Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro Study of Interactive Effect of Cadmium and Salicylic Acid on Growth and Biochemical Parameters in Tetra and Hexaploid Wheat

In vitro cultures of plants offer a useful tool to study the adaptive mechanisms of plants in the presence of high metal concentrations. Callus cultures of tetraploid (Durum-97) and hexaploid (Shafaq-06) wheat genotypes exposed to different cadmium (Cd) concentrations (0, 100, 400, 800 and 1200 μM) and its alleviation by salicylic acid (0, 0.5 mM) were assayed for growth, antioxidant responses and Cd accumulation characters. Cadmium hampered the growth and notably enhanced antioxidant activity in all Cd regimes. We provided evidence that the two genotypes hexaploid and tetraploid are characterized by different response to cellular homeostasis and detoxification to Cd in callus culture. In particular, the high tolerance in hexploid genotype (Shafaq-06) is associated with relatively higher activity of antioxidants and Cd accumulation behaviour as indicated by Cd contents, bioconcentration factor (BCF) and stress tolerance index (STI). However, the follow-up treatment (0.5 mM) with salicylic acid (SA) mitigated the Cd generated stress and significantly (P≤0.05) improved the aforesaid parameters. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers
Determination of stocking density limits for Crassostrea gigas larvae reared in flow-through and recirculating aquaculture systems and interaction between larval density and biofilm formation

The first aim of this study was to determine the stocking density limits for Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas larvae reared in flow-through system (FTS) and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The second aim was to examine biofilm formation on the larval tank wall and its interaction with larvae growth. Three larvae concentrations were tested: 50, 150, and 300 mL −1 . Chemical parameters and larvae performance were measured. The biofilm was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and its bacterial composition was investigated by pyrosequencing analysis of part of the 16S rRNA gene. The highest growth (13 µm day –1 ), survival (87%) and metamorphosis (50%) rates were observed in FTS at 50 larvae mL –1 , while lower and similar performances occurred at 150 larvae mL –1 in both systems. At 300 larvae mL −1 , performances dropped with occurrence of mortality. Biofilm thickness increased with larval density. The pioneer bacteria were coccobacilli followed by filamentous bacteria. The latter constituted abundant braids at the end of rearing at high larval concentrations. The first colonizers were mainly Rhodobacteraceae (α-Proteobacteria). The filamentous bacteria were Saprospirae (Bacteroidetes) and Anaerolineae (Chloroflexi). The biofilm was also made up of other minor groups, including Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, δ-, γ-Proteobacteria, and Flavobacteriales. The biofilm's composition was more similar to that found in a sewage reactor than in open-sea collectors, which might negatively influence larval rearing due to potential metabolites. This first study on biofilms provides insights into the interaction between rearing density and larvae performance.
Ecolabelling, certification and accreditation : elements of a possible model for the ecotourism industry in southern and eastern Africa

The paper examines the evolution of ecolabelling/certification in tourism in the context of the evolution of the concepts of sustainable development and tourism, certification’s definitions, motivations, international practices and challenges, and focuses on its intended function as a voluntary market mechanism. Parallels are drawn with the African experience and consideration is given to the particular problems of certification in Africa as a member of the Third World. Evidence is examined, including a local tourist survey that points to certification’s ineffectiveness as a means to influence consumer choice, at least in its current form as a voluntary, selfregulatory tool. An attempt is also made to disprove its effectiveness as a source of competitive advantage for tourism companies by considering it within the framework of competitive strategy theory. It is concluded that certification is a poor market mechanism. Consequently, elements of a model for the effective use of ecolabelling as a tool in a suite of sustainability tools in tourism in Africa, are proposed.
DETERMINANTS OF OUTSOURCING DECISIONS IN COUNTY GOVERMENTS IN KENYA PAUL NZILI MAKAU A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . x LIST OF ABBREVEATIONS AND ACRONYMS . xi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.1.1 The Concept of Outsourcing . 2 1.1.2 County Governments of Kenya . 4 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 5 1.3 Research Objectives . 7 1.4 Value of the Study . 7 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 8 2.
Photochemical age determinations in the Phoenix metropolitan area

