Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on Endophytic Fungi of Calotropis Procera (L.) R.Br. with A View to Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Actvities Mediated by Extracellular Synthesised Silver Nanoparticles.

Isolation and characterisation of four predominant endophytic bacteria namely, Pencillium sp. , Alternaria sp. , Aspergillus sp. and Cladosporium sp. from different parts of Calotropis procera plant has been conducted in summer season. Among four isolated fungi Alternaria sp. exhibited the highest (33.33%) colonisation frequency followed by Penicillum sp. (16.66 %), Aspergillus sp. (8.33%) and Cladosporium sp. ( 8.33%). The production and evaluation of "green synthesised AgNPs" has been carried out with the use of fungal cell free extract of four endophytic fungi understudy. The synthesis of AgNPs has been detected by colour change of the solution follwed by UV -Visible spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy.The synthesis of AgNPs was maximum in Penicllium sp. followed by Alternaria sp. The antibacterial activity of four fungal cell free extract as well as with AgNPs has conducted against two pathogenic bacteria, E.coli and Bacillus subtilis. Among them Penicillium sp. shows significant antibacterial activity against E.coli rather than Bacillus subtilis. Total phenol content and antioxidant properties of four fungi revealed significant result. The maximum phenol content (83 μg/l) and maximum antioxidant assay (28 μg/ml) has obtained in fungal cell free extract of Alternaria sp. Keywords: Calotropis procera, endophytic fungi, colonisation frequency , green synthesised AgNPs, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Veterinary Medicine and Human Public Health in Afric a

KEYWORDS . — One Health; Africa; Zoonosis; Perception; Antimicrobial Resistance. SUMMARY . — The “One Health” concept refers to the fact that animals and humans share many biological, physiological, medical and epidemiological features and advocates for increased collaboration between the medical and veterinary sectors to improve both human and animal health. In Africa, intersectoral collaboration is particularly relevant in the surveillance of emerging diseases and zoonoses, in the control of diseases and zoonoses in humans and animals and in the use of antimicrobials and anthelmintics. This paper reports on the importance of brucellosis and zoonotic tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa, on the people’s perception of hydatidosis and hydatidosis control in Morocco and on antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella isolated in surface water in South Africa as illustra tions of the “One Health” concept. MOTS -CLES . — One Health ; Afrique; Zoonose; Perception; Antibioresistance. RESUME . — Medecine veterinaire et sante publique humaine en Afrique . — Le concept de One Health derive du fait que l’animal et l’homme partagent de nombreuses caracteris tiques biologiques, physiologiques, medicales et epidemiologiques. Ce concept preconise une plus grande collaboration entre les secteurs medicaux et veterinaires afin d’ameliorer la sante humaine et animale. En Afrique, la collaboration intersectorielle se justifie en particulier pour la surveillance des maladies et des zoonoses emergentes, pour le controle des maladies et des zoonoses chez l’homme et l’animal et pour l’utilisation d’antibiotiques et d’anthelminthiques. Afin d’illustrer le concept One Health , cet article aborde l'impact de la brucellose et de la tuberculose zoonotique en Afrique subsaharienne, la perception de l’hydatidose et de son controle au Maroc, et enfin la resistance aux antibiotiques de Klebsiella isoles dans l'eau de surface en Afrique du Sud.
Enclosed Solar Chimney Power Plants with Thermal Storage

The main problem associated with intermittent operation of the wind and PV power plants is the lack of low cost electrical storage methods. In the present paper a new type of solar chimney technology that we shall heretofore call “Enclosed Solar Chimney Power Plant technology (ESCP technology) stands for an effective alternative of combining both low cost electricity generation as well as smooth, uninterrupted operation for 24 hours/day and for all 365 days/year. The ESCP technology also has the following benefits in relation to PV technologies: 1) Local manufacturing and use of common material for their construction (steel, glass, concrete and conventional axial fans as air turbines); 2) Easy and low cost maintenance; 3) Longer operating life up to 50 years (its solar chimney up to 100 years); 4) No water consumption; 5) Zero effect on living nature and ambient; 6) Their empty protected surface area beneath the glassed roofs of their greenhouses can be used for desalination with parabolic trough mirrors.
Development of organisation and planning in animal breeding: I. A review on breeding organisation

Abstract. Organisation is an important factor in animal breeding. The present study gives first approaches for the use of new institutional economic theory as a tool for investigation of organisational structures in animal breeding. First, the concept of breeding organisation is defined. On the basis of two examples – increase of the competitiveness of breeders’ associations and conservation of animal genetic resources – it is shown how organisation theory and appropriate investigation methods can be used to develop different possible solutions. The study shows that organisation not just happens but is an intrinsic component of the system »animal breeding«. This component combines interests of the private and public sector. Organisation research helps to discover optimum combination of these interests. A following study deals with breeding planning as an important challenge in animal breeding with regard to the development of breeding organisation.
Nutritional control of HIV-AIDS-A case for Selenium

