Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of soil physicochemical parameters on species composition and structure in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana

Soil-Species correlation studies help in understanding the ecology of plateau ecosystems. However, this information is scarse thereby posing a challenge in their effective management in Ghana. Hence, the study on the influence of soil physicochemical parameters on species composition and structure in the six fringed communities which constitute the focus of the study: Bowuri (BO), Nkonya (NK), Akpafu (AK), Santrokofi (SA), Hohoe (HH) and Alavanyo (AL) in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana. Soil and vegetation parameters were recorded in a total of 180 plots (each measuring 25m × 25m) demarcated across the communities and analyzed. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) results showed that pH, OC, TN, OM, TCa, TMg, TK, Na, T.E. B, ex. Acidity, ECEC, Base sat, AVI – P (ppmP), Sand and Silt were the drivers of trees, saplings and seedlings composition and structure (including density, richness, shannon, evenness and basal area (BA)) on the plateau. This vegetation attributes were seen to be highest and more correlated with soil parameters for BO, NK and AK occupying lowland areas and lowest in the SA, HH and AL occupying highland areas of the plateau. The soil is somewhat weak acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging between 4.17 and 7.06. The CV values revealed Base sat showing lowest values (c.v.<15%), with moderate (c.v.=34%-15%) for TK and highest (c.v.˃35%) for TCa, TMg, Na, T.E. B, EX. ACIDITY and ECEC, AVI-P1. This study provides a better understanding of the current status of this plateau in Ghana.
Eco-diesel engine fuelled with rapeseed oil methyl ester and ethanol. Part 1: Efficiency and emission

A novel concept of fuelling a diesel engine with biofuels - rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) and ethanol was proposed, developed, and investigated. The idea of the concept depends on standard fuelling with RME and additional injection of ethanol into the inlet port during the inlet stroke. After ignition from burning RME droplets, the ethanol-air mixture burns very quickly and promotes combustion of the main fuel droplets. This results in a shorter combustion period. Experiments were carried out with the use of a one-cylinder direct injection diesel engine adapted to ethanol injection at three speeds and two loads: low and high and for three injection timings. At each experimental point the proportion of ethanol to RME was changed from zero to the value at which diesel knock occurred in such a way that the engine load was kept constant. This showed the influence of the ethanol energy to total fuel energy ratio (ΩE) on effciency and emissions (ΩE was a main independent variable parameter). A considerable decrease in CO2 and the smoke level was obtained and, for high loads also CO and HC emissions. At low loads the NOx emissions were reduced. The optimum ratio of ethanol energy to total fuel energy, in terms of brake fuel conversion effciency and benefit of emission decrease, was found to be about 25 per cent.
Lifshitz interactions and stochastic electrodynamics Third Year Seminar

Evgenii Lifshitz’s solution of the various Casimir problems is presented, with a focus on Rytov’s theory of thermal fluctuations of the zero-point field, upon which Lifshitz’s calculation is based. We start with a historical review of the reasons that led to the formulation of the problem of zero-point field, from Planck’s solution of the black body issue to van der Waals’s discovery of anomalous interactions between molecules. Finally an explanation of this approach is outlined in light of its importance for the birth of the alternative theory of stochastic electrodynamics, briefly indicating its effectivenesses and difficulties. The seminar is written without any reference to quantum field theory and thus is suitable for Bachelor students to help them understand the problem of the interplay of microscopic and macroscopic worlds in electromagnetic field theory.
Does IFRS Adoption Affect Share Price Anticipation of Earnings?*

We examine whether share price anticipation of earnings (SPAE) changed following the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in China. We exploit the institutional setting in China, which allows us to identify firms adopting IFRS for the first time in 2007 as a treatment group and those reporting under IFRS prior to 2007 as a control group. We find that SPAE improves for firms in our treatment group relative to our control group, consistent with the improved transparency making it easier for investors to forecast future earnings. Further analyses reveal that the increase in SPAE is more pronounced among firms that are (1) not state controlled, (2) less subsidised, or (3) less politically connected, which largely rely on capital markets to supply most of their financial needs. A policy implication that stems from our findings is that IFRS may potentially facilitate external capital acquisitions, especially in emerging economies where some firms may be less financially supported by the government.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium released by decomposition of palisade grass to soybean in succession

