Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Wolf-Rayet stars in M 31. I. Analysis of the late-type WN stars

Context. Comprehensive studies of Wolf-Rayet stars were performed in the past for the Galactic and the LMC population. The results revealed significant differences, but also unexpected similarities between the WR populations of these different galaxies. Analyzing the WR stars in M 31 will extend our understanding of these objects in different galactic environments. Aims. The present study aims at the late-type WN stars in M 31. The stellar and wind parameters will tell about the formation of WR stars in other galaxies with different metallicity and star formation histories. The obtained parameters will provide constraints to the evolution of massive stars in the environment of M 31. Methods. We used the latest version of the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet model atmosphere code to analyze the stars via fitting optical spectra and photometric data. To account for the relatively low temperatures of the late WN I 0 and WN I I subtypes, our WN models have been extended into this temperature regime. Results. Stellar and atmospheric parameters are derived for all known late-type WN stars in M 31 with available spectra. All of these stars still have hydrogen in their outer envelopes, some of them up to 50% by mass. The stars are located on the cool side of the zero age main sequence in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, while their luminosities range from 105 to 1064). It is remarkable that no star exceeds 106 L. Conclusions. If formed via single-star evolution, the late-type WN stars in M 31 stem from an initial mass range between 20 and 60 M-circle dot. From the very late-type WN9-11 stars, only one star is located in the S Doradus instability strip. We do not find any late-type WN stars with the high luminosities known in the Milky Way.
Holidays’ effect and optimism in analyst recommendations: evidence from Europe

This paper documents Holidays effect in analyst recommendations in European stock markets (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden) during the period between 2003 and 2014. Our results indicate that analysts issue overly pessimistic recommendations on pre-holidays and overly optimistic recommendations on postholidays (Christmas, Halloween and valentine). Our results are consistent with prior literature on day-of-the-week effect that documents upward trend in stock prices during the week and downward trend in stock prices over the weekend. We argue that by issuing bulk of favorable (optimistic) recommendations on Post-Holidays, analysts may hope to benefit from upward trend in stock prices. Similarly, by issuing bulk of unfavorable (pessimistic) recommendations on pre-holidays, analysts may hope to benefit from downward trend in stock prices. Moreover, we also show that our results are more pronounced in firms with higher information uncertainty and among less experienced analysts. JEL Classification: G15; G20
Wet bulb dimensions associated with different flow and terrain declivity

Geometry information of wet bulb is important for the design of projects and management of drip irrigation, mainly to estimate the volume of wet soil, emitter flows and irrigation time. This study aims to determine the dimensions of wet bulb formed by drippers with different flow and terrain declivities. For this, soil moisture levels were determined throughout the soil profile after drip irrigation with three flow emitters associated with four terrain declivities. It was verified that when the terrain was in level, there was greater radial migration of water on the soil surface with increase in the flow dripper, resulting in more open wet bulbs. On the other hand, increases in flow and declivity provide lower vertical percolation of water, obtaining smaller depth of moisture in the soil profile. Therefore, different terrain declivities and flow drippers influence wet bulb geometry and moisture distribution, indicating the importance of relief in the positioning of emitters in drip irrigation. Key words: Trickle irrigation, drippers, soil moisture.
INTEGRATING THE MODERATING EFFECT OF INDIVIDUALS’ RISK VULNERABILITY INTO TAKAFUL ACCEPTANCE MODEL: EVIDENCE FROM A FRONTIER MARKET

Recently, acceptance of Takaful as an Islamic financial product has been declining in African Muslim-dominated countries such as Kenya, Tunisia, and Nigeria. In understanding the causes of this trend and proffer a possible solution, this study examines the effects of individuals’ attitude towards Takaful, perceived behavioral control, individual’s risks vulnerability on Takaful acceptance intention in Nigerian Frontier Market. It also examined the moderating effect of individual’s risks vulnerability on the relationship between attitudes towards Takaful, perceived behavioral control, and Takaful acceptance intention. Through a quantitative methodology employed for the purpose, the results revealed that attitude towards Takaful, perceived behavioral control and individual’s risks vulnerability are significantly related to Takaful acceptance intention. Moreover, individual’s risks vulnerability moderates the relationship between attitude towards Takaful, perceived behavioral control, and Takaful acceptance intention. In line with these findings, theoretical and practical implications, as well as the direction of future research, were highlighted.
Genetic diversity in speckled bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes in Ethiopia

