Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of fruitlet thinning in apple 'Gala Must' by use of metamitron and artificial shading.

The use of the photosynthesis inhibitor metamitron, and the use of temporary artificial shading as two methods of fruitlet thinning, were evaluated in 2006 and 2008 in apple trees ‘Gala Must’. The use of these 2 methods used separately, were expected to induce a temporary decrease in photosynthetic intensity which would strengthen the competition between the fruitlets. This process would then lead to the abscission of the weaker ones. For this purpose, metamitron (preparation Goltix 700SC) was used. A dose of 350 mg/l was sprayed on the trees either one time (when fruitlets were 68 mm in diameter), or twice (the second spraying was repeated 6 days later on fruitlets 10-14 mm in diameter). Another group of trees was covered for 5 to 14 days with polipropylene material causing about a 70% reduction of light. In 2006, only the double metamitron treatment caused significant reduction of fruit set (comparable to hand thinning). This resulted in an increase in the fruit size and yield of marketable (> 70 mm) apples without negative effect on the total yield, ‘internal quality’ and red colour of the apples. In 2008, the good effect of thinning was noticed after one spray with metamitron, while a double treatment caused over-thinning. The single treatment with metamitron positively influenced fruit size, the distribution of apples in size classes, and yield of apples with diameters of > 70 mm. Comparable thinning was recorded in trees artificially shaded for 10 days; fruitlets were 6 to 14 mm in diameter. The uniform distribution of fruits, which were homogenous in size in the canopy of the trees, proved that both methods of thinning have high selectivity.
Nwidu, Lucky Legbosi and Elmorsy, Ekramy and Yibala, Oboma I. and Carter, Wayne G. (2018) Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spondias mombin leaf and stem extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced

Objective: Spondias mombin L. is a tree used in folk medicine in Nigeria for the treatment of hepatitis. This study was carried out to comparatively evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of S. mombin leaf and stem (SML and SMS) methanolic extracts in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Forty-two rats were distributed into seven groups. Groups A and B received water; groups C and D received 500 and 1000 mg/kg SML extract, respectively; groups E and F received 500 and 1000 mg/kg SMS extract, respectively; and group G received 100 mg/kg silymarin. Water, the two extracts, and silymarin were administered daily by oral gavage for 7 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups B to G by the administration of CCl4 once on the seventh day. After 48 h, rats were sacrificed, and tissues and serum samples were examined for histological and biochemical indices of hepatotoxicity. y. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license 016/j.jtumed. 2018.03. 006 L.L. Nwidu et al. 263 Results: Administration of CCl4 resulted in liver injury with significant elevation in the hepatocellular injury markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), and conjugated bilirubin (CBIL), associated with a significant reduction in total circulatory protein. Pretreatment with SML and SMS extracts at both doses significantly ameliorated liver injury; lowered ALT, AST, ALP, TBIL, and CBIL levels; elevated cellular glutathione levels as well as catalase and superoxide dismutase activities; and decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the potential therapeutic benefit of S. mombin in xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity.
SHOCK-TO-DETONATION TRANSITION IN TUBES WITH SHAPED OBSTACLES

Numerical simulation of shock-to-detonation transition (SDT) in the channel with regular obstacles indicates that proper obstacle shaping can be used for a considerable reduction of the SDT distance and time for pulse detonation engine (PDE) applications. In the example considered, the SDT distance and time for the stoichiometric propane{air mixture was about 0.55 m and 590 s, respectively. The physical mechanism governing fast SDT is closely connected with explosive gas preconditioning by multiple shock compression in the vicinity to the focal points of the parabolic obstacles.
Ames Laboratory 1-22-2019 Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Grain Refined Pr 2 Co 14 B Melt-Spun Ribbons

The correlation between the grain refining effect of TiC on the microstructure of Pr2Co14B melt-spun ribbons and the magnetic properties is presented in this study. TiC enabled greater control of microstructure both in the as-spun and heat treated Pr2Co14B, compared with the material without TiC. As a result, coercivity of the sample with TiC was nearly twice that of the sample without TiC. In addition to Pr2Co14B, two other phases were found in the sample with TiC: one rich in Co and the other having a composition near PrCo2. TiC was found near the grain boundaries and at triple junctions. Also no Ti or C was found in the matrix phase indicating extreme low solubility of the elements when both are present with Pr2Co14B. As expected, both the samples with and without TiC have similar anisotropy field but the presence of room temperature nonferromagnetic phases (TiC and PrCo2), caused a small decrease in magnetization of the sample with TiC although the romance of the isotropic materials were comparable.
Weak king embeddings of oriented graphs

