Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonality and diversity patterns of microphytobenthos in a mesotrophic lake

Investigations on the littoral microphytobenthos populations of lakes are very rare. Based on new sampling techniques, allowing the undisturbed sampling of sublittoral sediments, we present information on limnic microphytobenthos populations of the Schohsee in Northern Germany (10° 26′ E, 54° 13′ N). Investigations on microphytobenthic communities at a sandy and a muddy site provided new insights into the community structure and seasonal variations of limnic benthic microalgae. The microphytobenthos was characterised by low chlorophyll-a contents (0.16 μg cm−2 to 0.74 μg cm−2) and low cell numbers (25 cells cm−2 to 266 cells cm−2). Both sites showed similar patterns in terms of algal biomass and seasonality; no site-specific characteristics were observed. The productivity of the sediment microflora in the Schohsee was low and most likely related to the mesotrophic lake character and to reduced light conditions in the near-shore sublittoral. The algal communities at both sites showed high diversity, distinct seasonality and succession patterns with shifts in community composition in spring, summer and autumn. The community was dominated by Fragilaria spp. , Navicula spp. , Nitzschia spp. , and Stauroneis spp. in spring shifting to a Stauroneis spp. -dominated community in summer. In autumn the populations were dominated by Navicula spp. , Nitzschia spp. , and Stauroneis spp. Overall, the taxonomic composition showed a dominance of prostrate diatoms, whereas cyanobacteria, green algae and erect diatoms occurred rarely and with low abundance. Thus, the sediment microflora of the Schohsee can be characterized as a flat, two-dimensional community.
Improved charge separation and transport efficiency in poly(3-hexylthiophene)-TiO2 nanorod bulk heterojunction solar cells

In this article, we have fabricated photovoltaic devices based on the poly(3-hexylthiophene)–TiO2nanorod bulk heterojunction. The microscopic mechanisms of charge separation and charge transport in the poly(3-hexylthiophene)–TiO2nanorod nanocomposites have been investigated by photoluminescence quenching, time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, and time-of-flight mobility measurements. Charge separation and transport efficiency can be improved by adding an adequate amount of TiO2nanorods in polymer. In addition, the device performance can be further enhanced by thermal annealing or removal of insulating surfactant in the hybrid, giving an optimized device performance of a short circuit current density of 2.62 mA cm−2, an open circuit voltage of 0.69 V, a fill factor of 0.63 under simulated A.M. 1.5 illumination (100 mW cm−2). The corresponding power conversion efficiency under 1 sun is about 1.14%.
Two Dimensional Photographic Comparison of Cranioacial Morphology of Parents of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate with Parents of Children without Cleft Lip and Palate

Introduction: Literature studies have inferred that if facial shape is genetically determined and predisposed to cleft anomaly, then parents of children with cleft lip and palate (CL/P) should have facial dimensions different from those of general population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological features of unaffected parents of children with CL/P, and compare them with those of parents with non-cleft children, in rural Vidarbha region, with the help of facial photographs. Aim and objectives: To assess and compare facial morphological features in parents of non-syndromic cleft lip and palate children with parents of children without cleft lip and palate using two-dimensional photography. Method: Total 20 pairs of unaffected parents selected and were divided equally into: 1) Experimental group (n=10 pairs)Unaffected parents of children with non-syndromic CL/P, and 2) Control group (n=10 pairs)Unaffected parents of children without CL/CP. Total ten linear parameters were accessed to check significant finding . Comparisons were also made between males and females of both groups. Results: The result of above study suggested of wider frontoparietal, wider endocanthion and byzygomatic width in males and increased mid and lower face height in females. Conclusion: The facial morphological features of unaffected parents of children with non-syndromic CL/P were found to be distinct from those of unaffected parents of children without orofacial deformities.
On vertical electric fields at lunar magnetic anomalies

We study the interaction between a magnetic dipole mimicking the Gerasimovich magnetic anomaly on the lunar surface and the solar wind in a self‐consistent 3‐D quasi‐neutral hybrid simulation where ions are modeled as particles and electrons as a charge‐neutralizing fluid. Especially, we consider the origin of the recently observed electric potentials at lunar magnetic anomalies. An antimoonward Hall electric field forms in our simulation resulting in a potential difference of <300V on the lunar surface, in which the value is similar to observations. Since the hybrid model assumes charge neutrality, our results suggest that the electric potentials at lunar magnetic anomalies can be formed by decoupling of ion and electron motion even without charge separation.
Level and eigenfunction statistics in billiards with surface disorder

