Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atomic Force Microscopy to Characterize the Healing Potential of Asphaltic Materials

Worldwide, asphalt concrete is the most commonly used material for the top layer of pavements. The asphalt mixture’s ability to provide the necessary stiffness and strength via its strong aggregate skeleton, while at the same time offering a damping and self-restoring ability via its visco-elastic bituminous binder, makes it a uniquely qualified material for increased driving comfort and flexible maintenance and repair actions. Unfortunately, bitumen supply is diminishing as crude sources are depleted and more asphalt refineries install cokers to convert heavy crude components into fuels. It is therefore becoming of imminent urgency to optimize the lifetime of the virgin bitumen from the remaining available crude sources. With 90% of the total European road network having an asphalt surface or incorporating recycled asphalt mixture in one of its base layers, the annual production of asphalt mixtures in Europe is well over 300 million tonnes. It is therefore fair to state that asphalt mixtures play a significant role in the economic viability and international position of the European pavement industry.
HIV and AIDS and farm labor productivity: A review of recent evidence in Africa

Three quarters of the world’s poor live in rural areas and they depend on agriculture for livelihood. Labor migration to high agricultural producing areas, funerals, traditional festivals, poverty and loose lifestyles contribute to high incidence of HIV infections in rural areas. Poor health due to AIDS brings hardships to households including debilitation, substantial monetary expenditures, loss of labor, and eventually death. The health status of adults affects the duration of labor force participation and consequently the welfare of the household. This review looks at the evidence on the effects of HIV and AIDS on farm households with respect to absenteeism due to morbidity, and eventual death; family time devoted to caring for the sick; and loss of savings, and farm assets as disease afflicts a household. The outcomes of the health condition on loss of farming knowledge, planting of less labor-intensive crops, reduction of crops planted, and fewer livestock are discussed. The ultimate impact of HIV and AIDS is a decline in household income and possible food insecurity, that is, deterioration in household livelihood. Key words: HIV, AIDS, disease, assets, productivity.
Restricting R&D Cooperative Networks for Maximum Outcomes

Firms always seek to create positional advantages in a network of research and development (R&D). In real R&D cooperation, it is impossible to describe the network as a fully connected network. However, it can exhibit characteristics of complex networks. In this paper, we extend the theoretical outcomes by Goyal and Moraga-Gonzalez through discussing the structural properties on the outcomes. Firstly, in terms of the con- flict between individual and social advantages of the R&D network, how restricting R&D interactions between firms allows convergence of these advantages? Secondly, In regard to the complex interactions between firms, what R&D systems that can preserve and improve the individual and social benefit?
Impact of locus of control, changes in work load and career prospects on organizational commitment of employees of life insurance companies during merger and acquisition

This paper explores employee organizational commitment in the process of merger and acquisition. A case study of a life insurance merge and acquisition case in which the acquiring company was a local life insurance firm and the acquired company was a foreign-owned insurance company in Taiwan is used. The present study explored two issues: (1) whether employees of the acquiring company and the acquired company perceived changes in work load and career prospects differently during the process of absorption and exhibited different levels of organizational commitment to the surviving company; and (2) the structural relationships between organizational commitment, locus of control and the perceived changes in work load and career prospects for employees of the two companies. We found that work load change and career prospects change is perceived by employees of the two groups invariantly; employees of the acquiring company have higher level of organizational commitment than those of the acquired company; the direct influences of work load change and career prospects change on organizational commitment are statistically significant; the direct influences of locus of control on organizational commitment, work load change, and career prospects change are statistically significant; the indirect influence of locus of control on organizational commitment is statistically significant; and the moderating effect of locus of control is not statistically significant. Key words: Organizational commitment, locus of control, work load, career prospect.
Cosmological constraints from Subaru weak lensing cluster counts

We present results of weak lensing cluster counts obtained from 11 sq.deg SuprimeCam data. Although the area is much smaller than previous work dealing with weak lensing peak statistics, the number density of galaxies usable for weak lensing analysis is about twice as large as those. The higher galaxy number density reduces the noise in the weak lensing mass maps, and thus increases the signal-to-noise ratio of peaks of the lensing signal due to massive clusters. This enables us to construct a weak lensing selected cluster sample by adopting a high threshold S/N, such that the contamination rate due to false signals is small. We find 6 peaks with S/N>5. For all the peaks, previously identified clusters of galaxies are matched within a separation of 1 arcmin, demonstrating good correspondence between the peaks and clusters of galaxies. We evaluate the statistical error using mock weak lensing data, and find Npeak=6+/-3.1 in an effective area of 9.0 sq.deg. We compare the measured weak lensing cluster counts with the theoretical model prediction based on halo models and place the constraint on Omega_m-sigma_8 plane which is found to be consistent with currently standard LCDM models. It is demonstrated that the weak lensing cluster counts can place a unique constraint on sigma_8-c_0 plane, where c_0 is the normalization of the dark matter halo mass-concentration relationship. Finally we discuss prospects for ongoing/future wide field optical galaxy surveys.
CREATIVITY INTERVENTION: USING STORYTELLING AND MATH PROBLEMS AS INTERVENING TASKS FOR INDUCING INCUBATION

