Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Principles and Methodologies for the Determination of Shelf-Life in Foods

The establishment of validated methodologies for the determination of food shelf-life is currently demanded by both food industries and Health Authorities at national and international scale. It is well known that most foods are perishable, since they are subjected to modifications in their structure, composition and properties during storage before consumption. These changes are of physico-chemical origin attributed to food composition together with the action of intrinsic and extrinsic environmental factors, and also microbiological, where spoilage flora play an important role. These modifications are “translated into“ sensorial deterioration at a specific time point. In this respect, food-borne bacteria, despite representing a threat for consumers health, do not affect sensorial changes.
Software defined networking applied to the heterogeneous infrastructure of Smart Grid

The increased need for power quality monitoring and active control of distribution grid necessitates the introduction of the Smart Grid (SG) approach, requiring an efficient ICT system for the monitoring and control of distribution grid state. The main obstacle to deployment of SG in real system is the lack of an efficient communication infrastructure. The use a heterogeneous network, which employs various technologies, appears to be the most promising solution. Nevertheless, the management of these communication systems has proven to be hard and error prone. In this paper, a Software Defined Networking (SDN) approach has been proposed to manage SG communication system applied to grid monitoring/supervision. The preliminary feasibility analysis is promising, although a more detailed modeling and analysis of the system is needed due to the extreme heterogeneity of the network.
Transcriptional Analyses of Antifungal Drug Resistance in Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Oral infections with the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans are one of the most frequent and earliest opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. The widespread use of azole antifungal drugs has led to the development of drug-resistant isolates. Several molecular mechanisms that contribute to drug resistance have been identified, including increased mRNA levels for two types of efflux pump genes: the ATP binding cassette transporter CDRs (CDR1 and CDR2) and the major facilitator MDR1. Using Northern blot analyses, the expression patterns of these genes have been determined during logarithmic and stationary phases of cell growth and during growth in different carbon sources in a set of matched susceptible and fluconazole-resistant isolates that have been characterized previously.MDR1, CDR1, and CDR2 are expressed early during logarithmic growth, CDR4 is expressed late during logarithmic growth, and CDR1 is preferentially expressed in stationary-phase cells. There is a small decrease in expression of these genes when the cells are grown in carbon sources other than glucose. While increased mRNA levels of efflux pump genes are commonly associated with azole resistance, the causes of increased mRNA levels have not yet been resolved. Southern blot analysis demonstrates that the increased mRNA levels in these isolates are not the result of gene amplification. Nuclear run-on assays show thatMDR1 and CDR mRNAs are transcriptionally overexpressed in the resistant isolate, suggesting that the antifungal drug resistance in this series is associated with the promoter andtrans-acting factors of the CDR1,CDR2, and MDR1 genes.
Tabu search algorithms for the maximum clique problem

Method of weaving a three-dimensional fabric which comprises the steps of inserting a number of doubled weft yarns between the layers of the warp yarns, securing the loops which connect the weft yarns by means of a binder yarn threaded therethrough, inserting vertical yarns between the vertical rows of warp yarns perpendicularly to the weft and warp yarns, and after repeating the first two steps beating the woven yarn with a reed. A loom for carrying out this process is also disclosed.
Multi label classification of discrete data

The paper describes an algorithm for multi-label classification. Since a pattern can belong to more than one class, the task of classifying a test pattern is a challenging one. We propose a new algorithm to carry out multi-label classification which works for discrete data.We have implemented the algorithm and presented the results for different multi-label data sets. The results have been compared with the algorithm multi-label KNN or ML-KNN and found to give good results.
Functional ecology of advance regeneration in relation to light in boreal forests

This paper reviews aspects of the functional ecology of naturally established tree seedlings in the boreal forests of North America with an emphasis on the relationship between light availability and the growth and survival of shade tolerant conifers up to pole size. Shade tolerant conifer species such as firs and spruces tend to have a lower specific leaf mass, photosynthetic rate at saturation, live crown ratio, STAR (shoot silhouette area to total needle surface area ratio), and root to shoot ratio than the shade intolerant pines. The inability of intolerant species such as the pines and aspen to survive in shade appears to be mainly the result of characteristics at the shoot, crown, and whole-tree levels and not at the leaf level. Although firs and spruces frequently coexist in shaded understories, they do not have identical growth patterns and crown architectures. We propose a simple framework based on the maximum height that different tree species can sustain in shade, which may help managers determine the timing of partial or complete harvests. Consideration of these functional aspects of regeneration is important to the understanding of boreal forest dynamics and can be useful to forest managers seeking to develop or assess novel silvicultural systems.
Polymerase chain reaction amplification of naphthalene-catabolic and 16S rRNA gene sequences from indigenous sediment bacteria

