Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Barrel Toasting on Ellagitannin Composition of Aged Cognac Eaux-de-Vie

It is well established that C-glucosidic ellagitannins contribute to wine quality, and new forms of ellagitannins have been found recently in cognac eaux-de-vie. The contribution of some ellagitannin-derived spirit compounds to eaux-de-vie taste has been demonstrated recently. However, there is a gap in our knowledge of the content, composition, and evolution of C-glucosidic ellagitannins in this matrix. Indeed, the quantification of these compounds and their evolutionary compounds have never before been researched in cognac eaux-de-vie. Thus, the aim of this study was not only to quantify these compounds, but also to study their kinetics and to observe how they are impacted by barrel toasting. For this purpose, barrels representing eight different toasting levels were used to age the same eau-de-vie during the first 18 months. Ellagitannin quantification was carried out by HPLC-Triple quadrupole. The results showed that the evolutionary trend of the eight ellagitannins is the same for all eight types of barrel toasting. The maximum concentrations of C-glucosidic ellagitannins were found after 3 months of aging (up to 23 mg/L) before decreasing to 18 months (9.7 mg/L), whereas ellagitannin-derived spirit compound concentrations increased throughout aging (up to 130.9 mg/L). In addition, barrel toasting had such an impact on ellagitannin content that barrels could be differentiated according to their levels. Eaux-de-vie in barrels with high toasting were lower in ellagitannins concentrations.
One-Step Fabrication of Highly Sensitive Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Sensor Based on Graphene-Titania-Nafion Composite Film

A highly sensitive tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on a graphene-titania-Nafion composite film has been prepared in a simple one-step manner. In the present work, a highly concentrated 0.1 M Ru(bpy)32+ solution was mixed with an as-prepared graphene-titania-Nafion composite solution (1:20, v/v), and then a small aliquot (2 µL) of the resulting mixture solution was cast on a glassy carbon electrode surface. This one-step process for the construction of an ECL sensor shortens the fabrication time and leads to reproducible ECL signals. Due to the synergistic effect of conductive graphene and mesoporous sol-gel derived titania-Nafion composite, the present ECL sensor leads to a highly sensitive detection of tripropylamine from 1.0 × 10−8 M to 2.0 × 10−3 M with a detection limit of 0.8 nM (S/N = 3), which is lower in comparison to that of the ECL sensor based on the corresponding ECL sensor based on the titania-Nafion composite containing carbon nanotube. The present ECL sensor also shows a good response for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) from 1.0 × 10−6 M to 1.0 × 10−3 M with a detection limit of 0.4 µM (S/N = 3). Thus, the present ECL sensor can offer potential benefits in the development of dehydrogenase-based biosensors.
Modular Multilevel Converters with Integrated Energy Storage

Modular Multilevel Converters with Integrated Energy Storage Theodore Soong Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2015 Battery energy storage (BES) integration into the grid is typically achieved using a 2or 3level dc/ac converter with BES interfaced directly to the inverter’s dc link or through a dc/dc converter. In both cases, long series connected strings of batteries are required to efficiently maintain the necessary dc link voltage. Such configurations are susceptible to reliability issues as failure or shutdown of an individual battery cells results in loss of a large fraction of BES capacity. This thesis addresses the aforementioned issue by subdividing the BES into units and integrating each unit into the submodules of a modular multilevel converter (MMC). This reduces conduction losses within the MMC submodules and provides a mechanism for electronically protecting BES units from both ac and dc side fault events. However, integrating BES units into the submodules disrupts the power flow of the MMC. Therefore, this thesis analyzes the power flow of the MMC to identify the different power transfer mechanisms, which enables energy balance between BES units. To easily understand the analysis, a graphical user interface tool was developed to assess the impact of integrating BES units into a select number of submodules, and identify alternate BES distributions within the MMC. From the power flow analysis, a control method is developed to maintain energy balance across all submodule capacitors and BES units in the MMC. Validation of the analysis is performed through simulation and experimental work. As part of this work, a 600V/100kVA MMC was developed with 4MJ of supercapacitor energy storage, which is used to represent the distributed BES. The results from both simulation and experiment verified the analytic conclusions, which found that the integration of BES into the submodules of a MMC increases reliability by using short series strings of batteries and reduces conduction losses. This is achieved without impacting the terminal characteristics of the MMC as state of charge balance between BES units can be achieved through internally circulating currents. Finally, the MMC is found to be capable of operating with BES integrated into a select number of submodules, which can reduce BES installation costs and increase reliability.
LTBP1 promotes fibrillin incorporation into the extracellular matrix

