Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA protection, antioxidant, antibacterial and enzyme inhibition activities of heartwood and sapwood extracts from juniper and olive woods

In this study, DNA protective, antioxidant, antibacterial and enzyme inhibiting properties of methanol extracts obtained from juniper and olive heartwood and sapwood were determined. These extracts were tested by five antioxidant methods (DPPH scavenging, FRAP, CUPRAC, metal chelating and phosphomolybdenum). Generally, heartwood extracts of both species are more efficient for DPPH radical scavenging activity, cupric ion reducing activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and metal chelating activity than sapwood extracts. When compared to heartwood extracts, sapwood extracts have larger inhibition zone in disk diffusion test. In addition, all extracts showed high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. DNA protection of both extracts had a capacity to inhibit the DNA damage arisen from Fenton's reagent. The highest DNA protective activity was observed in juniper sapwood extract with 84%. Furthermore, other extracts also indicated more than 60% of DNA protective activity. Olive wood extracts displayed the strongest enzyme inhibition activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Although juniper heartwood extracts showed highest anti-amylase, anti-glucosidase and anti-tyrosinase effects, they had no ability for inhibition BChE. The methanol extracts of olive samples demonstrated the most antioxidant activity (DPPH, CUPRAC and FRAP). In addition, juniper samples showed the highest anti-amylase, anti-tyrosinase, metal chelating and DNA protective activity. According to these results, the extracts of juniper and olive wood can be considered as a source of natural bio active agents for dietary, pharmacological and medicinal applications. This research will also serve as a base for future studies about biological activities of wood extracts.
MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES AND INCOME INEQUALITY NEXUS: TIME SERIES ANALYSIS OF PAKISTAN

Current study attempts to explore the short run and long run relationship among the macroeconomic variables and income inequality by employing the annual data of five decades of Pakistan. Three econometric models have been developed; first model explores the impact of fiscal variables on income inequality while second model tried to investigate the role of monetary variables on income inequality. The third model tried to depict relationship of growth components on income inequality in Pakistan. Study utilized ADF test to check the unit root problem of time series data which shows that variables are stationary on different level of integration. Study used ARDL cointegration approach to check the short run and long run dynamics among the variables. The study used Gini-Coefficient as a proxy variable of income inequality while budget deficit, investment growth, indirect taxes, subsidies, exchange rate, inflation rate, and remittances are fiscal and monetary variables used in this study. Whereas, GDP, rate of unemployment, agriculture growth rate, and manufacturing growth rate are the growth variables used in this study. In long run budget deficit, indirect taxes, and subsidy are negatively related with income inequality while investment growth rate is affecting directly inequality in the first model findings. *The authors are respectively Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Lecturer at Department of Economics, University of Sargodha, Sargodha-Pakistan. Corresponding author’s e-mail: mahmood7946@yahoo.com 98 Pakistan Economic and Social Review Results of second model depicts that monetary variables also have short run as well as long run relation with income inequality. In long run coefficients of exchange rate, growth rate of foreign remittances, and rate of inflation are affecting inequality positively. Results of third model: growth model investigated the long run relationship where manufacturing growth, log of domestic product, and rate of unemployment are affecting the inequality positively. Furthermore, in the short run agriculture growth rate, manufacturing growth rate log of gross domestic product are significant with income inequality in Pakistan.
The Effects of Abattoir Waste on Water Quality in Gwagwalada-Abuja, Nigeria

This paper examined the impact of abattoir wastes on water quality around an abattoir site in Gwagwalada. The work was premised on the fact that untreated wastes from the abattoir are discharged directly into open drainage which flows into a nearby stream. Leachates from dumped and decomposed wastes have also been observed to percolate into soil, and also flow into the stream. Water samples were collected from four points along the stream and subjected to laboratory analysis for heavy metal contents (Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Cupper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Aluminium (Al) Cyanide (Cn), Boron (B), and Nickel (Ni). , as well as some physical and chemical properties [such as pH, Dissolved Oxygen, salinity, conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)]. The student t –test, and the Analysis of Variance were utilized to determine variations in concentrations of the analysed properties. It was discovered that most of the analysed properties of the water such as:- pH (5.75), Filterable Solid (0.06), DO (5.15), TDS (153.75), Cd. (0.11)Cu(0.25)B (0.14) are still below the nationally and internationally accepted limits. Despite that, continuous discharge of these wastes into the stream however, may in no distant time, pose a threat to human health. The paper thus concludes by recommending that a mechanism be put in place for the treatment of these abattoir wastes before they are then properly disposed. Keywords : Abattoir; Wastes; Water quality, Pollution
Empirical Analysis of Effect of Information Technology Capability on Performance of Private Universities in Kenya