We report the amplification of bacterial genes from uninoculated surface and subsurface sediments by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR amplification of indigenous bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA genes was unsuccessful when subsurface sediment containing approximately 10(7) cells.g-1 was added directly to a PCR mixture. However, when 10 mg of sediment was inoculated with approximately 10(5) cells of Pseudomonas putida G7, the nahAc naphthalene dioxygenase gene characteristic of the P. putida G7 NAH7 plasmid was detected by PCR amplification. Southern blotting of the PCR amplification product improved sensitivity to 10(3) to 10(4) cells from samples inoculated with P. putida G7, but controls with no sediment added showed that the PCR was partially inhibited by the sediments. Lysozyme-sodium dodecyl sulfate-freeze-thaw DNA extraction was combined with gel electrophoretic partial purification in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone to render DNA from indigenous bacteria in surface or subsurface sediment samples amplifiable by PCR using eubacterial 16S ribosomal DNA primers. The nahAc gene could also be amplified from indigenous bacteria by using nahAc-specific primers when PCR conditions were modified by increasing Taq and primer concentrations. Restriction digests of the nahAc amplification products from surface and subsurface sediments revealed polymorphism relative to P. putida G7. The procedures for DNA extraction, purification, and PCR amplification described here demonstrate that the PCR is a potentially useful tool in studies of function- and taxon-specific DNA from indigenous microbial communities in sediment and groundwater environments.
Here to stay

The role of adaptive modulation techniques in the wireless networks of the future is discussed. Adaptive modulation permits the good coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (COFDM) channels to be allocated more sophisticated modulation techniques to increase the data throughput, while poor channels can use basic modulation techniques. Adaptive modulation, which adapts the transmission scheme to current channel characteristics, is used to achieve robust and spectrally efficient communication over multipath fading channels. The results indicate that the dynamic switching of modulation format can enhance the system capacity per given bandwidth substantially without sacrificing the expected bit error rate (BER) performance.
Drain Current Collapse in Nanoscaled Bulk MOSFETs Due to Random Dopant Compensation in the Source/Drain Extensions

We reveal a new statistical variability phenomenon in bulk n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors scaled down to 18-nm physical gate length. Rare but dramatic on-current degradation is observed in 3-D simulations of large ensembles of transistors that are subject to random dopant fluctuations. Physically, it originates from the random compensation of donors (from the source or drain extension) and acceptors (from halo implants) around the access regions to the channel, leading to mobile charge starvation, dramatic increase in the access resistance, and corresponding current collapse. The estimated frequency of occurrence of the phenomenon is higher than one in a hundred for a square device and higher than 10-4 for two-times-wider devices, as demonstrated by simulations of 10 000-device ensembles.
Parameters for molecular dynamics simulations of iron‐sulfur proteins

Iron‐sulfur proteins involved in electron transfer reactions have finely tuned redox potentials, which allow them to be highly efficient and specific. Factors such as metal center solvent exposure, interaction with charged residues, or hydrogen bonds between the ligand residues and amide backbone groups have all been pointed out to cause such specific redox potentials. Here, we derived parameters compatible with the AMBER force field for the metal centers of iron‐sulfur proteins and applied them in the molecular dynamics simulations of three iron‐sulfur proteins. We used density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations and Seminario's method for the parameterization. Parameter validation was obtained by matching structures and normal frequencies at the quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics levels of theory. Having guaranteed a correct representation of the protein coordination spheres, the amide H‐bonds and the water exposure to the ligands were analyzed. Our results for the pattern of interactions with the metal centers are consistent to those obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) experiments and DFT calculations, allowing the application of molecular dynamics to the study of those proteins. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MULTILEVEL FACTOR ANALYSIS OF CLASS AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT COMPONENTS CSE Technical Report

