Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Storage on Sensory Acceptability and Oxidative Rancidity of Wheat Biscuits Fortified with Asparagus racemosus Root Powder

Aims: Asparagus racemosus is locally known as shatavari in India and possess a strong antioxidant and galactogogue activities. This study was aimed to reduce the bitterness of Asparagus racemosus root powder (ARRP) and to analyse the effect of storage on acceptability and oxidative rancidity of ARRP fortified biscuits. Study Design: Biscuits were developed substituting whole wheat flour with 5, 7.5 and 10 per cent of ARRP. Methodology: ARR were blanched to eliminate the bitterness in developed powder. Developed biscuits were analyzed for sensory characteristics using 9-point hedonic scale by 25 semi-trained panelists. Biscuits were packed in plastic zipper bags and stored in an airtight plastic container at room temperature for 90 days. Effect of storage period on sensory acceptability, fat acidity and peroxide value of biscuits was observed. Original Research Article Rani et al.; EJNFS, 12(6): 13-22, 2020; Article no.EJNFS. 57914 14 Results: Blanching of A. racemosus roots at 80oC temperature for 3 minutes reduced the bitterness of developed powder considerably. Results showed that biscuits were found to be ‘liked moderately’ on 9-point hedonic scale. During storage period of 90 days, the scores of sensory characteristics were decreased gradually for colour, appearance, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability, however biscuits were found acceptable by panellist. The increase in oxidative rancidity with the advancement of storage period was observed in terms of fat acidity (mg of KOH/g) and peroxide value (meq of O2/kg) in control as well as ARRP biscuits however, this increase was witnessed less in A. racemosus fortified biscuits than control. Conclusion: ARRP upto 10 per cent can be successfully used in the development of products with increased shelf life along with galactogogue activity.
Migrant Politics in the Urban Global South: The Political Work of Nicaraguan Migrants to Acquire Urban Rights in Costa Rica

ABSTRACT In this article I highlight the political work of Nicaraguan migrants living in the informal settlement of La Carpio in San José, Costa Rica, as they negotiate rights in the form of urban services. Nicaraguans in La Carpio have organized politically since 1993 to self-instal, demand, and negotiate services such as potable water and electricity. In the process, they successfully compel local authorities to allocate these services and grant them an implicit recognition of their right to remain and live a decent life, regardless of their status. These migrant struggles to improve urban life, the political subjectification they engender, and the mechanisms for rights-claiming that they open, show a different articulation of citizenship and political agency largely absent in the literature on migrants, refugees, and noncitizens, shaped in global North contexts: the predominance of urban informality as a means for migrants to negotiate with institutions of power the allocation of substantive rights. Moreover, in the absence of direct engagement with and challenge to the national migration regime, Nicaraguan migrants are able to weave the fabric upon which their own continuous practice of citizenship rests through their quotidian, informal interactions with state servicing authorities in La Carpio.
Kemampuan Pemahaman Matematika Siswa SMP melalui Pembelajaran Connected Mathematics

Learning that begins with something close to the minds and daily lives of students will make it easier for students to understand mathematical concepts and principles. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in the ability of mathematical understanding between students taught with conventional connected mathematics models. The research sample was selected intact groups of students in SMP N 1 and SMP N 6, Manna City, South Bengkulu. This is a quasi-experimental study, with a mathematical understanding ability test instrument. The data analysis technique of this study was anacova. The conclusion of this research is the mathematical understanding ability of students who take mathematics learning in CMP models for the subject matter of variables and position is better than the mathematical understanding ability of students who take conventional mathematics learning.
Studying the Stock Market – Economic Activity Nexus in Poland with a VAR‑VECM Approach

The paper discusses the links between stock market performance and real economic activity and presents results of an empirical inquiry into dynamic relationships between the main stock index quoted on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WIG) and GDP in Poland over the years 1995–2019. In many empirical studies for highly developed countries not only short‑run dynamic interactions but also a long‑run cointegrating relationship between the stock index and output have been found. Previous studies for Poland reported mainly short‑run linkages between stock returns and changes of economic activity whereas the evidence for a long‑run cointegrating relationship is still quite scarce. In this paper, the VAR‑VECM methodology with the Johansen tests for cointegration is used to study a substantially longer quarterly data interval than has been investigated so far. Research results show that stock returns Granger‑cause GDP growth with up to three‑quarters lead. The evidence for the existence of a long‑term cointegrating relationship has also been found.
Achieving Marketing Performance through Acculturative Product Advantages: The Case of Sarong Samarinda

