Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Size and Allocation Method on Stock Portfolio Performance: A Simulation Study

This paper examines the performance of portfolios of stocks listed in the Malaysian exchange through a simulation study. The effects of different portfolio sizes and fund allocation methods on return per unit of risk, or risk reward, were analyzed. Risk rewards increase with the inclusion of a larger number of stocks in a portfolio but at a decreasing rate. The results show that a portfolio size of 11 stocks is generally sufficient to generate reasonable risk rewards. The results, confirmed by holdout validation, also suggest that the conditional optimal and minimized variance allocation methods yield high risk reward, while the equal weight method has the poorest performance.
Modified Approach for Harmonic Reduction in Multilevel Inverter

This paper analyses a modified approach to reduce harmonics in multilevel inverters. It uses modified Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) switching technique and compares the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of various modified SPWM sequences to finally obtain the switching sequence that produces minimum harmonics. The simulation is done in SIMULINK/MATLAB software. The THD in the voltages for different sequences is presented
Virtual execution platforms for mixed-time-criticality applications : the CompSoC architecture and design flow

Systems on chip (SOC) contain multiple concurrent applicationswith different time criticality (firm, soft, non real-time). As aresult, they are often developed by different teams or companies, withdifferent models of computation (MOC) such as dataflow, Kahn processnetworks (KPN), or time-triggered (TT). SOC functionality and (realtime)performance is verified after all applications have been integrated.In this paper we propose the CompSOC platform and design flows thatoffers a virtual execution platform per application, to allow independentdesign, verification, and execution. We introduce the composability andpredictability concepts, why they help, and how they are implemented inthe different resources of the CompSOC architecture. We define a designflow that allows real-time cyclo-static dataflow (CSDF) applications to beautomatically mapped, verified, and executed. Mapping and analysis ofKPN and TT applications is not automated but they do run composablyin their allocated virtual platforms.Although most of the techniques used here have been publishedin isolation, this paper is the first comprehensive overview of theCompSOC approach. Moreover, three new case studies illustrate allclaimed benefits: 1) An example firm-real-time CSDF H.263 decoderis automatically mapped and verified. 2) Applications with differentmodels of computation (CSDF and TT) run composably. 3) Adaptivesoft-real-time applications execute composably and can hence be verifiedindependently by simulation.
Cellulose-based sponges for wound dressing and healing

For healing of chronic or burn wounds, polymeric sponges have been recently applied. Due to a high absorption capacity, noncitotoxicity and good swelling capabilities, for their production natural polymers are often used. In this study, macroporous regenerated cellulose was evaluated as a matrix for wound dressing materials. Active compounds, such as antibiotic neomycin and phenolic compound quercetin were immobilized in the cellulosic matrix aimed to promote wound healing process. Active compounds in the sponges were immobilized alone or with water-soluble hydroxyethylcellulose or carboxymethylcellulose. It was found that the way of preparation of sponges can affect their porosity, moisture absorption and drying rate. The best sponges for wound dressing materials were formed from freeze-dried macroporous regenerated cellulose in which was later immobilised hydroxyethylcellulose or carboxymethylcellulos with active compounds.
THE VALUE OF IMPROVEMENTS IN MEASURED CORPORATE GOVERNANCE QUALITY

This paper analyses data for Nordic listed companies in 2002-2008 to find out whether the market has rewarded companies that have improved their corporate governance systems as measured by the CG – quotient compiled by RiskMetrics (previously Institutional Shareholder Services, ISS). The paper also investigates which improvements have been more important as value enhancers and which ones are considered value irrelevant by the market. Finally the paper looks at whether there are differences between the four biggest Nordic countries in how different types of corporate governance improvements are perceived by the market.
Engineering consideration for cage aquaculture

Cage aquaculture has grown very rapidly during the past 20 years and is presently undergoing rapid changes in response to pressure from globalization and growing global demand for aquatic products. A cage represents a delineated volume in the body of water where the aquatic organism can be farmed. Designing and engineering are major components for cage aquaculture and it is essential to select ideal construction material, proper designing, suitable mooring and good management practices in bringing out commercial cage aquaculture which is quite simple and economically feasible. A range of cage systems is now potentially available for off-shore mariculture in world, though not all of these may prove to be effective in the intended environmental conditions and production regimes. The cost of installation and operation is also very critical. This paper provides an overview of the engineering components, and gives a brief description about various engineering materials.
Young boys behind bars: An ethnographic study of violence and care in South Africa

