Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new galactic chemical evolution model with dust: results for dwarf irregular galaxies and DLA systems

We present a galactic chemical evolution model which adopts updated prescriptions for all the main processes governing the dust cycle. We follow in detail the evolution of the abundances of several chemical species (C, O, S, Si, Fe and Zn) in the gas and dust of a typical dwarf irregular galaxy. The dwarf irregular galaxy is assumed to evolve with a low but continuous level of star formation and experience galactic winds triggered by supernova explosions. We predict the evolution of the gas to dust ratio in such a galaxy and discuss critically the main processes involving dust, such as dust production by AGB stars and Type II SNe, destruction and accretion (gas condensation in clouds). We then apply our model to Damped Lyman-Alpha systems which are believed to be dwarf irregulars, as witnessed by their abundance patterns. Our main conclusions are: i) we can reproduce the observed gas to dust ratio in dwarf galaxies. ii) We find that the process of dust accretion plays a fundamental role in the evolution of dust and in certain cases it becomes the dominant process in the dust cycle. On the other hand, dust destruction seems to be a negligible process in irregulars. iii) Concerning Damped Lyman-Alpha systems, we show that the observed gas-phase abundances of silicon, normalized to volatile elements (zinc and sulfur), are in agreement with our model. iv) The abundances of iron and silicon in DLA systems suggest that the two elements undergo a different history of dust formation and evolution. Our work casts light on the nature of iron-rich dust: the observed depletion pattern of iron is well reproduced only when an additional source of iron dust is considered. Here we explore the possibility of a contribution from Type Ia SNe as well as an efficient accretion of iron nano-particles.
Effect of seed rates on the agro-physiological traits of wheat

The effect of different seed rates on agro- physiological traits of wheat varieties was investigated at agronomic research area, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University D.I. Khan. Six wheat varieties viz. Inqilab91, Bakhtawar-92, Punjab-96, Dera-98, Daman-98 and Raj. were tested using varying seed rates of 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg seed ha -1 under a split plot arrangement during 2000-01. The effect of seed rates was significant on most of agro-physiological traits of tested varieties. Tillers m -2 , fresh weight, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, photosynthetic efficiency and protein content were high at higher seed rate of 200 kg ha -1 . Among wheat varieties, Inqilab-91 produced maximum fresh weight, net assimilation rate, photosynthetic efficiency and grain yield. Daman-98 produced more dry weight (9.15 t ha -1 ) and protein content (11.40%). Tillers m -2 (350.4) and maximum crop growth (15.04 g d m -2 ) rate was recorded for punjab-96. In interaction, maximum grain yield 6.50 t ha -1 ) was produced by Daman-98 with seed rate of 200 kg ha -1 . Daman-98, Inqilab91 and Bakhtawar-92 produced maximum grain yield at higher seed rate . While Raj produced maximum grain yield of 5.0 t ha -1 at 50 kg seed ha -1 . Dera-98 gave maximum grain yield of 5.97 t ha -1 at 100 kg seed ha -1 and Punjab-96 produced maximum grain yield of 5.41 t ha -1 at seed rate of 150 kg ha -1 .
Fostering Positive Listening Habits among EFL Learners through the Application of Listening Strategy and Sub-skill Instructions

The article presents a research project carried out at University of Languages and International Studies, Hanoi, on the integration of explicit listening strategy and sub-skill instructions into listening lessons. A strategy and sub-skill integrated syllabus was devised and implemented in eight consecutive weeks. The research aimed at investigating how students improved their listening habits after being taught listening strategies and sub-skills explicitly, as well as their engagement with and perception of this new teaching method. Data were collected via individual interviews, observations, and narrative frames. The results revealed some positive effects of the intervention on students’ listening skills and habits: students knew to use strategies in listening, which led to the acquisition of listening sub-skills and improvement in their listening comprehension. Factors affecting students’ engagement with and their perceptions of the new teaching method were also substantially explored. Based on the findings, relevant pedagogical implications were proposed with the aim of equipping English teachers with practical guidelines on how to integrate explicit strategy and sub-skill instructions into their listening classes.
Anomalous phonon relaxation in Au333(SR)79 nanoparticles with nascent plasmons

