Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climate Change in the Arctic: Analysis of model simulations

The Arctic climate change is ampli ed compared to the global climate change. Individual feedback e ects contribute to Arctic Ampli cation. Radiative climate feedbacks diagnosed by means of the combined Partial Radiative Perturbation method (PRP-method) from an idealized climate change experiment for abruptly changed CO2-concentration to the quadruple ( abrupt4xCO2 ) of the pre-industrial concentration ( piControl ) of 13 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) are presented and compared for a global and an Arctic average, de ned as the area between 70◦N and 90◦N. Signi cant discrepancies between the Arctic and global averaged feedbacks are found. For a global average, the water vapor feedback is the strongest positive feedback (1.91 ± 0.19Wm−2K−1) while the surface albedo feedback is the dominating positive feedback for an Arctic average (3.97 ± 1.28Wm−2K−1). The strongest negative feedback is the Planck feedback for both area averages, but it is more than twice as strong for the Arctic average. The globally averaged cloud feedback shows the largest intermodel di erences (±0.24Wm−2K−1), con rming earlier results, but this does not account for the Arctic average. The Arctic surface albedo feedback (±1.28Wm−2K−1) shows the biggest intermodel di erences due to huge intermodel di erences in the control surface temperature and sea-ice fraction. The strength of the Arctic surface albedo feedback is independent of the control sea-ice fraction, but its global complement shows a dependency. The lapse-rate feedback is due to the missing deep convection and temperature inversions in the Arctic positive and six times stronger (2.90± 0.63Wm−2K−1) in absolute value than for a global average (−0.47± 0.20Wm−2K−1). The global change of the surface temperature is correlated to the strength of the surface albedo and lapserate feedback, whereat for an Arctic average also the strength of the cloud and Planck feedback are dependent of the magnitude of warming. The cloud feedback is changing sign for a greater Arctic warming to positive because of a greater impact of the trapped emitted longwave radiation from surface by clouds. The Arctic surface albedo feedback shows the strongest correlation with the total Arctic radiative feedback, which is correlated to the strength of Arctic warming. Hence, the Arctic temperature feedbacks play only a secondary role for the total Arctic feedback parameter, causing Arctic warming.
METAL SECTOR IN CEECs AND RUSSIA A comparative analysis in the European context

This paper deals with the situation of the metals sector in Russia and Central Eastern Europe, as well as with their EU trade. In both CEECs and Russia, the metals sector inherited huge production overcapacities from the command economy, which are not viable under the market economy conditions. Russian metals sector focuses mainly on basic metals, whereas CEECs specialize rather on fabricated metal products. Due to more active industrial restructuring during the past decade, basic metals became less important in the CEECs’ economies, whereas in Russia, due to the lack of restructuring, the opposite occurred. In Russia, metals exports to the EU are concentrated on basic precious and non-ferrous metals. In the CEECs, the sector’s exports to the EU come also from fabricated metal products. Russian basic metals exports to the EU grew more dynamically than those of the CEECs, when at the same time fabricated metal products exports to the EU grew faster in the CEECs than in Russia. There is no evidence that the EU would discriminate against basic metals
Optimization of Process Parameters for Bioethanol Production from Low grade Iraqi Dates

Box-Wilson experimental design method was employed to optimize bioethanol production from low grade, unclassified, waste Iraqi dates. The optimization process was based on four independent relevant parameters-initial sugar concentration (50-100 g/l), pH (4.5-6.5), fermentation time (48-96 hrs), and temperature (25-35℃). A maximum bioethanol yield of 33.9 g/l was practically achieved following thirty different experimental runs, as specified by 24-Central Composite Design (CCD). The optimum values for the aforementioned four parameters, corresponding to the maximum yield, were: 75g/l, pH 5.5, 72 hrs, 30℃, respectively. The obtained experimental data were utilized to develop a semi-empirical model, based on a second-degree polynomial, to predict bioethanol yield. The model was tested using ANOVA software (Design expert® 9) and found acceptable (R2=0.9025). Yield response surface and contour plots were created using the developed model, which revealed the presence of high-yield plateaus whose specifications will be useful in controlling pilot-or industrial scale future units to ensure economical feasibility.
Does the Size of Board of Directors and Executives affect Firm Performance in Malaysian Listed Firms

