Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of nano TiO 2 and Nano aluminium on the growth and some physiological parameters of the wheat ( Triticum aestivum )

Nanoparticles are atomic or molecular particles with at least 1–100 nanometer diameters. They have entered vastly into the world of agriculture and biology; this is because of their special effect and their unique features. Their unknown impact on living things and the ecosystems has caused a lot of concern. This research was done in order to study the effects of nano-TiO2 and nano aluminium on wheat (Triticum aestivum). Both Nano titanium dioxide and nano aluminium were used in four concentrations {(0, 100, 1000, 2000 mgL) and (0, 500, 100, 1000, 2000 mgL) respectively}. The experiment was done as factorial in a completely randomized design in 3 replications. The seeds were sterilized and transferred into pots containing sand. When the plants reached four leaves stages, the nanoparticles were sprayed on plants two times in a week internal. The results revealed that nano aluminium decreased the length of root and shoot and the content of chlorophyll; however, it increased the content of proline and malondialdehyde in shoot and root. The treatment of plants in different levels of nano aluminium with nano titanium dioxide especially in 100 mgL concentration increased the length of both the root and shoot. Nano titanium dioxide in 1000 and 2000 mgL 1 increased the MDA and proline content. Generally the application of nano titanium dioxide in low concentration can moderate the damage effects of nano aluminium in the range of 100 mgL.
Impact Evaluation of Multiple Overlapping Programs using Difference-in-differences with Matching

Difference-in-differences with matching is a popular method in impact evaluation. Traditional impact evaluation methods including difference-in-differences with matching often deal with impact measurement of a single binary program. Imbens (1999) and Lechner (2001) extend the matching method to the case of multiple mutually exclusive programs. Frolich (2002) discusses different impact evaluation methods in the similar context. In reality, one can participate in several programs simultaneously and the programs may be overlapping. This paper discusses the method of difference-in-differences with matching in a general context of multiple overlapping programs. The method is applied to measure impacts of formal and informal credit in Vietnam using panel data from two Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys in 2002 and 2004.
Bispectrum speckle interferometry of the massive protostellar outflow source AFGL 2591

We present bispectrum speckle interferometry of the massive protostellar object AFGL 2591 in the near-infrared K-band. Our reconstructed image of the outflow cavity of AFGL 2591 has a resolution of 170 mas, corresponding to physical scales of ∼170 AU at the distance of the object, and shows the loops which extend from the bright, compact source in un- precedented detail. The central source is clearly resolved and has an uniform-disk diameter of ∼40 mas (40 AU). We use 2D radiation transfer simulations to show that the resolved structure probably corresponds to the inner rim of a geometrically thick circumstellar disk or envelope at the dust sublimation radius. Our image also reveals a structure that might represent an edge-on circumstellar disk around one of the other young stellar objects near AFGL 2591.
Spectrophotometric study of the stability of anthocyanins from Cabernet Sauvignon grape skins in a model system

Summary Gallic acid was evaluated as copigment for an anthocyanin crude extract of Cabernet Sauvignon grape skins. Furthermore, comparison of the stability of the grape anthocyanins and their interaction with gallic acid were investigated when stored under different conditions of pH (3.0 and 4.0), temperature (4 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 2 °C), in the presence of light (2,500 lumens) and in its absence, with or without gallic acid, in both a model system and in a real rehydratation beverage. The results revealed that pH, temperature and the presence of light significantly affected the stability of anthocyanins (p 0.05) the stability of anthocyanins. In a rehydratation beverage system, addition of gallic acid decreased the half-life time and percentage color retention of the anthocyanins.
Phylogenetic Relationships of the Cultivated Neotropical Palm Bactris Gasipaes (Arecaceae) with Its Wild Relatives Inferred from Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Polymorphisms

Abstract Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth.) is the only Neotropical palm domesticated since pre-Columbian times. It plays an important role not only at the local level due to its very nutritious fruits, but also in the international market for its gourmet palm heart. Phylogenetic relationships of the peach palm with wild Bactris taxa are still in doubt, and have never been addressed using molecular sequence data. We generated a chloroplast DNA phylogeny using intergenic spacers from a sampling of cultivars of Bactris gasipaes as well as putative wild relatives and other members of the genus Bactris. We estimated phylogenetic relationships using maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML), and Bayesian analysis. Our results indicated a close affinity between three taxa: Bactris gasipaes var. gasipaes, B. gasipaes var. chichagui, and B. riparia. There was no clear differentiation between these three taxa at the level of chloroplast sequences, and they shared a unique inversion that we characterized in this paper. Bactris setulosa, a species potentially related to the Bactris gasipaes complex, appeared highly divergent, and seemed to be a composite taxon with affinities outside the complex. We also investigated nuclear microsatellite polymorphisms at 8 loci within Bactris gasipaes, B. riparia, and B. setulosa, finding a pattern of relationships in agreement with the cpDNA data. The results presented here are important for future studies on domestication and crop improvement of Bactris gasipaes.
Morphological Specializations in Central European Bees for the Uptake of Pollen from Flowers with Anthers Hidden in Narrow Corolla Tubes (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

