Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF VOLATILITY ON AMERICAN AND CHINESE STOCK MARKETS DURING THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

This paper examines the volatility of the stock indices of two world powers – USA and China, before and during the global financial crisis. Generally, it is believed that markets of developing countries are riskier than the developed capital markets. The purpose of this study was to confirm or reject this common belief, to determine whether the characteristics of American stock market fluctuation changed during the crisis, and to compare its volatility to China. We used three different GARCH models to examine the volatility. The study confirmed that during the global financial crisis volatility significantly increased on both stock markets. The results of this study thus do not support the common belief that the developed capital market is subject to relatively lower volatility than the developing market. During the current global financial crisis, the developed American market has actually been more volatile than the Chinese one.
The Influence of Light Intensity on Competitive Ability

Despite its inferiority in a number of botanical characteristics supposed to be of advantage in competition, the barley variety Atlas is known to dominate populations in which it is grown in mixture with the variety Vaughn. When Atlas and Vaughn were grown in pure stands and in mixture under full daylight and three levels of shading, it was found that the relative competitive abilities of the two varieties remained constant irrespective of the competitive situation. The main conclusion from the experiment was that competition between Atlas and Vaughn is not associated with struggle for limited supplies of light. The relationship of this finding to population genetic studies concerned with season to season fluctuations of selective values in mixed populations is discussed.
A SURVEY: CHALLENGES OF IMAGE SEGMENTATION BASED FUZZY C-MEANS CLUSTERING ALGORITHM

Image segmentation is the method of dividing an image into many segments that comprise groups of pixels. In many real applications such as images segmentation there are issues such as limited spatial resolution, poor contrast, overlapping intensities, noise and intensity in homogeneities. The semi and fully automatic image segmentation are a difficult and complicated process due to several reasons such as the different appearance of intensity level, patterns of objects inside image, overlapping among different regions (segments), and partial volume effects (noise level). Fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm is the most popular method used in image segmentation due to its robust characteristics for ambiguity. Although, the conventional FCM algorithm suffer from some weaknesses such as initialize clusters center, determine the optimal number of clusters and sensitive to noise. This paper presents the review challenges of image segmentation based FCM algorithm and describe how solve these kinds of FCM problems.
Study of the basic characteristics of PPD (SiPM) for the next generation of IACTs

The PPD (formerly called SiPM) is a novel photon-counting device made up of multiple avalanche photodiode pixels operated in Geiger mode. It has many advantages, such as single photon counting capability, high detection efficiency, and high gain at low bias voltage. However, the size is small for astroparticle physics experiments, and some other features, such as dark counts, can be a problem. MPPC is one of the PPDs manufactured by Hamamatsu. We measure the response of some samples, and study the basic characteristics of MPPC, such as the gain, noise rate, cross-talk, etc., particularly in consideration of the improvement for the next generation of IACTs.
Immunoactive, medicinal properties of mushroom and herb polysaccharides and their potential use in chicken diets

Chinese natural medicinal products as feed supplements have been used as growth and health promoters in farm animals in China for centuries. A current estimation of the number of Chinese natural medicines ranges between 6,000 and 8,000, of which less than 5% has immuno-active properties. Most of these medicinal products originate from plants. Polysaccharides are considered to be the most important components, which may act as immune enhancers or immuno-modulators. The relationship between polysaccharide structure and bio-activity is, however, not well understood. In this review, immune activities of the polysaccharides from two mushrooms, Lentinus edodes and Tremella fuciformis, and a herb, Astragalus membranaceus radix, are reported, based on studies in chickens, mice, rats and humans. It can be concluded from these studies that polysaccharides derived from these products can play important roles in: (1) stimulating the growth of immune organs such as spleen, thymus and bursa; (2) increasing the number and activities of many interdependent cell types such as T, B lymphocytes, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells; (3) enhancing T-cell mediated immune response, such as an increased rate of T-lymphocyte transformation and proliferation; (4) enhancing humoral immune response, such as spleen and serum antibody production, the number of haemolytic plague forming cells (PFC) and haemolysin production and (5) inducing secretion and production of cytokines and complements of T-cells and NK cells. Today's poultry producers are confronted by numerous prophylactic techniques to prevent diseases. The immuno-active polysaccharides from mushrooms and herbs might be good candidates as health promoting feed additives in poultry diets. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of such bioactive components to improve productive performance in chicken and to elucidate the possible modes of action related to the gut ecosystem and the immune response.
DNA analysis of Cylindrocladium floridanum isolates from selected forest nurseries

