Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An orthogonally invariant minimax estimator of the covariance matrix of a multivariate normal population

Abstract : In the problem of estimating the covariance matrix of a multivariate normal population James and Stein obtained a minimax estimator by considering the best invariant estimator with respect to the triangular group. In this paper its authors propose an orthogonally invariant estimator obtained by averaging the minimax estimator with respect to the invariant measure on the orthogonal group. Explicit forms of the proposed estimator are given for dimensions 2 and 3. Risk is evaluated for various population covariance matrices and it shows a substantial improvement over the minimax estimator for a wide range of population covariance matrices.
Analysis of Rural Farm Households' Access to Formal Agricultural Credit in Yola South Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to analyse rural farm households’ access to formal agricultural credit in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa state, Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the primary data collected using structured questionnaire (from 140 rural farming households). Findings from the study have shown that, 90 % of the respondents were male, mostly educated (70 %) and married (89 %) engaging in farming as their primary livelihood activity (about 81 %) with an average farm size of 2.47 hectares. The result of the binary logit regression has shown that level of education and income do influence access to credit positively, while age and distance to access point negatively influence respondents’ access to formal credit. The study further revealed that, lack of acceptable collateral / security, high interest rates, low financial literacy, and complex banking procedures were the main factors that limits the respondents’ access to credit facility from formal sources. In order for farmers to have an improved access to formal credits, the formation of strong groups that are viable to provide the needed capital is encouraged, banking operations should be simplified to suite farmers’ needs / convenience and financial literacy among farmers should be improved through awareness campaigns (in agricultural extension packages).
Direct calculation of depth of correlation and weighting function in ?PIV from experimental particle images

Micro-PIV (? PIV) uses volume-illumination and imaging of fluorescent tracer particles through a single microscope objective. Displacement fields measured by image correlation depend on all imaged particles, including defocused particles. The measured in-plane displacement is a weighted average of the true displacement with a weighting function W(z), that depends on the optical system and gradients of the measured flow profile. The width of the weighting function W(z) is a measure for the distance to the focal plane up to which particles can influence the measured displacement (Depth of Correlation - DOC). We present two procedures to determine the DOC by comparing a measured displacement to a given displacement function and by directly measuring W(z) using PIV double-images generated from experimentally recorded particle-images. This allows to measure the DOC in dependence of out-of-plane gradients [4] and to include image preprocessing or different PIV-algorithms [5, 17]. Experimental results for different objectives and particle sizes are discussed, revealing deviations from theoretical predictions [1,2,3] for high NA air-objectives.
Market structure, liberalization, and performance in the Malawian banking industry

Financial sector reforms in Malawi began in the late 1980s as a continuation of structural adjustment programmes sponsored by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Prior to liberalization, the financial system was highly repressed, with heavy government intervention in the banking sector through credit and interest rate controls. Furthermore, the banking sector was highly oligopolistic: two banks dominated commercial banking activities. Financial sector reforms led to the removal of credit ceilings and interest rate controls and opened the banking system to new competition. This study examines the effect of financial sector reforms on market structure, financial intermediation, savings mobilization and commercial bank profitability in the Malawian banking industry. The evidence in this study shows that some signs of financial repression still exist, although some positive developments have taken place. The results show that financial liberalization has significantly increased financial depth and savings mobilization, increased credit to the manufacturing sector, and reduced the monopoly power in the Malawian banking system. However, real interest rates have fallen, intermediation margins have increased, credit to the public sector has increased and that to the private sector has fallen. Using the market structure-performance hypothesis, the study finds a significant relationship between monopoly power and commercial bank profitability, but rejects the efficient market hypothesis. Thus, although interest rates were under control for most of the study period, other bank services that generate income for commercial banks were subject to monopoly power abuse.
THE EFFECTS OF EARLY POST-HATCH NUTRITION ON BROILER PERFORMANCE

