Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Pumping Regime on Electricity Cost Savings in Urban Water Supply System

The main purpose of the presented research is to raise the efficiency of pumping stations’ operational work by developing a model for reducing energy costs in urban water supply systems. Pumping systems are responsible for a significant portion of the total electrical energy use. Significant opportunities exist to reduce the pumping energy through smart design, retrofitting, and operating practices. Today, considering the increase in pumping energy prices in water conveyance systems, the problem of optimal operation of pumping stations is very actual. The optimal operation of pumping stations was determined using a Genetic Algorithm Optimization (GAO) to achieve the minimum energy cost. The paper presents a novel management model for the optimal design and operation of water pumping systems on a real case study for the town of Gonabad in Iran. To achieve this goal, three days in a year were selected randomly. The results indicate that the proposed mode in conjunction with a GAO is a versatile management model for the design and operation of the real pumping station. Modeling results show that optimization with a GAO reduces power consumption by about 15–20%.
Predictive Regressions for Aggregate Stock Market Volatility with Machine Learning

We investigate whether machine learning techniques and a large set of financial and macroeconomic variables can be used to predict future S&P realized volatility. We evaluate the aggregate volatility predictions of regularization methods (Ridge, Lasso, and Elastic Net), tree-based methods (Random forest and Gradient boosting), and forecast combination methods. We find that the machine learning algorithms outperform autoregressive benchmark models, both statistically and economically, and that the tree-based methods perform the best. In addition to its past realizations, our analysis reveals that the main drivers of aggregate volatility are several financial and macroeconomic uncertainty proxies.
Matière grasse laitière - Composition, organisation et propriétés

Le lait est une emulsion de matiere grasse dans un liquide aqueux presentant des analogies avec le plasma sanguin. La matiere grasse est, parmi les composants importants du lait, celui qui est le plus variable en proportion ainsi qu'au niveau de sa composition. Elle se presente sous forme globulaire et dispersee dans la phase aqueuse que represente le lait ecreme. L'emulsion de type huile dans l'eau est relativement instable en raison de la taille importante des globules gras (0,1 a 20 μm) et de leur propension, dans certaines conditions, a s'agglomerer. Comme dans tout systeme disperse, le niveau d'energie emmagasine, sous forme d'energie libre interfaciale, est eleve, ce qui rend le systeme thermodynamiquement instable. En outre, ces globules, en majorite constitues de triglycerides, sont proteges par une membrane externe complexe dont les capacites de resistance sont limitees. Partant de ce constat, les differentes technologies chercheront: - soit a preserver I'integrite globulaire, autant que faire se peut, afin de limiter les processus d'alteration de la matiere grasse intraglobulaire, tels que l'hydrolyse enzymatique ou lipolyse et l'oxydation des acides gras insatures prejudiciables a la qualite du lait et des produits laitiers ; - soit a separer la phase grasse du lait dans le cadre de l'ecremage ; - soit, au contraire, a destructurer partiellement ou totalement l'organisation globulaire dans le cadre de traitements tels que l'homogeneisation, le foisonnement, la butyrification, la concentration et la deshydratation. Le lecteur interesse pourra consulter les ouvrages [3] a [9] a la fin du dossier.
Market and marketing of functional food in Europe

In the paper an overview is given about the market situation of functional food in Europe. The global market of functional food is estimated up to 33 billion US$, the respective market estimations for Europe exceed 2 billion US$, representing less than 1%of the European food market. Functional dairy products are the key product sector accounting for sales of around 1.35 billion US$ in 1999 in Europe. Mostly multinational food companies as well as international suppliers profit from the market growth of functional food. A limited number of small and medium sized companies are active in market niches or "me-too" products. special reports in nutritional research, product development and marketing are necessary to realise long-lasting market success of functional food products. Therefore the market is characterised by a high rate of product failures. General success factors for the marketing of food (like tasty products, convenience, variety) play a crucial role in functional food as well.
Performance of maize hybrids as a function of spatial arrangements during second growth season under irrigation

There is little information on how different spatial arrangements affect modern maize hybrids under irrigation in the maize second growing season in Brazil. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of maize genotypes with different canopy architecture as a function of different spatial arrangements in the Southeast Brazil. Two maize hybrids with semi-erect (DKB 390) and erect (DKB 230) leaves were cultivated during the second season and evaluated for different plant densities (4, 7 and 10 × 104 plants·ha−1) and row spacings (0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 m), under irrigation in a tropical environment. The increase in plant density increased plant height and ear insertion height, but reduced stalk diameter. The absorbed photosynthetically active radiation and the leaf area index also increased in higher plant densities, with a reduction of the SPAD index. The increase in plant density enhanced grain yield, however, there was no difference of yield between different row spacings. The hybrid DKB 230 (upright leaves) showed greater yield potential compared to DKB 390 (semi-upright leaves). The critical leaf area index was 5.2 and 4.3 for the hybrids DKB 230 and DKB 390, respectively. The estimated plant density that provides the maximum yield are 9.7 × 104 and 8.8 × 104 plants·ha−1 for the hybrids DKB 230 and DKB 390, respectively.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) independent Cushing’s syndrome due to unilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia: two case reports

