Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The adsorption of basic dye (Astrazon Blue FGRL) from aqueous solutions onto two different clays: Talc and Chrysotile

In this study, Talc and Chrysotile were obtained from Sivas, Turkey and used as adsorbents for the investigation of the adsorption of the basic dye (Astrazon Blue FGRL) from aqueous solutions at various dye concentrations (100–400 mg/L), initial pH (3-7), adsorbent doses (1-4 g/L), contact time (2.5-1400 min) and temperatures (313–333 K). The result showed that the adsorption capacity of the dye increased with increasing initial dye concentration, pH, adsorbent dose and temperature. In addition, three kinetic models; the pseudo first order, pseudo second order and intraparticle diffusion, were used to predict the adsorption rate constants. The results showed that the highest correlation coefficients (R 2 >0.9960) were obtained for pseudo second order kinetics. When the natural clays were compared, it was observed that, Talc showed higher removal efficiencies and adsorption capacity than Chrysotile. The highest adsorption capacity was obtained as 284 mg/g and 169 mg/g for Talc and Chrysotile at pH 7, 298 oK, 300 mg/L of initial dye concentration and 1020 min of agitation time, respectively. The results showed that Talc and Chrysotile have important potentials for removal of basic dyes which are cheap and easy available.
Using Web Analytics in the Library

As libraries deliver an increasing proportion of their services through the web, the need to accurately and comprehensively track the use of library websites, online resources, and services is more important than ever. This issue of Library Technology Reports offers an explanation of web analytics and how these tools can be applied in a library setting. The author provides a comprehensive overview of web analytics that defines the different types of data that can be tracked and their application.The report presents a detailed guide to implementing Google Analytics, one of the most popular web analytics tools, and offers case studies detailing how web analytics have been applied in a variety of library settings.
Study of sclerochronology by laser ablation ICP-MS

Sclerochronology is to shells what dendrochronology is to trees, i.e., growth structures within some shells (in this case the bivalve mollusc Arctica islandica L., the Ocean Quahoc) resemble, in form and content, those growth structures in trees, which grow with an annual periodicity. By utilising laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), allied with stable isotope analysis to sample the growth structures within shells, environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, salinity, seasonality and productivity) prevalent at the time of shell genesis may be ascertained. A limiting factor in the retrieval of any data from biogenic carbonates such as these is the size of the repeated growth structures from which to extract information. In the case of Arctica, these can be as low as tens of µm. Micro-drilling techniques, such as those commonly used in isotope analyses, are constrained by the size of the drill bit used to collect the sample. LA-ICP-MS, with its ultra-high spatial resolution (10–20 µm ablation pits) and precision, delivers highly constrained analysis allowing accurate multi-element sampling of seasonal growth bands within shells. It may be feasible to use the elements strontium, magnesium and barium as records of inter-annual environmental conditions, thus removing the need to carry out stable isotope analyses in some instances, particularly where the size of the material to be sampled demands the high resolution of LA-ICP-MS.
Privacy-preserving distributed data mining and processing on horizontally partitioned data

Data mining can extract important knowledge from large data collections, but sometimes these collections are split among various parties. Data warehousing, bringing data from multiple sources under a single authority, increases risk of privacy violations. Furthermore, privacy concerns may prevent the parties from directly sharing even some meta-data. Distributed data mining and processing provide a means to address this issue, particularly if queries are processed in a way that avoids the disclosure of any information beyond the final result. This thesis presents methods to mine horizontally partitioned data without violating privacy and shows how to use the data mining results in a privacy-preserving way. The methods incorporate cryptographic techniques to minimize the information shared, while adding as little as possible overhead to the mining and processing task.
Applied Forest Tree Improvement

Thank you very much for downloading applied forest tree improvement. As you may know, people have look hundreds times for their favorite readings like this applied forest tree improvement, but end up in infectious downloads. Rather than reading a good book with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, instead they cope with some infectious bugs inside their desktop computer. applied forest tree improvement is available in our digital library an online access to it is set as public so you can download it instantly. Our digital library spans in multiple locations, allowing you to get the most less latency time to download any of our books like this one. Merely said, the applied forest tree improvement is universally compatible with any devices to read.
Organizational Learning in Construction Supply Chains

Purpose – Learning within the supply chain is widely considered to provide the basis for enhanced competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to explore the theory and current practice of organizational learning in UK construction supply chains.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research strategy is followed for this exploration of supply chain management and organizational learning. Research enquiry draws on semi‐structured interviews with key construction supply chain stakeholders. The semi‐structure interviews are recorded, transcribed and analysed via qualitative data analysis software.Findings – Careful examination of the transcripts reveal that whilst supply chain management practice in construction is limited, key schools of organizational learning are similarly underdeveloped. Findings disclose construction supply chain organizations routinely employ learning strategies that are best described as reactionary and interventionist.Research limitations/implications – Research was limi.
Human localization and performance measures

