Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Co-therapeutic effects of metformin and Sidr fruits and leaves in experimental diabetic rats

Many diabetic patients prefer to use herbal medicine and treated with conventional drugs, concurrently. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the co-therapeutic effects of Sidr(Zizyphusspina-christi L.) fruits or leaves and metformin in diabetic rats. Forty two adult male albino rats were used and divided into seven groups (G1-G7). G1 was kept on basal diet (negative control), while other groups were subcutaneously injected with alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight). G2 was kept untreated as a positive control, while the other alloxan -injected groups were treated with metformin (100 mg/kg body weight) as a reference drug (G3), or fed on basal diet supplemented with 5% of either Sidr fruits (SFP) or leaves powder (SLP) (G4 and G5, respectively). G6 and G7 received combined treatments (metformin + SFP and metformin + SLP, respectively). The curative period lasted for 4 weeks. By its end, body weight gain (BWG) and relative weights of liver, kidneys and pancreas were calculated. Fasting glucose, insulin, amylase activity, liver glycogen, lipid profile as well as liver and kidney functions were determined. The typical manifestations of diabetes were noticed in untreated diabetic group including hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia.Moreover, a significant increase in serum amylase activity and relative liver and kidney weights was noticed associated with dyslipidemia, liver and kidney dysfunction and a significant decrease in BWG and absolute pancreas weight along with marked histopathological abnormalities in pancreas tissue.SFP was more effective than SLP in normalizing body weight, pancreas weight and liver antioxidant status, while the capability of SLP was higher in correcting the level of serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol). In general, receiving combined treatments was more efficient than receiving metformin alone.In conclusion, Sidr fruits and leaves can help metformin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Geostatistical Simulation of Cross-Correlated Variables: a Case Study through Cerro Matoso Nickel-Laterite Deposit

Geostatistical methods have been increasingly used as powerful techniques for predicting spatial attributes and modelling the uncertainty of predictions in un-sampled locations, especially through multi-element deposits. Independent Gaussian simulation constructs precise outputs over each variable, in most cases by simulating using the multi-Gaussian assumption. However, this approach does not consider the underlying correlations between the variables. Spatial uncertainty can also be quantified by co-simulation, where the relationship of the co-regionalized variables is accounted for and the spatial relationships between variables are reproduced. In this study, we apply the two aforementioned approaches (independent simulation and co-simulation) for modelling two correlated elements (Fe & MgO) at Cerro Matoso S.A. Nickel laterite deposit located in Colombia. Results show that co-simulation provides a reasonable outcome in regards to the correlation coefficient parameter and relative error as expected.
E-LEARNING DEVELOPMENT AS INTERACTIVE SYSTEM WITH SCRUM METHODOLOGY

Along with the rapid development and product development so that all parts particularly in the field of education are required to fast paced to meet the needs of businesses that are capricious and unpredictable. With the needs of the business change then it is used software development Scrum methodology, the Scrum can accommodate the problems, although complex and needs changing. With a fixed focus on its main purpose is to produce products with high value and quality. In the field of education, especially in the scope of a university that need to be anticipated include student difficulty in finding learning material as well as the lecturers still find trouble in the form of a rating system that is still using a way that has not been computerized which resulted in many errors in the processing of student grades. Depart from that, to evaluate a wide variety of the development of the educational entities that the system needed always changing so it encourages researchers to use the method of Scrum as the appropriate method. Results to be achieved in this research is a software E-Learning system model and framework that can be applied to universities, especially the University of 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya in the process of the success of teaching and learning in the classroom and outside the classroom so that E-Learning can facilitate the activities of students and faculty, in addition to a study of this framework can be a tool for the development of other systems.
Controlled Formation of Silica Particles from Tetraethyl Orthosilicate in Nonionic Water-in-Oil Microemulsions

