Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of anisotropic particles in active bath

STUDY OF ANISOTROPIC PARTICLES IN ACTIVE BATH Naveed Mehmood M.S. in Physics Advisor: Assist. Prof. Dr. Giovanni Volpe August, 2015 Brownian (passive) particles undergo random motion due to thermal agitation in the surrounding medium. In recent years, a lot of attention has been devoted to study active Brownian particles, i.e., microscopic particles capable of selfpropelling. Unlike simple passive particles, active particles feature an interplay between random fluctuations and active swimming. Thus, active particles are out of thermal equilibrium and, therefore, they explore their environment completely different from passive particles. Bacteria and other microorganisms are natural examples of active particles that take up energy from their environment and convert into directed (run) motion. Recently, there has been a lot of research progress in the realization of artificial active particles (microswimmers) due to their potential technological applications. We report the anomalous diffusion of anisotropic particles propelled by biological microswimmers (E. Coli Bacteria). The anisotropic particles of various shapes (L-shape, U-shape, cross-shape, Starshape and Z-shape) were fabricated using soft lithography method. We study the motion (translation and rotation) of various anisotropic shaped particles in the thermal and active bath. The results are compared with isotropic (spherical) particles. We observe that shape anisotropy in particle plays a vital role when they are suspended in the bath of E-Coli cells showing different diffusion behavior as the swimming pressure of E-Coli bacteria differs in the shape anisotropy.
Adjusting Imperfect Data: Overview and Case Studies

Research users of large administrative have to adjust their data for quirks, problems, and issues that are inevitable when working with these kinds of datasets. Not all solutions to these problems are identical, and how they differ may affect how the data is to be interpreted. Some elements of the data, such as the unit of observation, remain fundamentally different, and it is important to keep that in mind when comparing data across countries. In this paper (written for Lazear and Shaw, 2007), we focus on the differences in the underlying data for a selection of country datasets. We describe two data elements that remain fundamentally different across countries -- the sampling or data collection methodology, and the basic unit of analysis (establishment or firm) -- and the extent to which they differ. We then proceed to document some of the problems that affect longitudinally linked administrative data in general, and we describe some of the solutions analysts and statistical agencies have implemented, and explore, through a select set of case studies, how each adjustment or absence thereof might affect the data. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
In vitro mecA gene transfer among Staphylococcus aureus in Malaysian clinical isolates

A simple experiment was performed to observe in vitro transfer of mecA gene from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , Malaysian clinical isolates, to methicillin-sensitive one. PCR-based method was used in combination with the selective antibiotic screening method to study the transfer of resistance among clinical isolates carrying different genetic markers. After performing the mixed liquid culture experiments, two types of the transconjugants were obtained. Transconjugants were analyzed by PCR for the presence of mecA and ccr recombinase genes. The mecA, ccrA3 and ccrB2 genes were detected in donor strains as well as in both types of transconjugants. Transfer of mecA, ccrA3 and ccrB2 genes from donor to recipient strains that were present in close proximity during in vitro experiment may suggest possibility of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) among S. aureus clinical strains. Bacterial co-infections in vivo where the bacteria could be in close proximity are likely to be a possible point of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) with regard to certain antibiotic resistant genes. Key words : MecA, horizontal gene transfer, SCCmec, ccr genes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Shear wave velocities in the Pampean flat-slab region from Rayleigh wave tomography: Implications for slab and upper mantle hydration

