Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exchange Market Liquidity Prediction with the K-Nearest Neighbor Approach: Crypto vs. Fiat Currencies

In this paper, we compare the predictions on the market liquidity in crypto and fiat currencies between two traditional time series methods, the autoregressive moving average (ARMA) and the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH), and the machine learning algorithm called the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) approach. We measure market liquidity as the log rates of bid-ask spreads in a sample of three cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple) and 16 major fiat currencies from 9 February 2018 to 8 February 2019. We find that the KNN approach is better suited for capturing the market liquidity in a cryptocurrency in the short-term than the ARMA and GARCH models maybe due to the complexity of the microstructure of the market. Considering traditional time series models, we find that ARMA models perform well when estimating the liquidity of fiat currencies in developed markets, whereas GARCH models do the same for fiat currencies in emerging markets. Nevertheless, our results show that the KNN approach can better predict the log rates of the bid-ask spreads of crypto and fiat currencies than ARMA and GARCH models.
In vitro sun screening activity of salt marshy plant Salicornia brachiata

At present, there is a need and demand for the development of safe, cheap and effective topical herbal formulations as sun screens. In this context, this study was initiated to evaluate the sunscreen potential of a Sri Lankan salt marshy plant, Salicornia brachiata Roxb (Family: Amaranthaceae; formally Family: Chenopodiaceae) in vitro using a UV spectroscopic technique and Mansur equation. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value was ascertained (which is an index of sun protection activity) using a methanolic extract having a concentration of 2.0 mgmL-1. Methanol soluble fraction of Dermatone® (2.0 mgmL-1), a well known sunscreen cream, was used as the reference agent. The results showed that the plant extract has a markedly high absorbance values (3.0-3.2) at 290-320 nm range with a SPF value of 30.89 (which is a novel finding) whilst the reference agent exhibited a SPF value of 34.23. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenols and steroids. It is concluded that a safe, cheap and efficacious topical sun screen formulation could be developed from salt marshy plant S. brachiata.
Fertility Decline and the Role of Culture – Thailand’s Demographic Challenges for the 21st Century

Declining birth and death rates, changes in age distribution, in mortality and morbidity, in fertility and marriage behavior, in the average life expectancy and in family and household structures, as well as a transformation of traditional family life arrangements and social structures of ever larger sections of the population – these are all scenarios that only a few years ago were only relevant for countries of the Global North. In the meantime, however, demographic change has also affected parts of the less developed world with a vehemence and dynamism that, even in the 1980s, neither demographers nor politicians considered possible in the affected regions of theworld: the demographic transition, which is often also graphically illustrated through the well-known demographic transition model, has taken place much more rapidly in Southeast Asia in recent decades than in other less developed parts of the world. Accordingly, as the demographic transition progressed, the focus shifted to the demographic situation in Southeast Asia: Until the mid-20th century, population development in this region was still classified as a ‘demographic anomaly’ by many demographers. Around the middle of the last century, Wilbur Zelinsky (1950: 115), for example, commented on the demographic situation of Southeast Asia in comparison to that of India and China as follows:
Learning in the openness: the lost way of the MOOC

At the end of the 2000´s, MOOCs broke into the educational field with the promise of learning with features more suited to the demands of our times. Their connectivist genesis provided a provocative expectation regarding the potential of collaboration, sharing, reuse, and free access, as factors of a possible transformation of the current educational system, which has been characterized by being rigid and reluctant to change. Given the relevance and growing participation of MOOC in education, there is a strong interest in understanding both their functioning and structure so that they can be considered as relevant educational options for a networked society. In this sense, a mixed study was conducted on 225 MOOCs based on the four categories that make up their denomination. The results of the study show that the contributions of MOOCs as generators of shared and collaborative learning experiences as proposed in their origins are not reflected in the reality of their current offering.
A Review of Honey Supplementation on Endurance Performance in Athletes

Volume 2(4): 1-3 J Med Healthcare 2020 ABSTRACT Nutritional ergogenic aids are substances which can enhance athletic performance by influencing physiological processes. Sportspersons usually take supplements before, during and after a sports competition to make sure they have adequate nutrition, maximize their energy storage and enhance their physical sports performance. Endurance athletes such as marathon runners, triathlons and cyclist are known to use supplements to enhance their physical performance. Supplements may enhance endurance performance by increasing the available blood glucose during exercise, increasing body glycogen storage in muscle and liver, and increasing antioxidant status. The increasing availability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the working muscles will augment physical sports performance. It is believed that honey is an ergogenic aid supplement but it is lacking in solid scientific evidences to prove its efficacy. Thus, it has received scientists’ attention to conduct scientific research to test this supposition. This article discusses the effects of honey supplementation on endurance performance in athletes.
Nd,&,X Coster-Kronig spectra of free Hg atoms

