Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Fly Ash on Soil Properties and Productivity

Fly ash is considered as a good soil & source of secondary plant nutrients as well as micronutrients and can significantly improve the physio-chemical properties of the soil due to increase in porosity and water holding capacity. It can efficiently be used as a source of pesticide carrier, plant growth promoter etc. It has also been reported to be safe for agricultural application in context of toxicology & radioactivity. The poor infiltration and fine texture of clay soil causes water logging problem and reduces biological activities in soil. In contrast to this, loose particle and higher in filterability in sandy soil results in low water holding capacity and poor nutrient retention. Fly ash, a waste product of thermal power plants, causes environmental pollution and is hazardous to human health. Fly ash may be used as amendment to improve soil properties and plant growth in soils. The addition of 20% fly ash in decade soil and up to 30% in sandy soils improved the germination, plant height, biological and grain yield of wheat. The addition of fly-ash has also shown improvement in the soil properties viz. texture, structure and bulk density. Permeability of clay loam soil increased from 0.54cm/hr to 2.14cm/hr by the addition of 50% fly ash whereas it decreased from 23.80 cm/hr to 9.67 cm/hr in sandy soil by addition of 50% fly-ash. Water holding capacity of sandy soil also increased from 0.38 cm/cm to 0.53 cm/cm at 50% level. The agricultural productivity increased by addition up to 30% fly ash and 10% compost in different type of soil as experimented in the present study.
Characterization of the Intracellular Distribution of Adenine Nucleotide Translocase (ANT) in Drosophila Indirect Flight Muscles

Background: The high power output necessary for insect flight has driven the evolution of muscles with large myofibrils (primary energy consumers) and abundant mitochondria (primary energy suppliers). The intricate functional interrelationship between these two organelles remains largely unknown despite its fundamental importance in understanding insect flight bioenergetics. Unlike vertebrate muscle that relies on a phosphagen (creatine phosphate/creatine kinase) system to regulate high energy phosphate flux, insect flight muscle has been reported to lack mitochondrial arginine kinase (analogous to creatine kinase), a key enzyme that enables intracellular energy transport. Creatine kinase is known to interact with mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) in the transfer of ADP and ATP into and out of the mitochondria. Results: Here, we use quantitative immunogold transmission electron microscopy to show that in Drosophila melanogaster indirect flight muscles (IFM), ANT is present in the mitochondria as well as throughout the myofibril. To confirm this unexpected result, we created a transgenic line that expresses a chimeric GFP-ANT protein and used an anti-GFP antibody to determine the intracellular distribution of the fusion protein in the IFM. Similar to results obtained with anti-ANT, the fusion GFP-ANT protein is detected in myofibrils and mitochondria. We confirmed the absence of arginine kinase from IFM mitochondria and show that its sarcomeric (i.e., intramyofibrillar) distribution is similar to that of ANT. Conclusions: These results raise the possibility that direct channeling of nucleotides between mitochondria and myofibrils is assisted by an ANT protein thereby circumventing the need for a phosphagen shuttle in the IFM. The myofibrillar ANT may represent a unique adaptation in the muscles that require efficient exchange of nucleotides between mitochondria and myofibrils.
Raman spectroscopic analysis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral dysplasia in the high-wavenumber region

Raman spectroscopy can provide a molecular-level signature of the biochemical composition and structure of cells with excellent spatial resolution and could be useful to monitor changes in composition for early stage and non-invasive cancer diagnosis, both ex-vivo and in vivo. In particular, the fingerprint spectral region (400–1,800 cm-1) has been shown to be very promising for optical biopsy purposes. However, limitations to discrimination of dysplastic and inflammatory processes based on the fingerprint region still persist. In addition, the Raman spectral signal of dysplastic cells is one important source of misdiagnosis of normal versus pathological tissues. The high wavenumber region (2,800–3,600 cm-1) provides more specific information based on N-H, O-H and C-H vibrations and can be used to identify the subtle changes which could be important for discrimination of samples. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of the highwavenumber spectral region by collecting Raman spectra of nucleoli, nucleus and cytoplasm from oral epithelial cancer (SCC-4) and dysplastic (DOK) cell lines and from normal oral epithelial primary cells, in vitro, which were then analyzed by area under the curve as a method to discriminate the spectra. In this region, we will show the discriminatory potential of the CH vibrational modes of nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. This technique demonstrated more efficient discrimination than the fingerprint region when we compared the cell cultures.
Ladar-Based Vehicle Detection and Tracking in Cluttered Environments

