Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary bioactivity investigation of Styrax officinalis fruit extract as potential biopesticide

Styrax officinalis is a deciduous large shrub that grows in many Mediterranean countries. Active ingredients are localized in the fruit pericarp. Primary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, tannins and triterpenes and absence of alkaloids and flavonoids. No antimicrobial, but strong ichthyotoxic and molluscicidal effects were observed in the saponin-rich extract . Toxicity tests with the snail Cornu aspersum proved to be a potent contact molluscicide. Allowing the snail to creep on leaves and surfaces sprayed with a 1% (w/v) of pericarp extract resulted in severe dehydration and foaming through their membranes, which resulted in their death after 30 min. When the snails were fed lettuce leaves treated with the same extract solution, it did not cause any observable effect. These findings show that S. officinalis is a promising natural source of a potent contact molluscicide with no visible effect on the snail upon ingestion. Key words: Styracaceae, Styrax officinalis, saponins, ichthyotoxic, molluscicidal, antimicrobial.
Effects of very low birth weight on brain white matter measured by voxelwise diffusion tensor imaging in adolescents without neuromotor and cognitive deficits

We applied voxelwise diffusion tensor magnetic imaging studying in a group of early adolescents born with very low birth weight (VLBW) who were currently without cognitive and neuromotor deficits. Our goal was to globally detect white matter alterations and explore their relationships with emotional-behavioral symptoms in this subgroup of VLBW adolescents. Subjects consisted of 24 adolescents: 12 VLBW adolescents (M:F=7:5, with average 13.1 years, birth weight of 998.3 grams and IQ of 86.8) and 12 healthy adolescents born full term (M:F=6:6, with average 13.7 years, birth weight of 3356.7 grams).
Joint Hypermobility Syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type: a revision of the rehabilitative approach

Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type (EDS-HT) are two clinically overlappingheritable connective tissue disorders strongly associating with pain, fatigue and other secondary aspects. No specific treatment existfor this syndrome and rehabilitation play a role in the management of these patients. The aim of this paper is to evaluate what arethe evidence in literature about rehabilitation. Research was done using database PUBMED and consist in a revision of the studiespublished in the last 15 years. All studies agree to the beneficial role of the rehabilitative treatment and physical therapy but it’snecessary to add more further studies to establish a high quality, evidence-based physical therapy for this specific population.
The relationship between chemiosmotic parameters and sensitivity to anions and organic acids in the acidophile Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

SUMMARY: We investigated the relationships between the trans-cytoplasmic-membrane chemiosmotic parameters, viz. the membrane potential and the pH difference, and the toxicity of anions and organic acids in the acidophile Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Organic acids accumulated in the cytoplasm in response to the transmembrane pH difference and inorganic anions could be caused to accumulate in response to the membrane potential. The distribution of the organic acids was unaffected by the membrane potential and that of the anions was not influenced by the pH difference. These accumulations may be toxic because of a direct effect of a high concentration of the anion in the cytoplasm or by acidification of the cytoplasm. The point of inhibition of respiration was at the level of the respiratory chain cytochrome oxidase when Fe(II) was the respiratory substrate.
Búsqueda y parasitismo de Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) por Trichospilus diatraeae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

The ability of Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian and Margabandhu, 1942 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to search and parasitize Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) pupae in sugarcane stalks was evaluated. To analyze the ability for search and parasitism were used stalks of sugarcane (20 cm) where it was introduced a pupa of D. saccharalis (T1); a pupa and a caterpillar (T2) or a pupa and fecal matter (T3). Each stalk was placed in a transparent plastic bottle with 21 females of T. diatraeae . These pupae were isolated, after 72 h, in glass tubes at 25 ± 2 oC, 70 ± 10 % relative humidity, 14:10 light/dark. The experiment was developed in an entirely casualized design with three treatments and 12 repetitions. Percentage of D. saccharalis pupa parasitized by T. diatraeae was 50 %, 83.33 % and 16.66 % in the T1, T2 and T3, respectively ( c 2 = 3.896, p= 0.04). The presence of D. saccharalis caterpillars favored searching and parasitism of this host.
INTELLIGENT DETERMINING AMOUNT OF INTER-TURN STATOR WINDING FAULT IN PERMANENT MAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR USING AN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK TRAINED BY IMPROVED GRAVITATIONAL SEARCH ALGORITHM

