Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE BETWEEN R134a AND R152a IN AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM OF A PASSENGER CAR

The present study investigates numerically the performances of an automotive air conditioning (A/C) system using R134a and R152a as working fluids for various engine running speeds. There are three engine rotation variations, i.e., 1000 rpm, 2000 rpm and 3000 rpm that represent idle, city and high speed conditions, respectively. The compressor volumetric efficiencies for 1000 rpm, 2000 rpm and 3000 rpm are 0.75, 0.65 and 0.55, respectively. The results show that the cooling capacities of R152a are slightly lower than that of R134a at the condensing temperatures of 40 o C and 45 o C. However, at the condensing temperature of 50 o C, the cooling capacity of R152a is higher than that of R134a up to 5.0%. In addition, COPs of R152a are higher than that of R134a for all the condensing temperature. The increase of condensing temperature is more dominant to the COP improvement rather than the increase in engine rotation. The highest COP improvement is 13.5%.
Lognormal Approximation of Complex Path-Dependent Pension Scheme Payoffs

This paper analyzes an explicit return smoothing mechanism which has recently been introduced as part of a new type of pension savings contract that has been offered by Danish life insurers. We establish the payoff function implied by the return smoothing mechanism and show that its probabilistic properties are accurately approximated by a suitably adapted lognormal distribution. The quality of the lognormal approximation is explored via a range of simulation-based numerical experiments, and we point to several other potential practical applications of the paper's theoretical results.
Experimental and Simulation Testing of Flight Spin Stability for Small Caliber Cannon Projectile

The basic aim of this paper is to consider correlations of stability flight criteria, derived as the relations of aerodynamic coefficients and derivatives, on the model of small caliber cannon spin stabilized projectile. Model of stability criteria calculations are performed by experimentally testing of aerodynamic data in the wind tunnel, and composed with the semi-empirical data, both applied on the flight trajectory stability simulation test. Authors’ wind tunnel tests and calculated values of aerodynamic coefficients, as function of Mach numbers of projectile model are presented in the simulation flight trajectories stability criteria. The comparative analysis of experimental and calculated aerodynamic coefficients of projectile model is done, refers to the stability flight criteria. Calculation of projectile aerodynamic Magnus moment derivatives, with other aerodynamic representatives, is used as the critical stability factors testing data vs. flight Mach numbers. Influences of this derivative absence and presence on the model sequence of the flight trajectory are presented for the estimation of angles of attack damping and stability factors. Simulation tests are presented for the supersonic and subsonic integral flight velocities and spin damping data. Research is realized due to the considerations of further projectiles correction possibilities on trajectory, and other new applications, vs. existing of unreliable lateral moments.
Effects of sociodemographic sexual and clinical factors and disease awareness on psychosexual dysfunction of refugee patients with anogenital warts in Turkey: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: Effects of sociodemographic, sexual and clinical factors, and disease awareness on psychosexual impacts of anogenital warts (AGWs), in certain societies are less known. The study aimed to determine psychosexual effects of such factors in refugees with AGW. Methods: A pilot, cross-sectional study on 100 refugees with AGWs was conducted based on determining depression (DEP) and sexual experiences (S-Exp) of the subjects. Effects of sociodemographics, sexual life properties, clinical and laboratory examination findings, disease duration, relapse, and disease awareness on psychological status of the subjects were determined. They were examined by a dermatologist, a family physician and a psychiatrist, respectively and were questioned by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Results were analysed by NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) software program, 2007. A p value <0.05 was accepted significant. Results: In terms of DEP and S-Exp, there were no significant differences between the BDI and ASEX values of the subjects below and above their thresholds according to the predetermined variables (each p>0.05), except for treatment modalities in which the rate of DEP in subjects who received cryotherapy (CT)+trichloroacetic acid (TCA) was higher than those who solely received CT treatment (p<0.003). Ninety-three percentages of the subjects had inadequate disease knowledge or misperceptions. Conclusion: Psychosexual adversities of AGWs on DEP and S-Exp can be determined significantly lower in refugees because the reasons of inadequate or wrong disease knowledge such as ignorance / misperceptions/superstitions, and/or, indifference to their diseases, because radical changes in understanding of quality of life (QoL), which are stemmed from harsh living conditions.
Welfare from Below: Recipients' Views of the Public Welfare System

