Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Extraction of Antioxidants and Caffeine from Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Leaves by Response Surface Methodology

Optimal conditions for the industrial extraction of total polyphenols from mate ( Ilex paraguariensis) were determined using response surface methodology, with two independent variables: ethanol percentage of the extraction solution and liquid to solid ratio. Response variables were total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, concentration of total polyphenols and caffeine content. The optimal conditions found were a liquid to solid ratio from 8 - 9 w w -1 and ethanol percentage of the extraction solution from 30 -50 % w w -1 . Under these conditions the main predicted values corresponding to leaf extracts were 40 μg chlorogenic acid equivalents mL -1 of original extract, 13 g chlorogenic acid equivalents per 100 g dry matter for total polyphenol content, 22 g Trolox equivalents and 15.5 g ascorbic acid equivalents per 100 g dry matter for antioxidant capacity. The total polyphenol content of twig extracts was 36% lower than that in the leaf extracts.
The Impact of Active Aerodynamic Load Control on Fatigue and Energy Capture at Low Wind Speed Sites.

† Active aerodynamic load control of wind turbine blades has been heavily researched for years by the wind energy research community and shows great promise for reducing turbine fatigue damage. One way to benefit from this technology is to choose to utilize a larger rotor on a turbine tower and drive train to realize increased turbine energy capture while keeping the fatigue damage of critical turbine components at the original levels. To assess this rotor-increase potential, Sandia National Laboratories and FlexSys Inc. performed aero/structural simulations of a 1.5MW wind turbine at mean wind speeds spanning the entire operating range. Moment loads at several critical system locations were postprocessed and evaluated for fatigue damage accumulation at each mean wind speed. Combining these fatigue damage estimates with a Rayleigh wind-speed distribution yielded estimates of the total fatigue damage accumulation for the turbine. This simulation procedure was performed for both the turbine baseline system and the turbine system incorporating a rotor equipped with FlexSys active aerodynamic load control devices. The simulation results were post-processed to evaluate the decrease in the blade root flap fatigue damage accumulation provided by the active aero technology. The blade length was increased until the blade root flap fatigue damage accumulation values matched those * This paper is declared work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. † Sandia is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000. of the baseline rotor. With the new rotor size determined, the additional energy capture potential was calculated. These analyses resulted in an energy capture increase of 11% for a mean wind speed of 6.5m/s.
Survey-based Indicators of Regional Labour Markets and Interregional Migration in Norway

A rich set of regional labour market variables is utilised to explain interregional migration in Norway. In particular, regional indicators of labour market pressure are computed from survey data in which respondents are asked to evaluate local job prospects in their resident municipality and the surroundings. Mean satisfaction with local job prospects reported by respondents in a region and related survey-based indicators have a positive and significant impact on net in-migration to the region, also when controlling for traditional measures of regional labour market conditions, such as regional unemployment and wage differentials. Our results suggest that surveys may provide useful information about regional labour markets.
The Solutions to Externalities : From Pigou to Coase

The concept of externalities is as relevant to the field of economics as when Arthur Pigou first postulated the idea in ‘The Economics of Welfare’ (1924). 1 Externalities have hugely significant effects on societal welfare. Take for example the positive externalities deriving from education, which not only lead to increased future output but have also been shown to reduce crime (Hillman, 2009). Moreover, it is essential that the negative externalities arising as a result of economic growth, the most fundamental way of improving living standards, are minimised. Paul Romer likens economic activity to cooking in The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics (2007):
Creatine supplementation in exercised rats: Effects on the aerobic capacity

This study aimed to analyze the possible metabolic disturbances caused by creatine supplementation on aerobic capacity of rats, inferred by the maximal lactate steady state. Forty male Wistar rats (90 days old) were distributed into two groups for eight weeks: trained group (T): rats that were submitted to a training protocol, and supplemented-trained group (TCr): rats that were submitted to a training protocol and received balanced diet supplemented with 2% creatine. The blood lactate concentrations equivalent to maximal lactate steady state during treadmill running were analyzed at the beginning and also at the end of the experiment. At the end of the experiment were done comparing the test results MLSS between the two groups. At the beginning of the experiment, prior to groups division, the majority of animals obtained MLSS at a speed of26 m/min, blood lactate concentration of 3.79 ± 0.76 mmol/L. At the end of the experiment, most of trained rats in T presented MLSS at the speed of28 m/min, blood lactate concentration of 3.37 ± 0.68 mmol/L. Most TCr had MLSS at the speed of28 m/min, blood lactate concentration of 3.52 ± 0.69 mmol/L. We conclude that creatine supplementation was not the cause of the improvement in the aerobic capacity of rats in the tread-mill exercise.
A quantum diffusion law

