Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bantu in the Crystal Ball, II

Interest in the question of Bantu expansion rose dramatically in the 1950s as historians, archeologists, and anthropologists all joined in the fray. This reflected both the rise of Africa in world affairs and the expansion of research in general. The scholars involved were typically a new breed of professionals, and as such more dependent than their predecessors on universities or research institutions. The School of Oriental and African Studies in London achieved overwhelming dominance from about 1950 until the late 1960s, so that opinions held by its staff found the widest audience. The new scholars also were, for the most part, anti-racist, sympathetic to African nationalisms, and of liberal or socialist persuasion. They tended to reject the notion of “conquest,” believing in gradual change rather than abrupt cataclysmic mutation, perhaps because they were repelled by their recent experiences during the war. As had happened earlier, these extraneous circumstances left a deep imprint on the speculations that were now proposed. Early in this period a new paradigm almost achieved consensus, but after 1968 this fell apart and during the last decade two new trends have appeared: the single-minded quest for a new paradigm and the search for better understanding through the study of analogous processes, coupled with a more radical skepticism. Murdock
Surface functionalization-induced enhancement in surface properties and biocompatibility of polyaniline nanofibers

Nanofibers of polyaniline (PAni) have been synthesized by a dilute polymerization method and functionalized by 1% glutaraldehyde solution in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) (pH = 7.4) and in thin films to introduce a polar chemical group in order to develop a novel bioactive platform for tissue engineering applications. TEM estimates the nanofibers to have an average diameter of 35.66 nm. FESEM images confirm the presence of interconnected nanofibrous structures of PAni powder and the highly entangled morphology of the films. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates enhanced thermal stability of polyaniline nanofibers (PNFs) after functionalization. UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence studies demonstrate that PNFs are in emeraldine base (EB) form before and after functionalization. FTIR and NMR spectroscopic studies reveal successful incorporation of polar hydroxyl (–OH) and aldehyde (–CHO) groups into the PNFs. Contact angle measurements demonstrate an increase in wettability of PAni films after surface functionalization as the contact angle decreases from 76.2° to 52.1°. Surface energy calculations using OWRK (Owens, Wendt, Rabel and Kaelble) and AB (acid–base) methods show an increase in energy and polarity of the surface, endowing it with biocompatibility. Membrane stability tests reveal less haemolysis activity by surface-functionalized polyaniline nanofibers (SF-PNFs). MTT assay of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) shows a significant increase in cell viability after surface functionalization of PNFs. The non-cytotoxic effects of SF-PNFs make them a biocompatible scaffold for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Synthesis of cyclic and acyclic oligocytidylates by uranyl ion catalyst in aqueous solution

Uranyl ion catalyses the oligomerization of cytidine-5′-phosphoroimidazolide in aqueous solution, yielding 3′–5′-linked cyclic di- and tri-cytidylates preferentially at high catalyst concentration, or 2′–5′-linked linear oligocytidylates at lower catalyst concentration. Addition of Ag+ affects the uranyl ion-catalysed oligocytidylate formation and alters the product distribution.
Microkinetic Model of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis on Iron Catalysts