Extension of inter-turn fault in windings of PMSM can damage all parts of electrical systems, and in some cases in sensitive applications may lead to irreparable events. Identification of such small faults at incipient steps can be so helpful to protect entire part of electrical system. In this paper, intelligent protection system is designed which is made by two major parts. In the first part of intelligent protection system K-Nearest Neighbor classifier is used as a detecting system to discriminate inter-turn fault from normal condition, phase to phase fault and open circuit condition and also to detect faulty phase, simultaneity. After that if inter-turn fault is happened, second part of proposed system which is based on an ANN Trained with Improved Gravitational Search Algorithm determines the amount of fault. IGSA is presented to improve the performance of the proposed protection system in this paper. Obtained results show that both part of intelligent proposed and intelligent protection system can do their best performance. It can successfully detect inter-turn fault and follow it and predict amount of this fault.
The Impact of Veterans and Curriculum Heterogeneity on Online Graduate Engineering Program Performance: An Empirical Study

Online educational programs have emerged as an innovative alternative to traditional off-line, face-to-face programs in “brick and mortar” classrooms on physical college campuses. Engineering programs are embracing these innovative online teaching programs to stay competitive by operating more efficiently and by attracting a variety of stakeholders. These stakeholders include student veterans enrolled in online graduate engineering programs attracted by a variety of engineering majors and courses. This study brings these developments together to answer the following research question: How do student veterans and curriculum variety impact the performance of online master’s degree engineering programs? To answer this question, we develop a research model from hypotheses drawing from the literature. The model is then tested using secondary data from 65 online engineering master’s degree granting programs throughout the United States. The statistical analysis technique used is linear regression. The independent variables represent veteran enrollment and curriculum variety, and the dependent variable represents online graduate engineering program performance. In sum, the heterogeneity of students and curriculum are found to positively impact on-line engineering program success. This study is important because it empirically identifies specific factors that can improve online graduate engineering program performance. The paper concludes with implications for engineering education and recommendations for future research.
Competition Versus Efficiency: What Drives Banks’ Spreads in Italian Banking System?

Economists have long debated the relationships between market structure of banking sector and the profitability. General consensus asserts that more concentrated market is associated with higher profitability: banks with higher market share generally achieve higher profits. This empirical evidence can however hinge on two opposite explanations: in the first case banks increase their market share (via mergers and acquisitions) in order to exploit the resulting stronger market power and impose higher prices to their clients; the second explanation tells that more cost-efficient banks are able to lower the prices applied to their clients and therefore to gain new clients and finally enlarge their market share. In both cases there is a positive link between market share and profitability, but in the former what actually plays a crucial role is a non-competitive force (Relative Market Power Hypothesis, henceforth RMP), in the latter the relationship is driven by the greater efficiency of banks which enlarge their market share by reducing prices (X-Efficiency Hypothesis, ESX). We run a 4-years panel data analysis (2008-2011) in order to disentangle the above alternatives hypothesis (RMP versus ESX) for the Italian market. First we estimate the cost efficiency for a sample of more than 200 banks by applying the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). In the second step we regress bank spreads on efficiency scores and market structure variables in order to identify which process leads the price setting of Italian banks. Difference in the legal organization of bank (mutual, cooperative, and commercial banks) and type of business relationships established are controlled for.
Presence of large virus-like particles in a eutrophic reservoir

The presence of large virus-like particles (LVLP) studies on morphological diversity of viruses in freshwithout tails was observed in the water of a severely eutrowater and marine environments, only phages have phied freshwater reservoir We used a transmission electron been found (Frank & Moebus 1987, Demuth et al. microscope coupled to a semiautomatic lmage analysing system to study the size distl-ibution of aquatic vlruses. The LVLP particles icosahedral shape had maximum head diameters between 195 and 210 nm. bling viruses have been described (Bergh et al. 1989, Although the affiliation and host of the LVLP are unknown, Klut & Stockner 1990). These particles, usually with similarities in size and shape were found with the African diameters between 60 and 120 nm, are assumed either swine fever virus. The diffuse organlc contamination from piggeries in the catchment area may explain the presence of to be phages that have lost their tails or viruses of these LVLP. The observed overlap In slze of the LVLP wlth the eukar~o t ic hosts (Bergh et al. 1g89). The denomination smallest bacteria implies serious methodological problems in of virus-like particles indicates clearly the uncertainty distinguishing these communities under the ep~fluorescence of their affiliation, Bratbak et (1992) reported microscope. Therefore, although at present we do not know how common LVLP are in other aquatic systems, we discourunusually large virus-like particles (LVLP) with head age the use of eplfluorescence microscopy for vlral abundiameters between 340 and 400 nm present) from dance estimations durinq routine work. coastal waters. They argued that the host of these
Performance Analysis of CDMA/ALOHA Networks in Memory Impulse Channels

Previous CDMA/ALOHA network performance analysis papers do not consider memory impulse channels. The Markov-Gaussian model can characterize the bursty nature of the memory impulsive noise in some wireless channels and power line communication (PLC) channels. In this paper, we propose the use of the Markov-Gaussian model in the throughput analysis of CDMA/ALOHA networks. The state transition diagram for the throughput analysis has one extra dimension to represent if the impulse noise is present or not. We derive the exact throughput analysis in memory impulse channels with and without channel load sensing protocol (CLSP). The analytic results demonstrate that if the level of the impulsive noise is higher, performance degradation is more and vice versa. Based on the analytic results, we also find the optimal CLSP threshold alpha for various impulse noise conditions. The analytic results of the throughput performance are all matched by the simulation results.
Diet of Black-Tailed Jackrabbits on Sandhill Rangeland in Colorado.

