Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of Ions in Shoot and Seed of Quinoa (Chenopodium ‎quinoa Willd.) Under Salinity Stress

ABSTRACT Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a high-nutrient halophyte suitable for ‎cultivating in semi-arid climates and saline soils. The current study investigated the ‎effect of various water salinities (ECi) (i.e., 0.3, 10, 15, 20, and 25 dS m−1) and different ‎irrigation methods (IMs) on accumulation of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), ‎sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl) ions in shoot (stem+leaves) of quinoa at the end of vegetation (onset of flowering) and seed at the end of seed-filling. Therefore, 30 pots (five ECi and two IM in three replications) were prepared with similar conditions. Considering that the salinity threshold value (STV) of quinoa varies during growth and is 8, 20 and 15 dSm−1 at each of ‎establishment, flowering, and seed-filling growth stages, the two IMs consisted of considering STV at each growth stage (T) and permanent irrigation by ‎constant levels of ECi(P). Results indicated that by increasing the ECi from 0.3 to 25 dSm−1 the amount of Na, Cl, and Mg in shoot increased 82.2%, 75.8%, and 8.7%, respectively, while Ca decreased 37.2%. In seeds, Na and Cl increased 43.3% and 50%, respectively, while Mg increased 8% and Ca did not change significantly. An increase in ECi ‎significantly changed ion accumulation content, especially at ECi higher than STV, ‎because it is the onset of damage due to salinity stress and particularly in‏ ‏‎shoot compared to seed due to the halophytic properties of quinoa. The T ‎method of irrigation was preferred due to less accumulation of Na and Cl in ‎shoot and seed, and therefore less damage and loss, especially at higher ‎salinities. ‎
RF kick in the ILC acceleration structure

Detailed results of estimations and simulations for the RF kick caused by input and HOM couplers of the ILC acceleration structure are presented. Results of possible beam emittance dilution caused by RF kick are discussed for the main LINAC acceleration structure, and the RF structures of the ILC bunch compressors BC1 and BC2. Methods of the RF kick reduction are discussed.
SERUM PROLACTIN LEVELS IN WOMEN HAVING HIRSUTISM

Objective: To determine the relationship between serum prolactin levels and the severity of hirsutism. Methods: A sample of sixty female subjects, aged 18-35 years, having hirsutism was selected, while ten normal healthy females were randomly included as controls at IMBB, the University of Lahore in 2014. All subjects underwent an assessment of excess terminal hair growth using the modification of the method originally described by Ferriman and Gallwey (FG). Hirsutism was classified as mild (score 8-15), moderate (score16-25), and severe (score >25). Serum prolactin levels were assayed by ELISA technique. The significance of the difference between the groups was analyzed by independent samples Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Serum prolactin was significantly (p=0.000) higher in mild hirsute and non significantly(p=0.062) higher in moderate hirsute subjects as compared to the control subjects. The prolactin levels were non significantly correlated to mild hirsutism (r=0.072, p=0.615) and to moderate hirsutism (r=0.076, p=0.846). Conclusion: Serum prolactin is raised in hirsute women, however, the relationship between serum prolactin and severity of hirsutism is not statistically significant.
Effect of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) on Marketing Performance, a Case Study in Mellat Bank of Khorram-abad County

Today with more competiveness of industries, markets, and working atmosphere in productive and service organizations, what is very important for maintaining clients present, for attracting new clients and as a result increasing growth of success in organizations is having a suitable relation with clients. Banks are among organizations which are not an exception. Nowadays, due to increasing rate of banks` privatization, it can be argued that significance of attracting clients for banks is more than every time. This study tried to investigate the effect of CRM on marketing performance in banking industry. The research method was applied and survey and descriptive. The sample were 5 branches from Mellat Banks across Khoram-abad County and their clients. There are 45 personnel in this branch and according to Morgan Table, the sample size was 40 people. Clients 1 example was considered to gather information. One questionnaire was designed for bank organization and another one was prepared for banks` clients whose reliability and validity were approved. The results of the study indicates that CRM is ineffective on marketing performance.
Development of the International Space Station (ISS) Fine Water Mist (FWM) Portable Fire Extinguisher

