Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
on the herbs ' function used by Mr . Politi

In this study a few interesting matters have been raised, as follows:  There are some published clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CM) on female infertility with fewer studies on herbal medicine to improve sperm quality/quantity.  Providing convincing evidence is more difficult than for most other disorders since the successful outcome is ultimately measured by the conception of a healthy child.  Analysis and standardization of CM formula is complicated as the majority of the formulas are a complex mixture of any number of individual components.  Isolating active compounds is similarly complex and any therapeutic efficacy of traditional CM may be related to synergism of the ingredients with potentially many different effects contributing to the overall response.  The result of the metabolism of these compounds, the product, may be responsible for the resultant activities.
Preliminary evaluation of TEDMA/HEMA + HAP composites as bone substitutes and drug controlled delivery matrixes

Copolymeric composites of tetra- ethylenglycol dimethacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate with hydroxyapatite load were studied. It was demonstrated that doesn't exist a tendency to justify the behavior of the work and setting times of the studied materials cause probably by inhibitor absence. Similar values of enthalpy reactions were obtained for all the compositions according to the literature reports. A strong dependence of the com- position exists in case of mechanical properties, di- minishing the compression strength with the increase of the hydrofilicity. In a same way, the little swelling of the samples is demonstrated and therefore, the non participation of the diffusion like delivery mechanism. It was calculated the quantity of liber- ated drug which influences notably in the mechani- cal properties of the material and some parameters that suggest it mechanisms type dissolution-diffusion and/or migration to guide the drug delivery.
A lime based mortar for thermal insulation of medieval church vaults

There are 1700 medieval churches in Denmark, and many of these have brick vaults. The thickness is only 12 – 15 cm, and the heat loss through this building component is large. Thermal insulation has not been permitted until now in respect for the antiquarian values and doubts about the effect on water vapour transport through the vault, and the risk of condensation inside the insulation. A new mortar was developed for thermal insulation of bricks vaults, consisting mainly of expanded perlite, mixed with slaked lime. These materials are compatible with the fired clay bricks and the lime mortar joints. The insulation mortar is applied to the top side of the vault in a thickness of 10 cm, and covered by 10 mm lime plaster, reinforced with cattle hair. This assembly is resistant to the weight of a person, working with maintenance of the roof. The thermal conductivity of the insulation mortar was measured to 0.08 W/mK, which is twice the value for mineral wool. It has 1/3 of the resistance to water vapour diffusion as brick, and a high capacity for liquid water absorption. This is a benefit in the case of rain leaking from the roof, because the water does not penetrate further down into the bricks.
Geochemical constraints on the sources of Southern Chile Trench sediments and their recycling in arc magmas of the Southern Andes

Pliocene and Pleistocene deep-sea trench sediments cored near the Chile Triple Junction (Ocean Drilling Program Leg 141) were analysed for major and trace element concentrations, and for Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic ratios. Comparisons with the potential source rocks of these sediments suggest little alteration during sediment transport and diagenesis. The sediment compositions reflect exposed area fractions and different erosion rates of upper-crustal rock units of the Southern Andes, indicating that denudation, transport and deposition formed an almost closed system since 2.5 Ma. Pelagic sediments cored farther from the continent (>1000 km) on the Antarctic Plate also contain a significant terrigenous component, mixed variably with hydrogenous precipitates (high Fe–Mn–Th), biogenic barite (high Ba) and opal, but little biogenic carbonate (low CaO and Sr). Our sediment data allow us to estimate the subducted sediment input to southern Andean magmas. Mantle sources of basalts from the Andean southernmost Southern Volcanic Zone (41–47°S) were contaminated by 3–5 vol.% of a terrigenous sediment melt with variable amounts of Ba-rich pelagic sediments, but were not contaminated by slab-derived fluids. Adakites of the Andean Austral Volcanic Zone (49–55°S), formed by melting of a relatively hot subducted slab, contain a variable amount of subducted terrigenous sediment (0–20 vol.% sediment melt) and in some cases Ba-rich pelagic sediments.
A nonlinear method for detecting climate mutation: a case study for summer climate change in China

Abstract. In this paper, we explored the dynamical mechanism of anomalous summer climate late 1970s in China applying a new method, i.e., a dynamics index-Q based on phase-space reconstruction. The interesting results show that different climate variable have the similar dynamics property in different regions, they reflect an intrinsic dynamics interior climate system, which may be associated with the teleconnection wave trains mainly triggered by the Tibetan Plateau, and reveals some of causes making North China drought indirectly. However, the Phenomena are hardly possible found via any statistic methodology.
Board, governance and firm performance: Are financial intermediaries different?

