Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the effect of jet nozzle angle on mixing time for various liquid heights

In the present work, the effect of nozzle angle (22.5o, 45o and 67.5o) on mixing time for jet mixing tanks with the various ratios of liquid height (H) to tank diameter (D), including 0.5, 1, and 1.5, are studied by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The results revealed that CFD model with standard k-epsilon is successfully employed to predict the concentration profiles and mixing time by using the fine mesh and second order upwind scheme. The simulated results showed that the different jet nozzle angles result in different flow patterns. The results also indicate that the mixing time is mainly a function of the jet potential core length. Moreover, the jet path length or jet centerline velocity (jet kinetic energy) is considered as the secondary effect on mixing time, which depends on the tank geometry. Key words: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), jet, mixing, turbulence, k-epsilon model.
Streaking and splashing: design of a grazing incidence x-ray streak camera and time-resolved measurements of the structure of water

The performance of cesium iodide photocathodes has been characterized for use with grazing incidence soft x-rays. The total electron yield and pulsed quantum efficiency has been measured in a reflection geometry as a function of photon energy (100 eV to 1 keV), angle of incidence, and the electric field between the anode and photocathode. The total electron yield and pulsed quantum efficiency increase as the x-ray penetration depth approaches the secondary electron escape depth Unit quantum efficiency in a grazing incidence geometry is demonstrated. A weak electnc-field dependence is observed for the total yield measurements, while no significant dependence is found for the pulsed quantum efficiency. The effect of the pulse height distribution on the detective quantum efficiency is discussed Theoretical predictions agree accurately with expenment. Demonstrated unit quantum efficiency in a reflection geometry motivated the development of a grazing incidence x-ray streak camera for the Ultrafast X-ray Science beamline, under construction at the Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA Design considerations particular to synchrotron radiation sources are discussed. An analytical model and particle simulation for a camera incorporating magnetostatic imaging and meander sweep plates is presented. The camera is characterised with the third harmonic from a titanium-sapphire based laser system, 70 ps intrinsic and 150 fs “sliced” x-ray photon pulses from a synchrotron bend magnet source. A grazing incidence x-ray streak camera with an instrument temporal response of 6 ps is demonstrated. Dynamical changes in the structure factor of liquid water are measured using time-resolved x-ray diffraction techniques with 100 ps resolution. On short time scales, before the system has had time to expand following femtosecond optical excitation, temperatureinduced changes associated with rearrangements of the hydrogen-bonded structure at constant volume are observed. Transient changes in the pair correlation function associated with isochonc heating effects are extracted and interpreted in terms of a decrease in the local tetrahedral ordering in the liquid.
The enemy of my parasite is my friend: the possible role of predatory mites as biological control agents of pest beetles in soil

ABSTRACT Some authors have suggested that mites in the family Laelapidae could be used as biological control agents of plant-feeding Scarabaeidae, by acting as predators or parasites of their larvae and pupae in soil. This paper proposes an alternative hypothesis, that these mites could actually be part of complex symbioses, and may sometimes be beneficial to the scarab larvae. The argument is based on some known examples of symbioses involving mites and insects, which involve multiple species at several different trophic levels. It is difficult or impossible to anticipate the effect of one species on another in these complex communities without including the many other species with which they interact. Careful study of these relationships will need detailed and accurate taxonomy, which has been lacking in some previous studies.
Preliminary evaluation of non-native rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) impact on the Cederberg ghost frog (Heleophryne depressa) in South Africa’s Cape Fold Ecoregion

We evaluated the impact of non-native rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss on a population of endemic Cedarberg ghost frog Heleophryne depressa in the upper Krom River (Olifants-Doring River Catchment, Cape Fold Ecoregion). We compared H. depressa abundance (using kick-sampling and underwater video analysis) and environmental conditions between sites above and below a waterfall that marks the upper distribution limit of O. mykiss. Heleophryne depressa abundance was significantly greater above the waterfall than that below it, and, because there was no significant difference in measured environmental variables, O. mykiss presence is identified as the most likely explanation for the observed decrease in H. depressa abundance.
Spatio-temporal modeling of traffic risk mapping on urban road networks

Over the past few years, traffic collisions have been one of the serious issues all over the world. Global status report on road safety, reveals an increasing number of fatalities due to traffic accidents, especially on urban roads. The present research work is conducted on five years of accident data in an urban environment to explore and analyze spatial and temporal variation in the incidence of road traffic accidents and casualties. The current study proposes a spatio-temporal model that can make predictions regarding the number of road casualties likely on any given road segments and can generate a risk map of the entire road network. Bayesian methodology using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) with Stochastic Partial Differential Equations (SPDE) has been applied in the modeling process. The novelty of the proposed model is to introduce "SPDE network triangulation" precisely on linear networks to estimate the spatial autocorrelation of discrete events. The result risk maps can provide geospatial baseline to identify safe routes between source and destination points. The maps can also have implications for accident prevention and multi-disciplinary road safety measures through an enhanced understanding of the accident patterns and factors. Reproducibility self-assessment : 3, 1, 1, 3, 2 (input data, preprocessing, methods, computational environment, results).
SHORT-TERM OVERREACTION OF ISLAMIC STOCKS TO SPECIFIC EVENTS IN INDONESIA

