Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural and Optical Characterization of Zinc Oxide Films Prepared By Two Stage; Spin Coating and Hydrothermal Process

Thin films of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) of average thickness 364 nm were deposited on glass substrates via hydrothermal process using a mixture of 25 mM aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine at a constant temperature of 75 ± 5°C. The structure of ZnO film was analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Our result showed that ZnO film is of polycrystalline nature with preferential orientation along (002) perpendicular to the substrate. Average crystallite size of prepared ZnO film was found to be 18 nm. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image clearly showed the growth of nano-plate structure with an average thickness and breadth of 90 nm and 390 nm respectively. The band gap of ZnO was determined from transmittance spectrum captured in the visible wavelength. The calculated value of direct band gap was 3.24 eV. Journal of Institute of Science and Technology Vol. 21, No. 1, 2016, page: 61-64
A Green and Facile Approach for Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles

This paper presents a facile, rapid and green method to prepare magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in one step reaction. In this method, an aqueous solution of ferric chloride hexa hydrate, ferrous chloride tetra hydrate (2/1 molar ratio) was mixed with carob leaf extract and heated for 5 minutes at 80℃. The magnetite nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis showed that the magnetite nanoparticles are well-monodisperse with 8 nm of average diameter. A possible synthesis mechanism of magnetite nanoparticles was presented at the same time.
Technical issues concerning peripheral and central administration of Olanzapine in rats

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MSc in Human resource management and organizational psychology Job Satisfaction and Perceived Equality within Icelandic Organizations

The main aim of this thesis was to investigate the relationship between job satisfaction, perceived equality and managerial responsibility in the International CRANET survey. In addition, the aim was to explore differences in job satisfaction and perceived equality and whether equality policy affects employees’ job satisfaction. Participants in the study were 1041 employees within organizations that participated in a twosided study carried out on HRM managers of Icelandic companies with 70 or more employees. The data used in this thesis was the second part of the study, executed with employees of 35 organizations in agreement which the HRM managements. The results revealed no gender difference in job satisfaction, but gender difference in perceived equality. The results also showed that there is a relationship between perceived equality and job satisfaction and that managerial responsibility can affect perceived equality as well. Overall, gender, managerial responsibility and job satisfaction influenced perceived equality.
A scalable pressure sensor based on an electrothermally and electrostatically operated resonator

We present a pressure sensor based on the convective cooling of the air surrounding an electrothermally heated resonant bridge. Unlike conventional pressure sensors that rely on diaphragm deformation in response to pressure, the sensor does not require diaphragms of the large surface area, and hence is scalable and can be realized even at the nanoscale. The concept is demonstrated using both straight and arch microbeam resonators driven and sensed electrostatically. The change in the surrounding pressure is shown to be accurately tracked by monitoring the change in the resonance frequency of the structure. The sensitivity of the sensor, which is controllable by the applied electrothermal load, is shown near 57 811 ppm/mbar for a pressure range from 1 to 10 Torr. We show that a straight beam operated near the buckling threshold leads to the maximum sensitivity of the device. The experimental data and simulation results, based on a multi-physics finite element model, demonstrate the feasibility and simplicity of the pressure sensor. Published by AIP Publishing.
Effects of excess and deficient boron and niacin on the ultrastructure of root cells in Daucus carota cv. Nantes

The effects of excess and deficient boron and niacin on vascular tissues of carrot roots (Daucus carota L. cv. Nantes) were investigated in plants grown in medium both rich and poor in boron and also boron with niacin. Five media were investigated: control (MS medium), boron-deficient MS medium, MS medium with excess boron, niacin-deficient MS medium, MS medium with niacin excess, and MS medium with excess boron and niacin. In anatomical cross sections, lignification was seen in middle lamellar pectins in the tracheary cells of boron deficit grown carrot roots, while in the other applications including excess boron lignification was in the secondary walls. Number of xylem arches and tracheary lengths of root cells were different, but not significantly so. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) sections of vessels from roots grown in media with excess boron and deficient boron revealed paramural bodies in the tracheary walls. Paramural bodies were found in the tracheary cell walls of both boron deficient and boron excess grown carrot roots. In root cells grown in media with excess and deficient boron, tracheary cells had amyloplasts. While the boron deficient medium grown carrot roots had amyloplasts scarcely, in boron excess grown root cells these amyloplasts filled the vessels densely.
Brief Announcement: A Parallel Algorithm for Subgraph Isomorphism