An extensive VOC data set was gathered as part of a photochemical oxidant field campaign conducted in the Phoenix air basin in the late spring of 1998. Sampling was done at the surface and by aircraft at mid-boundary layer height; in regions with emission sources and downwind in the urban plume. VOC concentration ratios were used to calculate photochemical age, defined as the time integrated exposure of an air mass to OH radical. Based on the VOC ratios of 15 compounds (with OH reactivity varying between acetylene and p,m-xylene), we present estimates for photochemical age and dilution factors for several regions within the air basin. Geographic trends are in agreement with the expectation that pollutants are transported in a generally eastward direction so that older and more dilute mixtures occur to the east of the city. Photochemical ages determined from aircraft samples agree with those determined at a downwind surface site. The bias in photochemical age that occurs because fresh pollutants are added to an aged mixture has been quantified by using a particle trajectory model. A combination of trajectory results (actual age of the pollutants in an air mass) and photochemical age yields an estimate of the average OHmore » concentration experienced by the air parcel. OH obtained in this way is somewhat lower, but has the same trends as OH concentrations calculated using a photochemical box model that is constrained with observed concentrations coincident with the VOC samples. « less
Role of spin-transfer torques on synchronization and resonance phenomena in stochastic magnetic oscillators

A theoretical study on how synchronization and resonance-like phenomena in superparamagnetic tunnel junctions can be driven by spin-transfer torques is presented. We examine the magnetization of a superparamagnetic free layer that reverses randomly between two well-defined orientations due to thermal fluctuations, acting as a stochastic oscillator. When subject to an external ac forcing this system can present stochastic resonance and noise-enhanced synchronization. We focus on the roles of the mutually perpendicular damping-like and field-like torques, showing that the response of the system is very different at low and high-frequencies. We also demonstrate that the field-like torque can increase the efficiency of the current-driven forcing, specially at sub-threshold electric currents. These results can be useful for possible low-power, more energy efficient, applications.
GEOMATICS IN PHYSIOGNOMIC LANDSCAPE RESEARCH

In the pioneer stage of conducting physiognomic landscape studies by use of automated procedures most scientists discerned the limitation of computer capacities and the availability and accuracy of data. However, they affi rm positively the role of computations; geo-information was already mentioned. This chapter surveys the expected role by the key-word geomatics. The geomatics defi nition evolved for the last decennium into “Geomatics is a fi eld of activity which, using a systematic approach, integrates all the means used to acquire and manage spatial data required as part of scientifi c, administrative, legal and technical operations involved in the process of production and management of spatial information. These activities include, but are not limited to, cartography, control surveying, digital mapping, geodesy, geographic information systems, hydrography, land information management, land surveying, mining surveying, photogrammetry and remote sensing [url 1]” (Roswell and Tom, 2009).
Honey-copy : a concept and prototype of a generic honeypot system

In this paper, we present Honey-Copy, a concept and prototype for a honeypot system that can pinpoint modifications caused by attacks or intrusion for any honeypot. To achieve this, we track modifications without having to install any additional tools on them. We make use of cloning to identify whether or not a modification has been caused by the honeypot itself or an attacker or intruder. We briefly present our initial prototype and discuss the challenges to be solved toward a more complete and feature rich version of our prototype. Keywords–Honeypot; Detection; Security; Monitoring;
Layer-by-layer control of black phosphorene-metal contact; Schottky barrier and carrier polarity

흑린은 인 원자로 이루어진 2차원 물질 포스포린이 적층된 구조로 박막으로서의 응용 가능성과 적절한 밴드갭과 우수한 전자이동도를 가지고 있어 새로운 이차원 반도체 소자에 대한 연구가 활발하게 진행중이다. 소자를 구현하기 위해서는 반도체와 금속에서 발생하는 접촉 저항과 전자전달특성을 조절하는 것이 중요하다 ⓒ 2016 DGIST
Application and Analysis of Phononic Crystal Energy Harvesting Devices

In this study, characteristics of the wave propagations of the selective phononic crystals will be studied and applied to design a new type of devices according to the characteristics of the band gaps of the phononic crystals and combining the PZT material to design the novel energy harvesting devices of the phononic crystal with PZT material. Additionally, the defect mode (for example: cavity) of the phononic crystal are used to analyze and design the high efficient energy harvesting devices. Then, we can design some new types of energy harvesting devices and more convenient applications on the acoustic and vibrational wave and it can be applied to investigate other types of energy harvesting devices in future studied according to the results. This novel application about the phononic crystals and energy harvesting devices is helpful to the environmental energy development.
Lower limb musculoskeletal biomechanics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: The lower limb peripheral muscle dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease (COPD) has been considered one of the main limiting factors of physical exercise. Severalbiomechanical techniques have been used to identify intrinsic and extrinsic muscular tissue characteristicsin response to different types of acute and/or chronic physical stress. This study aimed at identifying the mostdiscussed issues in the specific literature related to peripheral muscle dysfunction in COPD. Methodology: Adigital search was conducted in the following databases: Periodicos CAPES, PubMed and Medline. Results:Three main themes were identified: 1) morphological metabolic muscle changes in COPD; 2) skeletal musclemechanical properties in COPD; 3) the effect of acute and chronic exercise in patients with COPD. A totalof thirty-two medical journals in the areas of pneumology, biomechanics, surgery and sports medicine werereviewed. Discussion: Changes resulting from muscle dysfunction reduced both force production capacityand resistance to fatigue, leading COPD patients to lower tolerance to exercise. The abnormal inflammatoryresponse contributed to the occurrence of oxidative stress and to decreased formation of antioxidant agents.These factors limit muscle metabolism and decrease both the tissue’s structure and function. Conclusion: Higher levels of hypoxemia and inflammation determined lower force capacity and muscle resistance inpatients with COPD, which is not observed in subjects with preserved muscle mass.
Mining Knowledge Bases for Question & Answers Websites

