Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Holotomography: Quantitative phase tomography with micrometer resolution using hard synchrotron radiation x rays

Because the refractive index for hard x rays is slightly different from unity, the optical phase of a beam is affected by transmission through an object. Phase images can be obtained with extreme instrumental simplicity by simple propagation provided the beam is coherent. But, unlike absorption, the phase is not simply related to image brightness. A holographic reconstruction procedure combining images taken at different distances from the specimen was developed. It results in quantitative phase mapping and, through association with three-dimensional reconstruction, in holotomography, the complete three-dimensional mapping of the density in a sample. This tool in the characterization of materials at the micrometer scale is uniquely suited to samples with low absorption contrast and radiation-sensitive systems.
Ezetimibe Solid Dispersions: Formulation, Development and In vitro Evaluation

Development of solid dispersions of poorly water soluble drugs is one of the most widely used approaches to enhance the solubility as well as dissolution rate. In the current investigation, ezetimibe is selected as model drug to improve the solubility and dissolution rate by solid dispersion method. Solid dispersions were prepared using solvent evaporation method by incorporating polyethylene glycol 4000, polyethylene glycol 6000 and gelucire 44/14 as carriers in different ratios and evaluated for solubility studies, drug-carrier compatibility studies and in vitro dissolution studies. Based on the solubility and drug release studies, formulations F4, F8 and F11 were selected to prepare in the form of tablets and compared with conventional tablets. From the in vitro dissolution study, tablets containing gelucire 44/14 showed almost complete drug release within the 15 min. The percent drug release in 15 min (Q 15 ) and initial dissolution rate for formulation F11 was 94.22±1.08%, 9.26%/min. These were very much higher compared to conventional tablets containing pure drug (23.87±1.13%, 2.38%/min). The relative dissolution rate was found to be 2.14 and dissolution efficiency was found to be 67.52 and it is increased by 4.0 fold with F11 formulation compared to conventional tablets. Thus, it is concluded that the formulation of gelucire 44/14 solid dispersions is a suitable approach to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of ezetimibe than pure form of drug.
Chapter 6 Dynamic scientific co-authorship networks

Network studies of science greatly advance our understanding of both the knowledge-creation process and the flow of knowledge in society. As noted in the introductory chapter, science can be defined fruitfully as a social network of scientists together with the cognitive network of knowledge items (Boerner et al, 2010). The cognitive structure of science consists of relationships between scientific ideas, and the social structure of science is mostly manifested as relationships between scientists. Here, we confine our attention to these relations. In particular, co-authorship networks among scientists are a particularly important part of the collaborative social structure of science. Modern science increasingly involves “collaborative research", and this is integral to the social structure of science. Ziman argues that the organizational units of modern science are groups and not individuals (Ziman, 1994, pp. 227). 1 Namely, co-authorship in science presents a more substantial indicator than just scientific communication in one way or another. In continuation, we focus on the dynamics of different kinds of co-authorship networks.
Cognitive Radio : A Survey on Spectrum Accessing and Sensing Schemes

Radio spectrum is a precious resource which is shrinking progressively due to inventions of many applications incorporating in wireless communication systems. Spectrum utilization efficiency can be improved by exploiting opportunistic radio, a promising candidate for the next generation wireless radio. In the emerging paradigm of opportunistic radio networks, unlicensed radio users are allowed to transmit opportunistically on a temporarily empty frequency band that is not currently being accessed by the licensee. Cognitive radio (CR) is considered as a promising solution to the spectrum scarcity problems that allows proficient use of radio resources through accessing spectrums opportunistically. In order to support spectrum accessing functionality, the CR users have the duty to sense the radio environment dynamically for being aware of the highly prioritized licensee while spectrum sensing is one of the most challenging tasks in the promising CR networks. In this paper, various aspects for dynamic spectrum access (DSA) schemes are presented, together with a brief discussion of the pros and cons of each algorithm of spectrum sensing methodologies from CR perspective. Additionally, the future challenges are investigated that are associated with DSA and spectrum sensing techniques. Special attention is paid to the challenges associated with wideband sensing.
Predicting Text Comprehension, Processing, and Familiarity in Adult Readers: New Approaches to Readability Formulas