Significance Plasmons and evolution from the metallic to nonmetallic state in metal nanoparticles (NPs) are being actively pursued in nanoscience research. Previous research has not been able to probe the fundamental science of nascent plasmons due to major difficulties in the synthesis of atomically precise NPs in the 2- to 3-nm range. Herein, we report intriguing ultrafast electron dynamics in ultrasmall, atomically precise Au333(SR)79 NPs (2.5-nm diameter). Femtosecond transient-absorption spectroscopy revealed an unprecedented relaxation process of 4–5 ps—an instantaneous phonon–phonon relaxation evidenced by the similarity in spectroscopic profiles. The unique dynamics of Au333(SR)79, plus plasmon splitting, is expected to stimulate future work on the ultrasmall size regime of nanometals with nascent plasmons. Research on plasmons of gold nanoparticles has gained broad interest in nanoscience. However, ultrasmall sizes near the metal-to-nonmetal transition regime have not been explored until recently due to major synthetic difficulties. Herein, intriguing electron dynamics in this size regime is observed in atomically precise Au333(SR)79 nanoparticles. Femtosecond transient-absorption spectroscopy reveals an unprecedented relaxation process of 4–5 ps—a fast phonon–phonon relaxation process, together with electron–phonon coupling (∼1 ps) and normal phonon–phonon coupling (>100 ps) processes. Three types of –R capped Au333(SR)79 all exhibit two plasmon-bleaching signals independent of the –R group as well as solvent, indicating plasmon splitting and quantum effect in the ultrasmall core of Au333(SR)79. This work is expected to stimulate future work on the transition-size regime of nanometals and discovery of behavior of nascent plasmons.
Isolation and characterization of efficient cellulolytic fungi from degraded wood and industrial samples

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer and renewable natural product in the biosphere. Cellulose degrading fungal strains play an important role in recycling of cellulosic materials. They have immense advantage in various industries to hydrolyze cellulosic substrates for production of various products. This study was thus aimed to isolate and characterize efficient cellulose degrading fungi from their common natural habitats. Decaying Acacia wood and industrial water effluent samples were used for isolation and screening of cellulolytic fungi. Both samples were serially diluted and cultured on cellulose basal medium (CBM) supplemented with 30 mg/L chloramphenicol as bactericidal agent. Cellulose degrading fungal isolates were selected based on their hydrolyzed zone after congo red dye stain. Among 13 initial isolates, four isolates (C, E, G, and H) were finally screened as the most efficient fungal isolates representing only degraded Acacia tree. These isolates were confirmed as Penicillium species (C), Apergillus terrus (G), Alternaria species (H) and Apergillus species (E). From this study, the decaying Acacia sample was found to be the best source for cellulolytic fungi than that of wastewater sample. Out of these isolates, the maximum zone of hydrolysis (51.33±1.53 mm) was obtained for ‘isolate E’, whereas the minimum zone of clearance (26.67±1.53 mm) was recorded for penicillium species. This study indicates the existence of potential cellulolytic fungal on decayed wood of Acacia. Hence, further molecular aided characterizations of the isolates and their enzymes are of paramount importance for their use for industrial purposes. Keywords: Cellulase, cellulosic basal medium, congored, fungi, zone of hydrolysis
Myoinositol augments insulin release from perfused rat pancreas

To test the direct influence of myoinositol on insulin release, rat pancreases were perfused with a medium containing glucose (6.6 mmol/L) or glucose with myoinositol at concentrations of 0.15, 1.55 or 15.5 mmol/L. Myoinositol at the lowest concentration was without effect. At concentrations of 1.55 and 15.5 mmol/L inositol significantly augmented insulin secretion; the total amount of insulin released during perfusions (30 min) with this compound was 508 and 478 |iU, respectively vs 353 J IU secreted during the same time of perfusion without inositol. It seems quite possible that inositol may augment insulin secretion by formation of ATP, inositol phospholipids or inositol hexaphosphate.
Protoplast fusion enhances antagonistic activity in Trichoderma spp.

