Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gaia FGK benchmark stars: opening the black box of stellar element abundance determination

his work results from a workshop organised in the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge in February 2016 and was partly supported by the European Union FP7 programme through ERC grant number 320360. We thank the referee for valuable comments on the manuscript. P.J. acknowledges partial support of King’s College Cambridge. U.H. acknowledges support from the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB/Rymdstyrelsen). S.B.C. want to thank Laurent Eyer from the University of Geneva for his support for this work. V.A. acknowledges the support of the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT – Portugal) in the form of the grant SFRH/BPD/70574/2010. V.A. was also supported by FCT through the research grants (ref. PTDC/FIS-AST/7073/2014 and Ref. PTDC/FIS-AST/1526/2014) through national funds and by FEDER through COMPETE2020 (Refs. POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016880 and POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016886). This work has used ESO archive data of the star HD 22879 taken with Programme ID: 080.D-0347(A) (PI: U. Heiter). S.B. acknowledges funds from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in the framework of the Sofja Kovalevskaja Award endowed by the Federal Ministry of Education. LC acknowledges the support by the MINECO (Spanish Ministry of Economy) – FEDER through grant ESP2014-55996-C2-1-R and MDM-2014-0369 of ICCUB (Unidad de Excelencia “Maria de Maeztu”). L.C. also acknowledges financial support from the University of Barcelona under the APIF grant.
An in Vivo Essay of Effect the Seeds Extracts of Castor Plant in Growth of the Two Pathogenic Fungi Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani

The research was conducted to evaluate the capability of the ethanolic, water and oily extracts of castor seeds (Ricinus communis L.) in inhibition the radial growth of the two pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum and F.solani. Results demonstrated high inhibition efficacy of the ethanolic and water extracts on the growth of the studied fungi. But this efficacy differed per the concentrations. Whereas, to the ethanolic extract, at the concentrations (2, 4, and 6 mlg/ ml), the percentages of inhibition ratio to the fungus F. oxysporum were (55.6, 62.0 and 70.1%), respectively, after seven days post incubation, and these percentages attained to 45.9, 57.2 and 67.4 %, respectively, to the fungus F.solani. While at the same concentrations to the water extract, the percentages of inhibition ratios were (70.8, 74.3 and 85.0%), respectively, to growth of the fungus F. oxysporum, and (56.0, 71.0 and 86.3 %) to the fungus F.solani, respectively. On other hand, results of the oily extract showed high inhibition ability, where the inhibition rate was 100% when the extract was used by the two concentrations 50 and 75 μl for both two studied fungi.
Ameliorative Effects of Propolis Extract on Some Biochemical and Hematological Parameters of Burnt Skin of Male Guinea pigs.

Burn injury, one of the most common diseases in primary care, is also a major cause of death and disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Propolis in thermal burn wounds in guinea pigs and to compare its effects with those of silver sulfadiazine (SSD), the most widely used burn treatment. Burn injury was produced in guinea pigs by immersion of the shaved dorsal area to hot water. Male Guinea pigs of approximate (550 g body weight each) were divided into five groups. In the normal group; Guinea pigs were orally administered with 0.9% isotonic saline solution at a dose (10 ml/kg body weight). The second, served as positive control group which were orally administered with 0.9% isotonic saline solution at a dose (10 ml/kg body weight), then standard burns were obtained on the dorsal skin. The 3rd group was treated by Propolis topically (100 mg/kg b.wt), the 4th group treated with silver sulfadiazine topically (layer thickness of about 3–5 mm) and the 5th group treated with Propolis orally and topically (100 mg/kg b.wt). Every group contains 20 animals and sacrificed at 15 and 30 days post-treatment by Propolis or SSD (10 animals per each). The results are recorded after monitoring the CBC including (RBCs, WBCs, platelets, Hb content and HCT percentage), lipid profile including (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TGs), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (vLDL)) and the skin antioxidant status (catalase activity (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum nitric oxide (NO) beside malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration) were also monitored during the study compared to normal animals. The recorded results declared that, the treatment with Propolis has shown an ameliorative effect on burn healing. These observations and investigations were the pacemaker for the hypothesized ameliorating activity of Propolis in the present study.
1 Valuation and Greening the National Accounts : Significance , Challenges and Initial Practical Steps

