Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potato extract as reducing agent and stabiliser in a facile green one-step synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles

A facile green recipe was developed to synthesise highly pure, safe and durable zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) using homemade starch-rich potato extract. The ZnO Nps were synthesised using zinc nitrate and potato extract, and the whole reaction is carried out for 30 min at 80 °C. In the synthesis, starch-rich potato extract acted as the reducing agent and as a stabilising layer on freshly formed ZnO Nps. Hexagonal (wurtzite) shaped ZnO Nps with size about 20 ± 1.2 nm were synthesised and characterised using X-ray diffraction, transition electron microscope and scanning microscopy analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis indicated that highly pure ZnO nanopowders were obtained at higher temperatures. The use of environmentally benign and renewable material as the respective reducing and protecting agents, starch-rich potato extract, as well as a gentle solvent medium (H2O), offered a simple and quite efficient procedure for the synthesis of ZnO Nps in neutral medium with promising potential for biological and biomedical applications.
Sedimentological Characteristics and Internal Architecture of Two Overwash Fans From Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne

Abstract Extensive overwash occurred along the Florida coast during the passage of four strong hurricanes in 2004, providing an excellent opportunity to study the spatial patterns and sedimentary architecture of washover deposits. Detailed 3D sedimentological characteristics of two of the over-wash fans were studied through coring, trenching, and ground penetration radar surveys. The first washover-fan complex, deposited by hurricanes Frances and Jeanne is located on the Atlantic facing Hutchinson Island in southeastern Florida. The second fan, deposited by hurricane Ivan is located on the Gulf-facing Santa Rosa Island in northwestern Florida. Subsurface imaging using a 250 MHz Ground penetrating radar profiling system correlated well with bedding features observed in cores and trenches; while the Ground penetrating radar profiling provided greater spatial coverage. The internal architecture of the overwash lobes is generally characterized by: (1) planar horizontal to sub-horizontal stratification resulting from sheet flow regime overwashing a subaerial surface, and (2) steeply landward dipping tabular foresets, formed during landward progradation and subaqueous deposition, likely into a washover pond or lagoon. Associated local features such as truncated inclined bedding, scour holes, and truncated dunes are also common to washover sediment deposits.
Effect of different sowing times and spacings on growth, yield and quality of water spinach (Ipomoea reptans Poir.) under terai region of West Bengal

An experiment was conducted to find out suitable sowing time and spacing as to increase the production of both green and seed yield and its quality of water spinach (Ipomoea reptans Poir.) during the year 2007-08 and 2008-09. The experiment was comprised of three sowing times (1st week of May; 1st week of June and 1st week July) and three spacings (30 cm A— 15 cm; 30 cm A—30 cm and 30 cm A—45 cm). It was found that early sowing on 1st week of May and closest spacing of 30 cm A—15 cm alone and their combination executed best results with respect to all parameters. The sowing on 1st week of May with closest spacing of 30 cm A—15 cm produced about 3.26 times higher green yield (18.83 t/ha). On the other hand, sowing on 1st week of June with 30 cm A—15 cm spacing contributed 52.95 percent higher seed yield (0.78 t/ha). All the seed quality testing parameters viz. shelling percentage (62.53), 1000 seed weight (40.56 g), germination percentage (82.40), seedling vigour index (5.38) and seedling growth rate (0.091 g/plant/day) were observed to be highest in 1st week of June with widest spacing of 30 cm A—45 cm. On economic point of view, the combination of 1st week of May along with 30 cm A—15 cm spacing was noticed to be superior amongst all other treatment combinations and that may be adopted for its commercial cultivation in medium to upland situation under terai region of West Bengal.
A case study of typhoon‐induced gravity waves and the orographic impacts related to Typhoon Mindulle (2004) over Taiwan

Atmospheric gravity waves (GWs) significantly influence global circulation. Deep convection, particularly that associated with typhoons, is believed to be an important source of gravity waves. Stratospheric gravity waves induced by Typhoon Mindulle (2004) were detected by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). Semicircular GWs with horizontal wavelengths of 100–400 km were found over Taiwan through an inspection of AIRS radiances at 4.3 μm. Characteristics of the stratospheric gravity waves generated by Typhoon Mindulle were investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The initial and boundary data were determined by the high‐resolution European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis data. The WRF simulation reproduces the main features of Typhoon Mindulle and the significant GWs. The simulated GWs with horizontal wavelengths of 100–400 km match the AIRS observations: they propagate upward and eastward, and the westward components are mostly filtered in the stratosphere. By comparing the measured waves with a WRF simulation in the absent of orography (WRF‐FLAT), we find that the orographic gravity waves (OGWs) generated by the flow of Typhoon Mindulle over the Central Mountain Range (CMR) in Taiwan account for approximately 50% of the total wave momentum flux in the troposphere. The dominant orientation of the OGW wave fronts is parallel to the CMR rideline. When entering into the stratosphere, OGW propagation is determined by the position of the typhoon center relative to the CMR.
Factors Affecting Adoption of Educational Discipline and Satisfaction Level Among Higher Education Students