The objective of this work was to determine the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium released by N-fertilized Urochloa brizantha straw, desiccated before sowing of no-tillage soybean (Glycine max) in succession. The pasture was grown in three paddocks, each fertilized with one N rate (0, 150, or 300 kg ha-1), and assessed at two desiccation periods (60 or 15 days before soybean sowing), in four replicates. Nitrogen fertilization of U. brizantha pasture increases N and K cycling and the release of these nutrients to the subsequent soybean crop. The quantity of K released by U. brizantha straw fertilized with 150 or 300 kg ha-1 N (about 80 kg ha-1 K) offsets that contained in an export of up to 4 Mg ha-1 soybean grains, assuming zero K losses in the system. An early desiccation of the U. brizantha pasture does not improve K uptake by the soybean crop, since 50% of the nutrient is released in the first 20 days after desiccation. The dynamics of P release from U. brizantha straw (about 6 to 10 kg ha-1 during the soybean crop) is not influenced by N fertilization and the time of pasture desiccation.
OCCURRENCE OF CARCINOGENIC HETEROCYCLIC AROMATIC AMINES IN FRIED CHICKEN BREASTS

The presence of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) in fried chicken breasts was investigated. All samples contained HAAs including MeIQx, PhIP, and the β-carbolines Harman and Norharman. In particular, PhIP was found in high concentrations of 1.5 9.1 ng/g. MeIQx was detected at very low concentrations (n.d. 1.1 ng/g). The concentrations of the co-mutagenic β-carbolines Harman and Norharman ranged from 0.8 to 2.3 ng/g. The content of the precursor glucose varied substantially from 30-250 mg/100 g based on dry matter. In contrast, the content of the precursor creatine in non-fried chicken breasts varied by only 8 %. A significant linear correlation existed between PhIP and the molar ratio of creatine/glucose (r=0.88, p<0.001). We thus conclude that with increased concentration of glucose in chicken breast, the formation of PhIP may be reduced.
Factors Affecting Language Learning Strategies Used By a Greek Female Learner of English

Not much research has examined variables influencing learning strategies used by study-abroad ESL learners. This paper reports on an investigation of English learning strategies used by a Greek female university student based in the UK. It aims to explore what strategies she used and how her choice of strategies was affected by other individual difference variables. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and a combination of both inductive and deductive approach was employed in the qualitative analysis to generate interpretations. The findings showed a clear relationship between the learner’s strategy use and three factors: motivation, gender and personality. Her strategy use varied according to the evolution of her learning motivation over time, and her preference of using social strategies seemed to be closely tied to integrative motivation. Gender was a crucial factor as the female learner used more social strategies as compared to a male student and she only used those strategies suiting her gender role. The learner was also found to choose strategies corresponding with her extroverted personality. Pedagogical implications of these findings are drawn and presented to enhance the effectiveness of her English language learning.
The Effect of Positivity Approach Counseling on Acceptance and Adaptation to Parental Role in Husbands of First-Time Mothers

Background: Becoming a father is a crucial stage in men's lives, which is associated with high levels of stress, as this event challenges their ability to cope with new situations, requires adapting to the new roles, and creates concerns regarding being a successful father. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effect of positive approach counseling on acceptance and adaptation to the role of becoming a father in husbands of first-time mothers. Methods: This is an experimental study conducted on husbands of first-time mothers with unsuccessful adaptation to their role as a father who referred to health centers of Khodabandeh city in 2019. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and then separated into two groups of intervention and control (27 subjects in each group). Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire (socioeconomic status and family relationships) and the standard paternal adaptation questionnaire (PAQ). The intervention group received eight 60-minutes sessions of positive approach counseling. Then, after one month, they again filled the PAQ. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, Friedman, and ANOVA with repeated measures with a significance level of 0.05 by SPSS version 16. Results: There was no difference in the mean score of PAQ before providing the intervention; however, after providing the intervention, the level of adaptation to the parenting role and its sub-scales were significantly higher in the intervention group (from 117.6 to 155.4) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The positive approach counseling could improve the parenting role of husbands of first-time mothers. Therefore, the findings of the present study can be used for developing comprehensive public health plans for better adaptation with the parenting role.
Calagem superficial com resíduo alcalino da indústria de papel e celulose em um solo altamente tamponado