Given that growing emphasis on non-market or environmental valuation in policy thinking, there is a real need to consider these developments in on-going efforts to green the national accounts. This paper reviews a range of issues that are implicit in taking up this challenge as well as tracing the beginnings of some of the steps towards practical valuation in the accounting domain. We begin by setting the scene in describing some aspects of the broader policy context that arguably make non-market or environmental valuation a relevant topic for consideration in the context of future directions in green national accounting. The discussion then proceeds to review in more detail some basic valuation concepts and outlines whether the extent to which non-valuation is consistent with national accounting practice. This includes a (very) brief overview of non-market valuation methods as well as a digression on benefit/ damage based approaches and cost-based approaches. Progress in valuation in the domains of health and ecosystems is also reviewed before taking stock of methods both on their own merits and in the light of the needs of accounting practice. There follows a consideration of a number of elements of how non-market valuation methods might be moved on to inform the needs of the national accounts. This discussion considers the use of value (benefits) transfers approaches as well as metastudies to make sense of the diverse data that currently comprise the empirical record on non-market values and environmental values more specifically. Other aspects of the need for ‘scale-up’ are also discussed but it is argued remain (currently) at the research frontier. The final substantive discussion in this paper makes a tentative assessment of the scope for incorporating a range of different categories of environmental damage or service in the accounts including a discussion of whether data needs are currently met or where these remain incomplete (and to what extent). 1 I would like to thank Chris Gaskell and Charles Palmer for assistance in the preparation of this draft.
A Novel Non-Data-Aided Frequency Estimation Algorithm for M-PSK Signals

This paper deals with the problem of carrier frequency estimation for MPSK symbols. We present a novel non-data-aided method by introducing a step factor into an earlier estimation algorithm to reduce the computational complexity with little loss of the estimation accuracy. We also make some comparisons with earlier algorithms. From the results of simulations, we make the conclusion that the new method can separate the estimation range and the estimation accuracy, and avoid the weakness of reaching large estimation range at the expense of estimation accuracy.
Proposed E57.02 Test Method to Evaluate the Range Measurement Performance of 3D Imaging Systems in the Medium Range

We present the proposed standard ASTM E57.02 “Test Method to Evaluate the Range Measurement Performance of 3D Imaging Systems in the Medium Range” (Work Item ASTM WK12373). The stated purpose of the standard is to provide metrics and procedures to evaluate the range measurement performance of medium-range (2 m to 150 m working distance) non-contact, three dimensional (3D) imaging systems. We provide a summary of the document to date, the proposed test methods, and the current status of the proposed standard. As an example, we also present preliminary results of experiments performed at the National Research Council Canada (NRCC).
Feasibility of using time-space prism to build choice sets for destination choice models

This paper offers a methodology based on the concept of time-space prism in choice set building for destination choice models. Using datasets that are widely available and already used by planning agencies, a representation of available activity opportunities at the US Census block level is generated, and a dynamically changing environment is virtually represented to account for changing travel time and available opportunities during a day. As a part of the methodology, an algorithm for computing potential path area (PPA) based on spatio-temporal constraints is offered. Using the algorithm PPAs for different settings for different times in a day and individual temporal decisions are computed, and several comparisons are conducted for the PPAs. The settings that we identified to be important in choice set building are size of time budget, minimum activity duration, daily profile of available opportunities, travel times varying by time of day, and temporal flexibility in scheduling activities. Their influence as implications on choice set building and amount of opportunities available is explained using illustration, and the results confirm that not only the choice set itself but also the characteristics of the destination alternatives change according to the factors that we identified.
Maleic Anhydride-graft-polyethylene Compatibilizer Effect on the Properties of Chrysophyllum Albidum Seed Powder Filled High Density Polyethylene

Enhancement of chrysophyllum albidum seed powder (CASP) filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) using maleic anhydride - graft – polyethylene (MAPE) as a compatibilizer has been carried out. Using chrysophyllum albidum seed powder filler sieved to two particle sizes of 0.075 and 0. 30μm and 0 to 30 wt %, high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were prepared using an injection moulding machine. The mechanical properties; tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity, and yield strength of the composites were determined using international accepted standard technigues. The mechanical properties decreased with increased filler (CASP) contents, and decrease in filler particle size. The addition of maleic anhydride graft polyethylene (MAPE) to the filler materials was found to improve the mechanical properties of HDPE composites. The specific gravity of high density polyethylene was greatly improved (>99 %) at high CASP particle size of 0.075µm. The hardness of HDPE composites was improved on addition of CASP filler. The addition of MAPE also improved the specific gravity of HDPE composites. The water absorption (24hrs) of the composites was found to increase with increased CASP content. The two particle sizes of the CASP investigated exhibited similar response to water absorption property. Generally the flame retardancy of the composites was found to increase with increased CASP content. Addition of MAPE to the composites was found to significantly improve the water absorption, and flame retardency even at low MAPE content of 0.035 wt. %. The addition of MAPE to high density polyethylene has highlighted the usefullness of chrysophyllum albidum seed powder as filler material in the plastic composite/industry.
Credit–Risk Assessment Using Support Vectors Machine and Multilayer Neural Network Models: A Comparative Study Case of a Tunisian Bank

