Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diversity of landraces, agricultural practises and traditional uses of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Mozambique

��������� � �� ���������� A survey was carried out in three provinces of Mozambique with different agroecological conditions to document traditional knowledge related to cultivation and use of indigenous watermelons, and to describe the diversity of landraces within the country. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect information at the household level or in farmers’ watermelon fields. Watermelons were intercropped with the main cereals, mainly sorghum in the driest areas and maize in the more humid areas. Three main types were found: A dessert type with sweet, white to red, spongy flesh, a seed type with white either firm or spongy flesh, and a cooking type with yellow, firm flesh. Watermelon was an important food item consumed before harvest of cereals in the surveyed areas. Sweet dessert types were marketed in both local and urban areas. Only local landraces were cultivated, mostly from farmer-saved seed. Primary in-situ description of fruit and seed characters revealed a considerable variation. Significant differences were found among provinces for rind thickness, flesh colour, and seed size. This study highlighted that traditional knowledge related to the cultivation and use of watermelons, and that indigenous landraces persist in Mozambique.
Biofortification of durum wheat with zinc and iron

ABSTRACT Micronutrient malnutrition affects over 2 billion people in the developing world. Iron (Fe) deficiency alone affects >47% of all preschool aged children globally, often leading to impaired physical growth, mental development, and learning capacity. Zinc (Zn) deficiency, like iron, is thought to affect billions of people, hampering growth and development, and destroying immune systems. In many micronutrient-deficient regions, wheat is the dominant staple food making up >50% of the diet. Biofortification, or harnessing the powers of plant breeding to improve the nutritional quality of foods, is a new approach being used to improve the nutrient content of a variety of staple crops. Durum wheat in particular has been quite responsive to breeding for nutritional quality by making full use of the genetic diversity of Fe and Zn concentrations in wild and synthetic parents. Micronutrient concentration and genetic diversity has been well explored under the HarvestPlus biofortification research program, an.
FROM 19th CENTURY TO PRESENT: CHANGES IN HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYING TECHNIQUES AND DETERMINATION OF SOUNDING ACCURACY

Calculation of morphological change between hydrographic surveys is marred by uncertainties, in particular when methods have changed. When examining estuarine evolution, an approximation of measurement errors is needed. An overview of the changing approaches since the 19th century is given to aid error estimation and subsequent comparison with modern surveys. Changes and errors in horizontal positioning, soundings and datums need to be considered when interpreting sediment gains and losses. As a case study, the derivation of error estimates for an 1845 and modern hydrographic dataset on the south-west coast of Ireland is described.
PSYCHOBIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF AN INDIVIDUAL

This article examines one of the central problems of positive psychology - the identification of biological determinants of psychological well-being of an individual. The importance of researching the psychological well-being of an individual is determined by the social demand for identifying the content characteristic of this phenomenon, its links with other factors, both socio-psychological and biological. To date, science is equipped with data on psychological well-being, such as its structure and knowledge of the factors affecting this phenomenon. However, the study of psychobiological determinants of psychological well-being of an individual is outside the sphere of scientific analysis. The method of theoretical analysis of scientific literature and the methods of statistical data processing, in particular the Pearson correlation ratio and the Mann-Whitney U-test to solve the problems posed, were used. The study included the use of a set of standardized psychodiagnostic methods of questionnaire type. In the course of empirical study, we established that the psychological well-being of an individual had a direct relationship (p≤0.01) with social ergity, and object plasticity (p≤0.01); with a social rate (p≤0.01). A statistical comparison according to Mann-Whitney U-test showed that the formal dynamic properties of individuality were more developed in respondents with a high level of psychological well-being. The results obtained in the course of study are of great theoretical and practical importance. So, we have the opportunity to develop the psychological well-being of an individual by influencing the psychological and social component of the psychobiological structure of individuality.
The taxonomic status of Hyla roeschmanni De Grys, 1938 (Anura: Hylidae)

The taxonomic status of Hyla roeschmanni De Grys, 1938 (Anura: Hylidae) is reviewed. We place Hyla roeschmanni as a junior synonym of Hypsiboas raniceps Cope, 1862. Because the holotype of Hyla roeschmanni was destroyed, we designate a neotype from Department Beni, Bolivia, and provide a description of the neotype.
Structural, Optical and Thermal Characterizations of PVA/MAA:EA Polyblend Films