Isolates of Cylindrocladium floridanum obtained from diseased roots of white and black spruce seedlings and surrounding soil in bareroot nurseries in Ontario, Minnesota and Wisconsin area were compared by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), human minisatellite DNA fingerprints and polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequences of rDNA ITS regions of selected isolates were also performed. Based on the nuclear DNA fingerprinting patterns, these isolates could be divided into three groups, namely S1, S2 and S3. Isolates of S1 and S2 showed the same mtDNA RFLPs which were slightly different from that of S3. Isolates representing each of the three groups showed an identical nucleotide sequence of rDNA ITS regions. These data suggest that all the isolates tested belong to the same species which may be divided into three biotypes or populations.
Environmental Significance of Anthocyanins in Plant Stress Responses

Abstract— Anthocyanins are water‐soluble pigments found in all plant tissues throughout the plant kingdom. Our understanding of anthocyanin biosynthesis and its molecular control has greatly improved in the last decade. The adaptive advantages of anthocyanins, especially in non‐reproductive tissues, is much less clear. Anthocyanins often appear transiently at specific developmental stages and may be induced by a number of environmental factors including visible and UVB radiation, cold temperatures and water stress. The subsequent production and localization of anthocyanins in root, stem and especially leaf tissues may allow the plant to develop resistance to a number of environmental stresses. This article reviews the environmental induction of anthocyanins and their proposed importance in ameliorating environmental stresses induced by visible and UVB radiation, drought and cold temperatures.
Ex-vivo dynamic analysis framework for Android device drivers

The ability to execute and analyze code makes many security tasks such as exploit development, reverse engineering, and vulnerability detection much easier. However, on embedded devices such as Android smartphones, executing code in-vivo, on the device, for analysis is limited by the need to acquire such devices, the speed of the device, and in some cases the need to flash custom code onto the devices. The other option is to execute the code ex-vivo, off the device, but this approach either requires porting or complex hardware emulation.In this paper, we take advantage of the observation that many execution paths in drivers are only superficially dependent on both the hardware and kernel on which the driver executes, to create an ex-vivo dynamic driver analysis framework for Android devices that requires neither porting nor emulation. We achieve this by developing a generic evasion framework that enables driver initialization by evading hardware and kernel dependencies instead of precisely emulating them, and then developing a novel Ex-vivo AnalySIs framEwoRk (EASIER) that enables off-device analysis with the initialized driver state. Compared to on-device analysis, our approach enables the use of userspace tools and scales with the number of available commodity CPU’s, not the number of smartphones.We demonstrate the usefulness of our framework by targeting privilege escalation vulnerabilities in system call handlers in platform device drivers. We find it can load 48/62 (77%) drivers from three different Android kernels: MSM, Xiaomi, and Huawei. We then confirm that it is able to reach and detect 21 known vulnerabilities. Finally, we have discovered 12 new bugs which we have reported and confirmed.
Altitudinal patterns and determinants of plant species richness on the Baekdudaegan Mountains, South Korea: common versus rare species

Altitudinal patterns of plant species richness and the effects of area, the mid-domain effect, climatic variables, net primary productivity and latitude on observed richness patterns along the ridge of the Baekdudaegan Mountains, South Korea were studied. Data were collected from 1,100 plots along a 200 to 1,900 m altitudinal gradient on the ridge. A total of 802 plant species from 97 families and 342 genera were recorded. Common and rare species accounted for 91% and 9%, respectively, of the total plant species. The altitudinal patterns of species richness for total, common and rare plants showed distinctly hump-shaped patterns, although the absolute altitudes of the richness peaks varied somewhat among plant groups. The mid-domain effect was the most powerful explanatory variable for total and common species richness, whereas climatic variables were better predictors for rare plant richness. No effect of latitude on species richness was observed. Our study suggests that the mid-domain effect is a better predictor for wide-ranging species such as common species, whereas climatic variables are more important factors for range-restricted species such as rare species. The mechanisms underlying these richness patterns may reflect fundamental differences in the biology and ecology of different plant groups.
ISSN: 2278-4012, Volume:9, Issue:2, APRIL 2020

This paper examines reduplication processes in Kipsigis dialect. Reduplication is a common feature in most of the world’s languages. However since languages belong to different families the morphological process occurs differently. Kipsigis, being a Nilo-Saharan language with its own features of a language, the curent paper sought to investigate the nature of the repetition mechanism in Kipsigis language. This paper applies Morphological Doubling Theory by Inkelas and Zoll (2005, 2007). The study used common Kipsigis words particularly in the open categories of speech. The study focused on morphological reduplication. The study employed descriptive research design. A sample size of 50 participants was used as respondents in the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify the participants. The data was also collected through natural observation, interviews and focus group as the research instruments. The data was analyzed qualitatively. The study found that reduplication is a common feature in Kipsigis dialect. Kipsigis speakers use Kipsigis dialect for various reasons such as iconicity, emphasis,caution and intensification. Thus, this paper attempts to fill the gap in the existing body of knowledge on Kipsigis dialect. The study therefore, makes a contribution in Morphology, and syntax and is necessary for language planning.
Sirindhomia, a new orchid genus from Southeast Asia

