Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UNIT SKIN FRICTION FROM THE EXTENDED DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER (EDCP) TEST SUPPLEMENTED BY MEASUREMENT OF TORQUE WITHIN TESTING WELLS

The Extended Dynamic Cone Penetration (EDCP) test supplemented by measurement of torque (EDCP-T) may be used to obtain a direct measurement of unit skin friction ( s f ) between the cone section and the surrounding soil. The test is performed after completion of the EDCP test. In order to perform the EDCP-T, the EDCP device is rotated after driving the rod and maximum torque is measured using a calibrated torque wrench that is connected to the top of the EDCP. The EDCP-T test results at 3 sites are presented. The results show that the unit skin friction values obtained from the EDCP-T generally correlate well with normalized blows for 30 cm penetration of the EDCP tip (NEDCP(n)). The results may be valuable for preliminary estimation of unit skin friction of the driven piles. Keywords– Penetration, driven piles, rod friction, geotechnical properties, coarse grained, fine grained
Effects of introspection about reasons for values:extending research on values-as-truisms

In past research, analyzing reasons for values that involve promoting the welfare of others (i.e., self-transcendence values) caused them to change—a finding that occurs only when values lack prior cognitive support (Maio & Olson, 1998). In the present research, we tested whether analyzing reasons for values serving different motivations (e.g., conservation, self-enhancement) at different social levels (personal vs. societal) causes them to change. Experiment 1 replicated the finding that analyzing reasons for self-transcendence values causes these values to change, while extending this finding to three other types of values described by Schwartz (1992): conservation, openness, and self-enhancement values. Experiment 2 revealed the analyzing reasons effect for two types of social values described by Inglehart (1971): materialist and postmaterialist values. These results extend previous research on the malleability of values by showing that introspection has similar effects on many different kinds of values.
Combining Ability Analysis of Blast Disease Resistance and Agronomic Traits in Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn]

Blast disease is the most important biotic constraint to finger millet production. Therefore disease resistant varieties are required. However, there is limited information on combining ability for resistance and indeed other agronomic traits of the germplasm in Uganda. This study was carried out to estimate the combining ability and gene effects controlling blast disease resistance and selected agronomic traits in finger millet. Thirty six crosses were generated from a 9 × 9 half diallel mating design. The seed from the 36 F 1 crosses were advanced by selfing and the F 2 families and their parents were evaluated in three replications. General combining ability (GCA) for head blast resistance and the other agronomic traits were all highly significant (p ≤ 0.01), whereas specific combining ability (SCA) was highly significant for all traits except grain yield and grain mass head -1 . On partitioning the mean sum of squares, the GCA values ranged from 31.65% to 53.05% for head blast incidence and severity respectively, and 36.18% to 77.22% for the other agronomic traits measured. Additive gene effects were found to be predominant for head blast severity, days to 50% flowering, grain yield, number of productive tillers plant -1 , grain mass head -1 , plant height and panicle length. Non-additive gene action was predominant for number of fingers head -1 , finger width and panicle width. The parents which contributed towards high yield were Seremi 2 , Achaki , Otunduru , Bulo and Amumwari . Generally, highly significant additive gene action implied that progress would be made through selection whereas non-additive gene action could slow selection progress and indicated selection in the later generations.
Antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant potential of fermented Citrullus vulgaris seeds (Thunb.) on tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidaemic rats: a comparison with fluvastatin.

Globally fermented foods form an integral part of the staple diet of people. Fermented Citrullus vulgaris (FCV) ( ogiri ) seeds is a nutritious natural fermented condiment that features frequently in West African diets as a spice. This study investigated the antihyperlipidaemic potential of this condiment in tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidaemic rats with reference to that of fluvastatin, a standard antilipidaemic drug. The antioxidant potential of the condiment was also examined using different relevant in vitro assays. Albino rats were divided into six groups (n=5), based on the diet and treatment received. The groups were standard feed (control); FCV supplemented feed; standard feed with tyloxapol administered at the end of the experimental period (tyloxapol control); FCV supplemented feed and tyloxapol at the end of the experimental period; standard feed with fluvastatin sodium (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg body weight separately) followed by tyloxapol. The results revealed that administration of tyloxapol induced significant (p < 0.05) increase in total-cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG). These lipid increases were significantly mitigated in groups initially pre-fed with supplemented FCV feed. Plasma TC decreased by 69.38% (p < 0.05); TG by 80.58% (p < 0.05); LDL-C by 7.80% (p < 0.05) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased by 78.61% (p < 0.05). FCV showed appreciable antioxidant activities in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Histomorphological examination of the liver suggested that the FCV possessed hepatoprotective potential. These results suggest that FCV consumption may be a possible dietary measure for the control of dyslipidaemia.
IN PHARMACOLOGY OF ION CHANNEL AND CHANNELOPATHIES Stereoselective inhibition of the hERG 1 potassium channel

