Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE USE OF REALIA VERSUS POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS ON BOTANY LESSONS

Botany is traditionally viewed as less attractive than zoology for students, despite the fact that plants play a key role in natural ecosystems. It is hypothesized that survival-relevant information may enhance learner's attention and that this information might be better remembered than others. Additionally, the use of the PowerPoint (PPT) presentation software in teaching biology is questionable, particularly in comparison with the use of realia. A theory of adaptive memory was employed in an experiment, in which the presence of fruits, their colour and their toxicity on samples of plants was handled. The memory scores and interest in plants of the participants were measured. The effectiveness of the PPT compared with the use of realia (live plants) was also analysed. The memory scores were highest in treatments with living samples of plants containing fruits. Survival-relevant information (plant toxicity) was better retained than survival-irrelevant information. Participants retained information about plants with dark fruits better than about plants with red fruits. The activities with live plants, but not the PPT, increased participant's interest in plants. In summary, using living plants and fruits over the PPT is recommended when teaching botany. Key words: adaptive memory, biology education, PowerPoint programme, realia.
Techniques to Collect and Analyze the Cognitive Map Knowledge of Persons with Visual Impairment Or Blindness: Issues of Validity

This article is an assessment of a variety of techniques used by researchers in the fields of geography, psychology, urban planning, and cognitive science to collect and analyze data on how people with visual impairment or blindness learn, understand, and think about geographic space. The authors concluded that these techniques and their results need to be used cautiously. They also made recommendations for increasing the validity of future studies, including the use of multiple, mutually supportive tests; larger sample sizes, and movement from the laboratory to real-world environments.
On high-order FEM applied to canonical scattering problems in plasmonics

In this paper a high-order finite element method with curvilinear elements is proposed for the simulation of plasmonic structures. Most finite element packages use low order basis functions and non-curved elements, which is very costly for demanding problems such as the simulation of nanoantennas. To enhance the performance of finite elements, we use curvilinear quadrilateral elements to calculate the near-field from an impinging plane wave with second order absorbing boundary conditions. The magnetic field amplitude on the surface of one object is compared with a computation based on a multiple multipole expansion. Moreover, the convergence behavior of p-FEM with absorbing boundary conditions motivate an adaptive strategy of polynomial degree enhancement and enlargement of the domain.
Probability density of relativistic spinless particles

In this paper, a new conserved current for Klein-Gordon equation is derived. It is shown, for $1+1$-dimensions, the first component of this current is non-negative and reduces to $|\phi|^2$ in non-relativistic limit. Therefore, it can be interpreted as the probability density of spinless particles. In addition, main issues pertaining to localization in relativistic quantum theory are discussed, with a demonstration on how this definition of probability density can overcome such obstacles. Our numerical study indicates that the probability density deviates significantly from $|\phi|^2$ only when the uncertainty in momentum is greater than $m_0c$.
FixedWidth Confidence Interval of P(X < Y) under a Data Dependent Adaptive Allocation Design

The present article is related to a nonparametric fixed-width confidence interval estimation of the parameter µ = P(X < Y ) = R F(y)dG(y), where F and G are two unknown continuous distribution functions. The estimation procedure is based on a sample obtained under some non-iid adaptive situation. We provide various asymptotic results related to the proposed procedure and compare it with a non-adaptive procedure.
Intussusception in children — a change in management strategy