ABSTRACT Research has identified a number of linguistic features that influence the reading comprehension of young readers; yet, less is known about whether and how these findings extend to adult readers. This study examines text comprehension, processing, and familiarity judgment provided by adult readers using a number of different approaches (i.e., natural language processing, crowd-sourced ratings, and machine learning). The primary focus is on the identification of the linguistic features that predict adult text readability judgments, and how these features perform when compared to traditional text readability formulas such as the Flesch-Kincaid grade level formula. The results indicate the traditional readability formulas are less predictive than models of text comprehension, processing, and familiarity derived from advanced natural language processing tools.
Review of Traffic Management Control Techniques

Today’s traffic management schemes are facing the problem of traffic congestion on roads. Traffic congestion on main roads leads to many problems such as delay in emergency services, accidents and others. Many techniques have been applied to control traffic. However, ATMS (Advanced Transportation Management System) software solutions are open source to control traffic that showed significant potential for adaptation and deployment within the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). This paper presents survey of different traffic management techniques applied to control traffic. The aim of this paper is to explore best methods of traffic
Finansal Hizmetler Güven Endeksinin Geçerliliğinin İncelenmesi: Türkiye Örneği

Finansal piyasalarin sekillenmesinde beklentiler onem arz etmektedir. Bu baglamda finansal piyasalara dair beklentilerin ne yonde degistigini belirlemek amaciyla cesitli anketler yapilarak guven endeksleri yayinlanmaktadir. Bu calismada TCMB tarafindan yayinlanan finansal hizmetler guven endeksi ile finansal piyasalarin gostergesi olarak gorulen BIST 100 endeksi ve finansal piyasalarin regule edilmesinde bir arac olarak kullanilan TCMB net fonlama arasina bir nedensellik iliskisi olup olmadigi Granger (1969) nedensellik ve Breitung ve Candelon (2006) frekans nedensellik analizleri ile test edilmistir. Finansal hizmetler guven endeksi verisinin hesaplanmaya basladigi tarihe uygun olarak orneklem donemi Mayis 2015 ile Agustos 2017 araligi olarak belirlenmistir. Aylik frekanstaki veriler ile gerceklestirilen analiz sonucunda finansal hizmetler guven endeksi ile BIST 100 endeksi arasinda uzun donem, kalici ve karsilikli, finansal hizmetler guven endeksinden TCMB net fonlamaya dogru tek yonlu orta vadede gecici nedensellik tespit edilmistir.
Aachen , Germany IMWA 2011 “ Mine Water – Managing the Challenges ”

The activated sludge tailings effluent remediation (ASTERTM) process was developed to biologically treat tailings water, laden with cyanide compounds and especially high concentrations of thiocyanate (SCN−) and has been demonstrated for low (± 100 mg/L) concentrations at demonstration scale. The ability of the mixed culture to degrade higher concentrations (up to 1000 mg/L) was investigated in continuous reactors, with an 8 h residence time, at temperatures from 5 °C to 40 °C. The culture was not significantly inhibited at feed concentrations of 1000 mg/L, with maximum degradation rates of 70—80 mg/L/h achieved at 22 °C and 40 °C. Operation at 5 °C reduced efficiency by over 50%. Component species of the mixed population were identified, based on ribosomal RNA gene sequence, and included several species known to degrade cyanide species. The results show that the ASTERTM process has the potential to treat effluents from most BIOX® operations without further process optimisation.
Female Labor Force Participation and Welfare if Status Conscious with Multiple Reference Groups

