Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of the share of solid biomass in meeting the heating demand in rural areas of the Lubuskie region.

Summary An analysis of heat consumption and energy potential of biomass and its differentiation in individual districts of the Lubuskie Province was performed. The demand for heat in the province's rural areas amounts to approx. 18.6 PJ, while the potential of biomass which can be used for energy generation purposes is 8.5 PJ. On this basis, it is estimated that the share of biomass in meeting the heat demand in the province can amount to 45%. To be able to define the spatial differentiation of the share of biomass in meeting the heat demand in the Lubuskie Province, the fuzzy set theory was used. The highest share of biomass in satisfying the heat demand occurs in western districts of the province, while the lowest in land districts situated around the region's largest cities.
An Approach to Equivalent Circuit Modelling of Inverted Organic Solar Cells

A low temperature sol-gel process was used to fabricate zinc-oxide and yttrium-doped zinc oxide layers. These zinc-oxide and yttrium-doped ZnO films were used as electron transport layers in conjunction with P3HT and PC16BM type solar cells. It was demonstrated that annealing and doping of electron transport layer influenced the overall organic solar cells performance. Anneals of ~ 150? C provided the highest device performance. Compared to the undoped zinc oxide, the device with yttrium doped zinc oxide layers showed improved efficiency by about 30%. Furthermore an equivalent circuit was proposed to understand the connection between the electrical and optical characteristics of the device. Comparisons between the simulated and experimental current-voltage(I-V) curves displayed only a 1.2% variation between the curves. Clearly, our experimental and simulated studies provide new insight on the equivalent circuit models for inverted organic solar cells and further improvement on photovoltaic efficiency.
Does it Pay to Have the Euro? Italy's Troubled Politics and Financial Markets Under the Lira and the Euro

There is a broad consensus that the quality of the political system and its institutions are fundamental for a country’s prosperity. The paper focuses on olitical events in Italy over the past 35 years and asks whether the adoption of the euro in 1999 has helped insulate Italy’s financial markets from the adverse consequences of its traditionally unstable political system. We find that important political events have exerted a statistically and economically significant effect on Italy’s financial markets throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The introduction of the euro appears to have indeed played a major role in insulating financial markets from such adverse shocks. The findings of the paper there-fore suggest another important economic dimension and channel through which Italy may have been affected by EMU. Our analysis could also be potentially interesting for other countries with weak institutions considering adopting a currency based on stronger institutions. JEL Classification: F31, F33, G14
Development of planar Goubau line – microfluidic integrated devices for THz spectroscopy of liquid analytes

We demonstrate the integration of planar Goubau lines with microfluidic systems for the measurement of liquid samples including water and isopropanol. Picosecond pulses are generated and detected by the inclusion of low-temperature-grown GaAs based photoconductive switches which transmit picosecond pulses along the transmission line. A change in the propagation velocity of pulses is detected and is used to estimate the permittivity of each liquid.
The Impact of Small – Scale Irrigation on Income of Rural Farm Households: Evidence from Ahferom Woreda in Tigray, Ethiopia

Background: Small scale irrigation is an important strategy in reducing risks associated with rainfall variability and increasing income of rural farm -households. Objective: To examine the impact of small-scale irrigation on income of rural farm households. It also presents the problems and challenges in use of small scale irrigation. Methods: A cross-sectional data obtained using a sample of 200 respondents selected through multi-stage random sampling techniques from three Tabiyas in Woreda Ahferom in central Tigray, Ethiopia in 2013/2014 cropping year. The data were analyzed using Heckman treatment effect two-step model. Result: The Probit estimation shows that Household head with social leadership, access to extension, and availability of irrigable land, number of oxen and family size have significant and positive effect whereas the family size square and distant to the nearest market restrains participation in small scale irrigation. The ordinary least square using household income as outcome variable reveals that Tropical Livestock Unit, participation in small scale irrigation and land size has significant positive effect on household income. Conclusion and recommendation: The study pointed out that loss of water, pests and diseases are the most common challenges in using small scale irrigation. Administration body and other concerned body should work the best on the quality, expansion and distribution of small scale irrigation by solving or at least mitigating the challenges face in using small scale irrigation.
Evaluation of MACRO model by short-term water and solute transport simulation in Maury silt loam soil

