Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact assessment of investment motivation toward mutual funds

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of investment motivation on mutual fund investment decisions by Nepalese investors. The research seeks to identify the key drivers that influence Nepalese investors’ decisions in this context. Design/methodology/approach - The research design employed in this study was a descriptive and causal comparative research. The primary data was gathered from individual investors who were actively involved in trading on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). To assess respondents’ perceptions and factors influencing investment alternatives, a structured questionnaire survey was used. The sample size consisted of 384 participants, and they were selected through judgmental sampling technique. Findings and Conclusion - The research findings revealed that while there was a growing interest in mutual fund investments among Nepalese investors, there was a lack of awareness and understanding about these investment vehicles. The paper found that investor awareness level, fund manager qualities, risk perceptions, and fund performance positively affected mutual fund investment decisions in Nepal. These factors played an important role in determining investors’ preferences and choices. The regression model demonstrated a good fit for the data, explaining 55.8% of the variation in investment decisions. The study also emphasized the significance of effective selection and monitoring processes for mutual fund schemes, including evaluating fund managers’ performance and assessing the risk-return profile of different options. Implications - The findings implied the need for transparent reporting practices, access to reliable performance data, and investor-friendly policies. Policymakers should streamline regulations and create a favorable environment for mutual fund investments. These implications can contribute to the overall development of the capital market in Nepal by attracting more investors and fostering investor confidence in mutual fund schemes.
Prediction of the Fountain Heights in Fine Particle Spouted Bed Systems

New empirical correlations are proposed to predict the fountain heights in spouted bed systems operating with fine particles. These correlations can be used for predicting the total spouted bed vessel height which is composed of the maximum spoutable bed height and the fountain height. It is important to be able to predict the total vessel height from the fluid and particle proporties and the spouted bed gemotery since further detailed information may not be available in the initial design stage. The fountain height correlations are developed for particles in the size range of 0.30 to 0.45 mm. The total vessel height is predicted by means of these equations and the maximum spoutable bed height correlations developed earlier.
Development and analysis of whispering gallery mode model for refractive index sensing

A refractive index sensor based on a whispering gallery mode resonator is numerically investigated in this paper. Whispering gallery mode resonators confine light and can be used in sensing applications, and this work presents the model built using COMSOL software to analyze their sensing performance. This work has investigated the WGM resonators’ response to refractive index changes numerically using 2D models in the refractive index ranges 1.000 and 1.333. The resonator showed a sensitivity of 167 nm/RIU in the refractive index range of 1.3331. 4 and a sensitivity of 95 nm/RIU in the refractive index range of 1.000-1.010. The sensing resonator has potential applications for biological and chemical analytes.
Hemosiderin-Laden Macrophages in Canine Mammary Carcinomas

Simple Summary Macrophages play a key role in cancer. The aim of this study was to identify hemosiderin-laden macrophages (HLMs) and speculate their possible role in canine mammary carcinoma. HLMs, which were variously localized in cancer peritumoral and stromal areas, expressed CD204, an M2 macrophagic marker. In addition, they showed positivity for angiogenic and protumoral molecules, such as VEGF or TGF-α. Therefore, HLMs need to be considered for a possible role in cancer progression and survival in canine mammary tumors, protecting cells from hypoxia. Abstract Macrophages are among the main actors in cancer immunoediting, with several functions, including recycling iron and packaging it in hemosiderin. Even though TAMs are widely studied in breast cancer and canine mammary tumors, hemosiderin-laden macrophages (HLMs) have not received as much attention. Considering the growing interest in iron metabolism in cancer, this study aims to evaluate the presence of HLMs in canine mammary tumors. Fifty cases of canine mammary carcinomas presenting aggregates of pigmented macrophages were chosen. Prussian blue and Meguro staining were performed to assess the presence of iron. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to try to identify macrophagic phenotypes and hypothesize their role. Evaluation of the H&E sections showed that pigmented macrophages were variously localized in peritumoral and stromal areas. These pigmented cells were variably stained with Prussian blue and reacted strongly with DAB in the Meguro staining method, thus confirming the presence of iron within them. In their immunohistochemistry, the HLMs were negative for the MAC387 but positive for CD 204 and VEGF. Considering their positivity for CD 204, HLMs could be M2 macrophages that supply iron to both the neoplastic cells and the tumor inflammatory microenvironment, promoting angiogenesis and protecting cancer cells from hypoxia.
Falling Behavior Detection System for Elevator Passengers Based on Deep Learning and Edge Computing