Solos dos planaltos subtropicais do Brasil sao pobres em nutrientes e tem alta necessidade de calagem, o que encarece e pode limitar a correcao da acidez. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar modificacoes quimicas e fisicas de um Cambissolo Humico aluminico e a resposta da cultura do trigo ao residuo alcalino da industria de papel e celulose (Dregs) em comparacao com um corretivo convencional. Os tratamentos foram doses de residuo (Res) de 25, 50 e 100 % da recomendacao indicada pelo metodo SMP, visando elevar o pH para 6,0, que correspondem a 2.625, 5.250 e 10.500 kg ha-1, respectivamente. Essas doses se comparam a 50 e 100 % SMP de calcario dolomitico (Cal), e correspondem a 5.600 e 11.200 kg ha-1, respectivamente, alem do solo sem correcao (testemunha, sem residuo e, ou, corretivo). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repeticoes. Os corretivos foram aplicados superficialmente em duas epocas: primeira metade em junho de 2004 e o restante em junho de 2006, em uma area de campo nativo pastejado, sem revolvimento do solo. As amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas de 0 a 5, 5 a 10, e 10 a 15 cm para caracterizacao quimica e fisica do solo. Em 2006, foram avaliados os teores foliares de nutrientes e a produtividade de graos de trigo. A aplicacao superficial do residuo alcalino melhorou os atributos quimicos do solo, principalmente na camada superficial, com aumento do pH e dos teores de Ca e Mg, da relacao molar entre Ca e Mg e do teor de Na, sem, entretanto, atingir o valor critico de saturacao da CTC por Na. A calagem superficial com residuo ou calcario reduziu linearmente o grau de floculacao das argilas na camada superficial do solo. Os teores de nutrientes nas plantas e a produtividade de graos foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos com calcario ou residuo, com respostas crescentes as doses dos corretivos.
Quality of life of tinnitus patients with and without hearing loss

Background: Tinnitus is a common, irritating and often disturbing symptom. It poses big challenge to the patients’ management and affects their quality of life (QoL). Tinnitus is one of the most common otological symptoms associated with hearing loss. The aim of the study was to determine the quality of life of adult tinnitus patients and the effect presence of hearing loss has on the quality of life.Methods: All consenting adults presenting with tinnitus with or without associated hearing loss were recruited. Sociodemographic information, clinical assessment, pure tone audiometry (PTA) and QoL assessment with Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) were carried out. The data collected were analysed and results were presented in tables and simple chart. Results: The age range of participants was between 18 and 80 years with a mean age of 51.94 years±17.41. Male to female ratio was 1:1.4. The relationship between tinnitus and associated hearing loss was statistically significant with moderate hearing loss found as commonest. Sensorineural hearing loss was the commonest type found. Tinnitus was mostly described as a big problem. The relationship between the TFI scores and presence of hearing loss as well as degree of hearing loss was statistically significant.Conclusions: Tinnitus has a significant health burden which tends to increase with co-existing hearing loss. PTA assessment and measurement of QoL should be advocated as routine for tinnitus patients no matter the cause of tinnitus and also especially among those with self-professed normal hearing.
HEINELT PRINT.indd

Assessing the quality of democracy has become a central concern in a landscape of increasing political disaffection and disenchantment with democratic institutions. Regardless of various existing explanations for the perceived decline of public trust in institutions like parties and parliaments (Dalton et al. 2003; Inglehart 1997; Norris 2002), the conviction that reforms are necessary is shared by scholars and governments alike (Dalton et al. 2003). What is not yet clear, however, is which model of ‘good democracy’ can better countervail political disillusionment and enhance the quality of democracy everywhere it has grown roots. In a major work, Diamond and Morlino (2005) concluded that a particular type of democracy seems better suited to higher democratic quality, namely, one that generates and facilitates high levels of participation and competition. That the latter perform as the ‘engines of democratic quality’ (Morlino 2011) indicates that Dahl’s (1972) concept of polyarchy still remains central to measurements. The question, however, is not whether high participation and competition can boost the quality of democracy, but how this result can be attained. Reflecting on this, the scholars point to a crucial problem: ‘Is it enough to financially support representative channels, such as parties, and have a constitutional design and an electoral system that allow for participation and competition? Or do we need new and more creative recipes? ’ (Diamond and Morlino 2005, p. xxxvii). This chapter assumes that new and more creative recipes for democratic quality are indeed necessary, and seeks to investigate them in representative channels that include more than political parties, as well as in constitutional designs that allow for participation and competition beyond elections. I will thus turn to the so-called ‘democratic innovations’, new institutional designs that aim at increasing citizen participation in the political decision-making process (Goodin 2008; Smith 2009). These innovations lie at the core of participatory governance (Gaventa 2002; Fischer 2012) and have been increasingly implemented around the world, although with diverse institutional designs and scopes (Johnson and Gastil 2015). The varying success achieved by democratic innovations points
Representation , reliability and reproducibility of the running test using a metronome

