Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Surface Modified E-Glass Fiber Cloths to Enhance Poplar Laminated Veneer Lumber Composites: Effects of Modification Conditions, Gluing Processes, Hot-Pressing Parameters, and Assembly Patterns on Physical-mechanical and Interfacial Properties

To develop construction and building materials from low-quality fast-growing wood, poplar laminated veneer lumber composites reinforced by E-glass fiber cloths (GFC) were prepared with phenol-formaldehyde adhesives. The GFCs were modified with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane solution (concentration: 0.8%, 1.3%, and 1.8%). Between each veneer, 260, 330, or 400 g/m2 adhesives were spread on one or both sides of veneers. The composites were hot-pressed under different temperatures (130, 145, and 160 °C) and gauge pressures (0.7, 1.2, and 1.7 MPa). The GFC dosages and positions in composites were varied. To evaluate the effects of variables on composites, analytical methods included the contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, and physical-mechanical measurements (flexural strength, flexural modulus, horizontal shear strength, internal bond strength, thickness swelling, and dip peel). The results showed that γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane made GFC more hydrophilic and compatible with adhesives, enhancing their interfacial adhesion. Considering most of the physical-mechanical and interfacial properties, the optimum parameters for preparing composites were determined to be 1.3% (γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane), 330 g/m2 (adhesive, double-sided gluing), 160 °C (temperature), and 1.2 MPa (pressure). Varying GFC dosages and positions in composites had positive or negative effects on different physical-mechanical properties. Models were developed to correlate flexural data with GFC dosages and positions.
Utilization of Fermented Yeast Rice by the Fungus Monascus ruber AUMC4066 as Food Coloring Agents

The red fermented rice has higher nutritive value and the function of building up body. The red rice contains abundant protein, fats, vitamins, trace elements and coarse fiber. Red yeast rice fermented by Monascus ruber 4066 was used for the study. Yogurts with Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum were prepared using cow’s milk supplemented with red yeast rice flour (RYRF) at 1%, 2%, 3% (wt/wt) and stored at 5°C to 14 days. All preparations of RYRF yogurts showed higher titratable acidity, viscosity, water holding capacity (WHC), hardness, adhesiveness and cohesiveness compared to that of plain yogurts throughout the storage period. The count of B. bi? dum in RYRF yogurts (> 7 log cfu. g-1) was more than that of plain yogurts (> 6 log cfu. g-1) at the end of storage period, probably due to prebiotic effect of RYRF. There were significant differences among the yogurt samples in relation to their organoleptic properties. The current results recommend addition of 3% RYRF to yoghurt that enhanced physicochemical, organoleptic and textural properties and the viability of B. bi? dum in bio-yoghurt as functional food.
Evaluation of Isoflurane and Sevoflurane Influence on Rat Liver

The specialty literature contains uneven data regarding the effect of inhaled anesthetics on transaminases’ values. Various studies show that the transaminases’ values range from a small increase up to a massive increase post-anesthesia. In the present study, we utilized 40 rats, divided in 8 groups (n=5). Animals from IsoM and SevoM groups (control) were not anesthetized. Rats from IsoI, Iso2, Iso3 groups were anesthetized with isoflurane, and the ones from Sevo1, Sevo2, Sevo3 groups with sevoflurane (3 times, with 2 days interval between administrations, and the exposure time was 2 hours long every time). After anesthesia, we harvested blood samples at different moments: immediately after the anesthesia (groups IsoM, SevoM, Iso1 and Sevo1), 6 hours post-anestesia (Iso2 and Sevo2) and 24 hours post-anesthesia (Iso3 and Sevo3) and determined the transaminases. Upon statistical analysis, the results indicated the fact that the two anesthetics taken into study did not significantly modify the ASAT values. Also, isoflurane din not significantly modify ALAT values. On the other hand, after sevofluran anesthesia, ALAT values registered a statistically significant change. Enzymatic values ranged between normal limits or were slightly increased over the superior limit, which signifies that at the anesthetic dose and duration from our study, none of the tested anesthetics induce hepatic distress.
Tropical Pacific near‐surface currents estimated from altimeter, wind, and drifter data

