Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant activity of olive oil mill wastewater obtained from different thermal treatments

In food industry, Olive Oil Mill Wastewater (OOMWW) is considered a by-product because of the presence of biostatic compounds with a high polluting rate, in particular phenols. Moreover, during olive oil processing, a large amount of this by-product constitutes an ecological and economical problem for the producers. To reevaluate this by-product, the reuse of this wastewater to obtain useful compounds appears to be very important. In order to purify the wastewater, the development of operations that modify its organic content seems necessary for obtaining of eventual fertilizing agents and/or to recover substances with a high added value such as phenolic compounds, which are currently recognized scientifically as molecules with a high antioxidant activity. A chromatographic analysis of these compounds was conducted to characterize different concentrations of wastewater and the reducing power of the extracts was measured. The thermal treatment of olive oil mill wastewater in a rotary evaporator and in an oven involved an increase in radical scavenging efficiency. These results could be correlated with the possibility of recovering and reusing this type of waste for its antioxidant properties.
Direct measurement of group dispersion of optical components using white-light spectral interferometry

We present a simple white-light spectral interferometric technique employing a low-resolution spectrometer for a direct measurement of the group dispersion of optical components over a wide wavelength range. The technique utilizes an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer with a component under test inserted in one arm and the other arm with adjustable path length. We record a series of spectral interferograms to measure the equalization wavelength as a function of the path length difference. We measure the absolute group refractive index as a function of wavelength for a quartz crystal of known thickness and the relative one for optical fiber. In the latter case we use a microscope objective in front and a lens behind the fiber and subtract their group dispersion, which is measured by a technique of tandem interferometry including also a Michelson interferometer.
Development of the orbital-free approach for hetero-atomic systems

The key problem of the orbital-free approach is calculation of kinetic energy, especially for hetero-atomic systems. In this work, we used the mono-atomic functionals of kinetic energy to construct the kinetic functionals of complicated systems. We constructed some atomic weights associated with densities of single atoms and then calculated kinetic functions for some atomic complexes. For the examples of SiC, SiAl, AlC, SiO and CO dimers we have demonstrated possibility of our approach to find equilibrium interatomic distances and dissociation energies for hetero-atomic systems.
Active nematics on a substrate: Giant number fluctuations and long-time tails

We construct the equations of motion for the coupled dynamics of order parameter and concentration for the nematic phase of driven particles on a solid surface, and show that they imply i) giant number fluctuations, with a standard deviation proportional to the mean in dimension d = 2 of primary relevance to experiment, and ii) long-time tails $\sim t^{-d/2}$in the autocorrelation of the particle velocities despite the absence of a hydrodynamic velocity field. Our predictions can be tested in experiments on aggregates of amoeboid cells as well as on layers of agitated granular matter.
The accumulation process and agrofood networks in Latin America

Within the context of the evolution of world markets and new models of trade openness, several agrofood product lines in MERCOSUR countries have shown strong dynamism in recent decades, becoming focal points (axes); of accumulation and economic growth. The expansion of production and the higher levels of competitiveness achieved have been based on the organization of these product lines in networks or complexes; on the adoption of technology packages from abroad with minimal local adaptation, as part of the globalization of new paradigms; on the emergence or consolidation of groups of big firms in the main stages of these networks, and on clearly defined forms of insertion in external markets. This article argues that the transnationalization of relevant segments and markets of these complexes affects the possibilities of local or regional development, in particular, the generation of locally dense and diversified production networks with equitable distribution of rents, income and profits.
Red Sea during the Last Glacial Maximum: Implications for sea level reconstruction

The Red Sea is connected to the Indian Ocean via a narrow and shallow strait and exhibits a high sensitivity to atmospheric changes and a reduced sea level. We used an ocean general circulation model to investigate the hydrography and circulation in the Red Sea in response to reduced sea level and modified atmospheric conditions occurring during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The model salinity shows high sensitivity to sea level reduction together with a mild atmospheric impact. Sea level reduction affects the stratification and alters the circulation pattern at the Strait of Bab el Mandab, which experiences a transition from a submaximal flow to a maximal flow. The best correlation to reconstructed conditions during LGM exists when the water depth of the Hanish Sill (the shallowest part in the Strait of Bab el Mandab) is 33 ± 10.75 m, which would be affected by a sea level lowering of approximately 105 m. Our results support the reconstructed maximum salinity of around 57 practical salinity units because of a simple model (that takes into account mixing processes along the strait) and comparison of the surface salinity gradient to reconstructions based on isotopic records from sedimentary cores. The salinity and δ18O are sensitive to the mixing process at the strait, and the sensitivity increases as the sea level is further reduced. A local relative sea level reduction of approximately 105 m is also in close agreement with the inference of the LGM low stand of the sea at the location of the sill based on the ICE-5G (VM2) model.
Is There a Stochastic Trend in European Union Emission Trading Scheme Prices?