The worldwide business practices bring more attention to corporate governance. Board of directors is also assumed as the central mechanism of corporate governance. However, whether the board composition will influence firm profitability is still questionable. This paper investigates the effect of the size of board of directors (BOD) and magnitude of executive directors on the firm profitability. Based on GMM regressions on a sample of 267 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia during 2010-2013, it is found that the board size and executive ratio have a positive impact on the firm profitability, although the coefficient value of the executive ratio considerably is greater than the coefficient of the board size. Moreover, persistent profitability is remarked by both models‎. The age of the firm factor has an insignificant relationship with firm profitability. However, leverage has a negative significant influence on the firm profitability, but the effect of liquidity on profitability is positive. Keywords : ACE Market; Capital Structure; Board Size; Firm Profitability JEL Classifications: G35; G32
Molecular dynamics study of cristobalite silica using a charge transfer three-body potential: Phase transformation and structural disorder

Structural and dynamic properties of cristobalite silica have been studied using molecular dynamics simulations based on a charge transfer three-body potential model. In this potential model, the directional covalent bonding of SiO 2 is characterized by a charge transfer function of the interatomic distance between Si and O atoms, and in the form of Si‐O‐Si and O‐Si‐Othree-body interactions. The dynamic properties such as infrared spectra and density of states at room and elevated temperatures are in excellent agreement with experiments, and are also consistent with the recently proposed rigid unit modes model. The a- and b-cristobalite crystallographic structures are well reproduced in this model, and the transition between these modifications occurs reversibly and reproducibly in simulations, both as a result of changes in pressure and temperature. The thermally induced transition results in a significantly more disordered b-cristobalite than the pressure-induced b-cristobalite at room temperature. While simulated a-cristobalite exhibits a positive thermal expansion coefficient, it is almost zero forb-cristobalite up to 2000 K and slightly negative at higher temperatures, confirming results from recent x-ray diffraction experiments and other simulations with potential models based on ab initio calculations. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. @DOI: 10.1063/1.1529684#
Protocols for the ASsessment and Conservation of Aquatic Life In the Subsurface (PASCALIS): overview and main results

The PASCALIS project (EVK2-CT-2001-00121) (2002-2004) was the first comprehensive proposal that specifically addresses the groundwater biodiversity issue at the European scale and represents also an important backbone for research development in groundwater. The main objective was to establish a rigorous and detailed protocol for assessing groundwater biodiversity and to develop operational tools for its conservation. More precisely, a solid unmatched piece of work was provided by the PASCALIS database that reflects our presentday knowledge on stygobiotic biodiversity distribution in six European countries. The cryptic diversity has been explored by using molecular approach on reference taxa and revealed to be a useful tool in the implementation and extension of our knowledge of groundwater biodiversity. Furthermore, a sampling protocol has been assessed, allowing reliable results on species distribution within selected hierarchical units. Results show that species distribution differs from one region to another, and that species similarity between regions is very low due to the high level of endemicity observed. In addition, biodiversity indicators among stygobionts resulted to be a very useful tool to build up a network of reference sites at European scale with reduced costs and sampling effort. Significant improvements have been introduced in the groundwater biodiversity conservation strategy by proposing new methodologies relying on sound scientific results. Finally, the ways to effectively implement a coherent, sustainable and scientific solid conservation strategy have been explored in the framework of EU policies related to biodiversity and sustainable management of groundwater resources.
MOLECULAR EXPRESSION OF WINGLESS-TYPE MMTV INTEGRATION SITE FAMILY MEMBER 4 GENE USING Escherichia coli BL21