Genus Trichoderma is one of the most important filamentous fungi used as a biocontrol agent. Because of the absence of sexual reproduction in this fungus, other methods of genetic improvement have been developed such as proptoplast fusion to enhance its bicontrol potential. Therefore the objectives of this study were; 1) protoplast fusion and regeneration of two fungicide tolerant mutants of Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum 2) using ISSR for fingerprinting of inter-specific protoplast fusants and 3) assessment of antagonistic ability of Trichoderma fusants against three soil born diseases. Protoplast was isolated from two fungicide tolerant mutants PTv-V and PTz-F of Trichoderma,. The frequency of fusion tolerant to both pesticides was about 0.3 % and eight fusants were selected for further studies. In fusant stability experiments, only five of these fusants were the result of nuclear fusion of parental cells. Molecular characterization of two stable fusants using ISSR indicated the presence of novel fragments which may be due to recombination events between parents. In dual culture biocontrol experiments, five selected fusants showed growth inhibition against three pathogens namely; Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium ultimum. However, Fus 7 indicated the best ability of inhibition the growth of the three pathogens. In greenhouse experiments Fus 7 demonstrated a great ability to reduce tomato damping off of the three pathogens in the presence of the two fungicides understudy. It was concluded that, the protoplast fusion is a powerful tool to enhance the biocontrol ability of Trichoderma sp. against diseases. (A. I. Fahmi, A. D. Al-Talhi and M. M. Hassan Protoplast fusion enhances antagonistic activity in Trichoderma sp.) Nature and Science 2012; 10(5): 100-106). (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub. net.
World sight day: A veritable avenue for vision screening towards attaining the goals of VISION 2020 in Nigeria

Background: World sight day is marked yearly and provides the about eye health. The global event can also serve as an avenue to appraise impacts of health promotions and interventions on blindness prevention. Aim: To determine the prevalence of blindness and common ocular conditions am population. Materials and methods: It was a cross and University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Instrument was developed in line with study’s objectives. Subjects’ responses to questionn which was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 20.0) Observation: A total of 121 males and 280 females with a ratio of 1:2.3 were analyzed. Age range was from 18 years to 66 years with a mean of 39.8 Intraocular pressure, indicated in 81 subjects, ranged from 11 to 33 mmHg. Absolute glaucoma was recorded in 5 patients (1.2%), 71 patients (17.7%) were suspects and 19 patients (4.7%) had glaucoma. Refractive error 167 (41.6%) was the commonest finding. Statistical analysis of data revealed no significant relationship between sex and diagnoses (p value = 7.967, X 2 = 0.826, 95% CI = 0.821 95% CI = 0.591-0.510). Conclusion: Refractive errors were the commonest ocular finding in the population studied. and vision screening
Is the Jovian auroral H-3(+) emission polarised?

Context. Measurement of linear polarisation in Earth's thermospheric oxygen red line can be a useful observable quantity for characterising conditions in the upper atmosphere; therefore, polarimetry measurements are extended to other planets. Since FUV emissions are not observable from the ground, the best candidates for Jupiter auroral emissions are H-3(+) infrared lines near 4 mu m. This ion is created after a chemical process in the Jovian upper atmosphere. Thus the anisotropy responsible of the polarisation cannot be the particle impact as in the Earth case.Aims. The goal of this study is to detect polarisation of H-3(+) emissions from Jupiter's aurora.Methods. Measurements of the H-3(+) emissions from Jupiter's southern auroral oval were performed at the UK Infrared Telescope using the UIST-IRPOL spectro-polarimeter, with the instrument slit positioned perpendicular to Jupiter's rotation axis. Data were processed by dividing the slit into 24 bins. Stokes parameters (u, q and v), polarisation degree and direction were extracted for each bin and debiased.Results. More than 5 bins show polarisation with a confidence level above 3 sigma. Polarisation degrees up to 7% are detected. Assuming the auroral intensity is constant during the 8 waveplate positions exposure time, i.e. around 10 min, strong circular polarisation is present, with an absolute value of the Stokes v parameter up to 0.35. Conclusions. This study shows that polarisation is detectable in the Jovian infrared auroras, but new measurements are needed to be able to use it to characterise the ionospheric environment. At present, it is not possible to propose a mechanism to explain this polarisation owing to the lack of theoretical work and laboratory experiments concerning the polarisation of H-3(+).
Associations of Amyloid, Tau, and Neurodegeneration Biomarker Profiles With Rates of Memory Decline Among Individuals Without Dementia.

