Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food gardening in Lavender Hill, Cape Town: using adoption rates to estimate the perceived benefit

This paper assesses the potential benefits derived from homestead-based urban agriculture as well as the constraints faced with implementation. A public benefit organisation, Soil for Life, provided access to the Lavender Hill Community. Fifty participants in the Mothers Unite programme were interviewed. The mean household in the dataset reported a per capita disposable income below the official poverty line and none of the households in the sample were able to buy the recommended five a day fruit and vegetables in the formal market. If these households could become self-sufficient in vegetables they would free up an average of 11% of household income for other expenditures. Despite the great potential of food gardening to relieve food insecurity, and despite respondents identifying with the opportunity to also produce small amounts of vegetables for sale, two thirds of the group have not tried it. The group’s lack of gardening experience was patently clear from the factors identified as barriers to adoption. Respondents cited a lack of space and limited cash flow, but people were not really concerned about the cost of water or compost, both crucial factors for success. While it is interesting to know that there is still untapped potential for expanding the program in the area, it is more important to focus future work on why beneficiaries have dropped out of existing programmes.
Investigation of Interactions between DNA and Nuclear Receptors: A Review of the Most Used Methods

Nuclear receptors (NRs) comprise a superfamily of proteins modulated by ligands that regulate the expression of target genes. These proteins share a multidomain structure harboring an N-terminal domain, a highly conserved DNA binding domain, and a ligand binding domain, which has ligand dependent activation function. They play key roles in development, metabolism, and physiology being closely related to diseases. Most of the knowledge about this superfamily emerges from investigations on new ligands and are mostly centered in the ligand binding domain. However, more investigation focusing on interactions between DNA and DNA binding domain is necessary to shed light on important roles of NRs' participation in transcriptional mechanisms and in specific genes network. Here, our goal is to discuss some nuances of NRs-DNA interaction, describing details of the most used techniques in this sort of study, such as gel shift (EMSA), DNA footprinting, reporter gene assay, ChIP-Seq, 3C, and fluorescence anisotropy. Additionally, we aim to provide tools, presenting advantages and disadvantages of these common methods, when choosing the most suitable one to study NRs-DNA interactions to answer specific questions.
BiodegradaBle packaging and ediBle coaTing for fresh-cuT fruiTs and vegeTaBles

this work focuses on biodegradable packaging and edible coatings applied to fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and their effects on the product quality. Practical applications are mainly limited to the use of biodegradable materials that, however, do not allow full control of the product moisture loss. better results can be achieved by the combined use of biodegradable packagings with edible coatings and recent research has shown that enrichment with silver-montmorillonite nanoparticles may be a promising technique. However, the actual utilization of these materials is still limited, due to the high costs of the raw materials and the limited production.
Home sleep monitoring

Precise localization of QRS complexes is an essential step in the analysis of small transient changes in instant heart rate and before signal averaging in QRS morphological analysis. Most localization algorithms reported in literature are either not robust to artifacts, depend on the sampling rate of the ECG recordings or are too computationally expensive for real-time applications, especially in low-power embedded devices. This chapter proposes a localization algorithm based on the intersection of tangents fitted to the slopes of R waves detected by any QRS detector. Despite having a lower complexity, this algorithm achieves comparable trigger jitter to more complex localization methods without requiring the data to first be upsampled. It also achieves high localization precision regardless of which QRS detector is used as input. It is robust to clipping artifacts and to noise, achieving an average localization error below 2 ms and a trigger jitter below 1 ms on recordings where no additional artifacts were added, and below 8 ms for recordings where the signal was severely degraded. Finally, it increases the accuracy of template-based false positive rejection, allowing nearly all mock false positives added to a set of QRS detections to be removed at the cost of a very small decrease in sensitivity. The localization algorithm proposed is particularly well-suited for implementation in embedded, low-power devices for real-time applications. 22 A low-complexity post-processing algorithm for precise QRS localization
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Turnee Atoll, Belize: occurrence, site fidelity, group size, and abundance