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing a Fine Water Mist (FWM) Portable Fire Extinguisher (PFE) for use on the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS presently uses two different types of fire extinguishers: a water foam extinguisher in the Russian Segments, and a carbon dioxide extinguisher in the United States Orbital Segments, which include Columbus and Kibo pressurized elements. Currently, there are operational and compatibility concerns with the emergency breathing equipment and the carbon dioxide extinguisher. ISS emergency response breathing equipment does not filter carbon dioxide; therefore, crew members are required to have an oxygen supply present during a fire event since the carbon dioxide PFE creates an unsafe breathing environment. The ISS program recommended a nontoxic fire extinguisher to mitigate this operational risk. The FWM PFE can extinguish a fire without creating a hazardous breathing environment for crewmembers. This paper will discuss the unique functional and performance requirements that have been levied on the FWM PFE, identify unique microgravity design considerations for liquid and gas systems, and discuss the NASA ISS specific fire standards that were developed to establish an acceptable portable fire extinguisher s performance.
Influence of temperature on atomic layer epitaxial growth of indium nitride assessed within situgrazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering

The surface topological evolution during the growth of indium nitride (InN) by plasma-assisted atomic layer epitaxy (ALEp) on gallium nitride (GaN) (0001) substrates was studied using in situ real-time grazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) for 180, 250, and 320 °C growth temperatures. The GISAXS data reveal that the ALEp growth of InN on GaN in this temperature range proceeds in a Stranski–Krastanov mode, in which the 2D–3D transition occurred after 2.3 monolayers for 180 °C, 1 monolayer for 250 °C, and 1.5 monolayers for 320 °C. The corresponding initial island center-to-center distances were 7.4, 11.6, and 11.7 nm. Additionally, island coarsening was observed to increase with temperature. After 200 growth cycles, the mean island diameters were 3.9, 5.6, and 7.0 nm, and the mean island center-to-center distances were 8.6, 13.7, and 17.1 nm for 180, 250, and 320 °C growth temperatures, respectively. For the 320 °C growth, the mean island shape was observed to gradually evolve from relatively mounded to cylindrical. These results are supported by atomic force microscopy and specular x-ray reflectivity.The surface topological evolution during the growth of indium nitride (InN) by plasma-assisted atomic layer epitaxy (ALEp) on gallium nitride (GaN) (0001) substrates was studied using in situ real-time grazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) for 180, 250, and 320 °C growth temperatures. The GISAXS data reveal that the ALEp growth of InN on GaN in this temperature range proceeds in a Stranski–Krastanov mode, in which the 2D–3D transition occurred after 2.3 monolayers for 180 °C, 1 monolayer for 250 °C, and 1.5 monolayers for 320 °C. The corresponding initial island center-to-center distances were 7.4, 11.6, and 11.7 nm. Additionally, island coarsening was observed to increase with temperature. After 200 growth cycles, the mean island diameters were 3.9, 5.6, and 7.0 nm, and the mean island center-to-center distances were 8.6, 13.7, and 17.1 nm for 180, 250, and 320 °C growth temperatures, respectively. For the 320 °C growth, the mean island shape was observed to gradually evolve from relati.
Effects of Four Sole Constructions for Combat Boots on Lower Extremity Injuries among Men and Women in U.S. Army Basic Combat Training

