Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Differential Responses of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters and Lipid Metabolism to Low Temperature between Cycas Bifida and C. panzhihuaensis

Background: Our previous work showed that freezing tolerance of Cycas panzhihuaensis was higher than that of C. bifida. However, the mechanisms underlying the differential freezing tolerance of the two species is not clear. Photosynthesis is one of the most temperature-sensitive processes. Lipids play important roles in membrane structure, signal transduction and energy storage which are closely related to stress response of plants. Hence, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and lipid profiles of the two species were characterized to explore the dynamic changes of photosynthetic activity and lipid metabolism following low temperature and subsequent recovery. Results: The photosynthetic activity decreased significantly with the decrease of temperatures in C. bifida, reaching to zero after recovery, which however, was little affected in C. panzhihuaensis. Lipid composition of C. bifida was more affected by cold and freezing treatments than C. panzhihuaensis. Compared to the control, the proportions of all the lipid categories recovered to the original level for C. panzhihuaensis but those of most lipid categories changed significantly for C. bifida after 3 d of recovery. Particularly, the glycerophospholipids and prenol lipids of C. bifida degraded severely during recovery period for C. bifida. The changes of acyl chain length and double bond index (DBI) occurred in more lipid classes immediately after low temperatures in C. panzhihuaensis than those in C. bifida. DBI of the total main membrane lipids of C. panzhihuaensis was significantly higher than that of C. bifida following all the treatments. Conclusions: The results of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters confirmed that the freezing tolerance of C. panzhihuaensis was higher than that of C. bifida. The lipid metabolism of the two species had differential responses to low temperatures. The homeostasis and plastic adjustment of lipid metabolism and the higher level of DBI of the main membrane lipids might contribute to the higher tolerance of C. panzhihuaensis to low temperature.
Large Eddy Simulation and PIV Experiments of a Two Phase Air-Water Mixer

The simulations and experiments of a turbulent bubbly flow are carried out in a cylindrical mixing vessel. Dynamics of the turbulent bubbly flow is visualized using a novel two-phase Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) with a combination of back lighting, digital masking and fluorescent tracer particles. Using an advanced technique, Mie’s scattering at surfaces of bubbles is totally filtered out and, henceforth, images of tracer particles and of bubbles are obtained with high quality. In parallel to the comprehensive experimental studies, numerical results are obtained from large eddy simulations (LES) of the two-phase air-water mixer. The impeller-induced flow at the blade tip radius is modeled by using sliding mesh method. The results demonstrate the existence of large structures such as tip-vortex tips, and also some finer details. In addition, the stability of the jet is found to be connected with the fluctuations of the tip votices whose dynamics are affected by the presence of bubbles. Numerical results are used to interpret the measurement data and to guide the refinement of consistent theoretical analyses. Such information is invaluable in the development of advanced theories capable of describing bubbly flows in the presence of complex liquid flow. This detailed information is of real significance in facilitating the design and scale-up of practical stirred tanks.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Dynamic performance and control of a static VAr generator using cascade multilevel inverters

A cascade multilevel inverter is proposed for static VAr compensation/generation applications. The new cascade M-level inverter consists of (M-1)/2 single-phase full bridges in which each bridge has its own separate DC source. This inverter can generate an almost sinusoidal waveform voltage with only one time switching per cycle. It can eliminate the need for transformers in multipulse inverters. A prototype static VAr generator (SVG) system using an 11-level cascade inverter (21-level line-to-line voltage waveform) has been built. The output voltage waveform is equivalent to that of a 60-pulse inverter. This paper focuses on the dynamic performance of the cascade inverter based SVG system. Control schemes are proposed to achieve a fast response which is impossible for a conventional static VAr compensator (SVC). Analytical, simulation and experimental results show the superiority of the proposed SVG system.
Very‐small‐size printed loop antenna for GSM/DCS/PCS/UMTS operation in the mobile phone

A very‐small‐size printed loop antenna for mobile phone application is proposed. The antenna has a loop strip of length 62 mm only, which is folded into an L‐shape and occupies a small area of 96.5 mm2 on the top no‐ground portion of the system circuit board of the mobile phone. By incorporating a simple matching circuit formed by a chip capacitor and a chip inductor, both in series, the loop antenna can generate three resonant modes (0.25‐, 0.5‐, and 1.0‐wavelength modes) at about 925, 1800, and 2200 MHz. The 0.25‐wavelength mode forms the antenna's lower band covering GSM operation, whereas the 0.5‐ and 1.0‐wavelength modes form the antenna's upper band covering DCS/PCS/UMTS operation. Quad‐band operation is hence obtained for the printed loop antenna, although it has a very small size. Details of the proposed antenna are presented. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 184–192, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24008
UNREDUCED MEGAGAMETOPHYTE FORMATION VIA SECOND DIVISION RESTITUTION CONTRIBUTES TO TETRAPLOID PRODUCTION IN INTERPLOIDY CROSSES WITH 'ORAH' MANDARIN (CITRUSRETICULATA)

