Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmaceutical evaluation of glibenclamide products available in the Jordanian market

®) which was obtained from the Saudi market was subjected to analysis and used as a reference product. All products were found satisfactory in terms of identification and related substances as per the BP requirements. However, the assay results showed that only two products, in addition to the reference (Daonil ® ) satisfied the BP specifications which required glibenclamide content to be within the range: 95 to 105% of the labeled content. All products, in spite of marginal deviations for two of them, were found to pass the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) assay specifications (90 to 110%). Significant differences in dissolution behavior were observed between the different generics and the originator (Daonil ® ). Daonil ® exhibited the lowest dissolution profile while some products showed
Indian Ocean SST Biases in a Flexible Regional Ocean Atmosphere Land System (FROALS) Model

Abstract The authors examine the Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) biases simulated by a Flexible Regional Ocean Atmosphere Land System (FROALS) model. The regional coupled model exhibits pronounced cold SST biases in a large portion of the Indian Ocean warm pool. Negative biases in the net surface heat fluxes are evident in the model, leading to the cold biases of the SST. Further analysis indicates that the negative biases in the net surface heat fluxes are mainly contributed by the biases of sensible heat and latent heat flux. Near-surface meteorological variables that could contribute to the SST biases are also examined. It is found that the biases of sensible heat and latent heat flux are caused by the colder and dryer near-surface air in the model.
DESIGN OF POTENTIAL CELLULASE PRIMER USING MULTIPLE SEQUENCE ALIGNMENT METHOD

DESIGN OF POTENTIAL CELLULASE PRIMER USING MULTIPLE SEQUENCE ALIGNMENT METHOD aBahrul Ulum, bWisnu Ananta Kusuma, c Joni Prasetyo a,bDepartment of Computer Science, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia aDepartment of Informatics Engineering, Al-Kamal Institute of Science and Technology, Jakarta cRenewable Energy Division, BPPT, Serpong, Indonesia E-mail: aabahrul@gmail.com Abstrak Selulase mempunyai peranan utama dalam pemanfaatan limbah biomassa yang mengandung lignin, hemicellulose, dan cellulose (lignocellulose). Limbah biomassa ini sangat banyak terdapat di lingkungan dan sampai saat ini masih belum dimanfaatkan secara maksimal, dikarenakan banyak mikroorganisme dari alam yang memproduksi enzim selulase dengan jumlah terbatas (aktifitasnya rendah). Dalam rangka meningkatkan produktivitas mikroorganisme untuk menghasilkan selulase, salah satu cara yang dapat diterapkan adalah merancang primer sekuens gen penyandi selulase yang dirangkum dari beberapa mikroorganisme penghasil selulase. Dalam penelitian ini, kami melakukan penyejajaran sekuen DNA penyandi selulase untuk mencari potensial primer untuk meningkatkan produktivitas enzim selulase dengan teknik Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA). Metode yang digunakan adalah metode progresif (Progressive Alignment Algorithms). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa pada tahap penyejajaran, didapatkan tiga daerah konservatif (conserved regions). Sedangkan pada tahap perancangan dengan beberapa parameter yang telah ditentukan didapatkan 46 pasang primer dari lima sekuen gen penyandi selulase yang didapat dari National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Kata kunci: Selulase, Multiple Sequence Alignment, Perancangan Primer. Abstract The role of cellulase is very important in degrading cellulose which is abundant in the environment, such as in biomass waste that is containing lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. Biomass waste is abundant in the environment and is still not fully utilized, because many of the natural microorganisms that produce cellulase enzymesproduce the enzyme in a limited amount (have low activity). In order to improve the productivity of microorganisms in producing cellulase, one of the ways that can be applied is to design primer sequences of genes encoding cellulase summarized from several cellulase-producing microorganisms. In this research,we perform alignment of DNA sequences coding of cellulase to look for potential primer in order to increase the productivity of cellulase enzymes by Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) method. The method used is progressive (Progressive Alignment Algorithms). The results showed that in the alignment phase, three conserved regions were obtained. However, in the planning phase by using some predetermined parameters 46 pairs of primer sequences were obtained from five genes encoding cellulase taken from NCBI. Keywords: Cellulase, Multiple Sequence Alignment, Primer design.
The Most Relevant Variables to Support Risk Analysts for Loan Decisions: An Empirical Study

This paper presents an empirical study about risk analysis using several technologies. We have investigated two fundamental questions: we have analized the results obtained using each specific technology (discriminant analysis, logistic regression, and an artificial intelligence technology) and we have pointed out the most relevant variables for this kind of decision making.The percentage of error when using an artificial intelligence technology allows us to conclude that these intelligent systems are a good support in decision-making for risk analysts from banking entities.The most important variable using an artificial intelligence technology is the firm’s economic situation, followed by firm rating and by firm image.
Strategic Priorities of Malaysian Hotels: The Role of Management Control Bureaucracy