Due to factors such as dense populations and narrow viewing angles, previous deep-learning models for detecting passenger behavior in elevators often lack effectiveness. Traditional cloud-based data transmission methods have issues with high latency, high resource usage, and privacy threats, particularly during periods of high usage. To address these issues, we proposed a falling behavior detection system for elevator passengers based on deep learning and edge computing. A two-stream neural network model improved by 3D ResNet is presented, which utilizes edge computing for elevator passenger fall detection. Our homemade dataset of elevator passenger falling behavior is utilized to train and evaluate the system. The results demonstrate that the system is effective in detecting passengers’ falling behavior in elevators, with an average accuracy of 89.2%. The feasibility of the system in an elevator is also verified, and it has performed well. The application of this system in this field holds significant research value.
Influence of Cigarette Smoking Habit on Clozapine-to-Norclozapine Ratio in Male Patients

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of cigarette smoking habit on the clozapine (CLZ)-to-norclozapine (norCLZ) ratio in male patients. Methods: The sample consisted of plasma concentration of CLZ and norCLZ data set. The mean values of CLZ, norCLZ, and CLZ-to-norCLZ, between male patients who smoke versus nonsmokers were compared. Findings: CLZ mean plasma level of 142 ± 80 ng/ml and 305 ± 159 ng/ml, norCLZ mean plasma level of 93 ± 72 ng/ml and 234 ± 62 ng/ml, and mean CLZ-to-norCLZ plasma level ratio of 2.1 ± 1.1 and 1.5 ± 0.5, were obtained respectively for male patients who smoke and nonsmokers. Conclusion: This study has shown a significant decrease in CLZ and norCLZ plasma levels, and an increase in the CLZ-to-norCLZ ratio, in smokers as compared to nonsmokers, due to an increase in the clearance of CLZ and norCLZ by smoking induction of CYP 1A2 and glucuronidation by uridyl glucuronyl transferase enzymes (UGT), mainly UGT 1A4, respectively, as the most probable cause.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE Ethno-Medicinal Treatment of Common Gastrointestinal Disorders by Indigenous People in Pakistan

Pakistan lies between 23o 45’ to 36o 50’ N and 60o 55’ to 75o 30’ E with a total area of 8, 03,943 sq. Km. Pakistan has a very rich and diverse flora. There are about 4940 native species of flowering plants (about 5738 species if cultivated or naturalized taxa are included) which are found in a variety of habitats from seashores (Arabian Sea) and deserts (Cholistan) to high mountainous areas to the north (Galliat, Gilgit-Baltistan). These include 372 species which are endemic, mostly found in the north and western mountainous regions of Pakistan. The people in Pakistan have a strong faith in the usage of the ethno-medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments especially gastrointestinal disorders that are very common due to malnutrition or infected drinking water. The research work was conducted in different regions of the country including Northern parts of the country mainly represented by the mountainous areas Galliat and Ayubia region and Southern parts of the country including the plains and deserts representing by Cholistan desert. During the research more than 100 plants were recorded and out of these total 17 plant species belonging to 16 families were recorded that were used for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems through Ethnobotanical surveys. The most common gastrointestinal disorders mainly included Diarrhea, dysentery, stomachache, indigestion (dyspepsia), Gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers. The commonly used ethno-medicinal plants for the treatment of gastro intestinal disorders are Plantago lanceolata, Althea rosea, Bergenia ciliata, Berberis lycium, Fragaria nubicola, Gentiana kurroo, Bistorta amplexicaulis, Valeriana jatamansii, Calatropis procera, Xanthium strumarium, Solanum surattense, Bryophyllum pinnatum, and Acacia nilotica.
Mating Behavior and Sexual Selection in Monochamus saltuarius (Gebler)