Films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Methacrylic Acid - Ethyl Acrylate (MAA:EA) copolymer and their blends PVA:MAA:EA of composition 80:20, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 20:80 (wt %) were prepared by using the solution cast technique. The prepared films were investigated by structural, optical and thermal studies. X-ray diffraction (XRD) scans revealed the semicrystalline nature of the blends for lower concentrations of PVA up to 60 wt % and the amorphous nature for higher ones. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) of blend samples indicates that there is a compatibility between PVA and MAA:EA copolymers through the formation of hydrogen-bonding between their polar groups.SEM image of polymer blend suggested the presence structural reorganization of polymer chains. UV-Visible spectral analysis revealed that the intensity of the shoulder around 271 nm decreases with increasing MAA:EA content. In DSC analysis, a single glass transition temperature for each blend was observed, which supports the existence of compatibility of such systems. From the observed results, 50:50 (wt %) PVA/MAA:EA is found to be the optimum blending ratio.
Aplicación de un modelo híbrido de aprendizaje basado en problemas como estrategia de evaluación e interrelación 'multiasignaturas'

espanolSe ha disenado e implementado un modelo ‘hibrido’ de aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP) como estrategia de ensenanza, evaluacion e interrelacion de las asignaturas de ‘Fisiopatogenia’ y ‘Semiologia’ del grado de medicina de la Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. El modelo hibrido ha sido disenado sobre la plataforma de tecnologia de la informacion Moodle que facilita su desarrollo con menos recursos. El ABP implementado funciona como una actividad integradora que trata de fomentar el desarrollo de competencias transversales y el pensamiento complejo, en un entorno de aprendizaje activo. Promueve en el estudiante la construccion de su propio conocimiento para el desarrollo de competencias como el razonamiento clinico y la toma de decisiones, al tiempo que posibilita la integracion de los conocimientos procedentes de distintas asignaturas. Los resultados de este trabajo han reflejado un alto grado de satisfaccion del alumnado con la metodologia fundamentada en el ABP, habiendose logrado una participacion activa en el proceso ensenanzaaprendizaje. EnglishA ‘hybrid’ model of problem-based learning (PBL) was designed and implemented as a teaching strategy, assessment and means to integrate knowledge related to the subjects ‘Physiopathogenesis’ and ‘Semiotics’ of Medicine in the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. The hybrid model was designed within the e-learning platform, Moodle, which facilitates the development of PBL methodology but with fewer resources. PBL functions as an integrative activity which seeks to promote development of generic skills and complex thought in an active learning environment. PBL encourages students to construct their own knowledge for the development of skills such as clinical reasoning and decision-making, while enabling the integration of knowledge from different subjects. The outcomes of this project indicate a high degree of student satisfaction with this PBL-based methodology as has been manifested by the achievement of active participation in the teaching-learning process.
Distributed Measurement Unit for Closed-Loop Functional Electrical Stimulation: Prototype for Muscular Activity Detection

One way to face centralized Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) architecture limitations is to distribute electronics close to electrodes. These Distributed Stimulation and Measurement Units (DSU and DMU) are interconnected by a network. This paper focuses on the design and prototyping of a DMU dedicated to ElectroMyoGramm (EMG) activity reading. The paper exposes the embedded digital architecture as well as results of EMG activity detection.
Physical exercise is associated with improved periodontal health in type 2 diabetic patients

Purpose Periodontal disease may induce immune responses which may contribute to coronary atherogenesis. Diabetes is associated with increased prevalence and severity of periodontal inflammations. Exercise training may improve diabetes therapy and the overall immune status. However, we are not aware of any studies which have looked for effects of physical exercise training on periodontal inflammation in diabetes.
Perception of Color in Product Choice among College Students: A Cross-National Analysis of USA, India, China and Turkey

This study will examine color in product choice among college students in a cross-cultural context. Surveys were conducted for the target group in the USA, India, China and Turkey. Color plays a major role in buying decisions of consumers for different products. The authors will carry out a review of the literature and discuss cross-cultural meanings and associations of color among consumers in different nations, to find out if color is important across all product categories. The survey results were analyzed for implications for marketers and to reach conclusions for our research.
The LHC injection kicker magnet

Proton beams will be injected into LHC at 450 GeV by two kicker magnet systems, producing magnetic field pulses of approximately 900 ns rise time and up to 7.86 /spl mu/s flat top duration. One of the stringent design requirements of these systems is a flat top ripple of less than /spl plusmn/0.5%. Both injection systems are composed of 4 traveling wave kicker magnets of 2.7 m length each, powered by pulse forming networks (PFN's). To achieve the required kick strength of 1.2 Tm, a low characteristic impedance has been chosen and ceramic plate capacitors are used to obtain 5 /spl Omega/. Conductive stripes in the aperture of the magnets limit the beam impedance and screen the ferrite. The electrical circuit has been designed with the help of PSpice computer modeling. A full size magnet prototype has been built and tested up to 60 kV with the magnet under ultra high vacuum (UHV). The pulse shape has been precision measured at a voltage of 15 kV. After reviewing the performance requirements the paper presents the magnet design, emphasizing several novel design features, and discusses the test results.
Modeling and Simulation of MGT70 Gas Turbine Start-up Procedure

