Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of the formation of the “black cloud” and its dynamics over Cairo, Egypt, using MODIS and MISR sensors

[1] In the past decade, episodes of severe air pollution, known as the "black cloud," have occurred in Cairo, Egypt, in the early autumn. In this study, data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) and the Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) are used with meteorological data and trajectory analyses to determine the cause of these events. MODIS fire counts put the source as the burning of agricultural waste after harvest season in the Nile delta region. Synchronous MISR data show that these fires create low altitude (<500 m) plumes of smoke and aerosols which flow over Cairo in a few hours, as confirmed by Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) forward trajectory analyses. Much of the burning occurs at night, when an inversion constrains the plumes to remain in the boundary layer (BL). Convection during the day raises the BL, dispersing these smoke particles until the next night.
Effect of different storage environment on quality characteristics of tomato and kinnow fruits

The effect of packaging material and evaporative cooled storage environment on quality characteristics of tomato and kinnow fruits was evaluated. The experiments were carried out using complete randomized design and significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) was observed among storage conditions and time with the observed parameters viz. plysiological loss in weight, firmness, pH, total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid and overall acceptability in both summer and winter season. Packaging and evaporative cooling maintains the physico-chemical quality and shelf-life of tomato and kinnow fruits increases by more than two fold as compared to the ambient conditions . The 100 gauge LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) bag packaging combined with evaporative cool chamber with rice husk ash (RHA) maintained the superior quality of tomato and kinnow in terms of highest overall acceptability. This novel technology is found suitable to prevent postharvest loss of horticultural produce and is recommended for short-term on farm storage .
Spectral analysis of jet turbulence

Informed by large-eddy simulation (LES) data and resolvent analysis of the mean flow, we examine the structure of turbulence in jets in the subsonic, transonic and supersonic regimes. Spectral (frequency-space) proper orthogonal decomposition is used to extract energy spectra and decompose the flow into energy-ranked coherent structures. The educed structures are generally well predicted by the resolvent analysis. Over a range of low frequencies and the first few azimuthal mode numbers, these jets exhibit a low-rank response characterized by Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) type wavepackets associated with the annular shear layer up to the end of the potential core and that are excited by forcing in the very-near-nozzle shear layer. These modes too have been experimentally observed before and predicted by quasi-parallel stability theory and other approximations – they comprise a considerable portion of the total turbulent energy. At still lower frequencies, particularly for the axisymmetric mode, and again at high frequencies for all azimuthal wavenumbers, the response is not low-rank, but consists of a family of similarly amplified modes. These modes, which are primarily active downstream of the potential core, are associated with the Orr mechanism. They occur also as subdominant modes in the range of frequencies dominated by the KH response. Our global analysis helps tie together previous observations based on local spatial stability theory, and explains why quasi-parallel predictions were successful at some frequencies and azimuthal wavenumbers, but failed at others.
ABNORMAL PAP TESTS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSIS: A CYTOPATHOLOGICAL AND HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TESTING STUDY.

Methods: A retrospective case control study conducted in 150 women constituted the study group with confirmed diagnosis of SLE. The enrolled patients divided into study group (no.28) with abnormal pap smears and reference group (no.122) with normal pap smears. All patients subjected to clinical evaluation, colposcopy, directed biopsies, and HPV-ISH testing. All participants reassessed every 6 months for 2 years.
The Effects of Corruption on Government Expenditures: Arab Countries Experience

Corruption is popularly defined as the abuse of public power for private gains. Corruption as a phenomenon , is a global problem and exist in varying degrees in different countries. Corruption poses a serious development challenge, it has a number of adverse consequences on domestic investment, on foreign direct investment, on economic growth, on the size and composition of government expenditure. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the literature in order to discuss what the latter suggests about the relationship between corruption and the composition of government expenditure (education and health government expenditures) and to investigate empirically( using simple regression model) this relation for the case of Arab countries. We found that corruption reduces education and health spending as part of total public spending. Keywords: corruption, Government expenditures, Arab countries
Four faint T dwarfs from the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) Southern Stripe