Subgraph isomorphism is a fundamental property of graphs that requires checking whether the network structure of one graph can be found (embedded) within another graph. It has numerous applications and is a computationally challenging problem: it is NP-complete and known algorithms explore an exponentially large search space. Even though it has been studied extensively, relatively little is known about whether subgraph isomorphism accepts a theoretically and practically efficient parallel solution. In this paper, we present our ongoing work on designing a parallel algorithm for the subgraph (and graph) isomorphism problem, which addresses challenges commonly faced when attempting to obtain a parallel algorithm for isomorphism. Our algorithm appears to scale well up to the 70 cores of our empirical machine.
Teff: nutrient composition and health benefits

Teff (Eragrostis tef), has been cultivated and used for human consumption in Ethiopia for centuries. However, teff’s global use for human consumption has been restrained partly due to limited knowledge about its nutrient composition and the processing challenges faced in making teff-based food products. Over the past decade, the recognition that teff is gluten-free has raised global interest. Consequently, literature on the nutritional composition, processing quality, and health benefits of teff has grown considerably. The existing literature suggests that teff is composed of complex carbohydrates with slowly digestible starch. Teff has a similar protein content to other more common cereals like wheat, but is relatively richer than other cereals in the essential amino acid lysine. Teff is also a good source of essential fatty acids, fiber, minerals (especially calcium and iron), and phytochemicals such as polyphenols and phytates.
Increased crop failure due to climate change: assessing adaptation options using models and socio-economic data for wheat in China

Tools for projecting crop productivity under a range of conditions, and assessing adaptation options, are an important part of the endeavour to prioritize investment in adaptation. We present ensemble projections of crop productivity that account for biophysical processes, inherent uncertainty and adaptation, using spring wheat in Northeast China as a case study. A parallel ‘vulnerability index’ approach uses quantitative socio-economic data to account for autonomous farmer adaptation. The simulations show crop failure rates increasing under climate change, due to increasing extremes of both heat and water stress. Crop failure rates increase with mean temperature, with increases in maximum failure rates being greater than those in median failure rates. The results suggest that significant adaptation is possible through either socio-economic measures such as greater investment, or biophysical measures such as drought or heat tolerance in crops. The results also show that adaptation becomes increasingly necessitated as mean temperature and the associated number of extremes rise. The results, and the limitations of this study, also suggest directions for research for linking climate and crop models, socio-economic analyses and crop variety trial data in order to prioritize options such as capacity building, plant breeding and biotechnology.
FTV360: a multiview 360° video dataset with calibration parameters

In this paper, we present a new dataset in order to serve as a support for researches in Free Viewpoint Television (FTV) and 6 degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) immersive communication. This dataset relies on a novel acquisition procedure consisting in a synchronized capture of a scene by 40 omnidirectional cameras. We have also developed a calibration solution that estimates the position and orientation of each camera with respect to a same reference. This solution relies on a regular calibration of each individual camera, and a graph-based synchronization of all these parameters. These videos and the calibration solution are made publicly available.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY 18S and ITS1 Genomic Sequence Variations in Rotylenchulus reniformis Isolates from Alabama

Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. , is highly susceptible to infection by reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), which can cause over 10% reduction of cotton yields in Alabama. Detection of reniform nematode (RN) and analysis for molecular variation within its population is important for understanding its interactions with cotton and other host plant species. Restriction analysis of PCR products of ITS1 regions was achieved using four restriction enzymes, HaeIII, HhaI, MspI, and RsaI. These showed similar banding patterns for both male and female populations. However, MspI digestion of ITS1 amplification products showed variants within the combined sex and location effects primarily attributed to a 500 bp fragment that was absent in other restriction digestions. Intra-nematodal variations in 18S and ITS1 rDNA were studied in detail by sequencing a minimum of ten clones in each individual male and female RN isolates in both directions. Multiple sequence alignment of the 18S rDNA sequences showed two major types of sequences within this gene for both male and female RN clones, which could be distinguished at 27 specific sites. Two distinct ITS1 fragments of lengths (550 bp and 720 bp) were observed; referred to as ITS1S and ITS1L respectively. Neighbor-joining analysis was used in revealing the relationships and grouping characteristics between male and female RN clones, with clones grouping together irrespective of sex and isolate. Sequencing of one-third of the 18S and ITS1 rDNA regions provided clear evidence of intra-and inter-nematode variability, in addition to gene conversion events in the 18S rDNA of individual male and female RN clones.
The corporate governance implications for China

The following paper applies agency theory to China’s current economic reform program. The financial and regulatory structures necessary for an efficient corporate governance system in China are discussed. The analysis is focused on the Chinese state – owned enterprises (SOEs) and township and village enterprises (TVEs). The first section of the paper seeks to review the essence of the principal – agent problem. The second section explains the ‘success story’ of the Chinese TVEs. The final part of the paper assesses the efficiency of SOE corporate governance mechanisms in China.
Words Matter: The Impact of "Catchy" vs Conventional Course Titles on Student Interest.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that post-secondary institutions in Canada and beyond are experimenting with the practice of substituting conventional, discipline-centred course titles with more creatively phrased, learner-centred titles. However, we could find no scholarly research to affirm, challenge or guide this practice. This study represents a preliminary foray into that research. We surveyed 368 business undergraduate and graduate students at a mid-sized Canadian university to address, and explore the implications of, this question: "Does a catchy course title elicit more student interest than its conventional counterpart? " Our findings provide some, but not unqualified, support for the practice of using catchy course titles as a way of attracting student interest. We found the most significant influence on student preference toward conventional or catchy course titles to be year of registration (first year and fourth year students showed the most interest in catchy course titles; graduate students and those registered in second and third year showed a preference for conventional course titles). Implications regarding marketing and pedagogy are discussed, as is the need for further research. Des preuves non scientifiques sembleraient suggerer que les etablissements d’enseignement superieur du Canada et au-dela sont en train d’essayer de substituer les titres de cours conventionnels centres sur la discipline par des titres centres sur l’apprenant et formules de facon plus creatrice. Toutefois, nous n’avons trouve aucune recherche savante qui pourrait affirmer, mettre au defi ou guider cette pratique. Cette etude represente une experience preliminaire dans cette recherche. Nous avons fait un sondage aupres de 368 etudiants de premier cycle et de cycles superieurs en administration des affaires dans une universite canadienne de taille moyenne afin d’explorer les implications de la question suivante : « Est-ce qu’un titre de cours accrocheur attire davantage l’interet des etudiants qu’un titre plus conventionnel? » Nos resultats presentent un certain soutien non qualifie a cette pratique qui consiste a utiliser des titres de cours accrocheurs dans le but d’attirer l’interet des etudiants. Nous avons trouve que l’influence la plus significative sur la preference des etudiants entre les titres conventionnels et les titres accrocheurs etait l’annee d’inscription (les etudiants de premiere et de quatrieme annee etaient davantage attires par les titres de cours accrocheurs; les etudiants des cycles superieurs et ceux inscrits en deuxieme et troisieme annee semblaient preferer les titres de cours conventionnels). Les implications en matiere de marketing et de pedagogie sont discutees, ainsi que la necessite de faire des recherches plus avancees sur la question.
Consumer attitudes to high pressure food processing

As part of an EU-funded research project a representative survey of consumer attitudes concerning high pressure processing (HPP) of foods was carried out. 3000 adults aged 14 years and over, in France, Germany and the UK were interviewed in face-toface computer assisted personal interviews (CAPI) and asked to indicate their opinion by evaluating 35 positive and 25 negative statements about the new technique, to compare the new technique with the conventional techniques, and they were asked if they would buy products preserved using High Pressure Pasteurization. The concept used for the data analysis was that of a market segmentation model using sociodemographical, geographical and psychographical attributes. The average acceptability rate is discussed with respect to the MAYA threshold value (Most Advanced Yet Acceptable), a pragmatic market research threshold value.
An empirical analysis of the performance of pension funds: evidence from UK