In this paper, transient behavior of heavy duty gas turbines in starting regime is analyzed and its characteristics are evaluated. Starting a gas turbine is quasi-transient process. So, the integral form of unsteady conservation equations and the ideal gas state equation are used in order to model the system. A new method is proposed to analyze the compressor performance of gas turbine during start-up condition. Compressor stages are grouped into three categories (front, middle, rear), which each of them has a different performance curve in low-speed. Also, the effects of the inter-stage bleed valves modulation are investigated. Finally, the dynamic behavior of a 160 MW MAPNA gas turbine is simulated during start-up condition. The simulation results are compared with the field data and a good agreement is observed between them. This research has shown the important rule of an exact estimation of start-up procedure (fuel, blow off valves, power of starter motor) for stable operation of compressor and, eventually, of the gas turbine. Review History: Received: 3 August 2015 Revised: 14 October 2015 Accepted: 19 December 2016 Available Online: 1 May 2016
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Microorganisms and Components

The effects of irradiation on microbiological load and chemical components of empty fruit bunch (EFB) and palm press jibre (PPF) were investigated as the preliminary study for upgrading of oil palm wastes to animal feeds by fermentation. The initial contamination of microorganisms in both EFB and PPF was very high and there is no significant difference between the samples collected from various palm oil mills. The dose required to eliminate below the detectable level was more than 15 kGy for total aerobic bacteria, but 5 4 kGy is enough for fungi. The contents of holocellulose and lignin were c 60 % and 25 %, respectively, in both EFB and PPF, and the change in components by irradiation was small. EFB and PPF have a high water holding capacity suggesting that they are suitable substrates for fermentation. These results show that the irradiation by 5-10 kGy on EFB and PPF is applicable for the pasteurisation of fermentation media without any signijicant change in components.
Reflection and transmission of equatorial Rossby waves

Abstract The interaction of equatorial Rossby waves with a western boundary perforated with one or more narrow gaps is investigated using a shallow-water numerical model and supporting theory. It is found that very little of the incident energy flux is reflected into eastward-propagating equatorial Kelvin waves provided that at least one gap is located within approximately a deformation radius of the equator. Because of the circulation theorem around an island, the existence of a second gap off the equator reduces the reflection of short Rossby waves and enhances the transmission of the incident energy into the western basin. The westward energy transmitted past the easternmost island is further reduced upon encountering islands to the west, even if these islands are located entirely within the “shadow” of the easternmost island. A localized patch of wind forcing was also used to generate low-frequency Rossby waves for cases with island configurations representative of the western equatorial Pacific. For .
Home Gardens Contribute Significantly to Dietary Diversity in HIV/AIDS Afflicted Households in Rural Ghana

Abstract The study assessed the biodiversity in home gardens and evaluated its contribution to dietary diversity among HIV-positive and HIV-negative rural households in Eastern Region, Ghana. A cross-sectional survey of 32 HIVpositive and 48 HIV-negative households was conducted. Plant species cultivated in the home garden of each household and their abundance were documented. Shannon-Wiener index was estimated for each home garden. A dietary diversity score (DDS = a count of food groups consumed) was determined with DDS (+HG) and without DDS (-HG) home garden products for each household using a 24-hour qualitative dietary recall. HIV-positive and HIVnegative households were compared using Student’s t- tests and Fisher’s exact tests. HIV-positive households showed a significantly higher DDS (+HG) than HIV-negative households (6.8 vs. 6.0). The DDS (-HG) did not differ between groups but there was a significant difference between DDS (+HG) and DDS (-HG) within groups. A higher DDS in HIV-positive households was not associated with a higher Shannon-Wiener index. The contribution of food items from home gardens to DDS was significantly higher in HIV-positive (14.9%) than in HIV-negative households (9.1%). Home gardens contribute significantly to dietary diversity in HIV-positive rural households, although no significant change in plant species diversity was observed compared to HIV-negative households.
The Physics of Auditory Proximity and its Effects on Intelligibility and Recall

Cutthroat evolution has given us seemingly magical abilities to hear speech in complex environments. We can tell instantly, independent of timbre or loudness, if a sound is close to us, and in a crowded room we can switch attention at will between at least three different simultaneous conversations. And we involuntarily switch attention if our name is spoken. These feats are only possible if, without conscious attention, each voice has been separated into an independent neural stream. We believe the separation process relies on the phase relationships between the harmonics above 1000Hz that encode speech information, and the neurology of the inner ear that has evolved to detect them. When phase is undisturbed, once in each fundamental period harmonic phases align to create massive peaks in the sound pressure at the fundamental frequency. Pitch-sensitive filters can detect and separate these peaks from each other and from noise with amazing acuity. But reflections and sound systems randomize phases, with serious effects on attention, source separation, and intelligibility. This talk will detail the many ways ears and speech have co-evolved, and recent work on the importance of phase in acoustics and sound design.
Consumer perceptions of free range laying hen welfare