Drawing on Agency Theory this article investigates the relationship between board size and European firms’ performance. The focus is on the implicit differences between financial and non-financial firms. In particular the paper addresses the following questions: does board size influence firm performance? Is financial intermediaries’ corporate governance different from that of non-financial companies? The study analyses the governance of the largest listed European companies which make up the Eurotop 100 index. Companies come from 12 different countries and are subject to different regulatory and self-discipline codes. Referring to the Eurotop index the focus is on the relation between the overall size of the board of directors and the level of performance measured as Tobin’s Q and Return on Assets. Diverging results emerge depending on the typology of the firm. In particular, results suggest that for non-financial companies large boards negatively influence firm performance, whereas financial intermediaries seem to be different because of the non-relation between their board size and performance.
Generating Animations from Screenplays

Automatically generating animation from natural language text finds application in a number of areas e.g. movie script writing, instructional videos, and public safety. However, translating natural language text into animation is a challenging task. Existing text-to-animation systems can handle only very simple sentences, which limits their applications. In this paper, we develop a text-to-animation system which is capable of handling complex sentences. We achieve this by introducing a text simplification step into the process. Building on an existing animation generation system for screenwriting, we create a robust NLP pipeline to extract information from screenplays and map them to the system’s knowledge base. We develop a set of linguistic transformation rules that simplify complex sentences. Information extracted from the simplified sentences is used to generate a rough storyboard and video depicting the text. Our sentence simplification module outperforms existing systems in terms of BLEU and SARI metrics.We further evaluated our system via a user study: 68% participants believe that our system generates reasonable animation from input screenplays.
DNA profiling of commercial chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

In the present study, genetic variability in 10 commercial chilli pepper varieties viz. Gemini, G-334, Agnirekha, Pusa jwala, Mangala, Black diamond, Sindura, Pusa jyothi, Badiga-2 and Teja (branch), cultivated in the local area of Andhra Pradesh State, India, using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers was examined. Out of thee RAPD markers used for screening 10 chilli pepper genotypes, DNA amplification was observed only with OPAB02; this primer produced monomorphic band in Gemini,G-334, Black diamond and Sindura and polymorphic bands in Agnirekha, Pusa jwala, Mangala, Pusa jyothi, Badiga-2 and Teja (Branch). Genetic variabilty in terms of DNA pattern produced in the above varieties could be used as a marker to distinguish between them. Dendrogram generated by OPAB02 primer showed that the 10 chilli pepper varieties could be grouped into four clusters. Average genetic similarity index revealed 100% similarity between varieties of first cluster, 50% similarity between varieties of second and fourth clusters and 32% genetic similarity between varieties of third cluster. UPGMA cluster analysis will be useful in chilli pepper breeding programmes and germplasm conservation. Since the commercial value of chilli pepper is based on pungency level, future studies are aimed at molecular marker based pungency phenotyping. Keywords : Capsicum annuum, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA, Dendrogram, Polymerase Chain Reaction. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(30), pp. 4730-4735
RELIABILITY OF THE 20-METRE SHUTTLE RUN FOR CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) typically exhibit lower levels of cardiovascular fitness as compared to their non-disabled peers. Identification of valid, reliable indicators of fitness for this group is critical in terms of developing and evaluating interventions aimed at ameliorating deficits in fitness. While significant literature is available regarding fitness tests among adults with ID, less is known about appropriate assessments for children with ID. The purpose of the current investigation is to examine the reliability of the 20-metre shuttle run test for young children with ID. Thirty children (mean age = 8 years, zero months) with ID completed two 20-metre shuttle runs 72 hours apart. Results indicated a test-retest reliability of R = . 53, which is lower than observed in previous investigations. Discussion as to the findings and application of results for practitioners are addressed.
Effects of corporate social responsibility performance (CSR) on stock prices: Empirical study of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria.

This study investigates the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Performance on stock prices of Nigerian listed manufacturing companies . The objective of this study is to carry out an empirical study of the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility Performance and stock prices of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. We attempt to measure the perception and reaction of financial markets to the companies' socially responsible behaviors, and try to find out if an improvement in firm corporate social responsibility(CSR) actions has effects on stock prices. In our empirical analysis, we carried out tests that revealed the relationship between firms' corporate social responsibility performance(expenditure) and its influence on stock prices . Our empirical analysis revealed evidence of no relationship between corporate social responsibility performance and stock prices and evidence of no significant effect on stock prices of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria We measured corporate social responsibility performance in terms of monetary contributions made or expenditure incurred by companies in respect of their social responsibility activities concerning environment, community and employment activities. Our findings show that listed manufacturing companies', in Nigeria ,Corporate Social Responsibility Performance(CSRP) has no effect on their stock prices and it further revealed a negative non- significant correlation between stock prices and corporate social responsibility( CSR) activities .
Balanced conditions or slight mass gain of glaciers in the Lahaul and Spiti region (northern India, Himalaya) during the nineties preceded recent mass loss

