Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus retention and mass balance in an integrated constructed wetland treating domestic wastewater

This study quantified the contributions of different P removal pathways in an integrated constructed wetland (ICW) treating domestic wastewater. Findings over the study period (February 2008 to March 2012) showed average P retention rates of 31 ± 2 mg/m2/day for molybdate reactive phosphate (MRP) and 40 ± 3 mg/m2/day for total P. Near complete P removal was achieved during the first 2 years of operation. Thereafter, effluent concentrations increased slightly. According to the mass balance estimation, assimilation by plants accounted for approximately 16% of the total P retained, while sediment storage contributed nearly 60%. Sediment storage was the major P removal pathway in the ICW. Thus, high effluent concentrations recorded during high effluent flow volumes was due to remobilisation of P from the sediment. Management of ICW systems may therefore require implementing sediment removal schemes. The combination of plants with high biomass production can be beneficial for improving ICW performance.
Técnicas de mineração de dados para identificação de áreas espectralmente homogêneas, utilizando perfis temporais de NDVI da cultura da soja no estado do Paraná

The aim of this study was to group temporal profiles of 10-day composites NDVI product by similarity, which was obtained by the SPOT Vegetation sensor, for municipalities with high soybean production in the state of Parana, Brazil, in the 2005/2006 cropping season. Data mining is a valuable tool that allows extracting knowledge from a database, identifying valid, new, potentially useful and understandable patterns. Therefore, it was used the methods for clusters generation by means of the algorithms K-Means, MAXVER and DBSCAN, implemented in the WEKA software package. Clusters were created based on the average temporal profiles of NDVI of the 277 municipalities with high soybean production in the state and the best results were found with the K-Means algorithm, grouping the municipalities into six clusters, considering the period from the beginning of October until the end of March, which is equivalent to the crop vegetative cycle. Half of the generated clusters presented spectro-temporal pattern, a characteristic of soybeans and were mostly under the soybean belt in the state of Parana, which shows good results that were obtained with the proposed methodology as for identification of homogeneous areas. These results will be useful for the creation of regional soybean "masks" to estimate the planted area for this crop.
NTRK Gene Fusion Detection in Atypical Spitz Tumors

Atypical Spitz tumors (AST) deviate from stereotypical Spitz nevi for one or more atypical features and are now regarded as an intermediate category of melanocytic tumors with uncertain malignant potential. Activating NTRK1/NTRK3 fusions elicit oncogenic events in Spitz lesions and are targetable with kinase inhibitors. However, their prevalence among ASTs and the optimal approach for their detection is yet to be determined. A series of 180 ASTs were screened with pan-TRK immunohistochemistry and the presence of NTRK fusions was confirmed using FISH, two different RNA-based NGS panels for solid tumors, and a specific real time RT-PCR panel. Overall, 26 ASTs showed pan-TRK immunostaining. NTRK1 fusions were detected in 15 of these cases showing cytoplasmic immunoreaction, whereas NTRK3 was detected in one case showing nuclear immunoreaction. Molecular tests resulted all positive in only two ASTs (included the NTRK3 translocated), RNA-based NGS and real time RT-PCR were both positive in three cases, and FISH and real time RT-PCR in another two cases. In seven ASTs NTRK1 fusions were detected only by FISH and in two cases only by real time RT-PCR. The frequency of NTRK fusions in ASTs is 9%, with a clear prevalence of NTRK1 compared to NTRK3 alterations. Pan-TRK immunohistochemistry is an excellent screening test. Confirmation of NTRK fusions may require the use of different molecular techniques.
Experimental Test of the Influence of Propulsion Efficiency on Contrail Formation

According to a previously established thermodynamic theory, contrails are expected to form at a threshold temperature that increases with the overall efficiency of the aircraft propulsion. As a consequence, aircraft with modern engines, with higher overall efficiency, cause contrails over a larger range of cruise altitudes. To validate this theory, an experiment was performed in which contrail formation was observed behind two different four-engine jet aircraft with different engines flying wing by wing. Photographs document the existence of an altitude range in which the aircraft with high engine efficiency causes contrails whereas the other aircraft with lower engine efficiency causes none. For overall efficiencies of 0.23 and 0.31 and an ambient temperature lapse rate of 12 K km -1 , the observed altitude difference is 80 m. This value would be larger (200 m) in a standard atmosphere with smaller temperature lapse rate (6.5 K km -1 ) In a standard atmosphere, an increase of overall efficiency from 0.3 to 0.5, which may be reached for future aircraft, would cause contrails at about 700 m lower altitude
Ecologia de aves de campos hidromórficos do cerrado: monitoramento de populações, espécies ameaçadas, variações estacionais e sucessão em áreas atingidas pelo fogo