ABSTRACT Seedless fruits are desirable in the citrus fresh fruit market. Triploid production via diploid × tetraploid interploidy crosses is thought to be the most efficient and widely-used strategy for the breeding of seedless citrus. Although ‘Orah’ mandarin has desirable organoleptic qualities, seeds in the fruits weaken its market competitiveness. To produce new seedless cultivars that are similar to ‘Orah’ mandarin, we performed three 2x × 4x crosses using ‘Orah’ mandarin as the seed parent to regenerate triploid plantlets. A total of 182 triploid and 36 tetraploid plantlets were obtained. By analyzing their genetic origins using nine novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, all of the triploids and tetraploids derived from these three crosses were proven to be hybrids. Also, we demonstrated that 2n megagametophyte formation in ‘Orah’ mandarin result in tetraploid production in these three interploidy crosses. These tetraploid plantlets were genotyped using eight pericentromeric SNP markers and nine centromere distal SNP markers. Based on the genotypes of the 2n megagametophytes, the parental heterozygosity rates in 16 SNP loci and all 2n megagametophytes were less than 50%, indicating that second division restitution was the mechanism underlying 2n megagametophyte formation at both the population and individual levels. These triploid hybrids enrich the germplasm available for seedless breeding. Moreover, the tetraploid hybrids are valuable as parents for ploidy breeding for the production of seedless citrus fruits.
Surgical Skill Evaluation Model for Virtual Surgical Training

As a safe, cost-effective, and easily accessible tool for gaining experience in surgery, the simulation-based surgical skill training has attracted more and more attention in modern hospitals and institutes. One of the most important advantages of virtual surgical training is affording useful instructional feedback to users. However, how to provide systemic and competitive surgical technique evaluation to trainees is still untouched. In this paper, for UK’s Royal Bournemouth Hospital virtual surgery system, we creatively constructed a surgical technique evaluation model which consists of static structure and dynamic process, as well as an index system which covers aspects of surgery performance.
Assessment of a countywide stormwater pond improvement program

Numerous approaches have been advocated to improve pollutant removal in stormwater retention and detention ponds. The Hillsborough County (FL) Adopt-A-Pond program is one such application. However, ex post evaluation of these approaches is particularly limited. Water quality and vegetative characteristics were assessed at participating Adopt-A-Pond sites to explore potential impacts of the program on measurable environmental parameters. Statistical analysis of the results failed to demonstrate significant environmental improvements associated with the Adopt-A-Pond program, and measures of program activity did not illustrate a consistently positive influence. These results illustrate the need for ex post evaluations and indicate a general need to readdress the policies and implementation of the program. Poor compliance by program volunteers, evident by the limited span of group participation (mean = 2.5 years) and relatively low percentage of actively involved residents, is a possible culprit, as the efficacy of pond enhancement techniques is firmly established in the literature.
Green Transition: The Frontier of the Digicircular Economy Evidenced from a Systematic Literature Review

Today, the issue of economic circularity is certainly not a new concept. It represents an essential issue in any production system since it is an alternative to the current production and consumption model. The importance of the topic is confirmed worldwide. However, there is still a “circularity gap” that can be bridged in the short and medium term, probably with the use of innovative and digital technologies. In fact, many researchers agree that the sustainable future can be achieved in the long term thanks to digital technologies (i.e., IoT, artificial intelligence, quantum computing etc.) which, thanks to their speed of calculation, are able to identify the right solutions at the right time. The challenge, therefore, will be to develop innovative technologies and tools for the efficient use of resources in industries for sustainable production. Thus, the aim of this study is to define the current state of the art and future research developments in this very promising field. To achieve this goal, the integration of a “set” of tools, based on the AHP method and the PRISMA protocol, is proposed. The results aim to be a guideline for decision makers and researchers interested in this topic.
Structural noise characterization and flaw detection in austenitic stainless steels using ultrasonic signals, wavelet analysis and significance testing

The aim of this study is to characterize the structural noise in order to better detect flaws in several heterogeneous materials (steels, welding, composites œ) using ultrasonic waves. For this purpose, a continuous wavelet transform is applied to ultrasonic Ascan signals acquired using an ultrasonic Non Destructive Testing (NDT) device. The time‐scale representation provided, which highlights the temporal evolution of the spectral content of the Ascan signals, is relevant but can lead to misinterpretation. The problem is to identify if each pattern from the wavelet representation is due to the structural noise or a flaw. To solve it, a detection technique based on statistical significance testing in the time‐scale plane is used. Typical structural noise signals are then described using an autoregressive model which seems relevant according to the spectral content of the signals. The approach is tested on experimental signals, obtained by ultrasonic NDT of metallic materials (austenitic stainless steel) t.
Questioning Beliefs Surrounding Urban Sustainability: The Need for a Contextual Urban Model