LTBP1 is a large extracellular matrix protein and an associated ligand of fibrillinmicrofibrils. Knowledge of LTBP1 functions is largely limited to its role in targeting and sequestering TGFβ growth factors within the extracellular matrix, thereby regulating their bioavailability. However, the recent description of a wide spectrum of phenotypes in multiple tissues in patients harboring LTBP1 pathogenic variants suggests a multifaceted role of the protein in the homeostasis of connective tissues. To better understand the human pathology caused by LTBP1 deficiency it is important to investigate its functional role in extracellular matrix formation. In this study, we show that LTBP1 coordinates the incorporation of fibrillin-1 and −2 into the extracellular matrix in vitro. We also demonstrate that this function is differentially exerted by the two isoforms, the short and long forms of LTBP1. Thereby our findings uncover a novel TGFβ-independent LTBP1 function potentially contributing to the development of connective tissue disorders.
Scaled agile framework. Dealing with software process‐related challenges of a financial group with the action research approach

This article reports on a domain‐specific software development venture at Nordea. We explore organizational constraints, challenges, and corrective actions undertaken when scaling the agile development approach of their Core Banking Platform program. The fit and required customizations of the rather complex and rigid SAFe framework in a policy‐heavy financial institution are audited against the organic growth of the program. In a qualitative study with three cycles using the Action Research method, both organizational and technical restrictions were tackled jointly with the company employees. Thirty‐four potential solutions were developed—some of which turned out to be dead‐ends. Ultimately, the effectiveness of prior recommendations was tested in a highly challenging implementation environment, and the list of guidelines was extended. We discovered several meeting and collaboration schemes that are not fully aligned with previous reports.
Evaluation of Long-Term Performance of Stone Matrix Asphalt in Washington State

AbstractStone mastic asphalt (SMA) has been used for decades to extend the life of asphalt pavements, especially in terms of rutting resistance. However, its performance and cost-effectiveness have been debated. This study evaluates the long-term performance of an SMA pavement and its control hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavement in eastern Washington State. The field performance of the SMA pavement and HMA control pavement was evaluated based on the data in a pavement management system and site visits. Field cores were extracted from both the SMA and HMA pavements and subjected to indirect tension (IDT) dynamic modulus tests, creep compliance tests, studded tire wear resistance tests, and intermediate and low temperature IDT fracture tests in the laboratory. SMA and HMA asphalt binders also were extracted, recovered, and subjected to performance grading, multiple stress and creep recovery tests, and monotonic tests. This study found that in the field, the SMA pavement outperformed the HMA pavement in terms of r.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of Tungsten’s Interstitial Dislocation Loops Formation Induced by Irradiation under Local Strain

A molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the effect of applied strain on the formation of primary defects and the probability of interstitial dislocation loops (IDLs) formation of tungsten (W) during a collision cascade event. The research investigated primary knock-on atom energies of 1, 6, 10, and 14 keV, applied on a deformed W structure (form −1.4~1.6%). The peak and surviving number of Frenkel pairs (FPs) increased with increasing tension; however, these increases were more pronounced under higher strain due to the formation of IDLs. For 10 self-interstitial atoms (SIA) lengths, the strain effect reduces the clustering energy of the IDLs by about 7 eV. In general, the current findings suggest that strain effects should be carefully considered in radiation-damaged environments, particularly in low-temperature, high-radiation-energy environments. The compressed condition may advantage materials used in high-radiation-damage devices and power systems.
The Role of bi-Directional Graphic Communication in Human-Unmanned Operations

Abstract Digitization in the battlefield enables bi-directional graphic communication, i.e., sharing pictures or video feeds derived from unmanned systems, among distributed elements. Introducing robotic technologies at the battalion level is aimed to support shorter OODA (observe-orient-decide-act) cycles and more agility. Our focus is on developing bi-directional graphic communication tools for observer-executer teams as alternative ways to communicate. Following the Design Science Research methodology, four closely related consecutive studies with subject matter experts (SMEs) demonstrate how we first learn about phenomena and then use the knowledge to design interaction tools for communication. We first study the human-human observer-executer teams. Then, as the design of the interaction tools evolves, we transfer design principles into communication tools between an executer and the unmanned system (Wizard of Oz study). Our work highlights the potential of implementing and using bi-directional graphic communication to enhance battlefield understanding in addition to verbal communication (speech or chat). We demonstrate the necessity of user-centered development and evaluation for design and application. Further, we emphasize the role of the unmanned system operator (observer) and raise questions regarding how to further progress in teaming with intelligent unmanned systems.
Effect of Dietary Enrichment with Flaxseed, Vitamin E and Selenium, and of Market Class on the Broiler Breast Meat—Part 1: Nutritional and Functional Traits