The European Union’s Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) is the key policy instrument of the European Commissions Climate Change Program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to eight percent below 1990 levels by 2012. The key asset traded under the scheme is the European Union Allowance (EUA). To further curtail greenhouse gas emissions the EU Allowance prices should follow a stationary path about a persistent upward trend. In this vein, this article finds evidence to the contrary indicating the presence of a stochastic trend (a unit root) in EU Allowance prices during the period from April 2005 through to July 2009. This finding is indicative of incoherence between the European Union ETS de jure policy, with regard to transiting to a low carbon economy, and EUA price behavior.
Three-Dimensional Target Localization and Cramér-Rao Bound for Two-Dimensional OFDM-MIMO Radar

Target localization using a frequency diversity multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system is one of the hottest research directions in the radar society. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) target localization is considered for two-dimensional MIMO radar with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing linear frequency modulated (OFDM-LFM) waveforms. To realize joint estimation for range and angle in azimuth and elevation, the range-angle-dependent beam pattern with high range resolution is produced by the OFDM-LFM waveform. Then, the 3D target localization proposal is presented and the corresponding closed-form expressions of Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) are derived. Furthermore, for mitigating the coupling of angle and range and further improving the estimation precision, a CRB optimization method is proposed. Different from the existing methods of FDA-based radar, the proposed method can provide higher range estimation because of multiple transmitted frequency bands. Numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its improved performance of target localization.
Simple Hardware Implementation Of Neural Networks For Instruction In Analog Electronics

In light of the growing predominance of microprocessors and embedded electronic systems, instruction in basic analog and digital electronic circuits has come to appear less interesting and important to contemporary students of electrical engineering. Despite the continuing importance of foundation circuit concepts, curricula across the country are reducing their emphasis in required courses or shifting them into optional courses. In hopes of mitigating this trend, we discuss a circuit system which applies traditional analog and digital MOSFET sub-circuits into a meaningful contemporary system, the neural network. Neural networks offer a unique approach for processing complex data streams without the need for digital processors. Constructed in a fashion which mimics biological nervous systems, these networks are finding applications in signal processing, control and object recognition. In many cases, a properly prepared neural network can function faster than a comparable microprocessor based system, with lower power consumption and lower level of complexity. Despite their potential and relative conceptual simplicity, it has been difficult to present electronic neural networks in a form convenient for the university classroom or electronics laboratory setting. In this paper we describe an approach for implementing a neural network though which many major analog and digital MOSFET circuit concepts can be illustrated and demonstrated. This approach is amenable to realization in discrete electronic modules through which associated laboratory exercises and design projects may be created. Furthermore, the same concepts can be extended into Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), where the limitations of component count and performance can be overcome and addressed to a far greater degree.
A Comparison of the Appraisal Process for Auction and Private Treaty Residential Sales

This paper examines residential sale mechanisms from an appraisal perspective and empirically tests for differences in the valuation process for auctioned and private treaty sales. We test the hypothesis that agents use different criteria in preparing the guide prices for auctioned housing, with an element of under pricing in order to aid in the marketing of the property. The empirical tests are undertaken on a sample of auctioned and private treaty sales in Dublin, Ireland for the period of 1997–2004. We find that the evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that agents do adjust valuations for auctions to attract additional potential bidders.
The design of visual information objects in three-dimensional virtual environments for engineering information navigation

Product Life-Cycle Management (PLM) and Product Data Management (PDM) systems aim to facilitate the capture and dissemination of information throughout the product life-cycle by providing an artefact-centric approach to Information Management. Work is progressing in providing three dimensional artefact-based user interfaces to PLM/PDM and in contribution to this field, this paper describes the design and verification or a number of Visual Information Objects (VIO), visual markers that indicate the presence of information within the three dimensional artefact space.
Explicit Data Encryption Architecture for Cassandra

– The recent advances in distributed database applications has created the need for large storage which should be scalable and should not be restricted to schema constraints. In this move many companies are moving from relational database systems to Non-relational database systems, particularly known as NoSQL databases. As opposed to relational database systems, these new database systems lagging in providing security in order to achieve high performance and scalability. Cassandra is one among the several existing NoSQL databases whose primary concern is scalability, high availability and no single point of failure for retrieving the stored data. As mentioned earlier, for Cassandra also the security is not a primary concern. Here we proposed a method for storing the data into Cassandra securely using explicit data encryption scheme. This paper gives a detailed overview of Cassandra database with its data model, architecture, security issues and finally the proposed architecture for storing the data into Cassandra securely using explicit data encryption method.
Effect of Depression on Hypertension among Turkish Individuals Aged 30 and over Years