Adrenal unilateral macronodular hyperplasia is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. We discuss the case of two patients who present Cushing syndrome due to unilateral adrenal hyperplasia. They presented the signs of clinical hypercorticism as well as metabolic, cardiovascular and osteoporotic complications. Both patients presented clinical and laboratory signs of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome with elevated urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels, adrenal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the appearance of unilateral adrenal adenoma and normal contralateral adrenal gland. Adrenalectomy was performed under laparoscopic surgery; the resected mass was pathologically diagnosed as unilateral nodular adrenal hyperplasia. Unilateral adrenal hyperplasia is a very rare etiology of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome, often mistaken for adenoma on CT and only pathological examination can confirm the diagnosis.
Comparative Effectiveness of Mind-Body Exercise Versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for College Students with Problematic Smartphone Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of mind-body exercise (ME) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on addiction level and psychological well-being among college students with problematic smartphone use (PSU). Methods: A 12-week randomized controlled study was carried out at a university in central China. A total of 95 PSU college students who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a ME group (ME, n = 31), CBT group (CBT, n = 30), or control group (CG, n = 34). Both ME intervention and CBT, twice per week for 90 min per session, lasting for 12 weeks were administered by a certified therapist respectively. Participants in the CG group were asked to maintain their original lifestyle. Results: A significant reduction in addiction level (p < 0.001 for ME vs. CBT; p < 0.001 for ME vs. CG), loneliness (p < 0.001 for ME vs. CG), anxiety (p < 0.001 for ME vs. CG; p < 0.001 for CBT vs. CG) was found. Only significant stress reduction was observed in ME and CBT between baseline and Week 12 (ps < 0.001). Conclusions: ME and CBT (mainstream psychotherapy) may effectively overcome PSU of college students, and reduced the level of smartphone addiction, loneliness, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, as a culture-specific, low-cost, and readily accessible training program with multiple components (gentle movement, anatomic alignment, mental focus, deep breathing, and meditative state of mind that is similar to mindfulness emphasizing noncompetitive, present-moment, and nonjudgmental introspective component), ME seems to be superior to CBT in terms of PSU.
PENGUJIAN DIRECT EVAPORATIVE COOLING POSISI VERTIKAL DENGAN ALIRAN SEARAH

Evaporative cooling adalah pendingin yang ramah lingkungan dan hemat energi untuk pendinginan gedung di daerah yang memiliki iklim panas dan kering. Secara sederhana Evaporative cooling bekerja dengan menguapkan air ke udara, selama penguapan berlangsung sistem tersebut harus menyerap panas yang berasal dari udara masuk yang bersentuhan dengan air. Sebagian panas diserap oleh air dan udara menjadi lebih dingin. Air tidak mengalami kenaikan suhu selama proses ini, tetapi hanya berubah dari fase cairan menjadi uap. Pengujian ini menggunakan Direct Evaporative Cooing . Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui temperatur, kelembaban udara dan efektifitas yang dapat dicapai oleh mesin direct evaporative cooling . Adapun penelitian ini dilakukan dengan mengontrol suhu dan kelembaban udara masuk. Direct evaporative cooling, dapat menurunkan temperature sebesar 3-4 O C, untuk Tin 30 O C, untuk Tin 35 O C dapat menurunkan temperatur sebesar 6-7 O C, sedangkan untuk Tin 40 O C dapat menurunkan temperatur sebesar 8-11 O C. Efektifitas tertinggi terjadi ketika temperatur masuk 40 O C, dimana efektitasnya bisa mencapai 94 %, sehingga penggunaan evaporative cooler paling optimal pada temperatur masuk 40 O C. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa variasi temperatur masukan dan variasi kelembaban relatif masuk mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap efesiensi direct evaporative cooling .
Determinants Affecting Profitability of Firms: A Study of Oil and Gas Industry in Vietnam