Fire is a structuring agent of the Cerrado biome, provided it is not too frequent, the largest savannah in South America. Its grasslands are home to several vulnerable species of birds and are among the most threatened types of habitat in Brazil. Six areas of wet grasslands were studied in central Brazil, three that had been burned one month earlier and three untouched by fire for at least three years. In each area, five 200 m long transects with one watch point at the end were chosen, totaling thirty points. They were surveyed for a period of twelve months, starting in October, 2015. The ecological succession of grassland birds was monitored and the True Diversity index compared using an ANOVA test. The differences between burnt and unburned treatments, between rainy and dry seasons and for their interaction were significant (f = 5.542, p = 0.022; f = 5.909, p = 0.0183; f = 5.699, p = 0.021; respectively). The life histories of the bird species were observed, along with the environment variables. Several vulnerable species were not recorded in areas recently burned, while one was recorded only in burnt areas. Some causes could be attributed to the dynamics of food availability, humidity and degree of soil cover by the vegetation. These species began to frequent recovering burnt areas, taking advantage of seed producing grasses and flowering throughout the dry season. Migratory birds were present only in the wet summer, departing with different timings at the beginning of the dry period and returning only at the end. Detection of grassland birds was greatly reduced in late summer and early dry season. This was due to the more discrete behaviour after the reproductive period and because the vegetation had become very high, also hindering visual records. The data on the species focus of this , Alectrurus tricolor (Vieillot, 1816), corroborate reports and a simulation that attribute to it the status of resident. Evidence suggests that at least some pairs stay together throughout the winter. Males were recorded exhibiting their exotic tails in every month. Like other species, the birds adopted reclusive behaviour and the detection of females required extra effort. This study suggests the need for more in-depth studies on the ecological dynamics of the wet grasslands of the Cerrado. It also points to the urgent need to preserve these vital environments, preferably by creating protected areas, highly scarce. The use of agricultural areas by various species attests to the importance of management planning for the entire matrix.
Nano Research Trends of Critical Scientific Fields Across Leading Worldwide Geo-Economic Players and Their Spatial Interactions

The purpose of this paper is to measure and analyse the rate of scientific and technological advance of some emerging nanotechnological research fields in biomedicine to detect path-breaking technological trajectories. The approach, based on exponential models of growth, shows the current evolutionary trends of nano-research that may underpin future patterns of technological innovation in biomedicine and nanomedicine. In particular, results show that biosensors, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and nanomicelles have innovative applications in diagnostics and targeted therapies for cancers that have been generating a revolution in clinical practice. The present study also detects two main determinants that have been supporting continuous diffusion of nano-technology in biomedicine: convergence of genetics, genomics and nanotechnology and multiplicity of learning processes in clinical research/practice. These drivers have been paving groundbreaking pathways in biomedicine that can lead to longer, better and healthier living of societies in not-too-distant future.
Target modeling and deduction of automotive radar resolution requirements for pedestrian classification

Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Systems (PCMS) are already in the market for some years. Due to continuously evolving EuroNCAP regulations their presence will increase. Visual sensors, already capable of pedestrian classification, provide functional benefits, because the reaction behavior can be optimized when the imminent collision object is recognized as pedestrian or cyclist. Nevertheless their performance will suffer under adverse environmental conditions like darkness, fog, rain or backlight. Even in such unfavorable situations the performance of radar sensors is not significantly deteriorated. Enabling classification capability to automotive radar will further improve road safety and will lower PCMS's overall costs. In this paper, a multi-reflection-point pedestrian target model based on motion analysis is presented. Together with an appropriate sensor model, pedestrian radar signal responses can be provided for a wide range of accident scenarios. Additionally velocity separation requirements that are needed for classification of pedestrians are derived from the simulations. Besides determination of classification features, the model discloses the limits of classical radar signal processing and further offers the opportunity to evaluate parametric spectral analysis. Based on simulated and measured baseband radar signals of pedestrians one of these techniques is deeper analyzed and its enhancement especially on the velocity separation capability is evaluated.
Urea-Formaldehyde Foam as a Landfill Cover Material: Simulated Landfill Investigations

A study was conducted, utilizing simulated landfill cells, to assess the relative suitability of urea-formaldehyde foam as an alternative landfill cover material. Research efforts were directed toward assessment of the extent and impact of formaldehyde leaching within the landfill environment when combined with natural processes of stabilization, and determination of the relative contribution of formaldehyde leached from the foam as compared with the other constituents present in the solid waste. The formaldehyde detected in the leachate samples (3-4.0 mg 1-1), some of which was attributable to the solid waste itself, was determined not to adversely affect the microbially mediated processes of stabilization within the landfill, even though the amount of foam used during this study (2.8 g kg-1 dry solid waste) was considered to be greater than that which may be typically used at a landfill (0.5-1.5 g kg-1). Furthermore, as stabilization progressed, formaldehyde was converted and reduced in concentration. Consequently, adverse environmental impacts attributable to the release of formaldehyde from urea-formaldehyde foam within a landfill environment were considered unlikely to occur.
Implementing virtual teamworking: Part 2 – a literature review

