Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maltose in culture media improves the in vitro regeneration of Urochloa brizantha cv. ‘Marandu’ plants

The improvement of the in vitro regeneration of Urochloa brizantha is an important step to toward the development of transgenic cultivars. The objective of this work was to test the effect of the amino acid proline and the replacement of sucrose by maltose as carbon source in culture media to optimize the somatic embryogenesis. Mature seeds of U. brizantha cv. Marandu were used as initial explant. The seeds were scarified in sulfuric acid, manually peeled disinfested and washed. The callus induction media were composed basically by Murashige and Skoog salts supplemented with 30 g l -1 sucrose, 3 mg l -1 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 300 mg l -1 hydrolyzed casein and 8 g l -1 agar. Carbon sources maltose or sucrose at 30, 40 and 50 g l -1 was added in the callus induction medium. In another experiment the L-proline was added to the media at 100, 200 and 400 mg l -1 . It was evaluated the number of seeds that produced callus, calluses growth after 14 weeks (mg) and number of regenerated plants. The results showed maltose was more efficient than sucrose for regenerate the plants. Nevertheless, the addition of proline to the media not improved it. Therefore, substitution of sucrose by maltose to the in vitro culture media of U. brizantha increase the plant regeneration.
Technological and nutritional aspects of solid lipid nanoparticles added to o/w emulsions

Nanoscaled carrier systems have been stated in the literature to be potentially useful in food systems as delivery systems for bioactive compounds. However, in the present paper, it will be shown that their use in food can cover two areas, i.e. technological and nutritional aspects. When used for technological reasons they may serve as encapsulants e.g. for aroma compounds, preservatives, colours or antioxidants. Technological aspects include interactions with the food matrix and the stability of the particles as well as the encapsulated compound during processing and storage. The aim of the present study was to develop and characterise food grade solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) that can be used to enhance the technological and the nutritional quality of a model food system. The technological aspects cover the physical and oxidative stability of an o/w emulsion, while nutritional aspects include the stability of the particles in the GIT. The formulation and processing parameters applied allowed the preparation of SLN in the size range of 120 nm. The particle size increased only marginally upon the encapsulation of up to 5 % α-tocopherol relative to the lipid phase. The encapsulated tocopherol could efficiently inhibit lipid oxidation in oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions. The particles were stable under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. A food grade formulation was developed that can be used in food either for technological reasons or to enhance the nutritional value of the product.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through into Retail Prices

We study exchange rate pass-through and its determinants using scanner data on about 85% of the fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) sold by 1,041 outlets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between January of 2006 and December of 2010. The data, reported at the barcode level at each outlet, are augmented with country of origin information collected from the products’ labels. Our main, novel, finding is that exchange rate pass-through varies more across retailers within regions than across regions in the UAE, and in particular that pass-through increases with retailer market share. We interpret this finding to strongly suggest that retailers exhibit heterogeneity in price-setting behavior. In addition, and consistently with recent literature, we find that exchange rate pass-through is negatively correlated with both product quality and the elasticity of substitution of the product category, and positively correlated with the frequency of price adjustment. JEL classification codes: D43 F40, F41, 053 Keywords: Exchange rate pass-through, scanner data, retailers, United Arab Emirates * This research was made possible by support of an NPRP grant from the Qatar National Research Fund. We thank Robert Feenstra, John Romalis, Daniel Westbrook, Charles Engel, Kenneth West, Alan Blinder, Oleg Itskhoki, Ariel Burstein and seminars participants at Princeton University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, University of Wisconsin-­‐ Madison, NYU-­‐Abu Dhabi, the University of Cyprus, Bank of Canada, and the University of Bern for helpful comments. We would also like to thank the editor and two anonymous referees. The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. All remaining errors are our own. † Corresponding author: Address: Georgetown University in Qatar, Education City Doha, 23689, Qatar. E-­‐mail: aa658@georgetown.edu
The role of Cucumic Melo Varieta Agrestis, Vitamin C and Zinc on Sperm Activity and Oxidative Stress during Cryopreservation in Infertile Male

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of Cucumic melo varagrestis, Vitamin C and zinc on human spermatozoa and oxidative stress during cryopreservation in asthenozoospermia. One hundred males were participated in this study at Infertility Clinic at High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies/AlNahrain University. There ages were (31.86 ±0.76) years. Semen samples were collected and seminal fluid analysis was done according to WHO (1999). Cryopreservation kept for one month in liquid nitrogen (LN2) at (-196◦C 1ml semen sample with 1ml of sperm freeze medium with zinc, vitamin c , cucmic melon extraction). After one month; 0.5 ml of Ferticuilt Flushin was added to pallet and incubation 37◦C\30min and Microscopic sperm parameters Examination had conducted. The oral administration of antioxidant combination of Cucumic melo var. agrestis, vitamin C and zinc improves sperm characteristics in asthenozoospermia.
The Determinants of Income Distribution, an Empirical Analysis of Developing Countries