Overreaction is a phenomenon caused by stock market inefficiencies and also a reaction to certain events. Das and Krishnakumar (2016) explain that some overreaction phenomena violate the theory of capital market efficiency. As experienced by other stocks , Islamic stocks also probably experience market inefficiencies. This study aims to analyse the phenomenon of overreaction in Islamic stocks, as well as the factors that influence the phenomenon, by using a two-stage testing method: two paired sampling and cross-sectional regression. Two specific events which occurred in 2016-2018, and which were followed by price reversal and return reversal, are studied. The results show that the election of Donald Trump as US President (Event 1) and the bombingsin Surabaya (Event 2) were significant in the overreaction in the winner stock category. The factors that influenced the two events were different. The overreaction to Trump’s election proved to be significantly influenced by information leakage, while the bombings in Surabaya significantly affected the company ownership category . The results indicate that Islamic stocks continue to have several transactions which areprohibited by the DSN MUI fatwa in the short term.
Phonetic vowel training for child second language learners: the role of input variability and training task

Acquiring a second language speech contrast that does not exist in the native language is often difficult. High variability phonetic training (HVPT) is a wellestablished method used to train learners on specific non-native phoneme contrasts: it critically uses high variability (HV) input after earlier attempts using low variability (LV) input had proved unsuccessful. HVPT has since been successfully applied in many different adult studies. However, there is no consensus on the effect of input variation on children’s learning of non-native phoneme contrasts. This thesis aims to further investigate the effect of input variability on phonetic training for children, and examining whether they show the same HV benefit which has been argued to hold for adults. In the first set of studies, native English speaking adults and children were taught Dutch vowels in a single computerised training session, during which they received either HV or LV input. Additionally, the traditional HVPT paradigm was adapted to see if mapping vowels to orthography-like symbols representing phoneme categories was more or less effective than a vocabulary training method without such representations. Learning was stronger with training most akin to vocabulary learning, particularly for children, suggesting a benefit for a more meaningful learning context. Crucially, there was no evidence of a HV benefit for either children or adults. The second study was a two-week training study in which Dutch children of two age groups were trained on Standard Southern British English vowel contrasts. Since picture-based training had proved beneficial, this study combined both orthography and pictures in training. Potential effects of HV or LV input in training were investigated using a pre/post-test design. Older children outperformed younger children throughout, and again no evidence for a variability benefit was found. This indicates children might not benefit from high input variability.
Research Engagement of Foreign Language Teachers among Select Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

This paper aims to add to established awareness on the extent of research capacity, theoretical ideas, and views on the challenges to their study involvement in Malaysia's select universities. It used a hybrid system of concise quantitative and qualitative projects for 62 foreign language students. Data gathering methodologies such as questionnaires, individual and group interviews were used. Results from the quantitative portion of the paper showed that international teachers displayed a modest degree of research ability while they hold optimistic views on the principles of study as a method to offer answers to educational challenges transcending teacher subject awareness, pedagogical and instructional abilities, and optimistic student learning outcomes. Similarly, qualitative findings found that the barriers to international teachers ' participation in research are embodied in lack of time to do work and lack of study writing skills. Moreover, networking incentive and career growth are driving factors for international teachers in Malaysia. The research poses implications on instructional management among curriculum designers, scholars, and school administrators among universities in Malaysia to improve academic culture and professional development opportunities among international teachers in terms of research capability and participation.
INVESTIGATING THE GOVERNMENT REVENUE–EXPENDITURE NEXUS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE FREE STATE PROVINCE IN A MULTIVARIATE MODEL

This paper examines the government revenue–expenditure nexus for the Free State Province in a multivariate vector error correction model (VECM) using real GDP and inflation as control variables over the period 2004Q2–2018Q1.Cointegration and intertemporal (causal) links among variables were established employing Johansen (1995) and Toda-Yamamoto (1995) non-Granger causality tests. The results of the cointegration analysis confirm the existence of a long-run relationship between variables. The results of the causal analyses show a bidirectional causality between government revenues and expenditures in both the long-run and short-run supporting the fiscal synchronization hypothesis. Real GDP and inflation individually Granger-causes government revenue, in both the long-run and short-run, stressing their importance on generating revenue. Based on these findings, an isolated fiscal measure to raise tax-revenues or cut expenditure will exacerbate fiscal imbalance. On the policy front, the Free State government should adhere to a planned budget process, devise innovative revenue-generating strategies to circumvent the burden of producing inflation revenue, as well as utilize its autonomy on fiscal instruments to maintain a sustainable fiscal policy path, and stimulate economic growth.
Youth employment incentives : activation policy in Denmark, France and the United Kingdom (2008-2016)

