Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydrocarbon burning velocities determination using modified CFR engine

Hydrocarbon burning velocities have been investigated for a long time, as they affect internal combustion engine performance. Burning velocities depend on temperature, pressure and mixture composition, and can be evaluated by open pipe or constant volume vessel techniques. Farrell [2] published experimental data on combustion velocities for pure compounds measured in a constant volume vessel under typical conditions of temperature and pressure found at the end of an Otto engine compression stroke. Dalavia [1] proposed a method of assessing overall burning time in an Otto cycle CFR engine, measuring the time elapsed from the mixture ignition to the flame front arrival at the opposite cylinder wall, as detected by an ionization sensor. Our work compared flame travel times measured in a modified CFR engine to burning velocity data published by Farrell [2] for pure hydrocarbons, checking the correlation between them. The mean combustion speeds of ten pure hydrocarbons were evaluated at stoichiometric conditions, keeping the compression ratio constant as the ignition advance was changed. The results were validated and the modified CFR engine was found to be an effective tool to determine burning velocities.
EFFECT OF GROWING MEDIA AND FERTILIZATION TREATMENTS ON GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF GARDENIA JASMINOIDES PLANTS

The effect of three growing media types (peatmoss, peatmoss + sand and peatmoss + sand clay) and five fertilization treatments (control, mineral NPK, humic acid, EM and humic acid + EM) on growth and flowering of Gardenia jasminodies was investigated during two successive seasons of 2014 and 2015 under greenhouse conditions. The peatmoss growing medium was superior to the other media types in increasing plant height, stem diameter, branch and leaf number/plant, leaves and roots dry weights/ plant, as well as, number and fresh weights of flowers/plant and in producing earlier flowering. In the second place came peatmoss + sand, while peatmoss + sand+ clay gave the least values of all these traits and produced the most delayed flowers of Gardenia. Concerning fertilization treatments, the combined treatment of humic acid plus EM produced the best vegetative and flowering characters. Like that of NPK treatment, while each of humic acid or EM alone gave less values. Moreover, the three tested treatments of humic acid and/or EM caused early flowering date while NPK produced late flowering in comparison with untreated plants. The overall best vegetative growth and flowering aspects in addition to early flowering date were given due to planting Gardenia jasminoides plants in peatmoss or peatmoss plus sand and fertilizing them with humic acid plus EM.
Galaxy interactions - II. High density environments

Aims. With the aim to assess the role of dense environments in galax y interactions, we present an analysis of close galaxy pairs in groups and clusters, obtained from the Sloan Digital Sky Sur vey Data Release 7 (SDSS-DR7). Methods. We identified pairs that reside in groups by cross-correlati ng the total galaxy pair catalog with the SDSS-DR7 group cata log from Zapata et al. (2009). We classify pair galaxies accordi ng to the intensity of interaction as evidenced from the morp h logical appearance of the optical images. We analyzed the e ffect of high density environments on di fferent classes of galaxy-galaxy interactions and we have also studied the impact of the group global enviro ment on pair galaxies. Results. We find that galaxy pairs are more concentrated towards the gr oup centers with respect to the other group galaxy members, and disturbed pairs show a preference to contain the brighte st galaxy in the groups. The color-magnitude relation exhib its significant differences between pair galaxies and the control sample (const ructed with galaxy group members without close companions) , consisting in color tails with a clear excess of extremely bl ue and red galaxies for merging systems. In addition, pair ga laxies show a significant excess of young stellar populations with respe ct to galaxies in the control sample; this finding suggests th at, in dense environments, strong interactions produce an important e ffect in modifying galaxy properties. We find that the fraction of star forming galaxies decreases toward the group center; however, galax y pairs show a more e fficient star formation activity than galaxies without a close companion. We have also found that pair galaxies prefer groups with low d ensity global environments with respect to galaxies of the c orresponding control sample. Blue, young stellar population galaxies prefer groups with in low density global environments. We find that this behavio r is mainly driven by galaxy-galaxy interactions, which provide the fu ndamental physical mechanisms that drive this process. Conclusions.
Stochastic Stability in the Best Shot Game

The best shot game applied to networks is a discrete model of many processes of contribution to local public goods. It has generally a wide multiplicity of equilibria that we refine through stochastic stability. In this paper we show that, depending on how we define perturbations, i.e. the possible mistakes that agents can make, we can obtain very different sets of stochastically stable equilibria. In particular and non-trivially, if we assume that the only possible source of error is that of an agent contributing that stops doing so, then the only stochastically stable equilibria are those in which the maximal number of players contributes.
Examining Students' Feelings and Perceptions of Accounting Profession in a Developing Country: The Role of Gender and Student Category