Issues related to between-class and within-class decomposition of achievement variance and the change of this decomposition over the course of the eighth-grade were examined using the Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS, 1985), a study in which there was a nested or hierarchical data structure of students within classes, within schools, in school districts. The usefulness of multilevel factor analysis (MFA) was explored with a subset of data containing 3,724 eighth graders in the United States from about 200 classes in about 100 schools. The core test for analysis consisted of 39 items in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and measuremant given as a pretest and posttest in fall 1982 and spring 1983. It was found that the strong elements of tracking in eighth-grade mathematics classes make for between-class variation that is about as large as the within-class student variation. Within-class variability increases much more substantially than between-class variation over the course of the eighth-grade. MFA is ccnsidered to give better results than analysis of variance or conventional factor analysis. However, MFA calls for data with a sizable number of groups, preferably at least 100. Extensions of the MFA model are briefly discussed. Scven tables of study data, 2 figures, and a list of 27 references are included. (SLD) *********************************************************************-** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office ot Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) VThrs document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it r Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction duality Points olview Or opinions Stated in tilt% doCu ment do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy MULTILEVEL FACTOR ANALYSIS OF CLASS AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT COMPONENTS CSE Technical Report 332
Calcium Deposits in the Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus: Microstructure Versus Elemental Distribution

Abstract The crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus stores calcium ions, easily mobilizable after molting, for calcifying parts of the new exoskeleton. They are chiefly stored as amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) during each premolt in a pair of gastroliths synthesized in the stomach wall. How calcium carbonate is stabilized in the amorphous state in such a biocomposite remains speculative. The knowledge of the microstructure at the nanometer level obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman and X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy gave relevant information on the elaboration of such an ACC-stabilized biomineral. We observed nanogranules distributed along chitin-protein fibers and the aggregation of granules in thin layers. AFM confirmed the nanolevel structure, showing granules probably surrounded by an organic layer and also revealing a second level of aggregation as described for other crystalline biominerals. Raman analyses showed the presence of ACC, amorphous calcium phosphate, and calcite. Elemental analyses confirmed the presence of elements like Fe, Na, Mg, P, and S. P and S are heterogeneously distributed. P is present in both the mineral and organic phases of gastroliths. S seems present as sulfate (probably as sulfated sugars), sulfonate, sulfite, and sulfoxide groups and, in a lesser extent, as sulfur-containing amino acids.
A low cost path planer in unknown environments for autonomous mobile robots

This paper presents a new motion planning algorithm for mobile robot in a local environment. The algorithm uses the step-by-step approach to move the robot along the line that joins the starting point and the goal point. When an obstacle is met the algorithm assigns a value to each point of the eight surrounding points that surround the current point then the robot moves to the point that has the minimum value. Each obstacle point is assigned a relatively large value, while the value assigned to a non-obstacle point is the algebraic sum of the horizontal and the vertical distances from the goal point. The proposed algorithm completely eliminates the local minima problem, which is exhibited in most artificial potential methods, and most important it eliminates the "flat-regions" problem. The proposed algorithm is superior to other algorithms because of its simplicity and its low-computational cost. It is also superior to the blind follow algorithms. Simulation results reflects the validity and the potential of the proposed algorithm.
A Simple Startup Strategy Based on Current Regulation for Back-EMF-Based Sensorless Control of PMSM

Back-EMF-based sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) is preferred in many industrial applications due to its control simplicity and high machine efficiency. Position estimation based on the back-EMF is most reliable in the medium-to high-speed range. For applications where low-speed operation is not required, a simple-structure back-EMF-based sensorless controller coupled with a simple startup procedure offers an attractive low-cost solution. This paper proposes a new startup procedure based on closed-loop current regulation. Compared to the existing methods, the new starting method can work under different load conditions and allows smooth transition from the startup procedure to the back-EMF-based sensorless control mode. In order to determine the successful use of the proposed method in various applications, it stability under different load conditions is discussed in detail. The proposed method is robust when it comes to the motor parameter variation and can be used for both surface-mounted PMSMs (SPMSMs) and interior PMSMs. The method presented in this paper is validated using the experimental results on an SPMSM. A general design guideline is also given.
Current Developments in Tissue Engineering of Nucleus Pulposus for the Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

The main cause for back pain is considered to be the degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc (IVD). Some evidence indicates that IVD degeneration originates from the nucleus pulposus (NP). The IVD does not possess self repair capacity. Current treatment options range from pain management to invasive procedures. The science of disc cell transplantation is still in its infancy. Advancement in bioengineering based upon tissue engineering techniques may offer the possibility of repairing damaged disc, if an engineered NP with the appropriate functional properties can be generated to augment the degenerated disc. This is likely to require tri-axial stimulation of tissue engineering constructs.
Finite-element time-domain solver for axisymmetric devices based on discrete exterior calculus and transformation optics

