Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial Deterioration of Some Archaeological Artifacts: Manipulation and Treatment

The present study appraises an emphasis on appropriately treating of microbial deterioration of different archaeological artifacts such as papyrus, manuscripts, parchment, wood antiques and building materials. Microbial swabs were taken from these infected artifacts and the isolated microorganisms were characterized. The following genera were identified: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Acremonium, Rhizopus, Cladosporium, Torula and Alternaria. The genus Aspergillus was the dominant genus having 49.6% of the total fungal isolates, followed by Penicillium and Acremonium. Plant extracts were prepared from two aquatic plants, Polygonum senegalensis and Potamogeton crispus, and their antimicrobial activities against the isolated microorganisms were evaluated. Both plants showed potent antimicrobial activity. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts was performed for both plants. In Polygonum senegalense, the main chemical constituent was 2-butenoic acid, 2-methyl-, dodecahydro-8- hydroxy-8a-methyl-3,5-bis(methylene)-2-oxonaphtho[2,3- b]furan-4-y (27.05%) followed by 2-cyclohexylpiperidine (10.70%), 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-1,3-disilaphenalane (10.10%), psi,psi-carotene, 1,1',2,2'-tetrahydro-1,1'-dimethoxy- (8.50%), linoleic acid ethyl ester (6.57%) and l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate (5.30%). The main chemical constituents of methanolic extract of Potamogeton crispus were 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-succinic acid, bis-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl ester (32.70%), 2-thiazolamine, 4-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-5-methyl- (15.90%), cucurbitacin B, dihydro- (8.30%) and 3-dimethylamino-2-(4-chlorphenyl)- thioacrylic acid, thiomorpholide(7.29%).
Evaluation of physical properties and heavy metal composition of manure of some domestic animals

Heavy metal content in animal manure could influence soil quality, contaminate crops and cause health risks to both livestock and humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical properties and heavy metal composition of manure of some domestic animals. Manure samples were collected from six domestic animals (goat, cow, donkey, pig, turkey and layer chickens). Standardized protocols were followed for sample preparation and analysis of heavy metal content. The physical properties (physical appearance, moisture content and organic matter) of the samples were observed and recorded. The metals measured were Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd) and Nickel (Ni). Concentrations of heavy metals were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The results showed that donkey manure had the lowest Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni and Mg contents. Pig manure had the highest Fe content as well as the lowest Mn, Cd and Ca contents. It is recommended that manure of farm animals be cautiously examined for heavy metal content before its application to the soils of agricultural farms or fields.
Role of the XIAP-Copper Axis in Prostate Cancer

Abstract : We have identified, confirmed, and characterized a novel functional and physical interaction between the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) and the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS). We performed a targeted genetic screen in yeast to identify proteins involved in delivery of copper (Cu) to XIAP. This screen identified CCS as a primary mediator of Cu delivery to XIAP in yeast, and we subsequently determined that CCS delivers Cu to XIAP in mammalian cells as well. In addition, XIAP targets CCS for ubiquitination through its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. This ubiquitination event seems to be proteasome-independent and leads to enhancement of CCS activity rather than CCS degradation. Taken together, our results have shed substantial light on the interplay between XIAP and copper homeostasis. These studies have the potential to significantly improve our understanding of not only prostate cancer but also other disorders in which XIAP or Cu metabolism is deregulated. This work was published in April 2010 and presented at IMPaCT 2011 in March 2011.
Dynamic Model for the Formation of the Earth-Moon System

Some geochemical characteristics of the Moon are such that they contradict the hypothesis of the Moon's formation from the Earth's mantle. We propose a new alternative to the currently accepted giant impact hypothesis. It was shown that 40% evaporation of a material of chondritic chemistry yields a composition sim- ilar to that of the Moon, including low iron content. It is known that evaporation is accompanied by isotope fractionation, whereas no isotope effects were detected in lunar soils within the analytical accuracy. However, isotope fractionation can be absent, if matter evaporates under equilibrium conditions. Such conditions occur in a cloud of hot particles. In order to justify this concept, we developed a computer model for the formation of the Earth and Moon from a single cloud of primitive (chondritic) composition. The model is based on the mod- ified method of particle dynamics. We introduced the following additional interactions between particles: long- range gravitational attraction, short-range viscoelastic interaction related to collisions, and gas dynamic repul- sion due to the evaporation of matter from particle surface. It was shown that the gas dynamic repulsion reduces the interaction energy and allows fragmentation of a cloud whose momentum corresponds to that of the Earth- Moon system. Computer modeling indicated that the accumulation of dispersed dust material provides a faster growth rate of the larger of the two bodies. This is why the Moon retained relatively low iron abundance, whereas the Earth accumulated most of the remaining dust cloud and acquired its high iron content. If the pro- : posed model is valid, it is necessary to revise current concepts on the formation of planet-satellite systems.
Breeding Calabrian pepper lines for Brazilian agriculture from sui generis introduction of germplasm