Abstract : Detecting and tracking vehicles is crucial for safe operation of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), but is challenging in cluttered, real-world environments. Here we present a method for discriminating vehicles from clutter found in natural terrain such as foliage, steep slopes, rock-outcrops, etc. Our method relies on a scanning LADAR and combines an obstacle detector and tracker, a vehicle modeling scheme, and a Support Vector-based discriminator. The output of our real-time system is a list of labeled obstacles and vehicles along with their positions, sizes and velocity estimates. This is used by a planner to enable autonomous navigation in the presence of other vehicles and significant clutter. We provide a quantitative analysis of the performance of our algorithm.
Characterization of Micro-heater and Temperature Sensor in Micro-electromechanical System Device for Gas Detection

Operating temperature is crucial for a Polysilicon Multi-User Micro electro-mechanical system Processes (PolyMUMPs) gas sensor considering the serious impacts on sensors' selectivity and reliability. While it is difficult to measure this operating temperature because the size of the sensor. This paper studies the characterization of micro-heater and temperature sensor made of gold metal, embedded in the device. The measured resistance for the temperature sensor is found to be close to the modelled values within 0.69 % error. Temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the temperature sensor in a range of 25-105°C is found. TCR increases Iinearly with increasing the temperature and decreases Iinearly with decreasing the temperature. It was found to be 0.00326/°C for the increasing temperature and 0.0034/°C for the decreasing temperature, compared to 0.00325/°C reported TCR for gold in the literature, with an error of 4.12% and 4.37%, respectively.
how to understand china: the dangers and opportunities of being a rising power

china’s situation lends itself to hyperbole. the people’s republic of china (prc) has the largest population in the world, the fastest growing economy in the world, the largest army in the world, the largest middle class in the world, a permanent seat on the united nations security council, a manned space programme, a nuclear arsenal, and so on. but analysts, commentators and policymakers have yet to decide just how to understand china.
Significances of OMV and Extracellular Vesicle Proteomics

Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV) proteome has been involved into the pathogenesis of diseases and resistance of microorganisms against a number of antibiotics, mechanism of action of probiotics and host-pathogen interaction etc. We have enlightened the role played by extracellular vesicles proteomics in the pathogenesis of different diseases related to human. Isolation succeeded by purification of ample amount of OMV from biological samples, is one of the most important steps for further proteome related analysis. With the development of both labelled and label-free methods used in proteomics, significant progress has been made in previous years in membrane proteomics. Hence, it is important to review the biological significance of proteins found in the OMV fractions using membrane proteomics approach. We have also explained methods used for isolation, purification and quantification of OMV. In the present review, it can be concluded that proteomic study of outer membrane and extracellular vesicles has now gained priority for the detailed study of disease pathogenesis, drug resistance, vaccine development, cell signalling etc.
The role of HIV-1 microRNAs in viral latency

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the causing agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV-1 is capable to latently infect cells, thus causing long-term infection and depletion of the human immune system. A possible role for RNA interference in regulation of viral latency was studied. The function of a previously described HIV-1 encoded microRNA, miR-N367, and several computationally predicted microRNAs were studied. Data suggest miR-N367 to be operative in transcriptional modulation of HIV-1 LTR activity. Moreover, one computationally predicted miRNA, H4miRNA, appears expressed during infection and functioning in the regulation of the host cell gene BAF170. These data suggest the use of microRNAs to be operative during HIV-1 infection and be part of the regulatory complexity of HIV-1 latency.
Germplasm resources for verticillium wilt resistance breeding and genetics in strawberry (Fragaria)

BACKGROUND: The fungal disease verticillium wilt has been recognized as an obstacle to strawberry production since its initial description in 1931. The full potential of genetic resistance as a solution to this problem has yet to be determined or realized. OBJECTIVE: Our investigations are concerned with defining new sources of resistance to verticillium wilt disease in cultivated and wild strawberry germplasm, and with advancing genetic studies on the basis of resistance/susceptibility. METHODS: We screened 23 diploid, 1 decaploid, and 26 octoploid Fragaria (strawberry) germplasm accessions and cultigens for response to root-dip inoculation with Verticillium dahliae isolate V1. Pedigree relationships of 10 studied cultigens were examined. Crosses were performed between resistant and susceptible accessions. RESULTS: Variability in inoculation response existed within and between species at diploid and octoploid levels. Very or moderately resistant accessions were found within each of three diploid and three octoploid species. Moderately or very susceptible accessions were documented within F. vesca and each octoploid species. Segregation for resistance/susceptibility was evident in progeny populations. CONCLUSIONS: The verticillium wilt resistance ratings reported here and discussed in relation to prior studies adds to the body of publically available knowledge about sources of wilt resistance and susceptibility in Fragaria germplasm.
An Audio Game App Using Interactive Movement Sonification for Targeted Posture Control

