Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UNIFORM GAIN POWER-SPECTRUM ANTENNA-PATTERN THEOREM AND ITS POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS

For certain applications in radio astronomy, viz. radio spectrographs, spectrum monitoring etc., only the amplitude power spectrum coverage within an angle of observation could be of interest. Ideally, the antenna structures of such instruments should illuminate this covering angle with a fixed uniform gain. This might be achieved using a combination of dipole antennas, a single vertical dipole, a loop antenna etc., but are subjected to limited bandwidth. This limitation could be overcome if many electrically-identical wideband antennas are positioned across the perimeter of a circle lying in the horizontal plane such that the antennas' adjacent half power beam angles touch each other. It has been theoretically observed that if two identical antennas are positioned at an angle with respect to one-another in such a way that their adjacent half power beam angles coincide, then if the amplitude power spectrums of the two are added, the result is effectively an amplitude power spectrum obtained from a single antenna having an uniform gain and uniform signal to noise ratio within the angle subtended by them. This angle also happens to be equal to the half power beamwidth of the individual antennas. A proper design using frequency independent antennas might possibly result to an user specified uniform amplitude power spectrum gain coverage across any required angle, with a theoretically unlimited bandwidth. More number of identical antennas might be positioned in similar fashion for extending the angular coverage.
Phylogenetic relationships in genus Gloriosa L

In an attempt to test the monophyly of the genus Gloriosa L. , the chloroplast region trnL-trnF sequences were employed using Baeometra uniflora, Hexacyrtis dickiana, Neodregea glassii, Onixotis punctata, Onixotis stricta, Ornithoglossum parviflorum, Ornithoglossum undulatum, Ornithoglossum viride, Ornithoglossum vulgare and Sandersonia aurantiaca as an outgroup. Results of maximum parsimony analysis reveal that Gloriosa is a well supported clade with the inclusion of genus Littonia Hook. The phylogenetic analysis resolves Littonia modesta Hook. as sister to the main clade of Littonia revoilii Franch. nested within Gloriosa sensu stricto species. Within the main clade, L. revoilii and Gloriosa baudii (Terracc.) Chiov. form a well supported clade. Both species are near-endemics, occurring in east Africa with L. revoilii extending into south Yemen. The third clade comprises species of the Gloriosa superba L. complex and Gloriosa sessiliflora Nordal & Bingham. These three lineages are also strongly supported by ecological, geographical and morphological characters.
Developing and Application of Mobile Game Based Learning (M-GBL) for High School Students Performance in Chemistry

This study aims to develop and understand the effect of a mobile game based learning (M-GBL) implementation on student learning outcomes associated with student learning independence. The research was conducted in three schools at 58 Jakarta High School, 77 Jakarta High School, and 78 Jakarta High School in the academic year 2016/2017. The research method used was quasi-experiment with two ways Anava research design (treatment by level 2x2). A total of 40 students, as a sample of the study, were selected using a simple random sampling technique. In the experimental class, the learning process used M-GBL media which has been validated by experts and tested against students and teachers. While students in the control class, the learning process used traditional media. The conclusions are: M-GBL media is feasible to be used as chemistry learning media which is practical, fun, interesting, can be used anywhere, and in accordance with facilities owned by learners. M-GBL media has a positive effect on students chemical learning outcomes when applied to groups of students who have high learning independence; in groups of students who have low learning independence, students’ academic achievement when taught using M-GBL media were lower than students taught using traditional media owing to the factor of learning independence.
Board Structure and Firm Performance: Evidence from French Firms Listed in SBF 120

Using a sample of 40 French companies listed on the SBF 120 for the period 2002-2009, we examine if board structure (board size, independence of its members andthe cumulativefunctions of decision and control) relate to their performance. To test the validity of our hypothesis,which states the existence of a certain deterministic between the board structure and financialperformance measured by four different ratios, namely ROA, ROE, Tobin's Q and Market to Book, we have developed four dynamic panel system GMM approach to control for relevant sources of endogeneity (simultaneity, reverse causality and unobserved heterogeneity). Our results support the idea, commonly accepted, that board structure is a determinant factor for French firm performance.
Microsatellite-based genetic diversity among accessions of Citrullus spp. collected from 36 countries