[1] The Pampean flat-slab region, located in central Argentina and Chile between 29° and 34°S, is considered a modern analog for Laramide flat-slab subduction within western North America. Regionally, flat-slab subduction is characterized by the Nazca slab descending to ∼100 km depth, flattening out for ∼300 km laterally before resuming a more “normal” angle of subduction. Flat-slab subduction correlates spatially with the track of the Juan Fernandez Ridge, and is associated with the inboard migration of deformation and the cessation of volcanism within the region. To better understand flat-slab subduction we combine ambient-noise tomography and earthquake-generated surface wave measurements to calculate a regional 3D shear velocity model for the region. Shear wave velocity variations largely relate to changes in lithology within the crust, with basins and bedrock exposures clearly defined as low- and high-velocity regions, respectively. We argue that subduction-related hydration plays a significant role in controlling shear wave velocities within the upper mantle. In the southern part of the study area, where normal-angle subduction is occurring, the slab is visible as a high-velocity body with a low-velocity mantle wedge above it, extending eastward from the active arc. Where flat-slab subduction is occurring, slab velocities increase to the east while velocities in the overlying lithosphere decrease, consistent with the slab dewatering and gradually hydrating the overlying mantle. The hydration of the slab may be contributing to the excess buoyancy of the subducting oceanic lithosphere, helping to drive flat-slab subduction.
Milk Supply Chain and Efficiency of Smallholder Dairy Producers in Pakistan

Many developing countries are re-orienting their production and marketing systems by linking local agri-producers with organized supply chain networks and supermarkets to meet increasing consumer demands. However, the existing literature is silent on the effects of such integration on relative inefficiency of smallholder producers. This paper analyzes the effects of such supply chains using data from a natural experiment in the dairy sector of Pakistan. We study the impact of rural milk supply chain, known as milk district, on smallholder efficiency of commercial dairy producers by employing stochastic production frontier and technical inefficiency effects model using survey data of 800 dairy households. While location of dairy households in our sample is exogenously determined, building of milk supply chain indeed decreases technical inefficiency. We detect stronger power of milk district in further reducing technical inefficiency if the farms are located in remote areas, or if their size is relatively large. The advice to policy makers from these results conforms to the standard economic view that market competition leads to decreased levels of technical inefficiency of smallholder producers.
The Effect of Family Climate on the Self-Reported Risky Driving Behavior of Young Novice Drivers

The aim of the study was to examine the relative importance of a young novice driver’s family climate on their driving behavior. Young novice drivers between the age of 17 and 24, who held their temporary (or permanent) driver’s license for no longer than one year, participated. The participants completed a survey in which their family climate was questioned together with 3 socio-cognitive determinants (i.e. attitude, locus of control and peer compliance). The results showed that family climate indeed is a significant predictor of risky driving behavior, even though the impact mainly originated from one factor. In addition, the results confirmed the importance of other external and internal determinants, to the degree that the socio-cognitive determinants significantly predicted the risky driving behavior of the young novice drivers.
The Research on the Mechanism of Antioxidative and Growth-Promoting Effects of Polyphenols from the Involucres of Castanea Mollissima Blume on IEC-6 Cells

The aim of the paper was to study the effects of Polyphenolic extract from involucres of Castanea mollissima Blume (PICB) on IEC-6 cell proliferation and growth and antioxidant status. The IEC-6 heat stress model was established and IEC-6 cells of control group and heat stress group were treated with 80µg/ml PICB. HSP70 ODC EGF, EGFR, SOD mRNA transcription and protein expression of IEC-6 cells were detected using RT-PCR and Western blot. The results showed that PICB concentrations had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on mRNA and protein expression of IEC-6 in normal temperature. Under heat stress conditions, HSP70, ODC, EGF, EGF R, SOD mRNA transcription and protein expression of PICB group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, PICB could up-regulate HSP70, ODC, EGF , EGFR, SOD mRNA and protein expression of heat stressed IEC-6 cell, showing the mechanism of its anti-oxidative and growth-promoting function.
26. IN SEARCH OF A SUBSURFACE BIOSPHERE AT A SLOW-SPREADING RIDGE 1

Microbiological and molecular examination of cores from the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse (TAG) hydrothermal field (Leg 158) indicated that, in the samples analyzed and within the detection limits of the methods used, there was no significant micr obial biomass that could be indicative of deep subsurface biological communities at this site. Two samples from the upper 100 cm of core produced enrichment cultures of hyperthermophilic sulfur-reducing microorganisms. However, the possibility that these organisms were entrained from the surface of the hydrothermal field during coring cannot be ruled out. It was concluded that, although an extensive subsurface biosphere might exist elsewhere at TAG, no conclusive evidence for such an environment was obtained from the samples analyzed during Leg 158 and the challenge to explore this tantalizing hypothesis remains open.
A Hierarchical Framework for the Study of Creativity.