In the present investigation, the genetic variability of 64 speckled type common bean genotypes were evaluated at Haramaya University during 2015 cropping season using 8 × 8 simple lattice design with three replications. The analysis of variance indicated highly significant (P<0.01) differences among genotypes for all the nine characters studied. High genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for grain yield, while high phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were recorded for number of seeds plant -1 , grain yield ha -1 and common bacterial blight resistance. For all the traits, estimates of PCV were higher than GCV indicating the presence of environmental influence. High heritability values and genetic advances were recorded in grain yield. Cluster analysis using Mahalanobis distance delineated the genotypes into six main groups. Cluster I contain the largest number of genotypes (43.75%) followed by clusters II (26.56%) and III (10.94%) while clusters IV, V and VI contain four genotypes each. The D 2 analysis indicated that there was a significant difference among the clusters. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and V. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to assess the variation and correlation among genotypes for the traits and grouped them based on their performance. The combination of the first four principal components explained more than 85.74% of the genotypic variations. Therefore, exploiting the genetic diversity among clusters would broaden the genetic base of speckled bean breeding populations.
High mortality and female‐biased operational sex ratio result in low encounter rates and moderate polyandry in a spider

Mating systems are shaped by ecological factors such as timing of maturation, spatiotemporal distribution of individuals, and the operational sex ratio. These factors influence male–female encounter rates, which shape the intensity and form of inter- and intrasexual competition. Whereas knowledge of natural encounter rates is vital for understanding the evolution of mating systems, data from the wild are difficult to obtain. We present data on the ecology and natural history of the subsocial spider Stegodyphus bicolor (Eresidae) with the aim of assessing its mating system. We investigated male mate search in relation to female spatial distribution, the timing of maturation of individuals, and the operational sex ratio, which may affect male–male competition and be used to predict mating strategies. We recorded male visits and cohabitation patterns with females of different reproductive state (immature and adults) to investigate evidence for mate choice as an indicator of sperm priority patterns. Finally, we used male visiting rates as a proxy for female natural mating rates. Both sexes matured synchronously: 51% of the females mated and received on average 1.2 visiting males. With increasing female availability male cohabitation time decreased. Preference for adult females, a decline in the occurrence of cohabitation with increasing female availability, and a lack of male protandry suggest that males do not employ strategies to protect paternity. Indeed, female-biased operational sex ratio throughout the mating season and high mortality may result in low male visitation rates. We suggest that ecological constraints shape a moderately polyandrous mating system in this species. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, ••, ••–••.
Vitamin C And Vitamin E Supplementation In Pregnant Women At Risk For Pre Eclampsia : A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Evidence suggests that antioxidant supplementation reduces risk of preeclampsia. Our aim was to investigate the potential benefit of antioxidants in women with risk factors of preeclampsia. A total of 285women identified at risk of preeclampsia were administered vitamin C 1000 mg, vitamin E 200mg / placebo from 12 weeks of pregnancy till delivery in intention to treat. The patients were randomly assigned to drug groups. The Incidence of preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, and caesarean between placebo and vitamin group were compared and were found to be same. But preterm birth reduced in statistically significant number in vitamin group (OR = 0.28, CI = 0.21 - 0.99, p = 0.01).
Oxygen tension and oocyte density during in vitro maturation affect the in vitro fertilization of bovine oocytes.

Oocyte maturation is the key factor affecting the fertilization and embryonic development. Factors such as oocyte density and oxygen tension can directly influence the IMV. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association of oxygen tensions (5% or 20%) with different oocyte densities (1:10? l or 1:20? l) in the in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes on maturation and fertilization rates, ROS production and antioxidant activity. Three experiments were performed with bovine oocytes that were obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries. After selection, the oocytes were randomly distributed in four treatments: 1:10/5%; 1:10/20%; 1:20/5%and 1:20/20% for each experiment. In experiment I, nuclear maturation status and cytoplasmic maturation were evaluated through detection of the first polar body by immunofluorescence and the mitochondrial reorganization assay. In experiment II, ROS production and antioxidant activity were analyzed in oocytes and IVM medium after 24 h of maturation through detection of ROS, reduced glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide dismutase activity by spectrofluorimetric methods. In experiment III, fertilization was evaluated through pronucleus formation, sperm penetration with or without decondensation and polyspermy rates by immunofluorescence. In experiment I, the nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation were similar among treatments (P>0.05). In experiment II, reactive oxygen species in oocytes were elevated in treatments with low oxygen tension which was independent of oocyte density (P<0.05). Additionally, ROS levels in IVM medium were higher in treatments with high oocyte density by volume of medium, which was independent of oxygen tension (P<0.05). In Experiment III, the fertilization and penetration rates were higher in the treatment with 20% oxygen tension and high oocyte density (P<0.05). Furthermore, a high incidence of polyspermy was observed in groups with high oxygen tension and low oocyte density (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate an interaction between oxygen tension and oocyte density, which increases ROS production in certain associations and subsequently influences the rates of in vitro fertilization of bovine oocytes. The improved rates of IVF were obtained when IVM was conducted using 20% oxygen tension and high oocyte density (1:20 ul).
The Selection and Termination of Investment Management Firms by Plan Sponsors