A growing number of drugs have been shown to prolong cardiac repolarization, predisposing individuals to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias known as Torsades de Pointes. Most of these drugs are known to interfere with the human ether à-gogo related gene 1 (hERG1) channel, whose current is one of the main determinants of action potential duration. Prolonged repolarization is reflected by lengthening of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram, as seen in the suitably named drug-induced long QT syndrome. Chirality (presence of an asymmetric atom) is a common feature of marketed drugs, which can therefore exist in at least two enantiomers with distinct three-dimensional structures and possibly distinct biological fates. Both the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties can differ between enantiomers, as well as also between individuals who take the drug due to metabolic polymorphisms. Despite the large number of reports about drugs reducing the hERG1 current, potential stereoselective contributions have only been scarcely investigated. In this review, we present a non-exhaustive list of clinically important [. ] SINTRA GRILO, Liliana, CARRUPT, Pierre-Alain, ABRIEL, Hugues. Stereoselective inhibition of the hERG1 potassium channel. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2010, vol. 1, p. 137 DOI : 10.3389/fphar.2010. 00137
New Methodology for Prestressing Fiber Composites

The development of composite materials is characterized by the improvement of their mechanical properties (stiffness and strength) which have widened their application for structural fields like automobile, aerospace, and naval industries. The mechanical properties of composite materials can be upgraded during the manufacturing process by applying an appropriate load on the fibers and curing the corresponding matrix at certain temperature. For that purpose a machine was designed and built to exert load and heat on a composite of carbon fiber mat or glass fiber mat and matrix. The result is a rig agreed with horizontal tensiometer that can be called a prestress machine. This machine holds a certain tension on the fibers while the matrix is being cured. The main parts of the prestress machine are the mold, pulling crosshead, oven and sensors. This paper presents the steps of constructing and using this machine. Experimental investigations were carried out to determine the complete set of stiffness characteristics Eij, Gij, vij and strength characteristics σi,n, ei,n. The outcome results show that this machine can produce prestressed composite materials with much better mechanical properties comparing to those properties of the non-prestressed composite materials.
AN EVALUATION OF CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLANNING IN PRACTICE: A CASE STUDY OF THE DISTRICT OF ELKFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA by

B.A. (Hons), Trent University, 2010 A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS (PLANNING) in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES School of Community and Regional Planning We accept this project as conforming to the required standard .
Applicability of PCR-based clonality assay in dogs with multicentric lymphoma

Lymphoma is the most common hemolymphatic neoplasia in small animals. Diagnosis is based on malignant morphology criteria seen in cytopathology and histopathology slides (Burkhard and Bienzle, 2013). Phenotyping and staging may contribute to prognosis, but cannot be assessed only by morphologic diagnosis, requiring other diagnostic techniques (Bienzle and Vernau, 2011). Moreover, diagnosing neoplasia only by morphology can be challenging in some situations, such as in early stages of lymphoma, neoplasia involving more mature cells, chronic lymphoid leukemia and aspirates with few abnormal cells (Burnett et al., 2003).
Trait association among beta carotene content and yield attributes in recombinant inbred lines of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. ] is the staple diet for a vast majority of poor farmers in arid and semi-arid regions of India. An experiment was conducted at Millet Breeding Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to determine the interrelationship between yield and yield component traits in 250 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of pearl millet during summer 2015. A perusal of the results of this study showed positive significant and strong genotypic and phenotypic correlations between grain yield per plant and plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, earhead length, earhead girth, single earhead weight, single earhead grain weight, 1000- grain weight and beta carotene content. Path coefficient analysis indicated that number of productive tillers per plant and single earhead grain weight had high direct effect on grain yield per plant. High indirect effect on grain yield per plant was caused by single earhead weight via single earhead grain weight and single earhead weight, single earhead grain weight and 1000- grain weight influences grain yield per plant through moderate positive indirect effect of number via productive tillers per plant. Based on the present results, it could be concluded that number of productive tillers per plant, earhead girth, single earhead weight and single earhead grain weight could be identified as the most important traits that are associated with grain yield in pearl millet. Hence these traits can be used as selection criteria for yield improvement in pearl millet.
Growth of the gastrointestinal tract in weaning pigs as affected by crude fibre content in the diet

