Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of a new chemotype of woodland sage (Salvia nemorosa L. subsp. nemorosa, Lamiaceae) essential oil

Essential oil of woodland sage ( Salvia nemorosa subsp. nemorosa L., Lamiaceae) was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and assayed for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring both free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) and lipid peroxidation (LP) effects. Specifically, RSC was assessed by measuring the scavenging activity of essential oils on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals; while LP effects were evaluated by monitoring the activities of essential oil in Fe 2+ /ascorbate and Fe 2+ /H 2 O 2 induction systems. The investigated essential oil reduced DPPH (IC 50 = 0.98 μl/ml) and OH radical formation (IC 50 = 0.11 μl/ml) in a dose-dependent manner. Strong LP inhibition in both induction systems was also observed. Antimicrobial activity was tested against 13 bacterial strains and 6 fungi, including Candida albicans and 5 dermatomycetes. Although only weak antifungal activity was found; significant antibacterial activity was observed against Salmonella typhi , Shigella sonei and Staphylococcus epidermidis .
Computerized Working Memory Training in Group and the Effects of Noise: a Randomised Pilot Study with 7 to 9 year old Children

The current study examines the effects of a computerised Working Memory (WM) intervention in elementary school children when training in groups of various sizes. It further examines the effects of noise during the performance of WM tasks. The children included were 7 - 9 years old and were randomly assigned to control and training groups based on Raven's scores. Results showed an improvement of verbal WM, backward digit span task, and of visuospatial WM, on the visuospatial span task. Furthermore, the results indicated that group size and performance in the interventions exercises had a greater influence on visuo-spatial WM performance than on verbal WM performance. The results of the study also suggest that computerized WM training in group is less than optimal. Regarding noise, the visuospatial WM task showed an interaction effect with noise when all participating children were divided into two groups based on teacher rated school achievement. Noise influenced the results positively in average/high school achievers while not in low school achievers.
On the Spectrum of the Dirac Operator and the Existence of Discrete Eigenvalues for the Defocusing Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

We revisit the scattering problem for the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation with constant, nonzero boundary conditions at infinity, i.e., the eigenvalue problem for the Dirac operator with nonzero rest mass. By considering a specific kind of piecewise constant potentials we address and clarify two issues, concerning: (i) the (non)existence of an area theorem relating the presence/absence of discrete eigenvalues to an appropriate measure of the initial condition; and (ii) the existence of a contribution to the asymptotic phase difference of the potential from the continuous spectrum.
The Laws of War and Public Opinion: An Experimental Study

Research examining whether the laws of war change state behavior has produced conflicting results, and limitations of observational studies have stalled progress on the topic. To bring new evidence to the debate, I have conducted a survey experiment that directly tests whether one mechanism hypothesized to drive compliance with international law - changes in public opinion - creates pressure to comply with the laws of war. The results provide qualified support to research suggesting that democracies may comply with the laws of war when there is the expectation of reciprocity.
Modalities and costs of familiar and social support to chronically ill patients

The main objective of this study was to quantify the characteristics of social networks in a sample of elderly ill patients. These patients who had chronic illness were receiving home based care, in an Italian district during 2001. Both patients and caregivers were interviewed. The analysis of the caregivers' questionnaire was conducted to avoid missing answers when gathered from the patients. This method also enabled a better understanding of the impact of social support on chronic illness pathologies. Further more, it allowed the investigation of the patients' network, the caregivers' point of view, the costs, the quality of care and the assessment of sociodemographical data of both. Results highlighted the particular situation of patients, characterized by high dependence from other persons especially for every day activities. Most of the caregivers were family members for the number of persons involved and for the time spent for the care. The network support maintenance and mobilization costs evaluation was faced suggesting three different strategies, according to three different ways of time-opportunity calculation, of the informal caregivers.
The coming PIN code epidemic: A survey study of memory of numeric security codes

Most people must remember various numeric passwords, security codes and PIN numbers for banking, credit cards, debit cards, online accounts, mobile phones, door locks, luggage locks, etc. One pilot study (N=13) developed a list of eleven strategies for remembering numeric codes, and another (N=15) optimized the research questionnaire which asked respondents about a) the number of security codes they had, b) the number of self-created codes, c) mnemonic strategies used, d) problems and effort remembering codes, and e) gender, age, and education. Respondents (N=388) had a median of 4 security codes and typically used 2 different memory strategies, the most common of which were based on repetition and on keypad pattern. Difficulties remembering codes were unrelated to gender or education but were positively correlated with age and with number of strategies used. Self-creation of codes slightly reduced difficulties remembering numeric codes.
Non-linear modeling for estimation of growth curve parameters in Madgyal sheep