We studied the problem of searching answers for questions on a Question-and-Answer Website from knowledge bases. A number of research e↵orts had been developed using Stack Overflow data, which is available for the public. Surprisingly, only a few papers tried to improve the search for better answers. Furthermore, current approaches for searching a Question-and-Answer Website are usually limited to the question database, which is usually the website own content. We showed it is feasible to use knowledge bases as sources for answers. We implemented both vector-space and topic-space representations for our datasets and compared these distinct techniques. Finally, we proposed a hybrid ranking approach that took advantage of a machine-learned classifier to incorporate the tag information into the ranking and showed that it was able to improve the retrieval performance.
Minimal variability time scale – central black hole mass relation of the γ-ray loud blazars

Context. The variability time scales of the blazar γ-ray emission contain the imprints of the sizes of their emission zones and are generally expected to be larger than the light-crossing times of these zones. In several cases the time scales were found to be as short ∼10 min, suggesting that the emission zone sizes are comparable with the sizes of the central supermassive black holes. Previously, these measurements also led to the suggestion of a possible connection between the observed minimal variability time scales and the masses of the corresponding black holes. This connection can be used to determine the location of the γ-ray emission site, which currently remains uncertain. Aims. The study aims to investigate the suggested “minimum time scale – black hole mass” relation using the blazars, detected in the TeV band. Methods. To obtain the tightest constraints on the variability time scales this work uses a compilation of observations by the Cherenkov telescopes HESS, MAGIC, and VERITAS. These measurements are compared to the blazar central black hole masses found in the literature. Results. The majority of the studied blazars show the variability time scales which are at least comparable to the period of rotation along the last stable orbit of the central black hole – and in some cases as short as its light-crossing time. For several sources the observed variability time scales are found to be smaller than the black hole light-crossing time. This suggests that the detected γ-ray variability originates, most probably, from the turbulence in the jet, sufficiently far from the central black hole.
A study on relationship between firm's financial performance and immediate and long-term stock return

Article history: Received May 12, 2013 Received in revised format 25 June 2013 Accepted 27 June 2013 Available online July 4 2013 Previous studies show investors’ overreaction towards firms past performance. In fact, investors overvalue past winners and undervalue past losers. However, when their expectations do not come true, stock prices return to their fair values. This study investigates investors’ overreaction in Tehran Stock Exchange in three steps. Using a five-year period data collected from Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE), we evaluate portfolio performance and analyze them based on a sample of 70 firms selected from this exchange and, using Pearson correlation as well as regression analysis, examine the effects of past performance on price appreciation. The preliminary results indicate that TSE investors normally overreact to sale, quality of sale, operating profit, quality of profit, cash flow and stock return, significantly. © 2013 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Incoming Exchange Student-Final Degree Project

II LIST OF FIGURES . III LIST OF TABLES . VII PART 1: THEORY . 1 1 ‘GREEN’ NANOTECHNOLOGY . 1 2 PLANT EXTRACT . 1 2.1 Spent coffee . 3 2.2 Grape stalk . 3 2.3 Preparation of the extract . 4 3 METAL NANOPARTICLES . 5 3.1 Application . 5 3.2 Synthesis . 5 4 INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS . 6 4.1 UV-Vis spectroscopy . 7 4.2 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . 7 4.3 Total organic carbon (TOC) . 8 5 BACKGROUND . 9 6 OBJECTIVES . 9 PART 2: PRACTICAL ASPECTS . 10 7 PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS OF EXTRACTS . 10 7.1 Materials . 10 7.1.1 Reagents . 10 7.1.2 Instruments . 10 7.2 Method . 12 7.2.1 Preliminary research on preparation of the extracts . 12 7.2.1.1 Spent coffee . 12 7.2.1.2 Grape stalk . 13 7.2.2 Optimization of grape stalk extracts . 14 7.2.3 Analysis of the extracts . 15 7.2.3.1 Total phenolic content . 15 7.2.3.2 Reducing sugars . 16 7.2.3.3 Total organic carbon . 17 7.2.3.4 Statistics . 17 7.3 Results and discussion . 17 7.3.1 Preliminary results of the extracts . 17 7.3.1.1 Spent coffee extract. 17 7.3.1.2 Grape stalk extract . 21 7.3.2 Results of optimization grape stalk extract . 24 7.3.2.1 Total phenolic content . 24 7.3.2.2 Reducing sugars content. 27
Analysis of Brand Management Application in Enterprises in Republic of Srpska