T F SE ARE NOT THE WORDS of an irate taxpayer or public official concerned about the rising costs of public welfare programs. On the contrary, this statement was made by a poorly educated welfare recipient living in the Negro ghetto of an industrial city. But the importance of this statement is that these views are not atypical of the opinions expressed by the more than ninety welfare recipients interviewed in the study reported in this article. In the growing body of literature on what has been called "the law of the poor,"1 little attention has been paid to the conceptions held by the poor themselves about their relationship to the law and to legal and quasi-legal institutions. This omission is partly due to the lack of systematic data on this subject, a lack which is only beginning to be remedied.2 Another explanation, one which partly accounts both for the inattention to the conceptions of law held by the poor and for the lack of research on the subject, is found in two assumptions which appear in some of the recent literature on the law of the poor: (1) that one of the basic social problems in this area is the lack of legal services; and (2)
Influence du semis direct avec couverture végétale sur la séquestration du carbone et l'érosion au Brésil

The soils represent a large carbon (C) pool, approximately 1.500 Gt C, which is equivalent to almost three times the quantity stored in the terrestrial biomass, and twice that in atmosphere. Any modification of the land-use and, even for the agricultural systems at steady state, any modification of the management, cari induce variations of the soi1 C stocks, Ti&ge practices ofien induce soi1 aerobic conditions, which is favorable to microbial activity and lead to a degradation of the structure. As a result, on the long term, mineralization of the soi1 organic matter increases. The adoption of no-tillage (NT) systems and the maintenance of a permanent vegetable caver (DMC), may increase C level in the top soil. In Brazil, NT practices, and mostly DMC, was introduced ca, 30 years gao in the southern area, in Parana. One of the major objectives of that time was the fight against erosion, and then researches developed towards the management of the trop waste products and their effect on the fertility, either for the management of phosphorus, either for the soi1 acidity control, or the localization of manures. This practice, which took a great extension and is still increasing in the tenter and the north of the country, currently occupies ca. 18 million hectares with a very great diversity of environmental conditions, agrosystem and management. In Brazil, most of the authors gave rates of carbon storage in the soi1 varying from 0.4 up to 1.7 t C ha-’ for the O-40 cm soil, with the highest rates in the Cerrado region. But, caution must be taken when analyzing DMC systems in term of C sequestration. Comparisons should not be limited to the sole C storage in soil, and should account changes in methane and nitrous oxide fluxes because there are greenhouse gases contributing to the global warming.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of Some Morphological and Quality Traits in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)

The aim of present study was to enhance the efficiency of selection by developing new artificial variables which will serve as selection criterion. Brix value and sucrose percentage were positively and highly significantly correlated. Both of these showed positive significant association with cane diameter, dry matter content and commercial cane sugar (CCS). Strong positive correlation was found between CCS and juice contents. The PCA revealed that first 4 PCs explained more than 85% of the total variation. The PC1 added 35.4% share to the total variation while the share of PC2 was 27.2%. The contribution of PC3 and PC4 was 14.3% and 8.7% respectively. The remaining nine PCs explained only about 15% of the total variation. By probing screen plot it was evident that first 9 PCs have considerable variability while in remaining 4 PCs differences were negligible. Biplot exposed that in the PC1 and PC2 together internodal length and commercial cane sugar (CCS) showed minimum differences while other traits showed more differences. The information thus acquired from the research could be utilized to frame the suitable selection scheme to develop clones of the best commercial merits, suitable for cultivation in different environments.
Chemistry and water-repelling properties of phenyl-incorporating wood composites

Abstract The properties of materials are presented, which are resulting from a combined inorganic-organic modification of wood with phenyltrimethoxysilane or phenyltriethoxysilane in a simple one-step impregnation treatment. The permanent swelling of the wood showed that the precursors entered the cell walls. The inclusion of phenyl groups, manifest by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, made the resulting wood composites highly hydrophobic, as evidenced by their low wettability and antishrink efficiencies of up to 44%. Impedance spectroscopy indicated that wood methylol groups took part in the condensation reactions with hydrated siloxanes, contributing to the high hydrophobicity and making the added phase resistant to leaching. The composites exhibited high weight percentage gains of up to 52% and ash contents up to 19%. The thermal properties of precursor solutions and products were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis and compared with the more common silica precursor, tetraethyl orthosilicate.
In vitro anthelmintic effects of Artemisia afra and Mentha longifolia against parasitic gastro-intestinal nematodes of livestock