This research was conducted to find out the Wnt 4 recombinant proteins which expressed by Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) BL21 carrying the recombinant DNA wnt 4 ( E. coli transformation). Research materials were E. coli BL21 transformation and E. coli BL21 non-transformation (negative control). The expression of recombinant protein was conducted by culturing E. coli for 24 hours in Luria-Bertani (LB) media with isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction. Recombinant protein was isolated by sonication of pellet bacteria. Protein analysis performed by 15% sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results showed that recombinant protein with a molecular weight of 33 kDa has been expressed by E. coli BL21 transformation successfully.
Cytotoxic effects of Kydia calycina leaf fractions on different human cancer cell cultures

Objective: The objective of the study was to study the cytotoxic effects of effects of different fractions of Kydia calycina using various human cancer cell cultures, in vitro by MTT assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and caspase-3 activities. Materials and Methods: Human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells, human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells and human neuroblastoma (IMR-32) cells were maintained in a 5% CO2 incubator at 37°C. Different concentrations of fractions of K. calycina such as toluene fraction (KT), ethyl acetate fraction (KE), butanone fraction (KB), and aqueous fraction (KAq) in serum-free culture medium were freshly prepared and used for cytotoxic activity by MTT assay, ROS generation and apoptotic effect by caspase-3 activity. Results: Among the four fractions, the KE and KB fractions have revealed that greater percentage inhibition in all types of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner by MTT assay. The IC50 values of KE fraction were found to be 38.35, 40.47, and 36.83 μg/mL against HeLa, MCF-7, and IMR-32, respectively. The apoptotic activity was evaluated through ROS generation and caspase-3 activities of KE and KB. The results showed that both fractions have significantly increased the ROS production and caspase-3 levels in all the cell cultures in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: The present investigation has shown that the KE and KB fractions of K. calycina displayed significant cytotoxic activity against all three cancer cells by decreased cell viability, increased generation of ROS and caspase-3 activities.
Practitioner research in libraries: a cross-sectoral comparison

Even when research conducted in public library authorities does not have a major impact on policy, it can be crucial for service development. In Spring 2003, the Centre for Information Research (CIRT) at the University of Central England carried out a series of surveys of public, academic, health, school and special libraries in the British Isles in order to obtain up-to-date information about the research issues of particular interest to staff. This indicated that there is significant interest in research, even among those librarians who are not heavily involved in research activity personally. There were a number of common themes which cut across the different library sectors, including ICT, user needs, accommodation, collections, funding, staffing and co-operation. This suggests that, while sector-specific research is necessary in some areas, in others, cross-sectoral research may help library staff to address the common problems they all face.
Host suitability of brinjal jassid Amrasca bigutulla bigutulla (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera) among different aubergine genotypes in Pothwar region

The present study was conducted at University Research Farm Koont, during the year 2014. Six brinjal cultivars were tested for their host suitability against the Jassid. The results revealed that maximum number of nymphs and adult were observed on Giant Round cultivar with 0.35 and 1.35 per leaf respectively. The minimum population of nymphs and adult were observed on Pusa Purple Long with 0.01 and 0.01 per leaf respectively. According to physico-morphic characters the maximum numbers of hairs on leaf lamina and leaves midrib were recorded on Pusa Purple Long cultivar with 279.00 and 72.25 cm2 and minimum on Giant Round with186.75 and 23.00 cm2 respectively. Highest plant height was noticed on Pusa Purple Long with 61.92 cm while the minimum brinjal plant height was observed on Giant Round i.e. 44.59 cm. Brinjal plant stem girth on Giant Round was higher with 54.70 cm and minimum on Pusa Purple Long with 28.42 cm. Maximum yield was observed on Pusa Purple Long with 0.42 kg while the Giant Round had low yield of 0.04 kg. So Pusa Purple Long has been recommended for the cultivation in the Pothwar region.
Optimal signal timing signalized intersection by global optimization (OPT-I)