This paper examines the preconceived notions accounting students in Ghana have about the accounting profession and whether these perceptions are influenced by gender and student category (graduates and undergraduates). This study was a cross-sectional survey of 516 undergraduate and 78 graduate accounting students from a public university in Ghana. A self-administered structured questionnaire was developed to collect primary data. Data were analysed using SPSS 16.0. The results of this study show that, generally, both undergraduate and graduate accounting students have positive perceptions about accounting profession, contrary to most existing literature. Our findings indicate that despite the generally negative perception held by the public about accountants’ behaviour, accounting students in Ghana do not share the same perception with the public. This study also found that gender influences the perception of both graduate and undergraduate accounting students, and few significant differences existed between graduate and undergraduate accounting students’ perception of the profession. This research contributes to the academic debate surrounding the concerns of the future of accounting profession and its implications for contemporary accounting education in developing countries. It also provides knowledge to accounting educators in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regarding areas of career orientation and training required to positively influence the perception of future accounting professionals in SSA and Ghana in particular. The limitations of this study are discussed to provide directions for future research.
Modelling the value of a multifunctional landscape – A discrete choice experiment

In the context of today’s intensive discussion of landscape multifunctionality, one primary objective of the current European Union policy is to support the implementation of multifunctionaly within the EU. In order to assess the economical feasibility of the implementation of a multifunctional land use in the Wetterau region in Germany this study addresses the question whether the local population, which is above all affected by the degradation of landscapes, benefits from a change from today’s landscape dominated by intensive agricultural production towards a multifunctional landscape. Based on data obtained by discrete choice experiments in the Wetterau region, a cost-benefit-analysis is carried out using the modelling and assessment framework CHOICE. The results show that the local population of the Wetterau region assigns a high value to a landscape that takes into account ecological aspects of landscape composition. In fact, the CHOICE model suggests that the willingness-to-pay for the multifunctionality scenario is higher than for all other scenarios under study. Moreover, taking implementation costs into account a regional cost-benefit-analysis indicates that the provision of a multifunctional landscape will lead to a positive net benefit for society.
Research article THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SLOPE STEEPNESS ON SOIL LOSS AND SURFACE RUNOFF BAKRAJOW UNDER NATURAL RAINFALL.

This study was carried out during 2013-2014, at Bakrajow Research Farm to investigate the effect of two slopes (7 and 11.3%), four runoff plots (8 × 2 m) were constructed on each slope. The results showed that average runoff and soil loss of 11.3% slope were about 3 and 2 times more than the second slope of 7.0% respectively. Then the difference was significant at the level of 0.05.
Bow Shock Wave Mitigation by Laser-Plasma Energy Addition in Hypersonic Flow

Experimental results of bow shock wave mitigation by laser-plasma energy addition in a low-density Mach 7 hypersonic flow conducted in a shock tunnel are presented. A high-power pulsed CO2 laser operating with 7 J of energy and 30 MW of peak power was used to generate the plasma ahead of a hemispherical model installed in the tunnel test section. The schlieren technique was used to visualize the time evolution of energy addition to the flow by laser-induced plasma and the interaction between this disturbed region and the inherent bow shock formed on the model by hypersonic flow. A complete mitigation of the bow shock profile under action of the energy addition was observed. The impact pressure on the hemispherical model measured at the stagnation point reveals the correlation between the schlieren images and the pressure reduction.
Bank Interventions and Downside Correlation Risk Premium: Evidence from the Global and Euro-Area Crisis

Using a novel dataset on government interventions into financial institutions between 2008-2013, we examine the impact of capital injection announcements on the downside correlation risk premium (DCRP), the compensation that investors demand to bear the risk of large correlated drops in banks' stock prices. We find that intervention announcements significantly reduce DCRP in the U.S., while only interventions involving multiple banks reduce DCRP in the euro area. Interventions in the euro area appear to be fragmented, as they are more effective for banks within the country intervening, especially for countries that are less fiscally constrained and have lower CDS spreads.
Review Article: A Review on the Microbiology of Indigenous Fermented Foods and Beverages of Ethiopia