We present the optical and near-infrared photometry and spectroscopy of four faint T dwarfs newly discovered from the UKIDSS first data release. The sample, drawn from an imaged area of ∼136 deg2 to a depth of Y= 19.9 (5σ, Vega), is located in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Southern Equatorial Stripe, a region of significant future deep imaging potential. We detail the selection and followup of these objects, three of which are spectroscopically confirmed brown dwarfs ranging from type T2.5 to T7.5, and one is photometrically identified as early T. Their magnitudes range from Y= 19.01 to 19.88 with derived distances from 34 to 98 pc, making these among the coldest and faintest brown dwarfs known. The T7.5 dwarf appears to be single based on 0.05-arcsec images from Keck laser guide star adaptive optics. The sample brings the total number of T dwarfs found or confirmed by UKIDSS data in this region to nine, and we discuss the projected numbers of dwarfs in the future survey data. We estimate that ∼240 early and late T dwarfs are discoverable in the UKIDSS Large Area Survey (LAS) data, falling significantly short of published model projections and suggesting that initial mass functions and/or birth rates may be at the low end of possible models. Thus, deeper optical data have good potential to exploit the UKIDSS survey depth more fully, but may still find the potential Y dwarf sample to be extremely rare.
Representation of Clouds and Precipitation Processes in the Community Atmosphere Model Version 3 (CAM3)

Abstract The parameterizations of clouds and precipitation processes have been revised considerably in the Community Atmosphere Model version 3 (CAM3) compared to its predecessors, CAM2 and the Community Climate Model version 3 (CCM3). The parameterizations in CAM3 are more realistic in their representation of processes affecting cloud liquid and ice particles and represent the linkages between processes more completely. This paper describes the changes to the representation of clouds in CAM3, including the partitioning of cloud water between liquid and ice phases, the determination of particle sizes and sedimentation rates, the phase and evaporation rate of precipitation, and the calculation of the cloud fraction. Parameterization changes between CCM3 and CAM2 introduced a significant cold bias at the tropical tropopause, resulting in a dry bias for stratospheric water vapor. Tests of the sensitivity of the tropical temperature profile and the tropical tropopause temperature to individual process changes.
Effects of Season on the Mineral (Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium) Levels of Pennisetum Pedicellatum in Northern Ghana

The aim of this study was to analyse the mineral (Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium) levels of Pennisetum pedicellatum in the wet and dry seasons. Purposive sampling was used to locate three different places where the grass was found. Pennisetum pedicellatum samples were harvested in both the wet and the dry seasons and analysed for their mineral levels. Magnesium and Calcium levels showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the wet and dry seasons whiles Phosphorus and Potassium showed significant difference (p<0.05) between the wet and dry seasons. It was observed that the levels of Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium were higher in the wet season as compared to the dry season, except for Calcium which was high in the dry season. Since the levels of Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium were higher in the wet season and lower in the dry season, it is recommended that Pennisetum pedicellatum should be harvested in the wet season for feeding animals and hay preparation.
ACCOUNTING – TAXATION REPORT IN TERMS OF DEFERRED TAXES ON ASSETS REVALUATION

There has always been and will be a relationship between accounting and taxation, and the ongoing discussions are related to intensity, interrelation and generation of reciprocal effects. Profit is the "wealth" achieved by the economic entity, the share of shareholders after paying the income tax, where applicable, which makes the profit have a major influence on the method of determination and thus of the accounting treatment incurred by the income tax depending on the accounting cultures in dispute for supremacy, namely the European accounting culture and the Anglo-Saxon accounting culture. As the users of information in the financial statements seek to assess the performance and profitability of the company in general and, academically, the income tax is the only element raising debates on the relationship between accounting and taxation, we deemed it useful to conduct a study on the accounting ‐ taxation report in terms of deferred taxes related to assets revaluation. The record of deferred tax amount for each type of temporary difference results in elimination of tax effects from accounting, with the aim of revealing the real earnings of the economic entity and not its fiscal side, all of which is a step in disconnecting the taxation accounting.
The Relationship between South African CEO Compensation and Company Performance in the Banking Industry

This exploratory study is based on a statistical data analysis to determine whether a long-term correlation is present between South African CEO Compensation and company performance in the banking sector. The detailed analysis, using a seven-year time period, is performed at individual company level as well as at sector level and includes two measures of company performance, namely market performance (share price) and accounting performance (return on equity, EBITDA and HEPS). The study is based on the agency theory, which postulates that linking CEO compensation to company performance is a means of reducing agency monitoring costs. It takes into account the historical and current trends in CEO compensation, including King III and its “say-on-pay” provision. Six out of seven null hypotheses were accepted in the study, indicating a long-term correlation between CEO compensation and variables such as company performance, average employee salary, general market performance and inflation. No correlation was found with company size.
Social spaces of little people: The experiences of the Jamisons