Abstract. The volume change of the Chhota Shigri Glacier (India, 32° 20 N, 77° 30' E) between 1988 and 2010 has been determined using in situ geodetic measurements. This glacier has experienced only a slight mass loss between 1988 and 2010 (−3.8 ± 2.0 m w.e. (water equivalent) corresponding to −0.17 ± 0.09 m w.e. yr−1). Using satellite digital elevation models (DEM) differencing and field measurements, we measure a negative mass balance (MB) between 1999 and 2010 (−4.8 ± 1.8 m w.e. corresponding to −0.44 ± 0.16 m w.e. yr−1). Thus, we deduce a slightly positive or near-zero MB between 1988 and 1999 (+1.0 ± 2.7 m w.e. corresponding to +0.09 ± 0.24 m w.e. yr−1). Furthermore, satellite DEM differencing reveals that the MB of the Chhota Shigri Glacier (−0.39 ± 0.15 m w.e. yr−1) has been only slightly less negative than the MB of a 2110 km2 glaciarized area in the Lahaul and Spiti region (−0.44 ± 0.09 m w.e. yr−1) during 1999−2011. Hence, we conclude that the ice wastage is probably moderate in this region over the last 22 yr, with near equilibrium conditions during the nineties, and an ice mass loss after. The turning point from balanced to negative mass budget is not known but lies probably in the late nineties and at the latest in 1999. This positive or near-zero MB for Chhota Shigri Glacier (and probably for the surrounding glaciers of the Lahaul and Spiti region) during at least part of the 1990s contrasts with a recent compilation of MB data in the Himalayan range that indicated ice wastage since 1975. However, in agreement with this compilation, we confirm more negative balances since the beginning of the 21st century.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF STEM AND ROOT EXTRACTS OF Avicennia officinalis L

Extracts of stem and root of Avicennia officinalis L. were prepared in hexane, benzene, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and ethanol, and their antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli MTCC 64, Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 111, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 39, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121, Lactobacillus delbrueckii MTCC 911, Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 87 and Streptococcus pyogenes MTCC 1928 by agar well diffusion method. The stem and root extracts in acetone demonstrated best antibacterial activity. However, extracts prepared in other solvents also showed antibacterial activity against the test organisms. The extracts that possessed antibacterial activity were further used for the determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) taking different concentrations viz., 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0mg /100µl . The value of MIC was found to be ranged from 1.25mg/100µl to 5mg/100µl for different test organisms. Further, the extracts that demonstrated the antibacterial activity were checked for their bactericidal and / or bacteriostatic nature. The present study reveals the potential of stem and root extracts of Avicennia officinalis L. as antibacterial agent.
Assessment of popping ability of new tropical popcorn hybrids

Popcorn is an important snack food worldwide with significant nutritional benefits, including minerals and vitamins. However, adequate production of popcorn in Sub-Saharan Africa is hampered by lack of adapted varieties. This therefore calls for breeding investigations to develop new hybrids. The objectives of the study were to determine variability among hybrids for popping quality traits, gene action involved in conditioning of quality traits in popcorn hybrids and relationships among quality traits in popcorn. Random crosses were generated among inbred lines resulting in 119 experimental F1hybrids with adequate seed. A commercial hybrid P618 grown under the same conditions was used as a standard check. The F1 hybrids were grown at two locations. Two popping methods were used, the microwave and the hot air popping method. The data was analysed in SAS. Significant variability was observed among hybrids for popping quality traits (p=0.05). The study identified 15 hybrids with superior popping quality. The hybrid 11POPH13 gave the highest flake volume (1 288 cm3) and the highest popping fold (25.75). The check hybrid P618 had a flake volume of 1156 cm3 and a popping fold of 23.1 and was ranked 16th for popping ability. Additive gene action was more prominent than non-additive action for all traits. A significant negative relationship was observed between flake volume and kernel size; while the number of unpopped kernels was positively correlated with kernel size (p=0.05). Generally, genotype x method interaction effects on popping ability were negligible, indicating that there could be less complications in breeding new varieties.
Adoption and Use of an Electronic Voting System in Ghana

