are used to monitor production; in particular, their application may serve as an “ early warning ” index regarding potential “ out-of-control ” processes. In order to keep production under control, different control charts which are prepared for dissimilar cases are established incorporating upper and lower control limits. There are a number of control charts in use and are grouped mainly as control charts for variables and control charts for attributes. Points plotted on the charts may reveal certain patterns, which in turn allows the user to obtain specific information. Patterns showing deviations from normal behavior are raw material, machine setting or measuring method, human, and environmental factors, inadvertently affecting the quality of product. The information obtained from control charts assists the user to take corrective actions, hence opting for specified nominal values enhancing as such quality.
Proximity in bank-borrower relationships : are small and newly established firms hit harder by bank branch closures?

In this thesis, we use an empirical approach to provide evidence on the topic of relationship lending, by analysing if small and newly established firms are hit harder by a regional bank withdrawal. We use comprehensive data from the Norwegian banking market, containing information on 127 banks and approximately 70,000 firms. We find that small and newly established firms receive an increase in average interest rate of 2 percentage points after a bank withdrawal. This is 1.7 percentage points higher than for large and mature firms. Small and newly established firms also experience a decrease in debt ratio of 0.027, while the decrease is even more substantial for large and mature firms. Our findings indicate that small and newly established firms are hit harder in terms of increased interest rate, while the decrease in debt ratio could be caused by changes in credit supply or demand. The effects imposed on small and newly established firms do not seem to affect the firms’ growth, indicating that firms are able to withstand the increased interest rate.
Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity and the Related Factors in Women Aged 35-57 Years in Khuzestan Province of Iran

Background: With changes in life style and behavior many developing countries are joining to obesity pandemic. Overweight and obesity as public health burdens are associated with many health consequences.The aim of this study was estimation of the prevalence of overweight, obesity and their associated factors in women attending health centers of 4 cities of Khuzestan. Methods: In a cross-sectional study 1404 women aged 35-57 years, attending health centers of 4 cities of Khuzestan in south western of Iranin2010 were studied. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection. Women investigators were used for interview and filling of questionnaire. SPSS (version 11.5) software was used for data entering and analysis. We used Logistic regression model to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 43.1% and 25.6% respectively. A significant association was found between obesity and women education, marriage age, city of residence, gravid, parity, history of abortion and medical disease. Results of regression logistic showed a significant association between obesity and women's age and education, history of medical disease, gravid and parity. Conclusion: prevalence of overweight and obesity in women who attending health care centers is considerably high. Screening for overweight, obesity and prevention programs must be considered as priorities in public health centers. Education about adverse effects such as diabetes cardiovascular diseases psychological diseases and hypertension must be presented for this age groups especially in high risk women.
Study of Integrate Methods Chemical and Cultural Control of Weeds to Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

An experiment was laid out to study the effect of different weed management practices and row spacings on the yieldand yield components of wheat variety Karaj-2 during 2005 – 2006 at Agronomy Research Farm, University College ofAgricultural and Natural Resource, University of Tehran. Wheat was sown at row spacing of 20, 30 and 40 cm, whileherbicides applied were broad spectrum 2,4-D butyl Ester: 72 EC + Isoproturon 75 WP @ 865 ml and 865 g ha-1respectively, broad leaf Buctril M 40 EC @ 1.25 liter ha-1 and a weedy check (no herbicide). Row spacing significantlyaffected all parameters. Minimum weeds density m-2 and maximum spikelets spike-1, grain yield, harvest index and netincome were found in 20 cm row spacing. While number of grains spike-1 were highest in 30 cm row spacing. Amongherbicides, minimum weeds density m-2 and maximum spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, grain yield, harvest index andnet income were found in plots treated with broad-spectrum herbicide followed by Buctril-M 40 and the weedy check,respectively. It is concluded that maximum grain yield and net income can be obtained using broad spectrum (grasses +broad leaved) herbicides and narrow row spacing.
Impact of the different control styles (Externally directed and Self-directed) in interactive eBooks design on students' cognitive achievement and attitude towards it

