Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antidiabetic Potential and its Relationship with Polyphenol and Degree of Polymerization in Acalypha indica Linn Leaves

Acalypha indica commonly known as Kuppi belongs to family Euphorbiaceae. Traditionally the plant used as a laxative, anthelmintic, cathartic and the juice is used as a speedy emetic for children and expectorant. It is used by tribal areas of Maharashtra State as rheumatic arthritis and as antihyperglycemic. However, no scientific data is available to validate the ethnobotanical claim. Keeping the above information in view, the present study has been designed to evaluate its antidiabetic activity. In the present study, hydroalcoholic extract of leaves and its fractions were studied for its anti diabetic potential in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The poly phenolic, flavonoid and flavanone contents of hydroalcoholic extract and its fractions were also determined and correlated with its anti diabetic activity. The experimental data indicated that the hydroalcoholic extract and its chloroform soluble fraction has significantly lowered the elevated blood glucose levels by 36.82% and 61.52% respectively at dose level of 400 mg/kg per oral after 7 days as compared to diabetic control. The poly phenolic and flavonoid content of hydro alcoholic extract and its chloroform soluble fraction were found to be 7.9 ± 0.20 mg and 1.14 ± 0.21mg (gallic acid equivalent/ g extract) and flavonoid content 2.02 ± 0 . 50 mg and 0.56 ± 0.003mg (rutin equivalent/g extract) respectively. The increased anti diabetic potential of chloroform fraction over hydro alcoholic extract is due to its partial purification achieved by fractionation which resulted in increase in degree of polymerization and segregation of secondary metabolites.
Clustering of far-infrared galaxies in the AKARI All-Sky Survey North

We present the measurements of the angular two-point correlation function for AKARI 90-μm point sources, detected outside the Milky Way plane and other regions characterized by high Galactic extinction in the northern Galactic hemisphere, and categorized as extragalactic sources according to our far-infrared-color based criterion. Together with our previous work (Pollo et al., 2013) this is the first measurement of the large-scale angular clustering of galaxies selected in the far-infrared after IRAS. We present the first attempt to estimate the spatial clustering properties of AKARI All-Sky galaxies and we conclude that they are mostly a very nearby (z ≤ 0.1) population of moderately clustered galaxies. We measure their correlation length r0 ~ 4.5 h−1 Mpc, which is consistent with the assumption that the FIS AKARI All-Sky surveys observes mostly a nearby star-forming population of galaxies.
Massive Dirac fermions and spin physics in an ultrathin film of topological insulator

We study transport and optical properties of the surface states which lie in the bulk energy gap of a thin-film topological insulator. When the film thickness is comparable with the surface state decay length into the bulk, the tunneling between the top and bottom surfaces opens an energy gap and form two degenerate massive Dirac hyperbolas. Spin dependent physics emerges in the surface bands which are vastly different from the bulk behavior. These include the surface spin Hall effects, spin dependent orbital magnetic moment, and spin dependent optical transition selection rule which allows optical spin injection. We show a topological quantum phase transition where the Chern number of the surface bands changes when varying the thickness of the thin film.
A Review on the Prevalence of Depression in Malaysia

Transforming western technology to Eastern populations, including Malaysia, presents important implications in understanding the development, maintenance, and treatment of depression. The present paper aims to review the literature on the prevalence of depression studies in Malaysia. PsycINFO, Medline databases, local journals, and 13 published articles, were included in the current review. Findings were presented in three categories i.e., `prevalence of depression in primary care', `general community', and `among clinical population'. Major limitations of previous studies were noted, and thus, problems associated with the implementation and future direction of clinical and research on depression in Malaysia, was provided. In short, the contribution of empirical research on the prevalence of depression has remained inconsistent and fragmented and it is therefore, a time to venture modification.
Studying texts in a second language: The importance of test type

