Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic variations of ofloxacin in normal and febrile rabbits.

-1 body weight intravenously to a group of eight healthy rabbits and compared these results to values in same eight rabbits with EEIF. Pharmacokinetic parameters of ofloxacin in normal and febrile rabbits were determined by using two compartment open kinetic model. Peak plasma level (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-α) in normal and febrile rabbits did not differ (P>0.05). However, area under first moment of plasma concentration-time curve (AUMC0-α) in febrile rabbits was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in normal rabbits. Mean values for elimination rate constant (Ke), elimination half life (t1/2β) and apparent volume of distribution (Vd) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in febrile rabbits compared to normal rabbits, while mean residence time (MRT) and total body clearance (Cl) of ofloxacin did not show any significant difference in the normal and febrile rabbits. Clinical significance of the above results can be related to the changes in the volume of distribution and elimination half life that illustrates an altered steady state in febrile condition; hence, the need for an adjustment of dosage regimen in EEIF is required.
Aspect Oriented Java RMI Server

This paper discusses the impact of Aspect oriented programming (AOP) on Java-based communication middleware (Java RMI) server and need to introduce aspects in Java RMI systems. There are certain properties like tracing, exception handling, distribution and profiling in Java RMI server which we cannot encapsulate properly using object oriented programming and lead to the problem of code tangling and code scattering. Therefore it is difficult to modularize them in separate functional modules. These properties are known as cross cutting concerns, which can be encapsulated into Aspect using Aspect Oriented Programming. We have used AspectJ; Java based language to create aspects in Eclipse supported framework. We have shown the impact of this new programming method through a distributed auction system using Java RMI in Eclipse Platform’s Aspect visualizer.
Massive runaway and walkaway stars

We perform an extensive numerical study of the evolution of massive binary systems to predict the peculiar velocities that stars obtain when their companion collapses and disrupts the system. Our aim is to (i) identify which predictions are robust against model uncertainties and assess their implications, (ii) investigate which physical processes leave a clear imprint and may therefore be constrained observationally, and (iii) provide a suite of publicly available model predictions to allow for the use of kinematic constraints from the Gaia mission. We find that 22+26−8% of all massive binary systems merge prior to the first core-collapse in the system. Of the remainder, 86+11−9% become unbound because of the core-collapse. Remarkably, this rarely produces runaway stars (observationally defined as stars with velocities above 30 km s−1). These are outnumbered by more than an order of magnitude by slower unbound companions, or “walkaway stars”. This is a robust outcome of our simulations and is due to the reversal of the mass ratio prior to the explosion and widening of the orbit, as we show analytically and numerically. For stars more massive than 15 M⊙, we estimate that 10+5−8% are walkaways and only 0.5+1.0−0.4% are runaways, nearly all of which have accreted mass from their companion. Our findings are consistent with earlier studies; however, the low runaway fraction we find is in tension with observed fractions of about 10%. Thus, astrometric data on presently single massive stars can potentially constrain the physics of massive binary evolution. Finally, we show that the high end of the mass distributions of runaway stars is very sensitive to the assumed black hole natal kicks, and we propose this as a potentially stringent test for the explosion mechanism. We also discuss companions remaining bound that can evolve into X-ray and gravitational wave sources.
From natural forest to cultivated land: lichen species diversity along land-use gradients in Kanchenjunga, Eastern Nepal

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of elevation, land use and canopy openness on species richness and composition of lichens in Ghunsa valley of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Eastern Nepal. At five elevational levels, from 2 200 m to 3 800 m, transects were established in four land-use types – cultivated land, meadows, exploited and natural forests. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis techniques were used to explore the lichen species distribution patterns. Generalized linear models were applied to analyse the impact of elevation and canopy openness on lichen species richness. Canopy openness was measured by hemispherical photography. A total of 229 species belonging to 71 genera were recorded. The length of the first DCA axis of 8.01 SD units indicated a complete species turnover and high beta diversity along the elevation gradient. Exploited forests with lower canopy openness supported higher lichen diversity than open meadows and cultivated areas. Significant differences in lichen species richness were found for different land-use types, along the elevation gradient, and with varying canopy openness. A gradual increase of lichen species richness from cultivated land to forests was observed. We concluded that substrate types that depend on land-use types as well as canopy openness significantly affect the distribution of lichen communities. Research eco.mont – Volume 10, Number 1, January 2018 ISSN 2073-106X pr int vers ion – ISSN 2073-1558 onl ine vers ion: ht tp://epub.oeaw. ac.at/eco.mont ht tps://dx.doi. org/10.1553/eco.mont-10-1s46 46
How Bank Risk Profiles Affect Their Strength: An Assessment of Banks in the Asia-Pacific Region