Background: Intussusception is one of the most frequent causes of intestinal obstruction in children created by telescope-like invagination of the proximal bowel into the adjacent distal bowel. This study is a comparison of methods and results of treatment of children with intussusception treated in one centre of pediatric surgery during two periods of time. Material and methods: The incidence of intussusception regarding the sex and age of children, the method of treatment, as well as the number and kind of complications was analyzed in two groups; group 1 — 15 children (10 boys and 5 girls), aged 3 days to 24 months (mean 8.1 months), hospitalized during 1993– –1998, and group 2 — 25 children (19 boys and 6 girls), aged 3 months to 10 years (mean 17 months), treated during the period of 1999–2005. Results: In both examined groups, boys prevailed (67% and 76%) and intussusception occurred more frequently in children between 2 and 9 months of age. All children from group 1 underwent surgery, while in group 2 the operation was performed in 8 patients (32%) and in the remaining 17 children (68%) Marek Krakoś i wsp. Chirurgia Polska 2007, 9, 3 Wgłobienie jelit u dzieci 163 a hydrostatic contrast enema under fluoroscopy was done. It was successful in 16 patients, in 1 instance a conversion to the open operation was done. Complications such as necrosis and perforation were observed in 3 children (20%) from group 1 and in 3 patients (12%) from group 2. In all these patients, a segmental resection of the intestine with following anastomosis or creation of the stoma was performed. Conclusions: A change in management strategy enabled one to limit the indications for operative treatment in children with intussusception (37% vs. 100%), while not causing an increase of the frequency of complications at the same time. The majority of complications was observed in patients not meeting criteria for a hydrostatic enema and qualified for a laparotomy. A hydrostatic contrast enema, while keeping strict criteria regrading qualifications, is, in the authors’ opinion, the treatment of choice in children with intussusception.
Convergence of greedy approximation I. General systems

We consider convergence of thresholding type approximations with regard to general complete minimal systems {en} in a quasi-Banach space X. Thresholding approximations are defined as follows. Let {e∗n} ⊂ X∗ be the conjugate (dual) system to {en}; then define for ε > 0 and x ∈ X the thresholding approximations as Tε(x) := ∑ j∈Dε(x) e ∗ j (x)ej , where Dε(x) := {j : |ej (x)| ≥ ε}. We study a generalized version of Tε that we call the weak thresholding approximation. We modify the Tε(x) in the following way. For ε > 0, t ∈ (0, 1) we set Dt,ε(x) := {j : tε ≤ |ej (x)| < ε} and consider the weak thresholding approximations Tε,D(x) := Tε(x) + ∑ j∈D e ∗ j (x)ej , D ⊆ Dt,ε(x). We say that the weak thresholding approximations converge to x if Tε,D(ε)(x) → x as ε→ 0 for any choice of D(ε) ⊆ Dt,ε(x). We prove that the convergence set WT{en} does not depend on the parameter t ∈ (0, 1) and that it is a linear set. We present some applications of general results on convergence of thresholding approximations to A-convergence of both number series and trigonometric series.
Optimum Scheduling of Generators Using Genetic Algorithm

Summary Variation in load demand does not allow a fixed number of generators working in parallel to share the load in proportion to their capacity and therefore lead to an uneconomical operating cost. Presently the economic load dispatch in a group of generators is decided by the criteria of constant derivative state achieved among all the generators in the group of generators. Thus with n-generators operating together the partial derivatives of fuel cost F to the capacity of generator P, should always prevail with equality for each of the generators. Since the derivative approach for economic load dispatch suffers from the draw back of local maxima, the present work has implemented genetic algorithm, which yields global maxima. Also it has been found that the scheduling of generators with regard to its operation on maxima and minima of their capacity in a particular hour over 24 hours is decided by genetic algorithm GA. It is proved that the GA approach for optimum scheduling of generators, Yields a substantial saving/ economy in operating cost over the derivative approach. Software has been developed to implement GA for selection of best string. Here the best string refers to the optimum scheduling of generators in a group.
PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDIES OF STEM OF ABUTILON PANNOSUM (FORST F.)