Microorganisms have been playing a pivotal role in the fermentation of human foods and beverages since the beginning of human civilisation. Fermented foods and beverages are defined as products obtained through desirable biochemical changes caused by the action of microorganisms or enzymes. In indigenous fermented foods, the microorganisms responsible for the fermentation are usually the microflora naturally present on the raw substrate. Fermentation is one of the oldest and most economical methods of producing and preserving food and is found to destroy undesirable components, to enhance the nutritive value, flavour and taste of the food, and to make the product safe from pathogenic microorgansisms. Fermented foods are produced world-wide using various manufacturing techniques, raw materials and microorganisms. However, there are only four main fermentation processes: alcoholic, lactic acid, acetic acid and alkali fermentation. Alcohol fermentation results in the production of ethanol, and yeasts are the predominant organisms (e.g. wines and beers). Lactic acid fermentation (e.g. fermented milks and cereals) is mainly carried out by lactic acid bacteria. Acetobacter convert alcohol to acetic acid in aerobic conditions as in the production of vinegar. Alkali fermentation is basically a proteolytic type and often takes place during the fermentation of fish and
Using iPads to promote mark-making in children on the autism spectrum.

This paper explores the use of iPads in a nursery setting, particularly to promote mark-making. Mark-making is important to help children develop pen control and writing skills. With the increase in the use of technology to support learning in both mainstream and specialist schools, this paper is an important glimpse into the challenges and benefits of introducing iPads into early years settings. Although this is a case study, it provides useful information on some of the reservations and difficulties staff came across over the course of the study. The results of this case study are overall very positive and the authors suggest further research that would add to this area. This paper will be of interest to staff working in school settings and parents of children with autism.
Serological prevalence and haematological profile of FelineImmunodeficiency virus (FIV) in semi-roamer and outdoor cats

Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is among the most common infectious diseases diagnosed in cats. In this study, 55 client-owned cats presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UVH-UPM) were sampled. Inclusion criteria were semi-roamer and outdoor cats aged more than 6 mont hs old. Blood samples were collected for serological testing us ing commercial immunochromatographic test kits and haematological an alysis. Of the 55 cats tested, 13 cats (23.6%) tested positive for FIV antibodies. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between neuter and health status to FIV seropositivity. FIV infect ions were more likely occured in intact cats compared to neutered cat s, and in sick cats compared to healthy cats. Erythrocytes, hemoglobin and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly redu ced (P<0.05) in FIV cats compared to FIV-seronegative cats, however these parameters were within the normal ranges
Some Theoretical Results on Forecast Combinations

This paper proposes a framework for the analysis of the theoretical properties of forecast combination, with the forecast performance being measured in terms of mean squared forecast errors (MSFE). Such a framework is useful for deriving all existing results with ease. In addition, it also provides insights into two forecast combination puzzles. Specifically, it investigates why a simple average of forecasts often outperforms forecasts from single models in terms of MSFEs, and why a more complicated weighting scheme does not always perform better than a simple average. In addition, this paper presents two new findings that are particularly relevant in practice. First, the MSFE of a forecast combination decreases as the number of models increases. Second, the conventional approach to the selection of optimal models, based on a simple comparison of MSFEs without further statistical testing, leads to a biased selection.
Reaction Cross Sections for Protons on 12C, 40Ca, 90Zr, and 208Pb at Energies between 80 and 180 MeV

Results of reaction cross‐section measurements on 12C, 40Ca, 90Zr, and 208Pb at incident proton energies between 80 and 180 MeV are presented. The experimental procedure is described and the results are compared with earlier measurements and predictions using macroscopic and microscopic models.
Diet is correlated with otolith shape in marine fish

Previous studies have shown that the amount of food influences fish otolith structure, opacity and shape and that diet composition has an effect on otolith chemical composition. This study investigated the potential correlation between diet and otolith shape in 5 wild marine fish species by addressing 4 complementary questions. First, is there a global relationship between diet and otolith shape? Second, which prey categories are involved in this relationship? Third, what are the respective contributions of food quantity and relative composition to diet-otolith shape co-variation? Fourth, is diet energetic composition related to otolith shape? For each species, we investigated how otolith shape varies with diet. These questions were tackled by describing diet in the analysis in 4 different ways, while also including individual-state variables to remove potential confounding effects. First, besides the strong effect of individual-state, a global relationship between diet and otolith shape was detected for 4 out of 5 fish species. Second, both main and secondary prey categories were related to variability in otolith shape, and otolith outline reconstructions revealed that both otolith global shape and its finer details co-varied with these prey categories. Third, the contribution of relative diet composition to diet-otolith shape co-variation was much higher than that of ingested food quantity. Fourth, the energetic composition of diet was related to otolith shape of only 1 species. These results suggest that diet in marine fish species may influence the quantity and composition of saccular endolymph proteins which play an important role in otolith biomineralization and their resulting 3D structure.
Stability Analysis of Finger Millet Genotypes in Moisture Stressed Areas of Northern Ethiopia