This paper analyses bank relative riskiness by testing the sensitivity of Asia-Pacific banks to overall market risk, global credit risk shocks, interest rate risk shocks and maturity risk shocks. The banks' risk profiles are categorised according to their capitalisation levels and functional degree of diversification. Our results indicate that highly capitalised banks yield higher average stock returns whilst functionally diversified banks have less volatile returns. Generally, banks that adopt capital adequacy guidelines and hold higher capital levels have greater protection from these risks. Functionally diversified banks are also more strongly positioned against system-wide shocks to the banking sector.
Characteristics of large‐scale nanohole arrays for thin‐silicon photovoltaics

Nanostructured crystalline silicon is promising for thin‐silicon photovoltaic devices because of reduced material usage and wafer quality constraint. This paper presents the optical and photovoltaic characteristics of silicon nanohole (SiNH) arrays fabricated using polystyrene nanosphere lithography and reactive‐ion etching (RIE) techniques for large‐area processes. A post‐RIE damage removal etching is subsequently introduced to mitigate the surface recombination issues and also suppress the surface reflection due to modifications in the nanohole sidewall profile, resulting in a 19% increase in the power conversion efficiency. We show that the damage removal etching treatment can effectively recover the carrier lifetime and dark current–voltage characteristics of SiNH solar cells to resemble the planar counterpart without RIE damages. Furthermore, the reflectance spectra exhibit broadband and omnidirectional anti‐reflective properties, where an AM1.5 G spectrum‐weighted reflectance achieves 4.7% for SiNH arrays. Finally, a three‐dimensional optical modeling has also been established to investigate the dimension and wafer thickness dependence of light absorption. We conclude that the SiNH arrays reveal great potential for efficient light harvesting in thin‐silicon photovoltaics with a 95% material reduction compared to a typical cell thickness of 200 µm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential proteomic expressions between superior and inferior spikelets of rice in response to varied nitrogen treatments

Grain-filling and molecular mechanisms of Indica rice jinhui No.809 (large-panicle type) were investigated. By keeping the total N supply constant and varying the early and late growth stage fertilizer application ratios, changes in the protein expressions of the rice superior and inferior spikelets were determined. The two N fertilization treatments were traditional and modern nitrogen applications (TNA and MNA). Using 2-DE and MALDI-TOF/MS, 38 proteins were identified to show differential expressions in response to the different N treatments. MNA appeared to promote protein up-regulation in the inferior spikelets, including cell respiration related proteins (e.g. fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, phosphoglycerate mutase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic oxidoreductase, succinate dehydrogenase, transketolase, phosphoglucomutase, and some starch synthesis related proteins (e.g., phosphoglucomutase, WRKY, glycolipid transfer and fatty acid hydroxylase) clearly indicating that the increased N supply at the late growth stage was favorable for the grain-filling of inferior spikelets. Moreover, the up-regulated auxin-responsive protein IAA22 and gibberellin response modulator implied that the MNA treatment could increase the content of phytohormones in inferior spikelets. In addition, the proteomic analysis and physiological observations in the present study also elucidated the mechanism underlying the asynchronous grain-fillings between the superior and inferior spikelets of rice.
Underground Innovation: How to Encourage Bootlegging Employees to Disclose Their Good Ideas