Youth (15 to 29-year-olds) are vulnerable to economic shocks, and the ability to enter the labour market has significant effects on their long-term wellbeing. Consequently, the 200708 financial crisis had the potential to affect youth gravely, which is why welfare states adopted a series of policy initiatives to help youth in the post-crisis. Although countries adopted policies, traditional data such as labour market policy expenditures do not reveal increased spending consistent with higher unemployment levels. Research also shows welfare states have favoured policies that reinforce incentives to join the labour market and help individuals market their skills over more expensive policies that invest in human capital since the financial crisis. These analyses support the argument welfare states are converging around low-cost policies. These pressures notwithstanding, the adoption of similar policies is unusual because the needs between countries remain diverse. For that reason, and despite the factors inhibiting change, countries should not be adopting the same policies to respond to high youth unemployment. This dissertation investigates this complex policy environment by using a typology of activation incentives to compare policy instrument mixes between governments. Process-tracing is then used to determine how welfare states modified their youth employment policies since the financial crisis. First, qualitative data is used to identify the different policy mixes adopted in each case. Second, the policymaking process is analyzed using process-tracing methods. Research findings indicate all three cases, Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom, adopted new youth policies after the financial crisis. In addition to funding policies that continue typical logics found in each country, evidence shows each case adopted policies that deviate from established logics. These results are explained using three theoretical frameworks to identify mechanisms for change: policy learning, power resources and historical institutionalism. For each case, the dissertation outlines how these factors interacted to affect the policymaking process. This research contributes to welfare state literature by going beyond existing quantitative analysis to provide an in-depth account of youth activation policies and the policymaking process in the post-crisis.
Dietary Modifications of Nitrogen Intake Decreases Inflammation and Promotes Rejuvenation of Spleen in Aged Mice

The spleen is a lymphoid organ with multiple functions including blood filtration and immune activity. Aging changes the spleen’s anatomy for both immune and stromal cells and can lead to immunesenescence, contributing to the increased rates of mortality and morbidity commonly observed in the elderly. Much evidence indicates that the combination of food quantity and quality can influence chronic inflammatory states in the spleen. Quantitative amino-acids (AA) adequacy is pivotal to maintain cell integrity in mammals. Aged mice feed with balanced essential-AA (EAA) formulation improved mitochondrial biogenesis and morphological and molecular changes in many organs, as well as increased lifespan. Here, we evaluated the inflammatory state of the spleen in aged male mice (fifteen months old) chronically fed for twelve months with a particular EAA-rich diet compared to a standard laboratory diet. This study found that chronic consumption of an EAA-rich diet decreased inflammation and modulated reticular and mitochondrial chaperones, mitochondrial function and cells survival, maintaining the correct architecture of the spleen. These changes could also be beneficial for immune system integrity, providing a possible theoretical-speculative basis for the role of EAA improving the quality of life of the elderly by probably slowing immune-senescence.
Lactoferrin beneficially influences the recovery of physiological and behavioral indexes in mice exposed to acute gamma-irradiation

Целью настоящей работы стало исследование эффектов лактоферрина (Лф) человека у мышей после острого гамма-облучения в сублетальной дозе. Методы. Исследование было проведено на 2-2,5-месячных самцах мышей линии C57Bl/6. Животные из экспериментальных групп были подвергнуты общему воздействию гамма-излучения в дозе 7,5 Гр. Сразу после облучения и повторно через 24 часа после него часть животных получила инъекцию Лф (внутрибрюшинно, 4 мг на животное). Было изучено влияние Лф на выживаемость и среднюю продолжительность жизни мышей. Для оценки общей двигательной и исследовательской активности использовали тест «Открытое поле». Результаты. Введение Лф позволило увеличить выживаемость и среднюю продолжительность жизни облученных мышей в течение эксперимента. Происходила более быстрая нормализация динамики изменения массы тела. Кроме того, Лф оказал компенсаторное действие на исследовательскую активность облученных животных. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of human lactoferrin (Lf) in mice exposed to acute gamma-irradiation at a sublethal dose. Methods. C57Вl/6 2-2.5-month-old male mice were used for the experiments. Animals from experimental groups were exposed to whole-body gamma-radiation at a dose of 7.5 Gy. Some animals received an intraperitoneal injection of Lf (4 mg per animal) immediately and then at 24 hours after the irradiation. The effect of Lf on survival rate and life span was studied. The open field test was used to assess locomotor and research activity. Results. The Lf administration increased the survival rate and life span of irradiated mice during the experiment. The dynamics of body weight normalized faster. In addition, Lf exerted a compensatory effect on the research activity of irradiated animals.
Diagnostic high-throughput sequencing of 2,396 patients with bleeding, thrombotic and platelet disorders.

