Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Produtividade de grãos, óleo e massa seca de girassol sob diferentes lâminas de irrigação suplementar

This research was conducted at the State University of Maringa, Umuarama Campus, Parana State, in the season 2008/2009, with the objective to evaluate the growth and irrigation use efficiency on yield of grain, oil and dry weight of sunflower under irrigation levels. In the irrigated treatments (L1, L2, L3 and L4) the crop coefficients (kc) used were equal (L2), below (L1) and above (L3 and L4) those proposed by FAO. The irrigation favored the crop growth and the highest yield was obtained from values of kc 100% above those proposed by FAO (L4). The highest irrigation use efficiencies were obtained from values of kc by FAO (L2). The grain yield without irrigation (L0) was equal to 4788 kg ha-1, while in L2 and L4 treatments, grain yields were equal to 6304 and 6963 kg ha-1, respectively. The irrigation did not increase the oil content and oil yield was proportional to grain yield.
Facile extraction of thermally stable cellulose nanocrystals with a high yield of 93% through hydrochloric acid hydrolysis under hydrothermal conditions

A facile approach for extracting cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was presented through hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of cellulose raw materials under hydrothermal conditions. The influences of preparation parameters, such as reaction time, reaction temperature, and acid-to-cellulose raw material ratio, and different neutralization methods on the yield, microstructure and properties were studied. A high yield of up to 93.7%, crystallinity of 88.6%, and a maximum degradation temperature (Tmax) of 363.9 °C can be achieved by combining hydrochloric acid hydrolysis under hydrothermal conditions and neutralization with ammonia, compared with only 30.2%, 84.3% and 253.2 °C for sulfuric acid hydrolysis, respectively. More importantly, good stability of aqueous CNC suspensions can also be obtained due to the existence of ammonium groups, which can easily be removed through simple heat treatment before using the CNCs.
Investigation of body mass index, insulin resistance and diabetes in patients with hirsutism

Introduction Obese woman with hirsutism have increased risk for developing insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Aim To evaluate patients with hirsutism, report the hormone levels, body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance and diabetes in our study population and compare our results with those of similar research conducted in other countries. Material and methods Hormones were measured with radioimmunoassay/immunoradiometric assay methods. Oral glucose tolerance test was done only in a selected group of women (with positive anamnesis for diabetes, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and overweight/obese women). The level of blood glucose was measured after drinking the liquid containing 75 g glucose. Blood was taken to measure glucose, insulin and C-peptide levels after 30 min, 60 min and 3 h. Results Women with PCOS (27.4%) had higher BMI than women with other causes of hirsutism. Among 135 of the women with hirsutism, 9.6% were underweight, 60% were with normal weight, 20.7% were overweight and 9.6% were obese. Obesity was more frequent in PCOS and hyperandrogenism groups. Women with hirsutism had higher levels of androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total testosterone, free testosterone, lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Insulin resistance was present in 20 (14.8%) women and diabetes in 2 (1.4%) women. Conclusions Obesity was associated with increased hirsutism. In our study we found that insulin resistance should be assessed in hirsute women with PCOS regardless of their BMI as insulin resistance was found in hirsute women irrespective of whether they were overweight, obese, of normal weight or underweight. Groups at risk (hirsute, obese, diabetes) should be identified and treated.
Face Verification across Aging using Deep Learning with Histogram of Oriented Gradients

One of the complex procedures which affect man’s face shape and texture is facial aging. These changes tend to deteriorate the efficacy of systems that automatically verify faces. It seems that CNN (also known as Convolutional Neural Networks) are thought to be one of the most common deep learning approaches where multiple layers are trained robustly while maintaining the minimum number of learned parameters to improve system performance. In this paper, a deeper model of convolutional neural network is fitted with Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) descriptor to handle feature extraction and classification of two face images with the age gap is proposed. Furthermore, the model has been trained and tested in the MORPH and FG-NET datasets. Experiments on FG-NET achieve a state of the arts accuracy (reaching 100%) while results on MORPH dataset have significant improvements in accuracy of 99.85%.
Resilient Control of Cyber-Physical System Using Nonlinear Encoding Signal Against System Integrity Attacks

In this article, we propose an attack-resilient control structure for a cyber-physical system (CPS) to enhance the CPS security against stealthy system integrity attacks that manipulate the state of the physical plant while undetected. With the help of nonlinear encoding/decoding components, the proposed structure can detect stealthy attacks and preserve the nominal performance without considering attacks. Meanwhile, for avoiding the eavesdropping of transmitted signals used to synchronize encoding/decoding components between the physical and cyber layers, the chaotic oscillators are employed for the secure communication. The resilience against the malicious attacks and the robustness under the time delay and nonlinear components of the proposed CPS structure are investigated in view of input-to-state stable framework. Simulations for quadruple-tank process are performed to validate the performance of the proposed method.
Pandemic-Induced Constraints on Rapid Transformation to Digital Education