When discussing sustainable development at city level, local governance is one of the most important factors and cannot be excluded among the many important aspects; economics, technology, and environment, as urban sustainability involves multilevel governance and complex political features. Using the theory of contextualism founded by S. Pepper, this paper firstly considers the meaning of ′sustainable′ and critiques the use and wider implications of the word ′sustainable′ throughout as envisaged by contextualism. While highlighting how urban sustainability can be assessed, this paper critiques specific methods of assessing urban sustainability. It attempts to link the critical philosophy of contextualism to the concept of local governance in terms of urban management. It then looks into the contradictory aspect of these principles using the city of Curitiba as an example. However the model of the city of Curitiba proved difficult to assess, as there are far too many factors to consider. It is felt that this case study is of use as a demonstration of the potential importance of the contextual urban model. We believe it unlikely that this will be solved in the near future, but it is important to look at it and a solution to this contradiction should be aimed for.
A wavelet-based technique for damage quantification via mode shape decomposition

In this study, a neuro-wavelet technique was proposed for damage identification of cantilever structure. At first, damage localisation was accomplished through mode shape decomposition using discrete wavelet transforms. Subsequently, a damage indicator was defined based on the detail coefficients of the decomposed signals. It was found that distinct patterns relate the damage indicators to damage locations. Considering this property, a neural network ensemble was developed for damage quantification. Damage indicators and damage locations were selected as input parameters for the neural networks. Three individual neural networks were trained by input samples obtained from different combinations of decomposed mode shapes. Then, the outcomes of the individual neural networks were fed to the ensemble neural network for damage quantification. The proposed method was tested on a cantilever structure both experimentally and numerically. Six different damage scenarios including three different damage locations and three different damage severities were introduced to the structure. The results revealed that the proposed method was able to quantify different damage levels with a good precision.
Research on the Online Test Principle and Error Analysis of Aspherical Optical Surfaces

For tFor t For tFor the imaging advantages of aspheric optical component, it has been widely used in the aviation, aerospace, defense and civilian high-technology. Aspherical surface shape test is a key factor restricted aspheric processing and a complex sophisticated testing techniques. The well known measurement methods are faulty. Each method has advantages and disadvantages; many methods cannot be used for online testing. In this paper，the geometric principle of a swing-arm profilometer as a novel method to measure aspherics is introduced．The deviation between the actual and the ideal of aspherical surface shape is confirmed by the high-precision measurement for the vertical height with a specific path on the aspherical optical surfaces. By adjusting the location of measuring devices to maintain the distance of rotation center to the center of workpiece equal to the length of swing-arm,we can achieve the measurement for the workpiece of different machining tool. The measurement system mainly consists of the lifting and landing system of the high-precision axis,the high-precision level turntable rotary table, the high rigidity measuring arm and the high precision measurement sensors. And the follow-up data processing puts forward a number of error correction models at the same time. The advantages of the measurement method are that the measurement sports is only a simple turning motion . It will be helpful to reduce measurement errors and improve the efficiency of measurement.
An Improved Technique for Computing the Top Heat Loss Factor of a Flat-Plate Collector With a Single Glazing

La methode proposee pour le calcul du facteur de perte thermique par la partie superieure d'un collecteur solaire, a l'aide d'une equation analytique reduit d'un facteur 10 l'erreur de calcul de ces pertes, par rapport a la methode semi-empirique employee jusqu'alors, sans perdre en simplicite
Fracture parameters of high-strength concrete – mode II testing

This paper presents an experimental investigation on fracture parameters (fracture energy and brittleness number) of double-edge-notched, high-strength concrete specimens of different sizes with varying notch depth ratios under mode II testing. Fracture energy and brittleness number are the important parameters for modelling the fracture behaviour of concrete. The fracture parameters are calculated by using size effect law. The size effect indicates that the failure stress of geometrically similar structures decreases with increasing size. From the experimental results it is observed that shear fracture energy (GII) is about 23 times more than that of mode I fracture energy (G1). It is also observed that the cracks do not propagate from the notches in the direction normal to the maximum principal stress but in a direction in which shear stresses dominate as reported by Bazant. The crack propagation direction seems to be governed by maximum energy release rate.
Analysis of fatality, injury, evacuation and cost data using the Bradford Disaster Scale