Income Distribution, which is a center of discussion in economic theory, has recently evolved from theory to application. The role of the government and institution in income distribution, especially in the developing countries, needs in-depth evaluation so that further policies can be constituted. This aspect of income distribution has often been empirically explored in developed countries but there is still gap present in developing countries. The present study is an attempt to fill the gap in research related to fiscal, institutional and macroeconomic determinants of income distribution in a sample of 50 developing countries through using Panel Estimation Technique covering a period from 1995 to 2015 with five years frequency. The study analyzes income distribution from three dimensions: Gini coefficient, Income share of the poorest 20% and Poverty gap. The study finds that while government current spending hinders equal distribution of income, social spending facilitates it. Control of corruption and improvement in bureaucratic quality has negative effects on the redistribution of income. Rising inflation appears to temporarily benefit the poorest income share while unemployment, per capita income and trade openness does the opposite.
The Effect of Diazepam on the Function of Hypertrophied Rats’ Hearts in Ischemia-Reperfusion Conditions

Background : Hypertrophied hearts are susceptible to ischemic injury. Besides, cardiac vulnerability could be changed in the presence of diazepam. Objectives : The current study aimed to investigate the effect of diazepam on hypertrophied rats’ hearts in ischemia-reperfusion conditions. Materials and Methods : Male Wistar rats (body weight 210 - 270 gr) were administered with isoproterenol (4 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally for 7 days) alone or along with diazepam (1 and 5 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally for 5 days). The control rats received normal saline intraperitoneally. The animal s’ hearts were isolated according to langendorff setup and were passed through baseline, ischemia, and reperfusion stages. Then, cardiac mass index (ratio of heart weight to body weight) was measured. Cardiac functional parameters, including left ventricular developed pressure and rate pressure product, were also assessed at baseline and following ischemia. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results : Isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy was significantly reduced by both doses of diazepam compared to the group only treated with isoproterenol (P < 0.05) although it did not reach the control level. However, diazepam administration (1 and 5 mg/kg) did not change isoproterenol-induced exacerbated ischemia-reperfusion injury compared to the control group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively). Conclusions : Diazepam relatively prevented the isoproterenol–induced cardiac hypertrophy in the animal model. This effect could be probably explained by the modification of oxidative stress and preservation of intracellular calcium concentration. Considering the common clinical usage of diazepam, as a peripheral benzodiazepine ligand, antihypertrophic effects of diazepam are recommended to be investigated in clinical trials.
On the Plurality of Environmental Regimes of Anticipation

In recent years, the social sciences have increasingly investigated ways in which futures are anticipated, fostered, and pre-empted. However, less attention has been given to how various predictive approaches inform different ways of acting in the present. Our article presents the results of an investigation into the current practices and agendas of forest scientists and managers in France. We first suggest how an anticipation of environmental futures is coming to the fore as an emerging field of expertise and practices in forest sciences, including predicting but also monitoring, preparing and adapting to projected futures. We then account for the co-existence of three "micro-regimes" of anticipation combining a certain approach to the forest, a certain vision of the future, and a certain type of scientific predictive approach, including different anticipatory objectives, different modelling practices, and different interactions between research and management: i/ Adapting forestry to future climates; ii/ Predicting Future Tree Biology; iii/ Monitoring forests as indicators of climate change.
Nexus Between Land Grabbing and Development: Perspective of Environmental Injustice in Ethiopia

This paper explores the overall relationship between land grabbing and development from the perspective of environmental injustice in Ethiopia. The study principally relied on analysis and reflection of secondary sources. Hitherto, much scholarly discourse has tried to seek remedy for the challenges of land grabbing from political aspects. However, this article attempted to open up a new vista of environmental stewardship from the view point of ethical philosophy. Therefore, we try to explore how land grabbing, as one instance of environmental injustice, has negatively affected the development of societies in Ethiopia. The problem of land grabbing is reality in many parts of Ethiopia like Gambella, Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz regions. For instance, the Elfora Agro-Industries owner has also evicted poor societies from their land without proper compensation. The integration of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, with the surrounding area is one form of land grabbing which impose negative impacts on the genuine development of local communities in Ethiopia. As a result, we suggest that inspiring marginalized communities to participate in environmental decision making is very important issue. For instance, Indian Conglomerate Karuturi Company had acquired so many hectares of land by displacing local communities without paying proper compensation for the local societies in the above mentioned regions of Ethiopia.
Importance of Employee's Motivation for Business Success – Example of Beiersdorf