Abutilon pannosum (Forst.f) family (Malvaeae) commonly known as Kanghi. Medicinal plant played vital role in the world health, since time immemorial. The traditional system of medicine in India prescribing various recipes of Indian herbs led to the evolution of ‘Ayurveda’, which is becoming more and more popular for centuries. Abutilon pannosum was used in the treatment of Dysentery, Gonorrhea and various disease. In present investigation an attempt was made to study its pharmcognostic feature, including physico chemical parameter. Thus it was thought to explore the plant on the basis of its standardization parameter. The study will provide referential information for the possible study.
Evapotranspiration and water use efficiency in relation to climate and canopy nitrogen in U.S. forests

Understanding relations among forest carbon (C) uptake and water use is critical for predicting forest‐climate interactions. Although the basic properties of tree‐water relations have long been known, our understanding of broader‐scale patterns is limited by several factors including (1) incomplete understanding of drivers of change in coupled C and water fluxes and water use efficiency (WUE), (2) difficulty in reconciling WUE estimates obtained at different scales, and (3) uncertainty in how evapotranspiration (ET) and WUE vary with other important resources such as nitrogen (N). To address these issues, we examined ET, gross primary production (GPP), and WUE at 11 AmeriFlux sites across North America. Our analysis spanned leaf and ecosystem scales and included foliar δ13C, δ18O, and %N measurements; eddy covariance estimates of GPP and ET; and remotely sensed estimates of canopy %N. We used flux data to derive ecosystem WUE (WUEe) and foliar δ13C to infer intrinsic WUE. We found that GPP, ET, and WUEe scaled with canopy %N, even when environmental variables were considered, and discuss the implications of these relationships for forest‐atmosphere‐climate interactions. We observed opposing patterns of WUE at leaf and ecosystem scales and examined uncertainties to help explain these opposing patterns. Nevertheless, significant relationship between C isotope‐derived ci/ca and GPP indicates that δ13C can be an effective predictor of forest GPP. Finally, we show that incorporating species functional traits—wood anatomy, hydraulic strategy, and foliar %N—into a conceptual model improved the interpretation of Δ13C and δ18O vis‐à‐vis leaf to canopy water‐carbon fluxes.
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS

Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants of Indian SubcontinentAdvances in Plant & Microbial BiotechnologyAntimicrobial Properties of Some Nigerian Medicinal PlantsFingerprinting Analysis and Quality Control Methods of Herbal MedicinesFundamentals of Phytochemical AnalysisThe Honey Apple and its phytochemical analysisPhytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Anticancer and Antimalarial Properties of Four Medicinal PlantsAn Ethnobotanical, Pharmacological, and Phytochemical Analysis of Achillea Millefolium L. by PartsPhytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity of Selected South African Medicinal Plants on Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter PyloriPhytochemical analysis of avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill., c.v. Hass)Phytochemical Analysis of Jatropha Gossypifolia LinnAn Experimental Text Book on Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Mentha PiperitaPhytochemicalsPhytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Piper Capensis L.fPhytochemistryPhytochemistry of Medicinal PlantsIndian Herbal MedicinesIsolation and Structural Elucidation of Novel Anti-Infective Naphthylisoquinoline Alkaloids from Ancistrocladus Ealaensis, and Phytochemical Analysis of Two Congolese Medicinal PlantsPhytochemical Analysis of Ficus Platyphylla Del-Holl (Moraceae)Natural Oral Care in Dental TherapyComputational PhytochemistryPhytochemical Screening, Elemental Analysis and Antibacterial Investigation of Rhoicissus TomentosaPhytochemical Analysis of Adenium Obesum Stem-BarkPhytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity Studies of an Eastern Cape Medicinal Plant, Strychnos HenningsiiPhytochemical Analysis of Some Sudanese Medicinal PlantsNatural Compounds as Antimicrobial AgentsPhytochemical Analysis of Maerua PseudopetalosaPhytochemical Analysis of Some Medicinal Plants Used Against Dysentery by the Tribals of South ChhotanagpurPhytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial ActivityHerbals of AsiaPhytochemical TechniquesAnalysis of Phytochemical in a Malaysian Medicinal Plant and the Bioavailability of Dietary HydroxycinnamatesAntifungal Evaluation and Phytochemical Analysis of Selected Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Fungal Diseases Associated with HIV Infection in the Eastern Cape Province, South AfricaPhytochemistry of Ashtavarga-Rare Anti-Aging Medicinal PlantsNeutraceutical, Phytochemical characterization and Antibacterial activity of Medicinal plant Moringa OleiferaEthnomedicinal Plants with Therapeutic PropertiesPhytochemical analysis of fruit extracts of Baccaurea courtallensis and evaluation of cholesterol lowering propertyBiotechnological Advances, Phytochemical Analysis and Ethnomedical Implications of Sapindus speciesBiological and Phytochemical Analysis of Chungtia Medicinal Plants of Nagaland, IndiaStudies on the Antioxidant Activity of Indigofera Hochstetteri Baker
On the Estimation of a Univariate Gaussian Distribution: A Comparative Approach