Finger millet is one of the important cereals in Ethiopia, preferred for food and local drink preparation and animal feed. In spite of its importance, yield is low due to production problems, such lodging, moisture stress, disease (blast), weed, shortage of improved varieties and poor agronomic managements. Breeding of improved varieties with the farmers’ desired traits is one of the strategies of the national finger millet improvement programs. Multi-location trail is a basic task of breeding programs, for identifying and recommendation of a stable and high yielder variety. Nine advanced finger millet genotypes along with local check and standard check (Tadesse) were evaluated at moisture stressed finger millet growing areas of northern Ethiopia. Experiments were conducted in Rama during 2012, 2013 and 2014, in Ahferom during 2013 and 2014 and in Maistebri during 2014 cropping season, to select and recommend better performing stable genotypes. AMMI, ASV and GGE methods of genotype by environment interaction analysis, identified KNE#622 as relatively with low interaction accompanied with high grain yield performance, which can be recommended for moisture stressed areas. All the parameters indicated the local check and standard check were the worst varieties for their high interaction and low grain yield. Keywords: Advanced lines, AMMI stability value Ethiopia, finger millet, genotype by environment interaction
Antimicrobial Potential of Moringa oleifera Seed Coat and Its Bioactive Phytoconstituents

The in vitro antimicrobial potential of the unexplored Moringa oleifera seed coat (SC) was evaluated against some Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeast pathogens. Antimicrobial studies with various solvent extracts indicated ethyl acetate to be the best extractant, which was used for the rest of the antimicrobial studies as it tested neither toxic nor mutagenic. Gram-positive bacteria including a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain were more susceptible with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 0.03-0.04 mg/ml. The antimicrobial pharmacodynamics of the extract exhibited both concentration-dependent and time-dependent killing. Most of the test organisms exhibited a short post antibiotic effect (PAE) except Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae 1, which exhibited longer PAEs. Amongst the major phytoconstituents established, flavonoids, diterpenes, triterpenes and cardiac glycosides exhibited inhibitory properties against most of the test organisms. The identified active phytochemicals of the M. oleifera seed coat exhibited antimicrobial potential against a wide range of medically important pathogens including the multidrug-resistant bugs. Hence, the M. oleifera seed coat, which is usually regarded as an agri-residue, could be a source of potential candidates for the development of drugs or drug leads of broad spectrum that includes multidrug-resistant bugs, which are one of the greatest concerns of the 21st century.
Some Chemical Pollutants of Water Used in Broiler Chicken Farms and Their Effect on Immune Response and Body Weight of Chicken

The chemical fitness of water used in so me broiler farms in Behera and Kafr El sheikh Provinces was assessed and effects of some of the detected chemical pollutants on the body weight and the immune response of broiler chicken to so me vaccines including New castle disease (ND) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccines were studied. A total of 100 water samples were co llected including; 71 water samples fro m chicken farms (44 samp les fro m underground water and 27 fro m tap water) and 29 water samples were collected fro m streams and canals located at the same areas of chicken farms. Chemical examination was performed at The Central Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El Sheikh Un iversity to determine the levels of lead, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cadmiu m and cobalt. The obtained results revealed detection of lead, copper, iron, zinc, manganese in some of the examined sample and their maximu m concentration were 0.23, 0.67, 2.15, 7.75, 2.99 mg/l, respectively while cadmiu m and cobalt could not be detected in all samples. The effects of the detected chemical pollutants on the body weight and the immune response of broiler chicken to so me vaccines were evaluated. 195 one day old broiler chicks were randomly selected and divided in to 6 groups (each group contains two sub groups; each sub group contains 15 chicks), that were received water with selected chemical pollutants including lead, iron, copper, zinc and manganese and one group containing 15 ch icks was reared as a control group that received distilled water. All the experimental groups was vaccinated against ND and IBD then the antibody titers of ND and IBD vaccines was measured by the Heamagglutination Inhibit ion Test (HI test) and En zy me linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), respectively. The obtained results revealed that the group of chicks received water containing the low and high levels of lead showed a significant decrease in antibody titer when co mpared with control g roup. Also, the group received treated water with high level of copper showed a significant decrease in the antibody titer of ND at days 21 and 28 when co mpared with control group. Results of ELISA showed a significant decrease in antibody titer of IBD at day 21 in the group received water containing the high dose of copper. By co mparing the final body weight of all groups, it was observed that there was a significant decrease in the body weight of groups received high level of lead and high level of all po llutants together. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the body weight of the group received high level of zinc. Finally, it was concluded that lead and copper had an adverse effect on the immune response of broiler chicken and their body weight so periodical examination of water for presence of chemical pollutant especially heavy metals is suggested.