Employees are one of the company’s most important resources. In order to build a good relationship with employees, managers must motivate them. Motivation can be described as a set of factors that drive people and direct them to meet certain needs. Many authors have written about this concept by developing various theories. One of the most famous motivation theories is Maslow’s need hierarchy. In addition to this, there are other, generally accepted theories, such as theories X and Y, the equity theory or expectancy theory. Although the authors disagree with that what motivates people, they share the common view that employee motivation is the key to company’s success. Due to importance of human resources in modern business, the subject of the analysis in this paper is the influence of motivation on the business success. We analyzed Beiersdorf management practise and the way it motivates employees.
The Reading Comprehension Skill of d/Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Poles and Its Importance for Media Accessibility

The study investigates the reading comprehension skill of d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) Poles in the context of media accessibility. Deriving from the assumption that spoken Polish typically acts as a second language for the DHH, the study employed state certificate exams designed for foreigners learning Polish as a second language. A reading comprehension test was composed on the basis of these exams, containing tasks at B1, B2 and C1 proficiency levels. It was administered to 126 participants: 87 d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) and 39 hearing persons acting as the control group. It was also accompanied by a demographic questionnaire to determine the relationship between the reading skill and such aspects as age, education, degree of hearing loss, onset of hearing loss, preferred means of communication (sign language, spoken Polish, both), declared proficiency in Polish and preferred media accessibility method (sign language interpretation, subtitling, either of the two).
Challenges Facing the Implementation of Pico-Hydropower Technologies

840 million people living in rural areas across the world lack access to electricity, creating a large imbalance in the development potential between urban and rural areas. Pico-hydropower offers a cost-effective way of accessing electricity, where the resource exists. This paper discusses and critically examines several challenges that remain in implementing pico-hydropower systems, such as local manufacturing, maintenance and repair of turbines, low-head solutions, dealing with variation in the water flow between seasons, the ability to deal with income generating loads and low system power and capacity factor. The solutions to many of these problems exist; several low head turbine systems are appearing on the market, and new power electronic packages are able to improve the system capacity factor. Some turbines are now being designed for local construction using design for manufacturing rules, so only basic workshop tools and process are required to build turbine systems and components, and enabling turbines to be locally repaired. Through the commercialisation and implementation of these solutions, the proliferation of pico-hydropower systems can take place providing low cost sustainable electricity for remote communities, but this requires a stronger emphasis in social awareness and policy. Three critical enabling factors for the success of pico-hydropower projects are identified through this analysis: understanding the local context, financial sustainability and stakeholder awareness.
Automatic Park and retrieve assissted systems for automobiles using smartphone

--------------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT------------------------------------------------------This paper proposes the design of a simple driverless car controlled by a Smartphone. The system takes control of the car and drives itself to a nearby parking space automatically and retrieves itself out of the parking space. When the auto park feature is started, the system searches for the empty parking lot with the help of ultrasonic sensors and parks the car once it finds the space. In retrieve mode the car drives itself out of the parking space to a fixed place where the user would normally be available or to the place where the user got out of it before the auto park process started. The user can start the car and control the movement of the car with the help of Smartphone to make it come to his present location irrespective of where he/she is available. Remote alert feature is automatically activated when the car is parked and detects any attempt to move the car till the retrieve feature is started with command from the user.
Correction of retinal ischemic injuries by using non-selective imidazoline receptor agonists in the experiment

Introduction: Retinoprotective effects of non-selective imidazoline receptor agonists: potassium salt of С7070; sodium salt of С7070; С7070 processed with CO2 – were investigated in comparison with C7070 on the retinal ischemia-reperfusion model in rats. Materials and methods: The protective effects of the substances were evaluated by using ophthalmoscopy, laser Doppler flowmetry, electroretinography, histological and morphometric studies of retinal layers. Results and discussion: The most pronounced retinoprotective effect was observed in potassium salt of C7070 at a dose of 10 mg/kg, which expresses in approaching the normal eye fundus image, achieving the target values of the retinal blood flow, b/a coefficient, and reaching the norm values of morphometric indicators. A less pronounced protective effect was found in sodium salt of C7070 at a dose of 10 mg/kg, which expresses in a 71% decrease (p < 0.05) in semi-quantitative assessment of the eye fundus changes, an increase in the retinal blood flow level by 70.4% (p < 0.05), in b/a by 94% (p < 0.05) in comparison with the group without correction, and reaching the norm of the morphometric indicators. A retinoprotective effect of the substance C7070 processed with CO2 at a dose of 10 mg/kg is inferior to that of the sodium salt of C7070. Conclusion: The retinoprotective activity of the substances is expressed in descending order: potassium salt of С7070 (10 mg/kg) ≈ С7070 (50 mg/kg) > sodium salt of С7070 (10 mg/kg) > С7070 processed with CO2 (10 mg/kg) ≈ С7070 (10 mg/kg). Injections of glibenclamide leveled the neuroretinoprotective effects of the substances to varying degrees, which confirmed the participation of ATP-dependent potassium channels in the implementation of these effects.
Landsat NIR band and ELM-FATES sensitivity to forest disturbances and regrowth in the Central Amazon