Few Calabrian pepper cultivars (C. annuum and C. baccatum) are available in the Brazilian market, and among these, only BRS Mari (C. baccatum) was developed in Brazil, by Embrapa. This work aimed to report on the introduction of germplasm in a sui generis way and the initial results of Calabrian pepper breeding at Embrapa Vegetables. Original population was obtained through separation of seeds found in dehydrated Calabrian pepper flakes imported from India. The breeding method was individual selection of plants with progeny test and three generations of selection and self-pollination were advanced. Ten plants were obtained from the original seeds, which were self-pollinated and originated 87 S1 plants. Out of these, seeds of 73 S1 plants were obtained and gave rise to 73 S2 lines. Based on the characteristics of plant and fruit (number of side shoots, weight and total number of fruits, length and width of fruits, wall thickness, color of the ripe fruit, total soluble solids and capsaicin content), three S2 lines were selected and, then, 14 plants within these lines (4 plants of line CNPH 50.112, 5 plants of CNPH 50.116 and 5 plants of CNPH 50.185). Significant differences (Tukey, p<0.05) were noticed among the 14 S3 lines, for precocity, length and width of the fruit, weight of the fruit, weight and number of fruits per plant. Five S3 lines were selected based on the following criteria: average fruit weight above 12 g, early flowering (less than 80 days after sowing), fruit length above 13 cm and fruit width around 1.5 cm, dark green color of leaf and sparse or medium pilosity. In the following S4 generation, the selected lines will be evaluated in order to determine yield, disease resistance as well as capsaicinoid concentration in fruits. New genotypes selected may be released as cultivars that meet the growing demand for dehydrated Calabrian pepper flakes.
Optimism Bias in Fitness

The people of the United States of America have been concerned with the population’s overweight and obesity rate for a while. The purpose of this study was to find out if optimism bias had an influence on fitness. Optimism bias is overestimating the likelihood of positive events and underestimate the likelihood of negative events happening in one’s life. This study created a fitness optimism scale and used a set of fitness assessments and exercise questions to correlate with the fitness optimism bias. There were 105 students who participated in this study, 82 females and 23 males with a mean age of 20. The results of the study showed no significant relationship between optimism bias and fitness. Surprisingly, trends showed that with more exercise fitness optimism bias would increase. Optimism Bias in Fitness A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of the Graduate School Abilene Christian University In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science
Satisfaction of Medical Students with Courses Offered in the Community Medicine Center in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (2016 - 2017)

Evaluating educational practices in medical sciences has always been absolutely significant, given their definite role in training human resources and that receiving feedbacks for enhancing educational activities is a relatively new subject. Identifying the causes of students’ satisfaction and analyzing all the factors therefore significantly affect the academic achievement of students and can play a key role in enhancing the quality of services. Medical sciences universities currently consider students’ attitudes towards the quality of the education provided as an essential factor in the quality monitoring of ongoing studies in this field. Given the importance of community-centered education courses and the effects of different variables on students’ satisfaction and perception of the problems and quality of educational services provided, the present study was conducted to determine the degree of satisfaction of medical interns in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Title Population genetic and phylogeographic insights into the phyllosomal odyssey

The majority of marine species maintain genetic connectivity through pelagic propagules, with pelagic duration hypothesized to limit dispersal potential. This dissertation investigates the geographic scale of genetic connectivity when pelagic duration is likely not limiting. I analyzed mtDNA sequences and microsatellites to determine patterns of genetic structure across the geographic distributions of three lobster species: Panulirus penicillatus (Red Sea to the East Pacific Ocean), P. interruptus (subtropical East Pacific), and P. marginatus (Hawaiian endemic). At the broadest spatial scale, significant genetic discontinuities for P. penicillatus correspond to provincial biogeographic boundaries, including putative species-level disjunction across the East Pacific Barrier. On a smaller scale, novel kinship analyses combined with traditional F-statistics indicate that larval behavior and oceanographic processes result in localized recruitment for P. interruptus. Geographic scales of connectivity differ by location and species, even in Hawai‘i, where P. marginatus and P. penicillatus co-occur. These findings indicate the combined effects of geography, ocean currents, and biology overcome extremely long pelagic periods and result in variable degrees of genetic connectivity.
Alternative Livelihoods: A Tool for Sustainable Fisheries Management in Ghana