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is one of the most economically important vegetable cucurbits. However, the genetic and taxonomic statuses of its closely related species remain scantly documented, limiting their full use for agronomic purposes. The genetic diversity and structure of 74 accessions covering 47 dessert type (C. lanatus subsp. vulgaris), 21 oilseed type (C. mucosospermus), and 6 citron melon (C. lanatus subsp. lanatus var citroides) collected from 36 countries throughout 4 continents, were analyzed using 18 polymorphic SSR markers. The mean values of proportion of polymorphic loci (P = 29.73), number of alleles per locus (A = 1.243), effective number of alleles per locus (Ae = 1.153) Shannon index (I = 0.191), observed and expected heterozygosities (Ho = 0.124; He = 0.149) confirmed the narrow genetic basis of C. lanatus. According to molecular variance analysis the most important component of the genetic variation was obtained among accessions (70%). On the contrary, lower genetic variation was noted among species (16%), countries (37%), and continents (14%). It is suggested that the cultivated forms of Citrullus spp. originated from or successive selection cycles aimed at few and/or common traits, in few ancestral populations. Clustering based on both Bayesian approach and an unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean pointed out three groups of accessions corresponding to use types and collecting countries. Based on these results, future collecting missions could be focused mainly on representative ecological sites in Citrullus spp. distribution areas, and increasing the number of accessions and seeds per accession.
An Activity Theory Approach to Contra-dictions in Intercultural Telecollabo-ration

This qualitative participatory study explores contradictions that emerged in a telecollaborative project linking two groups of participants: 11 teacherlearners of a TESOL graduate program in Korea and 24 graduate students of an educational psychology course in the United States. Drawing on data from selfreflection essays, interview, online transcripts, and end-of-semester questionnaires, I document main contextual tensions that arose from the different socially and culturally situated attitudes, beliefs, and expectations that informed students’ communicative choices.
Bidirectional Resonant DC-DC Converter for Microgrid applications

This paper presents a non-isolated bidirectional softswitching dc-dc converter for DC microgrid energy storage synchronization. To assist the soft switching of switches and diodes, the LCL resonant circuit is applied and an input end halfbridge boost converter is enforced. Using the voltage doubler circuit introduced on the output side, a voltage gain of 2X is achieved. Through the non-isolated circuit, the total voltage gain is obtained. The capacitive divider halves the voltage on the greater hand. The circuit performs a high frequency ripple of low output voltage. Diodes guarantee zero voltage Turn ON for switches and zero current turn ON and turn OFF during buck / boost operation Although no internal snubber circuits are available, the circuit ensures low voltage stress across semiconductor systems.
A ROBUST TECHNIQUE IMPLEMENTATION FOR FACIAL RECOGNITIONUNDER EIGEN FEATURE EXTRACTION

This paper presents a Robust Technique implementation for facial recognition under Eigen feature extraction and further matching with testing image. In face recognition totally based on mathematical pattern recognition technique i.e extraction feature of eigen values for face of an image, training set is taken to train system with these images. During training are front postures of human being ion testing section various attacks are applied on image of human example noise, left poses, right poses, blurriness etc On these effects results are calculated to recognize the face on bases of eigen values and calculation is done on basis of distance and time and accuracy. System give a accurate value i.e 2.0 or 0.3 that what portion of the image are matched instead of YES or NO in traditional system(PCA,LDA etc.).
The fastscanning observing technique for millimeter and submillimeter astronomy