A targeted high-throughput sequencing (HTS) panel test for clinical diagnostics requires careful consideration of the inclusion of appropriate diagnostic-grade genes, the ability to detect multiple types of genomic variation with high levels of analytic sensitivity and reproducibility, and variant interpretation by a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in the context of the clinical phenotype. We have sequenced 2,396 index patients using the ThromboGenomics HTS panel test of diagnostic-grade genes known to harbour variants associated with rare bleeding, thrombotic or platelet disorders (BTPD). The molecular diagnostic rate was determined by the clinical phenotype, with an overall rate of 49.2% for all thrombotic, coagulation, platelet count and function disorder patients and a rate of 3.2% for patients with unexplained bleeding disorders characterized by normal hemostasis test results. The MDT classified 745 unique variants, including copy number and intronic variants, as Pathogenic, Likely Pathogenic or Variants of Uncertain Significance. Half (50.9%) of these variants are novel and 41 unique variants were identified in 7 genes recently found to be implicated in BTPD. Inspection of canonical hemostasis pathways identified 29 patients with evidence of oligogenic inheritance. A molecular diagnosis has been reported for 894 index patients providing evidence that introducing an HTS genetic test is a valuable addition to laboratory diagnostics in patients with a high likelihood of having an inherited BTPD.
Neural differentiation is increased by GSK-3β inhibition and decreased by tankyrase inhibition in human neural precursor cells

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and tankyrase-1/2 (TANK) are two enzymes known to play multiple roles in cell biology, including regulation of proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. Both of them act on the canonical Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, but are also involved in many other independent intracellular mechanisms. More importantly, GSK-3β and TANK have been shown to play crucial roles in different diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. The GSK-3β-inhibitor ‘CHIR’ and the TANK-inhibitor ‘XAV’ are two pyrimidine molecules, holding high potential as possible therapeutic drugs. However, their effect on neural tissue is poorly understood. In this study, we tested the effects of CHIR and XAV on human neural precursor cells (hNPCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells. We found that CHIR-mediated inhibition of GSK-3β promotes neural differentiation. In contrast, XAV-mediated inhibition of TANK leads to de-differentiation. These results highlight the relative importance of these two enzymes in determining the neurodevelopmental status of hNPCs. Furthermore, they shed light on the roles of Wnt signaling during early human neurogenesis.
Quitosano y extractos de Pseudomonas fluorescens para el control de Alternaria alternata en jitomate (Solanum lycopersicum)

Alternaria alternata es un hongo que ocasiona daños en el cultivo de jitomate, se caracteriza por producir manchas negras y marchitez en plantas y frutos; los fungicidas sintéticos son las principales herramientas para controlar este hongo. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de mezclas de quitosano y extractos de Pseudomonas fluorescens en el control de A. alternata bajo condiciones in vitro sobre micelio y conidios, así como la incidencia y severidad en plantas de jitomate en invernadero. El uso de la mezcla de quitosano 1.5% (p/v) + extracto de P. fluorescens 50% (v/v) resultó en 60 y 100% de inhibición in vitro de crecimiento micelial y germinación de conidios de A. alternata respectivamente. En invernadero, las plantas se inocularon con A. alternata, posteriormente se asperjaron con la mezcla de quitosano 1.5% (p/v) + extracto de P. fluorescens 50% (v/v) cada 7 días hasta la floración. La incidencia fue del 100 %, mientras que la severidad fue 51.8 y 38.9 para 7 días y 16.9 y 16.2% para 60 días, respectivamente. La mezcla utilizada es una opción para el control de A. alternata.
Effects of organic wastes on labile organic carbon in semiarid soil under plastic mulched drip irrigation

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the variation in labile organic carbon fractions after the application of organic wastes (OWs) in semiarid soil under plastic mulched drip irrigation. The two-year experiment involved six treatments: chicken manure (CM), sheep manure (SM), mushroom residue (MR), maize straw (MS), fodder grass (FG), and tree leaves (TL), with an unamended soil (no OWs) as control. In 2015 and 2016, treatment with OWs led to increased levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolved organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, easily oxidized organic carbon, as well as higher carbon management indexes and yields and lower oxidation stability coefficients. Higher SOC contents (p <0.01) were achieved in both years for TL and MS compared to the other OWs. In particular, the SOC content in 2016 was higher (p <0.05) for TL than MS. Compared to the other OWs, the easily oxidized organic carbon levels and carbon management indexes in both years were higher (p <0.01) for CM, SM, and MS, whereas the oxidation stability coefficients were lower (p <0.01). In conclusion, among the studied treatments, the application of MS was the most effective for improving soil fertility and enhancing soil carbon sequestration.