The diet and forage preferences of the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) were studied by stomach content analysis to determine the degree of competition between cattle and jackrabbits on sandhill rangeland. Grasses were most important in the diet in early spring and summer. Forbs were important during summer and fall and shrubs were eaten in fall and winter. Competition for forage between jackrabbits and cattle was greatest in early spring and least in late fall and winter. Jackrabbits influence the longevity of reseeded forage stands and the secondary succession on old fields. A thorough knowledge of diet and forage preferences of jackrabbits permits the land manager to make better decisions for efficient range use.
Towards rotation sensing with a single atomic clock

We discuss a scheme to implement a gyroscopic atom sensor with magnetically trapped ultra-cold atoms. Unlike standard light or matter wave Sagnac interferometers no free wave propagation is used. Interferometer operation is controlled only with static, radio-frequency and microwave magnetic fields, which removes the need for interferometric stability of optical laser beams. Due to the confinement of atoms, the scheme may allow the construction of small scale portable sensors. We discuss the main elements of the scheme and report on recent results and efforts towards its experimental realization.
MemTri: Memory Forensics Triage Tool (Extended Abstract)

This work explores the development of MemTri. A memory forensics triage tool that can assess the likelihood of criminal activity in a memory image, based on evidence data artefacts generated by several applications. Fictitious illegal suspect activity scenarios were performed on virtual machines to generate 60 test memory images for input into MemTri. Four categories of applications (i.e. Internet Browsers, Instant Messengers, FTP Client and Document Processors) are examined for data artefacts located through the use of regular expressions. These identiﬁed data artefacts are then analysed using a Bayesian Network, to assess the likelihood that a seized memory image contained evidence of illegal activity. Currently, MemTri is under development and this paper introduces only the basic concept as well as the components that the application is built on. A complete description of MemTri coupled with extensive experimental results is expected to be published in the ﬁrst semester of 2017.
Formal Analysis and Specification of the Triangular Format Graph

The triangular format graph was originally introduced as a means to visualize specialized data sets, most commonly arising in the social sciences. The graphing paradigm is defined, formalized, and extended to obtain a general method for displaying 4dimensional data sets whose points may be approximated by a hyperplane (distortions introduced by the graphing process vanish as the approximation improves). The graphing methodology is also analyzed to determine what, geometrically speaking, the distortions introduced by the graphing process represent.
Does the Firm Size Matter? An Empirical Enquiry into the Performance of Indian Manufacturing Firms

The Law of Proportionate Effect depicts that firm’s growth rate is independent of its size; Gibrat (1931). Some of the existing studies support the Gibrat’s Law: Hymer and Pashigian (1962), Mansfield (1962), among others. However, Gale (1972), Shepherd (1972) and recently Punnose (2008) report a positive relationship, while Haines (1970) and Evans (1987) observe an inverse relationship between firm size and profitability. Baumol (1959) opined that rate of return increases with firm size. Therefore, the extant empirical research on the firm size – performance relationship provides inconclusive results. Manufacturing firms’ data from the Steel and Electrical & Electronics (EE) industries are taken from CMIE Prowess database for the period 2004-05 to 2006-07. Results show that firm size affects current profitability: positively in the Steel and negatively in the other. Some more determinants of firm performance are explored. Retained earnings have negative impact on profitability in Steel but, positive in EE. Bank credit is found negatively significant in both the industries. Market share of firms and industry concentration ratio (CR4) although inconsistently are the other significant determinants of firms’ performance. Firms’ market value (Q) is found positively significant for both the industries. This signifies that high market value of firms reflects their goodwill, knowledge stock and prospective investment opportunities which positively influence the firms’ performance. The significance of having high brand equity which the corporate firms thrive for becomes apparent. Interestingly, the impact of size is affected by firms’ market value: firm size positively affects profitability both in Steel and EE. Furthermore, ineffectiveness of Law of Proportionate Effect is strengthened when tested over the combined data of Steel and EE firms. The short-run dynamism in firm performance is also impacted by presence of Tobin’s Q.
Community Environmental Knowledge in African Rural Development