The effect of dietary enrichment with flaxseed, selenium and vitamin E, and market class on the nutritional and functional value of breast meat was evaluated. A completely randomized block design was set up, where the experimental unit (n = 6000 birds) received conventional or enriched diet and was slaughtered at 37 (light class), 47 (medium class), or 57 (heavy class) days of life. Hence, functional and standard Pectoralis major muscles from every market class were analyzed for FA composition, inorganic elements and vitamin E. Lipid metabolism indices and health lipid indicators were assessed along with the nutritional value. A multiple linear model revealed that in breasts, the dietary treatment significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the FA profile, lipid metabolism and health lipid indices, while the slaughtering weight was related (p < 0.05) to most of elements (e.g., Na, Mg, K, Mn, and Se) and vitamin E. The interdependence of the two factors had strong relations (p < 0.05) with total PUFAs, including linolenic acid, desaturase activities, health lipid indices, trace essential elements and vitamin E. Consequently, enriched meat from heavy chickens showed the best functional and nutritional traits. Overall, the study pointed out that both market class and dietary manipulation are two relevant factors to consider for producing breast meat with higher nutritional and functional value.
Assessing Carbon Pools of Three Indigenous Agroforestry Systems in the Southeastern Rift-Valley Landscapes, Ethiopia

The role of agroforestry (AF) systems in providing ecosystem services is very crucial. The greatest considerable increase in carbon (C) storage is often attained by moving from lower biomass land-use systems to tree-based systems such as AF. However, for estimation of C stocks in indigenous AF systems of southeastern Rift-Valley landscapes, Ethiopia, the data are scarce. This study was aimed to investigate the biomass, biomass carbon (BC), and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock of Enset-based, Enset-Coffee-based, and Coffee-Fruit-tree-Enset based AF systems. Comparison of SOC stock of AF systems against their adjacent monocrop farms was also investigated. Research questions were initiated to answer whether C stocks among the three AF systems vary because of different management systems and how biomass C stock is influenced by species abundance, diversity, and richness in the AF systems. The study was carried out at three selected sites in the Dilla Zuria district of Gedeo zone. Twenty farms (total of 60) representative of each AF system were arbitrarily selected and inventoried, and the biomass C stocks estimated. Ten adjacent monocrop farms which were related to each AF system were selected in a purposive manner for comparison of SOC stock. Inventory and soil sampling were employed in the 10 × 10 m farm plot. The mean AGB ranged from 81.1 to 255.9 t ha−1 and for BGB from 26.9 to 72.2 t ha−1. The highest C stock was found in Coffee–Fruittree–Enset based (233.3 ± 81.0 t ha−1), and the lowest was in Coffee–Enset based AF system (190.1 ± 29.8 t ha−1). The result showed that SOC stocks were not statistically significant between the three AF systems, although they showed a significant difference in their BC stock. The C stocks of the investigated AF systems are considerably higher than those reported for some tropical forests and AF systems. The SOC of AF systems is significantly higher than the ones for the adjacent monocrop farms. Therefore, it can be understood that the studied AF systems are storing significant amounts of C in their biomass as well as in soil. This considerable C storage by these systems might contribute to climate change mitigation.
Migfilin: Cell Adhesion Effect and Comorbidities

Abstract Cell adhesion manifests as cell linkages to neighboring cells and/or the extracellular matrix (ECM). Migfilin is a widely expressed adhesion protein. It comprises three LIM domains in the C-terminal region and one proline-rich sequence in the N-terminal region. Through interplay with its various binding partners, such as Kindlin-2, Filamin, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) protein and the transcription factor CSX, Migfilin facilitates the dynamic association of connecting actomyosin fibers, orchestrating cell morphogenetic movement and cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion, differentiation and signal transduction. In this review, to further elucidate the functional contributions of and pathogenesis induced by Migfilin, we focused on the structure of Migfilin and the targets which it directly binds with. We also summarized the role of Migfilin and its binding partners in the progression of different diseases and malignancies. As a possible candidate for coordinating various cellular processes and because of its association with both the pathogenesis and progression of certain tumors, Migfilin likely has utility as a therapeutic target against multiple diseases in the clinic.
Children’s and Adults’ Attribution of Moral Judgments to Human and Supernatural Agents

ABSTRACT Adults commonly conceptualize intentional harms as worse than accidental harms. We probed the developmental trajectory of this pattern and asked whether U.S. children (4 – to 7-year-olds) and adults expected other agents – including another person and God – to share their views. In contrast with some prior work, even the youngest children in the present study considered intent when making moral judgments. Although children did not distinguish among the agents when indicating how severely they would punish intentional and accidental transgressors, adults reported that God would punish less severely than would they themselves or another person. Furthermore, children and adults differed in their evaluation of how the agents would react to the transgressors: Adults and older children were more likely than younger children to attribute spiritual and religious reactions to God. These findings suggest that even young children’s moral judgments are sensitive to information about intent but that the propensity to distinguish others’ focus on intent from one’s own emerges more gradually across age.
WeChat's Effect on Online Purchase Intention of Fast Moving Consumer Goods