Accurate measurements of signal control parameters at signalized intersections are very important for designing and operating traffic control systems. In this work, a queuing system has been modelled as a result from the characterization of the vehicles behaviour approaching and passing of a signalized intersection. This intersection is part of a network of urban traffic and two problems are formulated, distinguished by the type of control used: pretimed, semi-actuated or fully-actuated. Subsequently global optimization and complementarity can be used to determine the parameters of the control signal. This formulation includes the green times and cycle lengths that minimize the total waiting time of vehicles at the intersection. At intersections regulated by actuated control, this methodology allows us to estimate the effective green time in actuated streams as well as the length of each cycle. It should be noted that the duration of departure of vehicles when signal is green or yellow is constant. The vehicles arrivals are random, following a Poisson probability distribution. The models in question were formulated as linear programs with linear complementarity constraints (LPLCC). In the present study, the Sequential Linear Complementarity Algorithm (SLCP) was also analysed to calculate the global minimum for the LPLCC. Furthermore, several scenarios of traffic intersections are created to demonstrate the method’s efficiency, particularly to verify the accuracy of the solutions of the problems. Maria Lurdes Simoes and Isabel M. Ribeiro
In Vitro Seed Germination and Embryo Culture in Nothapodytes foetida (Wight) Sleumer

In vitro seed germination and embryo culture have been achieved in Nothapodytes foetida, this plant is known for its rich source of anticancer drug i. e. , Camptothecin. In present study both normal and decoated seeds were subjected to different treatments viz., H2O, GA3, H2O2, H2SO4, chlorine water and mechanical scarification, further these were germinated on water agar medium (WA), filter paper bridge (FB), half strength MS (HMS) and full strength MS (FMS) medium. The highest percentage (69%) of germination was achieved from decoated seeds treated with 10mg/L GA3 and germinated on Filter Paper Bridge. And for embryo culture mature embryos were inoculated on MS medium containing various combination and concentrations of cytokinins (BAP, Kn and TDZ) and auxin (IAA and NAA) for rapid conversion into a plantlet. Among the different combinations of growth regulators; highest frequency (100%) of plantlet conversion was obtained on MS medium containing Kn (1.0mg/L) and NAA (0.2mg/L).
Optimal laser-pulse energy partitioning for air ionization

We investigate the pulse partitioning of a 6.3-mJ, 450-fs pulse at 1030 nm to produce plasma channels. At such moderate energies, splitting the energy into several subpulses reduces the ionization efficiency and thus does not extend the plasma lifetime. We numerically show that when sufficient energy to produce multifilamentation is available, splitting the pulse temporally in a pulse train increases the gas temperature compared to a filament bundle of the same energy. This could improve the mean free path of the free electrons, therefore enhancing the efficiency of discharge triggering.
Characterization of physically crosslinked ionic liquid-lignocellulose hydrogels

A novel hydrogel was prepared starting with a 10-wt. % lignocellulose solution that was obtained by dissolution of Norway spruce wood (Picea abies) in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. This ionic liquid was used to avoid traditional degradative and hazardous effects of solvents on the lignocellulose. Five alternate freezing and thawing cycles of the lignocellulose solution were employed as a means of physically crosslinking the hydrogels. The obtained hydrogel network was thermoreversible, with mesopores of 5 to 35 nm diameter, predominantly amorphous, and presenting distinct behaviors when immersed in aqueous solutions with different concentrations of organic electrolytes. The specific surface area of the hydrogel was 75.23 m2×g-1.The hydrogels presented high uptake capacities for pollutant chemical species (Cu2+, Pb2+, and bemacid blue anionic dye) that spanned from 445 mg/L to 547 mg/L at a pH value of 6. This indicated that the hydrogels are promising materials for environmental applications.
Dynamics of star-burst dendrimers in solution in relation to their structural properties

