Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiterminal Medium Voltage DC Distribution Network Hierarchical Control

In this research study, a multiterminal voltage source converter (VSC) medium voltage DC (MVDC) distribution network hierarchical control scheme is proposed for renewable energy (RE) integration in a co-simulation environment of MATLAB and PSCAD/EMTDC. A DC optimal power flow (DC OPF) secondary controller is created in MATLAB. In PSCAD/EMTDC, the main circuit containing the adaptive DC voltage droop with a dead band and virtual synchronous generator (VSG) based primary controller for the VSCs is implemented. The simulation of the MVDC network under the proposed hierarchical control scheme is investigated considering variations in wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) power. The network is also connected to the standard IEEE-39 bus system and the hierarchical scheme tested by assessing the effect of tripping as well as restoration of the REs. The results show that during random variations in active power such as increasing wind and PV power generation, a sudden reduction or tripping of wind and PV power, the primary controller ensures accurate active power sharing amongst the droop-based VSCs as well as regulates DC voltage deviations within the set range of 0.98–1.02 pu with an enhanced dynamic response. The DC OPF secondary control optimizes the system’s losses by 38% regularly giving optimal droop settings to the primary controllers to ensure proper active power balance and DC voltage stability. This study demonstrates that the hierarchical control strategy is effective for RE integration in the MVDC distribution network.
Evaluation of olive leaf extract as a growth promoter on the performance, blood biochemical parameters, and caecal microflora of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to examine the effects of an alcoholic liquid olive leaf extract (OLE) obtained from fresh leaves on the growth performance, carcass weight, caecal microflora, and some plasma variables, such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in broiler chickens. A total of 375 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into five treatments with five replicate pens (15 birds each) per treatment. The birds were fed either [. ]
Seasonal and interannual variability of sea-ice state variables: Observations and predictions for landfast ice in northern Alaska and Svalbard

Abstract. Validation of sea-ice models, representation of sea-ice processes in large-scale models, and regional planning around ice use and hazards requires climatological ice property data. We summarize key ice properties, in particular temperature and salinity, representative of broader Arctic conditions, from long-term observations near Utqiaġvik, Alaska and Van Mijen Fjord, Svalbard. Additionally, we simulate salinity and temperature profiles using the Los Alamos sea-ice model (CICE) in stand-alone mode, forced with meteorological data for both locations. We compare observations and model results by aggregating profiles using a degree day model and statistical analysis to create ice property climatologies, which describe the seasonal evolution of sea ice. During the growth season, the CICE model accurately replicates ice property evolution for both salinity (R = 0.7) and temperature (R = 0.9). While the model initiates ice desalination at melt onset, and reproduces the temperature field well through melt (R = 0.9), model salinities later tend towards an asymptotic value of 5 ‰ (R = 0.3). This suggests that the model does not fully capture the desalination processes and their impact on ice physico-chemical properties during the melt season. Overall, the standard deviation of the model remains similar to the natural sea-ice variability throughout the season. Despite mismatches during the melt season, the CICE model shows promise for simulating the seasonal evolution of salinity and temperature profiles, which may serve as proxies for bulk ice properties that constrain transport of heat and mass through sea ice. Our findings highlight the necessity for a large number of observations throughout the year to create an effective model benchmarking dataset.
Effect of cover crops on the microorganisms communities in the soil under scorzonera cultivation

