Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Color Appearance Evaluation of Agricultural Products Based on Natural Lighting Information

We developed a quantitative color appearance evaluation method of crops and agricultural products using a digital camera. By analyzing the relationship between the color appearances of the images of a standard color chart with the plain Red, Green, and Blue color sections taken under the various natural lighting conditions and the illuminating spectral information, the photosensitive characteristics of the digital camera were experimentally studied. In addition, the color parameters of the Red, Green, and Blue sections on the virtual standard color chart calculated using the two parameters of a power function with the natural lighting spectral information consistently agreed with those of the standard image taken in the standard color acquisition system. Furthermore, the color calibration for the tomato fruit images taken under the natural lighting using the evaluated color parameters of the virtual color chart was performed. The developed color calibration method showed very successful results as well as the conventional calibration results. Consequently, these results suggested that the surface color images of the agricultural products which have the dynamic color distribution and the complicated geometrical structure could be evaluated based on the irradiance information of the natural lighting.
Seri Iskandar , Perak Numerical Investigation of Turning Diffuser Performance : Validation and Verification

This paper aims to validate the numerical method used to intensively study the performance of turning diffuser. A 90 turning diffuser of area ratio, AR = 2.16 operated at inflow Reynolds numbers, Rein = 5.786 x 10 and 1.775 x 10 was considered. Hybrid grid with a large number of grid points located at the inner and outer walls was generated. The applicability of k- turbulence models, i.e. standard k- (ske), renormalization group k- (rngke) and realizable k- (rke) by means of adopting appropriate near wall treatments to simulate the actual cases, was assessed. The enhanced wall treatment adopted ske appeared as the best validated model, producing minimal deviation with comparable flow structures to the actual cases. Keywords— CFD; turning diffuser; validation
Interactive comment on “ Assessment of actual evapotranspiration over a semi-arid heterogeneous land surface by means of coupled low resolution remote sensing data with energy balance model : comparison to extra Large Aperture Scintillometer measurements

The Authors present an extensive work (reinforced by experimental data) aimed to assess the operational use of the Soil Plant Atmosphere and Remote Sensing Evapotraspiration (SPARSE) model and its accuracy by a comparison to the Scintillometric technique. I think that Authors address relevant scientific questions within the scope of HESS. Furthermore the paper is generally well organized and well written and there-fore the paper could be taken into account for the final publication after a moderate revision. Particularly, The Authors should improve the part of “Results and discussion” (pag. 16-20) with a better description of the validation of SPARSE model carried out with by comparing H and AE estimations with flux station and XLAS scintillometer (see comments n 7, 11 and 12). My comments and questions are as follow:
Aalborg Universitet Between grassroots and treetops community power and institutional dependence in the renewable energy sector in Denmark , Sweden and the Netherlands

The speed and progress of transitions towards renewable energy systems varies greatly between European member states. Among others, these differences have been attributed to the emergence of grassroots initiatives (GIs) that develop radical ideas and sustainable practices. The goal of this paper is to understand the differences in the emergence of GIs for renewable energy in relation to the institutional characteristics of Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden. We analyze the possibilities of GIs to emerge and act within three dimensions: the material-economic, the actor-institutional and discursive dimension. We conclude that conditional factors lie within the material-economic dimension in terms of the biophysical conditions, the structure of the economy, energy dependency and the energy market. Within the actor-institutional dimension, we conclude that the presence or absence of fossil fuel incumbents, such as regional utilities, strongly influence the possibilities of GIs. Within the discursive dimension, openness for alternative discourses proved to be enabling for GI-activities, as well as democratized knowledge production. In addition to these conditions of possibility, GIs can also act despite dominant institutions, albeit limited. Finally, GIs need a strong network with knowledge institutes, technology developers and political parties in order to achieve institutional change that enables GIs to flourish. Without institutional space, GIs remain subjected to the dominant power-relations, and cannot exert much influence upon the energy system.
Seasonal and spatial variability of coccolithophore export production at the South-Western margin of Crete ( Eastern Mediterranean )