Past studies have intermittently shown evidence of incubation effects. In the design field, incubation can occur when designers step away from a problem but continue to think about it unconsciously. However, little is known about which kind of activities should designers engage to prompt creative results. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of two types of intervening tasks during idea generation, in order to induce incubation effects. A math quiz and a storytelling task were used to represent two different types of intervening tasks. Based on our findings, when compared to the control condition, the math task was able to induce incubation effects, especially on fluency and overall creativity score. Conversely, the storytelling task did not seem to induce incubation effects when compared to the other conditions, although it had an influence on the originality of the ideas. This study shows that it is preferable to switch from creative to well-structured tasks to promote incubation effects. Nevertheless, swapping between creative tasks can contribute to the generation of more original ideas, but less feasible, which can be beneficial for brainstorm sessions.
Effect of supplementation of marigold (Tagestes erecta) oleoresin on growth, survival and pigmentation of rosy barb, Puntius conchonius (Hamilton).

The study was carried out for a period of 45 days to elucidate the effect of marigold oleoresin on growth, survival and pigmentation of rosy barb, Puntius conchonius. Fish with initial weights ranging from 0.44 g to 0.47 g were fed with test diets T0, T1, T2 and T3 supplemented with marigold oleoresin at levels 0, 60, 120 and 180 ppm respectively. At the end of the feeding trial the total carotenoid concentration in fish muscle found significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both male (3.92±0.01 μgg -1 ) and female (3.35±0.02 μgg -1 ) fishes fed diet incorporated with 120 ppm marigold oleoresin. Survival rate of fish significantly increased (p < 0.05) with the supplementation of marigold oleoresin in the diet, highest being in 120 ppm level (96.66±3.33 %). However, there was no significant effect observed in growth, feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate of the fishes. Carotenoid content analysis from whole fish revealed that incorporation of dietary carotenoid resulted in a significant increase in total carotenoid concentration. The study concluded that cheaper and natural colour enhancer diets for rosy barb can be prepared using marigold oleoresin at 120 ppm level.
The Fairness Relationship with Trust and Trustworthiness in Mobile Sector in Saudi Arabia

This study attempt to explore the relationship of most fairness factors (distributive, procedural, and interactional) which in turn contribute significantly to customer trust and trustworthiness, whereby we consider the study investigation and finding as an important key success of existing companies as well as market entrants, as the challenges and fast growing characterizing the market with a wide increasing range of demands versus narrow offers, whereby this mismatch affecting the perceived fairness and trust relationship and further influence temper of trustworthiness of both parties. The conceptual model, literature review and proposed hypotheses and its justification were been built based on the most related theories alike social exchange, equity and fairness heuristic theories and mutual previous studies in the same or in related field, the study was performed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, among (300) customers of different mobile providers, the results reported a positive relationship of proposed hypotheses which in turn proves the importance of fairness different dimension and the impact of the same on customer trust and trustworthiness.
Integrated nutrient management for potato (Solanum tuberosum) in grey terrace soil (Aric Albaquipt)

Potato crop has strict requirement for a balanced nutrient management, without which growth and development are poor and yield is remarkably reduced, continuing with deterioration in soil health. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic manure and chemical fertilizers on soil properties and potato yield at Grey Terrace soil (poorly drained, grey and silty) from 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. There were seven treatments as: T1 (Control, native nutrient), T2 (100% recommended dose of fertilizers, RDF), T3 (Farmer’s practice, FP), T4 (Cowdung, CD 6 t ha -1 +70% RDF), T5 (Poultry manure, PM 3 t ha -1 +70% RDF), T6 (CD 6 t h -1 + rest from RDF) and T7 (PM 3t ha -1 + rest from RDF). Yield of potato was significantly (p≤0.05) influenced by the integrated use of organic manure and chemical fertilizers. The highest yield (25.2 t ha -1 ) was achieved in T7, where PM 3 t ha -1 along with reduced rate of recommended dose of chemical fertilizers were applied. The maximum marginal benefit cost ratio was found in T7. The highest NPK uptake and nutrient availability were also found in T7. Therefore, PM 3 t ha -1 and reduced rate of chemical fertilizers can be recommended for cultivation of potato in the Grey Terrace soil for better growth, higher tuber yield, greater net return and maintaining soil fertility.
Revisiting the Cattaneo–Mindlin Concept of Interfacial Slip in Tangentially Loaded Compliant Bodies