I develop a model with status concerns to analyze how different economic factors affect female participation, average household income and wage, as well as the welfare of both stay-at-home and working wives. Reductions in the price of domestic goods and increases in female wages have positive effects on female participation. Increases in male wages have different effects on female participation depending on whether they affect female wages or not. Events that lead to increases in female participation are usually associated with decreases in the welfare of stay-at-home wives, but are not necessarily associated with increases in welfare of working wives. JEL classification: D62; E24; J16
Phylogenetic relationships of Trichoderma harzianum based on the sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region -1 of the rDNA

The goal of this study is to det ermine whether sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacer -1 region of t he rDNA can be used to detect sp ecies le vel o f Trichoderma harzianum. Internal transcribed spacer- 1 region (ITS 1) of the ribosomal DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To test the selected un iversal primers (ITS1 and ITS2) and conditions of the PCR, thirty-six of Malaysian Trichoderma isolates were used. The res ults o f P CR product were positively performed purification. The PCR purification products w ere proved possible to amplify the ITS 1 region of all Trichoderma strains. The amplified DNA was sequenced and aligned against using ex-type strains sequencings from TrichoBLAST /GenBank and e stablished Trichoderma taxonomy. T hirty-six isolates w ere positively identified as Trichoderma harzianum (32 strains) Trichoderma virens (3 s trains) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (1 strain) formed clearly defining phylogenetic analysis. T. virens and T. longibrachiatum which were used as an outgroup in these analyses. To this end, thus are proposed that the IT S-1 region sequences are used a s the reference's sequence for future study involving the identification and t axonomy of Trichoderma har zianum. A mplification of IT S 1 region of t he rDNA has sh owed potential as a rapid technique f or i dentifying Trichoderma harzianum successfully f ungi i n a ll cases.
Biofilm Formation during Hexadecane Degradation and the Effects of Flow Field and Shear Stresses

In this study, we developed a model of the flow field and the shear forces which the biofilm experiences in the CDC biofilm reactor, using Comsol Multiphysics software. The biofilms were formed on stainless steel (316L) coupons and cultured using mineral salt media and hexadecane (10% w/v) as the sole source of carbon and energy for growth. Our model shows that the biofilms formed on the side facing toward the glass wall are experiencing close to zero shear stress with some oscillations. The biofilms that are formed towards the baffled stirrer bar are experiencing higher shear stresses in the range of 0.35-0.39 Pa. The model is based on a stirring rate of 170 rpm and a fluid viscosity of 2 mPas at a shear rate of 20 s. The dispersion of the 10% hexadecane/ mineral media mixture was unstable and depended on shear rate. This causes the dispersed hexadecane droplets to separate from the water phase at low mixer speeds. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy to visualize biofilm architecture, we found that the flow field and shear stresses in the CDC biofilm reactor, has a profound impact on the biofilms formed on stainless steel (316L) during hexadecane degradation. The biofilms formed when exposed to 0.35-0.39 Pa were homogenous and had a thickness of approximately 25μm, thus the shear stress will slough off any cells exceeding this level of shear stress. On the other hand, biofilms formed when exposed to close to zero shear stress, were heterogeneous, showing “valleys and peaks”. This level of shear stress is negligible, and the biofilms grew unaffected of shear stress to a maximum thickness of approximately 35μm. INTRODUCTION Biofilm are multi cellular structures formed by most microorganisms, which are significantly different from their planktonic counterparts. Biofilms are formed on surfaces and interfaces, and are characterized by microbial cells embedded in a self generated hydrated matrix . Biofilm structure and biovolume are affected by several factors, such as microbial diversity. In addition, flow dynamics and the shear stress, opposing surfaces have previously been shown to have a strong impact on structure, diversity, and biovolume of the biofilms. Therefore, biofilms can be considered as a material with viscoelastic properties. In this study we set out explore and quantify the flow field and shear stresses that biofilms experiences in the CDC biofilm reactor and how this affects biofilm structure during hexadecane degradation. The flow field and shear stresses in the CDC biofilm reactor was modelled using Comsol Multiphysics. To visualize biofilm we used confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biofilm Formation during Hexadecane Degradation and the Effects of Flow Field and Shear Stresses Christer Fjeld and Reidar Barfod Schüller Dept. of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway . FRAS Technology AS, Kongeveien 30. 1430 Ås, Norway
Integration of photogrammetry and acoustic emission analysis for assessing concrete structures during loading tests