The formation of silica particles by the ammonia-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in nonionic water-in-oil microemulsions was investigated as a function of the molecular structure of the surfactant, the type of oil, and the concentrations of surfactant and water. Three types of nonionic surfactants and two oils, heptane and cyclohexane, were used. Microemulsion solutions were characterized using photon correlation spectroscopy, electrical conductivity measurement, and titration of phase separation points. The hydrolysis of TEOS and the size of synthesized silica particles were measured by FTIR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements, respectively. It was found that the size distribution of silica particles correlates well with the size, connectivity, and stability of microemulsion droplets. This correlation indicates that the final size distribution of silica particles is predetermined in the silica particle's nucleation stage. In this stage, hydrolyzed (monom.
Over-and Under-Segmentation Evaluation based on the Segmentation Covering Measure

Very few measures intended for evaluating the quality of image segmentations account separately for over-and under-segmentation. This distinction is highly desirable in practice because in many applications under-segmentation is considered as a much serious issue than over-segmentation. In this paper, a new approach to this problem is presented as a decomposition of the Segmentation Covering measure into two contributions, one due to over-segmentation and the other one to under-segmentation. Our proposal has been tested on the output of state-of-the-art segmentation algorithms using the Berkeley image database. The results obtained are comparable to those provided by similar evaluation methods allowing a clear separation between over-and under-segmentation effects.
Canadian Journal of Environmental Education

This 3-year study followed 14 kindergarten classrooms in Ontario as they used open-ended tablet applications to support outdoor play and learning. Through the creation of slideshows that incorporated their photos, video, drawings, and audio recordings, the children explored their physical and creative activities outdoors, as well as their connections to nature. The educators were initially cautious about safety and solitary and sedentary use of the tablets. However, findings illustrated that children used the tablets safely, both individually and collaboratively, in conjunction with outdoor pursuits such as climbing and dramatic play. Rather than undermining the active, social, and nature-focused value of outdoor play, the use of open-ended apps enhanced these aspects by allowing children to attend to, document, and review their outdoor interests and activities. Resumé L’étude, échelonnée sur 3 ans, a observé dans 14 classes de maternelle de l’Ontario l’utilisation de tablettes et d’applications ouvertes en soutien au jeu et à l’apprentissage en plein air. Les élèves créaient des diaporamas en y incorporant leurs photos, vidéos, dessins et enregistrements audio, une façon pour eux d’explorer à la fois des activités créatives et physiques en plein air tout en cultivant leur contact avec la nature. Au départ, les éducateurs s’inquiétaient de la sécurité avec les tablettes et craignaient que leur utilisation favorise le jeu solitaire et la sédentarité. Toutefois, selon les conclusions de l’étude, les enfants utilisaient les tablettes de façon sécuritaire, seuls ou à plusieurs, tout en pratiquant des activités extérieures (grimper, jouer à faire semblant, etc.). Plutôt que de diminuer les bienfaits du jeu en plein air que sont l’activité physique, la socialisation et le contact avec la nature, l’utilisation d’applications ouvertes est venue renforcer ces aspects en permettant aux enfants de fixer leur attention sur les activités en plein air, de montrer ce qu’ils aiment faire à l’extérieur, de consigner leurs expériences et de mieux les comprendre.
EFFECT OF SOWING DATES ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF SOME SOYBEAN CULTIVARS

The present investigation was carried out at the Agriculture Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University in the summer seasons of 2005 and 2006, to investigate the influence of three sowing dates (April 10th, May 1st and May 20th) on seed yield and quality characters of six soybean cultivars, i.e., Crawford, Clark, Giza 21, Giza 35, Giza 111 and Giza 22. Delaying sowing reduced seed yield/ ha of 12 kg/ ha by each day delay in sowing after April 10th. Seed protein and oil contents also decreased with delaying sowing beyond May 1st. Fatty acids composition was altered with delaying sowing where oleic and linoleic acid contents increased while that of linolenic acid decreased. Variability between soybean cultivars was observed for seed yield and all quality characters. Cultivar Giza 111 produced the highest seed yield/ ha, but was low in protein and oil contents, and intermediate in oleic and linoleic acid contents. Significant sowing date ´ cultivar interaction was found for seed yield/ ha, oil content, total soluble fatty acids (T.S.F.A), linoleic and lionlenic acid contents. Also, a cultivar ´ season interaction was detected for seed yield/ plant, seed oil content, T.S. F.A, oleic and linoleic acid contents, indicating the environmental conditions influence on these characters.
EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF Cryptostegia grandiflora, R