MICROKINETIC MODEL OF FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNTHESIS ON IRON CATALYSTS Uchenna P. Paul Department of Chemical Engineering Doctor of Philosophy Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), developed in the early 1900’s, is defined as the catalytic conversion of H2 and CO to hydrocarbons and oxygenates with the production of H2O and CO2. Accurate microkinetic modeling can in principle provide insights into catalyst design and the role of promoters. This work focused on gaining an understanding of the chemistry of the kinetically relevant steps in FTS on Fe catalyst and developing a microkinetic model that describes FTS reaction kinetics. Stable Al2O3-supported/promoted (20% Fe, 1% K, 1% Pt) and unsupported Fe (99% Fe, 1% Al2O3) catalysts were prepared and characterized. Transient experiments including temperature programmed desorption (TPD), temperature programmed hydrogenation (TPH), and isothermal hydrogenation (ITH) provided insights into the chemistry and energetics of the early elementary reactions in FTS on Fe catalyst. Microkinetic models of CO TPD, ITH, and FTS were developed for Fe catalyst by combining transition state theory and UBI-QEP formalism. These models support the conclusion that hydrocarbon formation occurs on Fe via a dual mechanism involving surface carbide and formyl intermediates; nevertheless, hydrocarbon formation is more favorable via the carbide mechanism. Carbon hydrogenation was found to be the rate determining step in the carbide mechanism. CO heat of adsorption on polycrystalline Fe at zero coverage was estimated to be -91.6 kJ/mol and -64.8 kJ/mol from ITH and FTS models respectively, while a mean value of -50.0 kJ/mol was estimated from the TPD model. Statistically designed steady-state kinetic experiments at conditions similar to industrial operating conditions were used to obtain rate data. The rate data were used to develop a microkinetic model of FTS. FTS and ITH appear to follow similar reaction pathways, although the energetics are slightly different. In both cases, hydrocarbon formation via the carbide mechanism was more favorable than via a formyl intermediate while carbon hydrogenation was the rate determining step. Promotion of Fe with K does not alter Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction pathways but it does alter the energetics for the steps leading to the formation of CO2. This phenomenon accounts for the CO2 selectivity of 0.3 observed for K-promoted Fe against 0.17 observed for un-promoted Fe. A Langmuir Hinshelwood rate expression derived from the microkinetic model was put into a fixed bed FTS reactor design code; calculated reactor sizes, throughput, temperature profiles and conversion are similar to those of pilot and demonstration FTS reactors with similar feed rates and compositions.
Effects of Thermal Treatment on Selected Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) Wood

One of the major problems of wood in service is dimensional stability caused by absorption of moisture from humid environment. Recent effort has been on using non-chemical treatment to enhance wood serviceable life. Therefore, this study examined the influence of thermal treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of Hevea braziliensis wood. The wood samples were selected from the top, middle and base of rubber trees, oven-dried to a moisture content of 12% before thermal modification in a muffle furnace at varying temperature of 160 oC, 180 oC and 200C for 30, 60 and 90 minutes duration. Mean values for water absorption ranged from 54.55% (160°C for 30 min) to 49.34% (200°C for 90 min). The Modulus of Rupture values varied from 87.22N/mm at 160°C to 66.87N/mm at 200°C. Increase in treatment time from 30 minutes to 60 minutes caused a decrease in the MOR from 86.98N/mm at 30 minutes to 73.23N/mm at 60 minutes. There were significant difference in the results obtained with thermally treated wood at 200 oC and 90 minutes with improvement in resistance of rubber wood to moisture and decrease in mechanical properties especially the modulus of rupture. The result showed that thermal treatment could improve the resistance of the wood to moisture absorption and enhanced mechanical properties of the treated wood.
HPLC analysis of flavonoid compounds and antioxidant action of Nirmali (Strychnos potatorum) seeds

There is a growing interest for the plant-based medicines in pharmaceutical industry. Plant derived Antioxidants have gained huge importance regarding their medicinal value. Strychnos potatorum Linn (S. potatorum) seeds are used in the Indian traditional system of medicine for the treatment of leucorrhoea, gastropathy, bronchitis, chronic diarrhoea, hepatopathy, nephropathy, gonorrhoea, strangury, renal and vesicle calculi, diabetes and eye diseases. The present study was carried out to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity and HPLC analysis of chloroform, ethanol and aqueous seeds extract of S. potatorum. Antioxidant activities of ethanolic extract of S. potatorum was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay and quercetin was detected in extract of S. potatorum under study by using RP-HPLC analysis. In DPPH assay, antioxidant activity was increased dose dependently when compared with standard drug ascorbic acid and IC 50 value of ethanolic extract and standard was found to be 19.93 and 34.80 μg/ml. Quercetin content was highest in ethanolic extract, was quantified as 0. 9286μg/ml than chloroform extract 0.6813 μg/ml and in aqueous extracts 0. 3583μg/ml. Results obtained indicated that S. potatorum exhibits good potential to prevent diseases caused by the overproduction of free radicals and it might also be used as a potential source of natural antioxidant agents. Which needs to be investigated further for their medicinal and/ cosmaceutical applications.
On-line monitoring and diagnosis as basis for the asset management of power transformers