This thesis is the result of an ethnographic study that delves into the world of boys, who are younger than 16 years old, awaiting trial behind bars in a secure care facility. In this thesis, the reader is introduced to some of these boys. We get to know who these boys are, where they come from, why they were institutionalised and what they endured in their daily lives outside the institution. The core of this thesis describes the social composition of a secure care facility and the daily activities and interactions that take place within its walls. We follow the boys in the trajectories they took inside and outside the criminal justice system and obtaining glimpses of their families, communities and staff with whom they come into contact. How are socio-cultural and legal-political perceptions of violent children reflected in the infrastructural arrangements and regulations of secure care facilities in South Africa? In these facilities, how are the lives of these boys enacted on a daily basis? And how do institutionalised boys perceive themselves inside and outside the institution? These are the three main research questions that steer this study.
Novel controlled release of antihypertensive drug: preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

The objective was to control the release of diltiazem HCl. Emulsion solvent evaporation technique was applied to encapsulate diltiazem HCl using ethyl cellulose or Eudragit RS100. The prepared microspheres were characterized concerning entrapment efficiency; micromeritics properties and surface morphology using SEM and mixed with carbopol, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, or chitosan in different ratios. The in-vitro dissolution and kinetic analysis were carried out using various models. In-vivo studies for selected formulae were carried out compared with a marketed product to evaluate their pharmacokinetic parameters. The prepared microspheres showed entrapment efficiency of 67.45 and 76.82% for ethyl cellulose and Eudragit microspheres, respectively. Moreover, Eudragit microspheres mixed with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose at a ratio of 1:3 showed a sustained release of diltiazem HCl over 12 h, with t½ 14.8 hr. The formulated diltiazem HCl capsule can be successfully used for twice daily dosing.
Effect of temperature and relative humidity on development of Sitophilus oryzae L. (coleoptera: curculionidae)

Study was conducted to determine the different life stages of Sitophillus oryzea and the effect of various combinations of temperature (25, 30 and 35 °C) and R.H. (55, 60 and 65%) under lab conditions in university of agriculture Faisalabad in 2015-16. Three replications were used for each treatment. Ten pairs of adults were released to get eggs. Data regarding oviposition, fertility and adult emergence was recorded on daily basis. For this effort, first temperature (25 °C) was in practice on decontaminated rice which exposed slow development of S. oryzae while highest temperature (35 °C) presented very high developmental rate of all life stages of S. oryzae. So, result presented S. oryzae has great influence of temperature on its life span. It exhibited high appearance at high temperature in comparison with low temperature. Relative humidity has also excessive influence on the development of S. oryzae. At 65% R.H. the maximum mean value of adult appearance was significantly higher as compared to than that of 55%. It is stated that different relative humidity level such as 55, 60 and 65%, 65% level is most favorable for its development and 55% level is less favorable for its growth as compared to other levels.
Vegetation changes following fire in the pinyon-juniper type of west-central Utah.

Highlight: The stages of succession following fire began with weedy annuals that reached a peak within 3 to 4 years. Juniper woodlands were well developed 8.5 to 90 years following fire. Intermediate stages of succession varied, but followed a general pattern of perennial grasses, perennial grasses-shrubs, and perennial grasses-shrubs-trees. The percentage of dead sagebrush was positively correlated with density of junipers. Thirtythree years was the average minimum age at which Utah juniper produced seed. Juniper and pinyon trees in the Intermountain region have expanded their range greatly since settlement, primarily in the last 100 years. Existing speculation suggests that a major cause of this expansion, either directly or indirectly, was the reduction in fires following settlement. Some authors consider the juniper-pinyon expansion to be several times that of the original cover (Cottam and Stewart, 1940; Woodbury, 1947). In 195 1 it was estimated that this type covered about 30% of the State of Utah (Reuss and Blanch, 1951). The expansion has been primarily into the sagebrush-grass community on the lower edges of original pinyon-juniper. If unchecked, trees become dominant and eventually crowd out most herbaceous and shrub species that provide forage for livestock and big game. The purpose of this study was to examine the vegetation on burns of various ages and determine the successional patterns following fire. The study was conducted primarily on the lower slopes and foothills of the Sheeprock Mountains in Utah and surrounding areas in the vicinity of the Benmore Experimental Range; however, one area was located in the Valley Mountains west of Fayette, Utah. Fire scars of various ages are generally evident in these areas. Tree species in the areas studied were Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) and singleleaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla).
Reaction to public information in asset markets: does ambiguity matter?