Statistical properties of billiards with diffusive boundary scattering are investigated by means of the supersymmetric s model in a formulation appropriate for chaotic ballistic systems. We study level statistics, parametric level statistics, and properties of electron wave functions. In the universal regime, our results reproduce conclusions of the random matrix theory, while beyond this regime we obtain a variety of systemspecific results determined by the classical dynamics in the billiard. Most notably, we find that level correlations do not vanish at arbitrary separation between energy levels, or if measured at arbitrarily large difference of magnetic fields. Saturation of the level number variance indicates strong rigidity of the spectrum. To study spatial correlations of wave-function amplitudes, we reanalyze and refine derivation of the ballistic version of the s model. This allows us to obtain a proper matching of universal short-scale correlations with systemspecific ones.
Nutritional Quality and Acceptability Evaluation of Ogi Flour Biofortified with Garlic and Ginger

Ogi an affordable complementary food is of paramount importance due to its popularity as diets of many native African populations. The study explored effects of biofortification with garlic and ginger on acceptability and nutritional quality of ogi flour prepared from sorghum and quality protein maize by natural fermentation technique. Pasting properties, bulk density, water absorption capacity, total reducing sugar and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Biofortified samples showed stable total reducing sugar content, increase in bulk density, decrease in water absorption capacity and peak time during storage. The pasting temperatures of biofortified ogi flour were below boiling temperature thus formed paste in hot water below the boiling point. Ogi (maize) with 2% garlic-2% ginger and ogi (sorghum) with 4% garlic-2% ginger were the most preferred with no significant difference (p < 0.05). Biofortification with garlic and ginger at 2 and 4% improved the quality attributes and acceptability of ogi flour. The study on biofortification of ogi with garlic and ginger is germane in formulation of nourishing weaning food that is light, less bulky for babies, nursing mothers and malnourished populations.
A Decision Rule to Minimize Daily Capital Charges in Forecasting Value-at-Risk

Under the Basel II Accord, banks and other authorized deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) have to communicate their daily risk estimates to the monetary authorities at the beginning of the trading day, using a variety of value-at-risk (VaR) models to measure risk. Sometimes the risk estimates communicated using these models are too high, thereby leading to large capital requirements and high capital costs. At other times, the risk estimates are too low, leading to excessive violations, so that realized losses are above the estimated risk. In this paper we analyze the profit-maximizing problem of an ADI subject to capital requirements under the Basel II Accord as ADIs have to choose an optimal VaR reporting strategy that minimizes daily capital charges. Accordingly, we suggest a dynamic communication and forecasting strategy that responds to violations in a discrete and instantaneous manner, while adapting more slowly in periods of no violations. We apply the proposed strategy to Standard & Poor's 500 Index and show there can be substantial savings in daily capital charges, while restricting the number of violations to within the Basel II penalty limits. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Manifesting Initially as a Conjunctival Mass in a Patient With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

The ophthalmic manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection range from molluscum contagiosum of the eyelid to cotton-wool spots of the retina. Additionally, HIV infection is associated with several opportunistic cancers of the eye and orbit, including conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and nonHodgkin lymphoma. In this report, we illustrate the rare association of HIV infection with acute myeloid leukemia that manifested initially as an epibulbar mass.
Possibility of deconfined criticality in SU(N) Heisenberg models at small N

To examine the validity of the scenario of the deconfined critical phenomena, we carry out a quantum Monte Carlo simulation for the SU($N$) generalization of the Heisenberg model with four-body and six-body interactions. The quantum phase transition between the SU($N$) N\'eel and valence-bond solid phases is characterized for $N=2,3,$ and $4$ on the square and honeycomb lattices. While finite-size scaling analysis works well up to the maximum lattice size ($L=256$) and indicates the continuous nature of the phase transition, a clear systematic change towards the first-order transition is observed in the estimates of the critical exponent $y \equiv 1/\nu$ as the system size increases. We also confirm the relevance of a squared valence-bond solid field $\Psi^2$ for the SU(3) model.
The effect of eccentric and concentric training on the size and strength of human skeletal muscle

DECLARATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS LIST OFT ABLES LIST OF FIGURES Chapter One: INTRODUCTION 1J Background to the Sttm, 1 . 2 Signifir.ance of the Studv. 1.3 Puwose of the Study, 1.4 Hypotheses, 1,5 Oroanisa! ion of the Thesis, Chapter Two: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 The Theoretical Rationale of Training 2.2 The Stimulus for Adaptation, 2.2. 1 Force Generation 2.2.2 Stretch 22.3 Metabol'lc Changes and Muscle Damage 2.2.4 Contraction type and muscle damage 2. ~ Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, 2.4 Adaptation to Trai! li! Jg. 2.4. 1 Neural Adaptation 2.4. 2 Strength 2.4. 3 Hypertrophy 2.4. 4 Hyperplasia Page
Lipid-Based Nanoparticles and Microbubbles – Multifunctional Lipid-Based Biocompatible Particles for in vivo Imaging and Theranostics

Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) are both biocompatible and biodegradable so very well suited to medicinal application in targeted drug delivery and in vivo imaging. Microbubbles (MB) are another emerging platform for functional delivery of drugs and in vivo imaging. This chapter is focused on the principles of LNP and MB construction, action and application, concluding with a section on the medical benefits that may result from bringing LNP and MB technologies together. Some applications are mentioned in brief to demonstrate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of LNPs and MBs. More specific detail on applications is provided elsewhere in this book.
On Becoming a Better Therapist

For many therapists, making sense of the latest developments in psychotherapy can feel overwhelming. Every day it seems there are dozens of therapeutic approaches, fully-manualized treatments hot off the press, and twenty more clinical tests meant to measure the precise extent of evolving psychopathologies. In therapy with individual clients, it can often be difficult to know objectively if you're achieving the desired results - or worse, you might know you're not reaching a particular client but have no idea why, and no idea what to do about it. An accumulation of unfruitful encounters over time can weigh on you, despite your good success rate overall. You read as much as you can, you try new approaches, but despite all the hard work you feel as though you're missing something. How can you properly assess your progress and that of your clients? How can you achieve better results, more often, with a wider variety of clients? In short: how can you become a better therapist? In this book, Barry L. Duncan answers these questions and more by applying the ideas described in the bestselling "The Heart and Soul of Change", now in its second edition. In this volume, Duncan examines the common factors inherent in all successful therapies and details the importance of the therapeutic alliance as a foundation of effective therapy. He provides clear and compelling advice for how therapists can systematically deal with clients who do not seem to improve over time. This advice is presented as a simple, five-step method of integrating honest, client-based outcome feedback with therapists' long-term professional development into a coherent and compelling whole. With lively case examples and unfailing good humor, Dr. Duncan's book is essential reading for anyone who seeks to rediscover purpose in their work and become a better therapist.
Mechanical properties of cassava starch films as affected by different plasticizers and different relative humidity conditions

The influence of plasticizer type (glycerol and sorbitol), its content (starch:plasticizer ratio of 1:0.15; 1:0.20; 1:0.25 and 1:0.30) and the relative humidity conditions (43, 58, 75 and 85%) on the mechanical properties of cassava starch films was studied. Both plasticizers seemed to integrate homogeneously in the film matrix. The incorporation of different concentrations of plasticizers affected the mechanical properties of the cassava starch films. Plasticizer ratio directly influenced the force values of the films, they showed significant flexibility when the plasticizer proportion was increased in the formulation. Under conditions of low relative humidity, sorbitol produced films more resistant to puncture than glycerol. Qualitatively, all the films were less brittle when the plasticizers were incorporated.
Histological changes in deltamethrin-induced intoxication in Carassius auratus gibelio (Pisces-cyprinidae)

Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide harmful for poikilolthermal vertebrates as fish are. During deltamethrin metabolism, overproduction of free radicals occurs and cellular oxidative stress appeared. In order to evaluate the deltamethrin toxicity in fish, we analyzed, by light microscopy, liver, kidney and gonads fragments prelevated from individuals of Carassius auratus gibelio exposed for 1, 2, 3, 7 and respectively 14 days to deltamethrin 2μg/L. Deltamethrin induced hepatic, gonadal and renal toxicity. The structure of liver and kidney was damaged. The decrease of spermatozoa number is a severe effect affecting the reproductive potential of the animals.
Long-Term Treatment Response, Predictors and Biochemical Markers in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is clinically characterised by an insidious onset with progressive symptoms of memory impairment, dysphasia, dyspraxia, dygnosia and visuospatial difficulties. Degeneration of neurons in specific regions of the brain, formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary changes are some of the neuropathological features of the disease. As a result of the degenerating process a deficiency in cholinergic function occurs in AD. This has been a target for therapy since the cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) (tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) were introduced as treatments for AD. Multiple short-term randomised clinical trials of ChEI treatment show beneficial effects on cognition, global functioning and activities of daily living in AD. Whether the effects of long-term ChEI treatment in a routine clinical setting are equally positive remains to be investigated. In the present study patients from naturalistic settings were investigated in long-term treatment studies (tacrine-study and The Swedish Alzheimer Treatment Study, SATS). Patients were repeatedly assessed with cognitive scales and global ratings over 3-5 years. A positive response to treatment was described in different response models. At 6 months 3/4 of the patients and at 3 years 1/3 were better or unchanged. Treatment for more than a year and positive response to tacrine treatment delayed nursing-home placement but did not influence survival. CSF T-tau and P-tau were possible markers for disease severity and P-tau for the abundance of symptoms in AD. A fast pre-treatment progression rate was a positive predictor for response to ChEI treatment even after adjusting for disease severity, another positive predictor of response. Baseline factors such as age, gender, CSF biomarkers and APOE genotype did not predict response to treatment. Dropout in these naturalistic settings was lower than expected. ChEI treatment changed the progression of the disease for more than 6 months and stabilised groups of patients for even longer (Less)
To Train or Not to Train?