Estimation of the unknown mean, μ and variance, σ2 of a univariate Gaussian distribution given a single study variable x is considered. We propose an approach that does not require initialization of the sufficient unknown distribution parameters. The approach is motivated by linearizing the Gaussian distribution through differential techniques, and estimating, μ and σ2 as regression coefficients using the ordinary least squares method. Two simulated datasets on hereditary traits and morphometric analysis of housefly strains are used to evaluate the proposed method (PM), the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and the method of moments (MM). The methods are evaluated by re-estimating the required Gaussian parameters on both large and small samples. The root mean squared error (RMSE), mean error (ME), and the standard deviation (SD) are used to assess the accuracy of the PM and MLE; confidence intervals (CIs) are also constructed for the ME estimate. The PM compares well with both the MLE and MM approaches as they all produce estimates whose errors have good asymptotic properties, also small CIs are observed for the ME using the PM and MLE. The PM can be used symbiotically with the MLE to provide initial approximations at the expectation maximization step.
1 Human resource strategies , mature workers and competitive advantage : a resource-based view

The recent growth of the Australian economy has created labour and skills shortages. A key point is, however, that labour shortages in many areas, particularly service industries, could be filled by mature workers. Many of these workers will delay retirement or return to the workforce after retirement. One argument is that mature workers’ experience should be highly valued. Moreover, this cohort possesses superior knowledge to younger workers. Among other things, this relates to corporate knowledge, mature judgment, lower absenteeism, greater work ethic and reliability. Generally, mature workers are noted for their loyalty. Against a background of the resource-based view (RBV) at firm level, this paper seeks to demonstrate the increased benefits of utilising mature workers. We argue that when combined with superior HRM practices, it is possible for an organisation to improve its competitive advantage and increase productivity. We suggest, however, that organisations need to increase their focus on age-neutral attraction, retention and development policies.
Nrityantar: Pose oblivious Indian classical dance sequence classification system

In this paper, we attempt to advance the research work done in human action recognition to a rather specialized application namely Indian Classical Dance (ICD) classification. The variation in such dance forms in terms of hand and body postures, facial expressions or emotions and head orientation makes pose estimation an extremely challenging task. To circumvent this problem, we construct a pose-oblivious shape signature which is fed to a sequence learning framework. The pose signature representation is done in two-fold process. First, we represent person-pose in first frame of a dance video using symmetric Spatial Transformer Networks (STN) to extract good person object proposals and CNN-based parallel single person pose estimator (SPPE). Next, the pose basis are converted to pose flows by assigning a similarity score between successive poses followed by non-maximal suppression. Instead of feeding a simple chain of joints in the sequence learner which generally hinders the network performance we constitute a feature vector of the normalized distance vectors, flow, angles between anchor joints which captures the adjacency configuration in the skeletal pattern. Thus, the kinematic relationship amongst the body joints across the frames using pose estimation helps in better establishing the spatio-temporal dependencies. We present an exhaustive empirical evaluation of state-of-the-art deep network based methods for dance classification on ICD dataset.
Using the Behavioural Factors to explain Perceived Project Performance of Ugandan Citizenship Projects: A Multivariate Analysis