This study was conducted in the Experimental Nursery of the Ornamental Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, during the two successive seasons of 2006/2007 and 2007/2008. The aim of the study was to investigate the response of Cryptostegia grandiflora, R. Br. plants to gibberellic acid spray treatments and NPK fertilization (using conventional and slow-release NPK fertilizers). The plants were fertilized monthly with a conventional NPK fertilizer (18 N – 6 P2O5 – 6 K2O) at rates of 5 and 7 g/plant, or were supplied every 4 months with a commercial slow release fertilizer (Regal Nursery, 24 N -8 P2O5 -8 K2O) at rates of 15 and 21 g/plant. In addition, unfertilized plants were used as the control. Plants receiving each of the NPK fertilization levels were sprayed monthly with gibberellic acid at concentrations of 50 or 100 ppm. Control plants were sprayed with tap water. Results showed that GA3 and/or chemical fertilization treatments increased the values recorded for most of the different vegetative growth parameters (vine length, number of internodes of main vine, average internode length, stem diameter, number of branches/plant, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems and roots/plant), as well as the N and K percentages in leaves, compared to the untreated plants. In most cases, increasing GA3 concentration resulted in steady increases in these parameters. Total chlorophylls, total carbohydrates and P concentrations were decreased by GA3 treatments and increased by chemical fertilization treatments. Raising the application rate of each type of chemical fertilizer resulted in steady increases in the values of most of the studied growth parameters. In most cases, at the same fertilization rate, the slow-release fertilizer Regal Nursery gave higher values for most of the vegetative growth and chemical characteristics, compared to the conventional NPK fertilizer. In most cases, combining GA3 at 50 ppm with the highest rate of Regal Nursery (21 g/plant/4 months) gave values that were insignificantly different than the highest values recorded for most of the vegetative characteristics, which were obtained in plants sprayed with GA3 at 100 ppm and supplied with the highest rate of Regal Nursery. From the obtained results, is recommended that, for the best vegetative growth of Cryptostegia grandiflora, the plants may be sprayed with GA3 at 50 ppm and supplied with 21 g/plant/ 4 month of the slowrelease fertilizer Regal Nursery (24 N -8 P2O5 -8 K2O).
PROBABILISTIC LOAD MODELS AND MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS USED IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING

Today’s deterministic fit-and-forget methodology for distribution system planning is maybe not suitable for planning of the future smart distribution grid as well. In a study [1], alternative methodologies have been developed. This paper describes the new approach and compares it with todays practice. The ongoing and continuing increase in grid connection of distributed generation from renewable energy sources and change in consumption patterns will make the power flow more unpredictable and stochastic than before. Generation from renewables is normally unregulated (e.g. solar and wind) and will vary a lot. Measurements show that the increased use of energy efficient but powerintensive equipment (like heat pumps, electric vehicles and induction cookers) together with time-varying tariffs, give faster dynamics in consumption patterns and a more stochastic behaviour of the power flow. Reliable models for loads and generation variations and development are essential for the long-term development of the distribution and transmission grid. Poor models will probably result in a large difference between the estimated and real (measured) loads/generation and this again will result in wrong decisions and overor underinvestment in the grid. This situation has already been experienced in Norway. On the positive side, the Distribution System Operators (DSOs) will get a lot more data from smart meters, new sensors, control systems etc. that can be used to make better load estimations and forecasts. A new probabilistic method for load and generation modelling utilizing new data from smart meters have been developed and compared with today’s deterministic method. The new models have been used in probabilistic network load flow calculations by Monte Carlo simulations and shows promising results.
رطفلا نع فشكلا Harpophora maydis ببسملا ةيماشلا ةرذلا تاتابن ءازجأ يف رخأتملا لوبذلا ضرمل لا ىلع دمتعي ليلحت مادختسإبPCR راجنلا يلع دمحأ اللهدبع ، ةيركسلا ليصاحملاو