The purpose of the studies was to determine the microorganisms communities in the soil under scorzonera cultiva - tion with the cover crops using. The greatest total CFU of bacteria occurred in the soil from the experimental com - bination where oat ploughed over in spring or autumn was the cover crops. The smallest total CFU of bacteria was obtained after ploughing over the mulch of tansy phacelia. The use of oats and spring vetch had a positive effect on the population of bacteria from the genera of Bacillus and Pseudomonas. The smallest CFU of fungi was obtained from the soil where oat constituted the mulch. Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, F. culmorum, Haemato- nectria haematococca and Thanatephorus cucumeris were most frequently isolated from the soil. The most isolates of the enumerated fungi were obtained from the soil cultivated in a conventional cultivation and after ploughing over the mulch of tansy phacelia plants. The most antagonistic bacteria and fungi occurred in the soil after plough - ing over the mulch of oat, while the least in the conventionally cultivated soil.
Effects of fine sediments and substrate size on growth of juvenile coho salmon in laboratory streams

approved: Charles E. Warren The production (tissue elaboration) of juvenile coho salmon' (Oncorhyncus kisutch) was monitored in 12 laboratory streams having six treatment levels of fine sediments and in six laboratory streams having six different substrate particle sizes. Fish production decreased with increases in sedimentation and with decreases in substrate size. Lower fish production in streams with high sediment levels was apparently caused by lower levels of food organisms. Lower fish production in the substrate experiments was related to water velocity and food supply. Substrate Score, based on a visual technique for evaluating stream substrate quality, was found to be highly correlated with geometric mean particle size of the substrate and with fish production. Substrate Score may be useful for assessing substrate quality of salmonid rearing Redacted for privacy and spawning areas. The results of the sedimentation experiments suggest that protection against fine sediments should be considered for juvenile habitat as well as for spawning areas. The results of the substrate experiments indicate that the use of cobble sized gravel in artificial rearing channels may optimize juvenile fish production. Effects of Fine Sediments and Substrate Size on Growth of Juvenile Coho Salmon in Laboratory Streams
Revisão sobre os efeitos do fogo em Eriocaulaceae como subsídio para a sua conservação

Eriocaulaceae é uma das famílias mais numerosas e ricas em endemismos do Cerrado. A beleza das suas inflorescências faz com que espécies conhecidas como sempre-vivas (plantas de diversas famílias que tem suas inflorescências pouco alteradas após serem colhidas e desidratadas), sejam cobiçadas pelo mercado nacional e internacional de plantas ornamentais secas. O declínio das populações de várias eriocauláceas tem sido atribuído a um aparente aumento da freqüência de queimadas realizadas no Cerrado para renovar pastagens, preparar o solo para a agricultura e devido ao manejo extrativista. Neste trabalho, revisamos a literatura científica que trata da ação do fogo em sete espécies de Eriocaulaceae que ocorrem no Cerrado. O fogo promoveu o aumento do número de indivíduos reprodutivos nas três espécies estudadas quanto a esse aspecto (Actinocephalus polyanthus, Comanthera elegantula e Syngonanthus nitens), de inflorescências por indivíduo em duas entre quatro espécies (Comanthera elegantula e Leiothrix crassifolia) e de sementes por capítulo na única espécie estudada nesse aspecto (S. nitens). O fogo estimulou ainda o recrutamento por plântulas devido à eliminação da vegetação competidora em três das quatro espécies estudadas (A. polyanthus, C. elegantula e Leiothrix arrecta, e por brotamentos em S. nitens). Em espécies policárpicas, o aumento do esforço reprodutivo pode impactar negativamente a produção de inflorescências nos anos seguintes à primeira estação reprodutiva após a queima (ex. C. elegantula e S. nitens), além do crescimento e sobrevivência de indivíduos em idade reprodutiva (ex. C. elegantula
Hematological Disorders during Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 to 5 Non-Dialysed in Cameroon