13 species of the Central European bee fauna belonging to 4 familiae and 5 genera were found to have evolved stout, curved bristles either on the tarsomera of pedes-I [P-I-ta] or on the proboscis which serve to extract pollen from plants having their anthers enclosed in narrow flower tubes, viz representatives of the Boraginaceae and Primulaceae. Pollen from narrow-tubed flowers plays an important role in the larval nourishment of these bees. The development of hooked bristles on the P-I-ta of one bee species is accompanied by a distinct elongation of the pedes-I which is interpreted as an additional adaptation to anthers concealed in deep corolla tubes. A literature survey reveals that morphological specializations enabling female bees to collect pollen efficiently at narrow-tubed flowers are widespread and must have evolved many times during bee evolution. The currently known morphological specializations of bees for the uptake of pollen from flowers are reviewed.
Implementation of a symmetric surface-electrode ion trap with field compensation using a modulated Raman effect

We describe a new electrode design for a surface-electrode Paul trap, which allows rotation of the normal modes out of the trap plane, and a technique for micromotion compensation in all directions using a two-photon process, which avoids the need for an ultraviolet laser directed to the trap plane. The fabrication and characterization of the trap are described, as well as its implementation for the trapping and cooling of single Ca+ ions. We also propose a repumping scheme that increases ion fluorescence and simplifies heating rate measurements obtained by time-resolved ion fluorescence during Doppler cooling.
Relationship between room characteristics and speech intelligibility in contemporary churches in Malaysia

Church as a place of worship has a unique architectural style and is of great social importance for the Christian community. The church geometric configurations vary from classical cruciform to octagonal-shaped plan. Acoustically, some geometric shapes work much better than others while others can be downright awful. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between room characteristics and speech intelligibility in church acoustics. At the first stage of this study, a total of eight existing churches in Malaysia were identified and then grouped into three types, i.e. fan, rectangular, and cruciform. Then, a fan-shaped room model was selected to be simulated in detail for sectional studies. Nine different ceiling shapes were constructed for evaluation purposes. All the selected churches were modelled using the 3D modelling software, SketchUp and then exported into the commercial acoustic software, ODEON, for acoustical simulation. The simulated results were then compared to the parameter of speech transmission index (STI). The results indicate that there was no specific relationship of the STI with all three groups of room types. However, a direct relationship between the STI means value with its room volume as well as its distance between sound source and receiver points can be observed, whereby F3 being the highest average value of STI (0.44) whereas R2 showed the lowest average value of STI (0.30). All room models generally achieved 'fair' STI values at the front position of the altar but the STI values drop into 'poor' when the distance exceeds over than 6.5 m. In the second stage, the results obtained show a direct relationship between the STI means values with the lower ceiling height above the sound source and a shorter distance between the sound source and its surrounding walls that may provide higher speech intelligibility due to the strong early sound energy. This paper provides fundamental data on the relationships between room characteristics and speech intelligibility, which would then help with future refinements.
Confirmational Holism and Bayesian Epistemology

Much contemporary epistemology is informed by a kind of confirmational holism, and a consequent rejection of the assumption that all confirmation rests on experiential certainties. Another prominent theme is that belief comes in degrees, and that rationality requires apportioning one's degrees of belief reasonably. Bayesian confirmation models based on Jeffrey Conditionalization attempt to bring together these two appealing strands. I argue, however, that these models cannot account for a certain aspect of confirmation that would be accounted for in any adequate holistic confirmation theory. I then survey the prospects for constructing a formal epistemology that better accommodates holistic insights.
Ranking Quality Management Indicators for Radio Programs

Even though radio broadcasting is one of the most widespread electronic mass media, its management for survival is getting drastic. The competition among incumbent radio stations becomes challenging due to the market change and environmental evolution. Managing program quality is a critical issue to a radio station to sharpen its competitive advantages. Quality management of radio programs is intertwined with complicated factors. In order to identify the primary factors affecting radio program quality as well as explore the impact level these factors bring, this study adopts modified Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to explore the issues. According to the outcomes modified Delphi method, the factors were categorized into four dimensions: operation, coordination, structure, and improvement. Ten sub-dimensions were followed. Each sub-dimension includes six to nineteen indicators for measuring radio program quality. In total, 72 indicators were identified. The AHP result revealed that the most important weight was given to the operation dimension. On the contrary, the least important weight was placed on the improvement dimension. Among the sub-dimensions, the standard procedure and organizational design were rated more important than the rest. The results could provide some facts to radio managers for future management.
New Tension-Compression Damage Model for Complex Analysis of Concrete Structures