Abstract. Forest disturbance and regrowth are key processes in forest dynamics but detailed information of these processes is difficult to obtain in remote forests as the Amazon. We used chronosequences of Landsat satellite imagery to determine the sensitivity of surface reflectance from all spectral bands to windthrow, clearcutting, and burning and their successional pathways of forest regrowth in the Central Amazon. We also assess whether the forest demography model Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Ecosystem Simulator (FATES) implemented in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) Land Model (ELM), ELM-FATES, accurately represents the changes for windthrow and clearcut. The results show that all spectral bands from Landsat satellite were sensitive to the disturbances but after 3 to 6 years only the Near Infrared (NIR) band had significant changes associated with the successional pathways of forest regrowth for all the disturbances considered. In general, the NIR decreased immediately after disturbance, increased to maximum values with the establishment of pioneers and early-successional tree species, and then decreased slowly and almost linearly to pre-disturbance conditions with the dynamics of forest succession. Statistical methods predict that NIR will return to pre-disturbance values in about 39 years (consistent with observational data of biomass regrowth following windthrows), and 36 and 56 years for clearcut and burning. The NIR captured the observed successional pathways of forest regrowth after clearcut and burning that diverge through time. ELM-FATES predicted higher peaks of initial forest responses (e.g., biomass, stem density) after clearcuts than after windthrows, similar to the changes in NIR. However, ELM-FATES predicted a faster recovery of forest structure and canopy-coverage back to pre-disturbance conditions for windthrows compared to clearcuts. The similarity of ELM-FATES predictions of regrowth patterns after windthrow and clearcut to those of the NIR results suggest that the dynamics of forest regrowth for these disturbances are represented with appropriate fidelity within ELM-FATES and useful as a benchmarking tool.
Isolation Frequency Switchable MIMO Antenna for PCS, WIMAX and WLAN Application

In this study, a lumped component based frequency reconfigurable multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) receiving wire design is presented. The proposed antenna is composed of a planar structure in form of F-shaped together with a slotted and defected ground structure for bandwidth and isolation enhancement. The MIMO antenna operates in six frequencies upon the state of the four lumped element switches. The proposed receiving wire design exhibits a multiband frequency reconfigurable characteristics from 1-7GHz with isolation of more than 14dB for the whole band, with efficiency of about 75%. The MIMO antenna’s behavior in terms of ratio of square root of the sum of power reflected wave to the incident wave (TARC), ECC and CCL are all within the acceptable limits. The design is suitable for personal communication system (PCS), WIMAX and WLAN wireless applications.
Two-Phase Behaviors in Financial Markets

1 Department of Environmental Atmospheric Science, Pukyong National University, Pusan 608-737, Korea dilee@pknu.ac. kr 2 Department of Physics, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-701, Korea gyu-changlim@kaist.ac. kr 3 Department of Physics, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-701, Korea sooyongkim@kaist.ac. kr 4 Department of Advanced Sciences and Technology, East Piedmont University, Alessandria 15100, Italy enrico.scalas@gmail.com 5 Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Hanyang University, Kuri 471-701, Korea
How teachers can guide students towards the increased use of contextualised MALL in target and non-target countries: The case of L2 Chinese adult students

Contextualised mobile assisted language learning (MALL) has been greatly discussed (Pegrum, 2014); however, its potential has not been reached in either target or non-target countries, and this calls for teachers’ attention. This study recommended a way for teachers to guide their Chinese second or foreign language students towards increasing their contextualised MALL, by relying on a framework proposed by Cohen and Ezra (2018) and based on the learners’ existing activities. The framework’s contextualised components include real-world and real-life contexts (a measuring index is proposed), as well as device mobility. The study recommended the following: teachers in target and non-target countries should focus differently on generic and dedicated activities; content factors for dedicated activities should be taken into account; teachers should guide students to relate to the real world and real life, including objects and other core activities. The findings may encourage teachers to guide students without worrying about the extra time spent in an overcrowded curriculum.