Purpose - This paper examines the investment performance of pension funds in the UK using three standard performance measurement models, the CAPM, Fama-French model and the Carhart model. Design/methodology/approach - We use the CAPS-Mellon survey data for the period 1990-2008 and employ the three standard performance measurement models, the CAPM, Fama-French model and the Carhart model in assessing the investment performance of the pension funds. Findings - We show that the abnormal returns of pension funds cannot be fully explained by size, book-to-market values, market returns, momentum and the term spread. We find larger abnormal returns in bond than in equity portfolios and that smaller funds outperform larger funds. The paper also shows that the addition of the momentum factor does not improve on the three factor Fama-French model. We find that pension funds exhibit superior performance relative to the linear factor models. Research limitations/implications - This study contributes to the extant literature on pension funds performance. Future research may also extend our work to incorporate economic, tax, political and legal differences across the countries on the performance of pension funds. Secondly, due to data constraints, this study excludes the default probability of corporate bonds as an additional variable in their tests on bond returns. Future work may add the default probability as an additional variable whilst examining bond returns Practical implications - The authors believe that the findings will be considerable food for thought for fund managers who are continuously attempt to explore opportunities to provide a higher return to investors. Originality/value - To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive study that investigates the performance of UK equity and bond pension funds relative to standard linear factor models such as the CAPM, Fama and French (1993), and Carhart (1997).
Plant Age Effect on Mechanical Properties of Moso Bamboo ( Phyllostachys Heterocycla Var. Pubescens ) Single Fibers

Bamboo fiber has greater mechanical strength than certain other natural fibers and could therefore be a candidate for production of fiber-reinforced composites. Single fibers were isolated from Moso bamboo samples taken from plants between 0.5 and 8.5 yr old. Mechanical properties of single fibers (tensile strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and other mechanical related properties such as the microfibril angle and fiber cross-sectional area) were studied. There was no significant variation with age in average MOE and fracture strain of the bamboo fibers. Results indicate that the thickening growth of cell walls in bamboo fibers near the outer surface of bamboo is almost complete by 0.5 yr. Therefore, fibers from 0.5 to 8.5 yr old plants may be used for making fiber-reinforced composites.
Women Empowerment through Self Help Group: A Theoretical Perspective

Most of the great works accomplished in the human civilization can be attributed to the groups rather than a single individual. Group approach to decision making and programme implementation has long been employed in various areas including politics – almost all the difficult matters are referred to committees. Most of the successful functioning organisations be it at micro level ( a single firm ) or at macro level ( parliament, as for instance ) reinforce the significance of group approach to problem solving. This paper explores the impact of participation in Self Help Groups on the empowerment of women in the context of the great importance being given to the group approach while conceptualizing any programme for rural women. The present paper looks at various dimensions of empowerment – political, material, cognitive, perceptual and relational. Access to credit can help in expansion of material base of women by enabling them to start and expand small businesses, often accompanied by market access; the women also experienced ‘Power within’: feelings of freedom, strength, self- identity and increases in levels of confidence and self-esteem. However, gender discrimination is most deeply entrenched in the family, evident in bias attitudes towards the fairer sex. At the social level, an encouraging trend is that women have been able to challenge the norm of purdah. Besides, involvement in SHGs has enabled women to have a voice in the community affairs and they have been able to tackle problems which not only tend to impoverish the lives of women but the society in general.This paper sets the stage for argument and discussion that whether the SHGs can also be used as a tool to motivate the women to increase their role in political arena or not. Though women face handicaps to their involvement in politics, their participation in SHGs has a great potential to alter this trend and these women can be prospective leaders in the political field. Democracy has the greatest role to play but which role it continues to be vague. It may be comparatively easier to ensure material change than to cause a change in power structures and the ideologies and attitudes which accompany them. However, no milieu is static, and some of the recommendations for a way forward include providing a convergence of inputs, ensuring a proactive involvement of women in the program, changing social norms and perceptions and anchoring with wider movements of political and social change.