Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a didactic proposal on fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics with students of a professional master's degree in physics teaching

This paper presents the findings of a research on the acquisition of the concepts of physical system, dynamical variables, state of a physical system, and time evolution in Quantum Mechanics, based on the learning theories of David Ausubel and Gerard Vergnaud. This investigation involved six students in a Professional Master's Degree in Physics Teaching, and it consisted of the implementation of a didactic proposal that comprised a 12-hour-long expository-dialogued presential course, which also included extra-classroom tasks and interviews. Evidences of the occurrence of meaningful learning of the course contents were obtained, both at the operative and at predicative forms of knowledge, with some limitations in the assimilation of some of these concepts. We noticed a few difficulties in the assimilation of the concepts of physical system, dynamical variables, and higher degree of difficulty in the assimilation of the concept state of a physical system. We attained a relevant point, which was the modification of the concept time evolution that had been already present in the students' cognitive structure, though in a nonspecific way before instruction.
Effect of Leachate-contaminated Groundwater on the Growth and Blood of Albino of Rats

The results of effect of daily consumption of leachate-contaminated groundwater for 65days on rats' Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), White Blood Cell (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC), neutrophil and platelet are presented. The PCV (%) of rats treated with leachate was found to be 26±4 while that of animals treated with control tap water was 40±2. Hb (g/dl) of control rats was observed to be 14.3±0.3 while that of leachate treated rats was 10.9±0.3. The experimental results indicated that consumption of leachate-contaminated groundwater may lead to ill health particularly anaemia.
SHELTERING BEHAVIOUR OF SPINYCHEEK CRAYFISH (ORCONECTES LIMOSUS) IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ARTIFICIAL MAGNETIC FIELD

The potential of artificial hideouts, outfitted with magnets or their imitations (control), to attract spinycheek crayfish Orconectes limosus was studied. The experiments were carried out within 1999-2002 in an 80-hectar natural lake. There were three parallel setups, with three experimental treatments (hideouts) each. The presently acquired results suggest explicitly that the magnetic field generated at the entrance to the hideouts (made of ceramic pipes), affects the movement direction of crayfish. This was evident from statistically significant differences between the numbers of crayfish attracted to the pipes equipped with magnets and to the control ones.
Effect of Some Honey Bee Extracts on the Proliferation, Proteolytic and Gelatinolytic Activities of the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hepg2 Cell Line

2 Abs tract: The cytotoxic, antimeta s t atic, a nd antiangiogenic effects of s ome honey bee extracts were evaluated in order to determine the effecti ve antitumor fractions of bee honey. Four different sam ples of honey with different qualities were tested in order to examine the effect of honey quality on its antitumor effect. The cytotoxic effect of crude honeys , res idues (100 μg / ml a s s ay) and the extracts of one gram of each honey was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H- tetrazolium bromide (MT T) cytotoxicity as sa y; the antimetas tatic and antiangiogenic effects were determined by meas urin g t h e ir effects on the proteolytic and gelatinolytic activities of HepG2 cells using the total extracellular protease and gelatin zymography assays, respectively. Some extracts (ethyl acetate, chloroform / methanol extracts of all honeys , eth e r ex tract of H1, H2 and H4 and chloroform extract of H1) exerted an inhibitory effect o n cell proliferation, protease and gelatinase activities with different degrees depending on the honey quality. Petroleum ether extract and the res idue o f H1, H2 and H4 enhan c ed cell proliferation but inhibited protease and gelatinase activities with different degrees depending on the honey qu a lity . H3, which had the lowest quality, and its extracts showed dis appointing effects against HepG2 cells .
Simulated Impact of Intensification of Irrigation on Indian Monsoon Rainfall and Surface Fluxes

Using Bio-sphere Atmosphere Transfer scheme (BATS) coupled regional climate model (RegCM4) the impact of intensification of irrigation on Indian monsoon atmospheric circulations and surface fluxes is being studied. Land use/land cover change is performed in the model to study the design or sensitivity experiments. This is implemented by changing the vegetation/landuse type in the model. Impact of increase in irrigation activity over Central India and Northwestern region of India is still an open question and hence it is attempted to answer them in this research work. In the first irrigation sensitivity experiment, vegetation/land-use types have been modified to “irrigated crop” type along districts of Central India, Indo-Gangetic plain and northern parts of India, in the RegCM4 model to test the hypothesis that whether-“increase in irrigation decreases monsoon (JJAS) precipitation over certain regions of India and increases pre-monsoon (MAM) precipitation”. Simulations suggest that increase in irrigation over Indian monsoon domain has altered the Indian summer (JJAS) monsoon by weakening it at regional scale over various regions due to probable weakening of the temperature contrast between land and sea. Increase in irrigation over the central India causes a decrease (increase) in sensible heat flux (latent heat flux, surface pressure) in summer monsoon season. To further test the hypothesis that the northwestern region of India is a hotspot for land atmosphere interactions and to test the impact of irrigation intensification over northwestern region of Indian subcontinent, on Indian summer monsoon another sensitivity experiment with irrigation intensification over northwestern regions of India is performed using RegCM4. This experiment suggests that irrigation impact or sensitivity on soil moisture; surface fluxes are limited to northwestern region of Indian subcontinent. Simulations performed at higher (50 km) resolution shows increase in precipitation during pre-monsoon season over northwestern regions of India, too. The Indian monsoon circulations are a part of global general atmospheric circulations periodic in nature and any form of vegetation impact study is a complex process. Thus, from the irrigation sensitivity experiments (using a regional climate model) it can be concluded that due to increase in irrigated land over India, pre-monsoon (MAM) precipitation increase particularly over Central and northwestern regions of India, with the development of anomalous cyclonic circulations.
Challenges of Rural Womens in Access of Micro-Credit and Saving: (In Case of Omo Micro Finance Wolaita Zone,Soddo Zuriya Woreda Kokate Marachere Kebele)