To Train or Not to Train? This research paper examines the professional and non-professional methodological competencies of secondary school teachers in Nigeria. The main focus of this study is to probe the impact of professional and non-professional methodological competencies as a predictor of teaching effectiveness. Although this exploration is survey research, a questionnaire was used for data gathering, and multiple statistical procedures were employed in the analysis. This study contributes to the field both in terms of theory and practice. Theoretically, it provides an outline of school effectiveness and quality improvement that can be used as a basis for further research. The study identifies factors that create barriers to methodological competencies for the two categories of teachers used in this study. It also describes the present situation on the ground in Nigerian secondary schools. At the practical level, this outline might guide school leaders, education planners and policy makers in their school effectiveness and quality improvement endeavors.
Heterosis Breeding for Quality Improvement in Hybrids to be Developed Specifically for Garhwal Hills in Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill . )

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.),a solanaceae family vegetable, ranks second in importanceafter potato but tops the list of processed vegetables. Heterosis breeding is reliable and quick approach to gain maximum crop improvement. Six diverse tomato cultivars/lines viz, Arka Saurabh, Arka Abha, Arka Meghali, Punjab Chhuhara, Best of All and Sioux, selected on the basis of high yield coupled with high quality, were crossed in a half diallel fashion to obtain fifteen cross combinations which were tested with two check cultivars HYB-Roop-666 and TS-15. Three cross combinations viz, Arka Meghali x Punjab Chhuhara, Arka Saurabh x Arka Abha and Arka Saurabh x Punjab Chhuhara resulted in significantly positive heterobeltiosis for pericarp thickness. For total soluble solids, positive and significant heterobeltiosis were observed in three cross combinations, viz, Arka Saurabh x Arka Meghali, Punjab Chhuhara x Best of All and Arka Meghali x Sioux. Best of All x Sioux and Punjab Chhuhara x Sioux showed highest significant positive heterosis over better parent for shelf life. While, for one of the most important quality trait lycopene content, Arka Saurabh x Arka Meghali, Arka Saurabh x Punjab Chhuhara, Arka Saurabh x Best of All and Arka Abha x Best of All resulted in significantly positive heterobeltiosis.Arka Saurabh x Arka Meghali was the best cross combination for Lycopene content and total soluble solids.
Open Strategies and Innovation Performance

Scholarly interest in the relationship between open strategies and innovation performance has been unfailing, and in recent years has even increased. The present paper focuses on inbound open strategies and reviews various approaches (transaction costs, competences, open innovation) dealing with firms' decisions about these strategies. The different approaches result in different conclusions about the optimum level of openness. They are tested empirically taking account of the different degrees of firms' openness (closed, semi-open, open, ultra-open) and their relationship with sales of new-to-the-market products, and using a panel of Spanish firms from a Community Innovation Survey type survey for the period 2004–2008. Our results show that closed and semi-open strategies are the most common among Spanish firms and that open strategies are associated with the best performance, while semi-open strategies are correlated to a higher performance than closed ones. These results hold across different subsamples based on firm size and industry, and are robust to different ways of defining the indicators and to different estimation methods.
When Economics Met Antitrust: The Second Chicago School and the Economization of Antitrust Law

In this article, the authors interrogate legal and economic history to analyze the process by which the Chicago School of Antitrust emerged in the 1950s and became dominant in the United States. They show that the extent to which economic objectives and theoretical views shaped the inception of antitrust law. After establishing the minor influence of economics in the promulgation of U.S. competition law, they highlight U.S. economists’ caution toward antitrust until the Second New Deal and analyze the process by which the Chicago School developed a general and coherent framework for competition policy. They rely mainly on the seminal and programmatic work of Director and Levi (1956) and trace how this theoretical paradigm became collective—that is, the “economization” process in U.S. antitrust. Finally, the authors discuss the implications and possible pitfalls of such a conversion to economics-led antitrust enforcement.
Analysis of the Influence of Gender on the Choice of Bank in Southeast Nigeria

This study sought to empirically identify and rank the important factors considered by southeast male and female bank customers in bank selection in Nigeria. A sample size of 368 bank customers was drawn from Enugu and Onitsha, major commercial cities in southeast Nigeria. Major findings of this study are the six principal factors: a feeling of security, speedy and efficient service, financial benefit, convenient location, availability of ATM, marketing promotion and people influence. Statistical differences between the two genders were found for four factors. This study recommends that banks operating in the southeast should treat male and female genders as distinct market segments when crafting marketing strategies aimed at attracting them and emphasis should be on those factors that the potential bank customer considers most important. This study concludes that time is ripe for banks in southeast Nigeria to start treating male and female genders as distinct market segments.