The Cattaneo-Mindlin concept of interfacial slip in tangentially loaded compliant bodies is revisited and its basic simplifying assumptions are critically examined. It is shown that these assumptions, which, in the absence of modern numerical techniques, were essential in 1949 to enable an elegant quantitative solution of the basic problem of pre-sliding between contacting bodies, are actually non physical. An alternative approach to the same problem that is based on treating sliding inception as a failure mode involving material plastic yield is discussed. This alternative approach was suggested even before 1949 but for the same lack of modern numerical techniques could only be promoted qualitatively. Some recent theoretical models, that are based on this earlier alternative approach, and in which the simplifying assumptions of the Cattaneo-Mindlin concept were completely relaxed are described along with their experimental verification. It is shown that the pre-sliding problem between contacting bodies can be accurately solved by these models using realistic physical assumptions and failure criterion.
The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in Iranian women with gestational diabetes: a pilot study

Background : There are some metabolic similarities between women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); so, it has been postulated that there may be shared etiopathological factors between to conditions. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of PCOS in women with a history of GDM. Methods: Twenty women with and 24 without GDM were followed for two years after delivery. Clinical features, blood biochemistry, and hormonal profile were compared between two groups. Ovarian morphology was studied via abdominal ultrasonography. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Rotterdam criteria were used for diagnosis. Results : The prevalence of PCOS was higher in the GDM group than that in the non-GDM group (45% vs. 25%, P= 0.16); however, the difference was not statistically significant. The GDM group had a higher prevalence of overweight, central obesity, hirsutism, irregular menses, and PCOS than did the women in the non-GDM group. The serum levels of fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, lipid profiles, and insulin were also higher in the GDM group. Testosterone levels tended to be higher in the GDM group; significantly, free testosterone index. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of PCOS and metabolic syndrome in our sample of Iranian women with GDM which suggests a correlation between PCOS and GDM. Therefore, we recommend that all women with a history of PCOS be screened for GDM.
Effect of Postoperative Active Warming of Patient after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery on Hemorrhage and Blood Transfusion

Background and Aim: Postoperative hemorrhage is a common complication following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Warming the patient may be effective on postoperative hemorrhage and blood transfusion. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of postoperative active warming of the patient on hemorrhage and blood transfusion after off-pump CABG surgery. Methods: This single-blinded randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 candidates. The patients undergoing CABG surgery were randomly allocated to case and control groups. Members of the case group (n = 30) were actively warmed postoperatively by Warm TouchTM 5800 after admission in intensive care unit (to reach a temperature up to 36.7°C). In the control group (n = 29), a bed sheet, was applied as the routine intervention. Blood loss and need for blood transfusion were assessed in both groups during the first 24 hours after surgery. For statistical analysis, chi-square and independent sample t test were used. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex, weight, left ventricular ejection fraction and preoperative tests. Mean chest tube drainage was significantly lower in the Warm Touch group than the control group within 6 and 24 hours after surgery (P = 0.046 and P = 0.041 respectively). In addition, the difference between the two groups was not significant as for blood transfusion 24 hours following
Effects of cell phone radiation on testosterone levels and testicular changes in rats treated with garlic (Allium sativum L.) hydroalcoholic extract

Electromagnetic waves can damage sex organs and cause hormonal disorders, and garlic isknown to reduce risk factors for various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate theprobable effects of mobile phone radiation and the consumption of garlic on testosterone levelsand testicular changes. Five groups of rats were used: control, sham (exposed to 900 MHzwavelength), experimental group 1 (receiving garlic extract), and experimental groups 2 and 3(receiving both extract and microwaves). After a month, the rats were weighed and their serumtestosterone levels were measured. The testes were also removed, weighed, and theirprobable histological changes were studied.The mean body weight in the sham groupshowed a significant decrease, whereas an increase was seen in experimental group 3 comparedwith the sham (P<0.05). Mean plasma testosterone levels in experimental groups 2 and 3 weredecreased. Similarly, a decrease was seen in the number of Leydig cells in the testes ofexperimental groups. Although microwaves can cause weight loss, the presence of allicinand vitamins A and B in garlic can compensate for some of this weight loss. Microwaves andgarlic extract are reflected both in the number of Leydig cells and in serum testosteroneconcentration. These changes might be attributed to the induction of heat, non-specificstresses, and apoptosis. However, some of these overlapping effects are synergistic and othersare antagonistic; thus, garlic consumption is not always beneficial in reducing the deleteriouseffects of cell phones.
Impact of Brominated POPs on the Neurodevelopment and Thyroid Hormones of Young Children in an Indoor Environment—A Review