On-line monitoring is the record of relevant data of a transformer. Diagnosis is the interpretation of these monitored data including the history of the transformer and the statistical judgement of the failure rate. The importance of the monitored transformer and the economic consequences are the basis for the asset management of power transformers together with the risk evaluation. The different monitoring systems for on-line monitoring of power transformers are presented. The concluding diagnosis uses the actual information as well as the historic data of the monitored transformer and leads to an statement of the actual insulation performance and the measures.
Sludge activity and cross-flow microfiltration - a non-beneficial relationship

For the past year a half-scale pilot plant for the anaerobic pretreatment of potato starch wastewater has been in operation. A reactor of 4 m3 was equipped with a settler and a so-called membrane thickener to reduce the amount of sludge which has to pass the membrane. According to other publications on membrane supported anaerobic digesters, organic loadings of more than 6 kg COD/m3d rarely have been achieved by this reactor. A loss of 50% of activity was observed after circulating the sludge 20 times and a 90% loss within 100 cycles. It can be shown that the symbiosis between acidogenic and methanogenic bacteria is the most sensitive part. These observations imply that a “gentle” transport of sludge through the membrane module must be developed, if membrane filtration at anaerobic reactors is to be further utilized. The results for an aerobic batch reactor implied that parallel to the destruction of sludge flocs due to the unsuitable pumps or to high transmembrane pressure, a significant decrease of the specific activity will take place.
Principles of Scattering and Transport of Light

Light scattering is one of the most well-studied phenomena in nature. It occupies a central place in optical physics, and plays a key role in multiple fields of science and engineering. This volume presents a comprehensive introduction to the subject. For the first time, the authors bring together in a self-contained and systematic manner, the physical concepts and mathematical tools that are used in the modern theory of light scattering and transport, presenting them in a clear, accessible style. The power of these tools is demonstrated by a framework that links various aspects of the subject: scattering theory to radiative transport, radiative transport to diffusion, and field correlations to the statistics of speckle patterns. For graduate students and researchers in optical physics and optical engineering, this book is an invaluable resource on the interaction of light with complex media and the theory of light scattering in disordered and complex systems.
Total fungi and yeast distribution in soils over native and modified vegetation in central Brazil

ABSTRACT Fungi are ubiquitous components of soil microbial communities, generally comprise the largest proportion of soil biomass. They can occur as filamentous forms or unicellular yeasts, in both, as free-living or symbionts. Next generation sequencing has allowed greater depth of the access to soil fungal diversity complementing culture-dependent results. In Brazil, the state of Minas Gerais is recognized for its mining activity, which modifies the vegetation cover and consequently the soil microbial communities. To describe the fungal community (total fungi [. ]
Determinants of Career Intentions of Accounting Students

This study examines the determinants of accounting students‟ career intentions. The study adopted survey questionnaires developed on a 5-point Likert‟s scale to collect primary data from 231 final year university students pursuing accounting across Ghana using purposive sampling technique. The study employed the use of PLS-SEM to conduct Regression Analysis. The outcome of the study reveals that the relationship between the future plan and career intentions of accounting students is significantly positive, and a positive perception on the accounting profession influences the accounting student to pursue a career in accounting. Thus, future plans and students‟ perception on professional examinations influence the career intentions of the accounting students in Ghana. The study recommends that future studies should explore the effects of other important variables including race, culture, religion, marital status, etc. on the career intentions of accounting students.
Methodology approach on benchmarking Regional Innovation on Smart Specialisation (RIS3): a joint macro-regional tool to regional performance evaluation and monitoring in Central Europe