Introduction: Haematological disorders are common complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading by anemia which increase with the severity of the disease. Objective: Assess the haematological profile of CKD patients stages 3 to 5 non-dialysed seen at the first nephrology consultation in Cameroon. Patients and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2018 at the nephrology unit of the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital and Douala General Hospital. All adults’ (≥18 years old) patients who provided a written informed consent and attended their first nephrology consultation with a nephrologist diagnosis of CKD stages 3 to 5 non-dialysed were included. Clinical and paraclinical data (serum creatinine, full blood count, reticulocytes count, iron status, vitamin B12 and folates count, and bleeding time) were collected. Parametric, non-parametric and correlations tests were used to compare variables. Results: We included 105 (59% males) participants with a mean age of 55.2 ± 13.6 years divided into 20 (19%), 36 (34.3%) and 49 (46.7%) respectively in stage G3, G4 and G5 of CKD. The profile of hematological abnormalities was anemia (86.7%), leucopenia (15.2%), hyperleucocytosis (6.7%), thrombopenia (23.8%), thrombocytosis (3.8%) and prolonged bleeding time (13.3%) without any association with the stage of CKD (p > 0.05). The pattern of anemia was mainly normocytic and normochromic (59.3%) and aregenerative (92.3%) with iron deficiency found in 23 (21.9%) participants. There was no case of vitamin B12 and folates deficiency. Prolonged bleeding time was observed in 14 (13.3%) participants with a weak correlation between platelets count and bleeding time (r = 0.122). Conclusion: We observed that aregenerative normocytic normochromic anemia is the leading haematological abnormality during CKD in this setting. None of the full blood count parameters was associated with CKD stages and there was a week correlation between bleeding time and platelet count.
Method Development and Validation for Spectrophotometric Determination of Ascorbic Acid in M. stenopetala Leaves Through Catalytic Titration with Hexavalent Chromium

M. stenopetala has gained attention recently in Ethiopia due to its multiple uses. It is a drought tolerant fast growing indigenous tree mainly planted and maintained for its nutritional value. An ascorbic acid excess can lead to gastric irritation and the metabolic product of vitamin C (oxalic acid) can cause renal problems. Thus, its level in food stuffs should be monitored. Hence, in this project, it was aimed to develop a novel spectrophotometer method for determination of ascorbic acid content in M. Stenopetala through Catalytic titration with Hexavalent chromium. The developed method was validated against HPLC as standard technique. Cr (VI) was used as UV-active material and Mn (II) used as catalyst. Determination of AA was based on the decrease in absorbance of the Cr (VI) solution as a result of its reaction with AA. Factors influencing the reduction of Cr (VI), including incubation time, solution pH and background concentration ratio had been optimized. The theoretical detection limit and Limit of quantification were calculated to be 0.00154 and 0.005134 mg/ml, respectively. Out of the 3 different area of Ms Leave sample studied, FMs from Arbaminch contained highest concentration (237 0.001 mg/100g) of AA, Followed by FMs from Konso (233 0.48 mg/100g and FMs from Dilla (21 0.48 mg/100g), respectively. But it was reduced significantly after boiling for ten minute. The level of AA content in the analyzed Ms Leave samples was found to decrease with increasing cooking time. Cooked Ms Leave sample contained lower concentration of AA than Fresh M. stenopetala leave sample. All studied Ms Leave samples contained relatively acceptable range or moderate amounts of total AA (200-250 mg/100g) and the results obtained from the modified UV-vis Spectrophotometric and HPLC methods were statistically consistent. Keywords: Ascorbic acid determination, Catalytic Titration, Hexavalent Chromium, HPLC, M. stenopetala Leave, UV-Vis spectrometric DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/94-01 Publication date: February 29 th 2020
Etude du metabolisme lipidique chez une cyanobacterie filamenteuse : spirulina platensis

Dans cette these la composition lipidique de la cyanobacterie spirulina platensis a tout d'abord ete etudiee. Ensuite, les voies de synthese de ces lipides ont ete determinees in vivo en suivant l'incorporation de trois precurseurs radioactifs: l'acetate, l'oleate et la linoleate. Les effets de la temperature, de la lumiere et du ph sur les activites de syntheses et de desaturations ont ete etudies. Un protocole a ensuite ete mis au point pour obtenir des spheroplastes qui pourraient etre utilises pour obtenir des fractions enzymatiques actives et notamment des desaturases. Il s'est revele extremement difficile d'obtenir des spheroplastes encore capables de photosynthese. En consequence, les activites de synthese lipidique et de desaturation sont extremement faibles dans les spheroplastes purifies. Nous avons donc porte notre effort sur le developpement de methodes permettant de restaurer la capacite des spheroplastes a effectuer la photosynthese, ce qui est un prealable indispensable a une synthese lipidique active
CEOs' reputation, quality management and environmental innovation: The roles of stakeholder pressure and resource commitment