AbstractA new damage model, based on continuum damage mechanics and simulating the opening, closing, and reopening of cracks in concrete using only one surface of discontinuity, is proposed in this article. The model complies with the thermodynamics principles of nonreversible, isothermal, and adiabatic processes. Two scalar internal variables have been defined: a tensile damage variable d+ and a compressive damage variable d−; the threshold of damage is controlled by only one surface of discontinuity and a new parameter controlling the damage variable that should be activated. This new parameter represents the ratio of tensile stress to compressive stress in the damaged material. The continuity of response under complex loads, which is one of the aims of this work, is ensured. An adequate response under different types of loads leads to the conclusion that the proposed model provides a powerful tool to numerically analyze reinforced concrete structures. Validation and illustrative examples are included i.
The Potential Use of Organically Grown Dye Plants in the Organic Textile Industry: Experiences and Results on Cultivation and Yields of Dyer's Chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria L.), Dyer's Knotweed (Polygonum tinctorium Ait.), and Weld (Reseda luteola L.)

ABSTRACT The organic cultivation of dye plants for the certified natural textiles industry is an emerging and promising sector of organic farming. In 1999 a field trial was done with different provenances of Dyer's Chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria L.), Dyer's Knotweed (Polygonum tinctorium Ait.), and Weld (Reseda luteola L.) on two organic farms in Lower Austria. Yields, dyestuff content, and quality parameters were analyzed. Dry matter yields of Weld ranged between 0.7 and 2.7t ha−1, of Dyer's Chamomile (flower heads) between 1.1 and 1.8 t ha−1. Significant differences were found between seed Weld provenances as well as between those of Dyer's Chamomile. The total leaf dry matter of Dyer's Knotweed (2 cuts) ranged at both sites on average 3.1 tha−1. Seed provenances did not show differences. The total flavonoid content of Weld ranged between 1.53 and 4.00%, of Dyer's Chamomile between 0.84 and 1.5%. The content of indican in Dyer's Knotweed ranged between 0.50 and 1.45% of leaf dry matter, the calculated theoretical content of indigo ranged between 0.22 and 0.64% of leaf dry matter. The general use fastness properties differ according to species and provenance. Both high and low values were achieved. The data on the cultivation of dye plants in organic farming show promising results. Research should address improvement in yields and quality, development of dyestuff extracts, and optimization of dyeing methods. Research on dye plants needs a systemic look at the whole chain including producers, processors, trade, and consumers.
A cointegration analysis of treasury bill yields

This paper shows that yields to maturity of U.S. Treasury bills are cointegrated, and that during periods when the Federal Reserve specifically targeted short-term interest rates, the spreads between yields of different maturity define the cointegrating vectors. This cointegrating relationship implies that a single non-stationary common factor underlies the time series behavior of each yield to maturity and that risk premia are stationary. An error correction model which uses spreads as the error correction terms is unstable over the Federal Reserve's policy regime changes, but a model using post 1982 data is stable and is shown to be useful for forecasting changes in yields.
Wastewater Protozoan-Driven Environmental Processes for the Protection of Water Resources

Since the middle of the last century, while the population doubled, water use has tripled. The world’s freshwater reserves are dropping year after year and becoming a scarce commodity. On the one hand, the utilization of synthetic detergents, the increased use of agricultural inorganic fertilizers and the population explosion have led to the acceleration of the process of pollution of lakes and other surface water. Reports have shown an increasing percentage of rivers and streams that are contaminated with chemical and microbial pollutants (Momba et al., 2004; 2005; Bahlaoui et al., 1997; Clarke et al., 2008; Pennil et al., 2008). This is compounded by the alterations in the hydrological cycle, associated with the global climate change that increases the magnitude and frequency of runoff events (Rose et al., 2001). On the other hand, the world is faced with problems related to the management of wastewater due to the extensive industrialization, increasing population density and a highly urbanized society (McCasland et al., 2008). Recycling municipal and industrial wastewater is therefore essential for reducing the negative impact of pollution on the freshwater reserves and also for protecting public health by safeguarding water supplies against the spread of waterborne diseases (Bitton, 1999). The first part of this chapter discusses the importance of wastewater treatment for the protection of water resources. The second part sheds light on the role protozoa play in the excess removal of phosphate and nitrate in wastewater treatment plants, with emphasis on the removal efficiency of two ciliates (Aspidisca, Trachelophylum) and one flagellate (Peranema). The third part reveals the predation potential of these protozoan species on pollution indicators and pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, & Shigella flexneri spp.).
Investigating Cross- Cultural Differences in Personal Space: Kurdish and Northern women in Iran

