Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CARDIO PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF THE LEAVES OF ARTOCARPUS HETEROPHYLLUS L. ON DAPHNIA MAGNA

Objective: To prescreen the in vivo cardioprotective activity of the leaves of Artocarpus heterophyllus . L Family Moraceae using the model organism Daphnia magna along with preliminary phytochemical study and acute toxicity assessment. Method: To evaluate the Cardioprotective effect of the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of A.heterophyllus (EAAH) in vivo on the lactose induced arrhythmic heart of the cladocerans D.magna (Water flea) a novel model system for studying effects of agonists and toxins on cell signalling and ion channels in situ. Initially acute toxicity assessment, total phenolic content by UV spectral methods and ursolic acid content by HPTLC, trace elements by X-ray fluorescence were determined. Results: Normal mean heart beat of the D.magna at 20 0 ±2°C was found to be 191.4±1.4 beats/min (n=50). Arrhythmia was induced by lactose (200mM) in the bathing medium. The ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of A.heterophyllus (20, 40, 60, 80µg/ml) prevented the lactose induced arrhythmia in dose dependent manner. Previous assessment of toxicity showed LC 50 5.88mg/L. Preliminary phytochemical screening of appropriate solvent extract of the leaves showed the presence of flavonoids, sterols, carbohydrates, proteins, tannins , phenolic compounds and absence of alkaloids, volatile oils, fixed oils, glycosides like anthroquinone, cardiac, cyanogenetic and isothiocyanate. Total phenolic, ursolic acid content of EAAH was 376.5mg/g, 134mg/g respectively. High percentage of calcium, potassium was found in addition to traces of magnesium, sulphur, zinc, strontium, manganese, aluminium. Conclusion: Artocarpus heterophyllus L. (Jack fruit) has long been recognized and economically is of appreciable importance as a source of edible aggregate fruit. This study indicates that the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of A.heterophyllus possesses potential cardio protective activity on the lactose induced arrhythmia of the Daphnia heart without any toxicity and mortality. It is assumed that this may be due to polyphenolic content, ursolic acid, trace elements like calcium, potassium, magnesium. Further investigation requires confirming this activity. Keywords: Artocarpus heterophyllus , Moraceae, Cardioprotective, Daphnia magna , Ursolicacid
Production of Solanum tuberosum L. Microtuber Using Temporary Immersion System

Background: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an annual crop which belongs to the Solanaceae family of flowering plants and is native to South America. Potato is the fourth most important food crop worldwide, planted on 20 million ha globally in 2005. The need for a sustainable potato production depends on a constantly renewed supply of disease free planting material. Tissue culture micropropagation was used to revolutionize the potato industry in the 1970’s and with this technique disease-free plantlets were used to produce healthy seed tubers for farmers. This study compared the yield and nutrient profile of Spunta 58 70 77 minitubers produced by TIS with Shepody minitubers grown by local farmers. Methodology: In vitro tissue culture plantlets received from the Scientific Research Council’s genebank were grown in a TIS containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) multiplication media for three weeks at 25 ± 2°C with 16-h photoperiod under fluorescent light with a photon flux of ~52 μmol m-2s-1. After three weeks the medium was replaced with a tuber MS induction medium for six weeks in dark conditions at 25 ± 2°C. Immediately following induction, microtubers were allowed to sprout for twelve weeks in the dark at 25 ± 2°C. Traditionally grown (TG) and TIS microtubers with at least one shoot (>1 in) were then transferred to field in a randomized complete block design. After 12 weeks the physical and nutrient profiles were determined and compared. Results and Discussion: Minitubers produced by TIS had fresh weight (19.8 ± 2.1 g), length (8.1 ± 0.5 cm) and diameter (5.3 ± 0.3 cm) that were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) from TG minitubers with fresh weight (38.6 ± 3.7 g), length (9.4 ± 0.5 cm) and diameter (5.8 ± 0.3 cm). Similarly, the nutrient profiles of tissue culture and traditionally grown microtubers were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.05). However there was a significantly higher iron content (6.21 ± 1.04 mg/kg) in TG minituber when compared to TIS (2.01 ± 1.1 mg/kg). Temporary immersion system may be a valuable alternative for potato microtuber production. This technique could be used to increase the local production of generation one Irish potato thereby providing high quality seed potato to meet the national demand.
On the Role of Hamiltonians for Dissipative Entanglement Engineering