Tropical surface currents are estimated from satellite-derived surface topography and wind stress using a physically based statistical model calibrated by 15 m drogue drifters. The model assumes a surface layer dominated by steady geostrophic and Ekman dynamics. Geostrophy varies smoothly from a β plane formulation at the equator to an ƒ plane formulation in midlatitude, with the transition occurring at ∼2°–3° latitude. The transition is treated with a Gaussian weight function having a meridional decay scale that is found to be approximately the Rossby radius (∼2.2° latitude). The two-parameter Ekman model represents drifter motion relative to wind stress, with downwind flow along the equator and turning with latitude. Velocities computed from satellite data are evaluated statistically against drifter velocities and equatorial current moorings. Examples of the geostrophic and Ekman flow fields in the western Pacific during a westerly wind burst in late December 1992 depict a strong eastward flow and equatorial convergence. A comparison between December 1996 and June 1997 illustrates the basin-wide reversal of equatorial surface flow during the onset of the 1997 El Nino.
Drivers of adoption and intensity of adoption of goat Farming in Southern Malawi

This study identifies drivers of adoption and its intensity on smallholder goat farming in southern Malawi. A Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial model was estimated using survey data collected in Balaka and Nsanje districts in 2014/15 cropping season. The study found that farmers residing in Nsanje have higher probability of adopting goat farming as compared to farmers in Balaka. Interestingly, farmers with no extension contact have higher probability of adopting goat farming than those who have access to agricultural extension. Further, education and age of the household head, access to credit services, total household income and household size were found to positively influence the intensity of adoption. The study suggests that apart from increasing contact between farmers and extension service providers, agricultural extension should include more livestock farming messages. Furthermore, the study suggests that all relevant stakeholders should intensify efforts to educate Malawians as it positively influences intensity of adoption. Lastly, stakeholders should help smallholder farmer’s accessing credit services so that they get the much needed capital to intensify goat farming
EFFECT OF COMPLETE FEED CONTAINING VARIETIES OF STONE BANANA STEM ON KACANG GOAT PRODUCTIVITY

The objective of this research was to observe the effect of complete feed containing banana stem on kacang goat productivity. Twelve male kacang goats were used with average initial body weight 14.42 ± 1.98 kg and ages between 10-15 months. Complete feed made in the form of pellets with a diameter of 7 mm and length 3 cm. Construction of enclosure measuring 12m x 6m and the construction of the stage as high as 140 cm-story and plot pens measuring 1 x 1 m with a height of 130 cm. Rumen fluid p H , blood glucose, acetic acid,ammonia (NH 3 ), volatile fatty acid (VFA), body weight, complete feed intake, dry matter intake, digestibility of dry matter, energy consumption, energy digestibility, feed conversion complete, carcasses and carcass parts are measured. Data were analyzed by t-test. Results showed that the rumen fluid pH, NH 3 , CF 3 between treatments were not significantly different CF 0 (P < 0.05), whereas propionic acid, butyrate, blood glucose and total VFA differ high significantly (P< 0.01). CF 3 treatment produces propionic acid, Butyrate, blood glucose and total VFA better than the control. Complete feed containing wheat banana stem stone kacang goat productivity is better than complete feed control.
Perceived Benefits of and Barriers to Continuing Education Among Hospital Employed Registered Nurses