In this paper, we examine how and when chief executive officers' (CEOs') reputation enhances environmental innovation by considering quality management as a mediating mechanism of this relationship. In addition, we introduce stakeholder pressures (primary and secondary stakeholder pressures) as important contingencies of the relationship between CEOs' reputation and quality management. Moreover, we test the moderating role of resource commitment on the quality management‐environmental innovation relationship. We test our research model using data from a manufacturing industry sample of 217 firms from Ghana. We find that quality management mediates the relationship between reputation and environmental innovation. Moreover, the relationship between CEOs' reputation and quality management is amplified when levels of both primary and secondary stakeholder pressures are greater. Finally, our findings show that the effect of quality management on environmental innovation is enhanced when resource commitment is greater. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
The effect of Dutch disease in the tourism sector: the case of Mediterranean countries

Purpose – A flourishing tourism sector can produce the same increase in income as that from natural resource exports. Unlike the oil, gas, and mineral extraction industries, which cause depletion of natural resources, the tourism industry has the potential to become a renewable industry, if well managed. In this context, the aim of this study is to investigate the existence of the Dutch disease effect in Mediterranean countries with high tourism dependence. Design – The data set used in this study was from 1996-2015, and it was obtained from the 2017 World Development Indicator [WDI] database. The logarithms of all variables were added to the model. In the study, 17 selected Mediterranean countries (Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey) were used. Methodology – In the study, the methods used by Figini and Vici (2009), Holzner (2011), Ghalia and Fidrmuc (2015) are followed. In addition, Panel AMG, CCE co-integration estimators were used. Findings –The panel data analysis results for the country group imply that the Dutch disease does not exist overall but, on the other hand, the country based results reveal existence of the Dutch disease in some of the Mediterranean countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Morocco, and Turkey). Originality of the Research – The originality of this study is twofold. First of all, to our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the Dutch disease in the Mediterranean countries. Moreover, the study employs recently developed panel data econometric methods and allows us to get results for each economy separately, unlike conventional panel data analysis methods. Therefore, we predict that this study will make an important contribution to the literature.
The Effect of Heat Inactivating Process on Biochemical, Microbiological andSensory Characteristics of Iranian Drink Based on Fermented Milk (Doogh)

This study investigates the effects of heat inactivating processing of yogurt bacteria compared with other sequential inoculation on biochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of typical Iranian drink based on fermented milk (Doogh). The yogurt bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckiis sp. bulgaricus) were used in all treatments. Bifidobacterium animlis spp. lactis PTCC 1631 was used as probiotic bacteria. A pH, titrable acidity, redox potential, fermentation time, and viability of probiotic organisms were analyzed during fermentation and over the refrigeration storage for21 days at 5°C. Also, the sensory attributes of treatments were determined at the end of fermentation. The greatest (p<0.05) mean pH drop rate was observed in BlY-40-4.5 treatment (B. animlis spp. lactis PTCC 1631 was co-cultured with yogurt starter bacteria and incubated at 40°C until final pH 4.5). In addition, the greatest viability of bifidobacteria was observed in this treatment. The viability of bifidobacteria strains was significantly higher in heat inactivating treatments than non-heat treated treatments. This process didn’t have positive effect on sensory properties of Doogh. The most acceptability in taste, texture, and mouth feel and appearance tolerability were observed in co-culture treatment in this study.
Nitrogen Availability in Biochar-Amended Soils with Excessive Compost Application