Abstract Determining whether an entangled state of interest can be asymptotically prepared by realistic open-system dynamics has important applications across quantum engineering. This problem has been recently solved for purely dissipative quasi-local dynamics described by a continuous-time Markovian semigroup. Here, we extend our previous analysis by addressing the role of internal Hamiltonian dynamics as well as of Hamiltonian control resources for achieving the same task. We show how Hamiltonians that are not frustration-free can genuinely extend the class of stabilizable states. In particular, we present stabilizing Hamiltonians, along with necessary and sufficient conditions for their existence, for maximally entangled GHZ-states and translationally invariant W-states, none of which are generally stabilizable by dissipation alone.
Reading Across the Content Areas Course: A Case Study of Two Secondary Preservice Teachers

This study explored the knowledge and beliefs held by two secondary undergraduate preservice teachers’ (PTs) about implementing content area reading instruction in their practice. In examining the development of these beliefs, the PTs revealed a number of perceived barriers impeding the application of content area strategies hence reducing the likelihood of implementing them as student teachers or in their future classrooms. Data sources included interviews with the PTs, classroom observations of a content area reading course, and the PTs final exams which included written reflections. Data were analyzed and themes were triangulated across sources. The PTs recalled two main strategies from the course that they intended to implement: snapshots and discussions. In terms of barriers, lack of interaction during class time, as well as a lack of emphasis on the content areas (i.e., relevance to the PTs future content areas) were identified as the most detrimental factors to understanding and implementing the strategies. These discoveries imply that instruction in this area of teacher education must be highly explicit and situated in the context of teaching within a content area. 96 Journal of Content Area Reading 2013-14 10/
An Algorithm to Transform XML Schema into Java Codes

This paper implements a transformation algorithm, which is used to transform XML Schema into Java codes. Based on the algorithm design, we first defined a Java class, which is used to implement paring unit of the algorithm. Secondly, we defined a Java class for each of the twenty-eight kinds of elements and twelve kinds of facet elements, and build import or other relation between these classes according to any possible nested relation between elements. These classes are used to create Java objects for elements. Thirdly, in order to increase code reusability or define data type of Java class variables conveniently, we defined a set of Java abstract classes or interfaces. Related Java classes extend or implement these abstract classes or interfaces to realize specific functions. Finally, we performed numerous experiments to validate the algorithm. The algorithm can transform any non-empty and well-formed XML Schema documents into Java objects, and can be applied to any XML related software development.
Population genetic of Eretmochelys imbricata in two Islands in the northern part of the Persian Gulf using microsatellite markers

Nuclear markers such as microsatellites have allowed the identification of conservation and management populations of the Hawksbill turtles. In present study, eight microsatellite loci were studied. 60 samples of hawksbill turtles' flipper from Shidvar and Hormuz Islands have been surgically removed and preserved in 20% DMSO buffer. DNA was extracted using DNP KIT and amplified by PCR methods. The average number of alleles in Shidvar and Hormoz were 7 and 7.37 respectively with range of 7-13. The average expected and observed heterozygosity was 0.77 and 0.46 respectively. The linkage disequilibrium and deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium have been tested. The Fst values was 0.048, showing a significant difference between the two sites (P<0.01). The genetic distance between populations was found to be 0.27, which indicates that the genetic difference among the studied populations is pronounced. These results together with highly significant RST of genotypic differences between these pairs of samples support the existence of different genetic populations of Eretmochelys imbricata within the Iranian Islands of the Persian Gulf.
Kalman filters for assimilating near-surface observations into the Richards equation – Part 1 : Retrieving state profiles with linear and nonlinear numerical schemes

This paper examines the potential of different algorithms, based on the Kalman filtering approach, for assimilating near-surface observations into a one-dimensional Richards equation governing soil water flow in soil. Our specific objectives are: (i) to compare the efficiency of different Kalman filter algorithms in retrieving matric pressure head profiles when they are implemented with different numerical schemes of the Richards equation; (ii) to evaluate the performance of these algorithms when nonlinearities arise from the nonlinearity of the observation equation, i.e. when surface soil water content observations are assimilated to retrieve matric pressure head values. The study is based on a synthetic simulation of an evaporation process from a homogeneous soil column. Our first objective is achieved by implementing a Standard Kalman Filter (SKF) algorithm with both an explicit finite difference scheme (EX) and a CrankNicolson (CN) linear finite difference scheme of the Richards equation. The Unscented (UKF) and Ensemble Kalman Filters (EnKF) are applied to handle the nonlinearity of a backward Euler finite difference scheme. To accomplish the second objective, an analogous framework is applied, with the exception of replacing SKF with the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) in combination with a CN numerical scheme, so as to handle the nonlinearity of the observation equation. While the EX scheme is computationally too inefficient to be implemented in an operational assimilation scheme, the retrieval algorithm implemented with a CN scheme is found to be computationally more feasible and accurate than those implemented with the backward Euler scheme, at least for the examined one-dimensional problem. The UKF appears to be as feasible as the EnKF when one has to handle nonlinear numerical schemes or additional nonlinearities arising from the observation equation, at least for systems of small dimensionality as the one examined in this study.
A code generator for building front-end tier of REST-based rich client web applications