The purpose of this study is to explore WeChat's effect on Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) online purchase intention among Chinese people in New Zealand. In this study, a quantitative research method is employed to collect primary data through an online survey with a questionnaire from 139 respondents in New Zealand. The findings reveal that WeChat is widely used by Chinese in New Zealand; with more than half of the respondents were using WeChat’s online shopping function. The WeChat users are mostly young people. When using WeChat to purchase, users in New Zealand are concerned about the interface on WeChat shopping, the recommendation of WeChat, the security and confidentiality of personal information on WeChat. These factors are highly correlated with online purchase intention. WeChat users agreed that WeChat is convenient, easy to use payment method. These two parameters are highly correlated with online purchase intention. On the contrary, WeChat users do not agree with product information, and other unfamiliar customers’ recommendation to buy FMCG through WeChat.
Coupled Analysis of a Spar Floating Wind Turbine considering both Ice and Aerodynamic Loads

ii could have a significant influence in the lifetime of the wind turbine by accelerating fatigue damages. However, the power production does not seems to be significantly impacted, at the rated speed at least. The results achieved are not providing an extensive enough basis to state on the relative importance of ice loads in regards to aerodynamic loads. However, it is a good first insight of the subject and knowledge was gained in the simulation settings that will be a good asset in the future. Due to convergence problems in the module and the time needed to run a full simulation, only a restricted number of cases where tested and this work should be continued to obtain more extensive data and thus draw more accurate conclusions. During this investigation, the possibility offered by the coupled model to run analysis of a spar floating wind turbine considering both ice and aerodynamic loads where demonstrated. Moreover, this work has given a first validation on the settings to apply through a convergence study on both simulation time and time step influences. The cases including both wind and ice should be investigated further to allow longer simulations. It would be necessary to also complete the Fortran code to include randomly varying ice conditions. This way, the simulations would be run in more realistic conditions – varying ice properties along the ice sheet and turbulent wind. A possible continuation of this work could be to include a fatigue module and look more closely on the influence of the ice loads in the energy production. Besides, now that the model gives long enough time simulations and thus stable results, it would be necessary to assess the real quality of this model by comparing the numerical results to model tests or full scale data. Nonetheless, this work demonstrate that future modelling design improvements for floating wind turbines are possible.
A Thomistic Account of Human Free Will and Divine Providence: Pedro de Ledesma and the De Auxiliis Controversy

Pedro de Ledesma is one of the Dominican theologians of the School of Salamanca involved in the De Auxiliis controversy, i.e., the disputes around a famous book by Luis de Molina on the relation between divine foreknowledge and providence and our free will. Studying an unpublished manuscript by Ledesma and his 1611 book on this subject, the article shows that he opposed Molina with a Thomistic position that we call deflationary. According to this interpretation, God, in moving the created will to do good actions, does not bring about an entity distinct from volition itself. Contrary to other Thomists, he does not think that the immediate effect of the divine motion of the will is an intermediary entity used by God to produce, with the will, the created free act. Ledesma defends his thesis by using some elements of Aristotelian-Thomistic metaphysics, in particular, a minimalist interpretation of the relation between action and passion already present in Domingo de Soto and the specific causality of immanent acts.
Community Co-Design of Regional Actions for Children’s Nutritional Health Combining Indigenous Knowledge and Systems Thinking

Children’s nutrition is highly influenced by community-level deprivation and socioeconomic inequalities and the health outcomes associated, such as childhood obesity, continue to widen. Systems Thinking using community-based system dynamics (CBSD) approaches can build community capacity, develop new knowledge and increase commitments to health improvement at the community level. We applied the formal structure and resources of a Group Model Building (GMB) approach, embedded within an Indigenous worldview to engage a high deprivation, high Indigenous population regional community in New Zealand to improve children’s nutrition. Three GMB workshops were held and the youth and adult participants created two systems map of the drivers and feedback loops of poor nutrition in the community. Māori Indigenous knowledge (mātauranga) and approaches (tikanga) were prioritized to ensure cultural safety of participants and to encourage identification of interventions that take into account social and cultural environmental factors. While the adult-constructed map focused more on the influence of societal factors such as cost of housing, financial literacy in communities, and social security, the youth-constructed map placed more emphasis on individual-environment factors such as the influence of marketing by the fast-food industry and mental wellbeing. Ten prioritized community-proposed interventions such as increasing cultural connections in schools, are presented with the feasibility and likely impact for change of each intervention rated by community leaders. The combination of community-based system dynamics methods of group model building and a mātauranga Māori worldview is a novel Indigenous systems approach that engages participants and highlights cultural and family issues in the systems maps, acknowledging the ongoing impact of historical colonization in our communities.