Employees are increasingly considered as the origin of many corporate entrepreneurial ideas. Research on “bootlegging” posits that individuals often resort to hidden activities to elaborate their initial ideas and bring them to fruition. The origins and causes of bootlegging behaviour are well argued in the literature. Yet, less is known about what drives bootleggers to uncover their hidden ideas. This research uses field data from in-depth interviews with innovators in R&D departments in different industries of Iran to identify factors stimulating bootleggers to reveal their underground ideas. We identified five groups of factors at individual, managerial, firm, industrial, and idea levels, explaining the revealing stage of bootlegging behaviour. The findings provide a better understanding of the later phases of bootlegging behaviour and the possible role of context-specific factors such as cultural and religious beliefs. Hidden talent counts for nothing.
Export of anthropogenic reactive nitrogen and sulfur compounds from the East Asia region in spring

[1] Measurements of gaseous and particulate reactive nitrogen and sulfur species, as well as other chemical species, were made using the P-3B and DC-8 aircraft over the western Pacific during the NASA Transport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific (TRACE-P) experiment, conducted between February and April 2001. These measurements provide a good opportunity to study the extent to which anthropogenic NOx and SO2 emitted over the East Asian countries remain as NOy and SOx (=SO2 + nssSO42−) in the form of gas or fine particles when an air mass is transported into the western Pacific region. In this paper a method to estimate transport efficiencies, e(NOy) and e(SOx), in an air mass that has experienced multiple injection, mixing, and loss processes is described. In this analysis, CO and CO2 are used as passive tracers of transport, and the emission inventories of CO, CO2, NOx, and SO2 over the East Asia region are used. Results from the P-3B presented in this study indicate that 20–40% and 15% of NOx emitted over the northeastern part of China remained as NOy over the western Pacific in the boundary layer (BL) and free troposphere (FT), respectively. In the FT, PAN is found to have been the dominant form of NOy, while only 0.5% of emitted NOx remained as NOx. The transport efficiency of SOx is estimated to have been 25–45% and 15–20% in the BL and FT, respectively. Median values of the nssSO42−/SOx ratio are 0.4–0.6 both in the BL and FT, however large variability is found in the FT. These results are generally consistent with those derived using DC-8 data. The results obtained in this study indicate that more than half of NOy and SOx were lost over the continent and that the vertical transport from the BL to FT further reduced their amounts by a factor of 2, likely due to wet removal. Budgets of NOy and SOx were also studied for air masses, which we sampled during TRACE-P and the flux out from the continent in these cases is estimated to be 20% of the emissions. Flux in the BL and FT is found to have a similar contribution.
Uniformity in variety: Antler morphology and evolution in a predator-free environment

The Late Pleistocene mammal fauna of Crete was impoverished, as typical for oceanic islands, and consisted only of deer, dwarf elephants, an otter, a shrew and giant mice. Dwarf deer (Candiacervus spp.) were the dominant endemic herbivorous species. Here, I describe the adult antler morphology of this deer. Antler variety appears to be remarkably large, yet a few concise morphological groups without intermediate forms can be recognized, likely representing separate species. Antler variety is not a product of random variation induced by ecological release in a predator-free environment. Three new species are described here (Candiacervus spp. nov.), differing in antler and skull morphology, and the diagnosis of existing species (C. ropalophorus, C. rethymnensis) is emended based on new material. Antler variation can be explained by two evolutionary trends: showiness versus a classic fighting type. Divergence is driven and accelerated by intra-specific competition among males. The classic type is best explained as a result of allometric down-scaling during dwarfism. The display type is best explained as a result of restructuring of antler bauplan (simplification and extreme elongation of the main beam). Under predator-free scenarios, deer have the potential to evolve antler morphologies and behavioural changes unknown on the mainland. Alexandra A.E. van der Geer. Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands. alexandra.vandergeer@naturalis.nl
Human Capital Development in First Bank of Nigeria PLC