Micro enterprises in particular are considered important in contributing to the socio economic empowerment of the women. However, access to credit continues to be a major constraint for female entrepreneurs, particularly with regard to access to loan able funds, lending conditions and repayment arrangements. So that, this shows that there is need for provision of microfinance service for the poor, especially for women in rural areas. Therefore, the prime objective of this study was to identify the challenges of rural womens in access of micro-credit and saving of omo micro finance wolaita zone,soddo zuriya, Kokate Marachere kebele. The study employed cross-sectional survey design. Sample respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data collected through interviews were analyzed qualitatively; whereas data collected through questionnaires were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. In this study demographic factors, socio economic factors, intuitional factor and psychological factors were assessed. Lack of education, lack of training program, high interest rate and lack of decision making power of women and attitude towards were the main challenges of rural women participation in micro-credit and saving service finally, Based on the findings, the researcher has forwarded the following possible recommendation. It is better if Omo micro finance provide training program to create awareness to its clients also it is better if Omo micro finance provide awareness creation program to rural women Keywords : challenges, micro finance, micro credit, saving
TREATMENT OF BOTTOM SLUDGE FROM FACULTATIVE LAGOONS WITH STABILIZATION IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS

In this paper we show the results obtained from the chemical stabilization process of pond sludge by adding common hydrated lime. Doses of lime at 5%, 7%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, and 15% were added in controlled laboratory conditions to a sample of sludge taken from the bottom of the primary facultative pond of the wastewater treatment system in Monteria in Colombia. The sludge’s dangerousness (corrosiveness, flammability, and reactivity) and concentrations of sulfides, heavy metals (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ag, Pb, Se), coliforms, Salmonella, mesophilic bacteria, Ascaris lumbricoides, and other helminths were analyzed in the sludge sample before and after application of an optimal 10% dose. The reactivity due to sulfides and cyanides in the sludge sample was controlled with this dose, but coliforms and mesophilic bacteria concentrations did not decrease. Some heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Hg, Ag, Pb) increased after application of the hydrated lime dose, although the concentrations found do not pose environmental danger according to existing environmental regulations.
Effect of feeding graded levels of cowpea (Vigina Unguiculata) testa meal on growth and economic performance of growing rabbits

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the growth and economic performance of growing rabbits fed graded levels of cowpea testa meal (CTM). Wheat offal was replaced with cowpea testa meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Twenty- five crossbred rabbits (Dutch X New Zealand White) between 5 – 7 weeks of age were randomly allocated to the 5 treatments in groups of 5 rabbits and allowed unlimited access to the feed and drinking water throughout the experimental period. The daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the treatments while the final body weight and daily feed intake were affected by the inclusion of cowpea testa meal (CTM) in the diets. Rabbits fed T2 (25% cowpea testa meal) diet recorded the highest final body weight while those fed T5 (100% cowpea testa meal) diet recorded the least; other treatments were similar to the control (0% CTM). Rabbits fed T2 (25% cowpea testa meal) diet consumed more feed compared to rabbits fed other diets. The cost per kg feed decreased as the level of CTM increased in the diets. The best cost per kilogram of weight gain was obtained by rabbits fed T4 (75% cowpea testa meal) diet while the poorest was recorded by rabbits fed T2 (10% cowpea testa meal) diet. Therefore, 100% of the wheat offal in the diets of growing rabbits could be replaced with cowpea testa meal without adverse effects on growth and economic performance.
Can the Chinese Two-Tier-Board system Control the Board Chair Pay?