Fastscanning is a new observing technique for millimeter and submillimeter astronomy from ground based telescopes. The atmosphere is eliminated by taking advantage of detector arrays. Instead of wobbling the secondary mirror with a fixed frequency of a few Hz to filter the atmospheric contribution, we sample the detector outputs at a much higher rate without a modulation by the secondary mirror. The atmospheric contribution is then removed later in the off line data reduction by correlation analysis between the detector pixels. In order to satisfy the AC requirement of the amplifiers in the absence of modulation, the telescope scans fast to convert the spatial frequencies of the sky into the detector frequency band. The acquired AC signals are then deconvolved with the corresponding filter function in order to reconstruct quasi-DC signals. This article describes the technique of this new method and shows simulations and preliminary test results.
Antisickling activities of two ethnomedicinal plant recipes used for the management of sickle cell anaemia in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Two plant recipes used in the management of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) by the indigenous people of Ibadan, Nigeria were studied for their antisickling activities. Using methanolic extracts of powdered plant parts, in vitro studies antisickling activities of the extracts were evaluated using p-hydroxybenzoic acids and normal saline as controls. The method employed involved the inhibition of sodium metabisulphite induced sickling of HbSS red blood cells, collected from confirmed non-crises sickle cell patients. Extracts of Recipe 1 (consisting of 28 plants) and 2 (consisting of 7 plants) showed antisickling activities; 63.4 and 78.8% inhibition, respectively, at 180 min incubation. The confirmation of the antisickling activity in the two recipes justifies their use by indigenous people. Phytochemical screening of the extracts showed that they contained similar secondary metabolites except that anthraquinones were absent from Recipe 2.
Application of the Expanded Theory of Planned Behavior in Intercity Travel Behavior

Congestion in intercity corridors of metropolitan area has been increasing steadily. To alleviate congestion, many major investment projects, such as the high speed railway projects, were proposed by agency. To evaluate the adequacy and efficiency of these projects, the intercity travel behavior should be analyzed in metropolitan area. The paper constructed a Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model according to an expanded theory of planned behavior (TPB) to study the travel behavior of choosing from the choice set of the traditional train, the high speed railway and the coach by demographic and psychological factors. Through empirical data collection and analysis, we found that demographic factors of travelers indeed positively engender the latent variables in MIMIC, and descriptive norm and habit had direct or indirect significant effect on travel behavior and intention. On the basis of the effect of psychological constructors of the expanded TPB on the intercity travel behavior and differentiation of traveler's demographic characteristics, the agency can make reasonable policies and proper information for the intercity transportation. The results will support the basic theory of optimizing the transportation system in metropolitan area. Implications for researchers and suggestions for future research are also addressed in this study.
Ultraviolet Spectra of Acetic Acid, Glycine, and Glyphosate

The influence of pH on the ultraviolet spectra of 0.001, 0.005, and 0.010 Mglyphosate, glycine, and acetic acid was investigated. Each dilution of each acid was adjusted to acidic, neutral, and basic pH values. Ultraviolet spectra were recorded from 300 to 200 nm for each acid-dilution-pH combination. The wavelength ofmaximum absorption (A^.^) of glyphosate and glycine was slightly higher in the high pH solutions than in the neutral and low pH solutions. The A^^of acetic acid was apparently unaffected by changes inpH. Molar extinction coefficients (e) at Xmax increased with pH for all three acids. Regression analysis of the absorbance versus concentration for each acid-pH combination indicated linear relationships. Coefficients of determination (r*) were greater than 0.88 at both 210 and 215 nm for all acids and pH val-
Currency Boards, Credibility, and Macroeconomic Behavior

Currency boards operate differently from standard pegs. The former exhibit greater currency stability and lower transaction costs, inflation, and nominal interest rates, but are limited in their use of devaluation. We extend Drazen and Masson's (1994) signaling model to consider the choice between currency board arrangements and standard pegs. The model shows that currency boards' effectiveness hinges on their credibility properties and that they can improve welfare even with high unemployment persistence. By reducing expected inflation and the negative employment effect arising from expected but unrealized inflation, currency boards can produce less unemployment than peg regimes that abstain from devaluation.
Surface Potential Analysis of Nanoscale Biomaterials and Devices Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