Little is known about the extent to which information encoding and retrieval differ between materials studied in first and second language (L1 and L2). In this study we compared memory for short, expository texts in L1 and L2, tested with a free recall test and a true/false judgement test. Our results show that students performed at the same level on the recognition test in both languages but not on the free recall test, with much lower performance in L2 than in L1, defined here as the dominant language. The L2 recall cost suggests that students’ performance may be underestimated if they are exclusively tested with essay-type exams in L2.
On the cusps bordering liquid sheets

Abstract The edge of a stationary radially expanding liquid sheet and the receding rim bordering a plane sheet are naturally indented. It presents a collection of cusps at the extremity of which the liquid concentrates and is expelled. An experimental description of these cusps for a stationary flat inviscid Savart sheet is given. We identify the stable node–jet structure responsible for the deflection of the incoming flow at the rim and demonstrate how these cusps are the structures that accommodate for both mass and momentum conservation at the sheet edge. Their shape, their number around the sheet, and the residual momentum carried by the ejected liquid are computed.
Maxwell’s Equations on Cantor Sets: A Local Fractional Approach

Maxwell’s equations on Cantor sets are derived from the local fractional vector calculus. It is shown that Maxwell’s equations on Cantor sets in a fractal bounded domain give efficiency and accuracy for describing the fractal electric and magnetic fields. Local fractional differential forms of Maxwell’s equations on Cantor sets in the Cantorian and Cantor-type cylindrical coordinates are obtained. Maxwell’s equations on Cantor set with local fractional operators are the first step towards a unified theory of Maxwell’s equations for the dynamics of cold dark matter.
Spectrum of Histopathological Findings in Liver Biopsy

The significance of abnormal liver function tests in the absence of diagnostic serology is unclear. The aim of this prospective study is to report liver biopsy findings in a large group of patients with unexplained abnormal liver biochemistry and correlate them with the clinical features to assess the severity of these diseases. Percutaneous liver biopsy is a relatively safe and accurate method of diagnosing liver disease and should be considered in such cases. A total of 63 liver biopsies were studied for a period of 18 months from june 2012 to december 2013, of which, 34.92% (n=22) hepatic tumors, 20.63. %(13) glycogen storage disorders, 4.7% (n=03) cirrhosis, 4.7% (n=03) fatty liver and 4.7% (n=3) viral hepatitis, 4.7%(3) Non alcoholic steato hepatitis were seen. Further, 01.58% case (n=1) each of extra hepatic biliary atresia, amyloidosis, miliary tuberculosis, liver abscess, and liver cell dysplasia were also observed. Liver biopsy was non specific in 6.34% (n=4) and inadequate in 11.11% (n=7) cases. The role of histopathological examination of liver biopsy is highlighted in this paper.
Rate of CCA leaching from commercially treated decking.

Conflicting reports on levels of arsenic in soil beneath decks treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) have raised concerns about arsenic exposure from this type of treated wood. This paper reports on an evaluation of the rate of release of copper, chromium, and arsenic from commercially treated lumber as a function of treatment additive (with or without water repellent) and rate of rainfall. Treated lumber was purchased from several retailers at three times over the course of a year, and exposed under laboratory conditions to simulated rainfall at rates of 2.5, 8.0, or 25.4 mm/hr. , up to a total of 762 mm of rainfall. Water running off the specimens was periodically collected and analyzed for the concentration of leached arsenic, chromium, and copper. The amount of arsenic released from each specimen ranged from 0.16 percent when rainfall was delivered at 25.4 mm/hr. to 0.72 percent when rainfall was delivered at 2.5 mm/hr. The rate of arsenic release was highest initially and then stabilized at an average of 0.0143, 0.0079, and 0.0062 μg/cm 2 /mm rainfall for the 2.5, 8.0, and 25.4 mm/hr. rainfall rates, respectively. The inclusion of water repellent in the CCA treatment did not have a consistent effect on leaching. In most cases, leaching of arsenic was greater in specimens containing the water-repellent additive, but the water repellent did appear to reduce leaching of copper. Using similar methodology, a secondary study was conducted to evaluate the ability of several finishes to reduce leaching. The results indicate that finishing decking with a semi-transparent water-repellent stain, latex paint, or oil-based paint will greatly reduce the leaching of arsenic, chromium, and copper.
Morphological Variation in Leaf Traits of Populus euphratica Oliv. Natural Populations