The aim of the present study was to determine the most suitable model among six non-linear growth models viz., Brody, Von Bertalanffy, Richards, Logistic, Gompertz and negative exponential, used for describing the growth curve of 215 Magdyal male and female lambs maintained at Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri (India) from 2006 to 2014. Non-linear modeling was done by using monthly body weights from birth to 12 months of age in male and female lambs separately. Among the models used, Brody model and Richards model showed close fitting for growth curve with high values of adjusted R value (> 99%) and least values of root means square error (RMSE), Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). However, due to simple interpretation and high precision, Brody model was considered as most suitable model for growth curve characteristics of Madgyal sheep. The parameter estimates for asymptote weight (A), initial constant to asymptote weight (B) and maturation rate (k) under Brody model for male lambs were 28.35±0.86, 0.85±0.02 and 0.19±0.02, respectively, in case of female lambs, it were 25.23±0.20, 0.85±0.01 and 0.21±0.01, respectively.
The Missing Satellites of the Magellanic Clouds? Gaia Proper Motions of the Recently Discovered Ultra-faint Galaxies

According to LCDM theory, hierarchical evolution occurs on all mass scales, implying that satellites of the Milky Way should also have companions. The recent discovery of ultra-faint dwarf galaxy candidates in close proximity to the Magellanic Clouds provides an opportunity to test this theory. We present proper motion (PM) measurements for 13 of the 32 new dwarf galaxy candidates using Gaia data release 2. All 13 also have radial velocity measurements. We compare the measured 3D velocities of these dwarfs to those expected at the corresponding distance and location for the debris of a Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) analog in a cosmological numerical simulation. We conclude that four of these galaxies (Hor1, Car2, Car3, and Hyi1) have come in with the Magellanic Clouds, constituting the first confirmation of the type of satellite infall predicted by LCDM. Ret2, Tuc2, and Gru1 have velocity components that are not consistent within 3σ of our predictions and are therefore less favorable. Hya2 and Dra2 could be associated with the LMC and merit further attention. We rule out Tuc3, Cra2, Tri2, and Aqu2 as potential members. Of the dwarfs without measured PMs, five of them are deemed unlikely on the basis of their positions and distances alone being too far from the orbital plane expected for LMC debris (Eri2, Ind2, Cet2, Cet3, and Vir1). For the remaining sample, we use the simulation to predict PMs and radial velocities, finding that Phx2 has an overdensity of stars in DR2 consistent with this PM prediction.
The Choice of the Number of Varieties: Justifying Simple Mechanisms

We study a mechanism designer’s trade-off between the complexity level and optimality level of a mechanism. While our techniques apply to a much larger class of mechanism design problems, we focus on the quality differentiation model of Mussa and Rosen (1978), restricting the monopolist to menus with at most a finite number n of varieties. We prove that (i) the marginal benefit of adding one more variety is diminishing in n; (ii) the loss from restricting the number of varieties is of order no more than 1/n2; (iii) the marginal benefit of adding one more variety is of order no more than 1/n3; and (iv) offering only two varieties can lead to more than two-thirds of the potential profit from the second best offering. Our analysis suggests that the monopolist would probably offer only a small number of varieties in the menu.
In vitro CULTURE OF RUMEN CILIATE PROTOZOA BASED ON Parmentiera aculeata Kunth MEDIUM

The present research aims to measure the ciliated protozoa concentration, pH, the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and the in-vitro dry matter degradation in a culture environment based Parmentiera aculeata Kunth. The treatments were: T1, 300 ÂµL of Avena sativa; T2, T3 and T4 had 150, 300 y 450 ÂµL of P. aculeata Kunth, respectively; and T5, 300 ÂµL of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Every treatment was inoculated with ruminal fluid and incubated for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours to 38Â±0.5 Â°C. Based on a randomly experimental design, the data was analyzed by GLM and the means were compared with Tukey (pâ‰¤0.05) while the protozoa concentration was analyzed with a rank test. There were differences in the protozoa concentration and pH between treatments; T3 and T4 had the largest amounts (pâ‰¤0.05) compared with the other treatments, especially with T5. There was no difference (pâ‰¤0.05) in the acetic acid concentration between T1, T2 and T3 compared with T4 at 72 hours and with T5 from 6 hours of incubation, besides for the concentration of butyric acid T5 had the lowest amount (pâ‰¤0.05) at 72 hours. The smallest concentration of total VFA was for T4 and T5 from 48 hours. P. aculeata Kunth used like subtract helps to preserve for 3 days a ciliated protozoa population of 104 without alterate the fermentation process.Keywords: Agroforestry, Livestock, Animal nutrition, Wildlife rumen. Â
Partitioning and mapping uncertainties in ensembles of forecasts of species turnover under climate change