The N4,5N6,7X (X = N6.7, 04J Coster-Kronig-type Auger spectra of free mercury atoms have been measured and analysed by comparing the experimental results with the calculated profiles. The spectra have been measured with the use of electron beam excitation. The kinetic energies of the Auger lines have been calculated by the ASCF method using a relativistic Dirac-Fock program. The relative energies of the line components have also been computed non-relativistically and a comparison has been made between the non-relativistic and the relativistic results. The intensities of the lines have been calculated in the mixed coupling scheme applying jj coupling to the initial states and intermediate coupling to the final states. It has been found that the calculated profile reproduces the fine structure in the experimental spectrum rather well. The experimental intensity ratios between different line groups are found to be between the experimental results of Matthew et a1 and Larkins et a1 for solid Au, and in obvious discrepancy with the calculated group intensity ratios based on McGuire's results.
The arts in science? Using poetry to teach Chemistry in Grade 9

Modern science education the world over deliberately remains in the objective, rational, positivist paradigm. In South African classrooms, this paradigm is often alienating for young learners who then stop learning science at the end of Grade 9. Literature indicates that an arts-rich education improves learner engagement, attitudes and test scores, as evidenced by science Nobel laureates who engage more with the arts than other scientists. The research reported in this study involved the presentation of a lesson on acids and bases to 222 Grade 9 learners in 4 schools in the greater Tshwane region to establish whether their interest levels in the subject would improve when using a poem and video that characterise, describe and demonstrate scientific concepts. An in-class intervention of 40 minutes was used with identical Likert-scale, pre and post-tests analysed using the Wilcoxon and t-test. The results showed that the arts-rich lesson engaged learners in a manner which holistically improved their interest levels. The results were independent of gender, home language and the type of large, urban, government school that they attended. The results were not significant for the small, semi-rural, private school research site.
High Carrying Rate of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Enterobacteriaceae by Slaughterhouse Workers in Lomé, Togo in 2019

Introduction: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL) represent a real public health concern because of their spread. The role of agri-food chains in transmitting of digestive ESBL-producing bacterial strains in the community, was demonstrated but little work was Original Research Article Godonou et al.; MRJI, 30(11): 30-41, 2020; Article no.MRJI. 64777 31 done in our settings (Togo, west Africa). The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of digestive carrying ESBL producing enterobacteriacae in slaughterhouse workers in Lomé, Togo. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in three slaughterhouses in Lomé. Fresh stools of 60 slaughterhouse workers and socio-demographic data were collected during the period of September to October 2019 after obtaining the consent of each participant. The bacterial strains of interest were isolated on the selective medium Purple Bromocresol + Ceftazidime at 6μg/l. Uriselect and API 20E media were used for identification. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed in Mueller-Hinton agar plate diffusion method (Kirby Bauer technic) and according to CASFM-EUCAST recommendations. Results: The digestive carriage rate of ESBL producing enterobacteriacae among professionals of three slaughterhouses of Lomé was 80% (n=48/60). Escherichia coli was the main bacteria 78.2% (n = 43/55) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 16.4% (n = 9/55) and Enterobacter cloacae 5.4% (n = 3/55). The antibiotic profile of ESBL producing enterobacteriacae showed resistance to Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid (26%), Ticarcillin + Clavulanic Acid (86%), Piperacillin + Tazobactam (14%), Cefoxitin (7%) Ciprofloxacin (63%), Levofloxacin (49%), Nalidixic Acid (42%), Chloramphenicol (33%), Gentamicin (21%), Sulfamethoxazole-Trimetoprim (93%). These bacteria were 100% sensitive to Imipenem, Ertapenem, Amikacin and Fosfomycin. Conclusion: This study revealed a very high carriage rate of ESBL producing Enterobacteriacae among Slaughterhouse Workers in Lomé. It confirmed the major potential role of the agri-food chains in the spread of ESBL producing bacteria in the Community.
The effect of needle tip displacement in co-axial electrohydrodynamic processing