PE%K:Er/EDBE%{EFrrS(}FjUNDEUtRRIERSTOC(INTINTn}Wj]aDlK:AT10T4 AMONG HOSPITAL EMPLOYED REGISTERED NURSES By Jacqueline A. Dean The purpose of this study was to expand on the body of knowledge related to the reasons far participation and non-participation in continuing education (CE). The study examined the relationship between Registaed Nurses (RNs) perceived beneGts of and perceived barriers to CE and their reported participation in CE programs. The Health Belief Model is the theoretical framework utilized for this study, with the variables of perceived beneGts and perceived barriers in parGcular. This was a secondary analysis of data coGected in a descripGve correlaGonal study where RNs employed in two acute care hospitals in the Midwest were surveyed. DescripGve staGsGcs were used to identify the perceived beneGts of and barners to CE and to describe the sample. A weak but signiGcant relaGonship was G)und between perceived beneGts and nuntber o f continuing educaGon units (CEUs). A weak negaGve relaGonship was found between barriers and number of CEUs. No sigruGcant relaGonship was G)und between beneGts, barriers and academic credits. BeneGts and barriers that were identiGed in this study to be more inGuenGal supported the existing literature. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Tax competition and equalization: the impact of voluntary cooperation on the efficiency goal

Literature has long learned about the welfare improving effect of equalization in tax competition environments. By setting incentives to local authorities, public spending becomes efficient in spite of relying on a mobile resource as the tax base. This paper proves that this result cannot hold when local players have influence on the shape of the transfer system. A bargaining concerning equalization may change the incentives arising from equalization.
SDSS-II SUPERNOVA SURVEY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE LARGEST SAMPLE OF TYPE IA SUPERNOVAE AND CORRELATIONS WITH HOST-GALAXY SPECTRAL PROPERTIES

Using the largest single-survey sample of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) to date, we study the relationship between properties of SNe Ia and those of their host galaxies, focusing primarily on correlations with Hubble residuals (HRs). Our sample consists of 345 photometrically classified or spectroscopically confirmed SNe Ia discovered as part of the SDSS-II Supernova Survey (SDSS-SNS). This analysis utilizes host-galaxy spectroscopy obtained during the SDSS-I/II spectroscopic survey and from an ancillary program on the SDSS-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey that obtained spectra for nearly all host galaxies of SDSS-II SN candidates. In addition, we use photometric host-galaxy properties from the SDSS-SNS data release such as host stellar mass and star formation rate. We confirm the well-known relation between HR and host-galaxy mass and find a 3. 6σ significance of a nonzero linear slope. We also recover correlations between HR and host-galaxy gas-phase metallicity and specific star formation rate as they are reported in the literature. With our large data set, we examine correlations between HR and multiple host-galaxy properties simultaneously and find no evidence of a significant correlation. We also independently analyze our spectroscopically confirmed and photometrically classified SNe Ia and comment on the significance of similar combined data sets for future surveys.
Topical Toxicity of Esenbeckia pumila Extracts on Leaf-Cutting Ants Atta laevigata and Acromyrmex balzani

The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical toxicity of the Esenbeckia pumila plant extracts on workers of the Atta laevigata and Acromyrmex balzani. Five leaf fractions E. pumila were drawn viz., the hexane, ethanolic, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts, as well as the ethanolic fruit extracts. Further, the phytochemical leaf extract exploration was performed, and the secondary compounds detected were as follows: flavonoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, cardioactive heterosides and tannins. The different leaf and fruit extract fractions were first diluted in 70% ethyl alcohol, and different doses were topically applied to the A. laevigata and A. balzani workers. All the fractions extracted exhibited formicidal effects and this effect was greater to A. laevigata rather than to A. balzani. Only a small percentage of the workers succumbed within the first few hours of application of the different extracts in comparison with the workers which died only after a longer exposure time (72 h) implying a delayed effect of E. pumila extracts.
Gold and Islamic Stocks: A Hedge and Safe Haven Comparison in Time - Grequency domain for BRICS