The purpose of this paper was to develop and validate a causal modal of behavioural factors that explains perceived project performance of Ugandan Citizenship projects. Although numerous classical studies are reported in various contexts involving project communication, individual commitment, social networks and perceived project performance, no existing study focuses on how these four domains are linked together. Based on literature review, a theoretical model and 15 hypotheses were developed. A cross sectional data from a survey of 322 project staff of all 121 citizenship projects conducted by all 16 commercial banks in Uganda was used to validate the model. The results of Structural Equation Modelling support 11 of the 15 hypotheses and reveal that project communication does not influence perceived project performance directly but it influences it through the mediation of social networks and continuance commitment. Surprisingly, the study data did not support path coefficients between the other two individual commitment elements (affectivity and normative) and perceived project performance. Although these constructs are robust and sufficiently represent the behavioural aspects, the multidimensional nature of behavioural practises in perceived project performance can be investigated further. The individual commitment elements were expected to positively influence perceived project performance but did not. The use of case studies and additional surveys in future research might help to explain this surprising paradox. Further, since the future of project management practises go through evolution, additional ‘soft’ factors may be incorporated into the four domain causal model. The study results suggest that the social network elements fully mediate the relationship between project communication and perceived project performance. This implies that the corporate managers of citizenship projects need to develop strategies to create social networks with their stakeholders in order to increase perceived project performance.
Tumoricidal Activation of Macrophages using Jatropha curcas Leaf Extract: Asa Proxy for the Treatment of Cancer

Abstract Background: Jatropha curcas (J. curcas) is a plant rich in methanolic. Macrophages can be activated to become tumoricidal through interactions with immunomodulators. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of J. curcas leaf extracts on the phagocytic activity of macrophages. Methods: Peritoneal-derived macrophages from male BALB/c mice were obtained using the method of Colligan et al. with some modifications. Latex was added as an antigen to cultures of BALB/c mice macrophages treated with two different concentrations of J. curcas extract and the cultures were observed every 30 minutes for 2 hours. Results: Macrophage latex vacuoles were observed after treatment with 15 μg/mL J. curcas leaf extract, with a mean latex vacuole count of 7.2 vacuoles/cell and a phagocytic index (PI) of 369. Macrophage treatment with 250 μg/mL J. curcas leaf extract produced a mean latex vacuole count of 8.1 vacuoles/cell and a PI of 785. Conclusion: Treatment with J. curcas leaf extracts increased the phagocytic activity of mice macrophages.
Quantum Dots: Proteomics characterization of the impact on biological systems

Over the past few years, Quantum Dots have been tested in most biotechnological applications that use fluorescence, including DNA array technology, immunofluorescence assays, cell and animal biology. Quantum Dots tend to be brighter than conventional dyes, because of the compounded effects of extinction coefficients that are an order of magnitude larger than those of most dyes. Their main advantage resides in their resistance to bleaching over long periods of time (minutes to hours), allowing the acquisition of images that are crisp and well contrasted. This increased photostability is especially useful for three-dimensional (3D) optical sectioning, where a major issue is bleaching of fluorophores during acquisition of successive z-sections, which compromises the correct reconstruction of 3D structures. The long-term stability and brightness of Quantum Dots make them ideal candidates also for live animal targeting and imaging. The vast majority of the papers published to date have shown no relevant effects on cells viability at the concentration used for imaging applications; higher concentrations, however, caused some issues on embryonic development. Adverse effects are due to be caused by the release of cadmium, as surface PEGylation of the Quantum Dots reduces these issues. A recently published paper shows evidences of an epigenetic effect of Quantum Dots treatment, with general histones hypoacetylation, and a translocation to the nucleus of p53. In this study, mice treated with Quantum Dots for imaging purposes were analyzed to investigate the impact on protein expression and networking. Differential mono-and bidimensional electrophoresis assays were performed, with the individuation of differentially expressed proteins after intravenous injection and imaging analysis; further, as several authors indicate an increase in reactive oxygen species as a possible mean of damage due to the Quantum Dots treatment, we investigated the signalling pathway of APE1/Ref1, a protein involved in the response to oxidative stress. Our results, although preliminary, suggest several interesting point of discussion on Quantum Dots imaging for in vivo diagnostic application, but also for a new therapeutic approach.