The Sakhalin pine sawyer Monochamus saltuarius (Gebler) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a new vector of pine wood nematode in China, which has caused huge economic losses in the forestry industry. The mating process of M. saltuarius has been described in detail. However, mate choice and sexual selection in this species are not fully understood. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the characteristics associated with contact between the sexes in mating and inferred the sex-specific characteristics under selection. We detected positive correlations between the morphological characteristics of females and males. Most female traits and all male traits differed significantly between mated and unmated individuals. The results of this study provide evidence for the selection of the mating preferences in M. saltuarius.
Acceptance Factors Towards Mobile Technologies in Learning English among Rural Students

The rapid development in telecommunication leads to technology integration in many sectors, including education. The use of mobile technologies for mobile learning has been prevalent. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are examples of mobile technologies that offer an extensive range of activities that can support teaching and learning English and reduce the need of users to remain close to wired communication technology. However, there is a need to study students’ acceptance level towards such technologies in learning English mainly in rural areas. This study investigates acceptance factors that influence the integration of mobile technology in learning English for lower secondary students from a rural region in Malaysia. The survey aimed to gain students’ perspectives towards the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) constructs that are perceived usefulness, behaviour intention, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment and mobile technology usability. The participants of the study consisted of 61 lower secondary students in one of the rural schools in Johor, Malaysia. The findings show that students are aware of the use and benefits of mobile technologies for enhancing their learning experience and their confidence level. The integration of mobile technologies could serve as an essential pedagogical tool to implement mobile learning for the secondary students that will promote student-centred learning and instil 21st century skills that are communication, collaboration, creative thinking, and creativity known as 4Cs. Thus, teachers can develop and plan appropriate strategies to support the outstanding adoption of mobile technologies in an educational setting.
CD 116: A vigorous wheat cultivar with high industrial quality

Cultivar CD 1 16 was developed by the Cooperativa Central de Pesquisa Agricola (COODETEC) and is suitable for cultivation in the states of Parana, Sao Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Goias, and Distrito Federal. CD 116 is tolerant to the major diseases, particularly blast, has a high industrial grain quality and mean yield of 3908 kg ha -1 , exceeding the control cultivars by 6%.
Homogeneity and heterogeneity in lexical stress placement among Ugandan speakers of English as an L2: a view from usage-based perspective

Abstract The study delineates divergences that set apart the Ugandan accent from RP with respect to primary lexical stress placement, as well as divergences that evince variability among Ugandans. For example, differences from RP were (almost) homogenously observed in the words effect, cassava, agreement, arrest, alarm, with stress placed on the first syllable of all these nouns, while inter-speaker variability was substantially observed in words such as bursar, further, with some speakers placing stress on both syllables of the words, while others had the stress on the first syllable only. Analogy and underlying substrate influence account for the divergences, with substrate influence considered along the lines of what Wells (1982) refers to as ‘lexical distribution.
An Assessment Of Toxic Metals In Soda MineTailings And A Native Grass: A Case Study Of AnAbandoned Nyala Magnesite Mine, Limpopo,South Africa