: Over the years, private universities in Kenya have reported poor performance due to various challenges including fierce competition, decline in quality of educational programs, quality of research, authenticity of degrees granted, flexibility of the university programs, innovations created, and the utilization of resources at their disposal. Despite the increasing number of students seeking higher education, these numbers have not translated to better performance in these Universities. Modern business environment calls for organizations, including private Universities to identify and exploit strategic capabilities for them to effectively compete and boost their performance. Information technology enables organizations to improve performance by improving competition, increasing the speed at which decisions are made and being responsive to changing customer needs. This study sought to determine the effect of information technology capability on performance of private universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on Resource-based view theory and was founded on positivist research philosophy. Cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was used to show the relationship existing between the study variables. The study targeted all 31 Kenyan private universities in Kenya as at 31st December 2016. 153 respondents from all the private universities in Kenya were sampled using proportionate stratified sampling. Primary data was collected from faculty deans, registrar’s administrations and finance, human resources managers, and ICT managers. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics; means, frequencies and standard deviations and inferential statistics (correlation and regression analysis). The findings of this study indicated that IT capability (mean= 3.44) was adopted in private universities in Kenya to a moderate extent. Correlation results showed positive correlations between university performance and the IT capability. The simple linear regression model was significant (R square=0.401; F (5,121) = 16.184; P-value=0.001) and predicted 40.1% of all the variations in performance of private universities in Kenya. The coefficient of IT capability had a P-value of (0.001<0.05) significance level. Thus, based on the P-value the study rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that IT capability significantly affect performance of private Universities in Kenya. Based on the findings and conclusions, the study therefore recommends that private universities in Kenya should map their IT capabilities that would enable them improve their infrastructure such as well-equipped computer laboratories to enable them span their businesses by automating their programmes and processes. Further, these universities should adopt a proactive stance by developing adaptable operating systems.
Correlation between Quantitative Ultrasonography on Small Muscles of the Foot in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Electrodiagnostic Study

Abstract Background: DPN is worthy of study as it's a leading cause for disability due to foot ulceration and amputation, gait disturbance, and fall-related injury. That makes the early diagnosis of DPN invaluable. Aim of Study: To assess the correlation between quantita-tive muscle ultrasonography (US) findings and electrodiag-nostic study results in patients with diabetic peripheral neu-ropathy (DPN). The clinical importance of quantitative muscle US in DPN was also evaluated. Patients and Methods: Twenty-five patients with DPN and 25 healthy volunteers were recruited. All control and DPN subjects underwent a bilateral peroneal and tibial motor nerve conduction study (NCS) and quantitative muscle US. Ultrasound images of the abductor haullicis (AH) muscle and the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle were obtained to measure thickness, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI). Differences in muscle thickness, CSA, and EI between the control and DPN patients' groups were analyzed. Relationships between electrodiagnostic study results and quantitative US parameters were evaluated. Results: A close relations observed between US findings (EI, CSA and muscle thickness) and NCS neuro-physiological findings indicating that we can use both examinations to detect muscle atrophy, and that US can expect changes in neurophys-iologic parameters in diabetics (muscle thickness and CSA were decreased, and EI was increased). The findings in the peroneal nerve were more significant than those in tibial nerve. Comparison between cases and controls regarding quantitative muscle US revealed a statistically insignificant difference in most the parameters, but some parameters showed statistically significant difference. However, there was a clinical importance of the US examination despite the insig-nificant statistics. Conclusion: These findings suggest that quantitative muscle ultrasound may be useful for detecting muscle changes in DPN. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings in larger groups of diabetic patients and to evaluate peripheral muscles by using quantitative muscle US in other types of neuropathy and neuromuscular diseases.
FERTILITY AND MOTHERS’ LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN RURAL INDIA

This paper estimates the causal effect of having young children aged 0 to 5 years on mothers’ labour force participation in rural India. In order to address the potential endogeneity in the fertility decision, I exploit Indian families’ preference for having sons. I leverage exogenous variation in the gender of older children aged 6+ years as an instrumental variable for having younger children aged 0 to 5 years in the family. IV estimates show that the mothers’ participation is significantly reduced by 9.9% due to the presence of young children aged 0 to 5 years in the household, with the negative effect mostly driven by mothers belonging to the highest income quartile; mothers with high education; and mothers residing in nuclear families.
Potential of Sawdust for the Decontamination of Lead from Aqueous Media