The concept of weak kings in oriented graphs, which extends the notion of kings in tournaments, was introduced by Pirzada and Shah in 2008. In this article we show that almost every oriented graph D is an induced subgraph of both an all-weak-kings oriented graph D′ and an oriented graph having only the vertices of D as its weak kings. We also obtain lower bounds on the sizes of these supergraphs, where the one for allweak-kings oriented graphs D′ can be achieved for every D. These are analogues to the results proved by Reid (1982) for kings in tournaments.
Firm Characteristics and Leverage : Empirical Evidence in China

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been continuously contributed to an economy. Unfortunately, there are however some restrictions on the growth of SMEs as it face difficulties in accessing to external financing resources, particularly debt financing instruments. Stricter credit policy and shorter term loan financing are some of the obstacles that are facing by SMEs and as such, its business sustainability may be a prominent issue in an economy. So, what are the antecedents of debt financing available to the SMEs? This study provides empirical evidence on some firm specific characteristics as the determinants of the extent of debt financing of a sample of 200 SMEs in Jiangsu, China. The findings of this study indicate that firm size and asset tangibility are positively related to the firm leverage. However, firm profitability is not seen to be the determinant of firm leverage. This study is relevant as it provides insight to the SMEs in Jiangsu province that it would be easier to obtain debt financing source for a larger firm or firm with more tangible assets resources than the other counterparts.
Language teachers’ perceptions on the use of OER language processing technologies in MALL

ABSTRACT Combined with the ubiquity and constant connectivity of mobile devices, and with innovative approaches such as Data-Driven Learning (DDL), Natural Language Processing Technologies (NLPTs) as Open Educational Resources (OERs) could become a powerful tool for language learning as they promote individual and personalized learning. Using a questionnaire that was answered by language teachers (n = 230) in Spain and the UK, this research explores the extent to which OER NLPTs are currently known and used in adult foreign language learning. Our results suggest that teachers’ familiarity and use of OER NLPTs are very low. Although online dictionaries, collocation dictionaries and spell checkers are widely known, NLPTs appear to be generally underused in foreign language teaching. It was found that teachers prefer computer-based environments over mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets and that teachers’ qualification determines their familiarity with a wider range of OER NLPTs. This research offers insight into future applications of Language Processing Technologies as OERs in language learning.
A Study of Thai Female Executives: Perceived Barriers to Career Advancement

The study examined the barriers to career advancement from the perspective of Thai female executives. Data were collected based on semi-structured interviews with 30 female executives in senior management positions. The results indicated that career barriers ranged from individual to interpersonal, organizational and societal factors. Individual factors were related to personality traits such as being emotional, workfamily balance issues, and a lack of career aspiration. Interpersonal factors included difficult relationships at work and the old boys’ network. At the organizational level, discriminatory organizational culture and human resource practices were perceived to be a hindrance, while at the societal level, gender role stereotypes and social attitudes towards women were viewed as key obstacles to career advancement.
Evaluation of vitamin C, uric acid, urea and creatinine levels in the blood ofType 2 diabetic Iraqi females

Metabolic disorder of multiple causes characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disorders of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. that have higher than normal serum creatinine and urea levels . The present study was carried out in patients with T2DM to evaluate the status of vitamin C, uric acid, urea and creatinine in total 51 (Iraqi females) patients and 31 control subjects matched for age, sex and ethnic background.Uric acid, urea and creatinine were measured by using commercially available kits. Serum vitamin C levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In type 2 diabetic patients serum creatinine and urea significantly elevated (P<0.001[HS]) and (P=0.021[S]) respectively while SUA and serum vitamin C were non significantly and significantly decreased (P=0.09 [NS]) and (P=0.005[S]) respectively as compared to control group.The normal levels of serum creatinine (0.76±0.15.1mg/dl) , urea (26.1±4.6mg/dl), uric acid (4.3±0.6mg/dl), and vitamin C (1.07±0.27mg/dl) recorded for the non-diabetic females were recorded in the diabetic females (0.94±0.17mg/dl) ; (28.8±5.3mg/dl) ; (4.1±0.7mg/dl ) and (0.92±0.19 mg/ml)for serum creatinine, urea , uric acid and vitamin C respectively.In conclusion study shows significant increasing in urea and creatinine in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients when compared to control. Low levels of vitamin C and uric acid in diabetic patients indicating to an increased oxidative stress. Vitamin C level trying to fight against oxidative stress.
ANALYSIS OF SOME TRAITS IN GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM 3011 Diallel analyses : After ANOVA