Once the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, many countries abruptly established a lock down requiring their populations to stay home to avoid any contact with others to stop the spread of the disease Consequently, most schools and higher education institutions closed access to campuses and face-to-face class meetings were suspended Students were sent home and temporarily left without access to traditional educational resources The migratory solution for this situation is moving toward extensive use of distance learning tools and techniques However, many teachers were not prepared for this transition There remains a gap in knowledge about how to quickly transform educational content and manage e-teaching In this paper, we describe the process of transforming a face-to-face course in Augmented Reality to the online format in a rapid way We wish to establish case evidence for educators regarding how to convert traditional course content to online content, in the face of incidents, such as the COVID-19 pandemic In this paper, we present an approach including examples and highlighting opportunities for educators in higher education to support the transformation of courses for distance learning © 2020 for this paper by its authors Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4 0 International (CC BY 4 0)
Extending the diffuse layer model of surface acidity behavior: I. Model development

Abstract Considerable disenchantment exists within the environmental research community concerning our current ability to accurately model surface-complexation-mediated low-porewater-concentration ionic contaminant partitioning with natural surfaces. Several authors attribute this unacceptable variation to uncertainties in our understanding of surface acidity behavior. In support of this contention, many authors are not satisfied with our ability to model surface acidity behavior in controlled, pure phase laboratory systems. The present work was designed to more closely examine the theoretical aspects of those variable energies likely to be contributing to the excess free energies associated with surface acidity behavior. Conclusions from the work include: (1) the excess free energy term associated with charge/potential relationships is given by: ΔGexcess,sigma/psi = ΔGelectrostatic + ΔGhydration + ΔGdipole + ΔGDebye_Huckel, (2) the excess free energy terms included in effective acidity constant behavior includes a charging energy term: ΔGexcess,pK = ΔGexcess,sigma/psi + ΔGcharging, (3) under conditions where -ΔGexcess,sigma/psi »RT, ΔGexcess,sigma/psi ≈ ΔGexcess,pK ≈ ΔGelectrostatic + ΔGhydration (thereby supporting historical methodologies), (4) under conditions where -ΔGexcesssigma/psi ≈ RT, ΔGexcess is better approximated by: ΔGexcess,sigma/psi ≈ ΔGelectrostatic ΔGhydration and ΔGexcess,pK ≈ ΔGexcess,sigma/psi + ΔGcharging, (5) ΔGcharging becomes increasingly significant with decreased counterion condensation, and (6) asymmetric behavior in the charge dependency of effective acidity constant behavior is predicted-particularly when charging energies become significant.
13C CP/MAS NMR Study of Photodegraded Stoneground Wood Pulp

Des pâtes mecaniques de defibreur de Picea mariana non blanchies et blanchies par H 2 O 2 ont ete soumises a des irradiations severes. On etudie la photodegradation de la lignine dans ces pâtes par spectroscopie 13 C CP/MAS NMR.
The Effect of Discovery Learning Model on Students’ Ability in Determining Character Education Values in Folklore at The Tenth-Grade Students of SMA Negeri 3 Ambon, Indonesia

This research is aimed at finding out the effect of the discovery learning model on students’ ability in determining character education values in folklore at the tenth-grade students of SMA Negeri 3 Ambon. This belongs to experimental research. This research data is the students’ test results in determining character education values in folklore. The number of the sample is 38 students (the experimental class) and 35 students (the control class). SPSS version 23 is used to analyze the data. The result shows that there is an effect of the discovery learning model on students’ ability in determining character education values in folklore at the tenth-grade students of SMA Negeri 3 Ambon. It is proved through the result of the independent sample t-test which is t-count > t-table (4.353 > 1.994). Keywords: experimental research, discovery learning model, learning achievement, character education values. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-29-07 Publication date: October 31 st 2020
VALIDATION AND DETECTION OF SEX-SPECIFIC MARKERS IN JOJOBA (SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS) PLANTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