The oil and gas industry is widely known as a vital engine of Vietnam development, stimulating researchers to examine the association of various factors with this industry. The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between different variables affecting profitability of the firms in the oil and gas sector in Vietnam. The total of 203 samples were collected from 29 companies listed on Vietnam Stock Market during a 6-year period from 2012 to 2018. Informed by prior research, this investigation employs financial leverage (FL), government ownership (GOV), dividend payout (DIV), fixed assets to total assets (FA) and exchange rate (EXR) as independent variables, while the profit is described by return-on-assets (ROA). The study results show that there are four factors that have an impact on ROA, namely, leverage, government ownership, dividend, and exchange rate. Whereas leverage and exchange rate have negative influence on ROA, government ownership and dividend payment have a positive effect. The findings of this study suggest that high debt ratio in capital structure and the negative effect of exchange rate on their companies’ efficiency can adversely affect the profit of enterprises. Also, plausible extent of government ownership and dividend payment could also be considered to optimize corporate performance.
Vigor-S: System for Automated Analysis of Soybean Seed Vigor

Abstract: Computerized systems for image analysis are alternatives to decrease the subjectivity and speed of assessment of seed physiological potential. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of the Seed Vigor Automated Analysis System (Vigor-S) to identify differences in vigor among soybean seed lots compared to results of the Seed Vigor Imaging System - SVIS® and tests recommended for evaluation of soybean seed vigor. Two cultivars were used, BMX Potência RR and 7166 RSF IPRO, each one represented by ten seed lots with similar germination and vigor differences. The seeds were evaluated regarding germination, vigor (tetrazolium, accelerated aging), seedling emergence in the field and SVIS® and Vigor-S analysis, in three experimental periods. Analysis of variance was used on the data in a completely randomized experimental design (laboratory tests) and in randomized blocks (field tests), and the mean values were compared by the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). Separation of the seed lots by Vigor-S was consistent with the results obtained in tests recognized as effective in evaluating the physiological potential of soybean seeds, and there was no interference of the different cultivars on the response pattern for vigor. Analysis through Vigor-S proved to be effective in determination of physiological potential and for composition of quality control programs established by soybean seeds production companies.
Subjects living in an onchocerciasis focus and treated 3-monthly with ivermectin develop fewer new onchocercal nodules than subjects treated annually  

Background: Little information is available on the effect of ivermectin on the third and fourth stage larvae of Onchocerca volvulus. To assess a possible prophylactic effect of ivermectin on this parasite, we compared the effects of different ivermectin regimens on the acquisition of onchocercal nodules.Methods: We analyzed data from a controlled randomized clinical trial of ivermectin conducted in the Mbam valley (Cameroon) between 1994 and 1998 in a cohort of onchocerciasis infected individuals. The number of nodules that appeared between the start and the end of the clinical trial was analyzed, using ANOVA and multivariable Poisson regressions, between four treatment arms: 150 µg/kg annually, 800 µg/kg annually, 150 µg/kg 3-monthly, and 800 µg/kg 3-monthly. Results: The mean number of nodules that appeared during the trial was reduced by 17.7% in subjects treated 3-monthly compared to those treated annually (regardless of the dose). Poisson regression model, adjusting on subject’s age and weight, initial number of nodules and intensity of O. volvulus infection in his village of residence, confirmed that the incidence of new nodules was reduced in 3-monthly treatment arms compared to annually treatment arms, and that the dosage of ivermectin does not seem to influence this effect. Besides, the number of newly acquired nodules was positively associated with the initial number of nodules. Analysis of disappearance of nodules did not show any significant difference between the treatment groups. Conclusions: Our result suggest, for the first time in humans, that ivermectin has a partial prophylactic effect on O. volvulus. Three-monthly treatment seems more effective than annual treatment to prevent the appearance of nodules.
Low-temperature laser Raman spectroscopy of synthetic carbonated apatites and dental enamel

A range of synthetic carbonated apatites and human dental enamel have been studied at low temperatures (50 K) by laser Raman spectroscopy. The widths of the Raman spectral bands of hydroxyapatite were significantly reduced at low temperatures with the appearance of several peaks unobserved at room temperatures. The number of observed phosphate and hydroxyl ion Raman peaks was consistent with the space group P63. Spectra of carbonated apatites were not further resolved at low temperatures and Raman peak broadening due to loss of long-range translational order in the apatite structure was linearly correlated with the carbonate content of the sample. The same Raman peak broadening occurred in the spectrum of dental enamel. The number of carbonate bands in the Raman spectrum of carbonated apatites indicated that carbonate exists in two crystallographically distinct sites of different symmetry within the apatite structure.
An estimation method for pavement weigh-in-motion system with preliminary experiment