The study examines the role of the management control system (MCS) in Malaysian hotels that pursue different strategic priorities. It is proposed that the cost leadership and differentiation strategies relationships to performance are indirect through the use of bureaucratic and non-bureaucratic MCSs. Data from a survey of 59 hotels operating in Malaysia were used to test the hypotheses. Using partial least squares, the results indicate no significant indirect effect of bureaucratic MCS on the relationship between cost leadership and performance. Additionally, non-bureaucratic MCS did not mediate the relationship between differentiation strategy and performance. Contrary to expectation, a significant indirect effect of bureaucratic MCS on the relationship between differentiation strategy and performance exists. The differentiators appear to affect the use of bureaucratic MCS to increase performance. The study implies the dominance of bureaucratic MCS in the Malaysian hotel industry and challenges the contingency-based proposition on the coupling of business strategy with MCS.
NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES THE DECLINING EFFECTS OF OSHA INSPECTIONS ON MANUFACTURING INJURIES: 1979 TO 1998

This study compares the impact of OSHA inspections on manufacturing industries using data from three time periods: 1979-85, 1987-91, and 1992-98. We find substantial declines in the impact of OSHA inspections since 1979-85. In the earliest period we estimate that having an OSHA inspection that imposed a penalty reduces injuries by about 15%; in the later periods it falls to 8% in 1987-91 and to 1% (and statistically insignificant) in 1992-98. Testing for different effects by inspection type, employment size, and industry, we find differences across size classes, but these cannot explain the overall decline. In fact, we find reductions in OSHA’s impact over time for nearly all subgroups we examine, so shifts across subgroups cannot explain the whole decline. We examine various other hypotheses concerning the declining impact, but in the end we are not able to provide a clear explanation for the decline. Wayne B. Gray John Mendeloff Economics Department Graduate School of Public and Clark University International Affairs 950 Main Street University of Pittsburgh Worcester, MA 01610 3E34 Forbes Quad and NBER Pittsburgh, PA 15260 wgray@clarku.edu jmen@birch.gspia. pitt.edu
A practical introduction to stable-isotope analysis for seabird biologists: Approaches, cautions and caveats

Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen can provide valuable insight into seabird diet, but when interpreting results, seabird biologists need to recognize the many assumptions and caveats inherent in such analyses. Here, we summarize the most common limitations of stable-isotope analysis as applied to ecology (species-specific discrimination factors, within-system comparisons, prey sampling, changes in isotopic ratios over time and biological or physiological influences) in the context of seabird biology. Discrimination factors are species specific for both the consumer and the prey species, and yet these remain largely unquantified for seabirds. Absolute comparisons across systems are confounded by differences in the isotopic composition at the base of each food web, which ultimately determine consumer isotopic values. This understanding also applies to applications of stable isotopes to historical seabird diet reconstruction for which historical prey isotopic values are not available. Finally, species biology (e.g. foraging behaviour) and physiologic condition (e.g. level of nutritional stress) must be considered if isotopic values are to be interpreted accurately. Stable-isotope ecology is a powerful tool in seabird biology, but its usefulness is determined by the ability of scientists to interpret its results properly.
Depth Electrode Neurofeedback with a Virtual Reality Interface

Invasive brain–computer interfaces (BCI) provide better signal quality in terms of spatial localization, frequencies and signal/noise ratio, in addition to giving access to deep brain regions that play important roles in cognitive or affective processes. Despite some anecdotal attempts, little work has explored the possibility of integrating such BCI input into more sophisticated interactive systems like those which can be developed with game engines. In this article, we integrated an amygdala depth electrode recorder with a virtual environment controlling a virtual crowd. Subjects were asked to down regulate their amygdala using the level of unrest in the virtual room as feedback on how successful they were. We report early results which suggest that users adapt very easily to this paradigm and that the timing and fluctuations of amygdala activity during self-regulation can be matched by crowd animation in the virtual room. This suggests that depth electrodes could also serve as high-performance affective interfaces, notwithstanding their strictly limited availability, justified on medical grounds only.
A FLEXIBLE BEAM ACTUATED BY A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY RIBBON

The paper analyses the thermomechanical coupling between a cantilever aluminium beam and an embedded SMA ribbon. The SMA is selected to be Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) because of the high strength and large strains associated with this material. The actuation of the beam is achieved by applying a current across the SMA ribbon in order to heat the beam above the transition temperature. We show that the actuated beam exhibit the essential functions of an active system, i. e. the deflected beam may return to the initial configuration.
Sustainable Urban Agriculture in Ghana: What Governance System Works?