Monitoring function of the Chinese two-tier-board system is expected to affect firms' executive compensation in two ways: (i) improve firm performance which is considered as a partial basis of executive compensation (ii) monitor executives' behaviors to avoid over-pay. This article investigates if corporate governance mechanism indeed benefits in these two ways from major characteristics of supervisory boards, one of the two monitoring organs in Chinese publicly listed companies. We find that supervisory board size is negatively related to the board chair pay, presumably because the monitoring effects of the size of supervisory board on board chair's behaviors dominate those on firm performance. We also find a high level of board chair pay-supervisory board sensitivity in the Chinese publicly listed companies. JEL Classifications : G34, G39 Keywords : Board chair pay; Monitoring; Corporate governance
Effects on Learning When Students Have Information about Games and Their Outcomes When Playing Them

Since playing games is commonly used as a teaching method in business and in economics, students can find information about games and their outcomes before they play them. A concern is that this information may have negative effects on learning as students then may put less effort into playing the games and consequently, the students do not learn the concepts within the games. However, the information can also have positive effects if the students understand the games and their outcomes better. In this paper, we study the effects of providing students with various amounts of information prior to playing three games commonly used in economics. We find that decisions are closer to the theoretical outcomes when information about outcomes is provided. In addition, scores are higher on a related test when information about the game is provided. Still, the students report similar learning experiences as when this information is not provided. Our results indicate that having information about the games and their outcomes when playing them has positive effects on learning.
Determinants of individual and collective pro-environmental behaviors : comparing Germany and Japan

: The current study explored the determinants of individual and collective pro-environmental behaviors in Germany and Japan. A self report questionnaire was sent to two random ~ample respondents by mail in Cologne, Germany (N=996) and Nagoya, Japan (N=531). Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated an interaction between country of respondent and both individual and collective behaviors. For individual behavior, subjective norms played an important role in Japan where interpersonal relationship is emphasi~ed, whereas perceived behavioral control played an important role in Germany. Social factors, such -as the amount of network and subjective norms, affected collective pro-environmental behaviors in both samples. The results highlighted the importance of social factors in studies of collective pro-environmental behaviors.
Applications of a novel integral transform to partial differential equations

In this paper, we establish and perfect the dualities among the Laplace transform (LT), Laplace-Carson transform (LCT), Sumudu transform (ST), and a novel integral transform (NIT). In addition, some novel properties of the NIT are explored and the NIT is applied to solve some partial differential equations (PDEs). c ©2017 all rights reserved.
Topoisomerase I Improve JC virus DNA detection

Introduction: Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe and often fatal CNS disease caused by JC human polyomavirus infection. Diagnosis of PML is based upon suggestive clinical symptoms and brain images, supported by the presence of JC virus genome in CSF samples. Objective: The main objective of our study was the search for an alternative method for JC virus DNA detection in CSF samples, with sensitivity and specificity characteristics close to that of standard techniques, but feasible at any clinical laboratory. Methods: In order to evaluate the effect of topoisomerase I treatment in the detection of JC virus genome, and its feasibility in laboratory diagnosis of PML, 129 CSF samples were examined for the presence of JC virus DNA by a nested-PCR protocol, with and without previous treatment with topoisomerase I. All CSF samples were also evaluated through a real-time PCR protocol. Results: Eleven CSF samples presented detectable JC virus DNA with all used protocols. On 9 CSF samples, JC virus DNA was only detectable with topoisomerase I modified nested-PCR and real-time PCR protocols. Real-time PCR was the only protocol able to detect JC virus genome in 4 CSF samples. One CSF sample revealed the presence of the expected amplified fragment only when tested with topoisomerase I modified nested-PCR protocol. Conclusion: The results of the present study point towards the benefit of using topoisomerase I DNA treatment before amplification reactions in JC virus DNA detection on CSF samples, and confirm that topoisomerase I modified nested-PCR protocol represents a good alternative method to detect JC virus DNA in CSF samples from patients with clinical signs and brain images suggestive of PML.
Can Herbal Medicines Improve Cellular Immunity Patterns inEndometriosis

Endometriosis is a heterogenous, and oestrogen dependant inflammatory disease that is characterised by morphological and biologically active endometrium (composed of endometrial-type glandular tissue and stroma), that is present in sites outside of the uterine cavity. The disease is complex in nature with the implantation of tissue occurring due to phenomena known as retrograde menstruation. While this is considered central to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, 90% of women that experience this event do not have endometriosis, while the remaining 10% of this population do have endometriosis. The role of the immune system may explain why some women develop endometriosis and why others don’t. Alterations in the immune system (Increased TNF-α, PGE2 and reduced NK cells) have been proposed to play a key role in the establishment of endometrial implants and sustained its growth and development. In order to treat aspects of immunity, it is important to improve relative oestrogen excess which triggers a pro-inflammatory cascade and to regulate immune system abnormalities. With continued unopposed oestrogens, the immune system will not regulate, so this must be a primary treatment aim. Prostaglandin synthesis must be regulated to ensure normal uterine function, healthy flow of menstruation and reducing pain experienced. Key herbs that help address inflammation, immune alterations and oestrogen clearance include Turmeric, Echinacea, Green tea, Caledula and Gotu cola. These herbs have multi-factorial actions that address the underpinning pathology of endometriosis and help rectify and improve reproductive function.
Predicting outcome of cricket matches using classification learners