In recent years, Kelvin probe force microscopy KPFM has emerged as a versatile toolkit for exploring electrical properties on a broad range of nanobiomaterials and molecules. An analysis using KPFM can provide valuable sample information including surface potential and work function of a certain material. Accordingly, KPFM has been widely used in the areas of material science, electronics, and biomedical science. In this review, we will briefly explain the setup of KPFM and its measuring principle and then survey representative results of various KPFM applications ranging from material analysis to device analysis. Finally, we will discuss some possibilities of KPFM on whether it is applicable to various sensor systems. Our perspective shed unique light on how KPFM can be used as a biosensor as well as equipment to measure electrical properties of materials and to recognize various molecular interactions.
Detection of Free Space/Obstacles in Front of the Ego Car Using Stereo Camera in Urban Scenes

Transportation is one of the most important needs of a modern human being. It sustains (either directly or indirectly) the basic human needs such as food, education and his livelihood. Humans spend considerable amount of time in transit. Transportation is also not without its dangers. An estimated 1.25 million people died in the year 2013 in road traffic accidents1. With the advancements in electronics, smarter and faster sensors can help reduce some of these road traffic accidents. Detection of an obstacle is an essential aspect in avoiding collisions. The aim of this thesis report is to address the challenge of road surface detection. The thesis work begins with the implementation of the v-disparity road surface estimations and proposing certain variations that offer subtle advantages. Additionally the free space estimations through 3D occupancy grid maps (OGM) have also been implemented. A novel extended u-disparity OGM is proposed that has certain advantages to the standard OGMs. All these road surface detection algorithms are evaluated with the training datasets prepared by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
3D alignment for interactive evolutionary design

3D model alignment (‘Pose Normalization’ in the literature) is investigated as part of wider research into guided evolutionary Computer-Aided Design. CAD technology in development will combine human interaction and geometric optimization, within an evolutionary design system. Evolving shapes will be influenced by simple pre-set geometric fuzzy-constraints – internal voids and external bounding geometry created by users. To compare evolving candidate shapes with these pre-set constraints they must first be aligned (rotated, scaled, and co-located). A shortlist of five promising alignment techniques is described. Benchmark data generated using standard CAD functions (centre of gravity, principle axes etc.) will be presented at the conference.
BREFCOR - towards operational Brdf correction for imaging spectrometry data

This work is based on the method suggested for correction of reflectance anisotropy in imaging spectroscopy data, outlined at (i), using corresponding elevation data and multi-angular spectral measurements from a goniometer. We focus on the development of tools that can make Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) correction ready for operational use by the community of imaging spectrometry users and developers. The new package of tools called collectively BREFCOR (Bi-directional reflectance correction) is at its beta phase. Here we present the underlying angle-dependant spectral measurements and some sample results from BREFCOR's correction of the CASI and HYMAP imaging spectrometers.
A serious canker disease caused by Immersiporthe knoxdaviesiana gen. et sp. nov. (Cryphonectriaceae) on native Rapanea melanophloeos in South Africa

Recent disease surveys in the Western Cape province of South Africa have revealed a previously unknown and serious stem canker disease on native Rapanea melanophloeos (Myrsinaceae, Ericales) trees. Cankers commonly result in the death of branches or entire stems. Fruiting structures typical of fungi in the Cryphonectriaceae were observed on the surfaces of cankers. In this study, the fungus was identified and its pathogenicity to R. melanophloeos was tested. Multigene phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the partial LSU gene, ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA gene and two regions of the b-tubulin (BT) gene, showed that the fungus represents a formerly undescribed genus and species in the Cryphonectriaceae. The fungus was also morphologically distinct from other genera in this family. Inoculation trials showed that the fungus described here as Immersiporthe knoxdaviesiana gen. et sp. nov. is an aggressive pathogen of R. melanophloeos trees.
Studies of genes involved in regulating flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana

Transition from a vegetative growth phase to flowering in plants occurs in response to both environmental conditions and endogenous signals. Identification of genes that are involved in regulating the time of flowering is of great importance in agri- and horticulture. Flowering-time genes can be used for crop improvement by, for instance, engineering plants to flower earlier. This shortening of the time to flowering could result in an extended growing season that could enable farmers to grow more than one crop each year. In this work, a gene knockout approach using T-DNA tagging and in vivo gene fusion has been employed to identify and characterise genes that are involved in regulating flowering time in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This approach resulted in the identification of two genes, At4g20010 and its homologue At1g31010. Expression studies and GUS histochemical analysis of a reporter gene revealed that At4g20010 is mainly expressed in rapid growing tissues such as root tips, shoot apex, flowers and stem nodes. T-DNA insertional mutants of At4g20010 and At1g31010 exhibit a late-flowering phenotype that can largely be repressed by application of gibberellin. Plants with an insertional mutation in At4g20010 contain a reduced amount of the bioactive gibberellin GA4 compared to wild-type plants. The decreased level of GA4 is not due to a transcriptional repression of the GA-biosynthetic genes AtGA3ox1 or AtGA20ox1, since their expressions were increased in the mutant plants. In silico analyses revealed that the C-terminal protein sequences encoded by At4g20010 and At1g31010 contain RNA-binding motifs, whereas the N-terminal sequences have three-dimensional structures similar to single stranded nucleic acid-binding proteins. To conclude, At4g20010 and At1g31010 may encode two RNA-binding proteins that are involved in regulating flowering time in A. thaliana by affecting the metabolism of GA. This can be possible either by a positive regulation of GA3ox at the post-transcriptional level or by a negative regulation of GA2ox.
Possible mechanisms underlying abundance and diversity responses of nematode communities to plant diversity

Plant diversity is known to influence the abundance and diversity of belowground biota; however, patterns are not well predictable and there is still much unknown about the driving mechanisms. We analyzed changes in soil nematode community composition as affected by long-term manipulations of plant species and functional group diversity in a field experiment with plant species diversity controlled by sowing a range of 1–60 species mixtures and controlling non-sown species by hand weeding. Nematode communities contain a variety of species feeding on bacteria, fungi, plants, invertebrates, while some are omnivorous. We analyzed responses of nematode abundance and diversity to plant species and functional diversity, and used structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the possible mechanisms underlying the observed patterns. The abundance of individuals of all nematode feeding types, except for predatory nematodes, increased with both plant species and plant functional group diversity. The abundance of microbial-feeding nematodes was related positively to aboveground plant community biomass, whereas abundance of plant-feeding nematodes was related positively to shoot C:N ratio. The abundance of predatory nematodes, in turn, was positively related to numbers of plant-feeding nematodes, but not to the abundance of microbial feeders. Interestingly, the numbers of plant-feeding nematodes per unit root mass were lowest in the high-diversity plant communities, pointing at reduced exposure to belowground herbivores when plants grow in species-diverse communities. Taxon richness of plant-feeding and microbial-feeding nematodes increased with plant species and plant functional group diversity. Increasing plant functional group diversity also enhanced taxon richness of predatory nematodes. The SEM suggests that bottom-up control effects of plant species and plant functional group diversity on abundance of nematodes in the various feeding types predominantly involve mechanistic linkages related to plant quality instead of plant quantity; especially, C:N ratios of the shoot tissues, and/or effects of plants on the soil habitat, rather than shoot quantity explained nematode abundance. Although aboveground plant properties may only partly serve as a proxy for belowground resource quality and quantity, our results encourage further studies on nematode responses to variations in plant species and plant functional diversity in relation to both quantity and quality of the belowground resources.