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of early feeding in hatcher baskets and chick boxes with and without experimental materials on broiler growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters and economical efficiency. A total number of 1980 eggs produced from Arber Acres plus (AA+) breed were incubated and randomly divided into equal 4 groups of nearly similar means of egg weight (EW) each with replicates for each treatment. Eggs were hatched in hatcher baskets with experimental materials. Only 420 day-old broilers male (AA+) chicks were divided into four feeding trials. The Experimental diets were distributed as following: control without feed at hatchery; boiled egg whites; (BEW), pieces of fruit orange (OF) and pre-starter diet (PS) were put at hatcher basket and chicks boxes. Live performance measurements for each feeding period were measured and/or calculated in terms of live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth rate (GR), performance index (PI) and mortality rate. Also, European efficiency factor; carcass parameters, blood plasma constituents, and economical efficiency (EEf). Increasing body weight, feed intake due to early access to feed especially in OF and PS groups, meanwhile, BWG, FCR and GR for early feeding groups BWE, OF and PS were significantly improved compared to control. Performance Index and European efficiency factor were improved with early feed by OF and PS diets groups. Gastrointestinal tract length was increased by early feeding of OF and PS diets. Data indicated that chicks in OF and PS groups recorded the best values for dressing percentage , deboning ratio; thigh meat ratio and breast meat ratio compared to chick groups fed control or BEW at the end of experimental periods. Blood parameters as affected by EF using different experimental diets (OF, PS and BEW) showed higher values in experimental treatments than control. From economical point of view, it can be concluded that early feeding with OF and PS value for hatched chicks could be recommend for realizing best results of performance.
CCD spectrophotometry of CVs - IV. 3430-7850 Åatlas for 27 faint systems

CCD fluxed spectra are presented for 27 ob- jects from the Downes & Shara (1993) catalogue of Cataclysmic Variables (CVs). The stars have been selected among those listed as lacking published spectra. As for previous papers in this series, the aim is to check the CV status of the objects and to provide spectrophotomet- ric data over a wide wavelength range. Integrated BV RC magnitudes, continuum fluxes at selected wavelengths and integrated fluxes of emission lines are derived for the pro- gramme stars. Among the 27 programme stars, 18 show a spectrum supporting the CV classication.
Sorghum bagasse as substrate for cellulase production by submerged and solid-state cultures of Trichoderma.

Sweet sorghum bagasse was used as cellulosic substrate in submerged and solid-state cultures of Trichoderma for cellulase production. Submerged liquid cultures (SLC) were obtained by inoculation of Mandels media containing 1% cellulose with spores suspension of Trichoderma . Solid-state cultures (SSC) were carried out in Erlenmayer flasks, where the substrate was distributed 1 cm layers. Comparing the yields of cellulases produced by Trichoderma strains in the systems applied in this study, using as substrate sorghum bagasse, we found the solid-state cultures as the system to produce the highest cellulase yields. The local strain of T. viride CMIT3.5. express high productivity in SSC system in laboratory conditions. The cellulolytic enzymes have maximum activity at 50 o C, pH 4,8. The results recommend solid-state cultures of Trichoderma on sorghum bagasse as systems for producing cellulolytic products with higher activity than submerged cultures of Trichoderma on the same substrate.
Describing lake fish communities: Do presence-absence and biomass data show similar spatial and environmental relationships?

We examined if community―environment and community―geographical-location relationships differ between presence―absence and biomass data of lake fishes. Our study lakes ranged across very long gradients of the features of boreal lakes in the ecoregions of Finland, providing an excellent opportunity to examine patterns in lake fish communities. Fish community structure responded to multiple environmental gradients, yet there was a clear pattern of succession from salmonids in oligotrophic lakes through European perch in mesotrophic lakes to cyprinids in eutrophic lakes. Such patterns prevailed especially in the biomass data. Partitioning of variation in the species matrix between environmental and spatial variables did not reveal clear differences between presence-absence and biomass data. Although slightly different combinations of environmental factors were included in the constrained ordination models, the relatively similar variation in presence―absence and biomass data along environmental and spatial gradients suggests that they may be used interchangeably to describe community―environment relationships at large geographical extents.
Archaeal distribution and abundance in water masses of the Arctic Ocean, Pacific sector

Marine planktonic Archaea have been recently recognized as an ecologically important component of marine prokaryotic biomass in the world’s oceans. Their abundance and meta bolism are closely connected with marine geochemical cycling. We evaluated the distribution of planktonic Archaea in the Pacific sector of the Arctic Ocean using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with catalyzed reporter deposition (CARD-FISH) and performed statistical analyses using data for archaeal abundance and geochemical variables. The relative abundance of Thaum archaeota generally increased with depth, and euryarchaeal abundance was the lowest of all planktonic prokaryotes. Multiple regression analysis showed that the thaumarchaeal relative abundance was negatively correlated with ammonium and dissolved oxygen concentrations and chlorophyll fluorescence. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that archaeal distributions differed with oceanographic water masses; in particular, Thaumarchaeota were abundant from the halocline layer to deep water, where salinity was higher and most nutrients were depleted. However, at several stations on the East Siberian Sea side of the study area and along the Northwind Ridge, Thaumarchaeota and Bacteria were proportionally very abundant at the bottom in association with higher nutrient conditions. The abundance of Euryarchaeota was high (>1.0 × 105 cells ml−1) at one of our stations in the Chukchi Sea and was positively correlated with temperature and ammonium concentration, suggesting that there could be ‘hot spots’ with increased euryarchaeal abundance in the Arctic Ocean.
Impact of Stigma on Daily Life of Psychiatric Patients in Gaza Strip