The goal of this report is to evaluate brominated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the indoor air and dust to further assess their health effects on thyroid hormones and neurodevelopment in infants, toddlers, and young children. This category of brominated POPs includes polybrmonated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PBDD/DFs). These organobromines are lipophilic compounds which resist physical and chemical degradation in the environment and biota, and so easily bioaccumulate in adipose tissue. Brominated POPs, particularly in brominated fire retardants (BFRs) such as PBDEs, HBCDs, and PBBs, are ubiquitous in indoor environments due to their inadvertent release from certain consumer products. Some of these organobromines have been recognized in some in-vitro and in-vivo studies to be neurotoxins and disrupt thyroid hormones, although the evidence from actual epidemiological studies is contradicted and inconsistent, especially for infants, toddlers, and young children, who are particularly vulnerable to these substances as they spend most of their time in the home. This report focuses on exposure to PBDEs, HBCDs, PBBs, and PBDD/DFs in the indoor dust and on the indoor aerosol, to explore their association with human health, particularly the disruption of thyroid hormones and neurodevelopment in early childhood.
Consumer Awareness towards Organic Food: A Pilot Study in Jordan

This study aims at analysing the awareness level of consumers towards organic food products, using a structured survey of 384 respondents in major city in Jordan- Amman-. Of the total respondents surveyed, 69% respondents have reported awareness on organic foods alogit regression model has been estimated to identify the most likely factors affecting the consumers’ awareness on organic food. The results of logistics analysis indicate that potential Jordanian consumers' awareness of organic food is strongly and significantly affected by factors such as education, occupation, marital status, income, desire, promotion, quality, health issues, and product source. The awareness is not affected by factors such as gender, age and Trademark. Results of the study have great implication for promoting organic food markets, domestically as well as globally.
Population Dynamics and Fisheries Management of the Indian Mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Based on otolith readings of 678 specimens collected during the fishing season 1996/1997, age, growth, mortality and yield per recruit of Rastrelliger kana- gurta from the Gulf of Suez were estimated. Age composition of the two sexes was similar. The oldest males and females were four years old. The values of the von Ber- talanffy growth parameters were K = 0.66 year -1 and L∞ = 29.48 cm for males and K = 0.60 year -1 and L∞ = 32.04 cm for females. The mean total mortality coefficient "Z" estimated by two different methods was 1.12 year -1 for males and 1.00 year -1 for females. The natural mortality coefficient "M" was estimated as 0.26 year -1 for males and 0.25 year -1 for females. Yield per recruit was estimated using the parameters ob- tained for the combined sexes and suggests that the present level of fishing mortality (F = 0.82) is much higher than that which gives the maximum yield per recruit.
Gender differences in children's responses to attachment story stems: True or artefacts?

The large number of attachment studies that have been conducted based on behavioral observations in separationreunion settings (e.g. Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978) have not detected gender effects on frequencies of attachment classifications (e.g. van IJzendoorn, 1995); however, differences between girls and boys have been found in studies examining children’s mental representations of attachment relationships by the use of doll figures to elicit attachment-relevant stories. Here, we report data from our study that used a story completion procedure to measure attachment quality in Hungarian preschoolers. In seeking to explain our finding of a gender effect on attachment, we review and discuss potential sources of similar findings by others. In doing so, we hope to raise questions for attachment research and to stimulate further discussion (e.g. Del Giudice, 2009; Pierrehumbert et al., 2009).
Foreign Direct Investment and Gross Domestic Product in Ghana

This paper addresses how Governments of Ghana has made tremendous effort over the past decade at attracting sustainable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to boost its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and other economic indicators. It is noteworthy that Ghana is well endowed with rich natural resources comprising Gold, Oil, Timber, Cocoa, Bauxite, manganese etc. which form the backbone of its economy and dominates the main sources of foreign exchange(Budget statement, 2004). The low foreign exchange earnings on its export product as a result of its primary state compels it to expostulate to international financial and technical assistance at well as making giant strides to attract Foreign Direct Investment inflows to Ghana to supplement its locally generated revenue. This study explores whether FDI inflows have had any significant impact on GDP growth rate, the results indicate that FDI inflows have had an influence on GDP growth, it is however important to note that there are other important macroeconomic variables which need to be considered.