This paper focuses on space- and time-resolved crack detection in concrete structures by combining photogrammetric techniques with acoustic emission analysis. For the photogrammetric measurements, the surface of reinforced concrete members is textured with a random pattern. A consumer-grade digital camera is used to observe the region of interest during the loading tests. In a sequence of images, cracks are visualized by detecting discrepancies in local displacement vector fields, which are obtained from matching algorithms applied to consecutive images. Critical areas of concrete samples are additionally equipped with several acoustic emission sensors to monitor the crack formation and propagation by acoustic emission analysis. The parameter-based method is used to record specific parameters in real time and enables the distinction between bending or shear cracks depending on the signal energy and duration. During the loading tests, information about the crack prolongation is used to derive the time of transition from stable to unstable phase. The acoustically detected shear cracks are monitored in the images to track growth and to stop the experiment before a critical bearing status is reached. Thus, shear cracks can be localized temporally and locally on the surface and inside the structure. In a next step, the detected cracks have to be checked for certain properties providing information about the condition of the structure. Indicators with high level significance referring to structures with no or low advance notice of failure constitute a focal point of further research.
Source of Photon Pairs Using Spontaneous Parametric Down -Conversion Process

The importance of photon pair generation can never be overemphasized. It has formed the basis of most fundamental quantum optical experiments like Bell-experiments, quantum teleportation and entanglement swapping. However for considerable number of years Quantum Mechanics in general has remained largely theoretical and within the four corners of laboratories. Quantum Key Distribution is one of the first quantum applications to break this barrier. It provides us with unconditionally secured communication by providing us with efficient alternative to classical cryptography. This study forms part of the effort in realizing efficient way of generating photon pairs through the Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion process using a nonlinear crystal cut for type-I phase matching. After generating the photon pairs, the paper examined how they can be detected efficiently. We measured the rate of single photon generation (up to 200 kHz) as well as the rate at which they are detected in coincidence (150 coincidences per second). We further investigated a quantum interference effect (the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect) which classical wave theory has failed to describe. This effect has numerous applications in scalable quantum networks and in linear quantum computing. Finally, a remarkable conversion efficiency of 2.2
Taiwanese Min Juncture Tones and Prosodic Boundaries

This study investigates the occurrence of phonemic junctures relative to (1) the IP, ip, word and syllable boundaries and (2) the lexical frequencies. Spontaneous monologues from forty-one speakers recruited from five dialect regions in Taiwan were transcribed involving orthography, Speech Assessment Methods Phonetic Alphabet (SAMPA), phonemic tones, surface tones, syllable, segment, break, linguistic and miscellaneous tiers. The results showed that the percentages of phonemic juncture tones increased from under 10 % before a syllable boundary, to 30% before a word boundary, 50% to 70% before an ip boundary and finally from 50% to 80% before an IP boundary. The percentage of sandhi tones decreased gradually from syllable to IP boundary. However, sandhi tones can still surface before IP boundary. High frequency words, mostly grammatical function words and pronouns, are more likely to be produced with sandhi tones. However, low frequency lexical items can be produced with 0 % to 100 % of phonemic juncture tones. The surface realization of phonemic juncture tones can be influenced by both prosodic hierarch and lexical frequency.
Monitoring of a Sequencing Batch Reactor System with Aerobic Granular Sludge for Textile Wastewater Treatment