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that is incorporated into proteins. Some of the selenoenzymes such as GPXs and thioredoxin reductases exhibit glutathione peroxidase-dependent activities towards organic and inorganic peroxides. Thus, selenoenzymes play a pivotal role in mitigating oxidative stress caused by accumulation of peroxides. In this respect, selenoproteins may interfere with the transcription-driven by oxidative stress-dependent signaling mechanisms to influence the expression of redox sensitive genes, including inflammatory cytokines and HIV provirus. Several epidemiological studies support our view that Se supplementation affects transcription of HIV; however, the underlying mechanism is not elucidated. In this mini review, we consider the relationship between Se and HIV and propose possible mechanisms by which Se controls HIV transcription.
Symmetry-protected topological phases in noninteracting fermion systems

Symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases are gapped quantum phases with a certain symmetry, which can all be smoothly connected to the same trivial product state if we break the symmetry. For non-interacting fermion systems with time reversal (T), charge conjugation (C), and/or U(1) (N) symmetries, the total symmetry group can depend on the relations between those symmetry operations, such as T N T^{-1}= N or T N T^{-1}= -N. As a result, the SPT phases of those fermion systems with different symmetry groups have different classifications. In this paper, we use Kitaev's K-theory approach to classify the gapped free fermion phases for those possible symmetry groups. In particular, we can view the U(1) as a spin rotation. We find that superconductors with the S_z spin rotation symmetry are classified by Z in even dimensions, while superconductors with the time reversal plus the S_z spin rotation symmetries are classified by Z in odd dimensions. We show that all 10 classes of gapped free fermion phases can be realized by electron systems with certain symmetries. We also point out that to properly describe the symmetry of a fermionic system, we need to specify its full symmetry group that includes the fermion number parity transformation (-)^N. The full symmetry group is actually a projective symmetry group.
Evaluation of First Response ® HCV card test as a reliable rapid test for HCV detection

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a global health issue causing approximatively 500000 deaths each year. Untreated, chronic HCV infection can lead to progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a strong need for an effective vaccine that protects against the different genotypes of HCV but the prevention still represents an enormous challenge. HCV was first identified in 1989 using molecular methods at the Chiron Corporation, but to date, the virus has never been visualized or grown in cell culture. The general nowadays method of detecting infection with HCV is to observe the presence of antibodies to the virus by an EIA enzyme immunoassays method followed by confirmation with Western Blot. A Rapid Anti-HCV Test; based on immuno-chromatography; is a simple, visual qualitative test that detects antibodies in human serum or plasma within 15 minutes. The objective of this work is to evaluate the performance and compare the results obtained by two HCV detection platforms with high throughput Advia Centaur XP (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, USA) and First Response ® HCV Card Test HCV (Premier Medical Corporation Limited). These data could help in HCV control and understanding and hopefully, in vaccine design and development, moreover to identify a reliable test to evaluate and prevent HCV infection.
The Relationship between Leadership Style (Transformational Leadership and Interactive) of Principals and Job Satisfaction of Shiraz University Staff Employees

Introduction: Identification of the styles of behavior management as related to job attitudes and satisfaction level of management has been among the topics of interest in the past few decades. This study aimed to examine the leadership styles of managers (heads) and its correlation with job satisfaction among university employees.Methods: The study population included all employees working at Shiraz University. A sample of 107 subjects as the manager (head) who had their position for two consecutive years was randomly selected from each set of three. To review and assess the transformative interactionism managers, Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) designed by Boss and Vlyv (1995) was used. A questionnaire was used to assess the level of job satisfaction. Content validity and reliability of the method was assessed by calculating the reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha). The alpha for job satisfaction was obtained 0.79. Results: The results showed that the correlations between job satisfaction and leadership style (R=0.58), transformational leadership style (R=0.58) and the transactional leadership style (R=0.46) were significant (p<0.001). The results of this study indicated that leadership style can be used as a facilitator which motivates the direct and indirect impact on job satisfaction.Conclusion: People's values influence the way they manage and especially determines their satisfaction about the organization. The concepts of transformational leadership styles of managers, their gender and level of mental stimulation showed the greatest effect on job satisfaction.Keywords: Leadership Styles, Transformational Leadership, Job satisfaction
Determination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as in vitro cytotoxic activities of extracts of Anastatica hierochuntica (Kaff Maryam) against HeLa cell lines