Abstract The sorption of lead ions on sawdust has been exploited to evaluate its potential for the decontamination of lead ions from aqueous solutions. Various physico‐chemical parameters such as selection of appropriate electrolyte, equilibration time, amount of adsorbent, concentration of adsorbate, effect of diverse ions and temperature were studied in order to simulate the best conditions in which this material can be used as an adsorbent. Maximum adsorption was observed at 0.005 mol · L−1 acid solutions (HNO3, HCl, and HClO4) using 0.2 g of adsorbent for 4.83×10−5 mol · L−1 lead concentration in 10 min equilibration time. Studies show that the adsorption of lead decreases with the increase in the concentrations of all the acids. The adsorption data follows the Freundlich isotherm over the lead concentration range of 2.41×10−5 to 4.83×10−4 mol · L−1. The characteristic Freundlich constants, i.e., 1/n=0.49±0.02 and K=0.142±0.0038 m · mol · g−1 have been computed for the sorption system. The sorption mean free energy from the Dubinin‐Radushkevich isotherm is 11.26±0.31 kJ mol−1 indicating ion‐exchange mechanism of chemisorption. The uptake of lead decreases with the rise in temperature (293–323 K). Thermodynamic quantities, i.e., ΔG, ΔS, and ΔH have also been calculated for the system. The sorption process was found to be exothermic. The proposed procedure was applied for the removal of lead from battery water samples.
THE POPULATION GENETIC STRUCTURE OF ACROPORA PULCHRA IN GUAM BY DAREON RIOS

Staghorn Acropora corals are ecologically important as locally dominant reef-builders, and habitat structurers for fishes and invertebrates. However, staghorn corals are also particularly susceptible to bleaching events, caused by warming sea surface temperatures that are increasing in frequency and severity. In Guam, staghorn corals suffered an estimated 50% loss spanning a three-year period marked by multiple bleaching events and extreme low tides (2013-2015). These declines have the potential to reduce genetic variation, thus impeding a species’ ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. In this study, we determine the presence of genetic structure among staghorn Acropora pulchra populations between the islands of Guam and Saipan, and among five populations around Guam. We analyzed genome-wide ddRADseq data, and genotyped 267 A. pulchra samples to assess levels of genotypic and genetic diversity, and to identify putative loci under selection. Our results reveal that A. pulchra in Guam are dominated by clonal genotypes suggesting significant asexual fragmentation as their predominant reproductive strategy. Further analyses indicate moderate but highly significant proportions of genetic diversity are partitioned between the islands of Guam and Saipan (1.6%; p < 0.001) and among Guam populations (1.2%; p < 0.001). Significant genetic differences are detected among Guam populations between northern (Urunao and West Agaña) and southern sites (Cocos), with the central population of Agat providing connectivity along the western coast. Intra-genomic analyses reveal minor signatures of positive selection, indicating limited population-specific adaptations. Moreover, we identify the dominant symbiont genus of A. pulchra in Guam to be Cladocopium, although several specimens in Urunao and Saipan associated predominantly with Durusdinium. The findings of this study suggest that management plans should protect Agat because it is central to gene flow, and promote Urunao corals because they are genotypically diverse with thermo-tolerant symbionts, to support
On the Applicability of Machine Learning Techniques for Object Oriented Software Fault Prediction

— Software testing is a critical and essential part of software development that consumes maximum resources and effort. The construction of models to predict faulty classes can help and guide the testing community in predicting faulty classes in early phases of software development. It is important to analyze and compare the predictive accuracy of machine learning classifiers. The aim of this paper is to find the relation of object oriented metrics and fault proneness of a class. We have used seven machine learning and one logistic regression method in order to predict faulty classes. The results of our work are based on data set obtained from open source software. The results show that the predictive accuracy of machine learning technique LogitBoost is highest with AUC of 0.806.
PNEUMONIA DETECTION (X-RAY IMAGES CLASSIFICATION)

As COVID-19 spreading rapidly around the world, there is a huge spike on the needs of pneumonia detection. The traditional convolutional deep neural network has a very strong performance but the training time is a huge problem. As a result, we apply the combination of standard CNN layers and depthwise separable convolutional layers to shorten the training process while not sacriﬁcing too much performance. Also since the training and testing dataset is unbalanced, the evaluation of the model will not simply depend on accuracy, the outcome of the confusion matrix is also quite crucial to the evaluation of the model.
The effect of organic loading rate on the anaerobic digestion of two-phase olive mill solid residue derived from fruits with low ripening index

A study of the effect of organic loading rate on the performance of anaerobic digestion of two-phase olive mill solid residue (OMSR) was carried out in a laboratory-scale completely stirred tank reactor. The reactor was operated at an influent substrate concentration of 162 g chemical oxygen demand (COD) dm-3. The organic loading rate (OLR) varied between 0.8 and 11.0 g COD dm-3 d-1. COD removal efficiency decreased from 97.0% to 82.6% when the OLR increased from 0.8 to 8.3 g COD dm-3 d-1. It was found that OLRs higher than 9.2 g COD dm-3 d-1 favoured process failure, decreasing pH, COD removal efficiency and methane production rates (QM). Empirical equations described the effect of OLR on the process stability and the effect of soluble organic matter concentration on the total volatile fatty acids (TVFA)/total alkalinity (TAlk) ratio (). The results obtained demonstrated that rates of substrate uptake were correlated with concentration of biodegradable COD, through an equation of the Michaelis-Menten type. The kinetic equation obtained was used to simulate the anaerobic digestion process of this residue and to obtain the theoretical COD degradation rates in the reactor. The small deviations obtained (equal to or lower than 10%) between values calculated through the model and experimental values suggest that the proposed model predicts the behaviour of the reactor accurately
University of Groningen Postnatal Smoke Exposure Further Increases the Hepatic Nicotine Metabolism in Prenatally Smoke Exposed Male Offspring and Is Linked with Aberrant Cyp2a5 Methylation Lkhagvadorj,