Background: It is well known that depression is effective upon the occurrence of hypertension. The aim was to determine the prevalence of depression in the population aged 30 years old and over, and its impact on hypertension. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted on people aged 30 years and over between Sep., 1st and Oct., 30th 2009 in a region of western Turkey, Eskisehir. The questionnaire included the information about the subjects’ sociodemographic characteristics and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) used to determine those who were at the risk of depression. The data were analyzed using Student’s t test, Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: According to the Logistic analysis, older age (OR = 16.050), adding extra salt to meals (OR = 2.079), obesity (OR = 2.170) and family history of hypertension (OR = 2.139) were the important risk factors for hypertension (p < 0.05 for each one). It was determined that there was a positive connection between the scores received from the BDI and systolic and diastolic BP values [(rs = 0.151; p < 0.001) and (rs = 0.146; p < 0.001)], respectively. Conclusion: According to the above results, we may conclude that depression is effective upon the occurrence of hypertension.
Floral transition in Origanum vulgare L.: Anatomical analysis across phenological stages in response to different photoperiodic regimes

Knowledge about the specific characteristics of floral transition process in oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is scarce. Photoperiod is one of the environmental factors regulating oregano development. The aim of this study was to evaluate anatomical changes associated with the phenological transition from vegetative to floral stages of O. vulgare L. subsp. vulgare (Compacto ecotype) and O. vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietsw. (Criollo ecotype), in response to day length variations. These two traditional subspecies were grown under natural and artificially 6-h extended photoperiod. Phenology and internal floral transition did not follow a single evolution pattern, since these processes respond to complex gene-environment interactions. In the oregano subspecies studied, transition from vegetative to reproductive stages presented an intermediate step, consisting of the formation of an inflorescence meristem. Thus, floral transition occurred gradually and acropetally along the floral axis. Within the floral meristem, the appearance of reproductive perianthic pieces also occurred acropetally. Extended photoperiod seemed to act as a signal accelerating the floral transition process of the meristems, which confirms that oregano is a long-day plant. In addition, phenological and anatomical analyses confirmed that Criollo ecotype was most sensitive to photoperiodic lengthening, as evidenced by an earlier bud development all along the floral branch.
Productive re-use of CSCL data and analytic tools to provide a new perspective on group cohesion

The goals of this paper are twofold: (1) to demonstrate how previously published data can be re-analyzed to gain a new perspective on CSCL dynamics and (2) to propose a new measure of social cohesion that was developed through improvements to existing analytic tools. In this study, we downloaded the Simuligne corpus from the publicly available Mulce repository. We improved the Knowledge Space Visualizer (KSV) to deepen the notion of cohesion by using a dynamic representation of sociograms. The Calico tools have been used and extended to complete this cohesion measure by analyzing lexical markers. These complementary analyses of cohesion, based on clique sizes and communication intensity on the one hand, and lexical markers on the other hand, offer more detailed information on (a) the relationships between participants and (b) the structure and intensity of communication. In particular, the analyses highlight strong convergences that were not visible in the previous analysis.
Neuromuscular profile of Handball players during a short-term condensed competition in Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess the neuromuscular profile of handball (TH) players during a short-term condensed competition. Nine TH athletes (age: 23 ± 3 years; height: 176.2 ± 10.5 cm; mass: 75.3 ± 8.6 kg) played 5 handball matches in 5 consecutive days and had exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) markers such as soreness (SOR), thigh circumference (CIR), knee range of motion (ROM) and countermovement jump height (CMJ) collected before the first match and at the end of each day of competition. Changes over time in these markers were analyzed. Significant changes were found for all EIMD markers assessed. CMJ significantly decreased at the fourth day of competition when compared to baseline (0.41 ± 0.03 m vs. 0.45 ± 0.02 m). ROM decreased on the first day of competition and remained stable until the last day of competition (baseline: 126.5 ± 7.2o; 1st day: 115.8 ± 5.9o; 2nd day: 115 ± 7o; 3rd day: 113.9 ± 8.8o; 4th day: 114.4 ± 8.6o). SOR and CIR were increased at the second day of competition and remained altered thereafter. It was concluded that the characteristics of short-term condensed competition have led TH athletes to significant EIMD. If not avoided, EIMD might lead to reductions in performance in the most important (final) matches.
Diet composition of Saunders ′ s Gull ( Larus saundersi ) determined using stable isotope analysis at the Shuangtaihekou National Nature Reserve , China