The main target of the present study is the validation of sex-specific markers previously described and the detection of new markers for further use in breeding programs of jojoba in Saudi Arabia. The used molecular approaches included random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR), Cleavage-amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). RAPD and ISSR analyses were not useful in determining the sex of jojoba. CAPS with the J888 marker indicated the presence of two new sex-specific SNPs and consequent presence of several sex-specific markers. AFLP analysis successfully resulted in the recovery of several maleand female-specific markers. Whole genome sequencing was also done to detect new and validate already-known sex-specific markers. Use of NUCmer module resulted in no new sex-specific markers. BLAST analysis to validate sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) marker indicated its existence. Analysis of the possible functioning of OGI/MeGI sex determination system in jojoba was not proven. In conclusion, a number of sex-specific markers were detected in jojoba plants growing in Saudi Arabia might help promoting the biofuel production industry in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region as a new approach to be adopted in the near future.
Susceptibility Pattern of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Among All Clinical Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

Introduction: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from the late 1960s till date has emerged as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and leading cause in both community and hospital acquired infections. This present study is an initiative to assess the burden of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and to study their susceptibility pattern among all clinical isolates in this tertiary care hospital of eastern India, thus providing a national level initiative to highlight emerging trends of antimicrobial resistance among clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. Aims & Objective: Aim of the present study is-1. to know the prevalence of MRSA among Staphylococcus aureus isolates from all clinical specimens, 2. to study the susceptibility pattern of the MRSA isolates Methodology: The present study was done retrospectively in the Department of Microbiology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, from January 2019 to January 2020 (13 months). A total of 859 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from various clinical specimens were included in the study. A total of 859 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from various clinical specimens were included in the study. Following identification of Staphylococcus aureus isolates antibiotic susceptibility was perform by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique using CLSI recommendations. Cefoxitin (30µg) was used for testing Methicillin resistance. Results And Discussion: A total of 859 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, out of which 403(46.9%) isolates were phenotypically Methicillin resistant. The prevalence of MRSA in our study is 46.9% which is an alarming figure.
Assessing Chinese exhibitors’ international trade show evaluations: the role of outbound exhibition organizers

Abstract Despite the importance of the exhibition industry globally, and that of China in particular, there is a paucity of research on this topic. This study aims to address this research gap by examining Chinese exhibitors who participated in international trade shows in the United States. In the process, it introduces and highlights the vital role of a key industry player within the Chinese context, in addition to the traditional triad of exhibition organizer, exhibitor and visitor, namely the Outbound Exhibition Organizer (OEO). A survey collected 458 responses from Chinese Mainland exhibitors participating in two international trade shows in the United States. Study findings provide insights into the performance of OEOs, as perceived by Chinese exhibitors, in addition to the perceived trade show performance. The vital role of OEOs is highlighted by it being identified as a key predictor of satisfaction with international trade shows. Study implications are discussed, and directions for future research provided.
Mathematical Modeling for Losses in Optical Waveguides With Porous Silica Cladding

This paper presents a model to calculate the combined surface and volume scattering losses for optical waveguides containing porous silica materials. The simulation results agree with the published experimental loss data. The model for volume scattering loss considers the primary factors that affect the volume scattering including porosity, volume of pores and scattering cross section. The criteria of Rayleigh scattering was applied to either cylindrical or spherical pores to find the scattering cross section. Surface scattering loss was calculated using Tien’s model and the scattering models were applied to optical waveguides reported in previous publications. A good agreement between the experimental results and the models has been demonstrated. The ratio between calculated and experimental results were in the range of (0.9-1). Therefore, these models can be used to calculate scattering losses in optical waveguides including ones with porous silica claddings. Moreover, the scattering models in conjunction with ModeSolver MATLAB simulations have been applied to optical waveguide sensors with porous silica claddings for the first time to validate the possibility of designing LEAC sensors with porous silica claddings.
A test of two approximate two-state treatments for the dynamics of H-atom transfers between two heavy particles

Reactive transition probabilities and Boltzmann-averaged reactive transition probabilities for a slightly off-resonant model H-atom transfer system with an appreciable energy barrier are calculated using the approximate methods of Babamov et al. and of Crothers–Stuckelberg. Both are compared with the corresponding quantities obtained from a numerical two-state treatment of the same model system. The method of Babamov et al. is seen to give more accurate results for the transition probabilities at energies below and around the reaction threshold, and much more accurate results for the Boltzmann-averaged probabilities in a wide range of temperatures than the second method. The relative merits of the two formulas are discussed.
Evaluation of utricular and saccular function in BPPV patients: The role of VEMP in diagnosis