Human Capital Development is essential for the growth and development of any nation. Human capital are perhaps the most dynamic of all the resources of any organization. Over the years, the Financial Sector had been plagued with scarcity of trained bankers and financial experts, which has led to employment of half fit experts who needs further training to make them suitable for the banking jobs. It is in the light of this that this paper examines the effectiveness of Human Capital Development Programmes of First Bank of Nigeria Plc. The study utilized both secondary and primary for gathering information. For the primary source it utilized both questionnaire and in-depth interview as instruments and for secondary data; the organization’s human capital development chart, handbook and training records. The findings revealed that the Human Capital Development Programmes of First Bank of Nigeria Plc have improved the skills, attitude and performance of staff of the bank which invariably has led to the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. The findings also discovered the need for the bank to put in place motivational policies that will be attractive to the staff in order to retain them after the training and development exercise. This is will reduce employee turnover or attrition, which is visible in the bank.
Tourism Crises and Marketing Recovery Strategies

SUMMARY The recent frequency and intensity of crises and disasters affecting the tourism industry has resulted in a growing body of research into their causes, effects and management, as the bibliographies of the ensuing papers catalogue. To date, most papers and collections of research have taken a broad approach, describing the origins of a particular event which triggered a tourism crises, followed by an examination of the differential effects of the crisis on local residents, staff, tourists and tourism organizations or the environment and infrastructure. They have also discussed rescue efforts and the complexity of management tasks in the immediate aftermath of an event, often pointing to the need for preplanning to mitigate the consequences of any future disaster. Other researchers have contributed directly to the academic debate about how to theorise tourism crisis management, often by drawing on the wider crisis management literature. The present collection of research differs in that it focuses on one phase of the tasks which managers face after the immediate consequences of a crisis have been dealt with. This phase addresses the question of how to rebuild the market for a tourism service or a destination which has experienced a significant catastrophe, and how to learn from the experience in planning for future crisis response strategies. It is suggested in this paper that the challenges are actually more varied and complex than is implied by the suggestion, found in much of the literature, that the task is about ‘restoring normality. ’ The chaos and complexity experienced in the aftermath of a crisis raise general issues of how organizations learn and adapt to change.
The Art Basel effect

The art market is characterized by a “nobody knows” situation, where the price and quality of artworks are determined by both social and economic dynamics. Intermediaries and market infrastructures play an important role in linking demand and supply, which rarely meet in a situation of market equilibrium. Among these infrastructures, art fairs represent an interesting platform that may play a determinant role in the definition of an artwork’s price, in the labyrinth network of galleries and in relation to the career of artists who have participated in them. This thesis aims to investigate the micro-relation between the artist and the fair through a quantitative analysis of the prices of art. A sample of 89 young artists extracted from the Art39 Basel catalogue has been analyzed and compared with a control group of 89 young artists who have never attended Art Basel in their artistic career. Their price indices have been calculated through a hedonic regression analysis, and their trends and results have been examined in seeking out an “Art Basel” effect that may explain the price changes and trends for the two samples.
A Low-Power Large-Dynamic-Range Time-Domain Interface Circuit for Resistive Gas Sensors

본 논문에서는 저전력으로 동작하는 넓은 측정 범위를 갖는 시간 도메인 저항식 가스센서 측정용 회로를 설계하였다. 최근 대기오염이 사회문제로 주목 받음에 따라 정부의 유해가스 규제가 세분화 되고 있다. 가스에 따라 세분화 된 수치를 만족시키기 위해서는 다양한 가스센서의 측정범위를 만족시키기 위한 가스센서 측정 시스템이 필요하다. 본 논문이 갖는 특징으로는 주파수를 만드는 발진기를 저전력 방식으로 동작하면서도 고성능 회로를 실현하기 위해 주파수에 따라 크기를 가변 할 수 있는 반전기를 사용하였고, swing-boosting 기법을 사용하여 노이즈에 강한 특성을 가지게 하였다. 발진기 내부의 크기 조절 반전기를 통해 동작 주파수에 따라 반전기의 크기를 조절을 통해 큰 크기의 반전기가 지터를 감소시켜 디지털 출력의 해상도를 높일 수 있도록 하였다. 또한 넓은 측정 범위를 갖기 위해 신호를 시간 도메인에서 처리하도록 하였고 목적에 따라 주파수 분주기를 통해 측정시간을 조절하여 해상도를 조절 할 수 있게 하였다. 크기 조절방식과 주파수 분주기를 사용한 해상도 조절을 통해 어떠한 저항 값에서도 최적의 성능을 유지 할 수 있는 특징이 있다. 설계는 IDEC MPW를 통한 하이닉스/동부하이텍 0. 18μm 공정을 사용했으며, 회로의 크기는 0.35〖mm〗^2이고, 동작전압 1V에서 파워소모는 150uW이다. ⓒ 2017 DGIST
PRECISION AND ACCURACY PARAMETERS IN STRUCTURED LIGHT 3-D SCANNING