Interactive movement sonification has been gaining validity as a technique for biofeedback and auditory data mining in research and development for gaming, sports, and physiotherapy. Naturally, the harvesting of kinematic data over recent years has been a function of an increased availability of more portable, high-precision sensory technologies, such as smart phones, and dynamic real time programming environments, such as Max/MSP. Whereas the overlap of motor skill coordination and acoustic events has been a staple to musical pedagogy, musicians and music engineers have been surprisingly less involved than biomechanical, electrical, and computer engineers in research efforts in these fields. Thus, this paper proposes a prototype for an accessible virtual gaming interface that uses music and pitch training as positive reinforcement in the accomplishment of target postures.
Adding Depth to Our Understanding of Nitrogen Dynamics in Permafrost Soils

Losses of C from decomposing permafrost may be offset by increased productivity of tundra plants, but nitrogen availability partially limits plant growth in tundra ecosystems. In this soil incubation experiment carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling dynamics were examined from the soil surface down through upper permafrost. We found that losses of CO2 were negatively correlated to net N mineralization because C‐rich surface soils mineralized little N, while deep soils had low rates of C respiration but high rates of net N mineralization. Permafrost soils released a large flush of inorganic N when initially thawed. Depth‐specific rates of N mineralization from the incubation were combined with thaw depths and soil temperatures from a nearby manipulative warming experiment to simulate the potential magnitude, timing, and depth of inorganic N release during the process of permafrost thaw. Our calculations show that inorganic N released from newly thawed permafrost may be similar in magnitude to the increase in N mineralized by warmed soils in the middle of the profile. The total release of inorganic N from the soil profile during the simulated thaw process was twice the size of the observed increase in the foliar N pool observed at the manipulative experiment. Our findings suggest that increases in N availability are likely to outpace the N demand of tundra plants during the first 5 years of permafrost thaw and may increase C losses from surface soils as well as induce denitrification and leaching of N from these ecosystems.
Antennas on paper using ink‐jet printing of nano‐silver particles for wireless sensor networks in train environment

This article presents the design, manufacturing, and measurements of antennas on paper, realized using ink‐jet printing of conductive inks based on nano‐silver particles (nSPs). The extraction of the substrate characteristics such as the dielectric constant and dielectric loss is performed using a printed ring resonator technique. The characterization of the nSPs conductive inks assesses different parameters as sintering time and temperature. Two antennas are realized corresponding to the most common needs for wireless sensor networks in Trains Environment. The first one is a patch antenna characterized by a broadside radiation pattern and suited for operation on metallic structures. The second one is a quasi‐yagi antenna, with an end fire radiation pattern and higher directivity, without requiring a metallic ground plane. Both antennas present a good matching (S11 < −20 dB and S11 < −30 dB, respectively) and acceptable efficiency (55% and 45%, respectively) for the paper substrate used at the center frequency of 2.4 GHz, corresponding to the first channel of the IEEE 802.15. 4 band. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:754–759, 2016
Nutrient supply and bird predation additively control insect herbivory and tree growth in two contrasting forest habitats

It has been suggested that bottom–up and top–down forces interactively control food web dynamics. While top–down effects would increase with resource availability to plants, bottom–up effects would be stronger under low predator abundance. These predictions, however, have rarely been tested at contrasting sites while keeping the dominant plant species unchanged. Furthermore, few studies have factorially manipulated both types of forces in forest communities. For two years, we evaluated the effects of fertiliser (NPK) addition and bird exclusion on tree growth, leaf traits, insect abundance, and folivory rates in a dry/warm and a wet/cold Nothofagus pumilio forest in Patagonia, Argentina. Overall, we found no interaction between nutrient supply and bird predation, although the strength of bottom–up and top–down forces differed markedly between forest sites. Treatment effects were generally weak in the wet forest, where tree growth rates and insect herbivory were low relative to the dry forest. In the dry forest, fertilisation increased sapling growth, insect abundance and folivory, whereas bird exclusion increased leaf damage and reduced tree growth. In the wet forest, fertilisation enhanced leaf nutrient contents and folivore abundance but not sapling growth, while bird exclusion had little impact on insects or trees. These results imply that factors other than nutrients and birds were important in controlling tree growth and folivore activity in the wet forest. While treatment effect sizes varied widely among feeding guilds, in general, nutrient effects on folivores were stronger than predator effects. We conclude that, within the time-frame of this study, tree growth and herbivory were additively affected by soil nutrients and predator presence, as bird exclusion effects did not change with elevated folivore activity on fertilised trees. We also show that both top–down and bottom–up cascades were weaker in a forest site characterised by slow-growing juvenile trees subjected to low folivore pressure.
Modeling Global Spillover of New Product Takeoff