This study examines the education career change behavior of male and female students. Factors like current trends, own preferences, parental pressure, and career counselors can influence their career adoption. Quantitative method research design was conducted for the study and a sample of 268 students was taken: 145 female and 123 male students, from different public and private universities of Islamabad. Purposive sampling technique was applied for selection as respondents were those who had changed their career path during their educational life. The results showed that current and prevailing trends, one’s own decisions, and career counseling affect the choice and adoption of educational career, but parental influence does not influence education career change decision. Results are nearly similar for both genders, but male are more satisfied with education career change as compared to female respondents.
Seismic performance of reinforced concrete buildings in the September 2010 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake

SUMMARY This paper describes observations of damage to reinforced concrete buildings from the September 2010 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquakes. Data was collated from first-hand earthquake reconnaissance observations by the authors, post-earthquake surveys, and communications and meetings with structural engineers in Christchurch. The paper discusses the general performance of several reinforced concrete building classes: pre-1976 low-rise, pre-1976 medium rise, modern low- and mid-rise, modern high-rise, industrial tilt-up buildings, advanced seismic systems and ground-failure induced damaged and retrofitted RC buildings. Preliminary lessons are highlighted and discussed. In general, reinforced concrete buildings behaved well and as expected, given the intensity of this event.
Co-occurrence of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) larvae in Southern North Sea habitats: abundance, distribution and biochemical-based condition

Spawning populations of European sardines (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) have become re-established in the southern North Sea after a ~30-year absence and now co-occur with sprat (Sprattus sprattus). Consequently, little is known concerning potential interactions among these three species in this region. Based upon parallel cruises conducted in June/July 2005, we compared the larval abundance, size-distributions and biochemical-based condition of these species among 1) nearshore (Wadden Sea) areas and offshore (German Bight) areas that were 2) vertically mixed, 3) frontal zones, or 4) stratified waters. In general terms, larval condition (RNA:DNA) was relatively high at all stations. Although fronts clearly acted to concentrate larvae, larval condition was not necessarily higher. For example 9% of sardines captured at the tidal mixing front were categorised as starving, while no starving larvae were sampled in the stratified water masses. Habitats of sardine and sprat larvae were similar, whereas anchovies were primarily restricted to nearshore areas. This is the first study examining the potential role of near- and offshore habitats as nursery areas and the extent to which resource (habitat) partitioning exists among the larvae of sprat and newly established anchovy and sardine in the North Sea.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF GUINEA KEETS MANAGED UNDER 2 BROODING SYSTEMS IN THE TOLON DISTRICT OF NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

A study was conducted to assess the effects of improved brooding and management on survivability and performance of guinea keets in the Tolon District of the Northern Region of Ghana. Ten farmers (7 men and 3 women) were purposively sampled for the study. One thousand, six hundred (1600) mixed sex day-old guinea keets (i.e. local strain) were randomly allotted into 20 groups of 80 keets per group and assigned to 2 treatments using a Randomized Complete Block Design with a farmer serving as a block. Treatment 1 (Control) was the traditional brooding (i.e. using mother hen) and birds managed under the semi-intensive system and Treatment 2 was the improved brooding (i.e. confined in raised wire floor cages covered with black polythene sheet) and birds managed under the intensive system. Growth and mortality data collected were subjected to a two-sample test using Studentized T-test. Treatment 2 keets were 68.78% heavier (P<0.001) than their treatment 1 counterparts at 8 weeks of age. Mortality records in treatment 2 was 81.68% lower (P<0.001) than the treatment 1 group. The results show that it was beneficial to brood keets using the improved cage system than the traditional system of brooding. Keywords: Brooding, Growth performance, Guinea keets, Management, Survivability
Self-assembling multiblock amphiphiles: Molecular design, supramolecular structure, and mechanical properties

We perform off-lattice, canonical ensemble molecular dynamics simulations of the self-assembly of long segmented copolymers consisting of alternating, tunably attractive and hydrophobic {\em binder} domains, connected by hydrophilic {\em linker} chains whose length may be separately controlled. In such systems, the molecular design of the molecule directly determines the balance between energetic and entropic tendencies. We determine the structural phase diagram of this system, which shows collapsed states (dominated by the attractive linkers' energies), swollen states (dominated by the random coil linkers' entropies) as well as intermediate network hydrogel phases, where the long molecules exhibit partial collapse to a {\em single molecule network} state. We present an analysis of the connectivity and spatial structure of this network phase, and relate its basic topology to mechanical properties, using a modified rubber elasticity model. The mechanical properties are further characterized in a direct computational implementation of oscillatory rheology measurements. We find that it is possible to optimize the mechanical performance by an appropriate choice of molecular design, which may point the way to novel synthetics that make optimal mechanical use of constituent polymers.
Calibration of a higher-order 3-D ice-flow model of the Morteratsch glacier complex, Engadin, Switzerland