Dwarfs, midgets, even freaks, are the terms that have been used to label little people. Little people are individuals who for genetic or hormonal reasons grow to a height of less than 4 feet 8 inches (1.42 m). While little people face similar issues of access to those of other physically disabled groups, they live in spaces that are designed, both physically and socially, for people of 'average height'. In addition, little people face unique stigmas that are historically rooted in mythology, idealized body types, and the commodification of body difference for profit. This paper draws upon the spatial conception of Henri Lefebvre and the premise that social spaces are produced. Specifically, this paper offers the term, staturized space, to describe how the material environment produces relative stature in common representations of space. Furthermore, it identifies the ways in which dwarfism affects social relations as they are played out in spaces intended for average-height people. Finally, this study describes the ways little people's homes and meetings of the organization Little People of America are re-staturized spaces both physically and socially. The production of such alternative social spaces produces enabling and normative environments for little people. These issues are explored through in-depth interviews and participant observations with a married couple in which both individuals are little people. The case study of the Jamisons is part of a larger project which seeks to reveal aspects of the social spaces of a population that is difficult to access and frequently misunderstood. Geographers can benefit from the perspectives of little people by becoming increasingly sensitized to discourses of height and their material implications in the production of public and private spaces.
Highly (002)-oriented ZnO film grown by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis on ZnO-seeded Si (100) substrate

ZnO films are grown by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method on ZnO seeding layer deposited on Si (100) by pulsed laser deposition. The resultant film possesses a columnar microstructure perpendicular to the substrate and exhibits smooth, dense, and uniform morphology. The preferred orientation along the c-axis of the film is significantly enhanced compared to that without the seeding layer. ZnO film grown on ZnO-seeded silicon exhibits higher hall mobility, lower resisitivity, and higher photoluminescence intensity.
Older Children's Sitting Postures, Behaviour and Comfort Experience during Ride - A Comparison between an Integrated Booster Cushion and a High-Back Booster

Sitting postures and comfort experience were analysed from six children aged 7-9 (131-145 cm) seated on an Integrated Booster Cushion (IBC) and a high-back Booster (hbB) during 1 hour on-road drives respectively. Data was collected from video recordings, questionnaires and interviews. When seated on the IBC the most frequent posture was with the entire back and shoulders against the backrest and the head upright. On the hbB, the shoulders were seldom against the backrest. The most frequent lateral sitting posture for both boosters was upright with the seat belt in contact with the neck or mid-shoulder. Moderate and extreme forward and lateral postures occurred occasionally. A positive attitude was found towards the IBC due to possibilities to move freely, the soft seat cushion and the absence of torso supports, but the short seat cushion created some inconvenience. The hbB was perceived hard, created a locked-in feeling and felt unpleasant due to movements when changing postures. The combination of objective and subjective measures provided valuable information regarding children’s sitting behaviour. It is obvious that children do not always sit as in crash tests. Their activities and perceived discomfort influenced the selection of sitting posture and seat belt positions.
The heterogeneous landscape of bibliometric indicators: Evaluating models for allocating resources at Swedish universities

The use of bibliometric indicators on individual and national levels has gathered considerable interest in recent years, but the application of bibliometric models for allocating resources at the institutional level has so far gathered less attention. This article studies the implementation of bibliometric measures for allocating resources at Swedish universities. Several models and indicators based on publications, citations, and research grants are identified. The design of performance-based resource allocation across major universities is then analysed using a framework from the field of evaluation studies. The practical implementation, the incentives as well as the ‘ethics’ of models and indicators, are scrutinized in order to provide a theoretically informed assessment of evaluation systems. It is evident that the requirements, goals, possible consequences, and the costs of evaluation are scarcely discussed before these systems are implemented. We find that allocation models are implemented in response to a general trend of assessment across all types of activities and organizations, but the actual design of evaluation systems is dependent on size, orientation, and the overall organization of the institution in question.
Influence of Low Back Pain in the Functional Capacity of Older People