We report experiments that examine trader reaction to ambiguity when dividend information is revealed sequentially. We find that experienced traders are better at internalizing ambiguity than inexperienced subjects. No significant differences are observed in the ambiguity versus control treatments regarding prices, price volatility and volumes for experienced subjects. However, relative to the control, prices are higher, volatility greater and trading unsophisticated for inexperienced subjects in the ambiguity treatment. Price changes are consistent with news revelation regardless of subject experience and the degree of ambiguity. Further, we do not find under or over price reactions to news. Regardless of experience, market reaction to news moves in line with fundamentals.
Defining and analyzing the frequency and severity of flood events to improve risk management from a reinsurance standpoint

Abstract. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) debt has accelerated research into private flood insurance options. Offering this coverage begins with the ability to transfer the risk to the reinsurance market. Within the industry, perils such as hurricanes and earthquakes have standard definitions, but no such definition exists for floods. An event definition must examine the spatial and temporal aspects of the flood as well as the complexities of individual events. In this paper we were able to apply a data-driven methodology to capture and aggregate flood peaks into independent events. To aggregate flood peaks into independent events we needed to define what constituted a basin as our area of aggregation. The USGS utilizes the hydrological unit code (HUC) a 2- to 12-digit code that follows the Pfafsetter Coding System. The HUC code is used to identify varying levels of basin sizes ranging from region (2 digits) to subwatershed (12 digits). We chose to analyze both the HUC8 and HUC6, and a total of 7932 HUC8 events and 8444 HUC6 events were recorded during the 15 water years used in our study. Each event was characterized by duration, magnitude and severity. Focusing on the HUC8, events were unevenly distributed nationally while severity was relatively evenly distributed. The goal for our study was to take a method and be able to apply it to basins of varying characteristics. This framework relied on the ability to analyze the individual processes related to each individual basin.
The Power of Absorptive Capacity and the Network for the Competitive Advantage

This article has the objective to understand the power of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) in creating competitive advantage. ACAP is related to the ability of an organization to innovate using the stakeholders’ social capital (Cohen & Levinthal, 1990; Zahra & George, 2002; Torodova & Durisin, 2007). For this purpose, it was necessary to develop a research-type exploratory qualitative approach in order to understand a social phenomenon in a given context or scenario. The study showed that in fact organizations may go in cycles of proactive or reactive competitive behavior; and these cycles could determine the success or failure of an organization, as was seen in the case of Apple and Xerox.
The influence of dietary fish oil and vitamin E on the fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of frozen stored chicken breast meat

oC) and stored for 6 months. Samples were analysed for fatty acid composition, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS), and α-tocopherol content. Fish oil positively affected the performance of chickens, elevated the content of stearic (C 18:0 ) and eicosapentaenoic (C 20:5,n-3 ) acids, and lowered the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) n-6:n-3 ratio in stored breast meat. Fish oil at 8 g · kg -1 in the diet decreased linolenic acid (C 18:3, n-3 ), unsaturated fatty acid, and n-6 PUFA contents, increased saturated fatty acid (SFA) content in lipids and lowered the PUFA:SFA ratio. The addition of 150 or 300 mg · kg -1 α-tocopheryl acetate to the diets increased the level of vitamin E in stored breast meat and lowered the TBA-RS value. The levels of fish oil and vitamin E used had no effect on the sensory properties of meat.
Assessment of heavy metal concentration on Aedes mosquito breeding sites in urban area, Malaysia

The aim of the present study is to establish a baseline of the existing level of heavy metals concentration in positive Aedes mosquito larval habitat in the selected dengue hotspot area and non-hotspot area. Aedes survey was conducted in Subang Jaya Municipality areas to assess the concentration and distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn and Zn) in mosquito larval habitat. Water samples were (n = 141) collected and were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and other standard laboratory protocols. Then, by using microscope, Aedes larvae species was determined and the weight of pupae and length of 3rd instars larvae was measured. The concentration of heavy metal in dengue hotspot area was found to be relatively higher than corresponding level on the non-hotspot area at all breeding site investigated. Consistent with other finding, the present study proves that the heavy metal concentration varies between container material and its concentration. Overall, the key dengue vectors are preferential adapted with the heavy metal concentration and thus may affect the development and its lifecycle.
Premature Stiffening of Cement Paste Associated with AFm Formation

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of AFm formation on the stiffening process of cement paste. High and low alkali sulfate clinkers were used for the experiments. The flow and stiffening behavior of cement paste was investigated using modified ASTM C403 penetration resistance test and oscillatory shear rheology. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) was used for phase identification associated with stiffening of the paste. It was found from the results that low alkali clinker mixture produced very strong premature stiffening whereas high alkali clinker mixture did not cause premature stiffening. This is because of the large amount of alkali sulfate present in the clinker. Addition of calcium and sodium chloride to the high alkali clinker mixture caused faster stiffening and set.
Middle Palaeolithic find spots with Nubian cores from the Southern Negev and the Arava, Israel