Background: The argument put forward in this paper is that we should reorganize the existing framework most often used to describe creativity, which relies on person, process, product, and place. Aim: To that end a new hierarchical model is proposed. This accomplishes several things: It reorganizes the existing categories of research and education; it emphasizes the distinction among actual performance and mere potential; and it distinguishes among certain kinds of research in order to provide a detailed view of creative potential which can easily be used by educators. The distinction among press and place influences exemplifies this. Conclusions: Implications for education and for the further study of creativity are outlined. Key intersections are explored, including those involving personality and creative cognition, and involving places and personality traits. Most important is probably the distinction within the model between performance and potential. Intrinsic motivation is also discussed and tied to both students' personality and cognitive processes. State-by-Trait and Person-by-Environment interactions are also explored.
Industrially produced trans fatty acids: major potential sources in Malaysian diet.

This study was conducted to determine the major potential sources of industrially produced trans fatty acids (IP-TFAs) in Malaysian diet. Levels of IP-TFAs were initially determined in samples (n = 136) collected from 8 food groups (baked products, snacks, dairy products, breakfast cereals, fast foods, semisolid fats and cooking oils, and fried foods). A survey was carried out to 105 subjects aged 19-59 years old to determine the intake of IP-TFAs using Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The IP-TFAs range from 0-5.79% of food, with the highest found in semisolid fats and cooking oils (0.1-5.79%), followed by fast foods (0.04-0.86%), baked products (0.01-0.29%), breakfast cereals (0.06-0.45%), snacks (0.03-0.26%), dairy products (0-0.26%), and fried foods (0.002-0.06%). A Spearman’s Rho rank test showed that there were significant correlations (p < 0.05) between 4 of the food groups (semisolid fats and cooking oils, fast foods, fried foods, and baked products), with the total IP-TFA intakes of subjects. In general, total IP-TFAs intakes of subjects were < 1% of subjects’ diet (0.067%-0.91% of subjects’ total calorie intakes). This indicate that high fat foods (semisolid fats and cooking oils, fast foods, fried foods, and baked products) were the main contributor of IP-TFAs in Malaysian diet, despite the low proportion oftransfatty acids, following their high frequency of daily intake.
A Bio-Inspired Solution to Mitigate Urban Heat Island Effects

Over the last decade, rapidly growing world energy consumption is leading to supply difficulties, exhaustion of fossil energy resources, and global environmental deterioration. More than one-third of energy expenditure is attributable to buildings. Urbanization is intensifying these trends with tighter spatial interrelationships among buildings. This is escalating building energy consumption due to the mutual impact of buildings on each other and, as a result, exacerbating Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. I sought solutions to this significant engineering issue from nature, and discovered a similar heat island effect in flowers, namely the “micro-greenhouse effect”. However, a special cooling effect has been observed in a peculiar temperate flower—Galanthus nivalis— which generates cooler intrafloral temperatures. In this research, I studied the special retroreflectance of the flower petals, which has been suggested as a possible contributor to this cooling effect, and implemented a bio-inspired retro-reflective pattern for building envelopes. I conducted cross-regional energy simulation of building networks in a dynamic simulation environment in order to examine its thermal-energy impact. I found that building surface temperatures dropped considerably when neighboring buildings were retrofitted with my bio-inspired retro-reflective façade. I concluded that my bio-inspired retro-reflective pattern for building envelopes; (1) lessens the reflected heat of solar radiation in spatially-proximal buildings leading to reduced UHI, and (2) reduces the energy required for cooling and, therefore, energy consumption. The research has further implications and contributions on building design, urban planning, development of retroreflective technology, and environmental conservation.
Return to Wine: A Comparison of the Hedonic, Repeat Sales and Hybrid Approaches