Urban farming takes advantage of its proximity to market, transport and other urban infrastructure to provide food for the city and sustain the livelihoods of urban and peri-urban dwellers. It is an agricultural activity which employs more than 50% of the local urban population with positive and negative impacts on local and national development. Urban agriculture is an informal activity not supported by law but in practice is regulated to a certain extent by state institutions, traditional rulers, farmers and national and international non-governmental organisations. Tamale’s rapid population growth, exacerbated by the unplanned development system and institutional conflicts, are factors contributing to the present bottlenecks in the urban agricultural system. In this paper, these bottlenecks are conceptualised as problems of governance. These issues will be illustrated using ethnographic data from land sales, crop-livestock competition, waste-water irrigation, and markets. I will explain how conflicts which arise from these different situations are resolved through the interactions of various governance systems. Informal governance arrangements are widespread, but neither they nor formal systems are always successful in resolving governance issues. A participatory governance does not seem possible due to actors’ divergent interests. A governance solution for this sector is not yet apparent, contributing to food and nutritional insecurity.
Seasonal dynamics of growth and mortality suggest contrasting population structure and ecology for cod, pollack, and saithe in a Norwegian fjord

We study the dynamics of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.), pollack (Pollachius pollachius L.), and saithe (Pollachius virens L.) in Masfjorden, a small fjord in western Norway. Annually, cohorts of pollack and cod grow in size and decline in abundance, as expected of closed populations, whereas saithe virtually disappear before maturity. Seasonally, in contrast, the dynamics of cod and pollack differ. Pollack shows a regular growth pattern, with most of the growth taking place in summer. Its abundance-at-age shows strong seasonal variations, with a marked increase from spring to summer followed by a decline through autumn and winter. These patterns relate partly to seasonal changes in depth distribution and catchability. Combined with the observation that spawning-stage pollack are abundant in spring, we interpret these patterns to suggest that pollack in Masfjorden represent a dynamically independent unit. Seasonal changes in abundance are less marked for cod, and seasonal changes in depth distribution seem insignificant. However, cod shows an unusual pattern in length at age, with no apparent growth in summer and fast growth in autumn. These patterns suggest that the population structure of cod may be more open than that of pollack and may involve mixing of more than one population component.
Determinação dos parâmetros de Arrhenius da reação de sorção do dióxido de enxofre por calcário

Sulfur emission in coal power generation is a matter of great environmental concern and limestone sorbents are widely used for reducing such emissions. Thermogravimetry was applied to determine the effects of the type of limestone (calcite and dolomite), particle size (530 and 650 µm) and atmosphere (air and nitrogen) on the kinetics of SO2 sorption by limestone. Isothermal experiments were performed for different temperatures (650 to 950 oC), at local atmospheric pressure. The apparent activation energies, as indicated by the slope of the Arrhenius plot, resulted between 3.03 and 4.45 kJ mol-1 for the calcite, and 11.24 kJ mol-1 for the dolomite.
Multilevel kohonen network learning for clustering problems

Clustering is the procedure of recognising classes of patterns that occur in the environment and assigning each pattern to its relevant class. Unlike classical statistical methods, self-organising map (SOM) does not require any prior knowledge about the statistical distribution of the patterns in the environment. In this study, an alternative classification of self-organising neural networks, known as multilevel learning, was proposed to solve the task of pattern separation. The performance of standard SOM and multilevel SOM were evaluated with different distance or dissimilarity measures in retrieving similarity between patterns. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the quality of map produced by SOM learning using different distance measures in representing a given dataset. Based on the results obtained from both SOM methods, predictions can be made for the unknown samples. The results showed that multilevel SOM learning gives better classification rate for small and medium scale datasets, but not for large scale dataset.
Characteristics of WTLN-Derived Lightning

Many studies have used cloud-to-ground (CG), intracloud (IC), and total (CG + IC) lightning to investigate relationships between lightning and severe weather. Although the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) is the most common system used to detect lightning, it is limited to reporting only CG lightning over the continental United States. The WeatherBug Total Lightning Network (WTLN) is a global data set recently established by Earth Networks, Inc. that reports both CG and IC lightning. WTLN has the potential to offer superior lightning data, although little research has compared WTLN information to other data sets like the NLDN. Using WTLN and NLDN data, distributions of stroke counts by polarity and peak current were plotted during a16-month study period near Cape Canaveral, FL. The WTLN data set showed an over detection of weak peak current strokes and under detection of strong peak current strokes. The WTLN data also exhibited higher overall stroke counts compared to NLDN. A case study of the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado showed an opposite relation between WTLN and NLDN stroke counts. Compared to NLDN, the WTLN continually undercounted strokes during the lifecycle of the storm. While the number of counts was dissimilar, the two data sets correlated strongly (0.79) during the storm period. When the lightning was divided by polarity, WTLN showed a much greater detection of positive CG lightning than NLDN.
Simulation of Lightning Return Stroke Currents and Its Effect to Nearby Overhead Conductor