E. Malinvernoa, , , M.V. Triantaphylloub, S. Stavrakakisc, P. Ziverid, e, V. Lykousisc a Department of Geological Sciences and Geotechnologies, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy b Department of Historical Geology–Paleontology, Faculty of Geology & Geoenvironment, University of Athens, Athens, Greece c Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Athens, Greece d Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain e Department of Paleoclimatology, FALW, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands Received 26 September 2008. Revised 18 February 2009. Accepted 20 February 2009. Available online 11 March 2009. http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.marmicro. 2009.02. 002, How to Cite or Link Using DOI Cited by in Scopus (3) Permissions & Reprints Abstract Six moorings were deployed at different locations in the deep submarine canyons along the south– west margin of Crete, providing a total of eight sediment-trap time series from June 2005 to May 2006. Within this dataset, we analyzed the record from intact coccospheres, which represent the signal of export production from the coccolithophore community. The most abundant species at all stations during the whole investigated period were E. huxleyi and A. robusta, followed by S. pulchra HET, G. flabellatus, H. carteri, F. profunda, S. pulchra HOL oblonga, while the rest of the species represented ≤ 1% of the assemblage. Overall the assemblage composition was comparable at all stations, with slight variations mostly related to the different preservation of coccosphere integrity at the different collection depths. The consistent pattern of seasonal variation in species distribution and total coccolithophore export allowed us to define the occurrence of three main periods: a) March to June, with high overall coccosphere flux (up to 4.3 × 105–3.4 × 106 coccospheres m− 2 day− 1), increased abundance of E. huxleyi and subordinate H. carteri s.s. , Umbilicosphaera spp. and S. pulchra; b) June to November, with high but gradually decreasing total coccosphere flux (up to 7 × 105–1.4 × 106 coccospheres m− 2 day− 1) and high relative abundance of the deep photic zone species A. robusta, F. profunda, G. flabellatus as well as S. pulchra and Coronosphaera spp. , R. clavigera, U. tenuis, D. tubifera and holococcolithophores; c) November to February, with low overall export fluxes (3.5–9 × 104 coccospheres m− 2 day− 1) and high relative abundance of A. robusta, S. pulchra and Syracosphaera spp. These three periods correspond to the seasonal changes in sea surface temperature, surface mixed layer depth and rainfall and are associated with varying total surface primary production, as detected through remote sensing in the surface waters.
Investigation of the structure and localization of the urease of HeZicobacter pylori using monoclonal antibodies

The urease of Helicobucterpyhri (formerly Cmpylobacterpyhri) has been partly purified by fast protein liquid chromatography. This material contained 10 nm doughnut-like structures when examined by electron microscopy and comprised three mdor polypeptides (61 kDa 56 kDa and 28 kDa). Only two of these polypeptides (61 kDa and 28kDa) were observed in urease-containing material isolated by preparative non-denatured PAGE. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced which were directed against two of t h e polypeptides (56 kDa and 28 kDa). Only mAbs directed against the 28 kDa polypeptide inhibited or captured urease activity. These results suggest that the 56 kDa polypeptide is not essential for enzyme activity. Anti-urease mAbs were used in an indirect immunogold technique to localize the enzyme at the ultrastructural level. In both prefixed bacteria and ultrathin cryosectioned bacteria the enzyme was located on the cell surface and in material apparently shed from that surface.
Title Stress-related differential expression of multiple β-carotene ketolase genes in the unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialis

The unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialis accumulates large amounts of ketocarotenoid astaxanthin under a variety of environmental stresses. Here we report the identification and expression of three different β-carotene ketolase genes (bkt) that are involved in the biosynthesis of astaxanthin in a single strain of the alga. Bkt1 and bkt2 proved to be the crtO and bkt previously isolated from two different strains of H. pluvialis. Bkt3 is a novel third one which shared 95% identical nucleotide sequence with bkt2. Nitrogen deficiency alone could not induce the alga cells to produce astaxanthin in three days even though it enhances the expression of the bkt genes to 3 times of that in normal growing cells within 16 h. High light irradiation (125 μmol m s) or 45 mM sodium acetate greatly increased the expression of bkt genes to 18 or 52 times of that in normal growing cells, resulting in an accumulation of substantial astaxanthin (about 6 mg/g dry biomass) in three days. It is suggested that the existence of the multiple bkt genes and their strong up-regulation by different stress conditions is one of the reasons that H. pluvialis accumulates large amounts of astaxanthin in an instant response to stress environments. Key-words: astaxanthin; β-carotene ketolase; Haematococcus pluvialis; real-time PCR
Title Role of midbrain dopamine neurons in reward-based learning

Satoh T. , Nakai S. , Kimura M. (2002) Dopamine neurons encode teaching signals for trial-and-error behavioral decision learning. Neurosci. Res. Suppl, 26: S88. Satoh T. , Kimura M. (2001) Activity of primate midbrain dopamine neurons during trial and error problem solving tasks. Neurosci. Res. Suppl, 25: S201. Satoh T. , Kimura M. (1998) Activity of midbrain dopamine neurons during learning sequential push button tasks in monkeys. Soc. Neurosci. Abst. 24: 1651. Satoh T. , Kimura M. (1998) Activity of midbrain dopamine neurons during learning sequential motor tasks in monkeys. Neurosci. Res. Suppl. 22: S235.
MiR-520 c and MiR-519 d Function as Oncogenes in Esophageal Cancer