This is a report of results from a cursory survey of several Middle Paleolithic find spots from the Arava, Israel, conducted as part of a broader collaboration between the Dead Sea and Arava Science Center and the Israel Antiquities Authority. A series of find spots were recorded on the eastern flanks of the Zehiha hills and on the northern terraces of Wadi Paran. These finds consist of mostly Middle Paleolithic artifacts including Levallois centripetal, bidirectional and Nubian cores. The presence of Nubian cores within this technological constellation is of interest in light of recent discussions regarding archaeological markers of modern human dispersals out of Africa and feasible routes into Eurasia and Arabia. The Nubian core technology, a specific variant of the Levallois technology is found within a defined and continuous geographic region and is perceived as penecontemporaneous. Sites with a similar technological package are found to the east at Al-Jawf, within the Arabian Peninsula, as well as to the North-West, within the central Negev highlands, at the localities of Har Oded and H2. The distinctive technological characteristics, geographical extent and chronology advocate its use as a possible marker for human dispersals and interactions between Eastern Africa, the Nile Valley, the southern Levant and Arabia.
Surface Acoustic Wave Actuated Lab-on-Chip System for Single Cell Analysis

The advent of multi-sensor microelectrodes for extracellular action potential recordings has significantly improved the quality of recorded signals, allowing more reliable detection and classification of action potentials recorded in vivo. These microelectrodes can also be used to localize neuronal signal sources, which may allow experimentalists to estimate other parameters including the neurons’ migration trends, intensities and sizes. This information can also be used to resolve neurons based on their location and type. However, as the exact characteristics of neurons are unknown during in vivo experiments, current attempts to localize neuronal signal sources have not been validated. This article presents experimental validation of a method capable of estimating both the location and intensity of an electrical source. To this end, a stimulating electrode was immersed in a saline solution and its stimulus patterns were recorded by a commercially available four-sensor microelectrode (tetrode). The location of the tetrode was varied with respect to the stimulator, and for each tetrode position, the stimulus was generated at multiple intensity levels. The location and intensity of the source were estimated using the Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm, and the results were quantified by comparison to the parameters’ true values. Localization results, with an accuracy and precision of ~10 μm, and ~11 μm respectively, imply the method’s ability to resolve individual neuronal sources. Similarly, source intensity estimation results indicate that this approach can accurately track changes in neuronal signal amplitude. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of the presented approach in characterizing neuronal signal sources in vivo, which may significantly improve the extracellular recording process and enable a more accurate interpretation of experimental data.
Current Version: November 1992 International Asset Pricing with Alternative Distributional Specifications∗

The unconditional mean-variance efficiency of the Morgan Stanley Capital International world equity index is investigated. Using data from 16 OECD countries and Hong Kong and maintaining the assumption of multivariate normality, we cannot reject the efficiency of the benchmark. However, residual diagnostics reveal significant departures from normality. We test the sensitivity of the results by specifying error structures that are t-distributed and mixtures of normal distributions. Even after relaxing the i.d. d. assumption, we cannot reject the mean-variance efficiency of the world portfolio. Our results suggest that differences in country risk exposure, measured against the MSCI world portfolio, will lead to differences in expected returns.
Virgins are Louder: The Effect of Mating on Acoustic Signaling in Sagebrush Crickets

Female sagebrush crickets, Cyphoderris strepitans, feed on the male's hind wings during copulation. Because removal of hind wing material during mating may alter male acoustic signal characteristics and account for a virgin male mating advantage (Morris et al. 1989; Snedden, in press) we recorded virgin and mated males in the field, and virgins before and after surgical excision of a portion of the hind wings. We found no significant differences in signal spectral characteristics or pulse rate between virgin and mated males following hindwing excision. However, the signal amplitude of laboratory recorded virgins was greater than that of mated males, and song amplitude was reduced in manipulated males. In contrast, signal amplitude was lower in field recorded virgins than mated males.
Cytotoxic Evaluation and DNA Binding Ability of Catalytically Synthesized New Steroidal Lactones

In an attempt to find a new class of cytotoxic agents, a series of fused steroidal derivatives containing lactone moiety were prepared via Michael addition reaction of α, β-unsaturated steroidal ketones with ethyl chloroacetate in basic medium. The characterization of novel compounds was accomplished by spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The compounds were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against some particular human cancer cell lines using the MTT assay during which the compound 4 and 5 depicted potential anticancer behavior after showing IC50=19.41 μmol L−1 and 19.27 μmol L−1 against HeLa and MCF-7 cell line, respectively. The Gel electrophoresis demonstrated that steroidal lactone showed strong interaction during the concentration dependent cleavage activity with pBR322 DNA. The molecular docking study suggested the non-covalent bonding of steroidal lactones in minor groove of DNA. The results revealed that the synthesized compounds have better prospectus to act as cancer chemotherapeutic candidates which warrants further in vivo anticancer investigations.