We have measured both the static and dynamic structure factors of a single dendrimer with small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and neutron spin-echo spectroscopy under good solvent conditions with the aim of finding a consistent correlation between the structural properties of dendrimers and their dynamic behavior. The samples under investigation were star-burst polyamidoamine dendrimers with generations g=0 to 8 in dilute methanol solutions. A model independent approach employing inverse Fourier transformation and square root deconvolution methods has been used to analyze the SAXS data to obtain the pair distance distribution function p(r) and the radial excess electron density profile Δρ(r). In addition, we formulated a model that takes both the colloidal (globular, compact shape with form polydispersity or fuzzy surface) as well as the loose, polymeric (self-avoiding random walk) character of dendrimers into account. With this model we were able to describe the spectra of all dendrimer generations consi.
HIGH-LEVEL-OF-DETAIL SEMANTIC 3D GIS FOR RISK AND DAMAGE REPRESENTATION OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract. The need to share information about architectural heritage effectively after a disaster event, in order to foster its preservation, requires the use of a common language between the involved actors and stakeholders. A database able to connect the architectural heritage representation with the data useful for hazard and risk analysis can thus be a powerful instrument. This paper outlines a methodology to represent 3D models of the architectural heritage, according to some existing standards data models, and relate their geometric features to the damage mechanisms that could occur after an earthquake. Among all the existing standard to represent cartographic, cultural heritage and hazard/risk information, respectively INSPIRE, CityGML, UNESCO, CIDOC-CRM, its extension MONDIS and the Getty Institute vocabularies, compliant to the CIDOC-CRM, have been taken into account. An INSPIRE extension has been proposed for increasing the level of detail (LoD) of the representation and improving the description of heritage buildings, adding some macro-elements and elements “feature types” connected with the damage mechanisms, identified in structural studies. The suggested method allows to archive, in a multi-scale database, 3D information with a very high level of detail about architectural heritage and can help structural engineers and conservator-restorers in preventing further damages through individuating useful targeted actions.
Alginate beads and epoxy resin composites as candidates for microwave absorbers

This paper presents a new composite material, which is developed by mixing calcium alginate spheres with commercially available epoxies Stycas 2850 FT (s2850) and Stycast W19 (W19). The resulting composite material is examined in terms of transmission and re∞ection coe-cients in microwave frequencies (26 to 40GHz, 70 to 110GHz and 300 to 320GHz). The study reveals that the new material exhibits re∞ection coe-cients much lower than some commercial CR absorbers from the Eccosorb group. The experimental results justify the use of the new composite material as absorber at microwave frequencies.
Arabic Text Classification Process

Due to the richness of the language, the ordinary Arabic Text classification of the content is very complex, difficult and challenging task. This resulted as unavailable benchmarking Arabic corpus, limitation of research and ambiguous processing phases in the field of Arabic text classification, This paper presents the complex nature of Arabic language, poses the problems of lacking free public Arabic corpora, explain the Classification phases throw the literature Arabic text classification
Ruminal fermentation of Nellore steers fed crude glycerine replacing starch vs. fibre-based energy ingredient in low or high concentrate diets

Twelve ruminally cannulated steers (401.0 ± 41.5 kg) and 24 mo were used in a replicated arrangement truncated Latin Square with six animals in six treatments and four periods to evaluate the effect of crude glycerine (CG; 80.3% of glycerol) with starch or fiber-based energy ingredients in the concentrate on DMI, DM (DMD) and NDF digestibility (NDFD) and ruminal parameters. Experimental periods were 19 days (14 days for adaptation and 5 days to sampling). Diets were: CO - without CG and corn as ingredient of concentrate; CGC - inclusion of CG (10% of DM) with corn in the concentrate; and CGSH - inclusion of CG (10% of DM) with soybean hulls (SH) in the concentrate. All three diets were offered at low (LC) or high (HC) concentrate level, CL (40 or 60%). Animals fed LC or HC diets had similar DMI, DMD and NDFD. Animals fed diets with CG associated with corn or SH had higher propionate concentrations and lower A:P ratio. Diets with HC increase the propionate but do not affect the NDFD. CG (10% of DM) can be used to replace corn or SH in diets with 40 or 60% of concentrate, without affect NDFD.