A nearby lightning strike can induce significant currents in long horizontal and vertical conductors. Although the magnitude of the current in this case is much smaller than that encountered during a direct strike, the probability of occurrence and the frequency content are higher. In view of this, appropriate knowledge of the characteristics of such induced currents is relevant for the interpretation of recorded currents. Considering these, the present paper discusses a modeling procedure that permits simulation of lightning-induced voltages or currents on overhead lines due to nearby lightning strikes. The hypothesis of perfect conducting ground, generally adopted in studies on the subject, is discussed in order to better assess the validity of the simulation results. In this paper, a homogeneous non-perfect ground is also investigated for its influence on lightning-induced voltages. The procedure for analyses of the voltages induced on an overhead line by a nearby lightning return stroke with a striking point at unequal distances from the line terminations is presented. The analysis shows that lightning-induced voltages depend on the soil conductivity.
Improving Memory in Patients with Epilepsy: Considering the Impact of Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Low Mood and/or Surgery on Memory TrainingProgram Outcomes

Aim: To determine whether epilepsy treatments (number of antiepileptic drugs and surgical history) and/or depressed mood would influence the ability to benefit from memory training of outpatients with epilepsy who participated in a group-based, six-week, Memory Training Program. We also investigated the relationships between symptoms of depression, performance on a new objective measure of association memory and subjective memory ratings. Method: Forty-seven adults with epilepsy and memory complaints completed the training with pre- and posttraining assessments. Scores included (1) number correct on a new Identity Association Memory Test; (2) subjective self-rating of memory function; (3) number of reported strategies used for memory support. Two way (Group x Time) Repeated Measures Analyses of Variance were used to look for differences on the association-learning task. Pearson correlation analyses were used to examine the relationships between number of anti-epileptic drugs, subjective memory ratings, and presence of depression and objective memory scores. Results: Repeated measures ANOVAs demonstrated that training resulted in significant improvements of the total score on the Association Memory Test regardless of number of antiepileptic drugs (F=6.5,p=.01), surgical status (F=6,p=.02) or mood (F=7.4,p<.01). Although the depressed group rated their memory as lower overall (Group main effect F=4.8,p<.05), both groups showed similar improvements as a result of the training, (Test-time main effect: F=8.0,p<.01). Although depression level was correlated with lower self-ratings of memory (pre: r =-. 3, p=. 02; post: r=- . 3, p=. 05, depression scores were not correlated with objective memory performance at either test time. Conclusion: This study contributes to evidence that memory rehabilitation benefits people with epilepsy. We found significant pre- to post-training improvements on subjective as well as objective measures of association learning. Furthermore, we found that the gains on all three outcome measures were unaffected by higher levels of antiepileptic drugs, previous surgical treatment or depressed mood.
Friend of a Friend Influence in Terrorist Social Networks

With the increasing popularity of social media over the last few years, terrorist groups have flocked to the popular web sites to spread their message and recruit new members. As terrorist groups establish a presence in these social networks, they do not rely on direct connections to influence sympathetic individuals. Instead, they leverage “friend of a friend” relationships where existing members or sympathizers bridge the gap between potential recruits and terrorist leadership or influencers. As anti-Western propaganda flows through these social networks, homegrown terrorists and lone wolf terrorists have been inspired to commit acts of terrorism. These terrorist social networks in social media can be uncovered and mapped, providing an opportunity to apply social network analysis algorithms. Leveraging these algorithms, the main influencers can be identified along with the individuals bridging the gap between the sympathizers and influencers.
Effect of the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) on companies: Interviews with European companies

We visited Belgian and Dutch companies that are covered by EU ETS in November 2007, in order to conduct interviews regarding the impact of the scheme and the resultant performance of these companies. The problems of the EU ETS that emerge from this interview are as follows: (1) the redundancy of emission allowance dampens the incentive to reduce the emission of CO2, (2) the allocation scheme fails to consider inter-industrial and/or inter-district fairness, and (3) since the duration of the National Allocation Plan is too short and highly uncertain, it is difficult to implement a long-term reduction investment plan. As European company officers pointed out, the current EU ETS has several problems. However, the recent political debate on the EU ETS seems to have entered a new dimension toward the second period of the National Allocation Plan. For instance, the cap of CO2 emission in the second period has tightened in comparison with the case in the first period, when the allowance excessive. Furthermore, in January 2008, the European Union set the goal of reducing emission by 20% from the 1990 level, by the year 2020. Moreover, the EU intends to introduce the complete auction of emission allowance after the year 2013 excluding the sector that is expected to experience serious leakage problems. The current EU ETS can be regarded as a CO2 reduction scheme in transition. The policy makers of the Japanese government should behold and draw upon the experiences of the European Union in order to implement appropriate policy measures against global warming in Japan.