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand which factors and resources free-range egg consumers believe are important for hen welfare. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was distributed via the mailing list of a UK free-range egg brand receiving 6,378 responses. The survey was mostly five-point Likert-scale based. The same survey was also distributed to a group of animal welfare specialists receiving 34 responses. Findings – Respondents bought free-range eggs because hens are “happier” (74.2 per cent) and “healthier” (69.0 per cent) and because they believed such eggs to taste better (57.9 per cent). They rated all the suggested factors that might contribute to hen welfare as “important” or “very important” (on average) but believed outside access and fresh air to be most important. Respondents rated the suitability of resources relating to behavioural needs high (“suitable” or “very suitable”) indoors and shelter as the most suitable outdoors. Consumers differed from welfare special.
Acute pancreatitis in two dogs Acute pancreatitis bij twee honden

Acute pancreatitis in 2 dogs is discussed. A possible underlying cause was present in 1 dog. The clinical signs and routine blood results were unspecific and insufficient to confirm the diagnosis. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed during exploratory celiotomy (case 1) and by abdominal ultrasonography (case 2). Aggressive medical treatment consisted of fluid administration, analgesics, anti-ulcer therapy, antibiotics, transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and nutritional support. Despite the presence of negative prognostic factors, intensive therapy and monitoring resulted in complete recovery in both patients.
Delivery behavior of caffeine controlled release dosage from on hydrophilic matrices

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the release behavior of caffeine as once daily drug on hydrophilic matrices. Caffeine was selected as a model drug because of its short half live and rapid absorption. To decrease the rate of drug release to the absorption site, the physical barrier was prepared by compressing a mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and drug. The hydrophilic polymers used in this experiment were hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and corn starch. It was found that the increase of HPC level on the formulation contributed significant changes on the drug release. The study also investigated the influences of diluents (corn starch:lactose) on the HPC matrix. The results showed that the presence of starch on the matrix tablet could modify the release rate. The mechanism of release was found to be anomalous. This is mainly due to the fact that all of n values from the release kinetics varied from 0.7317 to 0.8575 with squared correlation coefficient in the range of 0.9904 – 0.9967.
Non-Linear Optimization of High-Pressure Gas Networks with Respect to Hydrate Control

In this paper, gas pipeline optimization includes constraints resulting from hydrate prevention. The key is to seek for the optimal settings of both: the compressor units and hydrate combating method at minimum fuel consumption subject to security of supply and hydrate prevention. A case study is conducted on the Polish section of the Yamal pipeline and an arbitrarily selected partial onshore and offshore pipeline. Three different configurations are investigated: (i) cooling the compressed gas, (ii) no cooling and (iii) line heating immediately after the compressor station. For each configuration, the fuel consumption of the compressors is minimized and in order to prevent hydrate formation, the outlet temperature of the line heater, allowable water vapour in the gas and methanol concentration are calculated for each pipe section. The hydrate model is based on the statistical mechanical approach of Van der Waals and Platteeuw and applicable for systems that contain water (free or dissolved in gas), methanol and mixed gases both hydrate and non-hydrate formers.
La creación de exponentes continuos: un estudio sobre los métodos y la epistemología de John Wallis

The following is a work of historical investigation that focuses on specific mathematical moments where methods, concepts, and definitions underwent profound changes. There are two main goals. First to sketch the history of the development of a continuous concept of exponents, and second to examine carefully he epistemological setting in which these developments took place. Put more simply, what was it that convinced certain mathematicians that their concepts were viable. It is not intended to be a complete historical discussion, but rather a series of illuminating snapshots. The mathematical details of these moments are provided to the extent necessary for an understanding of the epistemology.
Before and After Financial Liberalization

Given all the ambiguities about the outcomes of the financial liberalization process, it is relevant to ask what the systematic, cross-country evidence reveals on several questions, including: What happens to key macroeconomic and variables following domestic and external financial liberalization? Are there significant differences in the outcomes between emerging and developed economies? Are there regional patterns in the response to financial sector reforms? Does a country’s level of development shape the outcome of financial sector reforms? These are the questions we focus on in this paper. With greater certainty, financial liberalization appears to deliver: higher real interest rates (possibly reflecting the allocation of capital toward more productive, higher return projects.); lower investment, but not lower growth (again, possibly owing to a shift to more productive uses of financial resources); a higher level of foreign direct investment; and high gross capital flows--the catch is that occurs only in the higher income countries. Liberalization appears to deliver financial deepening, as measured by the credit and monetary aggregates--but, again, low income countries do not appear to show clear signs of such a benefit As regards saving, anything goes. In some regions saving increased following financial sector reforms; but in the majority of cases saving declined following the reforms.