We analyse diffusion at low temperature by bringing the fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT) to bear on a physically natural, viscous response-function R(t). The resulting diffusion-law exhibits several distinct regimes of time and temperature, each with its own characteristic rate of spreading. As with earlier analyses, we find logarithmic spreading in the quantum regime, indicating that this behavior is robust. A consistent R(t) must satisfy the key physical requirements of Wightman positivity and passivity, and we prove that ours does so. We also prove in general that these two conditions are equivalent when the FDT holds. Given current technology, our diffusion law can be tested in a laboratory with ultra cold atoms.
Testing for Leverage Effects in the Returns of US Equities

This article questions the empirical usefulness of leverage effects to describe the dynamics of equity returns. Relying on both in and out of sample tests we consistently find a weak contribution of leverage effects over the past 25 years of S&P 500 returns. The skewness in the conditional distribution of the returns's time series models in found to explain most of the returns' distribution's asymmetry. This conclusion holds both at the index level and for 70% of the individual stocks constituents of the equity index.
Economic Growth and Environmental Quality in the European Union Countries – Is there Evidence for the Environmental Kuznets Curve?

Abstract This research empirically explores the relation between carbon dioxide emission and economic growth during the period 1992-2010, using panel data on the European Union countries. Both fixed and random effect models are employed to test the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) relationship between CO2 emissions and GDP per capita. While no U-shaped EKC was confirmed empirically for all 28 current EU member states, the graphical analysis demonstrates a justified turning point for CO2 emissions as GDP per capita reaches the level of 23,000 USD. Furthermore, there is a firm empirical ground for the EKC hypothesis based on data from 16 older, relatively high-income EU states. Thus, though not empirically confirmed, there is ample data verifying the existence of the EKC in EU economies.
ENHANCEMENT AND SEGMENTATION OF
DENTAL STRUCTURES IN DIGITIZED
PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHY IMAGES

The dental radiography is one of the most useful dental exams performed by dentists and coroners, as it allows the identification of structures which are not revealed on the surfaces of the teeth. However, the gum, and the jaw, chest and clavicle bones may interfere in the exams, since in some cases, their shades can get confused with the roots of the teeth, making in difficult to identify their boundaries. Therefore, this article proposes a method for the treatment of panoramic dental radiography images, helpful for both dentists and coroners. The proposed method highlights and segments dental structures present in digitized panoramic radiography images. The method is based on using the average and the standard deviation for the highlighting, and Mathematical Morphology for the segmentation. This article presents the results achieved by applying this method. The method presented by this article helps dentists, by highlighting the dental structures present in panoramic radiographies of the mouth, and coroners, by helping in the process of individuals Received: July 9, 2014 c © 2014 Academic Publications Correspondence author 388 M.R. Ribeiro, M.A. Dias, R.de Best, E.A. da Silva, C.D. T.T. Neves identification through the dental arch. AMS Subject Classification: 03E99, 68U10, 62P10
Self-consistent tomography of the state-measurement Gram matrix

State and measurement tomography make assumptions about the experimental states or measurements. These assumptions are often not justified because state preparation and measurement errors are unavoidable in practice. Here we describe how the Gram matrix associated with the states and measurement operators can be estimated via semidefinite programming if the states and the measurements are so-called globally completable. This is, for instance, the case if the unknown measurements are known to be projective and nondegenerate. The computed Gram matrix determines the states, and the measurement operators uniquely up to simultaneous rotations in the space of Hermitian matrices. We prove the reliability of the proposed method in the limit of a large number of independent measurement repetitions.
DEED OF VARIATION Tenth Deed of Variation to the Project Schedule for the South Australian Priority Project SA – 07: Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Recovery Project

1 Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity (ACEBB), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide 2 Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide 3 State Herbarium of South Australia, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) 4 Contact: michelle.waycott@sa.gov. au, PO Box 1047, State Herbarium of South Australia, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), Adelaide South Australia 5001.
Picophytoplankton and carbon cycle on the northeastern shelf of the Gulf of Cádiz (SW Iberian Peninsula)