This paper is the second of a three‐part series in which the authors identify best practice for implementing virtual teamworking to aid concurrent engineering. Part 1 examined how five key texts on virtual teamworking contribute to an understanding of how to introduce virtual working to enable concurrent engineering. It developed a structure for comparing and contrasting the texts for this purpose. In Part 2, four general areas of concern are identified from these texts. The authors suggest five other issues, derived from other texts and practical experience important to concurrent engineering involving the supply chain. Part 3 will then synthesise the key elements of a methodology for introducing virtual teaming in a design and manufacture supply chain utilising concurrent engineering.
AIM Research Working Paper Series:

Despite the widespread popularity of scenario planning techniques as a basis for intervening in the strategic management process, there have been surprisingly few attempts to rigorously evaluate the extent to which, under what circumstances and for what reasons, these procedures yield useful outcomes or otherwise. Rather, the extant literature is replete with case examples of apparent success stories. While such accounts are highly appealing to the advocates of scenario planning procedures, they are extremely weak from a scientific standpoint, conveying nothing of the limitations of these approaches, nor indeed the underlying mechanisms through which they exert their effects. One way of ascertaining the boundary conditions of these techniques, and illuminating the underlying mechanisms at work, is through the careful documentation and analysis of failure cases. Taking one such case as a point of departure, a theoretical framework is developed as a basis for guiding future investigations. The framework maps out systematically a range of multilevel factors (incorporating the inner and outer contexts of the organization, individual differences among members of the scenario team, including consultants/facilitators involved in the intervention process) that warrant detailed further study. Finally, a number of methodological suggestions are outlined entailing more in-depth, qualitative analyses of critical incidents in field settings, in conjunction with structural
MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES AND SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE OF RELIEF AID ORGANIZATIONS IN WESTERN UGANDA

Purpose-The paper presents the influence of managerial competencies on supply chain performance of relief aid organizations in western Uganda.Methods-The study employed a cross-sectional and quantitative research design comprising 105 relief aid organizations operating in western Uganda. Data was analyzed using SPSSv22, to generate descriptive statistics, run correlation and hierarchical regression analysis.Findings-The findings showed a positive significant influence of managerial competencies on supply chain performance of relief aid organizations in western Uganda. Limitations-The study did not examine the influence of other factors such as the other supply chain enablers which include infrastructure on humanitarian supply chain performance. The focus was on the influence of managerial competencies on supply chain performance.Unique contribution to practice and policy- relief aid organizations should emphasize attracting, training and retaining staff with professional, social and personal competencies to ensure efficient delivery of relief supplies.
Microbiological-Chemical Sourced Chondroitin Sulfates Protect Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells against Oxidative Stress and Are Suitable for Hydrogel-Based Controlled Release

Chondroitin sulfates (CS) are a class of sulfated glycosaminoglycans involved in many biological processes. Several studies reported their protective effect against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. CS are commonly derived from animal sources, but ethical concerns, the risk of contamination with animal proteins, and the difficulty in controlling the sulfation pattern have prompted research towards non-animal sources. Here we exploited two microbiological-chemical sourced CS (i.e., CS-A,C and CS-A,C,K,L) and Carbopol 974P NF/agarose semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (i.e., P.NaOH.0 and P.Ethanol.0) to set up a release system, and tested the neuroprotective role of released CS against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. After assessing that our CS (1–100 µM) require a 3 h pre-treatment for neuroprotection with SH-SY5Y cells, we evaluated whether the autoclave type (i.e., N- or B-type) affects hydrogel viscoelastic properties. We selected B-type autoclaves and repeated the study after loading CS (1 or 0.1 mg CS/0.5 mL gel). After loading 1 mg CS/0.5 mL gel, we evaluated CS release up to 7 days by 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay and verified the neuroprotective role of CS-A,C (1 µM) in the supernatants. We observed that CS-A,C exhibits a broader neuroprotective effect than CS-A,C,K,L. Moreover, sulfation pattern affects not only neuroprotection, but also drug release.
Enhancing the firm's performance through quality and supply base management: An empirical study