Comparisons between the return to wine and standard financial assets are complicated in that the return to wine must be estimated from infrequent sales of heterogeneous wine brands. Wine returns can be estimated using several different methods, and here the performance of the hedonic model, repeat sales model, and hybrid model are compared using 14,102 auction sale observations for Australian wine over the period 1988 to 2000. The results show that the hybrid model provides the most efficient estimates, and that the repeat sales model provides significantly higher total return estimates than the other two models.
Synthesis of gold (Au) Nanoparticles for mercury adsorption

Problem statement: Mercury is not only hazardous to human health and the environment but could also attack equipment components resulting in a mechanical failure and gas leakage. Approach: Describes the preparation of various sizes and shapes of Au nanoparticles for mercury adsorption by using polyol method under MW heating. Au nanoparticles have been synthesized by a polyol method under Microwave (MW) heating in the presence of Au seed ([Au]1/[Au]0 = 6 of molar ratio) and different Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) concentrations (11.1, 22.2 and 33.3 mM). The amount of mercury adsorbed was determined by analyzing the concentration of mercury solution before and after the contacts with various sizes and shapes of Au nanoparticles. Results: When the lower PVP concentration (11.1 mM) was used, polygonal and spherical nanoparticles were dominantly present, while spherical nanoparticles were preferentially form by using higher PVP concentrations (22.2 and 3.33 mM). It was found that the diameter and length of Au nanoparticles decreased with increasing PVP concentrations. When Au nanoparticles solution was prepared using Au seed, significant changes in sizes and shapes of Au seed occurred. Spherical nanoparticles in the Au seed (22.2 mM) were completely changed to polygonal nanoparticles. The amount of mercury adsorbed using 9 ppm mercury solution on polygonal nanoparticles is higher (64.88%) than spherical nanoparticles (18.77%). Conclusion: These results indicated that mercury adsorption strongly depends on the sizes and shapes of Au nanoparticles. Polygonal nanoparticles adsorbed more mercury than spherical nanoparticles but the amount mercury adsorbed is inversely proportional to their size.
Labor Market Regulations and the Demand for Labor in Brazil

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the 1988 changes in labor market regulations on the level of employment and on the time required by firms to adjust their employment level to economic fluctuations. From the many aspects of labor market regulations, this study will concentrate on those that directly influence variable labor and dismissal costs. Evaluating the impact of changes in these costs on the level of employment and speed of adjustment will be based on estimates of structural dynamic models for labor demand at different points in time before and after the 1988 constitutional change. The empirical strategy will be to estimate such models from microlongitudinal monthly data for a sample of 5,000 on manufacturing establishments, which cover the period from January 1985 to December 1997. To try to isolate the effect of the constitutional change on the parameters of the demand function from the effect of the process of trade liberalization and of the series of stabilization plans that also occurred in the end of the 80’s, we regress our monthly estimates of these parameters on a temporal indicator for the 1988 constitutional change, controlling for a variety of other macroeconomic indicators. O objetivo principal deste artigo e avaliar o impacto das mudancas na regulacao do mercado de trabalho, implementadas com a Constituicao de 1988, sobre o nivel de emprego e a velocidade do ajuste do emprego a flutuacoes economicas. Entre os varios aspectos da regulacao do mercado de trabalho, nossa analise prioriza aqueles relacionados aos custos variaveis do trabalho e custos de demissao. A avaliacao dos impactos da variacao destes custos sobre as variaveis mencionadas sera baseada em estimativas de um modelo dinâmico de carater estrutural da demanda por trabalho em varios periodos, anteriores e posteriores a mudanca constitucional de 1988. A estrategia empirica consiste em estimar o modelo por intermedio de dados microlongitudinais de periodicidade mensal. Os dados sao da Pesquisa Industrial Mensal, que reportam informacoes sobre cerca de 5 mil estabelecimentos industriais. Nossa analise compreendera o periodo de janeiro de 1985 a dezembro de 1997. Os resultados nao mostram nenhuma evidencia de que os parâmetros da demanda por trabalho tenham tido seus valores alterados por volta de 1988. Estes resultados continuam validos mesmo quando se considera a influencia de fatores macroeconomicos sobre a evolucao mensal dos parâmetros estimados.
IRIS Authentication Based On AES Algorithm