The purpose of the study was to assess the level of toxic metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb, Ni and Zn) in an abandoned Nyala mine tailings dams and in Aristida congesta, a native grass. The mean value of toxic metals in the mine tailings soils 1 were: Mn (498.78 ± 2.42 mg/kg); Ni (114.62 ± 2.64 mg/kg); Cr (81.30 ± 3.03 mg/kg); Co (77.10 ± 0.46 mg/kg); Zn (58.31 ± 0.90 mg/kg); Cu (26.32 ± 0.12 mg/kg); Pb (14.13 ± 0.70 mg/kg) and Cd (10.00 ± 0.00 mg/kg) respectfully. The mean value of toxic metals in the mine tailings soils 2 were: Ni (959.31 ± 9.72 mg/kg); Mn (424.24 ± 0.76 mg/kg); Co (63.44 ± 0.83 mg/kg); Cr (56.52 ± 0.69 mg/kg); Zn (46.26 ± 0.92 mg/kg); Cu (22.03 ± 0.64 mg/kg); Pb (17.57 ± 0.87 mg/kg) and Cd (1.13 ± 0.12 mg/kg). The pH of mine tailings soils 1 was 7.97 ± 0.06 and electrical conductivity was 4.92 ± 0.06 mS/cm. The pH of mine tailings soils 2 was 8.94 ± 0.06 and electrical conductivity was 1.88 ± 0.10 mS/cm. A. congesta, was growing in abundance in mine tailings soils 2 and none in mine tailings soils 1. The reason may be due to cumulative toxic metals and Ni which was eight times more in mine tailings soils 1. A. congesta accumulated the toxic metals (sum of roots, stem and leaves) as follows: Cr (184.55 mg/kg); Mn (104.60 mg/kg); Ni (95.99 mg/kg); Co (18.66 mg/kg); Zn (10.13 mg/kg); Cu (8.93 mg/kg); Pb (4.40 mg/kg) and Cd (0.93 mg/kg). The bioaccumulation coefficient was 2.27 which mean that A. congesta is a hyperaccumulator for Cr. www.witpress. com, ISSN 1743-3541 (on-line) WIT Transactions on Ecology and The Environment, Vol 164, © 201 WIT Press 2 doi:10.2495/WP120361 Water Pollution XI 415
Formation and Quasi‐Periodic Variation of Equatorial Jet Caused by Planetary‐Scale Waves in the Venusian Lower Cloud Layer

The equatorial jet in the Venusian lower cloud layer (47–55 km altitudes) and its quasi‐periodic variation are found in a general circulation model (GCM). The equatorial jet is produced by the 5.8‐day wave and destroyed by the 7‐day wave, and its quasi‐periodic variation with a timescale of about 280 days is caused by the alternating development of these waves in the GCM. The 5.8‐day wave, which is excited by the Rossby‐Kelvin instability, produces the equatorward angular momentum (AM) flux, and accelerates the zonal‐mean zonal wind in the equatorial region. The 7‐day wave, newly found in the present study, is a planetary‐scale wave antisymmetric about the equator, although it has not yet been observed. It is excited by the coupling among the lower‐altitude equatorial Rossby mode, the mid‐latitude Rossby mode, and the high‐latitude Rossby mode. In the growth period, the 7‐day wave produces the poleward (equatorward) AM flux around the equatorward (poleward) critical latitude. As a result, the zonal‐mean zonal wind is decelerated (accelerated) in the equatorial region and high latitudes (mid‐latitudes). In the regrowth period, the lower‐altitude equatorial Rossby mode disappears due to the disappearance of the equatorial jet, but the high‐latitude Rossby mode is still enhanced by the coupling with the mid‐latitude Rossby mode. These results could provide a possible explanation of the equatorial jet inferred from the recent Akatsuki observation, although it should be investigated by further observations.
One-Bit Supervision for Image Classification: Problem, Solution, and Beyond

This article presents one-bit supervision, a novel setting of learning with fewer labels, for image classification. Instead of the training model using the accurate label of each sample, our setting requires the model to interact with the system by predicting the class label of each sample and learn from the answer whether the guess is correct, which provides one bit (yes or no) of information. An intriguing property of the setting is that the burden of annotation largely is alleviated in comparison to offering the accurate label. There are two keys to one-bit supervision: (i) improving the guess accuracy and (ii) making good use of the incorrect guesses. To achieve these goals, we propose a multi-stage training paradigm and incorporate negative label suppression into an off-the-shelf semi-supervised learning algorithm. Theoretical analysis shows that one-bit annotation is more efficient than full-bit annotation in most cases and gives the conditions of combining our approach with active learning. Inspired by this, we further integrate the one-bit supervision framework into the self-supervised learning algorithm, which yields an even more efficient training schedule. Different from training from scratch, when self-supervised learning is used for initialization, both hard example mining and class balance are verified to be effective in boosting the learning performance. However, these two frameworks still need full-bit labels in the initial stage. To cast off this burden, we utilize unsupervised domain adaptation to train the initial model and conduct pure one-bit annotations on the target dataset. In multiple benchmarks, the learning efficiency of the proposed approach surpasses that using full-bit, semi-supervised supervision.
Evaluation Of The Diagnostic And Predictive Performance Of Non-Invasive Models For Assessing Liver Fibrosis In Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