A growth of the gastrointestinal tract of weaned pigs as affected by crude fibre content in the diet was investigated on 16 piglets. Pigs of 10 kg body weight (BW) were offered a basal diet (group C and C1) or diets formed by mixing a basal diet with 10 (diet GM10) or 20% (diet GM20) of grass meal (group F1 and F2, respectively). When pigs reached 25 kg BW animals of the groups F1 and F2 were offered a basal diet, whereas those of the group C1 were offered diet GM20, following 14 days. Afterwards, animals were slaughtered; mass of the stomach, small and large intestines was recorded. The pigs of the group F2 consumed by 8.8% more feed compared with the C and C1 pigs (1061 vs on average 979 g/day). However, the C and C1 pigs grew faster (on average 535 g/day; P<0.01) than F1 (462 g/day), and F2 (443 g/day). A mass of the stomach of the both F1 and F2 pigs was insignificantly heavier (by 6.7 and 20.6%, respectively) as compared with the C pigs. Mass of the large intestines of the F1 and F2 pigs was also heavier (by 4.6 and 4.2%, respectively) but small intestine of these pigs was insignificantly lighter (6.7 and 12.3%, respectively). Length of the small intestines of the F1 and F2 pigs was lower (P<0.01; 32.3 and 30.1%, respectively), whereas length of their large intestine was unchanged. Correlation coefficients between previous fibre intake and mass of the stomach amounted 0.78 (P<0.009). However, a negative correlation between previous fibre intake and lenght of the small intestines (r= -0.68; P<0.06), as well as its weight (r= -0.45; P<0.07) were detected.
Effect of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) Extract on Acetaminophen - Induced Acute Hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rat

Introduction: It has been extensively reported that drug-overdose is the leading cause of liver injury in the world today. Diets rich in natural antioxidants have been observed to offer substantial remedy to drug-induced organ injuries. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of tomato extract against Acetaminopheninduced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Method: Phytochemical analyses were performed. A total of 24 albino rats weighing (110±10g) were randomly allocated to four groups (A-D), with six rats per group. Group A was the normal control and received no treatment. Group B was the negative control and received a single dose of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p) only. Group C served as test group and received a single dose of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p.) before treatment with tomato extract (30 mg/kg, oral) for 14 consecutive days. Group D received simultaneous administration of tomato extract (30mg/kg, oral) and acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p) for 14 days. Results: The single dose of Acetaminophen caused liver cell injuries with significant increase in the levels of the liver enzymes: AST (67.67±11.41U/L); ALT (46.33±10.59U/L) and ALP (223.70±23.31U/L) in rats in negative control when compared with normal (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The daily administration of the tomato extract was able to attenuate the acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity on the liver enzyme marker levels: In Group C: AST (23.00± 3.61U/L, P<0.01); Research Article
Integrated Reporting and Italian Companies: An Empirical Investigation

Corporate reporting has undergone many changes. One main reason is that stakeholders see their needs change and evolve, thus making it necessary for them toexpress their various requests for information which, in turn, forces companies to rethink their external reporting practices. Recent studies support the position that the traditional annual report does not provide stakeholders with an adequate picture of the assets and the value created by the company. In response to this, Integrated Reporting (IR) has been adopted as a solution capable of providing both a holistic view of a company’s ability to create value in a sustainable way and an integrated vision of the company from a financial and a non-financial point of view. Thus, this paper aims to examine the real reasons that have pushed major Italian companies to opt for IR and, especially, to explore the benefits that can now be identified a few years beyond the first publication of an Integrated Report. To investigate this topic, an exploratory field study involving ten Italian companies was conducted. The methodology relied on a qualitative approach, as it allows researchers to deal with complex “how” questions and, at the same time, offers a wide and complete picture of the phenomenon. The paper gives senior managers an overview of Italian companies that have already developed this new form of information reporting while providing valuable insights and an understanding of the perceived organizational benefits of implementing IR requirements. The study also contributes to the debate on managerial motives for producing an Integrated Report and how that may affect future decisions. The findings reveal a common thread among all the study participants, summarized by the completeness and transparency of the results. They also highlight an exhaustive list of benefits reported by these companies, which may serve as an incentive for those that have not yet adopted IR.
Review and assessment of mitigation measures to reduce incidental catch of seabirds in longline, trawl and gillnet fisheries