Data sets were compiled from the MHIDAS data bank for incidents where there had been five or more fatalities, ten or more injuries, 50 evacuations, or US$1 million damage. The data were converted to magnitudes on the Bradford Disaster Scale and analysed using maximum likelihood. Parameters determined from the estimation procedures were compared for compatibility between themselves and the results of analyses using other data.
Open Innovation—An Explorative Study on Value Co-Creation Tools for Nation Branding and Building a Competitive Identity

Nation branding has gained increasing popularity among marketeers, academics, and practitioners during recent decades. However, awareness among multidisciplinary researchers has been raised in the recent past. The purposes of this conceptual study were to address the lack of research on the process of building a competitive identity for nation brands and to suggest the use of open innovation-based approaches, such as value co-creation, as new potential tools for such purposes. This study identifies, discusses, and evaluates two scientific models, the PERFA Framework and the Four Actions Framework, which were originally developed to increase value propositions in organizations, and applies them as suitable tools for nation branding in building a competitive identity. The authors argue that applying open innovation-based value co-creation frameworks will create a solid basis for competitive nation branding, as the method engages multiple stakeholders.
Nonlinear Structural Analysis of an Icosahedron Under an Internal Vacuum

The concept that a structure is capable of producing buoyancy using an internal vacuum rather than a gas dates back to the 1600s, but material technology has restricted the construction of such concepts for common geometries, such as the sphere. Different and often complex geometries compensate for the lack of light materials that provide the stiffness and strength needed. Therefore, this research looks at a lighter-than-air vehicle in the form of an icosahedral frame/skin configuration using nonlinear finite element analysis in order to determine the structural response of such a vehicle, its capacity to sustain a vacuum with both material technology that exists today and in the near future, and its buoyancy characteristics. The structural response is characterized with large displacements, where membrane behavior dominates the icosahedral skin response, generating geometric stiffening in the overall structure. It is shown that those displacements have minimal effect in the structure’s buoyancy, with no .
Estimation of seismic demands on isolators in asymmetric buildings using non‐linear analysis

A procedure based on rigorous non‐linear analysis is presented that estimates the peak deformation among all isolators in an asymmetric building due to strong ground motion. The governing equations are reduced to a form such that the median normalized deformation due to an ensemble of ground motions with given corner period Td depends primarily on four global parameters of the isolation system: the isolation period Tb, the normalized strength η, the torsional‐to‐lateral frequency ratio Ωθ, and the normalized stiffness eccentricity eb/r. The median ratio of the deformations of the asymmetric and corresponding symmetric systems is shown to depend only weakly on Tb, η, and Ωθ, but increases with eb/r. The equation developed to estimate the largest ratio among all isolators depends only on the stiffness eccentricity and the distance from the center of mass to the outlying isolator. This equation, multiplied by an earlier equation for the deformation of the corresponding symmetric system, provides a design equation to estimate the deformations of asymmetric systems. This design equation conservatively estimates the peak deformation among all isolators, but is generally within 10% of the ‘exact’ value. Relative to the non‐linear procedure presented, the peak isolator deformation is shown to be significantly underestimated by the U.S. building code procedures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rejets en mer des eaux résiduaires faiblemhent radioactives du centre de la Hague

The construction of a large chemical treatment plant for radioactive Electricite de France reactor fuel has brought with in an effluent disposal problem, for which the possibility of disposal of slightly radioactive decontaminated effluent at sea has been investigated in the absence of a big river carrying a regular flow. The attractive feature about the selected dumping area off Cap de la Hague is its powerful Raz Blanchard current which it was thought could be relied on to rapidly disperse the radioactive elements within a very substantial body of sea water. The project authorities considered it desirable to aim at minimum possible specific sea water contamination in the immediate vicinity of the disposal channel outlet. This meant studying contaminated water movements and establishing the safety margin attached to the scheme by tracing the radioactive effluent's route back to Man and calculating likely radiation therefrom. This safety margin was found to be very high. A further purpose of the preliminary studies was to deterrnine the optimum site for the channel outlet and appropriate times at which to discharge the effluent (3 hours during each tide.) The disposal duct runs overland for a short distance, followed by an underwater run 5,500 m in length. Technical design and pipe-laying problems have all been solved, especially as associated with the altitude of the Centre, the ground features and the strong local sea currents. Despite all the difficulties encountered, the undersea duct was laid in six months. An original experiment with dye designed to simulate normal operating conditions during a fortnight was carried out as a check on the accumulation possibilities observed on the model. Thus, the general problem was dealt with by alternating model and real-life tests, which seemed to be the only way to do the job in view of the very numerous parameters on which dispersion depends in this region. The experimental data were found to agree very closely with the initial data observed in real life, Careful systematic supervision of the area is ensuring that contamination of the sea water within the limits laid down by the local authorities (which are based on the preliminary studies carried out on site) does not endanger human life, i.e.that it is well within the limits specified by the International Commission for Protection against Radiation.