This article examines the global spillover of foreign product introductions and takeoffs on a focal country's time to takeoff, using a novel data set of penetration data for eight high-tech products across 55 countries. It shows how foreign clout, the susceptibility to foreign influences, and intercountry distances affect global spillover patterns. The authors find that foreign takeoffs, but not foreign introductions, accelerate a focal country's time to takeoff. The larger the country, the higher its economic wealth, and the more it exports, the more clout it has in the global spillover process. In contrast, the poorer the country, the more tourists it receives, and the higher its population density, the more susceptible it is to global spillover effects. Cross-country spillover effects are stronger the closer the countries are to one another, both geographically and economically, but not necessarily in terms of culture. The model the authors develop also quantifies the spillover between each country pair, allowing it to be asymmetric.
Datasets of Slovene and Croatian Moderated News Comments

This paper presents two large newly constructed datasets of moderated news comments from two highly popular online news portals in the respective countries: the Slovene RTV MCC and the Croatian 24sata. The datasets are analyzed by performing manual annotation of the types of the content which have been deleted by moderators and by investigating deletion trends among users and threads. Next, initial experiments on automatically detecting the deleted content in the datasets are presented. Both datasets are published in encrypted form, to enable others to perform experiments on detecting content to be deleted without revealing potentially inappropriate content. Finally, the baseline classification models trained on the non-encrypted datasets are disseminated as well to enable real-world use.
Supplementary Information for ” Local structure controls shear and bulk moduli in disordered solids ”

We shall give an overview of the nonaffine response formalism and of its mean-field closed-form predictions for the elastic moduli of amorphous solids. The final result of this appendix will be general expressions for the elastic constants accounting for nonaffine displacements due to structural disorder covering the limits of random networks and packings. The difference between the two limits resides in the short-range excluded-volume correlations which are absent in the random networks (where the nodes are point atoms with zero volume), while they play an important role in packings. According to the nonaffine response formalism developed by various authors in the past, the elastic constants Cιξκχ for an amorphous solid are given as follows:
AndroParse-An Android Feature Extraction Framework & Dataset

Android malware has become a major challenge. As a consequence, practitioners and researchers spend a significant time analyzing Android applications (APK). A common procedure (especially for data scientists) is to extract features such as permissions, APIs or strings which can then be analyzed. Current state of the art tools have three major issues: (1) a single tool cannot extract all the significant features used by scientists and practitioners (2) Current tools are not designed to be extensible and (3) Existing parsers do not have runtime efficiency. Therefore, this work presents AndroParse which is an open-source Android parser written in Golang that currently extracts the four most common features: Permissions, APIs, Strings and Intents. AndroParse outputs JSON files as they can easily be used by most major programming languages. Constructing the parser allowed us to create an extensive feature dataset which can be accessed by our independent REST API. Our dataset currently has 67,703 benign and 46,683 malicious APK samples.
Revised distributional estimates for the recently discovered olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina), using museum and science records

In the context of global change, a necessary first step for the conservation of species is gaining a good understanding of their distributional limits. This is especially important for biodiversity hotspots with high endemism such as the Northern Andes. The olinguito (Procyonidae: Bassaricyon neblina) is a recently described, medium-sized carnivoran found in Northern Andean cloud forests. A preliminary distributional model was published along with the original description, and I here provide revised distributional estimates using updated locality records and more current ENM methods. I build ecological niche models in Maxent using occurrence data (georeferenced museum records and citizen science-derived photo-vouchers) and bioclimatic variables. Optimal models were selected via two different approaches, AICc and performance on withheld data. The occurrence data used here show climatic signals different from those for data used in the original description of the species. The AICc-optimal model aligned more closely with current knowledge of the species’ elevational limits. This model shows more extensive suitable area in northern Colombia, and highlights areas for future sampling, such as the central portion of the Western Cordillera of Colombia, midand northern portions of the Central Cordillera of Colombia, southwestern Colombia, and the eastern slopes of Eastern Andes in Ecuador. Future conservation planning for this species should also take into account key threats, including deforestation and climate change.
Hamiltonian four-field model for magnetic reconnection: nonlinear dynamics and extension to three dimensions with externally applied fields

The nonlinear dynamics of a two-dimensional (2D) model for collisionless magnetic reconnection is investigated both numerically and analytically. For very low values of the plasma β, parallel magnetic perturbations tend to be proportional to the vorticity perturbations, but as β increases, detachment of these quantities takes place. The subsequent difference between the structure of the vorticity and the parallel magnetic perturbations can be explained naturally in terms of the ‘normal’ field variables that emerge from the noncanonical Hamiltonian theory of the model. A three-dimensional extension of the reconnection model is also presented, its Hamiltonian structure is derived, and the corresponding conservation properties are compared with those of the 2D model. A general method for extending a large class of 2D fluid plasma models to three dimensions, while preserving the Hamiltonian structure, is then presented. Finally, it is shown how such models can also be extended, while preserving the Hamiltonian structure, to include externally applied fields, that can be used, for instance, for modelling resonant magnetic perturbations.