mportance of maize late wilt caused by Harpophora maydis (Cephalosporium maydis Smra, Sabet & Hingorani) comes from the sudden and relatively rapid wilt of maize plants at the time of flowering and until shortly before maturity. So, the detection of the causal agent early before symptoms appearance may be useful for managing the disease. For this purpose, two maize plants were chosen randomly at 7, 21, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91 and 105 days after seeding in greenhouse and field infested soils, during 2016 and 2017 seasons. Fungal DNA was detected in emerged plant parts using the specific primer of H. maydis. The first detection of the fungal DNA was at 7d after seeding in roots and leaves of greenhouse and field seedlings. At the age of 21, 35, 49, 63 days the fungus was detected in all tested plant parts. With pathogen progression, from 77d to 105 d after sowing, clear amplified fungal DNA was found in samples taken from stalk-internodes, tassels, ear-shanks, cobs, kernels and leaves with the consistent of disease symptoms. But the unique band of H. maydis did not appear in the amplified DNA taken from mature kernels at the age of 105 days. As a conclusion of the obtained results, it is clearly pronounced that H. maydis colonized all maize plant parts emerged during the growing season. Also, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)based assay was successfully employed to identify H. maydis directly from the mycelia that embedded in maize plant tissues, with no need to obtain pure fungal cultures for detection compared with traditional method. Thus, this protocol can be used for diagnosis of infected plants by late wilt causal agent.
The effects of modified atmospheres, edible coating and storage temperatures on the sensory quality of carrot discs

Summary Packaging within a microperforated oriented polypropylene (OPP) film PA-60 generated useful modified atmospheres (MAs), which resulted in retention of good textural, aroma and flavour characteristics, but allowed surface whitening and a loss of headspace aroma volatiles to occur. By contrast, plain OPP film generated anaerobic atmospheres that resulted in an overall poor sensory quality with tissue softening and excess surface moisture, a loss of aroma acceptability and production of ethanol. Use of an edible coating (Natureseal) treatment had beneficial effects on visual quality. It significantly improved sensory scores, which appeared to be caused by a reduction in surface whitening and moisture loss. Increasing storage temperature from 4 to 8 °C resulted in a shorter shelf-life in both films. Principal component analysis showed that MAs had the biggest influence on quality, but Natureseal treatment could further help extend shelf-life. Of the packaging films examined, PA-60 film was better at maintaining the sensory quality. However, the additional use of a Natureseal treatment and storage at 4 °C was most effective in extending shelf-life.
Determination of Ascorbic Acid in Blood Plasma or Serum and in Seminal Plasma Using a Simplified Sample Preparation and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Uv Detection

Abstract A simplified method of sample preparation and high-performance liquid chromatography procedure using UV detection is described for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) in blood plasma or serum and seminal plasma. Within two hours from collection samples are treated with dithioerythritol (DTE) and then stored under Argon at -80°C. Prior to analysis, protein precipitation is initiated with the addition of cold methanol. AA elution is carried out on a C18 reverse phase column using dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide as an ion-pairing agent. the detection is accomplished by measuring ultraviolet absorption at 265 nm. the analysis time for sample is 10.5 min, the retention time of AA being 9.7 min. Within- and between-day coefficients of variation are 2.9% and 4.9% for blood serum, 1.0 % and 2.3 % for seminal plasma. Mean analytical recovery of 102.5 ± 3.7% was found analyzing a serum pool after addition of a standard amount of AA. AA levels are stable for at least 43 days under the described storage.
Merging with unknown reliability

Merging beliefs depends on the relative reliability of their sources. When unknown, assuming equal reliability is unwarranted. The solution proposed in this article is that every reliability profile is possible, and only what holds according to all is accepted. Alternatively, one source is completely reliable, but which one is unknown. These two cases motivate two existing forms of merging: maxcons-based merging and arbitration.
Hyers-Ulam stability of the first order difference equation generated by linear maps