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) occurrence, site fidelity, group size, and population size were assessed within Turnee Atoll, Belize, Central America during a 4-year photo-identification study. Five hundred and forty-nine photographic surveys were conducted between March 1992 and March 1996. Dolphin groups were encountered on 83% of surveys, and 2782 dolphins were observed in 732 separate groups. Group sizes (x=3.8, SD=3.55) varied both annually and seasonally. Groups with calves were larger than groups without calves. Eighty-one dolphins were photographically identified, and the majority (81%) of these dolphins were documented by the 150th survey in which one or more identifiable dolphins were successfully photographed (June 1993). Sighting frequencies (x=12.2, SD=14.33) ranged from one to 57, with 20% of the photographed population sighted only once and 37% photographed §10 times. Dolphins photographed §2 times in at least three of the four study years were labeled as residents, and comprised 30% of the identified population. Identified females (n=16) and males (n=10) had similar residency patterns. Abundance estimates, derived by using Chao’s Mth closed method, were similar for the first (Mth=82) and second (Mth=86) halves of the study. Small group sizes, low abundance estimates, and the limited residence pattern observed for dolphins in Turnee Atoll suggest they depend on low-density food resources. Governmental and non-governmental concerns over potential human impacts on Turnee’s marine environment appear to be well placed.
Is Scoring on Berg Balance Scale Affected By Items Being Performed By Sound Side or An Affected Side

Introduction: Berg Balance Scale is a commonly used outcome measure in patients with stroke. But certain items in the scale when performed on affected or unaffected side may score differently. Procedure: It was an observational study on 50 patients with stroke. Berg Balance scale was administered on these patients. 6 items in the scale were performed first with affected side BBS-A and then with unaffected side BBS-NA. Rest was performed with routine procedure. Results: Item wise and cumulative means were calculated and ICC was computed for each. Cumulative score was statistically significantly different between BBS A and BBS NA (ICC=0.23). Item wise also there were significant differences between the scores. Conclusion: Results of the study indicates that there is a difference in the scores obtained when some items are performed with affected or non-affected extremity.
Immune regulation by selective estrogen receptor modulators

At menopause, the levels of estrogen decline, leading to loss of estrogen-mediated protective effects on bone and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy, containing estrogen, has been used for many years to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, the estrogen receptor agonistic effects on the reproductive organs increases the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have been developed, that can act as tissuespecific estrogen receptor agonists or antagonists. This enables SERMs to mediate the positive effects of estrogen on bone metabolism while avoiding side effects on the reproductive organs. Estrogen has a number of effects on the immune system; it decreases Band T lymphopoiesis and increases antibody production. In addition, estrogen potently inhibits T-cell dependent inflammation and suppresses synovitis and inflammation-mediated bone loss in arthritis. Similarly to estrogen, the second-generation SERM raloxifene suppresses B-cell development and ameliorates arthritis. However, raloxifene lacks effects on antibody production and T-cell dependent inflammation. Lasofoxifene and bazedoxifene are third-generation SERMs, approved for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The bone-protective properties of these compounds are well documented; however the effects of lasofoxifene and bazedoxifene on the immune system have not earlier been assessed. Therefore, the aim of the studies included in this thesis was to investigate the immune-regulating effects of these third-generation SERMs. We found that lasofoxifene and bazedoxifene suppressed B-cell development in ovariectomized (ovx) mice, but lacked effects on antibody production and on T-cell development. Furthermore, lasofoxifene and bazedoxifene did not suppress T-cell dependent inflammation, but potently inhibited synovitis and bone loss in mice subjected to experimental postmenopausal arthritis. Phenotypic analysis of lymph nodes in arthritic mice showed that while estrogen increased a subpopulation of dendritic cells (DCs), as well as T helper 17 (Th17) cells, B cells and surface markers connected to antigenpresentation on B cells, the SERMs lacked these effects. In conclusion, the third-generation SERMs lasofoxifene and bazedoxifene suppressed experimental arthritis and inhibited B-cell development in ovx mice, but lacked effects on T-cell development and T-cell dependent inflammation. SERMs also lacked effects on lymph node DCs, B cells and T cells in arthritic mice. Therefore, further investigation is needed to find the target for the suppressive effects of SERMs on arthritis. Nonetheless, the anti-arthritic effects of the third-generation SERMs suggest possibility for an extension of the clinical indications of these drugs to include also postmenopausal RA.
SUBCONTRACTING IN INDIA'S SMALL MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES Problems and Prospects