This study investigated cross-cultural differences in regard to the size of personal space among two Iranian sub-cultures (Kurdish and Northern women) vis-a-vis strangers. Methodology of research designed on participant observation, stop-distance method and questionnaire. A random size of 100 Kurdish and Northern women was selected in Sanandaj and Sari cities. Moreover, to examine the survey Chi-Square Test and Independent Sample Test were conducted. The results show that Kurdish women require more inter-personal space while walking and sitting than Northern (Mazani) women do. These findings assist environmental designers to represent strategies for achieving privacy in relation to Iranian sub-cultures. Keywords: Living quality; Privacy; Personal space; Sub-culture; Iranian women eISSN 2514-7528 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Skill of precipitation prediction with GCMs over north India during winter season

This study aims to analyse the skill of state‐of‐the‐art of five general circulation models (GCMs) in predicting winter precipitation over northern India. The precipitation in winter season (December, January and February) is very important for Rabi crops in north India, particularly for wheat, as it supplements moisture and maintains low temperature for the development of the crops. The GCM outputs (seasonal mean forecasts issued in November) from various organizations are compared with the observed high‐resolution gridded rainfall data obtained from India Meteorological Department (IMD). Prediction skill of such GCMs is examined for the period 1982–2009. The climatology, interannual standard deviation (ISD) and correlation coefficients have been computed for the five GCMs and compared with observation. It is found that the models are able to reproduce the climatology and ISD to varying degrees; however, skill of predictions is too low. Multi‐model ensemble (MME) approaches have been employed. It is found that the weighted MME using multiple linear regression technique improves the prediction skill of winter precipitation over northern India. The teleconnection between the sea surface temperature (SST) and winter precipitation revealed that the SST over the Pacific Ocean affects the precipitation over north India in winter season. While this observed feature is represented well by some models with high fidelity, most models are unable to respond to SST variations in the Pacific Ocean in a realistic manner. Lagged correlations between the north India rainfall and SST over the Niño‐3.4 region reveal that only two of the five GCMs get the observed simultaneous teleconnection correctly. Furthermore, only one of these two models has the observed phase lag with the strongest correlation as observed.
Promoting Language and Cultural Diversity through the Mass Media: Views of Students at the University of Botswana

This study investigates the views of students at the University of Botswana as to whether or not the current situation in which the languages of ethnic minority groups in Botswana are marginalized or excluded for use in the national media such as television, radio and the Botswana Daily News, should continue or not. The study answered the following research questions: 1. What national television and radio stations exist in Botswana? 2. What programmes do these television and radio stations broadcast and with which languages? 3. Is the current situation of broadcasting with regard to the languages used for broadcasting fair, and, if not, what can be done to remedy the situation? It also addressed the following objectives:1. To identify the national television and radio stations which exist in Botswana? 2. To identify the programmes that the existing national television and radio stations broadcast and the languages used to broadcast those programmes. 3. To find out if the current system of broadcasting is fair in terms of the languages used and if it is not, to suggest some measures that can be taken to remedy the situation.The study used qualitative methods. Sampling was done by using purposive sampling. The data collection method used was a questionnaire. A sample of seven (7) students responded to the questionnaire. Three (3) or 43% said the current situation should continue while four (4) or 57% said it should be changed. The conclusion was that the current situation which marginalizes minority ethnic groups should be changed.
Overestimation of vocal characters in Suboscine taxonomy (Aves: Passeriformes: Tyranni): causes and implications

The difference in treatment of vocal features in Oscines and Suboscines passerine birds characterizes a large portion of the current studies on their taxonomy. In the former taxon, vocalization is supposed to be molded by learning, and consequently is not regarded as taxonomically informative. In the latter, a strong emphasis is given to vocalization because it supposedly reflects the genetic structure of populations. This paper reviews the various assumptions related to this difference in treatment, including the overestimation of the vocal characters in suboscine alpha taxonomy due to the alleged importance of vocalization under the framework of the species mate recognition system. The innate origin of suboscine vocalizations remains to be rigorously demonstrated and the use of vocalization as “super-characters” is prejudicial to bird taxonomy. Despite the possibility of being learned, vocalization should also be used in the taxonomic studies of oscine passerines. Keywords: Vocalization, Oscines, Suboscines, Birds, Passeriformes