In recent decades, stable isotope techniques have been increasingly applied in studies of the diet and trophic structure of birds. Understanding avian diets is critical for the rehabilitation and conservation of endangered bird species, especially for waterbirds like Saunders′ s Gull. The Shuangtaihekou National Nature Reserve accommodates the largest breeding population of Saunders′s Gulls in the world, and the gulls breed in the reserve′s man⁃made wetlands. The objective of this study was to determine the diet composition of Saunders′s Gull, using stable isotope analysis to ensure the best management practices of this globally vulnerable species. A total of 213 samples of six potential dietary species, 10 fledgling blood samples, and 27 and 17 feather samples from fledglings and adults, respectively, were collected. The results showed that: (1) The stable carbon isotope signature (δC) of feathers from adult and fledgling gulls were significantly different.
Theories of managerial action and their impact on the conceptualisation of executive careers

In this paper I outline one of the developments in the social sciences and macro organizational theory that could be of special profit for academic work on careers. I argue that a theory of action perspective is timely because its assumptions fit extremely well with the heterogeneity and lability of today’s structures and the plurality and unpredictability they bring to careers. I suggest there are two basic potential contributions of theories of action to the field of careers. First, they endorse the relevance of the shift in the basic image of managers’ careers, from the analogy of an ascendant trajectory of positions, to that of an idiosyncratic sequence of experiences loosely related to an organisational architecture. Second, they reinforce Weick’s arguments (1996) that careers cannot be conceived of merely as a dependent variable, as just “following” structures. Both contributions spring from a notion of management work in theories of action as essentially local, tactical, and pragmatic, with enacting or social constructionist effects on structure and organizations.
INFORMATION ABOUT SECONDARY STRUCTURE IMPROVES QUALITY OF PROTEIN ALIGNMENT

Summary Motivation: The Smith-Waterman (SW) alignment algorithm is known as the most accurate algorithm for pair wise alignment of amino acid sequences. It means, that SW alignments are more similar to alignments of corresponding 3D-structures, than FASTA, BLAST, etc. alignments. But even SW algorithm is unable to restore alignment of proteins’ 3D-structures if the sequence identity is less than 30 % (“twilight zone”). Our goal is to design a new alignment method, which is significantly more accurate, than SW algorithm. Results: We propose to modify SW alignment score to take into account protein secondary structure. We give bonus for alignment of residues belonging to the regions of same secondary structure type. We have shown that alignments maximizing the improved score are much more accurate, than SW alignments (57 % accuracy vs. 31 % for the twilight zone sequence identity; both experimentally determined and theoretically predicted secondary structure can be used). The dynamic programming algorithm to find the optimal secondary structure alignment was designed and implemented as C++ program STRUSWER.
COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS TO CALCULATE PASSIVE MUSCLE STIFFNESS IN HUMAN

The aim of the present study is to compare and to correlate the results of two methods of calculating the muscle-tendon unit stiffness. Eighteen male and 18 female healthy students performed a hamstring passive stretch at 5o/s until maximum range of motion (ROM) was reached. Angle and passive torque were measured throughout the stretch maneuver and passive stiffness was calculated using two different parts of the torque angle curve. Passive stiffness was then named stiffness10% and stiffnessIII, based on the part of the curve used for calculation of stiffness. Results showed no significant difference between both methods of calculating passive stiffness and a significant high correlation coefficient between stiffness10% and stiffnessIII. StiffnessIII method seems more reliable because of lower dispersion.
Behavioral Impact of Community Based Cardiovascular Screening

Introduction: There is a significant burden of chronic disease related to lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and physical inactivity. Preventive community-based health screenings have been shown to improve health behaviors. Methods: Participants self-selected to receive cardiovascular screening services provided by Life Line Screening, LLC in 2015. In total, 3,267 screening participants were surveyed and utilized for this analysis. Following their initial screening, subjects were contacted to complete a follow-up survey which assessed their behavior modifications. These results were compared to a control group, comprised of 608 screening-naive individuals contacted in 2016. Results: Survey results demonstrated a statistically significant difference between screened and unscreened individuals for all follow-up survey questions related to behavioral modifications (e.g. eating healthier foods, increasing exercises, etc.) The follow-up survey comparison of participants with “normal” cardiovascular screening results, versus participants with “abnormal” or “critical” screening results did not generally differ. Conclusions: Regardless of cardiovascular screening results (i.e. normal, abnormal, or critical), participants generally took action to modify their lifestyle; however, participants with abnormal and critical findings were more likely to report taking all of their medicines as prescribed by their doctor. Furthermore, screening participants were more likely to report making healthy behavior modifications compared to screening-naive individuals.