The new orchid genus Sirindhomia, named after H. R. H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, is established to accommodate three species from Thailand (Chiang Mai and Tak provinces), Myanmar (Shan State), and China (Yunnan province). Two new species are described and a new combination, based on Habenaria monophylla Collett & Hemsl. , is made; all of the three species are illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. Sirindhomia belongs to subtribe Orchidinae and has an overall similarity with Ponerorchis, Hemipilia, and Amitostigma. However, it significantly differs in its column morphology which is more reminiscent of that found in the vegetatively distinct genus Orchis. The new species, Sirindhomia pulchella and S. mirabilis, seem to be local endemics, as they are only known from the Thai mountains Doi Chiang Dao and Khao Hua Mot, respectively. Sirindhomia monophylla, on the other hand, is known from a very large part of the range of the genus. All Sirindhomia species known are restricted to limestone mountains at 800–2200 m alt. , mainly growing in rock crevices and among scrub as well as on grassy slopes. They flower from April to June.
An updated check-list of caddisflies (Insecta, Trichoptera) from Iran, with new records

Abstract A list of the known species of Trichoptera from Iran is given. Since MALICKY (1986), Hydroptila astraia, H.asteria, Chimarra zagrosensis and Hydropsyche iokaste has been newly described from Iran. New records for the country are Ithytrichia clavata, Pseudoneureclipsis graograman, Hydropsyche bitlis, Micropterna hatatitla and Adicella hakkariensis. The species Hydroptila simulans and Hydropsyche pellucidula could not be confirmed for the fauna of Iran.
Hydrothermolysis of Cellulose Under Static and Dynamic Conditions at High Temperatures

Abstract Cellulose (cotton) was hydrolyzed under high temperature conditions without any addition of acidic or alkaline catalysts. Kinetic parameters of this hydrothermal process were established in batch experiments at temperatures ranging from 200 - 300°C. The degradation of cellulose followed a first-order reaction kinetic with an activation energy of 129 kJ mol−1. Relatively small concentrations of monomeric sugars were detected in the reaction solutions due to the rapid decomposition into furfurals under static conditions. In dynamic experiments, cellulose was hydrolyzed at various percolation rates. Several reaction products were analyzed quantitatively. Application of optimized parameters allowed almost complete solubilization of cellulose, with more than 60% of the initial material recovered as sugars.
Megascopic Multicellular Organisms from the 1700-Million-Year-Old Tuanshanzi Formation in the Jixian Area, North China

Hundreds of specimens of megascopic carbonaceous fossils shaped like leaves have been found at the ∼1700-million-year-old Tuanshanzi Formation of the uppermost Paleoproterozoic Changcheng Group (1600 to 1850 million years old) in the Jixian area, north China. These leaflike fossils mostly resemble the Longfengshania; each consists of a blade (with spoonlike, lanceolate, or ribbonlike shapes) with a single stipe, a holdfast, or both. On the basis of their megascopic dimensions, preliminary differentiation of organs or tissues, and possible remains of multicellular structures, they are benthic, multicellular algal fossils similar to the longfengshanids. These fossils indicate that multicellular organisms originated at least 1700 million years ago.
LEARNING OUTCOME EFFECTIVENESS: OPEN-SOURCE VERSUS COMMERCIALLY LICENSED DATA MINING SOFTWARE TOOLS

Data Analytics, Data Mining, and Machine-Learning have become increasingly prevalent in higher-education, in both on-ground and online curricula. However, few studies have thoroughly and objectively studied the effectiveness of specific Data Mining software (both commercially-licensed and open-source), on learning outcomes. The current study used the Independent Samples T-Test to objectively compare two popular data mining software tools. Specifically, undergraduate, and graduate Information Systems students enrolled in an Introduction to Data Mining course were tested on the use of an open-source data mining tool (i.e., R Programming Language), and on a commercially-licensed data mining tool (i.e., XLMiner from Frontline Solvers). The current study assessed the impact of both tools on undergraduate and graduate student learning outcomes. The findings of this study will be of interest to higher-education faculty who are using, or who may consider using, data mining and machine-learning software in their undergraduate or graduate Information Systems Curriculum.
Applying a Threefold Gamification Approach in Software Engineering Education

—Students of software engineering courses in higher education often experience a lack of motivation, partly caused by traditional teaching methods. In our study program we introduced a novel blended learning concept with threefold gamification elements for teaching software engineering. In this paper we present the teaching method mix with particular focus on the integration of three gamification elements to increase students’ engagement.
CHARACTERIZATION AND ELECTROCHEMICAL PERFORMANCE OF DOPAMINE-SENSITIZED TITANIA THIN FILMS