Abstract We have reconstructed the ice thickness distribution of the Morteratsch glacier complex, Switzerland, and used this to simulate its flow with a higher-order 3-D model. Ice thickness was measured along transects with a ground-penetrating radar and further extended over the entire glacier using the plastic flow assumption and a distance-weighted interpolation technique. We find a maximum ice thickness of 350 ±52.5 m for the central trunk of Vadret da Morteratsch, resulting from a bedrock overdeepening. The average thickness of the glacier complex is 72.2 ±18.0 m, which corresponds to a total ice volume of 1.14 ± 0.28 km3. The flow of the glacier is modelled by tuning the rate factor and the sliding parameters taking into account higher-order terms in the force balance. The observed velocities can be reproduced closely (root-mean-square error of 15.0 m a-1, R 2 = 0.93) by adopting a sliding factor of 12 x 10–16 m7 N–3 a-1 and a rate factor of 1.6 x 10-16 Pa-3 a-1 . In this setting, ice deformation accounts for 70% of the surface velocity and basal sliding for the remaining 30%. The modelled velocity field reaches values up to 125 ma-1, but also indicates an almost stagnant front and confluence area, which are crucial for understanding the ongoing glacier retreat.
Flow structures and their contribution to turbulent dispersion in a randomly packed porous bed based on particle image velocimetry measurements

An experimental study was undertaken to explore the evolution of flow structures and their characteristics within a randomly packed porous bed with particular attention to evaluating turbulent scalar dispersion. A low aspect ratio bed of 4.67 (bed width to spherical solid phase particle diameter) with fluid phase refractive index matched to that of the solid phase was used in order to obtain time resolved two component particle image velocimetry data. Results are based on detailed velocity vector maps obtained at selected pores near the bed center. Pore, or large scale, regions that are associated with the mean flow were identified based on Reynolds decomposed velocity fields, while smaller scale structures embedded within pore scale regions were identified and quantified by combining large eddy scale decomposition and swirling strength analysis. The velocity maps collected in distinctive pore geometries showed presence of three types of flow regions that display very different mean flow conditions, descr.
Consumers' Perceptions on Packaging of Processed Food Products in Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania

Packaging performs important functions of containing, promoting and facilitating the storage and use of products, and could be treated as one of the most important factors influencing consumer’s purchase decision. However, packaging of processed food by small scale entrepreneurs is often insufficient to enhance competitiveness in the market. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess consumers’ perceptions on packaging attributes and (ii) to examine the influence of packaging related attributes on purchase decision of processed cereal products. The study enrolled 300 randomly selected consumers of food processed by women groups in Dodoma Municipality in 2014. A four-point Likert scale was used to rate food packaging attributes and the factors influencing purchase decision. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences program version 16. Results show that consumers acknowledge the benefits of packaging particularly in terms of product protection (mean score 3.4), hygiene (3.3), product information (3.1) and branding (3.1). These functions are considered important along with specific characteristics of packaging materials which include durability (3.0), good shape for grip (3.0), attractiveness (2.8), easy to open and close after use (2.6) and recyclability and degradability (1.8). On the other hand, the factors influencing buying decision span from the perceived value of the product to nutritional content and taste, product information and safety related attributes and appearance of the packaging materials. In conclusion, packaging affects preferences of food products and significantly influences purchase decision of the products. The findings from this study underscore the importance of packaging and packaging design for fulfilling the many functions related to logistics and marketing of food products. The main implication drawn from the study is that entrepreneurs need to be cognisant of consumers' specific packaging preferences for which they can use as a strategic marketing tool.
Glacial fluctuations of the Indian monsoon and their relationship with North Atlantic climate: new data and modelling experiments