Hyers-Ulam stability of the difference equation $ z_{n+1} = a_nz_n + b_n $ is investigated. If $ \prod_{j=1}^{n}|a_j| $ has subexponential growth rate, then difference equation generated by linear maps has no Hyers-Ulam stability. Other complementary results are also found where $ \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \left(\prod_{j=1}^{n}|a_j| \right)^{\frac{1}{n}} $ is greater or less than one. These results contain Hyers-Ulam stability of the first order linear difference equation with periodic coefficients also.
Definable Equivariant Retractions in Non-Archimedean Geometry

For G an algebraic group definable over a model of ACVF, or more generally a definable subgroup of an algebraic group, we study the stable completion Ĝ of G, as introduced by Loeser and the second author. For G connected and stably dominated, assuming G commutative or that the valued field is of equicharacteristic 0, we construct a pro-definable G-equivariant strong deformation retraction of Ĝ onto the generic type of G. For G = S a semiabelian variety, we construct a pro-definable S-equivariant strong deformation retraction of Ŝ onto a definable group which is internal to the value group. We show that, in case S is defined over a complete valued field K with value group a subgroup of R, this map descends to an S(K)equivariant strong deformation retraction of the Berkovich analytification San of S onto a piecewise linear group, namely onto the skeleton of San. This yields a construction of such a retraction without resorting to an analytic (non-algebraic) uniformization of S. Furthermore, we prove a general result on abelian groups definable in an NIP theory: any such group G is a directed union of ∞-definable subgroups which all stabilize a generically stable Keisler measure on G.
Illumination of the accretion disk in black hole binaries: An extended jet as the primary source of hard X-rays

Context.The models that seek to explain the reflection spectrum in black hole binaries usually invoke a point-like primary source of hard X-rays. This source illuminates the accretion disk and gives rise to the discrete (lines) and continuum-reflected components.Aims. The main goal of this work is to investigate whether the extended, mildly relativistic jet that is present in black hole binaries in the hard and hard-intermediate states is the hard X-ray source that illuminates the accretion disk.Methods. We use a Monte Carlo code that simulates the process of inverse Compton scattering in a mildly relativistic jet rather than in a “corona” of some sort. Blackbody photons from the thin accretion disk are injected at the base of the jet and interact with the energetic electrons that move outward with a bulk velocity that is a significant fraction of the speed of light.Results. Despite the fact that the jet moves away from the disk at a mildly relativistic speed, we find that approximately 15−20% of the input soft photons are scattered, after Comptonization, back toward the accretion disk. The vast majority of the Comptonized, back-scattered photons escape very close to the black hole (h ≲ 6 rg, wherergis the gravitational radius), but a non-negligible amount escape at a wide range of heights. At high heights,h ∼ 500−2000 rg, the distribution falls off rapidly. The high-height cutoff strongly depends on the width of the jet at its base and is almost insensitive to the optical depth. The disk illumination spectrum is softer than the direct jet spectrum of the radiation that escapes in directions that do not encounter the disk.Conclusions. We conclude that an extended jet is an excellent candidate source of hard photons in reflection models.
CoachNet: An Adversarial Sampling Approach for Reinforcement Learning

Despite the recent successes of reinforcement learning in games and robotics, it is yet to become broadly practical. Sample efficiency and unreliable performance in rare but challenging scenarios are two of the major obstacles. Drawing inspiration from the effectiveness of deliberate practice for achieving expert-level human performance, we propose a new adversarial sampling approach guided by a failure predictor named "CoachNet". CoachNet is trained online along with the agent to predict the probability of failure. This probability is then used in a stochastic sampling process to guide the agent to more challenging episodes. This way, instead of wasting time on scenarios that the agent has already mastered, training is focused on the agent's "weak spots". We present the design of CoachNet, explain its underlying principles, and empirically demonstrate its effectiveness in improving sample efficiency and test-time robustness in common continuous control tasks.