In the recent past, subcontracting, ancillarization and out‐sourcing are emerging as important organizational outfits that link small and micro enterprises with large industrial units, to the benefit of both. It is also regarded as an important source of efficiency and competitiveness for these industries, most markedly for the small enterprises. Based on a mix of primary and secondary data, the present paper examines incidence, sectoral pattern, characteristics features of subcontracting firms, the benefits and problems associated with subcontracting and its role as an instrument for technological up‐gradation in small manufacturing enterprises. These issues have been analyzed both by type and location of enterprises. The paper finds that while the overall incidence of subcontracting is of very low order, it varies significantly among different industry groups. Delayed payment by the parent firms is reported to be the most important problem of subcontracting. Technological support from the parent firms have also been reported by many small enterprises. Further, in terms of adoption of new forms of technological changes, the units working under subcontracting have shown better rate of adoption as compared units those are not working under subcontracting. The paper concludes with some areas of policy intervention such as providing financial and technological support to small enterprises, enforcement of appropriate legislation to minimize the problem of undue and delayed payments by the parent firms and revamp subcontracting exchange programme and so on for successful and effective operation of subcontracting.
A Model of Foam Density Prediction for Expanded Perlite Composites

Multiple sets of variables associated with expanded perlite particle consolidation in foam manufacturing were analyzed to develop a model for predicting perlite foam density. The consolidation of perlite particles based on the flotation method and compaction involves numerous variables leading to the final perlite foam density. The variables include binder content, compaction ratio, perlite particle size, various perlite particle densities and porosities, and various volumes of perlite at different stages of process. The developed model was found to be useful not only for prediction of foam density but also for optimization between compaction ratio and binder content to achieve a desired density. Experimental verification was conducted using a range of foam densities (0.15 - 0.5 g/cm 3 ) produced with a range of compaction ratios (1.5 - 3.5), a range of sodium silicate contents (0.05 - 0.35 g/ml) in dilution, a range of expanded perlite particle sizes (1 - 4 mm), and various perlite densities (such as skeletal, material, bulk, and envelope densities). A close agreement between predictions and experimental results was found.
Achieving Sustainability in Small to Medium sized Manufacturing Enterprises through Educational Awareness

Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are widely accepted as being the driving force behind most of the economies in the world. They play a vital part in every country creating jobs, innovating new products and keeping markets both diverse and competitive. Small companies are equally important in both developed and developing countries for they provide opportunities for people of talent to use their innovative skills to achieve profitability and growth for a firm while reducing both unemployment and poverty. In the UK, although there are nearly four and a half million SMEs, around 50% of those set up each year will go out of business after only four years of trading. Why this should be so and what can be done about it, is an important question to answer and is the underlying reason for conducting this study. Also, a global attempt to be environmentally sustainable can never be achieved without the active participation of SMEs considering the scale of them present in any country. Economic sustainability of SMEs is vital for growth and environmental sustainability of SMEs contributes towards a greener future. In effect this inquiry attempts to identify those common factors which are linked to the lack of sustainability (both economic and environmental) in manufacturing SMEs and to see if these elements can be countered via the process of education. The results of the investigation show that one important reason for the demise of small companies is the lack of management and or engineering skills especially in manufacturing SMEs. Consequently such firms are handicapped in their ability to generate capital, market sustainable innovative products and develop environmentally friendly manufacturing systems. As a consequence of this finding an outline is presented here of the key stewardship skills required by managers in manufacturing SMEs and how these ought to be provided in undergraduate engineering degree schemes. KES Transactions on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing II Sustainable Design and Manufacturing 2015 : pp.317-336 : Paper sdm15-034 InImpact: The Journal of Innovation Impact | ISSN 2051-6002 | http://www.inimpact. org Copyright © 2015 Future Technology Press and the authors 317
Test Validation Process of Tactical Knowledge in Tennis: the Influence of Practice Time and Competitive Experience

This paper describes the development process to test validation of t declarative tactical knowledge in tennis since the scenes definition to the items validation up to the application of pilot test. Based on the theory of the latent trait the psychometric requirements searching for the validation of the constructs perception and decision making, were properly respected. Was reached to satisfactory values of content validity (0.89), reliability with α=0,6518 and difficulty items index. After the test application there was a significant correlation between the perception and decision making (r=0,612). Were found evidences of practice time and participation in competitions in higher levels influences in improvement of the tactical knowledge level of young tennis players.
Microphysical properties of synoptic-scale polar stratospheric clouds: in situ measurements of unexpectedly large HNO3-containing particles in the Arctic vortex