We present a new finite-element time-domain (FETD) solver for analysis of axisymmetric devices based on discrete exterior calculus (DEC) and transformation optics (TO) concepts. The proposed FETD solver decomposes the fields into TEϕ and TMϕ modes, which are expanded by using appropriate set of (vector or scalar) basis functions. Utilizing DEC, trigono-metric orthogonality, and a leap-frog time-integrator, we obtain energy-conserving fully discrete Maxwell's equations. We explore TO principles to map the original problem from a cylindrical system to an equivalent problem on a Cartesian mesh embedded on an effective (artificial) inhomogeneous medium with radial variation. The new FETD solver is illustrated for the efficient solution of a backward-wave oscillator (BWO) encompassing a slow-wave waveguide with sinusoidal corrugations.
Fault-tolerant method for six-phase PMSM by adjusting phase angle

With the rapid development of electric vehicles, fault tolerance requirements of the motor used in electric vehicles become higher and higher. Multi-phase permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) with their low torque ripple and high reliability and other advantages gradually become the main choice of electric vehicle drive motor. In this paper, taken six-phase double Y-shift 30° windings PMSM as the object, compared with the traditional three-phase PMSM, the performance after one phase open is analyzed, and then in order to decrease the torque ripple after one phase open, a fault-tolerant method of adjusting the phase angle of the left phase current is presented. The finite element simulation results show that when one phase open, compared with the three-phase PMSM, the output torque ripple of the six-phase PMSM is lower, and the presented fault-tolerant method can decrease the torque ripple further.
Simultaneous Switching Noise: The Relation between Bus Layout and Coding

As device geometries shrink and power supply voltages decrease, simultaneous switching noise has increasingly detrimental effects on IC reliability. The authors investigate the worst-case conditions for SSN generated by a single switching wire and analyze the impact of transition-reducing encoding on SSN. They show that switching-pattern and layout considerations have a significant impact on TRE performance.
Differentiating members of the thiazolidinedione class: a focus on efficacy

The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or ‘glitazones’ are a new class of drug used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Although their precise mechanism of action is not known, TZDs target insulin resistance directly and thus tackle an underlying cause of the disease. Two TZDs are indicated for use in type 2 diabetes in the USA, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. A third, troglitazone, has been associated with significant hepatotoxicity and has been withdrawn from use. In clinical trials, all three TZDs effectively lower blood glucose levels as monotherapy and in combination therapy with sulfonylureas, metformin and insulin. To date, head‐to‐head comparative studies with these agents have not been performed. It is difficult, therefore, to make direct comparisons of their efficacy since other variables, including baseline glucose levels and study design, can have a significant impact on treatment outcome. Despite this and in light of unique safety issues characterized with certain TZDs, it is useful to look closely at the efficacy data for these agents. It is not sufficient to assume that ‘all glitazones are the same’ because the studies have not yet been done to support this statement. This article will review what is known about the relative efficacy of the TZDs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Likelihood-ratio ranking of gravitational-wave candidates in a non-Gaussian background.

We describe a general approach to detection of transient gravitational-wave signals in the presence of non-Gaussian background noise. We prove that under quite general conditions, the ratio of the likelihood of observed data to contain a signal to the likelihood of it being a noise fluctuation provides optimal ranking for the candidate events found in an experiment. The likelihood-ratio ranking allows us to combine different kinds of data into a single analysis. We apply the general framework to the problem of unifying the results of independent experiments and the problem of accounting for non-Gaussian artifacts in the searches for gravitational waves from compact binary coalescence in LIGO data. We show analytically and confirm through simulations that in both cases applying the likelihood-ratio ranking results in an improved analysis.
Analysis of scattering by an anisotropic uniaxial-coated conducting sphere using higher order hierarchical MoM

This paper present an efficient technique for the analysis of electromagnetic scattering by a conducting sphere coated with uniaxial anisotropic media. The technique is based on the method of higher order MoM of the surface integral equations. This higher order MoM solution uses the higher order hierarchical basis functions which are based on the modified Legendre polynomials. Numerical examples results are given to demonstrate that the higher order hierarchical basis functions are accurate and efficient in the calculations of anisotropic uniaxial-coated conducting objects. The number of unknowns decreases dramatically.