The economy of Republic of Srpska is in state of transition with tendency of gaining membership in EU; and also with tendency of expending the market. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the economy and means of competition which bring the value to the enterprise, and are also accepted in world’s market. Also, the current state of the economy of Republic of Srpska has many problems and one of them are definitely the products which are not enough prepared through marketing, as well as the ignorance of problems and strategy of brand management, which will be presented in the paper. In other words, by focusing on the brand value and favorizing the factors which determine that value, it is possible to increase the income of domestic enterprises.
Non-canonical interactions of the β subunit of the translation elongation complex eEF1B and analysis of their possible functional role

L. M. Kapustian, M. Dadlez, B. S. Negrutskii © 2016 L. M. Kapustian et al.; Published by the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, NAS of Ukraine on behalf of Biopolymers and Cell. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited UDC 577.217. 535 + 577.322. 23
Cloud Bandwidth and Cost Reduction by Prediction-Based Scheme

Cloud computing may be a fast growing field that\'s arguably a fresh computing paradigm. In cloud computing, computing resources area unit provided as services over the online and users can access resources on supported their payments. Except for server specific TRE approach it\'s robust to handle the traffic expeditiously and it don’t suites for the cloud setting thanks to high method costs. Throughout this paper we offer a survey on the new traffic redundancy technique known as novel-TRE together known as receiver primarily based TRE. This novel-TRE has necessary choices like police investigation the redundancy at the client, indiscriminately rotating seem in chains, matches incoming chunks with a previously received chunk chain or native file and causation to the server for predicting the long-term data and no would love of server to ceaselessly maintain shopper state.
Optimization of CO2 Emissions and Cost for Composite Building Design with NSGA-II

— Environmental pollution problems have been globally main concern in all fields including economy, society and culture into the 21 st century. Beginning with the Kyoto Protocol, the reduction on the emissions of greenhouse gas such as CO 2 and SO X has been a principal challenge of our day. As most buildings unlike durable goods in other industries have a characteristic and long life cycle, they consume energy in quantity and emit much CO 2 . Thus, for green building construction, more research is needed to reduce the CO 2 emissions at each stage in the life cycle. However, recent studies are focused on the use and maintenance phase. Also, there is a lack of research on the initial design stage, especially the structure design. Therefore, in this study, we propose an optimal design plan considering CO 2 emissions and cost in composite buildings simultaneously by applying to the structural design of actual building.
Property Rights and Efficiency in the Care Sector. Evidence from Italy

In this paper, we examine the main empirical contributions pertaining to the relationships between productive efficiency and proprietary forms in the care sector. International evidence indicates that non-profit organisations (NPOs) are likely to be less cost-efficient but more attentive to service quality. According to evidence from Italy, however, NPOs are as efficient as other organisations. Moreover, the efficiency of NPOs is positively related to the production of relational goods, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivation. Finally, we discuss how our survey can contribute to future research and to policy debate on the provision of care services.
A decision support model to determine the critical success factors of asset management services

Business-to-business services relating to physical asset management play an increasingly important role in industry. This is in the context of the current pressures that organisations experience in realising optimal value from their assets. Complying with asset management standards such as ISO 55000 contributes towards the importance of these services. This paper summarises the findings from a study identifying the critical success factors for asset management services, and presents a decision support model that provides the asset management community with access to these factors for decision-making and for improving asset management services.
Star Wars: Exclusive Superstars and Collusive Outcomes

We examine the impact of agreements that prohibit "superstars" from switching their services to rivals on firms' ability to collude. Exclusivity (or non-compete) clauses are not uncommon in the sports,entertainment and professional services industries, but courts often refrain from enforcing them owing to inequity and/or restraint of trade considerations. We argue this attitude may be misguided. While in the collusive path exclusion may be inconsequential because firms agree not to hire each other's star, its enforcement level aspects the severity of future punishments. For exclusive talent may not be poached by rivals. The ability to sustain tacit collusion may thus be impaired, which in plausible constellations leads to efficiency improvements and more equitable distribution of rents.