The paper presents a code generator for creating fully functioning front end web application, as well as a JSON-based DSL with which to write models which the generator uses as input. The DSL is used to describe both the data model and the UI layout and the generated application is written in AngularJS, following the current best practices. Our goal was to produce a code generator which is simple to create, use and update, so as to easily adapt to the climate of technologies which are prone to frequent updates. Our code generator and DSL are simple to learn, offer quick creation of modern, feature rich, web applications with customizable UI, written in the currently most popular technology for this domain. We evaluate our solution by generating two applications from different domains. We show that the generated applications require minor code changes in order to adapt to the desired functionality.
The relationship between emotional intelligence, self-determined motivation and performance in canoeists

The results of recent studies indicate that athletes differ in the degree in which they perceive, process and regulate their emotions. The present study aims to utilize these findings in order to examine if self-determined motivation in sport could explain individual variations in emotional intelligence (EI) and results of sport competitions. A model of structural equations has proven these relationships in 386 canoeists from 35 countries. These results support the mediating factor of EI in relation to autonomous motivation and performance index (PI). The stability of EI and gender differences were analysed as a secondary objective. The results showed that EI stays relatively stable independent from the years of practice. However, rather surprisingly, men scored higher than women in emotional control and regulation as well as in empathy. These findings contribute to the study of EI in sport and have important implications for human performance in sport competition at high level.
Can Trade Help Achieve the Employment Targets of the Sustainable Development Goals?

We ask whether trade can help to achieve the employment targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. The focus is on Goal 8, which is to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. ” The theoretical and empirical links between trade and employment are examined to suggest whether trade has a positive or negative impact on the quantity and quality of employment. At the aggregate level, trade has a positive impact on welfare, which can lead to job creation. However, freer trade causes some sectors and firms to expand and others to shrink. This adjustment process creates both a demand for labor in some sectors and job losses in others. Government policies to cushion the impact of adjustment and facilitate the movement of labor from declining to rising sectors are discussed.
Rangeland vegetation responses to settlement in the semi-arid rangelands of northern Ethiopia

Two settlement areas that differed in terms of age from =8 years (hereinafter referred to as ‘New’) to =18 years (hereinafter referred to as ‘Old’) were studied to compare herbaceous and woody vegetation parameters in relation to distance from the periphery of settlement and age of settlement. Data on grass species composition, basal cover, above ground biomass, species diversity and woody parameters such as density, plant height, canopy height, canopy cover and species diversity, were collected from three distance categories (3km, 6km and 9km from the periphery of the settlement). A total of 45 herbaceous species and 36 woody species were identified. Herbaceous aboveground biomass, basal cover and species diversity varied significantly (P<0.05) among the three distances and between the new and old settlements. All the herbaceous parameters had higher value in the 9km distance category. Woody vegetation parameters such as density, stem height, canopy height, canopy cover and species diversity varied significantly (P<0.05) among the distance categories but did not vary between settlements except density. All woody vegetation parameters showed lower values in the 3km distance category than the 6km and the 9km distance categories in both settlements. The study confirmed that poor rangeland condition is more pronounced around settlements. The suppressive effect of invasive species on the growth and survival of indigenous herbaceous plants and soil seed bank study should be conducted so as to evaluate the restoration potential of the rangeland.
Development of a fuzzy ammonia slip detection controller for use with HD SCR DEF dosing strategy

This paper presents a fuzzy logic controller based ammonia detection algorithm to predict and capture ammonia slip for commercial vehicles. The current vehicle emission standard requires a well-designed selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system which must deliver a high efficiency in terms of nitrogen oxides reduction while maintaining a low ammonia slip from the tailpipe. Fuzzy logic was used because of the following: the SCR system is a nonlinear, multiple factor dependent system, and the information causing ammonia slip, for most cases, is not clearly defined. An ammonia sensor installed downstream of the SCR catalyst can be used as a straightforward method for potential ammonia slip detection. However, from the cost efficiency perspective, introducing a smart ammonia sensor would greatly increase the cost of the system. The proposed fuzzy controller system collects information from the existing system sensors then incorporates it into the Matlab/Simulink environment. The paper presented the SCR system architecture, diesel emission fluid (DEF) dosing strategy as well as the detailed algorithm of ammonia slip detection with results and comparison to the conventional method.
School Violence: Reimagining Schools as ‘Safe Havens’