Credit risk evaluation or loan default risk evaluation is important to financial institutions which provide loans to businesses and individuals. Credit and loans have risk of being defaulted. To understand risk levels of credit users (corporations and individuals), credit providers (bankers) normally collect vast amount of information on borrowers. Statistical predictive analytic techniques can be used to analyze or to determine risk levels involved in loans. This study contributes to the credit risk evaluation literature in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We make a comparative analysis of two different statistical methods of classification (artificial neural network and Support Vector Machine). We use a multilayer neural network model and SVM methodology to predict if a particular applicant can be classified as solvent or bankrupt. We use a database of 1435 files of credits granted to industrial Tunisian companies by a Tunisian commercial bank in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The results show that the best prediction model is the multilayer neural network model and the best information set is the one combining accrual, cash-flow and collateral variables. The results show that Multilayers Neural Network models outperform the SVM models in terms of global good classification rates and of reduction of Error type I. In fact, the good classification rates are respectively 90.2% (NNM) and 70.13% (SVM) for the in-sample set and the error type I is of the order of 18.55% (NNM) and 29.91% (SVM).
A review of diversity management in Nigeria: Organizational and national perspective

This study analyses Nigeria from a socio-cultural, economic and political construct, and evaluates the concept of diversity from an organisational and national perspective to help enhance the practice of diversity management in Nigeria perspective. It focuses on multinational corporations (MNCs) and hinges on a framework developed to illustrate, as well as prompt further discussions on social related structures in Nigeria that are likely to influence how diversity is managed. This includes dominant social dimensions, state institutions referred to as stakeholders and relevant national development indicators within the discourse of managing diversity. The study majorly examines literature on the historical development of Nigeria in order to provide an in depth understanding of the national context and to unveil structural dynamics in Nigeria that embrace the need to develop diversity management practices in the country. Key words: Nigeria, multinational corporations (MNCs), diversity management.
Testing of Bloodshed Image Interpolation Application for Analysis of Anti-Aliasing Effect

From decade, cancerous tumor segmentation has become a developing research area in the field ofthe medical imaging system. Tumor analysis can find the exact area and position of the tumor, but blood veins andplasma fluid commonly overlaps the timorous area and image analysis became difficult. In this paper, an efficientalgorithm is proposed for pre-surgical tumor analysis based on pixel segmentation and anti-aliasing. Initially, thescanned image is pre-processed, filtered and enhanced using a newly developed algorithm to detect the particulartumor with clear visibility of the scanned image. In this paper, we present bloodshed aliasing technique which may beuseful in pre-surgery and post-surgery sessions. The proposed algorithm can be utilized as a generic application forforensic investigation.
Simulating flood impacts in Kampala, Uganda: when do land patterns matter

The use of urban growth modeling has been found useful in searching for strategies to improve flood risk management in Kampala, Uganda. However, to generalize the approach in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, a deeper understanding of the modeling’s implications is required. Building on a simple cellular automata model calibrated for Upper Lubigi catchment, Kampala, a set of scenarios is defined to explore their impacts on flood outcomes. These scenarios include variations on the spatial determinants of urban growth as well as on the level of built up land demand. Land demand is found to affect total hydrological measures but not the flooding patterns. Spatial patterns can introduce important differences in exposure of built up land cover to flood, especially when development is assumed to avoid recurrently flooded locations. Finally, it is not sufficient to consider only built up land cover; variations on the proportions of vegetation and bare soil are found to have large impacts on flood hazard and exposure.
Opportunities and challenges in promoting youth entrepreneurship in

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the opportunities and challenges that youth entrepreneurs are facing in Montenegro, considering all aspects of youth participation in the development of the country. A quality research of several successful young entrepreneurs is presented. Design/methodology/approach – Several successful young entrepreneurs were interviewed. The principles of case study design and method were followed. Data collection involved both macro and micro level analysis of interviews and direct observation. Findings – The analysis shows that although in the areas of youth participation, significant progress has been made in the last several years, youth entrepreneurship programme in Montenegro is still in its early stages of development and needs strong sustainable commitment, assuring the development and efficient functioning of various youth participation mechanisms at the local, regional and national level. It is also essential to continue to standardize and support youth work, youth information and non-formal business education of young people. Surveys show that young people in Montenegro believe they have much to offer and can significantly contribute to all areas of the society’s development. However, their potential remains greatly untapped due to certain obstacles that they face. There are needs for encouraging programs to inform youth about the value of their participation in all aspects of society. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations were access to a greater number of successful young entrepreneurs making the analysis more descriptive and conclusive. Originality/value – The paper supports understanding of the complex employment challenges and opportunities facing youth and stimulates discussion on how to address this key development issue.
An unbiased test for the bioequivalence problem