Abstract : This report documents a prospective study of effects of four sole constructions for combat boots on the incidence of lower extremity overuse injuries among men and women undergoing U.S. Army basic combat training. Trainees were issued boots that had identical uppers, but differed in soling system constructions. The constructions tested were direct-molded (DMS), welt (WLT), injection-molded, direct-attach with a solid rubber outsole (A-R), and injection-molded, direct-attach with a polyurethane outsole (A-P). The study sample, 1,028 men and 388 women, was randomly divided into four sole construction groups. Group assignment determined the type of boots issued for wear during 10 weeks of basic training. The principal source of data was sick call visits made for problems experienced at or below the knee. Analyses of the men s data revealed that the percentage attending at least one sick call was unaffected by the type of sole construction worn; the proportion of women attending at least one sick call for a problem at or below the knee was highest in the A-P group and lowest in the A-R group. Analyses of medical diagnoses of overuse injuries of the lower extremities did not reveal differences among sole construction groups for the men s data, but the women s data indicated that the proportion of overuse injuries was highest in the A-P group. Based upon overall study results, the A-P construction should not be considered further as a soling system for Army boots, but the A-R construction is acceptable.
Field-test of nacelle-based lidar to explore its applications for Vattenfall as wind park operator

The market share of wind energy is related to many factors, including politics, social acceptance and financial feasibility. In light of reducing the Levelised Energy Cost (LEC) generated from wind energy, power company Vattenfall is continuously looking for new ways of monitoring and improving wind turbine yield. Recent publications have shown nacelle-based lidar to be a valuable tool for research, capturing the interest of Vattenfall's Wind Resource team. To gain more insight in the applications of nacelle-based lidar and their benefits to Vattenfall as operator, a measurement campaign was conducted at wind park Slufterdam West. More specifically, a Wind Iris was installed on the nacelle of the most southern wind turbine (type GE 1.5s) and a sodar of type AQ500 was installed 235m to the southeast of this turbine. The Wind Iris proved to be a useful instrument for measurement of the power curve and mean yaw misalignment. The former was found to be in accordance with the contracted power curve and the latter turned out to be 1.5 degrees. In the wind regime where it is most relevant to the power curve (4-13 m/s), yaw misalignment was found to have no clear relationship with rotor speed and wind speed. Two methods were used to investigate the impact of yaw misalignment on the power curve, but no definitive conclusions could be drawn. Moreover, the Wind Iris was found to be a useful tool for investigating the blockage effect and results were in accordance with theory. Finally, a financial case study was carried out to evaluate implementation of the Wind Iris at Slufterdam. However, since there is no evidence that the turbines have yaw misalignment nor that small yaw misalignment is harming the power curve, implementation is currently not recommended. However, if the impact of yaw misalignment on the power curve can be quantified accurately, implementation can be financially viable.
Le Caratteristiche Principali Dell’Internazionalizzazione Delle Imprese Italiane (The Italian Firms’ International Activity)

Italian Abstract: Il lavoro esamina le caratteristiche delle imprese multinazionali italiane e ne confronta la performance con quella delle altre imprese nei quattro anni successivi alla crisi del 2008. La quota di imprese industriali con almeno 20 addetti che operano anche all’estero e in crescita (dal 7,1 al 13,2 per cento tra 2006 e 2011). Gli insediamenti esteri sono motivati in prevalenza dalla prossimita ai mercati di sbocco. Pure nel caso dei paesi emergenti, che ne accolgono quasi la meta, il minor costo del lavoro assume importanza maggiore ma non prevalente. Le imprese internazionalizzate sono piu produttive e profittevoli, anche rispetto alle imprese esportatrici. Il differenziale di produttivita stimato (circa il 15 per cento rispetto a quante esportano) e in linea con l’evidenza mostrata per gli Stati Uniti da Helpman et al. 2004. Dal 2008 le imprese internazionalizzate hanno conseguito utili superiori alla media e parimenti migliori sono i loro piani futuri di investimento in Italia e di espansione all’estero. Nell’opinione delle imprese, il contributo delle istituzioni pubbliche poste a supporto dei processi di internazionalizzazione e insufficiente.English Abstract: We look at business survey data to investigate characteristics and performances of internationalized Italian firms since the outbreak of the 2008 crisis until 2012. An increasing share of Italian firms with 20 employees or more owns a foreign productive unit (from 7.1 to 13.2% between 2006 and 2011). The main reason for locating units in advanced countries is to be close to outlet markets, this remains true for developing countries (where nearly half of such units were located), even though in this case the search for lower costs becomes more important. Italian multinationals are on average more productive and profitable, even when compared to exporting firms not operating abroad. The productivity gap compared to other exporters is 15 percent, in line with estimates by Helpman et al. (2004) on a sample of US firms. Since 2008, Italian multinationals have had operating profit and planned expansion both in Italy and abroad well above the average. In firms’ opinion, there is room to improve the effectiveness of the support given to foreign expansion by Italian public institutions.
Large-scale screening of thalassemia in Ji’an, P.R. China