Growing concerns have been raised about incidental capture of seabirds in various types of fisheries. Most attention has been given to bycatches of albatrosses in the longline fisheries of the southern Ocean. This report describes technical and management mitigation measures that have been tested in longline, trawl and gillnet fisheries, and critically reviews their fishery suitability in terms of efficiency and practical applicability. It is emphasized that studies based on observer data must be interpreted with caution, and the only way to determine the effectiveness of a mitigation measure is to apply an experimental approach including a control treatment without any mitigation device. There is no single solution to mitigate incidental seabird mortality in longline fisheries, and this review gives strong evidence that the efficiency of a mitigation measure is specific to each fishery. However, there is potential for considerable reductions in seabird mortality rates in all longline fisheries by employing appropriate and effective mitigation measures. In the Northern Hemisphere, where northern fulmar is the dominant seabird captured, streamer lines have proved to be very efficient in demersal fisheries. In the Southern Hemisphere, night setting has shown to be an efficient mitigation measure, and this measure should be used in combination with other measures such as streamer lines and longlines with integrated weight when fishing in areas inhabited by nocturnal and diving seabirds. Although few studies have been conducted in trawl fisheries, results indicate rare interactions between seabirds and trawl gear at times of no offal discharge. Studies reported to date suggest that no-discharge policy and ban of netsonde cables would virtually eliminate seabird mortality. During trawling carried out under offal discharge, streamer lines proved to be an efficient mitigation measure. Studies in gillnet fisheries are very scarce, and development of seabird mitigation measures for this gear type is in its infancy. Future research on seabird mitigation measures in longlining should apply an experimental approach to fine-tune the most promising mitigation measures for each specific fishery. Mitigation measures have been tested in only a few trawl and gillnet fisheries, and this work needs to be expanded to other areas where interactions with seabirds occur. Promising measures have been identified for trawls but not for gillnet fisheries.
An Empirical Estimation of Energy Poverty in Poor South African Households

This paper provides empirical evidence on the determinants of Energy Poverty on rural and urban informal households in South Africa using the National Income Dynamics Survey (NIDS, 2012). The paper provides evidence on the impact of Energy Poverty on these households while controlling for individual, household and demographic characteristics. This is formulated within the logistic regression framework, while defining Energy Poverty using the Economic/expenditure approach consistent with the definition by the Department of Energy (DoE) of South Africa. The logistic model of energy poverty reveals that household expenditure on transport, food, schooling, income level, age and education level of the head of the household, household size and home size are important factors in explaining the state of energy in rural and urban informal households in South Africa. This paper also discusses limitations regarding the dependent variable (Energy Poverty) as defined in the paper and by the DoE. Lastly, some recommendations are made for Regulators and Policy Makers.
Dynamic Response of a Red Blood Cell in Shear Flow

Three-dimensional simulation of a red blood cell deformation in a shear flow isperformed using immersed boundary lattice Boltzmann method for the fluid flow simulation, as well asfinite element method for membrane deformation. Immersed boundary method has been used to modelinteraction between fluid and membrane of the red blood cell. Red blood cell is modeled as a biconcavediscoid capsule containing fluid with an elastic membrane. Computations are performed at relativelysmall and large shear rates in order to study the dynamic behavior of red blood cell, especially tumblingand swinging modes of its motion. A rigid-body-like motion with the constant-amplitude oscillationof deformation parameter and continuous rotation is observed for red blood cell at its tumbling mode.However, at a relatively large shear rate, red blood cell follows a periodic gradual deformation andelongation with a final ellipsoidal shape. The effect of different initial orientations of red blood cell isalso investigated in the present paper. Results show that the dynamic response of red blood cell is notsensitive to this parameter.
The Prevalence of Nosemosis in Honey Bee Colonies in Arasbaran Region (Northwestern Iran)

2 Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Nosema apis (Nosemosis) in Arasbaran region-northwestern Iran (one of the important Beekeeping centre in Iran). the sampling was conducted on the beekeeping regions located in Arasbaran towns and villages in the three different seasons of spring, summer and fall in the year 2008. The rate of the infection was reached through counting the numbers of the nosema spores on the body of the bees. Out of 294 honey bee colonies, 72 cases were infected with nosema. The highest infection rate was observed to be in May (83.3%). The infection of the honey bee colonies was of its utmost level in the spring (59.5%), however the amount was considered to be low in the fall (0%) and in the summer (3.33%). The mountainous climate of the Northwestern Iran (such as Arasbaran) and the highest level of humidity in the spring bring about nosema spreads. In contrast with the Mediterranean regions, in Arasbaran, due to the lack of humidity in the summer and fall, in these seasons the incidence of nosema is observed in very lower rates. The highest level of infection in the spring could be related not only to th e highest humidity but also the decrease in the population of the colony and colony's vulnerability as a result of high parasite widespread in the area including Varroaris.
Foraging activity of the solitary andean bee, Anthophora walteri (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Anthophorini)

This note reports observations on the pollen collecting behavior and foraging activity of the solitary bee, Anthophora walteri Gonzalez on Salvia bogotensis in the Eastern Andes of Colombia. Bees foraged from 7:00–17:00 h, or when the temperature exceeded 15°C. Peak visits occurred between 8:00–9:00, when the temperature was about 18°C and the humidity was 60%. On average, bees spent 3 seconds at each flower and collected pollen throughout the day, although pollencollecting trips were twice as frequent in the morning as in the afternoon. The daily number and duration of foraging trips per bee ranged from 1–13 trips (x = 6.8 ± 4.3) and 4–88 min (x = 21.7 ± 23.8). Some possible morphological and behavioral adaptations for pollen collection on flowers of Salvia, as well as thermal constraints on the foraging activity of A. walteri in the Andes are also discussed.