Aim: The pathological cause of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the degeneration of the otolith organs (utricle and sacculus). Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) assess the functions of the otolith organs. The objective of this research was to evaluate the otolith organ functions of patients with unilateral idiopathic BPPV (canalolithiasis of the posterior and lateral semicircular canals) by cVEMP and oVEMP tests. Material and Methods: The study prospectively included 35 patients with BPPV (canalolithiasis of the posterior and lateral semicircular canals) and 30 healthy individuals. Bilateral cVEMP and oVEMP tests were administered to all participants. Participants were divided into three groups: control, BPPV-affected ear, and unaffected ear. Results: In our study, cVEMP and oVEMP abnormalities were statistically significantly different both between the affected and unaffected ear groups and between the affected ear and control groups. There were statistically significant differences in the cVEMP and oVEMP amplitude values both between the affected and unaffected ear groups and between the affected ear and control groups. Also, the asymmetry ratios of the cVEMP and oVEMP tests were statistically significantly different between the case group and the control group. The cVEMP and oVEMP wave latencies (p1, n1, p1-n1) were not statistically significantly different among the BPPV-affected ear, unaffected ear, and control groups. The results of measurements were not statistically significantly different between the posterior and lateral canal involvement subgroups of BPPV patients. Conclusion: Abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP test results, which are observed more frequently in patients with BPPV compared to the control group, indicate utricular and saccular degeneration. Higher oVEMP abnormality ratios compared to those of cVEMP in BPPV patients suggest that utricular dysfunction may be more common than saccular dysfunction.
What Is Life: An Informational Model of the Living Structures

Schroedinger’s question “what is life? ” was a real challenge for the scientific community and this still remains as an opened question, because in spite of the important advances in various scientific branches like philosophy, biology, chemistry and physics, each of them assesses life from its particular point of view to explain the life’ characteristic features, so not a coherent and well structured general model of life was reported. In this paper life is approached from informational perspective, starting from earlier Draganeacu's philosophic concepts, showing that actually life is structured by matter and information. Therefore, it is analyzed the carbon-matter and its properties on the basis of which the living structures are composed, giving rise not only of a considerable number of carbon-based compounds, but serving now beside silicon, as an useful material for micro/nanostructure applications. Such specific properties refers to the high ability of carbon to associate/dissociate in chemical reactions regulated/facilitated by informational (Bit unit) YES/NO bistable mechanisms to form macro/small molecules with complementary properties, reactive info-functional pathways of transduction, relaying, amplification, integration, spreading, modulation, activation and positive/negative feedback reactions, like in the informational microelectronic/microsystems circuits. It is argued that the negentropy invoked earlier in Schrodinger's analysis is a consequence of informational-assisted structuration/organization of the cell and human organism. From the analysis of inter/intra-communication mechanisms in the cell and comparing with the outcomes described by the Informational Model of Human Body, it is deduced that the living organisms operate on the basis of three main streaming circuits assuring the living functions: (1) the metabolic matter-related circuit; (2) the operative informational circuit; (3) the epigenetic informational circuit for the gradual integration of information in the central informational structure – DNA. It is founded on these bases the Informational Model of the Living Structures, and the Informational System of the Living Structures (ISLS), with similar functions on the entire living scale size, from unitary to multicellular living structures, composed by seven informational systems, namely [CASI (center of acquisition and storing of information), CDC (center of decision and command), IRSS (info-reactive sentient system), MIS (maintenance info-system), GTS (genetic transmission system), IGG (info-genetic generator) and IC (info-connection)]ISLS, and are identified the specific functions of each of them. The living structures operate thus like self-“polarized" bipolar info-matter informational devices by means of the stand-by metabolic matter-related circuit, and react/respond to the external/internal informational stimuli, which modulate their functionality, returning an external reaction signal (“attitude"), for adaptation and survival.
A Fractional-N Reference Sampling PLL With Linear Sampler and CDAC Based Fractional Spur Cancellation

In this article, a fractional- $N$ reference sampling phase-locked loop (PLL) (RSPLL) is presented. A capacitor-based digital-to-analog converter (CDAC) is implemented at the output of the reference sampling phase detector (RSPD) to cancel the divider quantization error in fractional mode. The RSPD is linearized by maintaining a constant discharge current from the sampling capacitor. Although the discharging current source may induce some noise compared to a sampling PD. However, its noise can be effectively suppressed with the high-gain setting for the RSPD when the loop is in lock. The linear range of RSPD can be programmed to cover the quantization error in a frac- $N$ mode without degrading the PLL in-band phase noise. To mitigate the nonlinearity of RSPD, the CDAC is implemented with a high-order cancellation scheme using only one capacitor array but multiple reference voltages. The prototype chip was fabricated in a 45-nm partially depleted silicon-on-insulator (PDSOI) CMOS process. The measurement showed an output frequency range covering 7.7–9.1 GHz with an integrated jitter (10 kHz–50 MHz) of 135 fs and an in-band fractional spur level of −55 dBc at an offset frequency of 50 kHz. The entire PLL consumes 4.5 mW and achieves an figure of merit (FoM) of −250.8 dB.