Results of familiarization, assessment of reliability and comparability of results of the test run in a metronome rhythm are presented. The purpose of the research: to describe use and to estimate reliability of the test run in a metronome rhythm which was carried out by students-sportsmen of different sports specializations. Objects: the prepared students (boys n = 26 and girls n = 14). Methods: anthropometry; testing (run for 4 minutes in a metronome rhythm which changed: the first minute – 140 bpm, the second minute – 150 bpm, the third minute – 160 bpm, the fourth minute – 170 bpm; video filming and video analysis. Results: the reliable interrelations are revealed as a result of Pearson correlation calculation for indicators of testing No. 1-2-3: average HR (r=0.77-0.65); average distance length (r=0.85-0.54). Interclass coefficient of correlation for: average HR (r=0.64-0.65); distances of run (r=0.84-0.51); average speed of run (r=0.84-0.51). Conclusions: the sufficient reliability and stability of the test were shown because the extent of coincidence of results at the repeated testing had the reliable correlations and coherence during rather long period (three weeks). The test has the sufficient coherence as the scenario of its carrying out allows providing independence of results of testing of personal qualities of the individual who is carrying out the test. It can be recommended to runners for endurance for assessment of technique features; to other groups of individuals for the assessment of state of motor function, profitability and efficiency of movement, psycho-emotional features .
Efficacy of multidetector computed tomography in Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis Of Facial Symmetry After Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures Management

Aim : The aim of present study was quantitative and qualitative analysis of facial symmetry after ZMC fractures management using multidetector computed tomography . Patients and methods: A descriptive study of consecutive 40 adult patients with recent isolated unilateral ZMC fractures who were otherwise healthy was performed from 2019 through 2020. Patient demographics ,and both clinical ,and CT radiographical assessments were done preoperatively and postoperatively after 2 months to evaluate postoperative complications ,patient satisfaction score ,and quality and quantity of facial symmetry. Results: A total 16 patients complained postoperative complications. Postoperative facial asymmetry was observed in 22.5% of patients . The patient satisfaction score gradually increased at all intervals of study. As for the pre- and post-operative radiographic analysis; a total of 28 fractures were considered acceptably reduced, while 12 fractures was considered sub-optimally reduced. There was highly significant difference between preoperative and postoperative values of facial asymmetry indexes (p < 0.01) Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that multidetector computed tomography can be used as accurate imaging modality for quantitative and qualitative analysis of facial symmetry after ZMC fractures management leading to improve postoperative esthetic outcome .
Effect of Different Sewing Parameters on Lockstitch Seam Strength for Denim Fabric

Seam strength plays a very important role in acquiring the desired quality seam which ultimately defines the quality of any clothing. The paper is aimed to study the strength of seam produced from denim fabric, how different sewing parameters like sewing thread type, type of seam, seam direction as well as the density of stitches influence the strength of seam, and it is observed that they have direct effect on lockstitch seam strength of denim fabric with various degree. For research denim fabric with 3/1 weaves structure and three different sewing threads namely 100% cotton spun with 14tex linear density, 100% polyester spun with 24tex and 60tex linear density were used. Seam class used for the research was superimposed seam prepared with two layers, SSa and three layers, SSb. The samples were made by stitching with lockstitch sewing machine both in warp and weft way. Three different stitch densities were used to sew the samples and they were-7, 9 and 11 stitches per inch. The strength of the produced seams was tested on a universal strength tester machine-the titan tensile strength tester. Test was performed according to ASTM D5034 test method. The outcome of the research shows that seam type, seam direction, thread types, and stitch density have direct effect on lockstitch seam strength of denim fabric with various degrees. Higher seam strength was obtained for the SSb type seam produced in warp direction with coarser sewing thread (60tex) and 11 stitches per inch (SPI). The influence of independent variables on the seam strength was assessed statistically using a multivariate variance analysis (ANOVA) with the help of SPSS software and it was found that they effect significantly. Regression analysis was done to develop the regression equation to predict lockstitch seam strength before production process.
Association of Aurka Gene Polymorphism (RS2064863) with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Development - An In Silico Study

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common cause of death worldwide. More than 90% of all head and neck tumors occur in OSCC patients. Treatment at an advanced stage of SCC has a relatively low survival rate of five years. Both genetic factors and carcinogen exposure like alcohol and tobacco regulate SEC development. Poor diet and physical inactivity have also been known to contribute Carcinoma.1 It has been demonstrated by previous studies that genetic polymorphism combined with betel nut carcinogens increases the susceptibility to OSCC development.2 OSCC is a lethal deforming disease with tumor innovation costing or facial destruction and cervical lymph node metastasis. Globally, there is an incident of 300,000 new cases a year with a significant rise in young adults.3 Metabolomics can provide insight into the treatment and prognosis of OSCC.4 The sub-site of oral cancer has decreased therapeutic outcome in spite of high modes of treatment.5 Field cancerization is used to describe the recurrence of OSCC after excision of primary tumors.6 Myofibroblasts play a crucial role in OSCC development as they help in disease progression.7 The final saliva is contributed by oral mucosa, periodontium, and oral microbial flora which can be used as a diagnostic tool in OSCC detection.8 Salivary metabolomics also aids in identifying tumor-specific biomarkers which in turn helps in the detection of tumor progression.9 Regional spread of carcinoma is commonly seen in OSCC.10