Abstract. In January 2010 and December 2011, synoptic-scale polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) fields were probed during seven flights of the high-altitude research aircraft M-55 Geophysica within the RECONCILE (Reconciliation of essential process parameters for an enhanced predictability of Arctic stratospheric ozone loss and its climate interaction) and the ESSenCe (ESSenCe: ESA Sounder Campaign) projects. Particle size distributions in a diameter range between 0.46 and 40μm were recorded by four different optical in situ instruments. Three of these particle instruments are based on the detection of forward-scattered light by single particles. The fourth instrument is a grayscale optical array imaging probe. Optical particle diameters of up to 35μm were detected with particle number densities and total particle volumes exceeding previous Arctic measurements. Also, gas-phase and particle-bound NOy was measured, as well as water vapor concentrations. The optical characteristics of the clouds were measured by the remote sensing lidar MAL (Miniature Aerosol Lidar) and by the in situ backscatter sonde MAS (Multiwavelength Aerosol Scatterometer), showing the synoptic scale of the encountered PSCs. The particle mode below 2μm in size diameter has been identified as supercooled ternary solution (STS) droplets. The PSC particles in the size range above 2μm in diameter are considered to consist of nitric acid hydrates, and the particles' high HNO3 content was confirmed by the NOy instrument. Assuming a particle composition of nitric acid trihydrate (NAT), the optically measured size distributions result in particle-phase HNO3 mixing ratios exceeding available stratospheric values. Therefore the measurement uncertainties concerning probable overestimations of measured particle sizes and volumes are discussed in detail. We hypothesize that either a strong asphericity or an alternate particle composition (e.g., water ice coated with NAT) could explain our observations. In particular, with respect to the denitrification by sedimentation of large HNO3-containing particles, generally considered to be NAT, our new measurements raise questions concerning composition, shape and nucleation pathways. Answering these would improve the numerical simulation of PSC microphysical processes like cloud particle formation, growth and denitrification, which is necessary for better predictions of future polar ozone losses, especially under changing global climate conditions. Generally, it seems that the occurrence of large NAT particles – sometimes termed "NAT rocks" – are a regular feature of synoptic-scale PSCs in the Arctic.
Improvements of convergence characteristics of Newton-Raphson method for nonlinear magnetic field analysis

In order to overcome the divergence of the Newton-Raphson iteration in the nonlinear magnetic field analysis, a relaxation factor is introduced and its optimum value is examined. It is shown that the modified Newton-Raphson method proposed exhibits quick and successful convergence even in the case when the conventional Newton-Raphson method fails in convergence. >
Cost and Performance Report: Innovative Welding Technologies Using Silicon Additives to Control Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) Emissions

Abstract : The welding process results in the formation of high concentrations of nano-sized particles loaded with toxic metals such as hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn). Welding fumes pose serious health risks to welders because fumes can cause respiratory and neurological ailments as well as cancer. Tightened occupational standards require an exposure reduction of at least 90% that is not satisfied by current control technologies. There is also potential public concern about the environmental risks associated with the release of welding fumes into ambient air. The overall objective of this demonstration was to develop an innovative silica precursor technology that can limit the oxidation of chromium by quenching oxygen species and coating metal particles in welding fumes with a thin, amorphous silica layer. An additional objective was to assess the benefit of increased particle size distribution. The demonstration verified the feasibility and practicality of implementing silica precursor technology into DOD welding operations. Silica precursor technology was demonstrated to be an effective means of controlling metal emissions in welding fumes. The two-fold approach of limiting oxidation potential and coating metal particles with an amorphous silica layer goes beyond previous control technologies by addressing all the toxic metals, regardless of their oxidation state. This project demonstrated, through both a laboratory study and field tests, the benefits of adding silica precursor during the welding process.
Harapan organisasi dari penerapan Sistem Informasi (SI) adalah penyajian informasi yang cepat, tepat, dan akurat dalam mendukung pengambilan keputusan sehingga terjadi peningkatan kinerja perusahaan. Namun pada kenyataannya tidak semua penerapan SI pada suatu organisasi dapat memberikan peningkatan 

Organization's expectations from implementation of Information Systems (IS) is a presentation of information that is fast, precise, and accurate to support decision-making, resulting in increasing organization's performance. In fact, that not all SI's implementation in an organization can increase organization's perfomance. This study aims to measure the use of SI in BKD Manado. Method that used in this research to measure the IS is Total Quality Management (TQM). Statistical techniques are used simple regression and multiple regression to quantify the affect of independent variable to dependen variable. The results of this research found that from five independent variables, only three were positive and have significant effect, namely Reliability, Responsiveness and Assurance. Two variables were not significantly are Empathy and Tangibles. But, all variables simultaneously significant affected to SI BKD Manado. Based on the results of this research, the need to be done by further research is to determine whether the two variables that do not effect SI in BKD can influence the dependent variable directly or indirectly.