Most experts agree that many fisheries around the world are in crisis. Indeed, many would agree that something needs to be done to fix this problem in order to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources. In most cases fishing will have to be reduced significantly which will affect fisher's income and livelihood. And, the important question that many will ask, what do we do with our fishers to earn extra income and to allow fish populations to rebuild? This study addresses this question in the case of Ghana by conducting interview and key informant discussion of Ghana's small-scale fishers and fisheries managers. This study indicated that over 73% of fishers interviewed were willing to switch jobs, with 27% indicating that they would not consider it. This result implies that there is a good potential for well-designed alternative livelihood schemes to succeed. However, about 50% did not have the required skills to work outside the fishing and agriculture related areas. Therefore, any well- designed alternative livelihoods scheme will have to address how to improve suitable skills among fishers.
Natural Resources, Human Capital and Economic Development in Nigeria: Tracing the Linkages

The proposition that natural resource abundance tends to slow down economic growth through its deleterious impact on human capital accumulation is studied in the Nigerian context. Three main channels of transmission from natural resource abundance to stunted economic growth are discussed. They include: (a) the voracity effect, (b) the Dutch disease and (c) the neglect or crowding out effect. Estimating a system of seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR), we find evidence that natural resource abundance through its adverse effects on institutional quality, crowds-out human capital and affects economic growth negatively. The policy implication of our result makes the case for increased funding and participation in education, since more and better education tends to shift comparative advantage away from natural resource production towards manufacturing and services provision which accelerates learning by doing and guarantees economic development that is sustainable.
Drug prescribing pattern in three levels of health care facilities in the north and central senatorial districts of Edo State, Nigeria

This retrospective cross- sectional survey critically assessed the drug prescribing pattern of doctors at the three levels of health care facilities (HFs) in the North and Central senatorial districts of Edo State, Nigeria, and compares the findings with a similar study done ten years ago in the same area. With a combination of random and systematic sampling techniques, 2,500 general outpatient prescriptions in the year 2007 were examined using standards described in the WHO Prescribing Indicators Manual. Thirty percent (30%) of hospitals was selected for the study. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 16). Tests of statistical significance were done using chi square contingency cross-tabulation and goodness of fit. Results showed that there is significant statistical differences in the number of drugs prescribed per patient encounter, percentage of encounter with an injection prescribed, in adherence to WHO prescribing guidelines; prescribing according to drug classes and generic names P<0.05. Poly-pharmacy and irrational prescribing appears to be the rule in GH and PH especially with continued prescribing of banned drugs and use of the injection route. The prescribing pattern in the three categories of hospitals fell short of WHO standards, especially in the GH and PH. Keywords: Drug use, prescribing pattern, Health facilities, prescribing indicators
Effects of lower Frame Rates in a Remote Tower Environment

In the field of aviation, Remote Tower is a current and fast-growing concept offering cost-efficient Air Traffic Services (ATS) for aerodromes. In its basics it relies on optical camera sensor, whose video images are relayed from the aerodrome to an ATS facility situated anywhere, to be displayed on a video panorama to provide ATS independent on the out-of-the-tower-window view. Bandwidth, often limited and costly, plays a crucial role in such a cost-efficient system. Reducing the Frame Rate (FR, expressed in fps) of the relayed video stream is one parameter to save bandwidth, but at the cost of video quality. Therefore, the present article evaluates how much FR can be reduced without compromising operational performance and human factor issues. In our study, seven Air Traffic Control Officers watched real air traffic videos, recorded by the Remote Tower field test platform at the German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.) at Braunschweig-Wolfsburg Airport (BWE). In a passive shadow mode, they executed ATS relevant tasks in four different FR conditions (2 fps, 5 fps, 10 fps & 15 fps) to objectively measure their visual detection performance and subjectively assess their current physiological state and their perceived video quality and system operability. Study results have shown that by reducing the FR, neither the visual detection performance nor physiological state is impaired. Only the perceived video quality and the perceived system operability drop by reducing FR to 2 fps. The findings of this study will help to better adjust video parameters in bandwidth limited applications in general, and in particular to alleviate large scale deployment of Remote Towers in a safe and cost-efficient way.
DNA fingerprinting of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) cultivars using microsatellite markers

Microsatellite combines several features of an ultimate molecular marker and they are used increasingly in various plant genetic studies and applications. In this work, we report on the utilization of a small set of three previously developed rice microsatellite markers for the identification and discrimination of 17 HYVs and 17 local rice cultivars including two wild rice cultivars. All analyzed microsatellite markers were found to be polymorphic with an average number of 6.33 alleles per locus. These three markers were able to identify 15 local rice cultivars and 11 HYVs. A total of three variety specific alleles, RM-11/147, RM-151/289 and RM-153/178 were identified for BR-11, Badshabhog and BR-19 cultivars respectively. DNA fingerprints of rice cultivars by means of microsatellites provided meaningful data, which can be extended by additional microsatellite markers. The data obtained can be used for the protection of plant genetic resources.
Has the Stock Market Become More Efficient in the Long-Run? Evidence from U.S Corporations