Gastrointestinal nematodes are the most widespread and economically important class of the helminths. The major threat posed by nematode infections is the productivity loss due to their ability to disrupt nutrient utilization of the livestock resulting in hunger and malnutrition. Acetone and aqueous extracts were prepared from Mentha longifolia and Artemisia afra and tested on egg hatch, larval development and larval mortality assays at three concentrations 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg/mL. Certain percentages of egg hatch and larval mortality were inhibited by both plants; however, larval development was totally inhibited at all concentrations as compared to the negative control. Generally the acetone extracts from the two plants were most effective against parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock. This report therefore validates the folkloric use of these species in the management of internal parasites by the Basotho of the eastern Free State Province of South Africa.
Direct and indirect impact of two common rotifer species (Keratella spp.) on two abundant ciliate species (Urotricha furcata, Balanion planctonicum)

SUMMARY 1. We investigated the potential competition and feeding impact of the common rotifer species, Keratella cochlearis and K. quadrata, on the abundant prostomatid ciliates, Urotricha furcata and Balanion planctonicum, in laboratory batch culture experiments. All four species have similar feeding preferences, co-occur in many freshwater environments, and are thus potential competitors for the same algal food. 2. Two small Cryptomonas species served as food for the ciliates and the rotifers in the experiments. Growth rates of each ciliate species were measured when they grew alone and when they were paired with one of the rotifer species. 3. Both rotifer species reduced the growth rate of U. furcata, probably primarily by direct feeding on the ciliates. Growth rate of B. planctonicum was unaffected by K. cochlearis, but was drastically reduced by grazing and/or mechanical interference of K. quadrata. 4. These results suggest niche partitioning of the sympatric ciliates with respect to their rotifer competitors/predators.
The Effect of Taxpayer Education on Tax Compliance in Kenya.( a case study of SME's in Nairobi Central Business District)

Tax is a very important aspect in any country. Revenue collected from taxes enables a country to provide services for its citizens and also development of its economy. However, Kenya does not collect as much revenue as it should. SMEs in particular have the potential of generating a lot of revenue for the government but this is not the case. This poses a significant problem to the government and the country’s growth as a whole. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the effect of taxpayer education on tax compliance in Kenya, the case of SMEs in Nairobi CBD. The study established the effect of electronic taxpayer education, print media tax payer education, and stakeholder engagement on tax compliance. The target population was SMEs in Nairobi CBD Tax area. The study object was SMEs conducting business within Nairobi CBD. Data was collected by administration of pretested questionnaires to the owners of SMEs business. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The nominal and ordinal data was collected using questionnaires and later subjected to quantitative analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Data was presented in the form of frequency distribution tables & graphs. The study results showed that indeed; electronic taxpayer education, print media tax payer education, and stakeholder engagement, influences tax compliance among SMEs in Nairobi’s CBD area. Correlation Matrix was done to determine the correlation between the independent variables. The results showed that stakeholder’s sensitization is positively related to the taxpayers’ education to correctly calculate the tax compliance, with a correlation coefficient of 0.810. The study recommended that; there was need to improve on tax compliance in SMEs because they are below average, through intensive tax. For SMEs to improve their tax compliances, those involved in their tax matters need knowledge and skills to interpret the various tax laws and regulations. Tax compliance procedures should be simplified because in most cases they are found to be very complicated by SMEs, especially for those who do not keep proper books of account and sometimes do not understand the tax laws in order to reduce the compliance costs in terms of money and time. Small and Medium Enterprises should be levied lower amounts of taxes. The government should consider increasing tax incentives and exemptions. Reduce compliance costs, curb corruption, and improve on accountability and accessibility of KRA services.
Utility of the Ultrasound Evaluation of Intraperitoneal Fat in Correlation with Endometrial Cancer

Introduction : In the context of endometrial cancer, visceral obesity as a risk factor is associated with achronic inflammatory process, confirmed by the increase in inflammatory marker levels. Material and Method : The study is a case-control analysis including 2 groups of patients: group I – 50 patientsdiagnosed with endometrial cancer, group II – 70 patients without gynecological pathology orinflammatory disorders (control group). The diagnosis of endometrial cancer was made followinghistopathological examination that evaluated the tissue material obtained following endometrialbiopsy. After clinical examination and anthropometric measurements, these patients underwentultrasound and computer tomography examination by which intraperitoneal fat was determined. All parameters were included in the study database. Results : A significant correlation coefficient was alsofound between visceral fat evaluated by CT and visceral fat assessed by US (r =0.96, p<0.0001). Inthe case of the control group, the mean visceral fat area was 159.14±42.5 cm2), while in the groupof patients with endometrial cancer, the mean visceral fat area was 251.37±59.78 cm2. Thus, there isa statistically significant difference in intraperitoneal fat between the two groups (p<0.0001). Conclusions : A visceral fat area larger than 250 cm2 is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. Themeasurement of visceral fat by US can be a screening method for endometrial cancer in obesepatients.
Different roles of similarity and predictability in auditory stream segregation