Objectives: Esophageal cancer is a poorly characterized deadly cancer with a malignancy ratio of 2/3 among Iranian males and females, respectively. Recent studies on miR-520c and miR-519d have evidenced their either oncogenic or tumor suppressing roles in different cancers. The goal of this study was to assay the altered expressions of miR-520c and miR-519d in esophageal tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues in patients suffering from esophageal cancer. Methods: RNA was extracted from 36-pair paraffin-embedded tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues using TRIZOL kit and relative expressions of miR-520c and miR-519d were quantified by Real Time and RT-PCR using specific predesigned primers. CT method (2) and SPSS16 were used for statistical calculations. Results: Statistical analysis has revealed spectacular upward expression increases of 10.4 and 24.5 folds of miR-520c and miR-519d adjacent in Esophageal Squamous Cells compared to their non-tumor tissues (P <0.05). Conclusion: In general, the present study being the first report on the evaluation of miR-520c and miR519d expressions in ESCC, is able to highlight the oncogenic roles of the two miRNA in ESCC and introduce them as appropriate potential alternatives to be utilized for further research on clinical treatment.
echnical analysis and individual investors

We find that individual investors who use technical analysis and trade options frequently make poor portfolio decisions, resulting in dramatically lower returns than other investors. The data on which this claim is based consists of transaction records and matched survey responses of a sample of Dutch discount brokerage clients for the period 2000–2006. Overall, our results indicate that individual investors who report using technical analysis are disproportionately prone to have speculation on short-term stock-market developments as their primary investment objective, hold more concentrated portfolios which they turn over at a higher rate, are less inclined to bet on reversals, choose risk exposures featuring a higher ratio of nonsystematic risk to total risk, engage in more options trading, and earn lower returns. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A CD 1 a 1 / CD 11 c 1 Subset of Human Blood Dendritic Cells Is a Direct Precursor of Langerhans Cells 1

Based on the relative expression of CD11c and CD1a, we have identified three fractions of dendritic cells (DCs) in human peripheral blood, including a direct precursor of Langerhans cells (LCs). The first two fractions were CD11c 1 DCs, comprised of a major CD1a/CD11c population (fraction 1), and a minor CD1a/CD11c component (fraction 2). Both CD11c fractions displayed a monocyte-like morphology, endocytosed FITC-dextran, expressed CD45RO and myeloid markers such as CD13 and CD33, and possessed the receptor for GM-CSF. The third fraction was comprised of CD1a /CD11c DCs (fraction 3) and resembled plasmacytoid T cells. These did not uptake FITC-dextran, were negative for myeloid markers (CD13/CD33), and expressed CD45RA and a high level of IL-3Ra, but not GM-CSF receptors. After culture with IL-3, fraction 3 acquired the characteristics of mature DCs; however, the expression of CD62L (lymph node-homing molecules) remained unchanged, indicating that fraction 3 can be a precursor pool for previously described plasmacytoid T cells in lymphoid organs. Strikingly, the CD1a/CD11c DCs (fraction 1) quickly acquired LC characteristics when cultured in the presence of GM-CSF1 IL-4 1 TGF-b1. Thus, E-cadherin, Langerin, and Lag Ag were expressed within 1 day of culture, and typical Birbeck granules were observed. In contrast, neither CD1a/CD11c (fraction 2) nor CD1a/CD11c (fraction 3) cells had the capacity to differentiate into LCs. Furthermore, CD14 monocytes only expressed E-cadherin, but lacked the other LC markers after culture in these cytokines. Therefore, CD1a /CD11c DCs are the direct precursors of LCs in peripheral blood. The Journal of Immunology, 1999, 163: 1409 –1419.
Microsoft Word - 09_04

This paper examines whether cost sharing for prescription drugs improves medication-related quality measured by the probability of inappropriate prescription drug use among US seniors. Using data from 1996 to 2005, we explore various specifications that correct for sample selection, endogeneity ̧ and unobserved heterogeneity. We find that user fees reduce the use of potentially inappropriate medications, implying that cost sharing has a positive effect on this aspect of quality. However, the price elasticity is relatively close to zero, suggesting that any quality improvements from co-payments are small. The income elasticity findings also indicate that medication-related quality is a normal good.
MARKET ORIENTATION AND INNOVATION : ARE THEY RELATED CONCEPTS ?