Stigma among psychiatric patients is dangerous because it interferes with understanding, obtaining support from friends and family, and it delays getting help. This study aimed to assess the impact of stigma on daily life of psychiatric patients in Gaza Strip-Palestine. The impact of stigma on daily life and personal data questionnaire were distributed to 150 subjects, while 106 participants completed and returned the questionnaire (RR=70.55%). Most participants reported high impact of stigma on their daily life. No significant differences in stigma impact were found due to gender, age, and marital status. It can be concluded that stigma has great effect on psychiatric patients’ daily life. Stigma reduction program is suggested and community awareness is recommended.
Effect of Foliar Application of Ascorbic Acid on Growth, Yield Components and Some Chemical Constituents of Wheat Under Water Stress Conditions*

A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out during October 26, 2009 to May 15, 2010. Winter wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) cv.Rizgary was used to investigate the role of spraying the plant with 200ppm ascorbic acid (AsA) on vegetative, biomass and some chemical and biochemical constituents of leaves under drought condition. The water stress treatments were: irrigation every 3daywell watered control, 7, 14 and 21 days interval during 90 days. Under water deficit conditions, the vegetative growth and yield components of plant were decline, in addition marked changes in the level of mineral ions and biochemical constituents of leaves were observed. Plant height, shoot dry weight, flag leaf area, water content and leaf growth elongation rate decreased significantly by increasing drought stress, while root dry weight and root: shoot increased. Chemical constituents of leaves such nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium were decreased, proline and AsA increased significantly with increasing drought stress and the highest values obtained at 21 day water regime. Soluble sugar, total carbohydrates, total protein, chlorophyll a, b and total carotenoid of leaves were also decreased and the highest reduction in parameters recorded at 21days water regime. Spikes length, number of spikes/plant, weight of spikes, 100 grain dry weight, grain numbers and grain yield were also decreased. However, AsA treatments alleviated the inhibitory effect of drought through enhancing above mentioned parameters.
Evaluation of slow-release nitrogen and potassium fertilizers for cotton production

Current nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization involves the use of conventional fertilizer materials with little information on the use of slow release materials. The objectives of this research were to evaluate new programmed slow-release N and K fertilizers for cotton production. Field experiments were conducted in 1997 and 1998 in Tennessee and Arkansas in the USA. The applied nutrient rates were a percentage of the total recommended rates for each state. In 1997, the applied percentages were 100, 80, and 60%; an additional 40% rate was evaluated in 1998. The recommended rate of either N or K was applied as conventional fertilizers controls. These varying rates of programmed-release materials were applied in direct contact with the seed at planting while the conventional fertilizers were broadcast before planting. Cotton yields were not reduced when the N rate was reduced to 60% recommended rate and applied as Meister programmed slow-release N. Yields were reduced when N applications were further reduced to 40% the recommended rate in 1998. Similarly, in-furrow applications of the slow-release K at 60% of the recommended rate did not affect yields for both states. Our results indicate that programmed-release, soil-applied fertilizers can potentially provide a one-time fertilizer application at planting with no detrimental effect on seedling germination, growth or yield. Furthermore, nutrient efficiency for applying the slow-release materials was increased by maintaining high yields at reduced fertilizer rates. Key words: Cotton, nitrogen, potassium, Meister programmed release fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer, lint yield.
Densification of wood

The paper treats the processes involved in wood densification and provides a summary of the state-of-the-art, as presented in the literature, with regard to densification as achieved by compression, accompanied by some form of hydrothermal treatment. The viscoelastic nature of wood is discussed, togetherwith its thermal softening and typical stress-strain relationships. The properties of densified wood products depend, apart from processing parameters, on various anatomical features such as density, the percentage of late wood material, ray volume and the loading direction. The problems associated with wood stabilization after densification are also treated. Relevant examples of wood densification from fundamental research, and the results of applied studies significant for everyday practice, are presented. Aspecial focus is given on the process of viscoelastic thermal compression (VTC) of wood.
Paleomagnetism of Sediments from Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 71