The performance of non-invasive models in the diagnosis and prediction of liver fibrosis have not been evaluated in all populations. This study evaluated the accuracy of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelets ratio index (GPRI), and S-index in the diagnosis and prediction of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHBV). Fifty patients with CHBV and 40 control were recruited into this case-control study. Albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and platelet count (PLT) were determined by colorimetric methods and Sysmex XS-10000 haematology automated analyzer respectively. GPRI and S-index were computed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and ROC curve at p<0.05. ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GPRI and S-Index were higher (p<0.05), while ALB was lower (p<0.05) in patients with liver fibrosis (LF), compared to patients with CHBV. ALP, GGT, GPRI and S-index were higher (p<0.05), while ALB and PLT were lower (p<0.05) in patients with CHBV compared to the controls. ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GPRI and S-index were higher (p<0.05), while ALB was lower (p=0.000) in patients with LF compared to the controls. The area under the curve (AUROC) for S-index and GPRI were (AUC=0.835, P=0.000), GPRI (AUC=0.778, P=0.003). This study shows that both S-index and GPRI are good test instruments for evaluating liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. S-index was a better marker than GPRI for predicting liver fibrosis.
Acquisition of English nominal suffix -er by advanced EFL learners: a view from usage-based perspective

Abstract The present study investigated advanced Croatian EFL learners’ knowledge of five meanings of the English nominal (deverbal) suffix -er. It probed their ability to comprehend and produce corpus-rare and presumably unentrenched -er nouns in their prototypical agent and instrument meanings and their non-prototypical patient, locative, and causative meanings. It was hypothesized that participants would deal effortlessly with agent and instrument meanings of the low-frequency nouns since the corpus-attested high type frequency of -er agents and instruments, among others, suggests the existence of productive corresponding schemas. We hypothesized that participants would struggle with patient, locative and causative meanings of the low-frequency nouns since the corpus-attested low type frequency of the three functions arguably does not support their association with -er. A recognition and a production test were administered to two separate groups of English majors at a Croatian public university (n = 131). Results confirm general usage-based predictions about better performance with low-frequency agent and instrument -er nouns. However, a detailed examination reveals unexpected results, which confirm that frequency, however important, is not the only factor to include in a future model of EFL learners’ derivational proficiency.
Relationship between Transitional Acceleration of the Whole Body Center-Of-Mass and Friction Demand Characteristic during Gait

A laboratory study was conducted to examine the gait changes associated with aging and the effect of these changes on initiation of slips, initial friction demand, and slip distance utilizing newly defined biomechanical parameters of slips and falls. Twenty-eight subjects from two age groups (young and old) walked around a circular track at a comfortable pace wearing a safety harness. Slippery floor surface was automatically placed on the walking track over force platforms at “unexpected” random time intervals utilizing remote controlled floor changer. Synchronized kinetic and kinematic measures were obtained on both slippery and non-slippery floor surfaces. The results indicated that older subjects step length was significantly shorter, and transitional acceleration of the whole body center-of-mass (COM) was significantly slower than their younger counterparts. Older subjects initial friction demand as measured by required coefficient friction (RCOF) was not significantly different than their younger counterparts. Additionally, older subjects slipped longer and faster than younger subjects. Bivariate correlation analyses suggested that transitional acceleration of the whole body COM was significantly related to friction demand characteristic (e.g., RCOF). These findings suggest that gait changes associated with aging (especially slower transition of the whole body COM) may affect initiation of slip-induced falls among older adults.