This paper focuses on the environmental knowledge of farming communities in Africa. How can the researcher investigate such knowledge? How can it be used in the rural development process? The scope and limitations of farmers' knowledge concerning agricultural pests is illustrated in a case study. The process of knowledge formation is a consequence of the kinds of observation the farmer is able to make. Inaccuracies may stem from observational limitations. On the other hand the farmer's own point of view reflects dimensions of experience of which the researcher or extension agent may be unaware. These dimensions may be vital to the success or failure of rural development schemes and should be systematically incorporated into the ‘research and development’ process. This in itself implies new approaches to eliciting information which hand over the initiative in interviews to the respondent. Repertory grid analysis is discussed as an example of a relevant methodology. The paper finally discusses how an improved capacity to research and monitor development problems at the village level might help redress the imbalance which results from technocratic control of planning decision making.
Glassy Fathers Do Matter: Egg Attendance Enhances Embryonic Survivorship in the Glass Frog Hyalinobatrachium valerioi

Abstract Males of the glass frog Hyalinobatrachium valerioi engage in diurnal and nocturnal attendance of egg clutches. To study the effect of parental care on embryonic survivorship, we conducted a male removal experiment and measured embryonic survival rates on day 4, 8, and 12 after oviposition in attended and unattended clutches. Embryonic survivorship was significantly higher in the control group than in the male removal group but decreased with time in both groups. Arthropod predation accounted for most of the mortality in both groups. Desiccation of clutches only occurred in unattended clutches. We hypothesize that egg attendance in H. valerioi increases embryonic survivorship by deterring egg predators and preventing desiccation.
KNOWNET framework - architecture of a social supplier network

We present the KNOWNET project, which aims to develop a methodology for deploying social networking technology within the supply chain. We discuss the motivation for the project, and how social networks can be used to enhance and improve the decision making process and system monitoring in a modern enterprise. We present the architecture of the software framework we develop for our study.
Galaxies into the Dark Ages

We consider the capabilities of current and future large facilities operating at 2–3 mm wavelength to detect and image the [C ii] 158 μm line from galaxies into the cosmic “dark ages” (z ∼ 10–20). The [C ii] line may prove to be a powerful tool in determining spectroscopic redshifts, and galaxy dynamics, for the first galaxies. We emphasize that the nature, and even existence, of such extreme redshift galaxies, remains at the frontier of open questions in galaxy formation. In 40 hr, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array has the sensitivity to detect the integrated [C ii] line emission from a moderate metallicity, active star-forming galaxy [ Z A = 0.2 Z ⊙ ; star formation rate ( SFR ) = 5 M ⊙ yr−1], at z = 10 at a significance of 6σ. The next-generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) will detect the integrated [C ii] line emission from a Milky Way–like SFR galaxy ( Z A = 0.2 Z ⊙ , SFR = 1 M ⊙ yr−1), at z = 15 at a significance of 6σ. Imaging simulations show that the ngVLA can determine rotation dynamics for active star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 15 , if they exist. Based on our very limited knowledge of the extreme redshift universe, we calculate the count rate in blind, volumetric surveys for [C ii] emission at z ∼ 10 –20. The detection rates in blind surveys will be slow (of the order of unity per 40 hr pointing). However, the observations are well suited to commensal searches. We compare [C ii] with the [O iii] 88 μm line, and other ancillary information in high z galaxies that would aid these studies.
Modeling Heterogeneous Traffic with Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Vehicles: A Macroscopic Equilibrium Approach

Title of thesis: MODELING HETEROGENEOUS TRAFFIC WITH COOPERATIVE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLES: A MACROSCOPIC EQUILIBRIUM APPROACH Zachary Vander Laan, Master of Science 2017 Thesis directed by: Professor Paul Schonfeld Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering This thesis proposes a modeling framework to characterize equilibrium traffic flow relations for heterogeneous traffic composed of both standard and Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) vehicles, capturing the impact of CACC market penetration and vehicle arrangement within a lane. The resulting parameterized fundamental diagram is then integrated with the first-order macroscopic traffic model, creating the ability to characterize operational performance on a network for heterogeneous traffic with varying CACC market penetration. This first-order approach is demonstrated through an illustrative case study which considers a small network with time-varying demand, temporary capacity reductions, and CACC market penetration ranging from 0.0 to 1.0. The results indicate that maximum throughput initially decreases as CACC traffic is introduced, but eventually improves significantly for CACC market penetration rates above 0.4. Additionally, they show that when an incident abruptly reduces road capacity, introducing even a small fraction of CACC vehicles reduces the speed at which the congestion wavefront propagates upstream.