Manuscript type: Research paperResearch aims: This study aims to investigate the role of acculturativeproduct as an isolative mechanism for achieving the marketingperformance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia.Specifically, it focusses on the Indonesian Sarong Samarinda industry.Design/Methodology/Approach: Data were collected from 207 individualentrepreneurs who are involved in Sarong Samarinda businessesin East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Structural equation modelling(SEM) using AMOS was utilised to analyse the data.Research findings: The results of this study show that the advantagesof the acculturative products influence the marketing performance.This study highlights the importance of innovativeness in securingthe potentials of the acculturative products for the SME industry inIndonesia. It is also observed that the acculturative product acts as themediator between innovativeness and marketing performance. Theoretical contribution/Originality: The empirical evidence ofthis study highlights the importance of acculturative products as anisolating mechanism which can help organisations to maintain andsustain their competitiveness.Practitioner/Policy implication: This study offers insights to entrepreneursand policy makers to better understand how the SarongSamarinda industry could be developed, which potentially wouldcontribute to the country’s economy.Research limitation/Implications: Since this study focusses onSamarinda city only, the generalisability of the findings may belimited. Therefore, future studies should incorporate a larger andmore diverse set of samples.
THE DEMAND FUNCTION FOR MERCHANDISE EXPORTS: THE CASE OF CROATIA

The paper aims to examine demand for merchandise exports from Croatia as a function of relative prices and income of the European Union (EU) member countries. Data sample consists of quarterly time series data over the period 2000 q1 -2019 q1. The paper employed standard tests of cointegration and state space model with time-varying parameters approach to examine the relationship between merchandise exports and its assumed determinants. The results revealed demand function for Croatian merchandise exports highly elastic to changes in income and relative prices. Furthermore, there was sizable increase in demand for merchandise exports from Croatia as a consequence of joining EU. Eventually, the results were discussed in context of balance of payments constraints to growth theory and policy implications were derived.
Letting the masses pay for the welfare state: tax regressivity in postwar Sweden

The mixed economy of the twentieth century shows conflicting developments in tax collection. Progressive taxes to limit top incomes are not the whole story. An examination of Sweden 1958–2012 shows that the progressivity of direct taxes was offset by consumption taxes and social security contributions. Previous studies conclude that tax progressivity peaked in the 1980s. This study shows instead how Swedish taxation became regressive in that period. The literature on welfare regimes and redistributive universalism relies empirically on conditions in the 1980s. Sweden did exhibit universalism in social spending but also a corresponding universalism in revenue collection.
Role of MicroRNAs in Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Acute Heart Failure: Ambassadors from Intracellular Zone

Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the burdensome diseases affecting a considerable proportion of the population. Recently, it has been demonstrated that micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) can exert diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic roles in a variety of conditions including AHF. These molecules play essential roles in HF-related pathophysiology, particularly, cardiac fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Some miRNAs namely miRNA-423-5p are reported to have both diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. However, some studies suggest that combination of biomarkers is a much better way to achieve the highest accuracy such as the combination of miRNAs and N-terminal pro b-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT pro-BNP). Therefore, this review discusses different views towards various roles of miRNAs in AHF.
Factors Influencing the Green Bond Market Expansion: Evidence from a Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Expansion of green bond markets as an appropriate way to lower environmental pollution is one of the most debatable issues among scholars. However, the expansion of this market is not a simple matter and depends on several factors. The main purpose of this study is to carry out a multi-dimensional analysis using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to find and prioritize factors influencing the development of green bond markets. As a case, we do our analysis for Vietnam that, since the last years, has been trying to expand green bond market as an effective investment channel to finance low-carbon projects. The main findings revealed that legal infrastructure, official interest rate of green bonds, and economic stability are the most important factors directly affecting green bond market expansion. Therefore, economic and legal requirements should be addressed by policy makers. As major policy implications, we recommend an affordable price of green bonds and improvement of economic and financial stability to accelerate the development of green bond markets.
Association between self esteem and anxiety levels in high-risk pregnant women in a reference maternity hospital in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

Objective: To evaluate the association between self-esteem and anxiety in pregnant women admitted to a high-risk sector. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional, observational study. Data were collected through interviews with pregnant women admitted to the high-risk maternity ward, from April 1 to June 31, 2016. The sample totaled 112 women and was by convenience. Results: Of the women, 72.3% presented low self-esteem and significant correlation with educational level (p = 0.004). The anxiety was 60.7% and the religion was the only variable with a significant association (p = 0.04). There was no significant association (p> 0.05) between the pattern of self-esteem and levels of anxiety for the fixed margin of error (5%). Conclusion: The impaired self-esteem was present in most of the women in this study, especially with low level of schooling. The anxiety was present in the majority of women, and there was an association between it and lack of religious practices. In this study, there was no significant correlation between self-esteem and anxiety. There is need to consider the two cases separately for a complete women’s health promotion practice.
Central Himalayan tree-ring isotopes reveal increasing regional heterogeneity and enhancement in ice-mass loss since the 1960s