Abstract School violence is a reality and it is increasing at an alarming rate around the globe in the 21st century. The vast majority of schools have been transformed into battlegrounds in which the safety of learners is not guaranteed. Schools are supposed to be safe places where all learners have equal access to equal educational opportunities and are treated equally. This paper aims to investigate factors that contribute to schools being violent institutional role models. A qualitative inquiry was used in the study. Data were collected using individual interviews with school principals and focus-group interviews with learners. The study was conducted in two provinces in South Africa, namely, Gauteng and North West. Four schools in the two provinces were deliberately selected to participate in the study. This study found that when learners report cases of violence in the school, either their teachers or their school principal often dismiss them. The study also discovered that the school does not challenge unequal power relationships found in wider society but instead reproduces them. The study concludes by proposing strategies that could enhance safety in schools to allow for effective teaching and learning taking place.
What is Technology Worth?

Investors in high-tech industries face a common issue: how to put a valuation on a technology based venture or project? Although classic investment valuation methods, as discounted cash flow, are well understood, they tend to fail in this environment. Technology investments not only look into an uncertain future—they also have a business plan that is still flexible and subject to change. Both issues often make an investment decision a matter of a mere “judgment call. ” In this article we provide a compelling solution to assist investors in high-tech investment decisions: the Real Options Toolkit. This model allows us to capture and evaluate the flexibility of managers to adjust their strategy to alterations in the uncertain high-tech environment. This type of managerial flexibility is modeled as a “real option. ” Based on the actual investment case of SemCo. —a technology carve-out venture—we give a clear guideline on when and how to use real options analysis to evaluate technology driven investment decisions. Beyond its appeal for pure investment valuation, the real options framework also provides another insight: the hidden “option value” in a technology investment does not just unfold by itself. Managers need to understand its logic in order to actively leverage and capture the value of their flexibility.
High-resolution Br γ spectro-interferometry of the transitional Herbig Ae/Be star HD 100546: a Keplerian gaseous disc inside the inner rim

We present spatially and spectrally resolved Br γ emission around the planet-hosting, transitional Herbig Ae/Be star HD 100546. Aiming to gain insight into the physical origin of the line in possible relation to accretion processes, we carried out Br γ spectro-interferometry using AMBER/VLTI from three different baselines achieving spatial and spectral resolutions of 2–4 mas and 12 000. The Br γ visibility is larger than that of the continuum for all baselines. DifferentialphasesrevealashiftbetweenthephotocentreoftheBr γ line–displaced ∼0.6mas (0.06au at 100 pc) NE from the star – and that of the K-band continuum emission – displaced ∼0.3 mas NE from the star. The photocentres of the redshifted and blueshifted components of the Br γ line are located NW and SE from the photocentre of the peak line emission, respectively. Moreover, the photocentre of the fastest velocity bins within the spectral line tends to be closer to that of the peak emission than the photocentre of the slowest velocity bins. Our results are consistent with a Br γ-emitting region inside the dust inner rim (0.25au) and extending very close to the central star, with a Keplerian, disc-like structure rotating counter-clockwise, and most probably flared (∼25 ◦ ). Even though the main contribution to the Br γ line does not come from gas magnetically channelled on to the star, accretion on to HD (1)
Extending AVO inversion techniques

A software tool is introduced for assessment of AVO inversion techniques. It employs synthetic offset gathers with spike wavelets and models a wide distribution of earth parameters for each lithology. It is used to demonstrate that a wide range of values that can be obtained for a given lithology, and to obtain the limits of accuracy available for two-parameter inversions based on the Aki-Richards approximation. The method of Fatti et al. (1994) is shown to be an improvement on that of Smith and Gidlow (1987). A Full Offset method is introduced and shown to be superior to that of Fatti et al. A generalized Gardner relation is also introduced and applied. It does not yield improved inversion results for P- and S-wave changes, but can be employed to develop new density inversion techniques. The results show promise for the development of a linear density inversion method.
Segmented packed beds for improved thermal energy storage performance

A scheme for bulk electricity storage known as Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) is described. PTES uses a heat pump during the charging phase to create a hot and a cold storage space. During discharge, these thermal stores are depleted using a heat engine. This version of PTES uses packed beds (or pebble beds) as the energy store. A relatively new design feature which involves segmenting the packed beds is introduced. Various thermodynamic benefits can be achieved by reservoir segmentation, such as reduced pressure losses and increased energy stored per cycle. This report includes modelling of the storage phases, and it is found that segmentation can reduce the thermal equilibration losses that occur. A simple economic model of the PTES system is introduced so that multi-objective optimisation of efficiency and capital costs can be carried out. Sensitivity to the economic factors is briefly explored. The results show that cold packed beds in particular benefit from being segmented.