Introduction: The lumbar pain is a set of painful manifestations that reach the lower back and sacroiliac, manifested in both sexes and all age groups, but increases dramatically with age, it is regarded as an important cause of disability, ranging from acute, subacute and chronic pain. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of lumbar pain in the functional capacity of elderly residents in the city of Cajazeiras – PB. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study, analytical with a quantitative approach, conducted with 43 elderly patients with lumbar pain attended at the elderly pastoral meetings of St John Bosco church in the city of Cajazeiras - PB. It was used as a collection tool a questionnaire with socio demographic data, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the computer program SPSS version 20.0, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: It was observed that most of the elderly were female, widowed, illiterate and predominant age group being 71-82 years old. The pain was classified as intense (39.53%) for most of the sample and through the Roland-Morris was established that all participants showed some degree of disability, and (62.6%) had severe disability. Conclusion: Through this study it was found that low back pain generates significant influence on the functional capacity of the elderly, it is important to develop actions aimed to health promoting and preventing and consequently improving the quality of life of this age group.
Carajasia (Rubiaceae), a new and endangered genus from Carajás mountain range, Pará, Brazil

Carajasia is described as a new genus of Rubiaceae. It is so far known only from the mountain summits of Serra dos Carajas (Para, Brazil), where it is part of a shrubby vegetation surrounded by tropical rainforest. The new genus belongs to the tribe Spermacoceae and is positioned within it to the Spermacoce clade. Carajasia is unique within the clade in having a very particular combination of characters: flowering branches with two axillary flowers per node, homostylous flowers, corollas with a fringe of moniliform hairs, pubescent styles with distinct stigma lobes, bilobed nectariferous discs covered by triangular papillae, pollen with a double reticulum and fruits with a peculiar type of dehiscence. A detailed description of Carajasia is presented, including observations of the fruit and pollen, along with distribution maps and images of the plant in its habitat. A dichotomous key to distinguish Carajasia from other genera with deeply divided stigmas is provided. A molecular phylogenetic study was carried out using ITS and ETS sequences to determine the phylogenetic position of the new genus within the Spermacoce clade. The results of the combined analyses demonstrated that Carajasia is sister to Galianthe with moderate to high support. Both genera form a weakly supported clade with Schwendenera . This clade is sister to the other genera of the Spermacoce clade studied in this work. Galianthe and Schwendenera share with Carajasia pollen with a double reticulum, but they are clearly differentiated by suffruticose habit, heterostylous flowers and the pattern of fruit dehiscence. To clarify the phylogenetic position of Carajasia , some morphological characters are discussed based on the molecular results: division of the stigma, pollen types and floral syndrome.
Factors Influencing Upgrading Decisions by Actors Along Selected Dairy Chains in Kenya

Dairy production is important in Kenya for human nutrition, income generation, and as a source of direct and indirect employment along its value chain. Despite these benefits, smallholder dairy groups in the country have minimal participation in high value and niche markets for dairy products. In the current study, six value addition groups from two Counties (i.e., Uasin Gishu and Meru) were purposively selected, and simple random sampling employed to pick 274 respondents within the surveyed sites. These comprised 267 smallholder dairy farmers from five self-help groups, and seven members from a self-help group operated by disabled persons who collected milk from farmers within Uasin Gishu County and processed it for resale. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Probit model. Results show that the decision by smallholder dairy farmers and dairy groups to upgrade and move to higher value dairy chains was significantly influenced by their knowledge of value addition activities and whether they participated in a value addition group. It is, therefore, recommended that for value addition to be promoted and upgraded, small-scale value addition groups need to be facilitated and upgraded in terms of education and training, standardization, registration and management. This will generate more market opportunities for milk produced, and decrease wastage from spoilage within the dairy chains. Keywords: Dairy chains, Probit model, Smallholder, Value addition, Kenya
Bayesian reasoning in avalanche terrain: a theoretical investigation

ABSTRACT In this article, I explore a Bayesian approach to avalanche decision-making. I motivate this perspective by highlighting a version of the base-rate fallacy and show that a similar pattern applies to decision-making in avalanche-terrain. I then draw out three theoretical lessons from adopting a Bayesian approach and discuss these lessons critically. Lastly, I highlight a number of challenges for avalanche educators when incorporating the Bayesian perspective in their curriculum.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes/Polyaniline Nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes/polyaniline (CNT/PANI) nanocomposites were synthesized by the interfacial polymerization of aniline in the presence of CNTs using two green solvents, water and an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [bmim][BF4]), as the two phases. The formation and incorporation of PANI on the surface of the CNTs were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The analyses showed that the surface of the CNTs was coated with different morphologies of thin PANI layers depending on whether a HCl or HNO3 solution was used. The thermal stability of the composites was much better than that of the bare CNTs and pure PANI. The as-prepared composites were also used to modify the nickel foam electrodes for characterization of the electrochemical properties.