Over the past ten years, both total quality management and supply base management have become significant strategic tools for firms that are striving to achieve competitive success. This study examines firms' operational quality approaches, supplier evaluation practices, and supply base management activities, and relates these strategic initiatives to firm performance. Hypotheses were tested through the use of bivariate correlation, factor analysis and multiple regression analysis of survey data from a cross-industry sample of quality directors and vice presidents in US firms. While many strategic quality approaches and supply base management tools are positively correlated with firm performance, our results show that quality management and supply base management techniques and tools must be implemented conjointly to achieve superior financial and business performance. The implication is that managers must seek to integrate the activities of quality assurance with those of purchasing and materials management.
Isotonic and isokinetic eccentric trainings: standardisation applied methodology

Eccentric training involves muscular contractions against a load higher than the torque exerted by the muscle itself. This type of strength training is classically performed at a constant speed (isokinetic, IK) or against a constant external load (isotonic, IT), soliciting different mechanical stresses on the neuromuscular system, notably at extreme joint angles. In a previous study, we developed a methodology allowing the equalisation of the amount of work realised and the movement speed in IT and IK modes in one eccentric session (Guilhem et al. 2008). In these conditions, we observed that the differences in mechanical stress induced different neural responses in IT and IK eccentric contractions (Guilhem et al. 2009). The aim of the present study is to test the standardisation methodology on IT and IK eccentric trainings.
Odd-even effects in liquid crystals

ABSTRACT In this paper, odd-even effects in liquid crystals are briefly summarised. Based on the position and type of the repeating units, odd-even effects can be caused by methylene (CH2)k units either when terminating the LC molecules or separating monomers in dimers or polymers, or by the parity of the number of rigid mesogenic units separated by odd numbered methylene spacers. These odd-even effects are manifested themselves in the transition temperatures (mainly of the clearing point) and transition entropies, but they can also lead to alteration of phases, such as antiferroelectric or ferroelectric, or the appearance of tilted or orthogonal mesophases. These alternating phase and entropy properties then also lead to alternating secondary properties, such as in birefringence and elastic properties. In each category, we also discuss the theoretical considerations that can explain the observed odd-even effects. Graphical abstract
Recent progress in heterodyne/coherent optical-fiber communications

Research and development of heterodyne/coherent optical-fiber communications are being accelerated because of the possibility of 20-30-dB receiver sensitivity improvement. In this paper, after brief descriptions of the history of the R & D and the classification of various techniques, recent achievements in the bit-error rate (BER) measurement of heterodyne/coherent systems are reviewed and compared with theory. The experimental systems described range from simple on-off-keying (PCM-PSK) heterodyne to sophisticated phase-shift keying (PCM-PSK) heterodyne or homodyne systems.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Investigation of Desalination by Refrigerant Clathrate Hydrate Formation

Gas hydrate is a crystalline solid compound form of water with hydrophobic gas at certain conditions (pressure and temperature). The hydrogen bond in water molecules constructs a framework as a host that entraps gas molecules (gust). Gas hydrate can be applied to many industries such as gas separation, cool storage, food concentration and desalination. Hydrate route looks a promising alternative technology compared to the conventional process, by utilizing a proper gas host, which can be held within water cavities composed by hydrogen-bonded water molecules. In this study the selected host gas was Refrigerant R134a, the work consists of an experimental and theoretical investigation dealing with hydrate formation for the ternary system (water, refrigerant gas, salt) at different initial pressures, the salts were NaCl, KBr and NaF. Method of isochoric pressure search method was used to measure the pressure and temperature for hydrate formation and conduction the three phases of (hydrate-liquid-vapour). The measurements were performed with pressure range (0.1 0.4) MPa and the temperatures about (275.2 – 283)K at the concentrations of (0.09,0.17 and 0.26)mol/kg for each salt. The kinetics of R134a clathrate formation for ternary systems (R134a, water and salt) at various types and concentrations of salts. Many objective functions were obtained from the kinetic model for hydrate formation, such as the amount of gas consumed, the growth rate, and the conversion of the water to hydrate. The results showed the effect of the initial pressure on the gas consumed, the rate of growth and water to hydrate conversion, that when the initial pressure increase the moles of R134a gas consumed was increased due to the increased driving force of hydrate formation, also other functions were increased. While the increasing in the concentration of salt for all types will be decreased gas consumed, whereas water to hydrate conversion, the growth rate is slightly decreased. And from the results noticed the presence of different salts in the ternary systems have an effect on the thermodynamics inhibition of refrigerant hydrates and the inhibition increases with the presence of NaCl salt in the ternary system more than other types of salt and also increases with increase the concentration of salt. KeywordsGas clathrate, refrigerant gust, kinetics, thermodynamics inhibition, ternary systems, salts. How to cite this article: S.T. AL-Hemeri, R.S. AL-Mukhtarand L.W. Mahmood, “Thermodynamic and Kinetic Investigation of Desalination by Refrigerant Clathrate Hydrate Formation,” Engineering and Technology Journal, Vol. 37, Part C, No. 1, pp. 29-44, 2019.