Cricket is an outdoor sport played between two teams of eleven players each. It is one of the most followed game, with a world of riches on offer. The goal is to predict the outcome of a cricket match and improve upon the currently reported accuracy of the learners. The paper found feature engineering and attribute selection plays a significant part in improving the accuracy of the classifiers. Following learners: k-NN, Naive Bayes and Random forest classifiers were used. Each of the models recorded major performance improvement, with Random forest performing best with an accuracy of 84 %, closely followed by Naive Bayes at 83% and k-NN at 82%.
Atlantic waters inflow north of Svalbard: Insights from IAOOS observations and Mercator Ocean global operational system during N‐ICE2015

As part of the N-ICE2015 campaign, IAOOS (Ice Atmosphere Ocean Observing System) platforms gathered intensive winter data at the entrance of Atlantic Water (AW) inflow to the Arctic Ocean north of Svalbard. These data are used to examine the performance of the 1/12° resolution Mercator Ocean global operational ice/ocean model in the marginal ice zone north of Svalbard. Modeled sea-ice extent, ocean heat fluxes, mixed layer depths, and AW mass characteristics are in good agreement with observations. Model outputs are then used to put the observations in a larger spatial and temporal context. Model outputs show that AW pathways over and around the Yermak Plateau differ in winter from summer. In winter, the large AW volume transport of the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC) (∼4 Sv) proceeds to the North East through 3 branches: the Svalbard Branch (∼0.5 Sv) along the northern shelf break of Svalbard, the Yermak Branch (∼1.1 Sv) along the western slope of the Yermak Plateau and the Yermak Pass Branch (∼2.0 Sv) through a pass in the Yermak Plateau at 80.8°N. In summer, the AW transport in the WSC is smaller (∼2 Sv) and there is no transport through the Yermak Pass. Although only eddy-permitting in the area, the model suggests an important mesoscale activity throughout the AW flow. The large differences in ice extent between winters 2015 and 2016 follow very distinct atmospheric and oceanic conditions in the preceding summer and autumn seasons. Convection-induced upward heat fluxes maintained the area free of ice in winter 2016. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Carry Trades and Global Foreign Exchange Volatility

We investigate the relation between global foreign exchange (FX) volatility risk and the cross-section of excess returns arising from popular strategies that borrow in low interest rate currencies and invest in high-interest rate currencies, so-called 'carry trades'. We find that high interest rate currencies are negatively related to innovations in global FX volatility and thus deliver low returns in times of unexpected high volatility, when low interest rate currencies provide a hedge by yielding positive returns. Our proxy for global FX volatility risk captures more than 90% of the cross-sectional excess returns in five carry trade portfolios. In turn, these results provide evidence that there is an economically meaningful risk-return relation in the FX market. Further analysis shows that liquidity risk also matters for expected FX returns, but to a lesser degree than volatility risk. Finally, exposure to our volatility risk proxy also performs well for pricing returns of other cross sections in foreign exchange, U.S. equity, and corporate bond markets.
The World Bank at the Millennium

In the aftermath of World War II and in the wake of the Great Depression (surely one of the underlying causes of the war itself),^ the countries of the world created three international institutions designed to facilitate economic cooperation: the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). GATT (which has since evolved into the World Trade Organisation) was to work on lowering trade barriers among nations and on preventing the beggar-thy-neighbour trade policies that were seen as a contributing factor to the breadth and depth of the Great Depression. The IMF was to provide liquidity and to sustain the international payments system (the gold standard that was reinstituted after the War). And the IBRD, known more generally as the World Bank, was primarily to facilitate the reconstruction of war-damaged Europe, and then to reach beyond that to aid in the development of what later became known as the Third World. ^ It is now more than fifty years since the creation of these institutions. Over that half-century, they have evolved enormously, especially in response to changing economic circumstances and changing needs. The 1971 abandonment of the gold standard by the United States (and subsequently by the rest of the world) clearly necessitated a change in the functioning and perhaps in the very role of the IMF. The collapse of the Soviet Union posed a new set of challenges to the international institutions - namely facilitating the transition of the former Communist countries to a market economy. The fiftieth anniversary of the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) was marked by criticism from a vocal international group dedicated to the notion that 'Fifty Years Is Enough', reflecting a view among certain groups that these institutions had done as least as much or more harm than good. As the World Bank has * The views presented here are solely those of the author and not those of any institution with which he is or has heen affiliated. The author would like to acknowledge the helpful comments and assistance