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between two crucial strategies innovation and market orientation, a firm could adopt for the sustainable competitive advantage. By examining the three factors of market orientation and three types of innovation, this paper seeks to identify the key factor of market orientation that are are related to innovation strategies of the firm. Correlation analysis was undertaken on data from a survey of 170 manufacturing firms in the commercial hub of Pakistan, Karachi Industrial area. A self-administered survey was carried out and information was obtained from the top management of the firms, who are involved in major organizational strategies with respect to marketing and innovation. Innovation was found to be positively correlated to market orientation (customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter-functional co-ordination). These findings further suggest that firm innovation and firm market orientation are strategic reactions to changes in the firm’s competitive environment and therefore should lead to higher firm’s performance. KeywordsMarket Orientation, Innovation; SMEs in Pakistan; Competitive Strategies; Manufacturing sector.
Classes : An Evaluation by Traditional-Aged Students

Our sample of traditional-age undergraduate students offers self-reported perceptions on online and traditional face-to-face classes. The results reveal that traditional classes are preferred and evaluated superior for learning (including high-order levels on Bloom’s Taxonomy), participation, and creating a sense of community. Students also spend more time studying and doing homework in traditional classes. Grades are perceived comparable across delivery methods, but students with higher Grade Point Averages prefer traditional classes, as do introverts, and males. Online classes do have advocates, with about a quarter of students preferring them to traditional classes because of convenience and flexibility.
MT-DP – 2016 / 25 Studying Farm Insurance Demand under Financial Constraints

We hypothesize a reciprocal causation between crop insurance use and the economic performance of farms in an environment characterized by imperfect financial markets and farms’ budget constraints. To test our hypothesis, we apply a system of simultaneous equations consisting of economic performance and insurance demand models to the case study of Hungarian cropping farms. In addition, considering that insured farms may have better access to external finance, we seek empirical evidence confirming a potential positive effect of crop insurance on the economic performance of financially constrained farms. Our study results indeed confirm the reciprocal causation hypothesis.
Randomized Controlled Trial Topical vitamin D3: A randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Objective: The intent of this study was to test the effect of Top-D, a topical Vitamin D preparation, in delivering vitamin D. Methods: Five hundred and ﬁ fty healthy patients, with vitamin D insuf ﬁ ciency and de ﬁ ciency were recruited after written informed consent. Demographic data was recorded, adequate history and clinical examination was done to rule out any metabolic diseases. Complete blood picture, serum calcium, phosphorous, Parathormone and 25 Hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25OHD) was carried out before enrollment of the patients. Patients were divided randomly into two groups 350 in study group and 200 in the control group. Patients in the study group were given Top-D (Vitamin D3 gel made from proniosomal technology) to apply daily on the skin. Top-D 1 g contained 5000 IU of vitamin D3. The control group was given 1 g of Aloe vera gel to be applied every day. The two groups had no knowledge to which group they belong. After 4 months serum 25OHD was tested again. Results: Three hundred and forty ﬁ ve patients in study group and 192 in control group completed the study. The mean age of the patients in the both the groups was 42 years (18 e 80 years). The pretreatment 25OHD level in the study group was 11.03 ± 4.57 (2 e 12) ng/l compared to the control group 10.36 ± 4.09 (2 e 21) and post treatment the levels were 37.17 ± 6.04 (12 e 54) ng/ml and 10.51 ± 3.5 (2 e 19) ng/ml (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that transdermal route of vitamin D is potentially, safe and can give desired results to raise the vitamin D levels. This route is an alternate route for supplementation of vitamin D which should be utilized. © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Localization and function of the IdiA homologue Slr 1295 in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp . strain PCC 6803

3 Lehrstuhl fu$ r Biochemie der Pflanzen, RuhrUniversita$ t, D-44780 Bochum, Germany Slr1295 (and Slr0513) in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has amino acid similarity to the bacterial FbpA protein family and also to IdiA of Synechococcus PCC 6301/PCC 7942. To determine whether Slr1295 is the periplasm-located component of an iron transporter, or has a function in protecting photosystem (PS) II, subcellular localization and ∆slr1295 mutant characterization studies were performed. Localization of Slr1295 provided evidence that it has an intracellular function, since virtually no Slr1295 was detected in the soluble protein fraction of the periplasm or in the cytoplasmic membrane. Characterization of a ∆slr1295 Synechocystis PCC 6803 mutant indicated that PS II is more susceptible to inactivation in the mutant than in the wild-type (WT). Under mild iron limitation, modification of PS I to the PS I–IsiA complex is more advanced in the ∆slr1295 mutant, indicating that iron deficiency leads more rapidly to changes in the photosynthetic apparatus in the mutant than in the WT. Biochemical fractionation procedures provide evidence that Slr1295 co-purifies with PS II. These results suggest a function of Slr1295 that is comparable to the function of IdiA in Synechococcus PCC 6301/PCC 7942 being a protein that protects PS II under iron limitation in an as yet unknown way.