Populus euphratica oliv. is one of the most important species in the arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. Variations in its leaf morphology have been studied in the eleven growing sites with different ecological conditions. Thirteen biometric characteristics of leaf were measured in all natural stands. In this study, leaf length, maximum leaf width, leaf area, distance between middle of maximum leaf width and leaf blade, distance between maximum leaf width and midrib, and the ratios of petiole length to leaf length provided good discriminating criteria for classifying various populations. Correlation between morphological traits and geo-climatic factors demonstrated an existing cline controlling the distribution of euphrat poplar populations. Three distinct groups of populations were recognized in different geographical and ecological conditions. Significant differences in morphological features have been observed in populations from eastern and western parts of Iran.
DETERMINANTS OF RISK TOLERANCE ON FINANCIAL ASSET OWNERSHIP: A CASE OF MALAYSIA

The present study intends to shed new light on the issue of determinants of risk tolerance among Malaysians using data obtained from a survey. The main analysis is based on ordinary least square (OLS) method of regression using level of financial risk tolerance as the dependent variable and socio–economic factors as regressors. The preliminary analyses found that majority of the respondents prefer to keep their money in liquid assets, such as in saving account and cash. These assets definitely have the lowest level of risk compared to other forms of assets. A further analysis, using OLS regression reveals several significant determinants of risk tolerance among the sample respondents. Risk tolerance is higher among the young, males, those with higher level of education and those in non-public sector. In addition, the study also finds that Malays are more risk averse than Chinese and those in Kedah are more risk averse than those in Kuala Lumpur.
A Linear Quadratic Approach to Optimal Monetary Policy with Unemployment and Sticky Prices: The Case of a Distorted Steady State

Ravenna and Walsh (2010) develop a linear quadratic framework for optimal monetary policy analysis in a New Keynesian model featuring search and matching frictions and show that maximization of expected utility of the representative household is equivalent to minimizing a quadratic loss function that consists of inflation, and two appropriately defined gaps involving unemployment and labor market tightness. This paper generalizes their analysis, most importantly by relaxing the Hosios (1990) condition which eliminates the distortions resulting from labor market inefficiencies, such that the equilibrium level of unemployment under flexible prices would not necessarily be optimal. I take account of steady-state distortions using the methodology of Benigno and Woodford (2005) and derive a quadratic loss function that involves the same three terms, albeit with different relative weights and definitions for unemployment- and labor market tightness gaps. I evaluate the resulting loss function subject to a simple set of log-linearized equilibrium relationships and perform policy analysis. The key result of the paper is that search externalities give rise to an endogenous cost push term in the new Keynesian Phillips curve, suggesting a case against complete price stability as the only goal of monetary policy, because there is now a trade-off between stabilizing inflation and reducing inefficient unemployment fluctuations. Transitory movements of inflation in this environment helps job creation and hence prevents excessive volatility of unemployment.
Patterns of variability in early life traits of a Mediterranean coastal fish

Spawning dates and pelagic larval duration (PLD) are early life traits (ELT) crucial for understanding life cycles, properly assessing patterns of connectivity and gathering indications about patchiness or homogeneity of larval pools. Considering that little attention has been paid to spatial variability in these traits, we investigated variability of ELT from the analysis of otolith microstructure in the common two-banded sea bream Diplodus vulgaris. In the southwestern Adriatic Sea, along ~200 km of coast (~1° in latitude, 41.2° to 40.2°N), variability of ELT was assessed at multiple spatial scales. Overall, PLD (ranging from 25 to 61 d) and spawning dates (October 2009 to February 2010) showed significant variability at small scales (i.e. <6 km), but not at larger scales. These outcomes suggest patchiness of the larval pool at small spatial scales. Mul- tiple causal processes underlying the observed variability are discussed, along with the need to properly consider spatial variability in ELT, for example when delineating patterns of connectivity.
Serum Biochemical Parameter of Male, Immature and Female Persian Sturgeon (Acipencer persicus)