Co-axial electrospraying and electrospinning are versatile electrohydrodynamic (EHD) techniques that can be used to encapsulate a variety of materials in the form of polymeric particles and fibres via a one step process. The successful production of uniform encapsulated products in co-axial EHD (CEHD) processing depends on multiple parameters including solution concentration, applied voltage and needle capillary diameter. Although many studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of these parameters, there has been very limited research on how the axial displacement between the two needle tips affects the final products formed. Hence the purpose of this study was to adjust the positioning of the inner needle such that its tip extends beyond, is level with or resides inside that of the outer needle and to thus determine the most effective arrangement for controlling product size, uniformity and/or yield. Core–shell particles were prepared using two polymers, poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) as the shell and polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) as the core and core–shell fibres using PMSQ as the shell and a volatile liquid, perfluorohexane (PFH) as the core. The products formed were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After analysis, it was concluded that the most effective arrangement for generating both particles and fibres with the optimal combination of size, uniformity and yield was to have the inner needle 2 mm inside the outer needle. This allows for formation of a stable cone–jet and successful encapsulation of the inner liquid within the outer liquid, before the outer stable cone–jet forms. The corresponding collected product diameter and percentage of products in which material was successfully encapsulated were found to be 0.6 ± 0.1 μm and 85 ± 3% respectively for particles and 9 ± 1 μm and 92 ± 2% for fibres.
Silicone sampling tubes can cause drastic artifacts in measurements with aerosol instrumentation based on unipolar diffusion charging

ABSTRACT Aerosol instrumentation based on unipolar diffusion charging has become popular in the recent years. These instruments can be made very small, making them suitable as personal monitors. In many applications, including personal monitoring, the use of flexible sampling tubes is required. We found that degassing from these sampling tubes can alter the gas composition of the aerosol, which changes the ion properties in the unipolar charger. As a result, the particle concentrations, measured with a unipolar diffusion charger are biased. The strongest effect was found with new, conductive silicone tubes, because of the degassing of siloxanes. Results obtained with one miniature diffusion size classifier unit were by a factor of approximately two too low. Partector and Nanoparticle Surface Area Monitor showed in principle the same behavior, but to a lower degree. Other tube materials were found to have even the opposite effect, i.e., the measured concentrations increased, when measuring through a tube. The largest observed increase was, however, only approximately 14%. Tygon™ tubes were found to be the best compromise considering particle losses and effect on the diffusion charger. Copyright © 2016 American Association for Aerosol Research
Changing Established Belief on Capacity Fade Mechanisms: Thorough Investigation of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM111) under High Voltage Conditions

The further development of lithium ion batteries operating at high voltages requires basic understanding of the occurring capacity fade mechanisms. In this work, the overall specific capacity loss with regard to reversible and irreversible processes for LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM111)/Li half cells, cycled at a charge cutoff potential of 4.6 V vs Li/Li+, has been investigated in detail. By means of total X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) technique it was shown that specific capacity losses associated with the amount of dissolved transition metals are negligible, implying a still intact NCM111 active material after 53 cycles. It was demonstrated that the specific capacity fade during cycling at constant specific currents can be mainly attributed to the increase of the delithiation (charge) hindrance, whereas lithiation (discharge) hindrance is only present after a specific current increase, leading to apparent specific capacity losses and to decreased Coulombic efficiencies. This could be proven by the determination .
The Investigate of Vanadium-Containing Slurry Oxidation Roasting Process for Vanadium Extraction

Vanadium containing slurry is a by-product of vanadium pentoxide by hydrometallurgical methods from vanadium slag. It is promising technogenic raw material for vanadium production. The phase analysis of vanadium-containing slurry by X-ray diffraction method has shown that it contains vanadium in spinel form (FeO∙V2O3). The various oxidation roasting methods for slurry treatment have been studied for increasing vanadium extraction into the solution. It has shown that the most effective additive is 1% CaCO3 at a roasting temperature of 1000 °C. The oxidation roasting of vanadium-containing slurry with the additive led to increase acid-soluble form of V2O5 from 1.5 to 3.7% and decrease the content of FeO∙V2O3 from 3 to 0.4%. These results have confirmed the efficiency of the application of oxidation roasting to convert vanadium compounds into acid-soluble forms. The conversion mechanism of spinel to acid-soluble phases during oxidation roasting with additives was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and thermodynamic simulation. It has shown that the formation of acid-soluble calcium vanadates during oxidation roasting without additives occurs at temperatures above 800 °C, but СаСО3 addition allows to reduce this temperature to 600 °C.
Toward the Dynamic Modeling of Transition Problems: The Case of Electric Mobility