The current funding period of the European Union 2014 – 2020 advocates the application of the Smart Specialisation approach that has to be implemented on regional level. European NUTS-2 regions shall evaluate and reconsider their regional strategies for the upcoming funding period. Due to the high differences among the regions in terms of existing monitoring systems and policies, the performance measurement lacks a solid basis for a sufficient comparison, exemplification and transfer. In order to reduce this research gap, within this paper, the authors developed a comprehensible methodological tool using a given number of NUTS-2 regions with their distinctive monitoring systems and indicators in Central Europe. The benchmarking process is focusing on deploying existing performance indicators * This research was supported by the Interreg project “SMART_watch” project that was implemented in the frame of the Interreg Central Europe Programme 2014-2020 from June 2017 to May 2020. The project is based on the research and practical gaps highlighting the needs to support and enhance monitoring capacity of the regions in terms of Smart Specialisation. ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES ISSN 2345-0282 (online) http://jssidoi.org/jesi/ 2020 Volume 8 Number 2 (December) http://doi.org/10.9770/jesi.2020. 8.2(80) Make your research more visible, join the Twitter account of ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES: @Entrepr6972881
Pharmakologie der Betasympathomimetika

Die Pharmakokinetik inhalativ verabreichter Betasympathomimetika bestimmt masgeblich das Ausmas und die Dauer der erwunschten Atemwegserweiterung sowie der unerwunschten Nebenwirkungen. Das Zusammenspiel der pharmakokinetischen Vorgange ist jedoch komplex, da zusatzlich zu der pulmonal resorbierten Dosisfraktion auch ein gewisser Prozentsatz durch gastrointestinale Absorption in den systemischen Kreislauf umverteilt wird. Eine lange Verweildauer im Lungengewebe durch Erhohung der lipophilen Eigenschaften und eine geringe Tendenz zur Umverteilung aus dem Gastrointestinaltrakt in den systemischen Kreislauf durch einen hohen Firstpass-Effekt sind daher notwendig, um eine pulmonale Selektivitat der Therapie zu erzielen. Die Pharmakodynamik kurz- und langwirksamer β2-Agonisten, charakterisiert durch den Wirkeintritt und -dauer und das Ausmas der Bronchodilatation, ist nach gegenwartiger Forschung nicht nur von den Substanzeigenschaften abhangig, sondern unterliegt auch verschiedenen Toleranzmechanismen und dem individuellen Genotyp des β2-Rezeptors, die die Effektivitat der Asthmatherapie einschranken konnen.
Nucleation of decahedral Ag nanocrystals

Via MD simulation, we show that the transition barrier between icosahedral (Ih) and decahedral (Dh) silver clusters increases strongly with cluster size and thus effectively prohibits thermally induced transformation. It is further shown that coalescence of preformed Ih clusters may indeed serve as an effective path for the nucleation of Dh-like multiply twinned nanoparticles.
Reframing Perspectives for Consumer Work

Our world has become very complex, the marketplace being no exception. The nature of products and services, and their production/delivery, assessment, procurement, and disposal, has become very challenging. To address this complexity, those engaged in consumer education, research and advocacy need to augment their approach to their consumer work with new perspectives. Today, I will share a collection of ideas for your consideration, ideas that could lead to perspective shifting and reframing of our approaches to ensuring the consumer interest, defined as situations or circumstances that benefit consumers or give them an advantage (McGregor, 2012b).
Photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol over Ag/MFe2O4 (M = Co, Zn, Cu, and Ni) prepared by a modified chemical co-precipitation method: a comparative study

In this study, MFe2O4 (M = Zn, Cu, Co and Ni) nanoparticles were prepared by a modified chemical co-precipitation method followed by annealing. Then, Ag/MFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesised via a wetness impregnation method. The structural properties of the samples were systematically investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, DRS, BET, SPV and FT-IR techniques. The photocatalytic performances of the prepared MFe2O4 and Ag/MFe2O4 samples were comparatively studied by the photodegradation of 4-chlorophenol under xenon lamp illumination in a FTIR reaction cell. The photodegradation rate of 4-chlorophenol was 90% for the Ag/CoFe2O4 sample. The cheap cost and easy synthesis of the photocatalysts indicate the potential for a better thermal disposal of chlorophenol pollutants at lower temperatures.
Adaptive Intelligence