Prenatal smoke exposure (PreSE) is a risk factor for nicotine dependence, which is further enhanced by postnatal smoke exposure (PostSE). One susceptibility gene to nicotine dependence is Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6, an enzyme responsible for the conversion of nicotine to cotinine in the liver. Higher CYP2A6 activity is associated with nicotine dependence and could be regulated through DNA methylation. In this study we investigated whether PostSE further impaired PreSE-induced effects on nicotine metabolism, along with Cyp2a5, orthologue of CYP2A6, mRNA expression and DNA methylation. Using a mouse model where prenatally smoke-exposed adult offspring were exposed to cigarette smoke for 3 months, enzyme activity, mRNA levels, and promoter methylation of hepatic Cyp2a5 were evaluated. We found that in male offspring, PostSE increased PreSE-induced cotinine levels and Cyp2a5 mRNA expression. In addition, both PostSE and PreSE changed Cyp2a5 DNA methylation in male groups. PreSE however decreased cotinine levels whereas it had no effect on Cyp2a5 mRNA expression or methylation. These adverse outcomes of PreSE and PostSE were most prominent in males. When considered in the context of the human health aspects, the combined effect of prenatal and adolescent smoke exposure could lead to an accelerated risk for nicotine dependence later in life.
The Raman band shape and vibrational relaxation of the ν1 mode of SO42− in Na2SO4 and (NH4)2SO4 aqueous solutions

The Raman band of the ν1 vibrational mode of SO42− has been measured in aqueous solutions of Na2SO4 and (NH4)2SO4 at 5–80°C, and analysed from the stochastic point of view. The band shape is approximately symmetric, but cannot be reproduced by a Lorentzian curve. The vibrational relaxation is caused by a random modulation of very low frequency from surrounding water. The vibrational correlation time for the ions is not sufficiently long to make allowance for the Markovian process of relaxation, compared with the correlation time for the bath, that is water. The vibrational correlation function appropriate for these ions is proposed.
Out of Sample Gravity

Despite their empirical success, gravity trade models are often criticized for their out-of-sample predictive power with respect to (i) the spatial variation in export prices and (ii) the change in trade shares over time. This paper argues that (i) relaxing the quality-quantity isomorphism and (ii) allowing for less-restrictive cross-elasticity effects, greatly enhances the out-of-sample predictive power of the gravity models. I fit a model featuring these amendments to bilateral trade data from 100 countries. The amended model displays a 25% improved (in-sample) fit compared to the standard model, and can replicate the (out-of-sample) variation in trade structure over time. Given theses improvements, the amended model delivers distinct and more credible counterfactual predictions. Most notably, compared to the standard model, the predicted gains from trade are more dispersed and systematically favor high-income nations. ∗Many people have provided helpful comments and suggestions that improved this paper. I am especially thankful to Jonathan Eaton, James Tybout, and Stephen Yeaple for their advice and encouragement. I also thank seminar participants at the University of British Columbia, University of California Santa Cruz, Chicago Fed, Drexel University, Indiana University, Pennsylvania State University, the New Faces in International Economics conference, the Midwest Trade Meetings, the InsTed workshop, and UECE Lisbon Meetings for helpful comments and suggestions. All errors are my own. Correspondence: alashkar@indiana.edu.
Advertising Appeal Strategies and Customer Loyalty in Nigerian Brewery Industry in South-South, Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between advertising appeal strategies and customer loyalty in Nigerian Brewery Industry in south-south, Nigeria. Survey was drawn from customers/consumer of breweries brand in federal universities in South-south (university of PortHarcourt, university of Calabar, and university of Benin). The data collection instruments were above 0.70. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used in testing hypotheses 1 to 5 using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22.0. Result shows that sex appeal and humor appeal have a very strong positive significant impact on repeat purchase. But fear appeals have a very weak positive relationship with repeat purchase. This implies that the older a consumer, the lesser the impact of advertising appeals on his/her loyalty to a brand’s advert. The study recommended that brewery firms should employ the service of seasoned advertising firms or personnel that can drive consumer via their advert message devoid of offence and invest more on sex appeal to boost and earn customer loyalty.