Tree-ring δ18O values are a sensitive proxy for regional physical climate, while their δ13C values are a strong predictor of local ecohydrology. Utilizing available ice-core and tree-ring δ18O records from the central Himalaya (CH), we found an increase in east–west climate heterogeneity since the 1960s. Further, δ13C records from transitional western glaciated valleys provide a robust basis for reconstructing about 3 centuries of glacier mass balance (GMB) dynamics. We reconstructed annually resolved GMB since 1743 CE based on regionally dominant tree species of diverse plant functional types. Three major phases became apparent: positive GMB up to the mid-19th century, the middle phase (1870–1960) of slightly negative but stable GMB, and an exponential ice mass loss since the 1960s. Reasons for accelerated mass loss are largely attributed to anthropogenic climate change, including concurrent alterations in atmospheric circulations (weakening of the westerlies and the Arabian Sea branch of the Indian summer monsoon). Multi-decadal isotopic and climate coherency analyses specify an eastward declining influence of the westerlies in the monsoon-dominated CH region. Besides, our study provides a long-term context for recent GMB variability, which is essential for its reliable projection and attribution.
Official Discourse on Family and Fatherhood in Post-1949 China

This paper aims to investigate three main research questions regarding the history of family and fatherhood in China since 1949: a) What 'ideal father' has the party-state sought to promote at different times? b) How consistent have official messages been? What have been the key shifts in official discourse on family and fatherhood since the Mao era? c) Why have these shifts occurred? Analysis of selected policy statements and print media reveal four main phases, with distinct findings in each. During the period of collectivization (1950s to 70s), the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted the nationalist model of parenting. Fathers were explicitly suggested to devote themselves to economic development. During the period of de-collectivization (late 1970s to mid-1990s), CPC adopted an individualist model of parenting. There was increasing encouragement for father's participant in child education. During the period of marketization (mid 1990s to 2011), CPC promoted a state-supported model of parenting. Father's active participation in household duties was more expected. During the period of individualization (2012 to the present), China set up community model of parenting. Father's dual role of nurturer and provider is more emphasized.
Overconfident Institutions and Their Self-Attribution Bias: Evidence from Earnings Announcements

Abstract Institutional demand for a stock before its earnings announcement is negatively related to subsequent returns. The relation is not attributable to the price pressure of institutional demand and is stronger for stocks with higher information asymmetry and/or greater valuation difficulty. These findings support the notion that overconfident institutions misprice stocks. Following announcements, institutions’ behavior exhibits the outcome-dependent feature of self-attribution bias. Whether they become more overconfident and delay their mispricing correction depends on whether earnings news confirms their preannouncement trades. This behavioral bias also offers a new explanation for the well-known post-earnings-announcement drift.
Human Resources in Chinese Youngsters – A Chinese Adaptation of the QARCA

Abstract. Background: The German Questionnaire to Assess Resources for Children and Adolescents (QARCA; Lohaus & Nussbeck, 2016 ) is a diagnostic questionnaire that estimates six personal resources and four environmental resources. This study aimed to develop a Chinese version of the QARCA. Due to the important cultural differences between China and Western countries, we focused on whether these resources in a Chinese sample could be similarly assessed with Western samples and whether the association between the subscales of the QARCA was comparable across cultures. Methods: The validation sample consisted of 2,600 Chinese students and 393 parents. Results and Discussion: The results indicated that the Chinese version was soundly adapted with its postulated factorial structure. Reliability estimates for the subscale scores were good and expected correlations within the QARCA, as well as with external criteria. It is the first Chinese measure that simultaneously assesses personal and environmental resources for youngsters.
Improving the brittle behavior of high strength concrete using banana and palm leaf sheath fibers