Adaptive Intelligence is a dramatic reappraisal and reframing of the concept of human intelligence. In a sweeping analysis, Robert J. Sternberg argues that we are using a fatally-flawed, outdated conception of intelligence; one which may promote technological advancement, but which has also accelerated climate change, pollution, the use of weaponry, and inequality. Instead of focusing on the narrow academic skills measured by standardized tests, societies should teach and assess adaptive intelligence, defined as the use of collective talent in service of the common good. This book describes why the outdated notion of intelligence persists, what adaptive intelligence is, and how it could lead humankind on a more positive path.
A Retrospective Analysis of 118 Stroke Cases Admitted to Aseer Hospital in Abha: Classification and Associated Factors

Original Research Article Background: A stroke is a medical disorder in which inadequate flow of blood through the brain contributes to the death of cells. There are two kinds of common strokes, ischemic and hemorrhage. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular injury are the risk factors for strokes. This research aimed to classify the most common type of stroke as well as the common risk factors associated with it in one of Saudi Arabia's major hospitals, located in the city of Abha. Methods and materials: From 1/1/2018 to 1/10/2019, data was collected from 118 patients with stroke. Results: The most prevalent type of event was ischemic stroke (91%), with hemorrhagic stroke comprising the remainder (9%). In addition, hypertension was the most common risk factor for stroke. In addition, we found that stroke events associated with hypertension and diabetes in patients over the age of 70 were more likely to occur relative to younger patients, p>0.05. Further study showed no correlation between stroke type and patient age, p>0.05. We also found no connection between the type of stroke and the specific imaging examinations performed, p>0.05 and the type of examination was independent of the stroke stage. Conclusion: We conclude that ischemic stroke was the most common type in the Abha city region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly among aging populations, and the common risk factor associated with stroke was hypertension.
Effect of weaning age and sex on bone development of pigs raised under intensive system and slaughtered at 70 kg body weigh. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 4 (5): 113-120

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of weaning age and sex on bone development of pigs raised under intensive system and slaughtered at 70 kg body weight. A total of 24 piglets were randomly assigned to 3 weaning ages: treatment 1 (21 days of age), treatment 2 (28 days of age) and treatment 3 (35 days of age). Feed and water were given ad libitum up to slaughter weight of 70 kg. Data were analysed as completely randomized design (CRD) using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of statistical analysis system, version 9.3. Weaning age did not have significant (P > 0.05) effect on bone length and width of pigs. However, pigs weaned at 35 days of age tended to have longer femur (17.4 ± 0.17 cm), tibia (16.0 ± 0.19 cm) and humerus (15.6 ± 0.17 cm) than those weaned at 21 and 28 days of age. A 28 days weaning age resulted in significantly heavier femur (239.0 ± 6.19 g vs. 216.8 ± 6.19 g), tibia (145.8 ± 4.02 g vs. 132.0 ± 4.02 g) and humerus (211.7 ± 4.91 g vs. 195.9 ± 4.91 g) compared to 21 day weaning age. Tibia ash percentage was significantly higher (52.3 ± 0.65 % in pigs weaned at 35 days of age compared to those weaned at 28 (47.6 ± 0.65 %) and 21 days (46.8 ± 0.65 %). Pigs weaned at 35 days had significantly higher tibia Ca content (38.4 ± 0.36 %) compared to those weaned at 28 (37.2 ± 0.36 %) and 21 days (36.9 ± 0.36%). Phosphorus content of the tibia bone was significantly affected by weaning age while Mg content was not affected. Males had significantly heavier femurs (226.4 ± 3.89 g) than females (207.2 ± 3.89 g) pigs weaned at 21 days while tibia and humerus fresh weight of pigs weaned at 21 days was not affected by sex. Sex did not affect tibia mineral content at 21, 28 and 35 days weaning ages. Piglets can be weaned at 21 or 35 days of age without negatively affecting bone development. Twenty one days weaning age is recommended as pigs weaned at this age reach slaughter weight earlier than other weaning ages.