Paleomagnetic results are described from Site 511 on the Falkland Plateau and Sites 513 and 514 in the Southeast Argentine Basin. At Site 511a magnetostratigraphy is constructed that can be compared with the major characteristics of the established Cretaceous magnetostratigraphy. At Site 513 a fairly complete uppermost Miocene magnetostratigraphy is presented, covering the interval 10 to 5 Ma. Hydraulic piston coring has led to the recovery of an almost complete magnetic record for the past 4 m.y. from Site 514. All the major magnetic intervals are recognized, except for two that are absent because of a single unconformity. High sedimentation rate has permitted the study of polarity transitions, which appear to be nondipolar in nature.
How Can Public Spending Help You Grow? An Empirical Analysis for Developing Countries

Although many studies indicate that both the level and composition of public spending are significant for economic growth, the results in the empirical literature are still mixed. This paper studies the importance of country sample selection and expenditure classification in explaining these conflicting results. It investigates a set of fast-growing countries versus a mix of countries with different growth patterns. The regression specifications include different components of public expenditure and total fiscal revenues, always considering the overall government budget constraint. Total public spending is first disaggregated using a definition that classifies public spending as productive versus unproductive components, an a priori criterion that is based on the expected impact of public spending items on the private sector production function. After empirically confirming the validity of this definition in the panel analysis, the authors suggest and test an alternative definition of"core"public spending that may be more appropriate for developing countries. The empirical analysis shows that the link between growth and public spending, especially the productive and"core"components, is strong only for the fast-growing group. In addition, macroeconomic stability, openness, and private sector investment are significant in the fast-growing group, which points to the existence of an economic policy environment more conducive to growth in the first group of countries. The authors conclude that public spending can be a significant determinant of growth for countries that are capable of using funds for productive purposes.
Plasma BNP (B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) and Heart Failure: A Case-Control Study

Background: Accurate diagnosis of heart failure (HF) is essential for its proper management and logical drug therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality. In this perspective, researchers are in search of a good biomarker as complementary to the clinical parameters to improve the performance of HF diagnosis. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) secreted by cardiac ventricles in HF has emerged as a new promising biomarker in this regard. Objective: Evaluation of plasma BNP concentration in HF cases. Methods: In a hospital based case-control study, 100 HF cases and 80 age and sex matched control subjects without HF were enrolled by non random sampling. Plasma BNP was measured in all study subjects and then compared between cases and controls. Results: Median plasma BNP concentration in HF (446.5pg/ml, range 16.8-4000pg/ml) found to be significantly high compared to that in control subjects (69.5pg/ml, range 0.6-627.5pg/ml). Conclusion: In HF patients, plasma BNP is raised significantly. So it can be a promising biomarker for diagnosis of HF. Keywords: B-type natriuretic peptide, heart failure DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1. 4268 J Medicine 2010: 11: 46-50
A STUDY OF SERUM AND FOLLICULAR FLUID C. REACTIVE PROTEIN AND ANTISPERM ANTIBODY AS PREDICTIVE MARKERS FOR HUMAN OOCYTE AND EMBRYO QUALITY AND ICSI OUTCOME.

Mohammad Oda Selman (FIBMS) 1 , Mufedah Ali Jawad 1 , Ahmed R. Abu Raghif (PhD) 2 , Mustafa H.O. Hussein 1 , Muayad Sraibet Abbood (PhD) 1 and Qays A. M. Al-khafaji (PhD) 3 . 1. High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and ART, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad / Iraq. 2. Collage of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad / Iraq. 3. Kamal Al-Samarrai Hospital for Infertility Treatment/ BAGHDAD-IRAQ. Manuscript Info Abstract . Manuscript History
In-situ laser-induced contamination monitoring using long-distance microscopy

Operating high power space-based laser systems in the visible and UV range is problematic due to laser-induced contamination (LIC). In this paper LIC growth on high-reflective (HR) coated optics is investigated for UV irradiation of 355 nm with naphthalene as contamination material in the range of 10-5 mbar. The investigated HR optics were coated by different processes: electron beam deposition (EBD), magnetron sputtering (MS) or ion beam sputtering (IBS). In-situ observation of contamination induced damage was performed using a long distance microscope. Additionally the onset and evolution of deposit formation and contamination induced damage of optical samples was observed by in-situ laserinduced fluorescence and reflection monitoring. Ex-situ characterization of deposits and damage morphology was performed by differential interference contrast and fluorescence microscopy. It was found that contamination induced a drastic reduction of laser damage threshold compared to values obtained without contamination. Contamination deposit and damage formation was strongest on IBS followed by MS and smallest on EBD.