Importance A National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association workgroup proposed a research framework for Alzheimer disease in which biomarker classification of research participants is labeled AT(N) for amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration biomarkers. Objective To determine the associations between AT(N) biomarker profiles and memory decline in a population-based cohort of individuals without dementia age 60 years or older, and to determine whether biomarkers provide incremental prognostic value beyond more readily available clinical and genetic information. Design, Setting, and Participants Population-based cohort study of cognitive aging in Olmsted County, Minnesota, that included 480 nondemented Mayo Clinic Study of Aging participants who had a clinical evaluation and amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) (A), tau PET (T), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cortical thickness (N) measures between April 16, 2015, and November 1, 2017, and at least 1 clinical evaluation follow-up by November 12, 2018. Exposures Age, sex, education, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions score, APOE genotype, and AT(N) biomarker profiles. Each of A, T, or (N) can be abnormal (+) or normal (-), resulting in 8 AT(N) profiles. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcome was a composite memory score measured longitudinally at 15-month intervals. Analyses measured the associations between predictor variables and the memory score, and whether AT(N) biomarker profiles significantly improved prediction of memory z score rates of change beyond a model with clinical and genetic variables only. Results Participants were followed up for a median of 4.8 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.8-5.1) and 44% were women (211/480). Median (IQR) ages ranged from 67 years (65-73) in the A-T-(N)- group to 83 years (76-87) in the A+T+(N)+ group. Of the participants, 92% (441/480) were cognitively unimpaired but the A+T+(N)+ group had the largest proportion of mild cognitive impairment (30%). AT(N) biomarkers improved the prediction of memory performance over a clinical model from an R2 of 0.26 to 0.31 (P < .001). Memory declined fastest in the A+T+(N)+, A+T+(N)-, and A+T-(N)+ groups compared with the other 5 AT(N) groups (P = .002). Estimated rates of decline in the 3 fastest declining groups were -0.13 (95% CI, -0.17 to -0.09), -0.10 (95% CI, -0.16 to -0.05), and -0.10 (95% CI, -0.13 to -0.06) z score units per year, respectively, for an 85-year-old APOE ε4 noncarrier. Conclusions and Relevance Among older persons without baseline dementia followed for a median of 4.8 years, a prediction model that included amyloid PET, tau PET, and MRI cortical thickness resulted in a small but statistically significant improvement in predicting memory decline over a model with more readily available clinical and genetic variables. The clinical importance of this difference is uncertain.
TOXINOTYPING AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF Clostridium perfringens ISOLATED FROM BROILER CHICKENS WITH NECROTIC ENTERITIS

The toxinotyping and the antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from chicken with necrotic enteri- tis were determined. All the 22 C. perfringens belonged to toxinotype A and the MIC values to 14 antimicrobial agents showed that all strains were susceptible to amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, metronidazole and penicillin- streptomycin. Most strains showed high rates of resistance to erythromycin, cephalexin and bacitracin and sulfaquinolaxin. Our results suggest an important role of the α-toxin in the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis and new strategies for preventing and controlling the Clos- tridium perfringens infection in poultry need to be investigated.
Dietary Sodium and Chloride for Twenty-Nine-to Forty-Two-Day-Old Broiler Chickens at Constant Electrolyte Balance Under Subtropical Summer Conditions