The following master thesis was divided into two parts. First part was focused on off-line monitoring of three different sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) with aerobic granular sludge for dyeladen textile wastewater treatment: SBR1 with static feeding with silver nanoparticle (Ag-NP) addition, SBR2 as SBR1 Ag-NPs-free control and SBR3 with different feeding regime plug-flow. The second part was focused on the development of principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squared (PLS) models. Off-line monitoring was performed by chemical oxygen demand analysis (COD), measurement of total suspended solids (TSS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. These analyses served to assess the efficiency of textile wastewater treatment of each SBR. SBR1 and SBR2 showed very similar results, suggesting that Ag-NP addition did not hamper dye or COD removal in this study. SBR exhibited lower dye removal than the first two reactors, suggesting that the plug-flow feeding strategy is not as effective as the static feeding for color removal. PCA and PLS models were developed using mean-centered UV-Vis spectra of wastewater samples containing suspended Ag-NPs. These models were satisfactory for monitoring wastewater containing Ag-NPs. Key-words: aerobic granular sludge, sequencing batch reactor, silver nanoparticles, PCA, PLS
Sensitivity analysis of PBL schemes by comparing WRF model and experimental data

Abstract. This work discusses the sources of model biases in reconstructing the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) height among five commonly used PBL parameterizations. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model was applied over the critical area of Northern Italy with 5 km of horizontal resolution, and compared against a wide set of experimental data for February 2008. Three non-local closure PBL schemes (Asymmetrical Convective Model version 2, ACM2; Medium Range Forecast, MRF; Yonsei University, YSU) and two local closure parameterizations (Mellor Yamada Janjic, MYJ; University of Washington Moist Turbulence, UW) were selected for the analysis. Vertical profiles of aerosol number concentrations and Lidar backscatter profiles were collected in the metropolitan area of Milan in order to derive the PBL hourly evolution. Moreover, radio-soundings of Milano Linate airport as well as surface temperature, mixing ratio and wind speed of several meteorological stations were considered too. Results show that all five parameterizations produce similar performances in terms of temperature, mixing ratio and wind speed in the city of Milan, implying some systematic errors in all simulations. However, UW and ACM2 use the same local closure during nighttime conditions, allowing smaller mean biases (MB) of temperature (ACM2 MB = 0.606 K, UW MB = 0.209 K), and wind speed (ACM2 MB = 0.699 m s−1, UW MB = 0.918 m s−1). All schemes have the same variations of the diurnal PBL height, since over predictions of temperature and wind speed are found to cause a general overestimation of mixing during its development in winter. In particular, temperature estimates seem to impact the early evolution of the PBL height, while entrainment fluxes parameterizations have major influence on the afternoon development. MRF, MYJ and ACM2 use the same approach in reconstructing the entrainment process, producing the largest overestimations of PBL height (MB ranges from 85.51–179.10 m). On the contrary, the best agreement between model and both Lidar and balloon observations was identified for YSU (MB = −27.54 m and 30.15 m, respectively).
METAPOPULATION DYNAMICS IN CHANGING LANDSCAPES: A NEW SPATIALLY REALISTIC MODEL FOR FOREST PLANTS

In fragmented landscapes, habitat patches are often destroyed and created through time, though most metapopulation models treat patch networks as static. Here we present a generally applicable, modified version of Hanski's Incidence Function Model (IFM) that incorporates landscape dynamics (i.e., habitat patch turnover), and we param- eterize the model with data on patch occupancy patterns for forest plants in central Lin- colnshire, UK. The modified IFM provided a better, or equally good, fit to species' patch occupancy patterns than logistic regression. Estimated colonization and extinction rates, and the results of logistic regression analyses, varied significantly among species with different life history traits. For example, species with low seed production and predomi- nantly short-distance seed dispersal showed lower rates of colonization and extinction and were more likely to show effects of patch age and connectivity on patch-level presence than species with the opposite set of traits. Model simulations demonstrate a profound negative influence of habitat turnover rate on metapopulation dynamics and persistence, particularly for slow-colonizing species. The incorporation of temporal habitat dynamics into the metapopulation paradigm will permit its application to organisms in a much wider range of real landscapes.