Modeling preferential flow has been a concern of many academic fields in the past 30 years all over the world and helps to prevent groundwater contamination. A dual-porosity model, MACRO, was evaluated for short-term (less than 2 days) simulation of water flow and non-reactive solute (chloride) transport through the profile of six plots in well-structured Maury silt loam soil. Water flow in micropores is calculated by the Richards’ equation while simple gravity flow is assumed in the macropores. Solute transport in the micropores is calculated by the convection-disper sion equation (CDE) while the dispersion and diffusion in the CDE is neglected for the solute transport in the macro
The algebraic Riccati equation and singular optimal control: The discrete-time case

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Dissertação Gabriel Dalmazo_02-2011

DALMAZO, GABRIEL OLLÉ. Evaluation of post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of tropinone reductases in Hyoscyamus muticus L. plants. Dissertation (Master Degree in Agroindustrial Science and Techno logy). Universidade Federal de Pelotas. The tropane alkaloids (TA) pathway has a branch-point controlled by the enzymes tropinone reductase 1 and 2 (TR1 and TR2). Tropinone is the common substrate for these enzymes and is reduced either by TR1 to form tropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine or by TR2 to form pseudotropine and calystegines. Hyoscyamine and scopolamine are largely used in medicine as anticholinergic, antiemetic, parasympatholytic and anaesthetic. Calystegines mimic different sugars and are potent and specific inhibitors of glucosidases. The function of hyoscyamine, scopolamine and calystegines in the plants is not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that they are involved in the plant defense against pathogens. Regulation of TA biosynthesis in planta has attracted interest not only in view of its applications in the pharmaceutical industry, but also in respect to human nutrition and plant physiology. In the present study a virus-based transgenic approach devised to induce PTGS of tr1 and tr2 in whole transformed Hyoscyamus muticus plants is evaluated. It was observed that a significant reduction in transcript accumulation for tr2 caused a tremendous increase in transcript accumulation for tr1. Key-words: Secondary metabolism, tropane alkaloids, calystegines, PVX
Economic drivers of greenhouse gas-emissions in small open economies: A hierarchical structural decomposition analysis

The Paris agreement has prescribed strict Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction targets for participating countries. Implementation of climate protection policies is challenging, especially if the economy is export driven. We introduce a hierarchical structural decomposition model in order to investigate the effects of exports, imports, economic structure, consumption patterns, consumption level, outsourcing and insourcing on national GHG emissions. This model is applied to the data of national environmental accounts and to a harmonized and price-deflated series of national input-output tables of Austria for the years 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. Over the whole time period, the results indicate that the final demand effect was the main driver of GHG emissions, with exports as most important factor. Surprisingly, emission intensity contributed to an increase of GHG emissions during the period 2000-2005 as well, mostly due to increasing emission intensity in the transport sector.
A comparison of machine learning techniques for taxonomic classification of teeth from the Family Bovidae

Abstract This study explores the performance of machine learning algorithms on the classification of fossil teeth in the Family Bovidae. Isolated bovid teeth are typically the most common fossils found in southern Africa and they often constitute the basis for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Taxonomic identification of fossil bovid teeth, however, is often imprecise and subjective. Using modern teeth with known taxons, machine learning algorithms can be trained to classify fossils. Previous work by Brophy et al. [Quantitative morphological analysis of bovid teeth and implications for paleoenvironmental reconstruction of plovers lake, Gauteng Province, South Africa, J. Archaeol. Sci. 41 (2014), pp. 376–388] uses elliptical Fourier analysis of the form (size and shape) of the outline of the occlusal surface of each tooth as features in a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) framework. This manuscript expands on that previous work by exploring how different machine learning approaches classify the teeth and testing which technique is best for classification. In addition to LDA, four other machine learning techniques were considered (neural networks, nuclear penalized multinomial regression,random forests, and support vector machines) with support vector machines and random forests performing the best in terms of log loss and classification rate.
Between Thermal Efficiency and Formal Expression: Tropism as a Method for Layering Control in Generative Design