﻿Using the cointegration model to deal with nonstationary time series, we estimate the long-run relationship between the average stock price and the average dividend. The results from U.S. time series data of 141 years show that the discount rate is lower in the second half of this period, which indicates that stock market becomes more efficient and capital cost becomes lower in the long run. Along with well-documented narrowing of the bid-ask spreads of stocks over time and the growing speed of stock market order fulfillment, market efficiency is further exemplified by lower dividend yields.
A Hybrid Model Driven Scheme For Quality of Service Evaluation in Wireless Machine Type Communication Networks

In the very recent past, it has become increasingly clear that the next revolution in technology will be anchored on the phenomenon of the Internet of Everything (IoT), where every inanimate object has the potential to be connected to other objects in a network. Machine to Machine (M2M) communications is the base building block of the Internet of Things paradigm, and as such, it is expected that consumers will be heavily dependent on these networks at every strata of their lives, such that their interactions with their connected devices will become ubiquitous. The performance of these networks is of paramount importance to the consumer and service provider, with the consumer increasingly becoming involved in the performance deliberations. With the huge amounts of monitoring data generated from these networks, a suitable mechanism for evaluating the quality of service of these networks becomes an absolute necessity. An effective and simple method of evaluating the performance would be to use objective QoS parameters measured from a network and characterize them into categories that would allow a consumer to subjectively evaluate them from the direct impact they are having on the consumer’s experience of the network. In this research, such a method is proposed in the form a two stage model that makes up an evaluation scheme for area networks in machine type communications. The first step uses measured QoS metrics that are fed into a Fuzzy Logic System (FLS) to obtain single output values of different QoS categories that linguistically describe aspects of the performance of a network. These are then used as inputs in a second Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based stage that allows a user to incorporate subjective criteria such as intuition and general observation, to finally arrive at an overall QoS value. The measured network is simulated from Castalia, a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and low power embedded devices simulator based on the OMNeT++ platform. The network is a small six node WSN using the IEEE 802.15. 4 standard. The FLS is realized in Matlab’s Fuzzy Logic Toolbox while the AHP step is done using Microsoft Excel’s logic module. From the results, our model is able to show an overall QoS of Good for the simulated network as well as point to network areas that might potentially lead to QoS deterioration and might need improvements. The model compares favorably with other models that implement Fuzzy Logic and Artificial Intelligence methods for QoS Evaluation. That it incorporates subjectivity in the evaluation is a novel feature that makes the scheme more versatile compared to other QoS evaluation models.
P1.1.24 Efficiency of immune biosensor based on total internal reflection ellipsometry at the determination of Salmonella

It was investigated the efficiency of the immune biosensor based on the total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE) comparing with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensors for determination of such bacteria as Salmonella in model solutions. It has been defined that in case with Spreeta sensitivity was on the level 10 3 – 10 7 cells/ml. Another biosensor based on the SPR has shown the sensitivity within 10 1 – 10 6 cells/ml. The maximal level of sensitivity was obtained using TIRE based device and it was on the level of several cells in 10 ml (up to the fact that less than 5 cells). The optimal time of the sample incubation with the transducer surface was about 15 min Also it was evaluated possibility of practical application of the above mention instrumental approaches.
Estimating Emission of Leaves Seedlings Forest in Different Shading Levels, at Conditions of Transition Amazon-Cerrado, Brazil

This study determined the thermal requirements of forest native seedlings (Hymenolobium petraeum and Parkia pendula) and exotic seedlings (Adenanthera pavonina and Cassia fistula) all belonging to Fabaceae family, in three shading conditions (full sun, 50% and 65% of global radiation attenuation by poliefinas black screens). Also they were estimated of leaf emergence by Phyllochron and the Wang and Engel models, on climatological conditions at Sinop (Region of Transition Amazon-Cerrado), Mato Grosso State, Brazil, for winter period (between June and August of 2012). The minimum (Tb) and maximum (TB) basal temperatures and the optimum temperature (Topt) of growth of each species were estimated by regressions between relative growth rates and minimum, maximum and average temperatures, respectively. The values of the estimated Tb were 15.0d to TB were 39.7d and to Topt were 24.4&degC, 24.9&degC, 24.9&degC and 25.1&degC to A. pavonina, C. fistula, H. petraeum and P. pendula, respectively. The Phyllochron model showed highest efficiency in the estimation of leaf appearance when compared to Wang and Engel method.