Background: To evaluate the prevalence of alpha- and beta-thalassemia in Ji'an City, Jiangxi Province, 28,941 people in the region were genetically screened to identify various thalassemia genotypes. Methods: High-throughput amplicon sequencing and gap-PCR was used to screen 301 thalassemia alleles in 28,941 people in the region. Pregnant women were the focus of this screening, and if a pregnant woman harbored mutations in a thalassemia-inducing gene, her spouse was also genetically tested. Results: Of the participants, 2,380 people were carriers of thalassemia, with at least one thalassemia allele, including 1,742 alpha-thalassemia carriers, 686 beta-thalassemia carriers and 48 composite alpha- and beta-thalassemia carriers. The total carrying rate of thalassemia in Ji'an was 8.22%, and the carrying rates of alpha- and beta-thalassemia were 6% and 2.37%, respectively. In addition, the first measured carrier rate of composite alpha- and beta-thalassemia in Ji'an was 0.17%. According to the geographical distribution of the 1,742 alpha -thalassemia carriers, the city with the highest carrier rate was Suichuan, followed by Wan’an and Taihe. According to the geographical distribution of the 686 beta-thalassemia carriers, the top three cities with high carrier rates were Suichuan, Wan'an and Xiajiang, sequentially. Conclusions: This research emphasizes the importance of large-scale population screening and that comprehensive molecular epidemiology data are necessary for the proper prevention and treatment of thalassemia. The epidemiological data updated in this research may enable the local government to focus on the severity of this disease and determine a method for effective resource allocation under limited resource conditions.
Analisis Penerapan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi Penjualan TUnai dan Kredit dalam Meningkatkan Sistem Pengendalian Internal Penjualan Tunai dan Kredit pada PT. Sinar Gemilang (PT. SGM) (Studi Kasus Pada PT. Sinar Gemilang, Tasikmalaya)

Setiap organisasi akan menjaga semua asset yang dimilikinya untuk menghindari terjadinya kerugian, kecurangan, pencurian, dan segala tindak illegal lainnya. Salah satu cara untuk mencegah semua hal tersebut adalah dengan melakukan pengendalian internal penjualan. Berhasil tidaknya suatu pengendalian internal penjualan akan dipengaruhi oleh faktor penerapan sistem informasi akuntansi penjualan, dimana fungsi tiap bagian satu dengan yang lain saling bersangkutan, dan pembagian tugas sangat berperan penting. Berdasarkan pemikiran diatas, penulis tertarik untuk melakukan penelitian di PT. Sinar Gemilang, yang memiliki masalah dalam perangkapan tugas, dan fungsi. Pelaksanaan tugas yang dilakukan tidak pada bagian yang sesuai, hal ini diatasi dengan penerapan pengendalian internal untuk memperbaiki susunan yang terdapat dalam perusahaan. Dokumen dan faktur penjualan telah dirancang dengan baik sehingga hasil dari transakasi penjualan dapat dipercaya. Daftar pesanan merupakan perincian jumlah, jenis barang yang dipesan oleh konsumen. Daftar pesanan ini diserahkan ke bagian pemasaran untuk diotorisasi. Setiap dokumen diserahkan ke bagian administrasi untuk dijadikan arsip, sehingga terdapat laporan yang dipercaya. Berdasarkan hasil analisa diatas terlihat bahwa Sistem Informasi Akuntansi Penjualan Tunai dan Kredit meningkatkan Pengendalian Internal Penjualan Tunai dan Kredit pada PT. Sinar Gemilang.
Information management for viable organisations