The serum biochemical parameters of Acipencer persicus, one of the most valuable, endangered and ancient fish of the world were evaluated in this study. The study was carried out with 20 Persian sturgeons from Iranian fishing area of the Southern part of the Caspian Sea catched in summer and winter 2008. Serum sample of A. Persicus were analysed and their serum parameter value determined as mean ±SD in male, female and immature fishes. According to the present results, some parameters were significantly (P<0.05) higher in males than immature and females sturgeons (P<0.05), including; Albumin (0.89±0.1, 0.65±0.3, 0.64±0.2 mg/dl), Phosphorous (2.9±0.4, 2.5±0.5, 2.4±0.3 mg/dl), Magnesium (1.6±0.1, 1.4±0.2, 1.2±0.1 mg/dl), Total protein (5.6±1.4, 4.5±0.2, 4.42±1.7 g/dl), Glucose (6.3±0.7, 2.7±0.2, 3.5±0.4 mg/dl). Blood biochemical of male, immature and female values of Alkaline phosphatase (30.2±6.3, 35.1±7.54, 25.47±8.1 IU/dl) Aspartate aminotransferase (27.6±4.8, 47.8±24.3, 33.9±9.9 IU/dl), Alanine aminotransferase (8.15+0.96, 17.7+1.06, 11.5+5.2 IU/dl), Creatine Phosphokinase (263.7±19.6, 283.8±39.7, 256.4±61.9 IU/dl) and amylase (163.5±22.1, 189.8±22.9, 154.2±15.4 IU/dl) were higher in immature fish than males and females respectively. There were no differences in case of the C3, C4, Cratinin, IgM, Iron, Calcium, BUN, lysozyme, Cholesterol and blood Urea nitrogen between sex and immature fishes. Serum biochemical values reported here will be used as reference for the early detection, identification, and monitoring of disease and sublethal conditions in cultured Persian sturgeon.
Arend Lijphart and the 'New Institutionalism'

In a series of books and articles Arend Lijphart has established himself as the leading exponent of an important strain of new institutionalist thought, one whose central features have never, as far as we are aware, clearly been articulated, even by Lijphart himself. We compare and contrast the approach of Lijphart (and of the students and colleagues he has influenced)--one which we argue is distinguished by its mix of concern for taxonomic conceptualization, cross-national and cross-temporal applicability, and explanatory power--with other better known strains of the new institutionalism. We also briefly discuss extensions and critiques of Lijphart's distinction between majoritarian and consensus-oriented governmental structures.
Numerical investigation of particles turbulent dispersion in channel flow

This paper investigates the performance of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes model on dispersion of particles in wall turbulence. A direct numerical simulation of wall-bounded channel flow with particles suspensions was set as a benchmark. The standard k-ω model coupled with two different eddy interaction models was used in Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes model and compared to the direct numerical simulation. Detailed comparisons between direct numerical simulation and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes model on particle distribution evolving over time were carried out.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CASE OF NIGERIA