We examine the selection and termination of investment management firms by 3,400 plan sponsors between 1994 and 2003. Plan sponsors hire investment managers after large positive excess returns but this return-chasing behavior does not deliver positive excess returns thereafter. Investment managers are terminated for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to underperformance. Excess returns after terminations are typically indistinguishable from zero but in some cases positive. In a sample of round-trip firing and hiring decisions, we find that if plan sponsors had stayed with fired investment managers, their excess returns would be no different from those delivered by newly hired managers. We uncover significant variation in pre- and post-hiring and firing returns that is related to plan sponsor characteristics. ALLEN (2001) ARGUES THAT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS matter for asset pricing and
Degradation of subcells and tunnel junctions during growth of GaInP/Ga(In)As/GaNAsSb/Ge 4‐junction solar cells

A GaInP/Ga(In)As/GaNAsSb/Ge 4J solar cell grown using the combined MOVPE + MBE method is presented. This structure is used as a test bench to assess the effects caused by the integration of subcells and tunnel junctions into the full 4J structure. A significant degradation of the Ge bottom subcell emitter is observed during the growth of the GaNAsSb subcell, with a drop in the carrier collection efficiency at the high energy photon range that causes a ~15% lower Jsc and a Voc drop of ~50 mV at 1‐sun. The Voc of the GaNAsSb subcell is shown to drop by as much as ~140 mV at 1‐sun. No degradation in performance is observed in the tunnel junctions, and no further degradation is neither observed for the Ge subcell during the growth of the GaInP/Ga(In)As subcells. The hindered efficiency potential in this lattice‐matched 4J architecture due to the degradation of the Ge and GaNAsSb subcells is discussed.
Continuance : A Decomposed Model

Knowledge management (KM) research has yielded extensive theoretical explanations on the motivations of an individual to share knowledge using various types of face-to-face or virtual communication, each with different sets of influential factors. We propose that by decomposing individual belief into multidimensional belief constructs specific to knowledge contribution and knowledge-seeking contexts, those diverse factors can be consistently related to the antecedents of behavioral intention. Based on information systems (IS) continuance research and extant literature on KM, we formulate the research models for knowledge management systems (KMS) continuance for knowledge-contribution and -seeking behaviors, and test them with empirical data.
Study of the Turbulent Flow Structure around a Standard Rushton Impeller

The velocity field around the standard Rushton turbine was investigated by the Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The mean ensembleaveraged velocity profiles and root mean square values of fluctuations were evaluated at two different regions. The first one was in the discharge stream in the radial direction from the impeller where the radial flow is dominant and it is commonly modelled as a swirling turbulent jet. The validity range of the turbulent jet model was studied. The second evaluated region is under the impeller where flow seems to be at first sight rather rigorous but obtained results show nonnegligible values of fluctuation velocity.
The removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution by dried powder of activated sludge: kinetic and equilibrium studies

Background: Nowadays, different methods are applied for the removal of heavy metals from the aqueous resources that the adsorption process is one of them. The chromium VI is one of the most prevalent contaminants which create serious difficulties; so, it should be removed from the contaminated waters by an effective method before being leaved into the environment. The present research investigated the use of dried powder of activated sludge of Kavirtire wastewater treatment plant as bio sorbent for removal of chromium (VI). Methods: In the present experimental study, the effects of pH, adsorbent dose, primary concentration of metal and contact time on the removal of chromium (VI) from the aqueous solutions were studied. Then, the equations of isotherm and adsorption kinetic were specified based on the optimal conditions. The absorbent features were analyzed by SEM and EDX techniques. Results: The maximum efficiency of the removal of chromium (VI) at pH 2, optimal dose of 5 g/L, contact time of 60 min and with primary concentration of 15 mg/L was reported 99.83 percent. The study of relation of the isotherm and kinetic in the reaction revealed that the process of adsorptions of chromium follows the Freundlich model (R=0.90) and the pseudosecond order kinetic model (R= 1), respectively. Conclusions: The dried powder of activated sludge can be applied as a proper adsorbent for the removal of Chromium VI from the aqueous resources.
The Cost Channel of Monetary Transmission

This paper presents evidence that the cost channel may be an important part of the monetary transmission mechanism. We first highlight three puzzles that might be explained by a cost channel of monetary transmission. We then provide evidence on the importance of working capital and argue why monetary contractions can affect output through a supply channel as well as the traditional demand-type channels. Using a vector autoregression analysis, we investigate the effects across industries. Following a monetary contraction, many industries exhibit periods of falling output and rising price-wage ratios, consistent with a supply shock. The effects are noticeably more pronounced during the period before 1979.
Discovery of a dual AGN at z~3.3 with 20kpc separation