Abstract. Several paleoclimate records such as from Chinese loess, speleothems or upwelling indicators in marine sediments present large variations of the Asian monsoon system during the last glaciation. Here, we present a new record from the northern Andaman Sea (core MD77-176) which shows the variations of the hydrological cycle of the Bay of Bengal. The high-resolution record of surface water δ18O dominantly reflects salinity changes and displays large millennial-scale oscillations over the period 40 000 to 11 000 yr BP. Their timing and sequence suggests that events of high (resp. low) salinity in the Bay of Bengal, i.e. weak (resp. strong) Indian monsoon, correspond to cold (resp. warm) events in the North Atlantic and Arctic, as documented by the Greenland ice core record. We use the IPSL_CM4 Atmosphere-Ocean coupled General Circulation Model to study the processes that could explain the teleconnection between the Indian monsoon and the North Atlantic climate. We first analyse a numerical experiment in which such a rapid event in the North Atlantic is obtained under glacial conditions by increasing the freshwater flux in the North Atlantic, which results in a reduction of the intensity of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. This freshwater hosing results in a weakening of the Indian monsoon rainfall and circulation. The changes in the continental runoff and local hydrological cycle are responsible for an increase in salinity in the Bay of Bengal. This therefore compares favourably with the new sea water δ18O record presented here and the hypothesis of synchronous cold North Atlantic and weak Indian monsoon events. Additional sensitivity experiments are produced with the LMDZ atmospheric model to analyse the teleconnection mechanisms between the North Atlantic and the Indian monsoon. The changes over the tropical Atlantic are shown to be essential in triggering perturbations of the subtropical jet over Africa and Eurasia, that in turn affect the intensity of the Indian monsoon. These relationships are also found to be valid in additional coupled model simulations in which the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is forced to resume.
Lefschetz properties of Gorenstein graded algebras associated to the Apéry set of a numerical semigroup

In this paper we study the Weak Lefschetz property of two classes of standard graded Artinian Gorenstein algebras associated in a natural way to the Ap\'ery set of numerical semigroups. To this aim we also prove a general result about the transfer of Weak Lefschetz property from an Artinian Gorenstein algebra to its quotients modulo a colon ideal.
Carbon sequestration potential of Alnus nepalensis in the mid hill of Nepal: a case study from Kaski district.

This study was carried out to analyze the carbon content in different parts of Alnus nepalensis , and to assess the effect of aspect and altitude in the carbon storage in Alnus nepalensis as well as to quantify the total carbon sequestration (stock) in Alnus nepalensis forest in the mid-hills of Kaski District. The inventory for estimating above and below ground biomass of forest was carried out using stratified random sampling technique. The carbon content in different parts of Alnus nepalensis was quantified using combustion method in the laboratory. For determining the soil carbon content, six soil profiles from each aspect were excavated and soil samples were taken from soil profile up to 1 m depth for deep soil and up to bedrock for shallow soils at the interval of 20 cm. Mean carbon content in stem, branches, leaves and bark of Alnus nepalensis were found to be 40.52%, 33%, 9.56% and 16.4%, respectively. Total biomass carbon sequestered in northern aspect was 30.20 t/ha while for southern aspect it was 39.00 t/ha. In both the aspects higher carbon sequestration was observed at an elevation range of 1200-1300m i.e. 34.8 t/ha and 45.6 t/ha in northern and southern aspects, respectively. Soil carbon sequestration in northern and southern aspects was found to be 113.4 t/ha and 169.30 t/ ha, respectively. The total carbon sequestration potential of Alnus nepalensis forest was estimated to be 186.05 t/ha. Key words: Alnus nepalensis , altitude, aspect, carbon sequestration, mid hills doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i2. 2167 Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 2, 3-9
Porosity loss within the underthrust sediments of the Nankai accretionary complex: Implications for overpressures

Subduction complexes provide an opportunity to examine the interactions of deformation and fluid flow in an active setting. Ocean Drilling Program Leg 190 investigated the relationship between deformation, physical properties, and fluid flow in the toe of the Nankai Trough accretionary complex. With three sites (two from Leg 190, one from a previous leg) penetrating the decollement zone at various stages of development along the same transect, it is now possible to examine the change in porosity during rapid loading by trench turbidites and subsequent underthrusting. Results indicate inhibited dewatering and probable overpressure development seaward of the frontal thrust. Comparison of a reference site porosity versus depth curve to data from a site located within the protothrust zone indicates an overpressure ratio, λ * , of ∼0.42, where λ * = [(pore pressure - hydrostatic pressure)/(lithostatic pressure - hydrostatic pressure)]. These overpressures suggest that the hemipelagic sediments have insufficient permeability for fluid escape to keep pace with the rapid loading by turbidite deposition within the trench. At a site 1.75 km farther arcward, an excess pore pressure ratio of λ * = ∼0.47 was estimated, reflecting the additional loading due to recent thickening by the frontal thrust.
The Reaction of Stock Prices to Monetary Policy Shocks in Malaysia: A Structural Vector Autoregressive Model

This study examines the response of stock prices to monetary policy shocks using the structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model with short-run restrictions appropriate for Malaysia. The empirical results for the period 1990:1-2011:12, show that the response of stock prices to positive changes in short-term interest rate (money supply) is negative (positive) and statistically significant only in the short-run consistent with the prediction of asset pricing theories. The response of stock prices to shocks from other variables considered in the model indicate that the largest response is to the unexpected increase in the exchange rate which is negative and statistically significant during the entire forecast horizon followed by the response to oil price shocks (supply shocks) which is negative and statistically significant up until the seventh month after the shock.