It is shown that the standard two one-sided tests procedure for bioequivalence is a biased test. Better tests exist. In this paper, an unbiased α-level test and other tests which are uniformly more powerful than the two one-sided tests procedure are constructed. Its power can be noticeably larger than that of the α-level two one-sided tests procedure.
‘Everybody is Available to Them’: Support Measures for Migrant Students in Irish Secondary Schools

ABSTRACT Migration to Ireland is continuing, albeit at a much slower pace, and migrant children continue to have a strong presence in Irish schools. How well these students integrate into the Irish education system depends, at least partially, on the support measures the schools have put in place for them. This article draws on the results of a large-scale empirical study on academic and social support measures available in Irish secondary schools, and contributes to the debate on challenges, in terms of inclusivity, posed by immigration into Ireland. The article discusses approaches taken at government and school level in addressing the needs of new arrivals, offering a comparative perspective of various support models in the EU. While there is a growing body of research on the experiences of migrant children and young people in schools, few previous studies have drawn on a nationally representative data set and focused specifically on the support measures migrant students can have access to.
Interlinkages between Mergers and Acquisitions and Economic Cycle: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

High activity levels of M&A market indicate redeeming confidence level in the economy. However, there is a puzzle of macroeconomic, microeconomic, geopolitical, and institutional factors that question sustainability of this growth. The study interlinks actual M&A occurrences with economic cycle from theoretical perspective and supports that mergers and acquisitions are always a decision for each individual company and a successful M&A does not just depend on the optimal timing of a transaction, but on a multitude of factors.
The Export Growth and Revealed Comparative Advantage of the New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry

This paper investigates the growth of New Zealand’s Kiwifruit production and exports between 1981 and 2011. It analyses the industry’s history, current status, and its future prospects and challenges. It includes a statistical analysis of the development of the industry. Export volumes by market are reported for the relevant period. Revealed comparative advantage methodology is used to determine whether New Zealand has a comparative advantage in Kiwifruit. Econometric analysis is employed to identify the key determinants of Kiwifruit exports. The analysis shows that New Zealand Kiwifruit has been an export success during the last three decades. This success has been accompanied by fluctuations and challenges characteristic of many markets. The estimates of revealed comparative advantage demonstrate that New Zealand has very high degree of comparative advantage in Kiwifruit. Empirical analysis suggests that domestic and trading partners’ incomes, market size and seasonality are key determinants of Kiwifruit exports.
Smart and Safe Vehicle Monitoring with Fuzzy Integral and Haar-like Features

An on-board Android-based smart and safe vehicle monitoring system is presented. The on-board monitoring system (OMS) performs important monitoring functions: Record, Report and Alert (RRA). The Record function records front images of a moving vehicle. During the recording, any accidents or other emergency conditions will be automatically reported via the Report function for an emergency rescue operation. For the detection of shocks or accidents, we use acceleration based shock sensors that utilize fuzzy integral algorithm. The OMS also focuses on drowsiness that is largely regarded as the main cause of most accidents. The Haar-like feature is used to detect any sign of drowsiness and the Alert function is performed to alert the driver. All the vehicle-borne information is stored at a remote server via wireless communication links for later use or post-processing. A test bed has been developed and verified thoroughly for its accurate operations. The proposed smart and safe vehicle monitoring system offers advanced safety features and is expected to substantially reduce fatigue related accidents.
Biofortification and subcellular localization of minerals in faba bean as influenced by Mg foliar application

Foliar application of Mg is a measure for the correction of Mg deficiency in crop plants. Foliar applied nutrients need to access the symplastic side where majority of physiological processes take place. To achieve an adequate uptake of the Mg ions through the leaf surface, high concentrations of of 100-200 mM MgSO 4 are usually supplied. This can cause antagonistic perturbations on the subcellular distribution of Caand K cations. To test for such unintended side effects, we used the infiltration-centrifugation method to extract ions from the apoplastic and symplastic side of Vicia faba leaves and quantified concentrations of Mg, Ca and K in dependency to the dose of the foliar fertilized Mg. Results show that a large fraction of Mg accesses the symplast whereas the apoplastic fraction shows a concomitant increase. Symplastic and apoplastic K and Ca relations were only affected under conditions of high exogenous leaf supply of Mg (200 mM) but did not change upon moderate Mg supply (50; 100 mM). Overall, results reveal the suitability of leaf fertilization to biofortify plant-based products with magnesium. With respect to human nutrition, care must be taken that K and Ca do not become impoverished based on antagonistic effects.