Transportation systems are transitioning to e-mobility, but scholars and policymakers are struggling to understand how to accomplish this transition effectively. In response, we draw on the technological innovation systems perspective and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to develop a theory-guided and entity-based simulation model to better understand, among others, electric vehicle (EV) adoption processes as a specific yet core element driving business innovation. By doing so, our model is among the first to capture and combine the macro-and micro-level interactions associated with the EV transition process. Our simulation results shed light on the impact of alternative innovation policies, notably by explaining relations between EV market dynamics and changes in e-mobility policies, such as EV-related subsidies and resource mobilization. As such, the simulation modeling approach adopted in this paper enables a more in-depth study of transition problems related to e-mobility. Notably, the resulting modular model can be adjusted to other e-mobility transition problems by changing the specified entities.
Continuance usage intention and its antecedents on using OVO e-wallet application in Denpasar

This study aims to explain the effect of information quality, perceived privacy protection, perceived security protection on trust, and its effect on continuance intention to use OVO in Denpasar. This research was conducted in Denpasar, using 139 respondents. This study uses Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis techniques with the Partial Least Square approach. This study shows that information quality has a positive and significant effect on trust. Perceived privacy protection has a positive and significant effect on trust and continuance usage intention. Perceived security protection has a positive and significant effect on trust and continuance usage intention. Also, this study also shows that trust has a positive and significant effect on continuance usage intention. Information quality was found that have no significant effect on the continuance usage intention.
The Use of Translation as a Learning Strategy: A Case Study of Students of the University of Bahrain

The use of native language in learning English is a controversial issue. Some studies advocate its use while others are against it. As far as Arab Bahraini students are concerned, there are no studies that show whether translation is useful for students with different language proficiency and therefore, this study is filling a gap in knowledge in this area. This research aims to determine to what extent translation as a learning strategy is used by 4th year students and Orientation program students at the University. One hundred students from both groups participated in a survey with two sets of questionnaires related to beliefs and strategy use. The results of this qualitative and quantitative study have revealed that the majority of orientation students use translation as a learning strategy and hold positive beliefs about it, whereas a small percentage of the 4th year English major students still use translation as a learning strategy although they hold negative beliefs about it. As a result, it is recommended that students at public schools should have more exposure to English language during English classes, enabling them to think directly in the target language without being pressured to use translation. As a result, the number of students in the University orientation program will ultimately decrease due to the improvement of their language proficiency.
Kinetics of ultrasonic inactivation of peroxidase in aqueous solutions

The kinetics of the inactivation of horse-radish peroxidase in a 0.01 M phosphate citrate buffer (pH 5.4) under the action of high-frequency (2.64 MHz) ultrasound with a power input of 1 W/cm 2 was studied over a temperature range from 35.5 to 55.0°C and a concentration range from 10 to 100 nM and described by apparent first-order rate constants: k i n (total inactivation), k* i n (thermal inactivation), and k u s i n (ultrasound inactivation). These rate constants were demonstrated to be dependent on the temperature and pH value. As the concentration of peroxidase increases from 10 to 100 nM, the value of k i n changes only slightly, while k* i n decreases significantly. Poly(2-aminodisulfide-4-nitrophenol) and poly(gallic acid disulfide) cause a significant decrease in the degree of US inactivation of peroxidase: the presence of these compounds in micromolar concentrations completely stops the inactivation at 45°C. This result suggests that the HO and HO . 2 free radicals, which are generated by US cavitation, play the main role in the inactivation of the enzyme. Both these polysulfides of substituted phenols also cause a decrease in k* i n at 45°C.
Observation of Aircraft Wake Vortex Evolution under Crosswind Conditions by Pulsed Coherent Doppler Lidar

The observation and identification of wake vortex are considered important factors to reduce aviation accidents and increase airport capacity. In addition to aircraft parameters, the evolution process of the wake vortex is strongly related to atmospheric conditions, including crosswind, headwind, atmospheric turbulence, and temperature stratification. Crosswind generally affects the wake vortex trajectories by transporting them to the downwind direction. Additionally, the circulation attenuation of wake vortex is also influenced by crosswind shear or turbulence related to crosswind. This paper implemented the range height indicator (RHI) scanning mode of pulsed coherent Doppler lidar (PCDL) to study the influence of crosswind on wake vortex evolution. The crosswind was obtained from the non-wake vortex regions of the RHI sectors. The method, based on the measurements of radial velocity and spectrum with the broadening feature, was performed to locate wake vortex cores. The wake vortex trajectories with various crosswind strengths were comprehensively analyzed.