Localization is for some scenarios and situations vital for the success of hearing, e.g. when listening out single sources in multi-source environments, or when navigating primarily by audible information. It is therefore of interest to know the limits of the human localization capacity, and its dependence on e.g. direction and distance. When addressed in laboratory experiments, the signi cance of other modalities are controlled in different ways, yet gures will inherently re ect properties of the test situation as well. The present paper will discuss the methodologies of localization experiments, generally and by examples.
Theoretical and physical models of a pressure pulse propagation in the spinal system

This work is motivated by an attempt to explain the origins of syringomyelia. This serious disease is characterized by the appearance of cavities, called syrinxes, in the central canal of the spinal cord resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The causes of syringomyelia are unknown but pressure propagation is probably implicated. Pressure pulses, caused by coughing, sneezing and similar activities, propagate up the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the spinal subarachnoid space. Williams (1990) suggested a possible cause of syrinx formation is that when such pressure pulses encounter a partial or total blockage a large pressure rise would be generated in the spinal central canal. Our theoretical model modeling was undertaken to investigate Williams’ hypothesis. Essentially, we model the spinal system as a channel separated into two parts by a flexible diaphragm representing the spinal cord. The upper part (A) represents the subarachnoid space while the lower part (B), which has a much smaller cross-sectional area, represents the central canal. A theory for pressure wave propagation in such a two-chamber system is described. It has been used to study the wave characteristics of the two-chamber system. In this way it has been found that the leading edge of a pressure pulse/wall bulge tends to steepen into a shock-like wave or elastic jump. When such a pressure pulse is incident on a blockage in the subarachnoid space, a large pressure rise is generated in its vicinity. We showed that this pressure rise could be momentary or permanent depending on whether the pressure pulse bulge is positive or negative. This provides a possible mechanism for the formation of the syrinxes. An experimental rig has also been built in order to qualitatively confirm some theoretical results. The experimental wave speed agreed with the wave speed defined in the theoretical model. We were also able to confirm that the reflection of a pressure pulse from a blockage placed in the upper part A (subarachnoid space) leads to high pressure in the vicinity of the blockage.
A DFT Study on the Structural and Electronic properties of Cadmium Telluride (Cd n Te n ) and Cadmium Zinc Telluride (Cd (n−m) Zn m Te n ) Clusters

In this study, the structural and electronic properties of CdnTen and Cd(n−m)ZnmTen clusters have been studied using the plane wave based density functional theory (DFT). The QUANTUM ESPRESSO/PWSCF package employing the local density approximation (LDA) for the exchange correlation potential is used. In all calculations, the geometry optimization was employed in allowing the structures to fully relax. Structural properties viz. geometry, bond length and electronic properties like HOMO-LUMO gap, binding energy, second order energy difference and nature of bonding have been analyzed. As a result, we obtained that the binding energy increases with increasing cluster size and doping level. Zinc doped CdnTen clusters show greater binding energy than the undoped clusters. Planar structures are obtained for very small cluster sizes and in our simulation three dimensional structure is found at Cd4Te4 cluster in the lowest energy geometry. Clusters of certain sizes often have special properties, i.e. higher stability or larger HOMO-LUMO gap when compared with other clusters, such as Cd(3−m)ZnmTe3, m = 0, 1, 2 clusters. Thus, we can take it as a building block in the growth of the structures in our calculation. The partial charge density distribution of the HOMO and LUMO levels for CdnTen and Cd(n−m) ZnmTen clusters show that, the HOMO levels are predominantly localized on the Te atoms and the LUMO levels are distributed on both Cd and Zn atoms. Moreover, the LUMO levels are delocalized at the center of the clusters due to the hybridization of the molecular orbitals. The LDOS and energy level plots show discrete lines at the atomic level and the discreteness disappears as the cluster size increases.
The Biological Adaptation to Deurerium Oxide. Phenotypic or Genotypic Phenomenon

The nature of biological adaptation to deuterium oxide on an example of cells of various taxonomic groups of prokaryotic and eucaryotic microorganisms realizing methylotrophic, chemoheterotrophic, photo-organotrophic, and photosynthetic ways of assimilation of carbon substrates was discussed. It was demonstrated that the effects observed at adaptation to 2 H 2 O, possess a complex multifactorial character and connected to cytological, morphological and physiological changes – the magnitude of the lag- period, time of cellular generation, output of biomass, a parity ratio of synthesized amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, and also with an evolutionary level of the organization of the investigated object and the pathways of assimilation of carbon substrates as well. These data suggest that adaptation to deuterium oxide is a multifactorial phenomenon, affecting many cellular systems, as biosynthesis of macromolecules, metabolism and cellular transport. Keywords: deuterium, deuterium oxide, adaptation, isotopic effects, bacteria, micro algae.
Inversion of singular systems