Sound sources often emit trains of discrete sounds, such as a series of footsteps. Previously, two different principles have been suggested for how the human auditory system binds discrete sounds together into perceptual units. The feature similarity principle is based on linking sounds with similar characteristics over time. The predictability principle is based on linking sounds that follow each other in a predictable manner. The present study compared the effects of these two principles. Participants were presented with tone sequences and instructed to continuously indicate whether they perceived a single coherent sequence or two concurrent streams of sound. We investigated the influence of separate manipulations of similarity and predictability on these perceptual reports. Both grouping principles affected perception of the tone sequences, albeit with different characteristics. In particular, results suggest that whereas predictability is only analyzed for the currently perceived sound organization, f.
Ownership Structure and Earnings Management: Evidence from Portugal

This paper examines the relationship between corporate ownership structure in Portugal and earnings management. The Portuguese governance structure is characterised by the dominance of the largest shareholder who typically exercises significant influences on management decisions directly or indirectly. Existing literature suggests that ownership structure decreases the incentive to manage earnings but also provides the opportunity and incentive to anipulate earnings. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to analyse whether a firm’s ownership structure (measured with three variables: managerial ownership, ownership concentration and institutional ownership) exacerbate or alleviate earnings management. Using a sample of 34 non-financial listed Portuguese firms for years from 2002 to 2007, we find that discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management is negatively related both to managerial ownership and to ownership concentration. The study’s results suggest that both managerial ownership and ownership concentration improve the quality of annual earnings by reducing the levels of earnings management.
Utilization of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as Filtration Loss Control Agent in Water Based Drilling Muds

The objective of this work is to experimental assessment of the suitability of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a filtration loss agent in water based drilling mud formulation. The drilling mud was mixed with concentration of various SCBA at 1, 3 and 5% weight by weight, and is conducted at temperatures at 25, 50 and 80°C according to API RP13B-1 standard. The chemical properties are determined by using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope. The major oxide observed in SCBA is SiO 2 (88.379%). Meanwhile, the major minerals of SCBA with predominance of quartz (73.123%) and shows the amorphous silica formation. The particle shape of SCBA has an irregular shape with rough surfaces and small porous textures. The drilling mud mixed with 1% w/w of SCBA exhibited the best filtration control characteristics with minimal filtrate volume and thinner and consistent mud filter cakes. Physical examination of the filtrate volume indicates that filtrate volume and filter cake thickness increases by a percentage of SCBA and temperature increasing. Thus, SCBA has proved to possess good filtration (fluid) loss control properties.
Studies on the administration of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Bitter leaf) and glucophage on blood glucose level of alloxan - Induced diabetic rats

This study was aimed at investigating the glycemic effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del, a common Nigerian plant in combination with a hypoglycemic drug, metformin, 21 experimental animals were used. Diabetes was induced using Alloxan Monohydrate. When the blood glucose level was tested using the glucose oxidase kit, it was observed that the group of animals administered with a combination of Vernonia amygdalina extract and metformin shows significant decrease in the blood glucose level compared to the diabetic control and group of animals administered with plant extract alone having the result (4.9 ± 1.2 Fasting blood sugar level, 6.1 ± 1.2 two hours postprandial) plant extract singly (6.2 ± 3.8 Fasting blood sugar level 8.1 ± 3.8 two hours postprandial of the combination of metformin with plant extract singly respectively). A change was observed in the body weight of the experimental rats. Group I (Normal control) shows continuous increase in the body weight from the first week of experiment to the fourth week, having the peak of the body weight to be in the fourth week of the experiment. Group II (diabetic control) shows significant reduction in the body weight from the first week to the last week Group III and IV were observed to have decrease in body weight from induction period to week two, but a steady increase was observed from week three to four of the experiment (at the onset of treatment). Therefore combining metformin with the plant extract of vernonia amygdalina as drug extract mixtures produced more hypoglycemic effect than using metformin or the plant extracts singly.
Economic growth under alternative monetary regimes: inflation targeting vs real exchange rate targeting

The main features and implications of a monetary regime based on inflation targeting are examined and compared to a system based on real exchange rate targeting. The latter is very effective in stimulating economic growth, but the ‘trilemma’ reduces the effectiveness of stabilization based on open market operations. Inflation targeting is very effective in stabilizing prices but it hurts growth and employment. The dynamics of long‐run equilibrium is also analyzed for both regimes.