Four surveys (Jun’06 and Nov’06; Feb’07 and May’07) were carried out on the northeastern shelf of the Gulf of Cadiz (southwest Iberian Peninsula) to relate the spatio-temporal distribution of the carbon cycle parameters (dissolved inorganic carbon and dissolved organic carbon) to picophytoplankton biomass and community composition. In addition, the net ecosystem production and the picophytoplankton contribution to the air-sea CO 2 exchange process were investigated. The results showed that chlorophyll -a , carbon cycle parameters and picophytoplankton composition showed large seasonality, and the Guadalquivir Estuary plays an important role in the contribution of nutrient and suspended particular material over the year. Regarding picophytoplankton composition, the flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus were the main populations in the studied area and their temporal and spatial distributions were complementary: the Prochlorococcus population showed its maximum concentration in May’07 and Jun’06 and in the surface oceanic water, whereas the Synechococcus population was at its maximum during Feb’07 and Nov’06, and off the Guadalquivir Estuary and Bay of Cadiz. In addition, a relationship between the studied parameters and the fugacity of CO 2 was also observed, suggesting that primary production is an important factor in the regulation of this parameter in the studied area. The calculated carbon budget showed that the area acts as a carbon sink on an annual basis.
Cloud variability, radiative forcing and meridional temperature gradients in a general circulation model

Abstract Due to the non-linearity of cloud—radiation interaction in general circulation models (GCMs), the time-mean cloud radiative forcing (CRF) is in general different from the CRF of time-mean clouds. This implies that a change in temporal cloud variability induces a change in radiative forcing even if there is no change in time-mean cloud properties. Here we investigate this variability contribution to CRF quantitatively in the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model 3.6 GCM. In a reference run, the variability contribution is found to account for 35% of the global-mean climatological CRF. The variability contribution peaks in the mid-latitudes and is shown to be driven by synoptic eddy activity. In a climate change experiment, where the atmospheric CO2 is quadrupled, the change in cloud variability offsets 40% of the change in CRF due to the change in mean clouds. It is found that almost all of this effect is due to variability in cloud fraction rather than in cloud water content, and it is traced to the non-linearity introduced by the model’s treatment of vertical cloud overlap. This study indicates the possibility of an eddy variability-climate feedback that has not been extensively studied and quantified in the past.
Effect of Drought on Microbial Growth in Plant Rhizospheres

The functional perfo rmance of rh izospheral bacteria is often subjected to adverse environmental pressures such as drought. In this study, differential bacterial populations were observed in rhizospheres of plants and the size and nu mbers of these bacteria were greatly influenced by water deprivation. Although drought caused substantial reduction in rhizosphere microorganis ms, the restoration of favorable conditions brought about good recovery and the extent of this recovery was greatly influenced by the plant species.
STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN LACTATING DAIRY COWS IN RAJSHAHI AND RANGPUR DIVISION OF BANGLADESH

A cross sectional epidemiological study was run on subclinical mastitis to determine its prevalence and to identify associated risk factors in total of 261 dairy cows of different breeds and ages distributed in different villages in Rajshahi and Rangpur division of Bangladesh during January 2008 to December 2010 through field screening surveys by using of the California mastitis test (CMT) for each quarter milk sample. The dairy cows were differed from the breed point of view as 147 local Zebu breed and 114 Holstein x local Zebu cross (LxHF) breed. All dairy cows were apparently healthy with clinically sound udder secreting apparently normal milk. Based on CMT results, prevalence of subclinical mastitis was significantly (p<0.01) higher in crossbreeds (53.5%) as compared to indigenous Zebu cattle (36.1%) at cow level; and at quarter level 31.6% and 19.2% in crossbreds and local Zebu, respectively. In the present study, some potential risk factors such as age of cows, parity, stage of lactation, body condition in addition to some environmental factors and farm management factors were studied to find out their effects on the frequency of subclinical mastitis of lactating cattle. Among the host related potential risk factors breed, age, parity and body condition were found significantly (p<0.01) associated with the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Some environmental factors including type of housing, different husbandry systems, periodical disinfection of floor and hand washing before milking also influenced the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows. Some recommendations as intervention strategies were forwarded for improved control of mastitis in the region. Key word: Epidemiology, Subclinical mastitis, California mastitis test (CMT), Intramammary infection, Risk factors.
A Study on Spam Detection Methods for Safe SMS Communication

The electronic communication enables the instant and all type availability of user. The different form of information transition can be drawn in the form of SMS and emails. But these emails and SMS systems are also used by the individuals and firm as medium of their advertisement. Spam messages not only involves the unwanted messages but it also includes some viruses and threat to the security system. In this paper, a study to the SMS filtration methods is provided. The paper has explored the types of SMS spams, its threats and various filtration methods to detect the spam SMS.
Equidistribution theorems on strongly pseudoconvex domains