Abstract Many environmental problems can be ascribed to agricultural waste. Millions of tonnes of agricultural waste, such as banana and date palm trees, are produced worldwide. Such waste is converted and recycled as natural fiber. On the other hand, a major problem of high-strength concrete (HSC) is the sudden failure at the ultimate capacity of concrete. To solve these problems, this work investigated the effects of using natural fiber waste to improve the brittle behavior of HSC. The natural fiber was treated with chemical solutions before recycling in concrete. Seven HSC mixes were designed; three mixes contained banana fiber (BF), the other three incorporated palm leaf sheath fiber (PLSF), and the last one was the control mix. The respective fiber volume fractions of BF and PLSF were 1%, 2% and 3%, and the aspect ratio was 100. The fresh and hardened properties, such as slump, compressive, tensile, flexural strengths and modulus of elasticity, of HSC with natural fiber were determined. In addition, microstructure analysis of natural fibers and HSC with natural fiber was performed through scanning electron microscopy. No substantial improvement was observed in the compressive strength of the natural fiber. The tensile strength of HSC increased when up to 2% PLSF was used. Compared with BF, PLSF yielded a higher enhancement in HSC properties. Both fibers demonstrated improved efficiency in enhancing the brittle behavior of HSC. Highlights The effects of recycling an agriculture fiber in concrete are reported. Using PLSF in HSC yields higher improvement compared with using BF. BF and PLSF achieve high efficiency in arresting the crack developed in HSC.
"Iedutech" Mobile Application Development for Information Technology Subjects in Education among TVET Students

Mobile application development is a complex process, it is a heavy responsibility for researcher to produce a mobile application that is developed to meet the quality and achieve its objectives. The use of mobile technology is a way of learning that fits with today's educational needs. This study to develop the Iedutech Mobile Application to facilitate the Teaching and Learning (T&L) process in the classroom for Information Technology in Educational subjects related to Network and Communication topics. Researcher use the ADDIE Model in developing the Iedutech application to provide a systematic work guide in which the phases are (i) Analysis phase, (ii) Design phase, (iii) Development phase, (iv) Implementation phase and (v) Evaluation phase. It also uses Adobe Flash CS6 as a platform for developing the Iedutech application. The respondents involved in the development of this Iedutech applications consisted of 25 Bachelor of Vocational Education (ISMPV) students at Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV), UTHM who took the subject of BBD10803 Information Technology in Education. The evaluation of this application was carried out using questionnaires. It was expected that the Iedutech application would be developed for the benefit of users, especially the TVET students and lecturers
Personal Cognitive Factors Affecting Career Aspirations of Women Working in Financial Sector in India

Although much has been researched on the external contextual forces as barriers to women’s career development, there is a need to assess the role of women’s internal forces (personal cognitive) in determining their aspirations for advancement in career. The study aims at investigating the direct linkages among several personal cognitive factors in shaping up the career aspirations of working women. AMOS-based ‘structural equation modelling’ was performed and the results revealed a significant influence of occupational self-efficacy, proactive personality, work role salience and gender role attitude as cognitive factors in explaining the aspirations of working women for advancement in career. The findings present important implications for women as individuals, families, supervisors and organizations.
The Impact of Specialty, Sex, Qualification, and Experience on Teachers’ Assessment Literacy at Saudi Higher Education

The importance of assessment literacy (AL) among teachers at all educational levels has been of interest for a considerable period. Literature has shown the increasing research surrounding the importance of AL knowledge and its impact on students' performance. This paper examines the level of assessment literacy among instructors on a Saudi higher education university preparatory program. It uses a/the Classroom Assessment Literacy Inventory (CALI), developed by Mertler and Campbell (2005), and a demographic questionnaire to investigate the AL level. It also looks at the impact of factors such as specialty (i.e., subject department), sex, academic qualification, and years of teaching experience on the AL level. The subjects of the study included 54 English and Basic Sciences teachers on the preparatory program. The study found that the level of AL among the participants was inadequate (mean=17). However, there was no significant difference found among the participants when it came to sex, qualifications, or years of experience. The subject department, on the other hand, was found to be a factor that impacted the level of AL. The study concludes with some recommendations related to increasing assessment literacy among in-service teachers and, more importantly, it highlights the importance of contextual factors when evaluating assessment literacy. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19. 5.12
Effect of impurity oxides on CWF (CaFe3O5) formation in lime magnetite pellets – part I: thermodynamic assessments and experimental investigations

ABSTRACT Lime magnetite pellets (LMPs) containing CWF phase (CaFe3O5) provide potential feed materials for ironmaking. In this paper, the effects of typical impurity oxides inherent to magnetite ores such as Al2O3, MgO and SiO2 on the formation of CWF in LMPs have been investigated. The thermodynamics of the Ca–Fe–O–X systems (X = Al, Mg or Si) were assessed followed by time-series experiments using natural and synthetic materials. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results indicated a significant decrease in CWF percentage by over 45 wt-% and 18 wt-% with the addition of 5 wt-% SiO2 and 2 wt-% Al2O3, respectively due to the formation of α’ Ca2SiO4 and Ca2(Al, Fe)2O5 phases. A 5 wt-% decrease in CWF amount was observed for 2 wt-% MgO added LMPs. In summary, the presence of impurity oxides limits the formation of CWF, which may affect the suitability of LMPs for industrial application.