The definition of architectonic features often requires negotiation between diverse classes of design conditions merging in particular elements. The use of encompassing concepts opens possible approaches for layering control between these assorted factors. This study presents a method for the implementation of tropism as a conceptual gathering procedure in social housing windows definition, aiming to enhance the relationship between building and context in terms of spatial comfort and formal expression.
Charm-strange baryon strong decays in a chiral quark model

The strong decays of charm-strange baryons up to N=2 shell are studied in a chiral quark model. The theoretical predictions for the well determined charm-strange baryons, $\Xi_c^*(2645)$, $\Xi_c(2790)$ and $\Xi_c(2815)$, are in good agreement with the experimental data. This model is also extended to analyze the strong decays of the other newly observed charm-strange baryons $\Xi_c(2930)$, $\Xi_c(2980)$, $\Xi_c(3055)$, $\Xi_c(3080)$ and $\Xi_c(3123)$. Our predictions are given as follows. (i) $\Xi_c(2930)$ might be the first $P$-wave excitation of $\Xi_c'$ with $J^P=1/2^-$, favors the $|\Xi_c'\ ^2P_\lambda 1/2^->$ or $|\Xi_c'\ ^4P_\lambda 1/2^->$ state. (ii) $\Xi_c(2980)$ might correspond to two overlapping $P$-wave states $|\Xi_c'\ ^2P_\rho 1/2^->$ and $|\Xi_c'\ ^2P_\rho 3/2^->$, respectively. The $\Xi_c(2980)$ observed in the $\Lambda_c^+\bar{K}\pi$ final state is most likely to be the $|\Xi_c'\ ^2P_\rho 1/2^->$ state, while the narrower resonance with a mass $m\simeq 2.97$ GeV observed in the $\Xi_c^*(2645)\pi$ channel favors to be assigned to the $|\Xi_c'\ ^2P_\rho 3/2^->$ state. (iii) $\Xi_c(3080)$ favors to be classified as the $|\Xi_c\ S_{\rho\rho} 1/2^+>$ state, i.e., the first radial excitation (2S) of $\Xi_c$. (iv) $\Xi_c(3055)$ is most likely to be the first $D$-wave excitation of $\Xi_c$ with $J^P=3/2^+$, favors the $|\Xi_c\ ^2D_{\lambda\lambda} 3/2^+>$ state. (v) $\Xi_c(3123)$ might be assigned to the $|\Xi_c'\ ^4D_{\lambda\lambda} 3/2^+>$, $|\Xi_c'\ ^4D_{\lambda\lambda} 5/2^+>$, or $|\Xi_c\ ^2D_{\rho\rho} 5/2^+>$ state. As a by-product, we calculate the strong decays of the bottom baryons $\Sigma_b^{\pm}$, $\Sigma_b^{*\pm}$ and $\Xi_b^*$, which are in good agreement with the recent observations as well.
Asynchronously coupled resonant junctions for diplexers and multiport filtering networks

This article proposes the use of asynchronously coupled resonator junctions in the design of diplexers. This is to ease the control and implementation of the external couplings at the common port of an all‐resonator‐based diplexer. A comparison study has been performed between a conventional diplexer and the proposed diplexer. To further explore the possibilities of the proposed junction technique, a four‐port multiport filtering networks was proposed and designed to function as a double diplexer. Good agreements have been achieved between the measurements of the prototype devices and the simulations.
Critical slope for laminar transcritical shallow-water flows

Backwater curves denote the depth profiles of steady flows in a shallow open channel. The classification of these curves for turbulent regimes is commonly used in hydraulics. When the bottom slope $I$ is increased, they can describe the transition from fluvial to torrential regimes. In the case of an infinitely wide channel, we show that laminar flows have the same critical height $h_{c}$ as that in the turbulent case. This feature is due to the existence of surface slope singularities associated to plug-like velocity profiles with vanishing boundary-layer thickness. We also provide the expression of the critical surface slope as a function of the bottom curvature at the critical location. These results validate a similarity model to approximate the asymptotic Navier–Stokes equations for small slopes $I$ with Reynolds number $Re$ such that $Re\,I$ is of order 1.
Marine Ecology Progress Series 249:171