Accurately and reliably measuring the gross weight and static load of the axles of moving vehicles, especially trucks, is important for preventing road damage and improving traffic safety and monitoring efficiency. This type of vehicle weight measurement is called “weigh-in-motion” (WIM). The conventional purpose of WIM is solely the estimation of the vehicle gross weight. However, WIM is also valuable for estimating the static axle load and the height of the vehicle’s center of gravity, and possibly additional measurements. In this study, a method based on the averaging principle is proposed for signal processing in WIM systems. A preliminary experimental investigation, which involved two types of motorbikes and a light truck as test vehicles, and miniature plate-type measurement devices built by the authors, is presented. The gross weight and the static load of each axle of the vehicles, which traveled at various speeds up to approximately 40 km/h, are estimated with high accuracy.
An Investigation into the Physico-chemical Properties of Transformer Oil Blends with Antioxidants extracted from Turmeric Powder

Abstract The blending of transformer oil (used mainly as an insulating oil) with appropriate synthetic antioxidants, such as BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) and DBP (2,6-di-tert-butylphenol) have been previously reported. This article is focused on the use of antioxidant extracts from turmeric (Curcuma longa), a natural source. Turmeric is well known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties owing to the active nature of its components. Extracts from powdered turmeric were subsequently blended into naphthenic-based uninhibited virgin transformer oil, hereinafter referred to as extract-oil blends (E-OB). Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of the oil blends revealed that five components extracted from turmeric powder were successfully blended into the oil. Subsequent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirmed the presence of the compounds: curcumene, sesquiphellandrene, ar-turmerone, turmerone and curlone. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the extract-oil blends, containing various levels of extracts, revealed an average temperature shift of ∼8.21°C in the initial onset of degradation in comparison to virgin non-blended oil. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that an increase in the mass aliquot of turmeric extracts in the transformer oil increased the free radical scavenging activity of the oil. Electrical properties of the oil investigated showed that the dissipation factor in the blended oil was found to be lower than that of virgin transformer oil. Evidently, a lower dissipation value renders the oil blend as a superior insulator over normal virgin non-blended oil. This investigation elucidated improved physico-chemical properties of transformer oil blended with turmeric antioxidant extracts.
The influence of the Washington Consensus programme on the transitional economies of Eastern Europe - a firm-level analysis

This research explores the effectiveness of the Washington Consensus (WC) programme as a mechanism for improving national welfare in transition and emerging economies, using its internalisation by the European Union (EU) as a proxy. The results indicate that there is a positive benefit to firms with accession to the EU, leading to greater productivity improvement and performance advantages than in non-member states. Foreign direct investment directly benefitted those firms that became investees, with little evidence of spillovers to domestic companies. The vertical nature of the investment, with an emphasis on international production networks that utilise significant levels of foreign inputs, infers protection of intellectual property and a reduction in value added, with results indicating a failure to achieve an export multiplier. There is evidence of substantial benefits accruing to firms in receipt of loans, but the apparent paucity of their availability may imply market failure. The gains made by innovative firms do not appear to do justice to the initiatives undertaken and may indicate a dilution of national innovative capacity.
Behavior of waste activated sludge from enhanced biological phosphorus removal during sludge treatment

Phosphate release and phosphate fixation during sludge treatment of waste activated sludge (WAS) was investigated with a pilot plant for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR), complemented by laboratory investigations of sludge samples from different large EBPR plants. The major part of the eliminated phosphorus in the pilot plant was due to the storage of polyphosphate (poly-P) in the WAS and was accompanied by an uptake of magnesium and potassium. Thickening and stabilizing WAS from the EBPR pilot plant results in a hydrolysis of poly-P which could be modeled with first-order kinetics and the Arrhenius relationship for the temperature dependence of the reaction constant. As a result of poly-P hydrolysis in stabilizing systems, phosphate, magnesium, and potassium are released, but only potassium remains in solution, whereas magnesium and a part of the released phosphate were precipitated as struvite. Another large fraction of the released phosphate was fixed by aluminium.
Broadband dielectric spectroscopy of inhomogeneous and composite weak conductors

ABSTRACT In this paper, we discuss broadband dielectric spectroscopy from mHz up to the infrared range mainly for materials with inhomogeneous weak conductivity, including conductor-dielectric nanocomposites. Our discussion is based on the effective medium approximation (EMA) and experiments modeled by this approach are reviewed. We discuss core–shell composites modeled by coated-spheres (Hashin–Shtrikman model) and normal composites with a possible percolation of the conductor component resulting in sharp or smeared percolation threshold of the DC conductivity and diverging static permittivity in the former case. The sharp percolation threshold is modeled by the Bruggeman EMA or by general EMA with arbitrary percolation threshold and arbitrary critical exponents of the DC conductivity and static permittivity. For the case of smeared percolation threshold in the case of complex topologies, we use the Lichtenecker model allowing for partial percolation of both the components. Finally, numerous papers reporting negative permittivity in weakly conducting materials are criticized and concluded to be due to spurious effects.