ABSTRACT This paper has investigated the role of safe haven asset in time and frequency domain while comparing returns on gold and Dow Jones Islamic world Emerging Market index for two different crises periods by using the daily data from January 1st 1996 to December 31st 2014. Wavelet coherency has been utilized to ascertain the best time frequency to determine hedge and safe haven ability of gold. Our result indicates that gold maintain its capacity as hedging instrument for BRICS in short and long-run during Asian financial crises of 1997-98 and in 2007 global financial crises gold exhibits a weak safe haven in long-run and hedge or safe haven property of gold is market specific. Islamic stock index (DJIEM) and conventional stock markets are co-integrated except china where low correlation is witnessed. Gold has also played a leading role in world Islamic emerging markets and displayed negative correlation across a range of frequencies. Moreover, results of the panel co-integration depicted that the Islamic emerging and BRICS equity markets are co-integrated and global investor should carefully monitor the risk associated with the varying diversification benefits.
Positive potentiation effects of positive emotions in a daily setting: the role of positive mental health

Background: The broaden-and-build theory posits that experience of positive emotions triggers expansive mindsets which eventually lead to building of psychological, physical and social resources and a high level positive mental health (PMH). Research suggest that over time, these broadening and building characteristics can increase reciprocally, leading to an upward spiral of positive emotions. However, analogous to the rather salient nature of emotions, upward spirals might as well generate in short time periods of a daily setting. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between the repeated experience of positive emotions, positive mental health and performance in divergent thinking tasks. Method: 106 Dutch and German respondents were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control condition. The 30-minute long online study consisted of a pre-measurement of the mDES and MHC-SF and a post-measurement of the mDES. After pre-measurement participants completed four tasks of the Guilford Alternative Uses Test on divergent thinking. Between tasks, specific emotional states were induced in participants. Herefore, participants were shown either positive or neutral pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS), depending on allocation to the experimental or control group, respectively. Results: In both conditions, high-arousal positive emotions have increased- and low-arousal positive emotions decreased between measurements. No significant relationship was found for experience of positive emotions and performance on the divergent thinking tasks. Individuals with high PMH reported significantly more positive emotions than participants with low PMH. However, no interaction between PMH and increase in positive emotion or PMH and performance on the divergent thinking task was found. Discussion: Results did not suggest that experience of positive emotions significantly increased divergent thinking ability or chances to generation of an upward spiral over a brief course of time. Except for differences in the experience of positive emotions, positive mental health was unrelated to divergent thinking or increase in positive emotions. The unexpected changes in positive emotions highlight the necessity for future research to differentiate between individual positive emotions and their function in task performance.
Mechanism of Action of Coumarin against Candida albicans by SEM/TEM Analysis

The aim of this study was to identify the antifungal activity of coumarin isolated from Ageratum conyzoides L. leaves and to observe its influence on Candida albicans cells by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Antifungal activity testing with the disk diffusion method showed coumarin was active toward pathogenic fungus Candida albicans with an MIC value of coumarin of 125 g mL -1 . The results show that this compound damaged the cell by pores formation on the cell wall. Death of cells occurred due to leakage and necrosis of cytoplasmic content.
Exploring Consumer Reactions to Tipping Guidelines: Implications for Service Quality

This study examines the relative effectiveness of using gratuity guidelines to encourage restaurant patrons to be more generous with wait staff. The study compared the effects on tips of an educational approach which informed guests about tip norms against an actual calculation printed on the check (as well as no guidelines at all). Using an internet simulation experiment, the study found that potential restaurant guests’ reaction to tip reminders depended in part on whether the restaurant’s service was excellent, average, or just plain shoddy. It’s clear that offering suggestions influenced tip amounts, but not always in the expected way. Offering educational guidelines tended to raise tips when service was adequate, but it reduced the highest tips when service was excellent. When service was poor, however, mentioning tip norms encouraged patrons to take revenge on the hapless server. Offering a calculation on the check improved tips under all service quality levels, although the increase in tip levels was not significant when service was poor. Since the study is a simulation, the authors encourage restaurant operators to contact them to engage in a real-life experiment of tipping guidelines.
Spatial distribution of macrofauna within a sandy beach on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