Anastatica hierochuntica L. is distributed throughout the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa. It is locally called "Kaff Maryam". All parts of the plant are used in folk medicine. This study aimed to investigate possible antioxidant activity of various extracts of Kaff Mariam, anti-inflammatory activities, as well as in vitro cytotoxic activities. Five extract types were used, namely, the whole ethanolic extracts, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, water, and butanol extracts. The explored items included determination of total phenolics using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and total flavonoids using Muller’s method, anti-oxidant activity using three assays (2, 2'-Azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]-diammonium salt (ABTS), reducing power, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)), membrane stabilization test for anti-inflammatory studies, as well as in vitro cytotoxic activities against HeLa cell lines using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiozol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results obtained indicated high flavonoid and phenolic contents in all the five extracts types. All extracts registered high antioxidant activity using three assays, but generally, the ABTS assay recorded the highest antioxidant activity as compared to the reducing power and DPPH methods. The membrane stabilization test showed that extracts of Kaff Maryam had good anti-inflammatory activity. Extracts of Kaff Maryam also registered very good cytotoxic activities against HeLa cell lines. Kaff Maryam extracts have good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities and the results of this study provide the basis for further investigation of Kaff Maryam for potential identification of novel bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Key words: Anastatica hierochuntica, Kaff Maryam, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, HeLa cell lines, cytotoxicity.
A Statistical and Physical Description of Hydrometeor Distributions in Colorado Snowstorms Using a Video Disdrometer

Abstract Winter-storm hydrometeor distributions along the Front Range in eastern Colorado are studied with a ground-based two-dimensional video disdrometer. The instrument provides shape, size, and terminal velocity information for particles that are larger than about 0.4 mm. The dataset is used to determine the form of particle size distributions (PSDs) and to search for useful interrelationships among the governing parameters of assumed distribution forms and environmental factors. Snowfalls are dominated by almost spherical aggregates having near-exponential or superexponential size distributions. Raindrop size distributions are more peaked than those for snow. A relation between bulk snow density and particle median volume diameter is derived. The data suggest that some adjustment may be needed in relationships found previously between temperature and the concentration and slope parameters of assumed exponential PSDs. A potentially useful relationship is found between the slope and shape terms of the .
Does Lintner’s dividend model explain South African dividend payments?

It is generally accepted that the payment of dividends is the most important and most widely used instrument for the distribution of value to shareholders. Shareholders also prefer to receive regular dividends rather than irregular cash payments. A well‐known model that attempts to explain dividend policy is that of Lintner (1956). This study investigates whether Lintner’s model can be used to explain South African dividend payments and compares this model with another, less sophisticated, model, namely the “percentage model”. Lintner’s model does not have a very good fit, probably as a result of the small sample used. Nearly half of the 200 largest companies that are listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange were excluded from the study as they were not listed for a sufficiently long period. Other companies were excluded on the grounds of having maintained their dividends on the same level for at least two consecutive years.
Elimination of rework in V Cap by Using Six Sigma Methodology

The purpose of this project was to gain a strong understanding of Six Sigma management philosophy, concepts, and practices and to apply this knowledge to creating a Six Sigma academic course or training program. This was done through three main methods: preliminary research and data collection, the creation of a design model for Six Sigma academic course program establishment, and the creation of a Six Sigma academic course program syllabus. The preliminary research consisted of conducting a Six Sigma knowledge survey with the students of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, interviewing a Six Sigma expert, and examining current Six Sigma educational programs in other universities, businesses, and organizations. As a result of our observations, we determined that Six Sigma has become a large part of many companies and should be implemented into more engineering programs at universities nation-wide, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute. This can be done through a project based course, as well as more Six Sigma based Interactive and Major Qualifying Projects.
A Wireless Sensor Network based Indoor Localization System for Emergency Application Use

Every year, tragedy of indoor emergency accidents lead to immeasurable loss to families, bringing the society great shocks. This is mainly due to the harsh environment of emergency accidents, like firefighting, as the on-fire buildings are usually full of smoke and danger. One of the most directional issues is localization, as it is almost impossible to find the person trapped in the building without knowing the location. Localization is not only critical for evacuees seeking help from outside, but also important for self-evacuation. But unfortunately, a reliable and applicable indoor localization system is not available today, because of accuracy, cost and efficiency. In this paper, we present a novel localization system, which combines pedestrian reckon algorithm with wireless sensor network, hence providing an automatic and reliable solution towards this issue.
Inconsistencies between observed, reconstructed, and simulatedprecipitation over the British Isles during the last 350 years