Abstract. Structured light systems are popular in part because they can be constructed from off-the-shelf low cost components. In this paper we quantitatively show how common design parameters affect precision and accuracy in such systems, supplying a much needed guide for practitioners. Our quantitative measure is the established VDI/VDE 2634 (Part 2) guideline using precision made calibration artifacts. Experiments are performed on our own structured light setup, consisting of two cameras and a projector. We place our focus on the influence of calibration design parameters, the calibration procedure and encoding strategy and present our findings. Finally, we compare our setup to a state of the art metrology grade commercial scanner. Our results show that comparable, and in some cases better, results can be obtained using the parameter settings determined in this study.
Proximate Compositions, Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Gari Fortified with Soybean, Melon Seed and Moringa Seed Flours

Gari was fortified with soybean, melon seed and moringa seed flours at 5% substitution level to produce Soy gari, Melon seed gari and Moringa seed gari respectively. A control sample, 100% cassava gari was also produced. Samples were analyzed for proximate compositions, physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics using standard procedures. Results revealed that, fortification significantly decreased moisture (9.12±0.017% in Control to 8.14±0.04% in Soy gari) and fibre (2.73±0.04% in Control to 2.11±0.02% in Melon seed gari) in all samples except in Moringa seed gari. Protein (1.52±0.05% in Control to 7.22±0.04% in Soy gari), fat (6.34±0.29% in Control to 10.74±0.19% in Melon seed gari) and ash (1.55±0.03% in Control to 2.47±0.61% in Melon seed gari) contents were increased, while carbohydrate contents were decreased (78.74±0.242% in Control to 71.02±0.512% in Soy gari), in all samples. For pasting properties, Moringa seed gari performed best in peak viscosity (2374.50 RVU), trough (1862.50 RVU) but poorly in breakdown viscosity (512.00 RVU); while the Control scored best in final viscosity (3018.50 RVU). Swelling index ranged from 2.43±0.05 in Soy gari to 4.82±0.02% in Control. Water holding capacity ranged from 19.22±0.03% in Soy gari to 24.34±0.05 in the Control. Control sample performed best in all sensory properties except in overall acceptability, where Melon seed gari scored the best. Moringa seed gari scored significantly lower than others in colour, taste, and acceptability but had similar rating in aroma to Soy gari. Gari fortified with soy beans, melon seed and moringa seed flours are of improved nutritive values, physicochemical and sensory properties than ordinary gari. Fortification of this product can thus present a viable and sustainable means of tackling nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein energy malnutrition in populations.
Hillslope curvature, clay mineralogy, and phosphorus adsorption in an Alfisol cultivated with sugarcane

Hillslope curvatures are associated with specific environments that correlate to chemical and mineralogical attributes of soil, so determining specific management zones. Phosphorus is one of the main limiting factors to the development and longevity of sugarcane. The type and the mineralogical constitution of the clay fraction play an important role in the phosphorus (P) adsorption of soil. High proportion of gibbsite (Gb) in soil may be the major responsible for P adsorption. The relationships among spatial variability as a function of hillslope curvature, the proportion of kaolinite (Kt) and Gb, and phosphorus adsorption were evaluated in an Alfisol cultivated with sugarcane. Two plots of 1 ha of a concave and a convex hillslope area were selected and 121 samples were collected in each area. The maximum P adsorption was determined in six samples taken randomly in each area. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical and geostatistical analysis. The lowest average values of available phosphorus were found in the convex area. In this area, the proportion of gibbsite, expressed by the values of the ratio [Gb/(Gb + Ct)] and the values of maximum adsorption capacity of phosphorus were higher than in the concave area.