 Abstract — The manual system of voting has been the most widely used system of electing representatives around the globe, particularly in Africa. Due to the known numerous problems and challenges associated with the manual system of voting, many countries are migrating to the electronic voting system as a suitable and credible means of electing representatives over the manual paper-based system. This research paper therefore investigated the factors influencing adoption and use of an electronic voting system in Ghana. A total of 400 Questionnaire Instruments (QI) were administered to potential respondents in Ghana, of which 387 responded representing a response rate of 96.75%. The Technology Acceptance Model was used as the theoretical framework for the study. The research model was tested using a simple linear regression analysis with SPSS. A little of over 71.1% of the respondents recommended the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to adopt an electronic voting system in the conduct of public elections in Ghana. The results indicated that all the six predictors such as perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived free and fair elections (PFFF), perceived credible elections (PCE), perceived system integrity (PSI) and citizens trust in the election management body (CTEM) were all positively significant in predicting the readiness of citizens to adopt and use an electronic voting system in Ghana. However, jointly, the hypotheses tested revealed that apart from Perceived Free and Fair Elections and Perceived Credible and Transparent Elections, all the other factors such as PU, Perceived System Integrity and Security and Citizen Trust in the Election Management Body were found to be significant predictors of the Willingness of Ghanaians to use an electronic voting system. All the six factors considered in this study jointly account for about 53.1% of the reasons determining the readiness to adopt and use an electronic voting system in Ghana. The implications of this research finding on elections in Ghana are discussed.
The Effect of Disclosure of Information on Internet on Market Value and Return on Assets of the Companies Listed in Tehran Stock Exchange

In recent years, the use of Internet has grown increasingly so that many companies have attempted to Web Design to publish their information and in addition to the traditional form of dissemination of information, they are seeking to communicate with their stakeholders by leveraging the capabilities of the Internet media. Hence, the importance of disclosure of Information on the Internet and its effects on other information would be a particular importance. Therefore, in this study we examined the effect of disclosure of Information on the Internet on market value and return on assets of the company. To determine disclosure of Information on the Internet, it was used the scoring table Geerings et al., (2003). The study sample included 108 companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange for the period 1390-1392 so that selected through systematic elimination. The hypotheses test performed by multiple regressions and method of generalized least squares (GLS) with panel data layout. The results show that disclosure of Information on the Internet has a significant positive effect on market value and return on assets of the company. This finding is consistent with research Gray et al. (2013).
Detection of noroviruses in water: current status and future directions

Noroviruses are recognized as an important cause of outbreaks of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis. This review deals with the current status and future directions for noroviruses detection in water. Currently there are no standard methods available for the concentration of noroviruses from water or other environmental samples. Noroviruses cannot be cultivated in cell culture nor passed in animal models. RT-PCR assays are currently the most widely used method for detection of noroviruses in water and other environmental samples. However, the analytical sensitivity for molecular methods is unknown. Molecular methods need to be refined and standardized through further development of procedures to simplify viral nucleic acid extraction, the RT-PCR process, and the development of primers and probes that can detect a majority of noroviruses present in environmental samples. Moreover, methods need to be developed to determine the infectious virus.
Does the Gap in Family-Friendly Policies Drive the Family Gap?

A segregation of the labour market into a family-friendly and a non-family friendly sector has the effect that women self-select into the sectors depending on institutional constraints, preferences for family-friendly working conditions and expected wage differences. We find that neglecting the sector dimension tends to understate the effect of birth-related interruptions in both sectors. The combined effect of a large depreciation effect and no recovery means that females in the non-family friendly sector (e.g. private sector) are punished severely after childbirth. In the family friendly sector (e.g. public sector), we find complete catch up.
DOES THE GRAVITY MODEL SUFFER FROM SELECTION BIAS

When analyzing bilateral trade flow data, zero trade flows are quite common and problematic when a gravity equation is estimated with a log-linear functional form. This has caused many researchers to either ignore the zero trade flows or to replace zero with a small positive number. Both of these actions bias the resulting parameter estimates of the gravity equation. In this study we correct for this misspecification by using the Heckman selection model to estimate the bilateral trade flows for 46 agrifood products, for the period 1990 to 2000, for 52 countries. In our sample, selection bias rarely affects the signs of variables but often has a substantial effect on the magnitude, statistical significance and economic interpretation of the marginal effects. Hence, treating zero trade flows properly is important from both a statistical and an economics perspective. ----------------------------------------------------------------------Revised and published as: Haq, Zahoor Ul, Karl Meilke and John Cranfield. 2013. “Selection bias in a gravity model of agrifood trade. ” European Review of Agricultural Economics 40(2):331-360.