Genetic analysis was studied in a 6x6 diallel cross following Hayman’s diallel approach and Mather’s concept of D (additive), H (dominance) genetic components of variation in F1 and F2 hybrids in a randomized complete block design in upland cotton during 2003-05 at the Agricultural Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Additive-dominance model was used for validation of data and design with the intention to decipher the inheritance pattern; gene action and correlation involved in seed cotton yield and yield contributing traits (boll weight and bolls number) and staple length. Genotypes mean values differed significantly (p≤0.01) for all the traits. The scaling tests used fully satisfy the pre-requisites of additive-dominance model and the traits i.e., boll weight and staple length in F1 generation showed complete adequacy. All other traits in both generations did not satisfy the assumptions and makes the additive-dominance model partially adequate for the data. Additive component (D) was found significant for boll weight and staple length in both generations and in F1s bolls per plant. Dominance components (H1, H2) were also found significant for all the traits in F1s and non-significant in F2 generation. In F1s the additive gene action was somewhat partial, while in F2s most of traits were controlled by additive gene action with some contradictions between genetic components of variance and Wr/Vr graphs about expression of inheritance. On the basis of transgressive segregation, the selection made in the cv. CIM-1100 F2 population indicated possibilities of prompt and effective improvement in the said traits.
Vitamin C and risk of age-related cataracts : a systematic review and meta-analysis

We aimed to assess whether vitamin C prevents or slows progression of age-related cataracts. We identified studies by searching EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to April 2017. Studies were included if they assessed relationship between vitamin C and risk of age-related cataract. We evaluated the quality of case-control and cohort studies using Newcastle-Ottawa scoring system, and cross-sectional studies using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scoring system. Risk ratios (RRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure pooled data. A total of 25 studies (11 cohort studies, 6 case-control studies and 8 cross-sectional studies) were included in this meta-analysis. Overall RR of age-related cataracts comparing the highest and lowest levels of vitamin C intake was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.66 to 0.97) for cohort studies. Subgroup analysis according to types of cataracts showed that vitamin C has a protective effect on nuclear cataracts (RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.81). A similar protective effect emerged from case-control studies (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.79). As for serum ascorbate, the pooled data of cross-sectional studies showed that higher serum ascorbate has a protective effect on age-related cataracts (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.83). Higher vitamin C intake and serum ascorbate may bring benefits to prevent age-related cataracts, especially nuclear cataracts. For prevention of cataracts, it is recommend older people try to increase vitamin C intake.
Bio Signal ( EEG ) Using Empirical Wavelet Transform In Time Frequency Analysis

Time-frequency analysis is used to reveal the valuable information hidden in the EEG data. The high resolution of the time-frequency representation is the one of the important thing to depict geological structures. In this project, we propose a EEG time-frequency analysis approach using the newly developed empirical wavelet transform (EWT). It is the first time that EWT is used for analysing multichannel EEG data for the purpose of ECG exploration. EWT is similar to the empirical mode decomposition; it is a thoroughly adaptive signal-analysis approach, which purely contains consolidated mathematical background. EWT first estimates the frequency components presented in the EEG signal, then computes the boundaries, and extracts oscillatory components based on the boundaries computed. The real EEG datas are synthetic, 2-D, and 3-D.Which helps to demonstrate the effectiveness of the EEG time-frequency analysis approach. Results show that the EWT can provide a much higher resolution than the traditional continuous wavelet transform and offers the potential in precisely highlighting geological and stratigraphic information. Finally comparative results of the EWT and CWT were shown in MATLAB.
Methodology to determine the impact of simplified building models on model-predictive-control morning start optimization performance

The current article introduces a method of quantifying the losses in a model predictive control scheme for morning start optimization by using a simplified statistical building model compared to a detailed engineering building model. A new concept of “emulated” model predictive control is introduced using a detailed EnergyPlus model as a baseline for expected savings to which the simplified model predictive control results can be compared. The examples provided with the methodology shows that the simplified model predictive control captures a minimum 84% of the savings that are achieved using the detailed emulated model predictive control, with a minimal increase in the number of thermal comfort violations when the building has not reached set-point during the occupied period. A comparison between different building types and climates is also conducted to determine the influence these have on simplified model predictive control performance. It shows that both climate and building type do influence the level of performance for the simplified modeling employed in the current article. Other areas for the application of emulated model predictive control are also introduced, such as evaluating objective functions and other model predictive control parameters (horizon length, timestep, etc.).
Composition of metamorphic rocks and some aspects of evolution of the Lapland Granulite Belt on the Kola Peninsula , USSR