Knowing the spatial pattern and densities of individuals in a population is basic to understand ecology such as their response to environmental gradients. The main goal of the present study is to describe the abundances and distribution of the benthic fauna in the lower intertidal level of a sandy beach at Pacuare Reserve, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica. The count data of five taxa (in 29 cores) was analyzed to determine their spatial distribution. Two species of polychaetes were found: the first, Scolelepis (Scolelepis) squamata (O. F. Mueller, 1806) was common in the center of the beach in an aggregated pattern. The second, Pisionidens indica (Aiyar & Alikunhi, 1940) was present in low densities with a random distribution pattern. Moreover, two isopods were found: Excirolana braziliensis Richardson, 1912 was randomly distributed along the beach while Ancinus brasiliensis Lemos de Castro, 1959 appeared only in two stations. A meiofaunal nemertean attached to grains of sand was the most common organism in the intertidal zone, showing a clumped pattern. The patches of abundance within the beach could be due to a morphologic change that imposes the influence of the strong surf conditions. Moreover, food resource distribution, niche partitioning or competition within the same tide level could influence the different patterns of distribution found in the sediment among the species. In these unstable sediments, the fauna was limited to few opportunist taxa well adapted to withstand mechanical disturbances. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(Suppl. 1): S176-S186. Epub 2018 April 01.
Tapping into the interpreting process: Using participant reports to inform the interpreting process in educational settings

This article presents the results of a Canadian study that examined the relationship of verbal reporting processes and the quality of interpretation. Two types of verbal reports, Think Aloud Protocols (TAPs) and Stimulated Recalls (SRs), were collected and analyzed to explore how TAPS and SRs might reflect the quality of interpreting provided in educational settings. Twelve interpreters working in educational contexts were recruited to participate in a multi-stage research process. Each interpreter was asked to perform a Think Aloud while viewing a sample of classroom discourse in preparation for interpreting it. Each interpreter then provided an interpretation, followed by a post-interpreting Stimulated Recall review of the interpretation. The standardized samples chosen were based on videotaped authentic classroom instruction and represented classes at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. A Deaf child was described for each level of interpreting so that the interpreters could target their interpretation. The results showed that those interpreters who demonstrated higher order cognitive thinking skills and attended to teacher intent and student language preferences provided more effective interpreting than the interpreters who focused primarily on linguistic choices and interpreting decisions. The findings have implications for interpreters, interpreter educators and mentors, and teachers working with interpreters and Deaf students in mediated learning environments. By exploring the ways in which attention to discourse features and teacher-student needs could be heightened, interpreters could enhance the quality of interpretation provided to Deaf learners.
The impact of macroeconomic and demograpic factors on savings mobilisation in Nigeria

The role of savings in the economic growth of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. However, rapid population growth has posed a serious problem to savings mobilisation. A high dependency ratio of the population will require substantial increase in future spending on health, education and care for dependants. This envisaged decline in the working-age population could lead to lower savings and investment rates and slower GDP growth. Against this background, this paper examines the impact of dependency ratio on savings mobilisation in Nigeria using a number of macroeconomic indicators that influence savings. Nigerian data on relevant variables covering the period under investigation were utilised for the study. A multiple regression approach that incorporated an error-correction model was used for our data analysis and tests. The results suggested that savings ratio is determined by spread between lending and savings deposit rates (SLS), domestic inflation rate, real interest rate and foreign private investment (FPI). The major findings of this study are summarized as follows: (1) demographic factors seem to have played a positive and insignificant role in explaining the savings ratio in over two decades studied, (2) interest rates spread leads savings ratio, (3) domestic inflation rate has a negative and significant impact on savings ratio, and (4) foreign capital inflows, as measured by FPI positively and significantly affect savings ratio in Nigeria. The findings of this research will guide policy makers on economic growth and poverty reduction in countries of sub-Saharan Africa.