Abstract. The scarcity of long instrumental records, uncertainty in reconstructions, and insufficient skill in model simulations hamper assessing how regional precipitation changed over past centuries. Here, we use standardised precipitation data to compare global and regional climate simulations and reconstructions and long observational records of seasonal mean precipitation in England and Wales over the past 350 years. The effect of the external forcing on the precipitation records appears very weak. Internal variability dominates all records. Even the relatively strong exogenous forcing history of the late 18th and early 19th century shows only little effect in synchronizing the different records. Multi-model simulations do not agree on the changes over this period. Precipitation estimates are also not consistent among reconstructions, simulations, and instrumental observations regarding the probability distributions’ changes in the quantiles for severe and extreme dry or wet conditions and in the standard deviations. We have also investigated the possible link between precipitation and temperature variations in the various data sets. This relationship is also not consistent across the data sets. Thus, one cannot reach any clear conclusions about precipitation changes in warmer or colder background climates during the past centuries. Our results emphasize the complexity of changes in the hydroclimate during the most recent historical period and stress the necessity of a thorough understanding of the processes affecting forced and unforced precipitation variability.
Review Paper: An outlook on the future of seismic imaging, Part II: Full‐Wavefield Migration

The next‐generation seismic imaging algorithms will consider multiple scattering as indispensable information, being referred to as Full‐Wavefield Migration. In addition, these algorithms will also include autonomous velocity updating in the migration process, being referred to as Joint Migration Inversion. Full‐Wavefield Migration and Joint Migration Inversion address the industrial needs to improve images of very complex reservoirs as well as the industrial ambition to produce these images in a more automatic manner (automation in seismic processing).
Factor Analysis of Job Satisfaction in the Construction Industry.

This paper presents a Factor Analysis (FA) carried out on the responses of the four major construction parties to the questionnaire. Involved are:management, employer’s association, employees, and Construction Trade Union. Underlying the dimension (factors) of the responses data for the four parties are compared and findings are discussed. The influence of various contextual factors on some of these relationships and perceptions between/among the four major construction parties is investigated. A number of essential dimensions of workplace variables are identified which form the basis for developing both conceptual and research model. A significant understanding of group’sinsights of workplace communication and industrial relations(IR) is obtained. The purpose of factor analysis is to develop factors which identity the major dimensional differences within the data set. Finally, the study investigates the statistical reliability of the sample data; a reliability scale assessment indicates that results obtained from the statistical analysis are indeed valid.
Expression Analysis of Estrogen-responsive Genes Vitellogenin 1 and 2 in Liver of Male Medaka (Oryzias latipes) Exposed to Selective Ligands of Estrogen Receptor Subtypes

Vitellogenin (VTG) is a useful biomarker for detecting the estrogenic activity of chemicals in aquatic environments. However, little information is available on the regulatory mechanisms of the expression of each VTG subtype, particularly the relationship between expression patterns of VTG1/2 and estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes, such as ERα and ERβ. In this paper, we measured VTG1 and VTG2 mRNA induction in male medaka liver, which was treated with ERα-selective ligand, (17α, 20E)-3-hydroxy-17,20-[(1-methoxyethylidene)bis(oxy)]-19norpregna-1,3,5(10),20-tetraene-21-carboxylic acid, methyl ester or ERβ-selective ligand, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)5-hydroxy-1,3-benzoxazole and investigated the characteristics of ER subtype function in VTG1 and VTG2 inductions. Hepatic VTG1 mRNA was induced by ERα-selective ligands at even low concentration and maximum increases were the same as for E2. VTG2 mRNA was also increased, but its levels were very low. On the other hand, ERβ-selective ligands significantly increased VTG2 mRNA in the presence of ERα agonists. These results indicate that the expression of each VTG subtype is regulated by unique ER subtypes. VTG1 expression is only regulated by the action of ERα. In contrast, VTG2 expression is regulated by both ERα and ERβ, with ERα being essential for VTG2 gene expression and ERβ being essential for enhancement.
Development of a Community- based Care System Model for Senior Citizens in Tehran

Objectives: In Iran a considerable percentage of old people &quot;live&quot; in the society who need to receive specialized health services. In order to respond to these care needs , developing and implementing health and social care systems with consideration of relevant factors such as :existing resources and facilities; social and cultural issues and characteristics of each groups of elders( healthy elders, frails ,home bounds,. ) seems to be necessary.
A Proposal for State, Income-Targeted, Preschool Vouchers

This article proposes that states create low-income targeted voucher programs for 3- and/or 4-year-olds. The basis for this proposal is considerable research demonstrating long-term effects for a number of random assignment and quasi-experimental preschool programs. Benefit–costs rates of return for these programs are between $2 and $16 for every dollar invested. These results are also consistent with developmental and neuro-biological studies supporting early childhood interventions. Other research shows that low-income students are less likely to be in preschool, and if they are, they are more likely to receive low-quality services. Taken together, and to control costs, I propose an income-targeted program. I argue for vouchers based on improved equal opportunity and higher efficiency in the delivery of preschool services. Design details are generally to be the province of state decision makers. My one caveat is that it seems to make sense to require programs, at least for 4-year-olds, to be center based.