Cryptosystem is widely used in many information security application were the identification and verification are done by passwords, pin number etc which is easily cracked by others. So biometric cryptosystem is a powerful unique tool based on the anatomical and behavioral characteristics of the human beings in order to proof the authentication. Iris is used for generation of 128 bit binary key in order to prove the legitimate user who entering into the biometric system. This paper proposes extracting the multiple iris features from local iris image based on Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to reduce the dimensionality and to get accurate iris feature vector. It is clustered and its centroid value is converted into 128 bits iris key using K-Means clustering. The clustering is used to minimize the intra variation on the extracted iris feature vector. This paper also proposes biometric cryptosystem based on AES encryption and decryption to protect the confidential information by using iris as a biometric key. CRC is used to check whether there is no modification in the original data.
A multi-scale multi-frequency deconvolution algorithm for synthesis imaging in radio interferometry

Aims. We describe MS-MFS, a multi-scale multi-frequency deconvolution algorithm for wide-band synthesis-imaging, and present imaging results that illustrate the capabilities of the alg orithm and the conditions under which it is feasible and gives accurate results. Methods. The MS-MFS algorithm models the wide-band sky-brightness distribution as a linear combination of spatial and spectral basis functions, and performs image-reconstruction by combining a linear-least-squares approach with iterativeχ 2 minimization. This method extends and combines the ideas used in the MS-CLEAN and MF-CLEAN algorithms for multi-scale and multi-frequency deconvolution respectively, and can be used in conjunction with existing wide-field imaging algorithms. We also discus s a simpler hybrid of spectral-line and continuum imaging methods and point out situations where it may suffi ce. Results. We show via simulations and application to multi-frequency VLA data and wideband EVLA data, that it is possible to reconstruct both spatial and spectral structure of compact and extended emission at the continuum sensitivity level and at the angular resolution allowed by the highest sampled frequency.
The political response to rural social and economic sustainability: A cross-national study of Thai and Australian rural policy, 1997–2007

Abstract This article provides a cross-national examination of Thai and Australian political responses to rural social and economic inequity during the period 1997–2007 using an historical lens. It highlights different policy approaches and their philosophical underpinnings. Both the National Party and Thai Rak Thai Party shared similar policy positions. Village funds and rural community development programmes were aimed at providing capital to encourage the establishment of new enterprises or partnerships in building infrastructure. In some respects they were compensationary for changes in global agricultural commodity trading conditions and an acknowledgement that markets fail producers in the rural sector. The contrast between Thai and Australian approaches to rural policy is in the philosophy of ‘Sufficiency Economy’. A philosophy rejected by the Thai Rak Thai Party, Sufficiency Economy, was essentially building upon long held peasant traditions.
Designing the venue logistics management operations for a World Exposition

World Expositions, due to their size and peculiar features, pose a number of logistics challenges. This paper aims at developing a design framework for the venue logistics management (VLM) operations to replenish food products to the event site, through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches. First, an in-depth interview methodology, combined with the outcomes of a literature review, is adopted for defining the key variables for the tactical and operational set-up of the VLM system. Second, a quantitative approach is developed to define the necessary logistics resources. The framework is then applied to the case of Milan 2015 World Exposition. It is the first time that such a design framework for a World Exposition is presented: the originality of this research lies in the proposal of a systematic approach that adds to the experiential practices constituting the current body of knowledge on event logistics.