Adding biochar to excessive compost amendments may affect compost mineralization rate and nitrogen (N) availability. The objective of this 371-day incubation study was to evaluate the effects of four proportions of woody biochar (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) from lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de. Wit) biochar produced at 750 °C through dynamic mineral N and N mineralization rates in three rural soils (one Oxisol and two Inceptisols). In each treatment, 5% poultry–livestock manure compost was added to serve as an excessive application. The results indicated that the biochar decreased available total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) (NO3−-N+NH4+-N) by on average 6%, 9% and 19% for 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% treatments, respectively. The soil type strongly influenced the impact of the biochar addition on the soil nitrogen mineralization potential, especially the soil pH and clay content. This study showed that the co-application of biochar and excessive compost benefited the agricultural soils by improving NO3−-N retention in agroecosystems. The application of biochar to these soils to combine it with excessive compost appeared to be an effective method of utilizing these soil amendments, as it diminished the net N mineralization potential and reduced the nitrate loss of the excessive added compost.
Multifunctional Graphene-Based Additives for Enhanced Combustion of Cracked Hydrocarbon Fuels under Supercritical Conditions

ABSTRACT As a particulate fuel additive, functionalized graphene sheets (FGS), with and without the decoration of nanoparticles, provide a means to form stable colloids with liquid hydrocarbons, act as in situ catalysts, and prevent attached nanoparticles from agglomerating or sintering during heating. Recent pyrolysis experiments and simulations have shown the synergetic effect of Pt and FGS structures accelerating fuel conversion and hydrogen formation. In this paper, the role of graphene-based additives (with and without platinum (Pt) nanoparticles) on enhancing the ignition and combustion characteristics of cracked n-dodecane hydrocarbon fuels under supercritical conditions is examined. Supercritical ignition and combustion experiments were conducted using a high pressure and high temperature windowed combustion chamber coupled to a supercritical fuel pyrolysis reactor. The combustion experiments indicated that the presence of small amounts of particulate additives (100 ppmw) to the fuel can reduce ignition times and increase subsequent combustion rates. In particular, the addition of FGS-supported Pt nanoparticles reduced ignition delay times by nearly a factor of 3 (12.4 to 4.2 ms), increased spray spreading angles by approximately 32.0% (15.4 to 20.3°), reduced the flame liftoff length by 54.0% (1.74 to 0.8 mm), and demonstrated an increase in fuel conversion for a fixed reaction time of 35.0% relative to the pure fuel baseline. These results support the notion that nanostructured fuel additives have the potential to enhance both the heat sink capacity and combustion performance of liquid hydrocarbon fuels for their use in advanced high speed propulsion systems. Graphical Abstract
Comparison of Apple Cider Vinegar and Metformin Combination with Metformin Alone in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aims to compare the effect of metformin monotherapy with the combination therapy of metformin and apple cider vinegar on the parameters of Body Mass Index and glycemic control of recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: A total of 126 patients were enrolled in this open-label randomized controlled trial, divided into two parallel arms: Group I (Metformin 750 mg alone per day) and Group II (Metformin 750 mg+Apple Cider Vinegar 2 tablespoons per day) and assessed for weight, Body Mass Index, Fasting Blood Sugar and Hemoglobin A1c after which the post-treatment values of the aforementioned parameters were compared between the two groups. Informed consent from all patients and ethical approval from the institutional ethics board was obtained. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: All the parameters underwent a significant reduction in the pre and post intra group comparison of each group (p-value<0.001). Moreover, a significant difference was found in the post-treatment comparisons of the Fasting Blood Sugar (p-value<0.001) and HbA1c (p-value=0.04) in between the two groups. However, no significant difference was obtained in the post-treatment comparisons of weight and Body Mass Index in between the two groups. Conclusion: Apple Cider Vinegar in combination with Metformin appears to be more effective in improving glycemic control versus Metformin monotherapy.