A method for inverting square singular systems is presented. The construction explores the possibility of singular-system representation, and provides a simple and closed form for the constructed inverse. One important property is that the minimality of the inverse (in the sense of Verghese) is equivalent to that of the original system. >
Barrett's esophagus transits to a cancer condition via potential biomarkers

Aim: In this study, the transcriptome profile of Barrett's esophagus (BE) was examined for identification potential related biomarkers in view of interacting charactering. Background: Since BE is known as a precursor of esophageal cancer, the molecular studies of this condition could be essential. Methods: Gene expression data of BE in comparison with normal cases, GSE34619 was retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined applying GEO2R online software. The DEGs then were analyzed in terms of centrality properties via constructing an interaction network. Results: The data indicate that there are two sets of hub-bottlenecks panels with distinguishable values in BE. The first group shows that BE is very susceptible to develop cancer, and the second one implied on central characteristic of some DEGs as previously were also reported for BE pathogenicity. In addition, these genes are also implicated in cancer shift from certain conditions. Conclusion: On the whole, taking together these findings explain and support the cancerous origin of BE and introduced a panel of nominated biomarkers that could be more specific for BE rather than other types of esophageal problems. However, a complementary study to support this claim is suggested.
Green synthesis of multifunctional PEG-carboxylate π back-bonded gold nanoconjugates for breast cancer treatment

Background Surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has emerged as a promising field of research with enormous biomedical applications. The folate (FA)-attached polymer-gold nanoconjugates play vital role in targeting the cancer cells. Methods AuNPs were synthesized by using di- or tri-carboxylate-polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers, including citrate-PEG (CPEG), malate-PEG (MAP), and tartrate-PEG (TAP), as a reducing and stabilizing agent. After synthesis of polymer-AuNPs, the freely available hydroxyl and carboxylate groups of CPEG, MAP, and TAP were used to attach a cancer cell-targeting agent, FA, via a 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxy succinimide coupling reaction to obtain FA-CPEG-AuNP, FA-MAP-AuNP, and FA-TAP-AuNP nanocon-jugates, respectively. The 5-fluorouracil (5FU) was attached to π back-bonded carbonyl oxygens of the nanoconjugates, and the in vitro drug release profile was studied by high pressure liquid chromatography. Biocompatibility profiles of the FA-CPEG-AuNP, FA-MAP-AuNP, and FA-TAP-AuNP nanoconjugates were investigated using adult human dermal fibroblasts. Anti-breast cancer activity of 5FU-loaded nanoconjugates was investigated using MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed that AuNPs attached to CPEG, MAP, or TAP via the formation of π back bonding between AuNPs and the ester carbonyl group. The π back-bonded nanoconjugates exhibited sustained release of 5FU up to 27 days. FA-MAP-AuNPs exhibited an IC50 at 5 µg/mL, while FA-CPEG-AuNPs and FA-TAP-AuNPs showed the IC50 at 100 µg/mL toward MCF-7 cancer cells. Conclusion The developed polymer π back-bonded multifunctional gold nanoconjugates could be used as a potential drug delivery system for targeting MCF-7 cancer cells.
Stress Related Shift Toward Inflammaging in Cosmonauts After Long-Duration Space Flight

Space flight exerts a specific conglomerate of stressors on humans that can modulate the immune system. The mechanism remains to be elucidated and the consequences for cosmonauts in the long term are unclear. Most of the current research stems from short-term spaceflights as well as pre- and post-flight analyses due to operational limitations. Immune function of 12 cosmonauts participating in a long-duration (>140 days) spaceflight mission was monitored pre-, post-, and on two time-points in-flight. While the classical markers for stress such as cortisol in saliva where not significantly altered, blood concentrations of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) were found to be highly increased in-flight indicating a biological stress response. Moreover, subjects showed a significant rise in white blood cell counts. Neutrophils, monocytes and B cells increased by 50% whereas NK cells dropped by nearly 60% shortly after landing. Analysis of blood smears showed that lymphocyte percentages, though unchanged pre- and post-flight were elevated in-flight. Functional tests on the ground revealed stable cellular glutathione levels, unaltered baseline and stimulated ROS release in neutrophils but an increased shedding of L-selectin post-flight. In vitro stimulation of whole blood samples with fungal antigen showed a highly amplified TNF and IL-1β response. Furthermore, a significant reduction in CD4+CD25+CD27low regulatory T cells was observed post-flight but returned to normal levels after one month. Concomitantly, high in-flight levels of regulatory cytokines TGF-β, IL-10 and IL-1ra dropped rapidly after return to Earth. Finally, we observed a shift in the CD8+ T cell repertoire toward CD8+ memory cells that lasted even one month after return to Earth. Conclusion: Long-duration spaceflight triggered a sustained stress dependent release of endocannabinoids combined with an aberrant immune activation mimicking features of people at risk for inflammation related diseases. These effects persisted in part 30 days after return to Earth. The currently available repertoire of in-flight testing as well as the post-flight observation periods need to be expanded to tackle the underlying mechanism for and consequences of these immune changes in order to develop corresponding mitigation strategies based on a personalized approach for future interplanetary space explorations.
Econometric Analysis Of Panel Data