Forecasts of species range shifts under climate change are fraught with uncertainties and ensemble forecasting may provide a framework to deal with such uncertainties. Here, a novel approach to partition the variance among modeled attributes, such as richness or turnover, and map sources of uncertainty in ensembles of forecasts is presented. We model the distributions of 3837 New World birds and project them into 2080. We then quantify and map the relative contribution of different sources of uncertainty from alternative methods for niche modeling, general circulation models (AOGCM), and emission scenarios. The greatest source of uncertainty in forecasts of species range shifts arises from using alternative methods for niche modeling, followed by AOGCM, and their interaction. Our results concur with previous studies that discovered that projections from alternative models can be extremely varied, but we provide a new analytical framework to examine uncertainties in models by quantifying their importance and mapping their patterns.
Effect of Postharvest Waxing Treatments, Yam Variety and Tuber Size on Shelf Life of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

ii ACKNOLEDGEMENTS. iv DEDICATION. v TABLE OF CONTENTS. vi LIST OF TABLES. x LIST OF FIGURES. xi CHAPTER 1. 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION. 1 1.1 Background. 1 1.2 Rationale and Justification. 3 1.3 Objectives. 5 CHAPTER 2. 6 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW. 6 2.1 Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) production in Ghana. 6 2.2 Economic Importance of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata). 7 2.3 Socio-cultural Importance of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata). 7 2.4 Medicinal Values of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata). 8 2.5 Nutritional Values (Importance) of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata). 9 2.6 Yam as an Important Food Security Crop (Dietary Importance). 10 2.7 Post-Harvest Losses of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) in Ghana. 12 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug. edu.gh
It Runs in the Family: Finding a Way Out of the Cycle of Intergenerational Attachment Trauma Through Meaning-Making and Art Therapy

This research paper is a theoretical exploration of how art therapy, applied through an existential therapy framework, may foster meaning-making as a way to break the cycle of intergenerational attachment trauma. An analysis and synthesis of the existing literature is the basis for suggesting a novel way of conceptualizing the treatment of attachment trauma in adults and caregivers at risk of perpetuating the cycle of trauma. The goal of this theoretical research paper is to explore existing theories, while highlighting themes and approaches that could be integrated in order to work towards additional research and the development of an art therapy intervention based on the concepts promoted in this theoretical exploration. The literature is divided into categories which address the origins of attachment theory, neurobiological and attachment based models of intergeneration transmission of trauma, existential theories of psychotherapy, Viktor Frankl’s theory of Logotherapy, the concept of meaning-making as a therapeutic approach, and art therapy approaches based on both trauma-informed practices and existential approaches. The paper culminates in the author’s reflections on the potential for integration of these various theories. Finally, limitations are discussed and implications are mentioned in order to promote further research in this vein of art therapy.
Investigating Students’ and Staff Members’ Attitudes Toward the Efficiency of the Language Skills Modules Offered During the Foundation Year

In the scope of teaching English as a foreign language, and more specifically teaching speaking, reading, and writing, this study investigated the attitudes English language teachers-to-be have towards the three language skills modules, namely, Conversation, Reading, and Basic writing, offered by the College of Basic Education (hereafter CBE) in Kuwait. It also investigated the concerns of staff members at the English department in CBE with regards to the matter. The study utilized two questionnaires, one distributed to the students’ population, i.e., English major students (the sample received was (N 385), and the other one distributed to all staff members in the English department in CBE (N 27). In addition, 20 students were randomly selected and interviewed to verify the questionnaires’ results. The data, then, were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Percentages, means and standard deviations were calculated together with t test and ANOVA. Results showed that even though most students and staff members showed positive attitudes towards most of the questionnaires’ items, others were concerned about a few items.
Liquidity Risk and Asset Pricing : Evidence from Amman Stock Exchange = مخاطر السيولة وأثرها على تسعير الأصول : دليل من بورصة عمان للأوراق المالية

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of liquidity risk on the explanatory power of the original model that was introduced by Fama and French three-factor model, using the turnover ratio measurement as liquidity proxies. Using monthly data for the period from January 2007 to December 2013 for a sample of 56 listed companies in Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The study shows the existence of size, value and liquidity effects. The liquidity factor, although improves the explanatory power of the original model, and is significant in the most portfolios, when applied in the Jordanian Financial Market. The study also shows that adding liquidity factor can improve explanatory power of the CAPM, and the Fama and French three-factor model. The study advices investors and portfolio managers to use the liquidity Four-factor model, because this model provides better explanation to the variation in the portfolios return.
Evidence of Sublethal Damage in Daphnia (Cladocera) during Exposure to Solar UV Radiation in Subarctic Ponds