A prediction of the current paradigm of the hierarchical assembly of galaxies is the presence of supermassive dual black holes at separations of a few kpc or less. In this context, we report the detection of a narrow-line emitter within the extended LyA nebula (~120kpc diameter) of the luminous radio-quiet quasi-stellar object (QSO) LBQS0302-0019 at z=3.286. We identify several high-ionization narrow emission lines (HeII, CIV, CIII]) associated with this point-like source, which we have named "Jil", which is only ~20kpc (2.9") away from the QSO in projection. Emission-line diagnostics confirm that the source is likely powered by photoionization of an obscured active galactic nucleus (AGN) three orders of magnitude fainter than the QSO. The system represents the tightest unobscured/obscured dual AGN currently known at z>3, highlighting the power of MUSE to detect these elusive systems.
Effects of Anthocyanin-Rich Popping Maize Flour on the Phenolic Profile and the Antioxidant Capacity of Mix-Bread and Its Physical and Sensory Properties

Abstract In this study, the effect of anthocyanin-rich popping maize flour on phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity and color of bread were investigated. Texture and sensory properties of maize mix-breads were evaluated also. Replacing 30% of wheat flour with blue- and dark-red-seeded maize flours increased the content of total phenolic compounds, ferulic and p-coumaric acids of mix-breads compared to the control bread. In addition, anthocyanins from maize flours improved functional profile of breads. Despite thermal degradation, the content of anthocyanins in crumb of blue and dark-red maize mix-breads was high and amounted to 142.3 mg CGE/kg and 84.4 mg CGE/kg, respectively. In his acylated and non-acylated forms, cyanidin 3-gluco-side was the most prevalent anthocyanins in maize mix-breads. However, given to the synergistic and antagonistic interaction that arises from the co- existence of numerous antioxidant compounds in food, anthocyanin-rich maize flour had no effect on the increase in the bread antioxidant capacity. Anthocyanin-rich maize flour changed the bread crumb color to a red range. Although maize mix-breads had worse textural properties compared to the wheat bread, their sensory quality was improved.
Indian marine fishery resources: optimistic present, challenging future

Marine fish production from capture fisheries in India has increased by about six fold during the past six decades. Export earnings from the marine sector crossed 12,000 crores in 2010-11 and gross revenue through marine fish landings at the point of first sales was about 20,000 crores. Marine products are now exported from India to nearly 100 countries. Monitoring the harvest of different marine fishery resources is very much essential for planning and implementing policies for sustained production from the sea. The dynamic changes in the landings of marine fishery resources over the last six decades were examined after classifying them into 26 different resource groups. Decadal averages of landings of different resource groups were compared using Student’s t test and coefficient of variation was worked out for each decade. Present status of each resource group was examined separately based on a simple criterion. Out of the 26 groups examined, 18 were found to be under the ‘abundant class, 5 under ‘less abundant’ class and one each under ‘declining’, ‘depleted’ and ‘collapsed’ classes. Elasmobranchs, threadfins, ribbonfishes, mullets and flatfishes are the five resource groups falling under ‘less abundant’ class. White fish falls under ‘declining’ class, flying fishes under ‘depleted’ class and unicorn cod under ‘collapsed’ class. All the other groups fall under the ‘abundant’ class indicating that most of the resources (73%) are in healthy condition. The ‘depleted’ and ‘collapsed’ classes require management interventions for the recovery of the resources and the group falling under ‘declining’ class needs caution and care to prevent further reduction in the stock.
Determinants of Dividend Payout: Evidence from Financial Sector of Pakistan

This study seeks to ascertain the determinants of dividend payout of financial sector in Pakistan. The dividend is an important indicator and serves as a measure of a firm’s financial performance and growth. Dividend is important decision for any firm and plays vital role in the growth and future progress of the firm. Study used quantitative approach to explore the effective determinants of DPO for the financial sector of Pakistan. The dependent variable of this research is dividend payout while the financial leverage, investments, liquidity, returns on equity and size are independent variables also functioning as determinants of DPO. The data were collected over a period of seven years from 2007 to 2013. However sample of this research is restricted to the selected listed financial firms of Pakistan. A sample of 53 financial firms is selected out of 181. For the analysis of data various statistical tools i.e. descriptive statistics, correlation matrix and panel data analysis are applied. Random effects model is selected to measure the determinants of DPO and their impact on it. The results conclude that financial leverage has a statistically significant and negative effect on dividend payout, while the advances to deposit ratio, return on equity, investment and size have a positive and statistically significant influence on dividend payout for the selected financial firms of Pakistan.