The recent global „credit crunch? has brought sharply into focus the need for better understanding of what it takes for organisations to survive. This research seeks to help organisations maintain their „viability? – the ability to maintain a separate existence and survive on their own. Whilst there are a multitude of factors that contribute to organisational viability, information can be viewed as the lifeblood of organisations. This research increases our understanding of how organisations can manage information effectively to help maintain their viability. The viable systems model (VSM) is an established modelling technique that enables the detailed analysis of organisational activity to examine how the structure and functions performed in an organisation contribute to its „viability? The VSM has been widely applied, in small/large companies, industries and governments. However, whilst the VSM concentrates on the structure and functions necessary for an organisation to be viable, it pays much less attention to information deployment in organisations. Indeed, the VSM is criticised in the literature for being unable to provide much help with detailed information and communication structures and new theories are called for to explore the way people interact and what information they need in the VSM. This research analyses qualitative data collected from four case studies to contribute to our understanding of the role that information plays in organisational viability, making three key contributions to the academic literature. In the information management literature, this research provides new insight into the roles that specific information plays in organisations. In the systems thinking literature, this research extends our understanding of the VSM and builds on its powerful diagnostic capability to provide further criteria to aid in the diagnosis of viable organisations. In the information systems literature, this research develops a framework that can be used to help organisations design more effective information systems.
Establishing Benchmarks for DOE Commercial Building R&D and Program Evaluation: Preprint

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Technologies Program and the DOE research laboratories conduct a great deal of research on building technologies. However, differences in models and simulation tools used by various research groups make it difficult to compare results among studies. The authors have developed a set of 22 hypothetical benchmark buildings and weighting factors for nine locations across the country, for a total of 198 buildings.
Studies of dynamics of physical agent ecosystems

This thesis addresses the problem of learning in physical heterogeneous multi-agent systems (MAS) and the analysis of the benefits of using heterogeneous MAS with respect to homogeneous ones. An algorithm is developed for this task; building on a previous work on stability in distributed systems by Tad Hogg and Bernardo Huberman, and combining two phenomena observed in natural systems, task partition and hierarchical dominance. This algorithm is devised for allowing agents to learn which are the best tasks to perform on the basis of each agents skills and the contribution to the team global performance. Agents learn by interacting with the environment and other teammates, and get rewards from the result of the actions they perform. This algorithm is specially designed for problems where all robots have to co-operate and work simultaneously towards the same goal. One example of such a problem is role distribution in a team of heterogeneous robots that form a soccer team, where all members take decisions and co-operate simultaneously. Soccer offers the possibility of conducting research in MAS, where co-operation plays a very important role in a dynamical and changing environment. For these reasons and the experience of the University of Girona in this domain, soccer has been selected as the test-bed for this research. In the case of soccer, tasks are grouped by means of roles. One of the most interesting features of this algorithm is that it endows MAS with a high adaptability to changes in the environment. It allows the team to perform their tasks, while adapting to the environment. This is studied in several cases, for changes in the environment and in the robots body. Other features are also analysed, especially a parameter that defines the fitness (biological concept) of each agent in the system, which contributes to performance and team adaptability. The algorithm is applied later to allow agents to learn in teams of homogeneous and heterogeneous robots which roles they have to select, in order to maximise team performance. The teams are compared and the performance is evaluated in the games against three hand-coded teams and against the different homogeneous and heterogeneous teams built in this thesis. This section focuses on the analysis of performance and task partition, in order to study the benefits of heterogeneity in physical MAS. In order to study heterogeneity from a rigorous point of view, a diversity measure is developed building on the hierarchic social entropy defined by Tucker Balch. This is adapted to quantify physical diversity in robot teams. This tool presents very interesting features, as it can be used in the future to design heterogeneous teams on the basis of the knowledge on other teams.