Abstract Daphnia was collected from five subarctic ponds which differed greatly in their DOC contents and, consequently, their underwater light (UV) climates. Irrespective of which Daphnia species was present, and contrary to expectations, the ponds with the lowest DOC concentrations (highest UV radiation levels) contained Daphnia with the highest eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations. In addition, EPA concentrations in these Daphnia generally decreased in concert with seasonally increasing DOC concentrations. Daphnia from three of the ponds was also tested for its tolerance to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with respect to survival. Daphnia pulex from the clear water pond showed, by far, the best UV-tolerance, followed by D. longispina from the moderately humic and D. longispina from the very humic pond. In addition, we measured sublethal parameters related to UV-damage such as the degree to which the gut of Daphnia appeared green (as a measure of their ability to digest algae), and whether their guts appeared damaged. We developed a simple, noninvasive scoring system to quantify the proportion of the gut in which digestive processes were presumably active. This method allowed repeated measurement of the same animals over the course of the experiment. We demonstrated, for the first time, that sublethal damage of the gut precedes mortality caused by exposure to UVR. In a parallel set of experiments we fed UV-exposed and non-exposed algae to UV-exposed and non-exposed daphnids. UVR pretreatment of algae enhanced the negative effects of exposure to natural solar UV-irradiation in Daphnia. These UV-related effects were generally not specific to the species of Daphnia.
1 Responding to crisis through strategic knowledge management

Purpose: Many managers would like to take a strategic approach to preparing the organisation to avoid impending crisis but instead find themselves fire-fighting to avoid its impact. In this paper we examine an organisation which made major strategic changes to respond to the full effect of a crisis which would be realised over a 2 to 3 year period. At the root of these changes was a strategic approach to managing knowledge. We reflect on the managers’ views of the impact this strategy had on preparing for the crisis and we explore what happened in the organisation during and after the crisis. Methodology/ approach: The paper examines a case-study of a financial services organisation which faced the crisis of its impending dissolution. The paper draws upon observations of change management workshops, as well as interviews with organisational members of a change management task force. Findings: The response to the crisis was to recognise the importance of the people and their knowledge to the organisation, and to build a strategy which improved business processes and communication flow across the divisions, as well as managing the departure of knowledge workers from a dissolving organisation. Practical implications: The paper demonstrates the importance of building a knowledge management strategy during times of crisis, and draws out important lessons for organisations facing organisational change. Originality/ value of the paper: The paper represents a unique opportunity to learn from an organisation adopting a strategic approach to managing its knowledge during a time of crisis.
Polynomially Adjusted Saddlepoint Density Approximations

Improved density approximations are obtained by applying certain moment based polynomial adjustments to the saddlepoint approximation. The proposed technique relies on the saddlepoint approximation to the distribution function of a continuous random variable as well. Additionally, a hybrid density estimate is being introduced. Rational functions are also utilized as adjustments. Several numerical examples reveal that, overall, the methodologies that are advocated in this paper consistently produce more accurate distributional approximations.
Gender differences in the preparation for take-off in elite long jumpers

Background: Research on gender differences of elite long jumpers in competition, although limited, provides useful information concerning the execution of the technique elements of the event. Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore possible gender differences of the spatiotemporal parameters and their development during the final steps of the approach executed by elite jumpers during a major international competition. Methods: The jumpers competed in the 2009 International Amateur Athletics Federation World Athletics Final (7 males and 7 females; official distance: 7.83 ± 0.22 m and 6.58 ± 0.20 m, respectively) were recorded with a panning digital video-camera (sampling frequency: 210 fps, resolution: 480 × 366 pixels). The APAS v13.2. 5 software was used for the kinematical analysis. Differences between groups concerning performance, the touchdown on the board and the take-off parameters were examined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Possible gender differences concerning the modulation of the examined parameters during the final three steps of the approach were compared by 2 × 3 (gender × step) ANOVA. Results: Male long jumpers executed the final steps of the approach and the take-off with greater velocity (p = .001) compared to the female athletes. Gender differences (p = .04) were also revealed for the flight to contact time ratio of the penultimate step. Additionally, no gender differences were observed for the majority of the temporal parameters. Nevertheless, female jumpers seemed to significantly differentiate in step length, step frequency and step velocity only at the last step of their approach compared to the previous two steps. Conclusion: When examining gender differences in long jump biomechanics the defining parameter is the penultimate step, where it is suggested for female jumpers to improve the transition from the sprinting gait to the preparation for the take-off.
Composting of water hyacinth using Saw dust/Rice straw as a bulking agent

The water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ) is a free floating aquatic weed generally observed in the 23.15% wetland area of north east region of India. Due to its fast growth and the robustness of its seeds, it has caused major problems in the whole area. However, the composting has the advantage of producing a product that is easy to work into the soil compared with dried water hyacinths, because of the decomposed structure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of some physico-chemical parameters during high rate pile composting of water hyacinth in combination with cattle manure and saw dust/rice straw as a bulking agent. Results suggested that the optimal degradation of water hyacinth can be possible in the presence of large amount of cattle manure; and rice straw could be a better option as a bulking agent in comparison with saw dust.