This work consists of two parts. In the first part, we consider a compact connected strongly pseudoconvex CR manifold $X$ with a transversal CR $S^{1}$ action. We establish an equidistribution theorem on zeros of CR functions. The main techniques involve a uniform estimate of Szeg\H{o} kernel on $X$. In the second part, we consider a general complex manifold $M$ with a strongly pseudoconvex boundary $X$. By using classical result of Boutet de Monvel-Sj\"ostrand about Bergman kernel asymptotics, we establish an equidistribution theorem on zeros of holomorphic functions on $\overline M$.
White Paper Broadcast Video Infrastructure Implementation Using FPGAs

The proliferation of high-definition television (HDTV) video content creation and the method of delivering these contents in a bandwidth-limited broadcast channel environment have driven new video compression standards and associated video image processing applications. Traditionally, only cable and satellite operators provided video delivery. Now telecommunication companies (telcos) are getting into this arena by using the latest video coder/decoders (CODECs) and video-processing technology to transmit digital video to the consumer via Internet protocol television (IPTV).
A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR ESTIMATING AND ENHANCING ORIENTATION FIELD OF FINGERPRINT IMAGE

The direction of fingerprint patterns normally changes from one block to another, which makes it necessary to have information about neighbouring blocks to obtain the original shape of the fingerprint patterns. This paper introduced a novel approach for orientation field calculation using an innovative filter formed as Epicycloid window shape. In which estimates the orientation fields of each block in the main space of work, to create true-angle orientation fields. The calculation procedure of the proposed method is executed by first dividing the image into blocks of pixels with size (16x16). Then, Epicycloid shape filter with k = 4 is located surrounding the target block to extract some information from its 8 neighbours. Finally, calculate the local gradient for each target block which is values later used to estimate the gradient angle θ for that block. The obtained patterns then grouped together to form four distinct homogenous regions using a region growing technique. The current method was evaluated using the NIST-14 database and showed reliable results on different quality images.
Emerald Article : Strategic renewal and the change of capabilities in utility firms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze how strategic renewal affects the reconfiguration of capabilities. In the context of organizational change in a large utility firm, we examine the evolution of the capability structure, and explain the emergence and persistence of capability gaps. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses an inductive multiple case study methodology to compare four processes of capability reconfiguration at Eskom, South Africa’s electricity supplier. Findings – The results show that strategic renewal unfolds through different processes, which vary in their impact. Some processes have an immediate effect in closing capability gaps. The impact of others is with a significant time lag. Most critical, however, are processes that widen capability gaps. As a result, firms may face severe and persistent performance deficiencies. Research limitations/implications – Prior research has only marginally addressed the relationship between strategic renewal and capability reconfiguration, and has largely neglected emerging capability gaps. Practical implications – Strategic renewal may cause unintended crowding out effects of specific capabilities. Managers need to consider these potential implications of strategic renewal. Social implications – Understanding the challenges of how to improve the performance of utility services is crucial for economic development, welfare and social inclusion. Originality/value – This study importantly highlights that the emergence of capability gaps is a common phenomenon rather than an exception in strategic renewal processes. The findings contribute to the strategic renewal literature and to management research in infrastructure sectors.
Operational Evapotranspiration Mapping Using Remote Sensing and Weather Datasets: A New Parameterization for the SSEB Approach

The increasing availability of multi‐scale remotely sensed data and global weather datasets is allowing the estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) at multiple scales. We present a simple but robust method that uses remotely sensed thermal data and model‐assimilated weather fields to produce ET for the contiguous United States (CONUS) at monthly and seasonal time scales. The method is based on the Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEB) model, which is now parameterized for operational applications, renamed as SSEBop. The innovative aspect of the SSEBop is that it uses predefined boundary conditions that are unique to each pixel for the “hot” and “cold” reference conditions. The SSEBop model was used for computing ET for 12 years (2000‐2011) using the MODIS and Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) data streams. SSEBop ET results compared reasonably well with monthly eddy covariance ET data explaining 64% of the observed variability across diverse ecosystems in the CONUS during 2005. Twelve annual ET anomalies (2000‐2011) depicted the spatial extent and severity of the commonly known drought years in the CONUS. More research is required to improve the representation of the predefined boundary conditions in complex terrain at small spatial scales. SSEBop model was found to be a promising approach to conduct water use studies in the CONUS, with a similar opportunity in other parts of the world. The approach can also be applied with other thermal sensors such as Landsat.