SUMMARY The study was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chicks to different dietary Na + and Cl − concentrations with similar dietary electrolyte balance of 250 mEq/kg during 29 to 42 d of age in a hot environment with average minimum and maximum temperatures of 32.4 and 36.6°C, respectively, and an average RH of 69.2%. Three levels of dietary Na + (0.20, 0.25, and 0.30%) and 3 levels of dietary Cl − (0.30, 0.40, and 0.50%) were used in 3 × 3 factorial arrangement in which BW at 28 d were used as covariate in the statistical analysis. A decreasing linear effect of dietary Na + was observed on breast yield and lowering of abdominal fat, whereas increasing dietary Cl − linearly increased litter moisture and decreased dressing weights. No significant effects of dietary Na + ,C l − ,o r Na + × Cl − were observed on feed intake, BW gain, feed:gain, rectal temperature, water:feed, or mortality. An improvement in litter condition, toe ash, blood parameters, and lowered abdominal fat yield was observed for the diet having 0.30% dietary Na + . The results of the present study suggest the dietary requirements of 0.20 to 0.25% Na + and 0.30% Cl − during the finisher phase (29 to 42 d) of broiler chicks when the ambient temperature ranged from 32 to 40°C.
A geometric embedding algorithm for efficiently generating semiflexible chains in the molten state

We present a novel method for generating starting polymer structures for molecular simulations in the dense phase. The work describes the ingredients of an algorithm for the creation of large, dense or diluted amorphous polymeric systems close to equilibrium and provides measures for its quality. The model systems are made of semiflexible (wormlike) repulsive multibead chains. The key feature of the method is its efficiency, in particular for large systems, while approaching given local and global chain characteristics. Its output has been proven to serve as an excellent basis for subsequent off-lattice molecular dynamics computer simulation. By combining chain growing with an iterative relaxation technique we remove overlaps of monomers. The computing time is linear in the number of beads and independent of chain length. The method succeeds in generating large and dense (bulky and confined) systems of up to 100,000 beads in less than an hour on todays workstations.
Productivity of swamp buffaloes under three production systems

The productivity of swamp buffaloes under three production systems namely intensive, semi-intensive and integrated with oil palm was evaluated. Birth, weaning, and yearling weights were 26.8, 85.7 and 137.4 kg for calves under intensive; 27.2, 125.2 and 217.2 kg for calves under semi-intensive; and 24.7, 118.9 and 205.3 kg for calves under integrated production systems respectively. The average daily gain from birth to one year old and preweaning calf mortality were 0.3 kg/day and 25.6% under intensive; 0.52 kg/day and 12.7% under semiintensive; and 0.51 kg/day and 7% under integrated production systems respectively. Calving rate and calving interval of the dams were 57.3% and 481 days under intensive; 66.7% and 439 days under semi-intensive; and 47.2% and 496 days under integrated production systems respectively. Results of the study showed that reproductive performance of swamp buffaloes can be improved through semi-intensive production system and nutrition was implicated for the improved reproductive performance.
The Impact of Budgetary Participation on Managerial Performance: Evidence from Jordanian University Executives

This research investigates the relationship between the budgetary participation and the managerial performance in a developing country context (Jordan). Managerial performance is measured using the modified nine items of (Mahoney et al., 1965). It uses the questionnaire method as the main method of research and also employs archival documents, observations, and reports in order to accomplish the study objective. Questionnaires were distributed to 131 university executives, of whom 77, in five private universities, replied. The findings suggest that the performance indicators of the respondents who participate in the budget are significantly better than the performance indicators of the respondents who do not participate in the budget. This study tests these differences using the Mann-Whitney test. Further analysis is carried out and the findings support previous results.The results of this current study have a value for decision makers of the higher education institution in addition to the university executives in a matter of increasing the awareness for the importance of budgetary participation.
ILES and LES of Complex Engineering Turbulent Flows

The present study concerns the application of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and Implicit LES (ILES) to engineering flow problems. Such applications are often very complicated, involving both complex geometries and complex physics, such as turbulence, chemical reactions, phase changes and compressibility. The aim of the study is to illustrate what problems occur when attempting to perform such engineering flow calculations using LES and ILES, and put these in relation to the issues originally motivating the calculations. The issues of subgrid modeling are discussed with particular emphasis on the complex physics that needs to be incorporated into the LES models. Results from representative calculations, involving incompressible flows around complex geometries, aerodynamic noise, compressible flows, combustion and cavitation, are presented, discussed and compared with experimental data whenever possible. In addition, we also compare predictions from LES and ILES with conventional Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models and Detatched Eddy Simulations (DES) for academically challenging flows, such as the flow around a cylinder and around a surface mounted 3D hill. It is found that both LES and ILES predict these flows more accurately than RANS and DES, and include more information about the dynamics of the flow.