The present study aims to measure of the difference between the use of the teacher-directed control style and the total control style through self-learning by students in the use of interactive eBooks. It also aims to design a tool in the form of an interactive eBook applicable by students either in the form of self-learning or teacher-directed learning to identify the impact of the used tool. The semi-experimental approach has been used to conduct this study. The study group consisted of 24 students from the 11th grade for the academic year 2016/ 2017, second semester, in one of the public schools in Muscat Governorate. The sample consisted of 12 students in the first experimental group “total control through self-learning” and 12 students in the second experimental group "teacher-directed control. " The researcher used the following tools: interactive e-book, achievement test, and measurement of attitude towards interactive e-books. The results of the study showed the following: There were statistically significant differences at (0.05) between the mean scores of the two experimental groups between the pre and post measurement of the achievement test in favor of the post-test. There were no statistically significant differences between the post-test of the two experimental groups including overall control and directed control in favor of directed control. There were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the two experimental groups, total control and directed control, in favor of directed control in the attitude towards interactive e-books
Job Satisfaction Among Bank Employees: A Comparative Study of Public Sector And Private Sector Banks

The present study has been designed with a view to investigate the satisfaction level of employees of Public S ector and Private S ector Banks, to find out the effect of various aspects of job satisfaction and difference in the level of job satisfaction between the employees of Public S ector Banks and Private S ector Banks. S ampling used in this research is simple random sampling. The survey is conducted on employees of Public S ector Bank and Private S ector Bank. The target audience was managers, officers and clerks. The diversity of the study is that it involves Bankers of all age groups and career levels. The study covers four Commercial Banks in all, taking two from Public S ector namely S tate Bank of India and Canara Bank and two from Private S ector, HDFC and Axis Bank. One hundred ten employees of selected Banks located at various place in Kurukshetra have been approached to ascertain their views on job satisfaction.The results indicate that significant differences exists between employees of Public S ector and Private S ector Banks regarding various aspects of job satisfaction, pay and fringe benefits, supervision, training and development. But they are significant in case of the aspects, relation with co-workers, employee's empowerment, supervision, performance appraisal and nature of job.
Structural reforms in DSGE models: a plead for sensitivity analyses

We use a standard DSGE model of the Euro Area to shed a new light on a popular exercise in these times of crisis: structural reforms evaluation. We provide with a detailed analysis of the underlying mechanisms and proceed to a sensitivity analysis. The simple redefinition of households’ utility can lead to additional gains or losses of a few percentage points in output following goods or labour markets deregulations. In addition, welfare analyses show that policy recommendations for structural reforms are less clear-cut than those solely based on output gains. Introducing non Ricardian agents allows stylized yet informative inequality analyses showing that goods market reforms reduce inequalities while labour market reforms are neutral. In all, our results advocate for the extensive use of sensitivity analyses for policy purposes. JEL-code: E10, E60, E20
Assessing sleep using hip and wrist actigraphy

Wrist actigraphy is commonly used to measure sleep, and hip actigraphy is commonly used to measure activity. It is unclear whether hip-based actigraphy can be used to measure sleep. This study assessed the validity of wrist actigraphy and hip actigraphy compared to polysomnography (PSG) for the measurement of sleep. 108 healthy young adults (22.7 ± 0.2 years) wore hip and wrist GTX3+ Actigraph during overnight PSG. Measurements of total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL) and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were derived and compared between wrist actigraphy, hip actigraphy and PSG. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of wrist actigraphy and hip actigraphy for each variable were derived from epoch-by-epoch comparison to PSG. Compared to PSG: TST and SE were similar by wrist actigraphy but overestimated by hip actigraphy (both by 14%); SOL was underestimated by wrist actigraphy and hip actigraphy (by 39 and 80%, respectively); WASO was overestimated by wrist actigraphy and underestimated by hip actigraphy (by 34 and 65%, respectively). Compared to PSG the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of wrist actigraphy were 90, 46 and 84%, respectively; and of hip actigraphy were 99, 14 and 86%, respectively. This study showed that using existing algorithms, a GTX3+ Actigraph worn on the hip does not provide valid or accurate measures of sleep, mainly due to poor wake detection. Relative to the hip, a wrist worn GTX3+ Actigraph provided more valid measures of sleep, but with only moderate capability to detect periods of wake during the sleep period.