Combined geolog ical and petrochemical data suggest that the Lapland Granulite Belt can be divided into a lower sedimentary-volcanic unit and an upper, predominantly sedimentary sequence. Metamorphic rocks from the lower parts of the section have given zircon ages of 2.7 2.8 Ga. The geochemical signatures of the metavo lcanites and metased imentary rocks suggest that the Lapland granulites are comparable to Phanerozoic island arc complexes. The composition of the pre-Lop ian basement blocks is in agreement with this hypothesis. According to our proposed model, the development of the Belt was initiated by underthrust ing of the Belomorian block beneath the Kola block. This led to widespread volcanic activity, which was eventually superseded by the sedimentary cycle. The complex was then taken down to depths suff icient for metamorphic transformations in granu lite tacies: this occurred at around 1.9 2.0 Ga.
Seasonal Variation and Pathology Associated with Helminthes Infecting Two Serranids ( Teleostei ) of Iskenderun Bay ( Northeast Mediterranean Sea )

Groupers (Serranidae; Perciformes) are protogynous hermaphrodites (Heemstra and Randall, 1993; Gokce et al., 2001). Since groupers have a high commercial value, both fishing and culturing of these species have become more popular throughout the world. However, the members of the genus Epinephelus were particularly found at risk, probably due to their large body size, long lifespan and slow reproduction (Morris et al., 2000). Therefore, exploratory research attempts to assess serranid species and their parasites have been given an increasing importance in recent years. Philometrid nematode and trypanorhynch cestode are important helminthic disease agents for serranids. Whereas Philometra sp. is known as a serious pathogen of groupers (Cengizler and Sarihan, 1995; Genc, 2002; Moravec et al., 2003; Moravec and Genc, 2004; Moravec, 2004), no clear evidence of pathologies of encysted trypanorhynch cestode (Diesing, 1863) pleurocercoids has been proved yet (Scholz et al., 1993; Genc, 2002). Moreover, factors that influence the prevalence of parasites have not been documented. This study was designed to investigate the condition of groupers, E. aeneus and E. marginatus with regards to helminth infections in the Northeast Mediterranean Sea.
Use of HTGR process heat with catalysts for dry reforming of methane using CO 2 to singas for the chemical industry

Authors : Dr. Ludwik PIENKOWSKI (AGH), Monika Motak (PROCHEM SA and AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels), Radoslaw Dabek (AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels) Marek Jaszczur (PROCHEM SA and AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels), Ludwik Pienkowski (PROCHEM SA and AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels)
Dividend Policy and Firm Performance: Evidence from the Manufacturing Companies Listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange

Purpose: The main thrust of this study is to find out the relationship between dividend policy and firm performance of listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Design: A set of listed manufacturing companies have been investigated to using the data representing the periods of 2008 â€“ 2012.Returns on equity and return on assets were used as the determinants of firm performance whereas dividend payout and earnings per share were used as the measures of dividend policy. The statistical tests were used includes: descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses. Findings: The study found that determinants of dividend policy are not correlated to the firm performance measures of the organization. Regression model showed that dividend policy donâ€™t affect companiesâ€™ ROE and ROA. Further recomm-endations are also put forwarded in the research. Research Limitations: The study only used data from the 2008-2012 annual reports. However, the findings have highlighted the effects of the firm performance and dividend policy. Originality: The study contributes to literature in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the finding of the paper can be considered as helpful for managers and users that are anxious to develop financial description quality and practices of dividend policy.
On a relation between the cycle packing number and the cyclomatic number of a graph

Let G = (V,E) be a graph. A cycle packing Z = {C1, . , Cl} of G is a collection of pairwise edge-disjoint cycles Ci of G (i = 1, . . . , l). This paper deals with ν(G), the maximum cardinality of a cycle packing Z. Bounds on ν(G) are given, if G is Eulerian. Moreover this number is related to the cyclomatic number γ(G), the maximum number of independent cycles in G. A characterization of such graphs is given for which γ(G) − ν(G) = 1 holds.
RASTER-VECTOR CARTOGRAPHIC NUMERIC DATABASE

The use of a hybrid raster-vector object oriented model is suggested in order to support generalization processes of urban city blocks taking advantage of the best qualities of the basic raster and vector models. The objects implemented are: pixels and groups of pixels (raster), proximity networks, streets (vector) and lines of sight (collection of vector objects). UML Scheme are shown and also an overview of the processes for deriving each object.