OF THESIS CHARACTERIZATION AND ELECTROCHEMICAL PERFORMANCE OF DOPAMINE-SENSITIZED TITANIA THIN FILMS Sensitization of mesoporous titania films with dopamine and polydopamine for visible light photoelectrochemical activity is investigated. Sensitization effectiveness is compared with 8 mM dopamine solutions of varying pH (acidic, basic, and neutral), as well as with a basic polydopamine solution. Vibrational changes due to dopamine attachment are determined from detached powders by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is used to quantify organics attached. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of intact films probes the chemically induced charge shift from dopamine attachment. Cyclic voltammetry identifies the irreversible dopamine oxidation and tin reduction voltages. Finally, chronoamperometric curves are used to compare the photoelectrochemical water splitting performance of samples sensitized in different environments. FTIR results indicate mainly bidentate attachment of dopamine to titania, with minor monodentate attachment. XPS and TGA indicate quick saturation of the surface during sensitization, most notably for polydopamine, and XPS indicates a range of charge shifts from 2.28 eV to 2.83 eV for oxygen and titanium binding energies. Dopamine sensitization in DI water for 15 minutes gave optimal water oxidation, enhanced by 80 times (under 455 nm light and 0.4 V) compared to pure titania films. Preliminary photocatalytic water reduction using dopamine-sensitized titania films are investigated.
Conceptual and lexical buildup in strategic oral production

Several empirical studies about teaching communication strategies (CSs) have shown that teaching CS improves learners’ communicative competence; however, the mechanisms for this have not been clarified adequately. Based on Levelt’s (1989) psycholinguistic model, an attempt was made in this study to examine them by narrowing its focus only on a Conceptualizer component in his model, while controlling another component, Formulator. Based on the results obtained by analyzing empirical data collected from 39 participants, of whom 19 took part in a 5-week lexical CS training program, the study discusses that teaching CS possibly facilitates learners’ processing in the Conceptualizer component by changing their linguistic knowledge of the target language to procedural knowledge.
THE STAR CELLS OFMEMORY—ASTROCYTES

AGES: 12–13 Everything we do (sense, move, feel, remember.) relies on the activity of neurons in the brain, the connections between them and their ability to change the strength of these connections. Astrocytes are a di erent type of brain cells previously thought to merely support the activity of neurons. Advanced tools allow us to artificially activate specific cells populations in specific brain areas. Using such tools, we found that astrocytes can independently strengthen the connections between neurons and improve memory. We show that this memory improvement is due to the ability of astrocytes to enhance only the activity of those neurons participating in learning. Our findings suggest that astrocytes are not merely support cells enabling memory, but they can actively change the function of neurons. The ability of astrocytes to enhance memory may serve as a basis for future treatments to improve normalmemory or help people who su er from memory loss.
SMOKE DETECTION BASED ON IMAGE PROCESSING BY USING GREY AND TRANSPARENCY FEATURES

In this study, we improve smoke detection approach based on frame movement by analyzing the characteristics of early smoke. Background and different modeling methods are used to detect moving objects in every frame accurately. Sequentially, the image was converted to binary mode, and while undesirable lightness pixels are removed from the image. Smoke was detected by using two features, namely, gray and transparency. The first feature depends on the standard deviation of the object, and the second one measures image transparency. Experimental results show that the suggested algorithm can achieve a high detection rate of smoke approach to 92%. These results were observed by using accuracy scale as a mathematical base for classification.
The Vitamin D Endocrine System and Its Therapeutic Potential

Publisher Summary This chapter is devoted to describing the vitamin D endocrine system, how the active hormonal form of vitamin D works, and the potential for treatment of a variety of diseases, ranging from metabolic bone diseases to such diverse disorders as psoriasis and cancer. With the discovery of the activation of the vitamin D molecule has come the application of the metabolites of vitamin D and its analogues to human disease. The discovery of the vitamin D receptor in tissues has resulted in the discovery of new functions of vitamin D, as its involvement in the differentiation and development of the monocyte from the promyelocyte. A further detailed analysis of the role of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 in initiating transcription of target genes will yield new information that will be of value not only in understanding these complex systems but in providing guidance to maximize treatment of disease.
Constructing and Collaborating through ICT

In this paper, I will describe research over several decades that has aimed to enhance mathematics learning and engagement through construction and collaboration making innovative use of digital technology. I will dwell in some detail on my most recent and ongoing project that is designing and building a computational system to support teachers in helping students to make the step to algebraic generalisation, with functionalities that encourage students to share and reflect upon their own constructions and rules as well as those of others