The book under review summarizes the most recent developments in econometrics with panel data. Nevertheless, the book starts from scratch and surveys different ways to analyze panel data. With respect to the theoretical background, the book is intended for a graduate course in econometrics. Therefore, the mathematical and statistical background required relates to some standard textbooks in this field.
Head motion synthesis: evaluation and a template motion approach

The use of conversational agents has increased across the world. From providing automated support for companies to being virtual psychologists they have moved from an academic curiosity to an application with real world relevance. While many researchers have focused on the content of the dialogue and synthetic speech to give the agents a voice, more recently animating these characters has become a topic of interest. An additional use for character animation technology is in the film and video game industry where having characters animated without needing to pay for expensive labour would save tremendous costs. When animating characters there are many aspects to consider, for example the way they walk. However, to truly assist with communication automated animation needs to duplicate the body language used when speaking. In particular conversational agents are often only an animation of the upper parts of the body, so head motion is one of the keys to a believable agent. While certain linguistic features are obvious, such as nodding to indicate agreement, research has shown that head motion also aids understanding of speech. Additionally head motion often contains emotional cues, prosodic information, and other paralinguistic information. In this thesis we will present our research into synthesising head motion using only recorded speech as input. During this research we collected a large dataset of head motion synchronised with speech, examined evaluation methodology, and developed a synthesis system. Our dataset is one of the larger ones available. From it we present some statistics about head motion in general. Including differences between read speech and story telling speech, and differences between speakers. From this we are able to draw some conclusions as to what type of source data will be the most interesting in head motion research, and if speaker-dependent models are needed for synthesis.
Impact of Long-Term Conventional Cropping Practices on Some SoilQuality Indicators at Ethiopian Wonji Sugarcane Plantation

Over the last 50 years, the sugarcane yield in Wonji plantation has declined by about 40%. Perhaps one of the possible causes for the decline is soil degradation. Thus, the major soil quality indicators were evaluated for the extent of change that might occur due to long-term conventional cropping practices. To that end bio-sequential soil sampling was performed by collecting soil samples from adjacent virgin and cultivated lands of Wonji sugar cane plantation. The samples were analyzed and compared for major soil properties. The result showed that the SOM contents of cultivated land were 53% and 34% lower than the virgin land at 0 cm-30 cm and 30-60 cm depths, respectively. Total N, P Olsen, exchangeable K and soil EC of the cultivated land were also 56%, 84%, 86% and 54% lower than the virgin land at 0 cm-30 cm. The differences were also significant at 30 cm-60 cm. There was no significant change in soil pH at both depths. In general long-term conventional cropping practices depleted the SOM, total N, P Olsen and exchangeable K. However, pH and EC were in the optimum range that soil acidity, salinity and alkalinity were not a problem. As the soil type of the plantation is heavy clay, particularly, the degradation in SOM content might cause the yield decline. In order to fully identify, understand and manage the problems of soil quality deterioration further study is necessary.
A PRACTITIONER'S VIEW OF HUMANCOMPUTER INTERACTION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE

Namahn, a Belgian User Centered Design consultancy, describes the approach it took in radically renewing its methods and techniques to tackle interaction design for critical systems. At the heart of its effort, lies the tension between research and practice and the challenge of transforming research findings into a market-worthy methodology. Namahn chose an inherently distributed approach, grounded in the company’s experience, using the appropriate communication tools. The article describes a two-year project for the regional government’s research and innovation program. During the first phase of the project, Namahn discovered a number of important new concepts and methodological hypotheses. These concepts, which grew out of a review of the research literature on models, theories, and frameworks in Human-Computer Interaction, are becoming part of Namahn’s extended vocabulary, aimed at enhancing the company’s internal communication about the design process. The initial methodological hypotheses on risk assessment and design rationale form the basis of its new methodology, which will be constructed in a bottom-up fashion based on case studies in the project’s second phase. Namahn presents concerns and opens issues that arose during the project, which it is exploring as a way to go forward in integrating research findings into the practice of user-centered design (UCD).