This paper examined the effects of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the development of Nigerian economy. Foreign Direct Investment is assumed to benefit a developing country like Nigeria, not only by supplementing domestic investment, but also in terms of employment creation, transfer of technology, increased domestic competition and other positive externalities. The paper tried to answer the question: what are the FDI determinants in Nigeria and how do they affect the Nigerian economy? The study employed the use of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression technique to test the time series data from 1970 – 2007. The Cochrane-Orcutt iterative method was also used to correct for autocorrelation. The model used hypothesizes that there is a functional relationship between the economy development of Nigeria using the real gross domestic product (RGDP) and Foreign Direct Investment. The regression analysis results evidently do not provide much support for the view of a robust link between FDI and economic growth in Nigeria as suggested by extant previous literatures. Though the result does not imply that FDI is unimportant, the model analysis reduces the confidence in the belief that FDI has exerted an independent growth effect in Nigeria.
On the Importance of Fertility Behavior in School Finance Policy Design

To design an optimal education policy, it is essential to account for the fertility differential between the poor and the rich because it affects the human capital investment through the child quantity-quality tradeoff of children. We develop a dynamic general equilibrium in which parents choose the quantity of children, transfer a preschool ability to their children, determine the quality of children by choosing private expenditures on basic education in addition to public expenditures on basic education, leave a bequest that could be used to finance college education. Moreover, there is an uncertainty in college completion depending on ability and endogenous wage determination based on the amount of schooling in the economy. It is very important to consider general equilibrium effects because the change in either fertility behavior or college outcomes as a result of policy changes leads to a large change in aggregate skill distribution. We find that ignoring fertility behavior, especially differential fertility substantially underestimates the role of credit constraints in the economy. We also analyze the impact of basic education subsidies and college subsidies on welfare, inequality, and intergenerational mobility. Strikingly, the choice between these two policies is found to be dependent on the magnitude of differential fertility rate. JEL Primary Field Name: Public Finance JEL Classification: H2, I2, D5, J1, J3
The History of Tourist Transport After the Modern Industrial Revolution

The History of Tourist Transport After the Modern Industrial Revolution The article focuses on the changes in the development of tourism transportation, which occurred after the invention of the steam engine in 1769 by Watt. The stages in tourism transport after the industrial revolution have been introduced. The article also deals with changes occurred in all modes of transportation, taking into account the speed of the trip, the quality of transport services and the pace of the development of the touristic movement as well as the pro-ecological actions.
The VLT-FLAMES survey of massive stars. NGC2004#115: A triple system hosting a possible short period B+BH binary

The star NGC2004#115 in the LMC, originally classified as an (SB1) Be spectroscopic binary, bears some morphological resemblance to the Galactic systems LB-1 and HR 6819, both of which are proposed as either Be+black hole (BH) or Be+stripped He-star systems. Two data-sets (ESO/VLT and SALT) of multi-epoch optical spectra of NGC 2004#115, separated by baseline of $\sim$20 years, lead us conclude it is a triple system hosting an inner binary with a period of 2.92 d, eccentricity $\sim$0.0 and mass function $\sim$0.07 $M_\odot$. The inner binary harbours a B-type star (the primary) with projected rotational velocity of 10km/s, and luminosity $\log L/L_\odot$=3.87, contributing $\sim$60% of the V-band light to the system. The secondary is not detected, while the tertiary, which contributes 40% of the light, is tentatively identified as a less luminous B-type star with high projected rotational velocity. No ellipsoidal light variability is detected, with stringent limits being set by MACHO and Gaia data. Assuming the primary to be a main sequence star yields a mass of 8.6$ M_\odot$, while the additional assumption of synchronous rotation constrains the inclination to be almost pole-on with i~9 degrees, implying the secondary is a BH with a mass of $\sim$25 $M_\odot$. A low mass stripped star with similar luminosity is ruled out as a potential solution as its mass implies a Roche radius that is substantially smaller than the stellar radius. The outer period likely exceeds 120 days and, while the disk-like emission is variable (it is almost absent in the SALT dataset), it may be associated with the inner binary rather than the rapidly rotating tertiary. XMM-Newton provides an upper limit of 5x$10^{33}$ ergs/s on the X-ray flux, consistent with, though not constraining of, the system hosting a quiescent B+BH binary. A number of caveats to this scenario are discussed in the paper.