Allozyme analysis of 35 populations of the endemic New Zealand greenshell mussel Perna canaliculus (Gmelin 1791) indicated an absence of genetic structuring, whereas mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of 22 of the same populations indicated a pronounced genetic discontinuity between northern and southern mussels at ~42° S latitude. The present study examines the genetic structuring of a subset of 19 New Zealand mussel populations using the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. A genetic discontinuity was observed between northern and southern populations, which resulted from significant allele frequency differences, but no absolute differences between populations of these regions. Southern populations were genetically more diverse than northern populations, with the west coast of the South Island being the most distinct from northern populations. The RAPD data are consistent with the mtDNA data, indicating that both studies have resolved the population structure of P. canaliculus at a higher level than previous allozyme studies. The location of the genetic discontinuity coincides with major hydrographic features at ~42° S latitude. We hypothesise that restricted gene flow (larval transport), a consequence of present day coastal surface circulation patterns, influences the population genetic structuring of this species, an effect which is relatively recent in geological time (within the last 12000 yr).
The [α/Fe] ratios of very metal-poor stars within the integrated galactic initial mass function theory

The aim of this paper is to quantify the amplitude of the predicted plateau in [α/Fe] ratios associated with the most metal-poor stars of a galaxy. We assume that the initial mass function in galaxies is steeper if the star formation rate (SFR) is low – as per the integrated galactic initial mass function (IGIMF) theory. A variant of the theory, in which the IGIMF depends upon the metallicity of the parent galaxy, is also considered. The IGIMF theory predicts low [α/Fe] plateaus in dwarf galaxies, characterised by small SFRs. The [α/Fe] plateau is up to 0.7 dex lower than the corresponding plateau of the Milky Way. For a universal IMF one should expect instead that the [α/Fe] plateau is the same for all the galaxies, irrespective of their masses or SFRs. Assuming a strong dependence of the IMF on the metallicity of the parent galaxy, dwarf galaxies can show values of the [α/Fe] plateau similar to those of the Milky Way, and almost independent on the SFR. The [Mg/Fe] ratios of the most metal-poor stars in dwarf galaxies satellites of the Milky Way can be reproduced either if we consider metallicitydependent IMFs or if the early SFRs of these galaxies were larger than we presently think. Present and future observations of dwarf galaxies can help disentangle between these different IGIMF formulations.
The effects of cross-border tourist purchases on retail performance.

One of the major novelties in modern retail that is gaining more and more prominence is the concept of cross-border shopping. Factors affecting the rapid development of cross-border shopping are numerous, such as price differentiation, quality, convenience, demographic and social characteristics, good organizational structure developed in modern retail and many others. Among the influencing factors, the role of price differentiation of goods and services is very important and it is also affected by numerous factors. Those are: value added tax, profit margins, operating costs, exchange rates, inflation, differentiation of organizational structure in retail, the application of advanced information and communication technology and others. Cross-border shopping is, in itself, very important influential factor for the development of tourism, target retail market, performance of retail companies and living standard. Altogether, this has a positive effect on the overall performance of the national economy.
Addressing the challenges of food security and youth unemployment in South Africa through land reform policies

South Africa’s past policy of apartheid has contributed to some of the socio-economic challenges the country faces today. Some of the challenges include grinding poverty levels, increasing inequality and unemployment among large sections of the population. The constitution of the country makes provision for property and land rights as strategies for addressing some of the past injustices, ensuring food insecurity and sustainable livelihoods. A number of polices have been drafted in this regard, but it is acknowledged that some of the policies that have been adopted by the government have not yielded the desired result leading to the fear that if the situation is not radically addressed may lead to unintended consequences. This paper assesses a number of polices, programs, approaches and strategies regarding land reform policies have that been put into place, most of which have not worked as expected including the fact that the youth have not been factored into most of these programs and policies. This article advocates for the youth to be factored into all land reform and food security policies and programs as a way of capacitating them and getting the youth to see agriculture as a career choice to ensure future food security for the nation, while at the same time addressing youth unemployment and rural poverty.
LMI-based filter design for fault detection and isolation

A linear matrix inequality (LMI) based filter design approach for fixed-order robust fault detection and isolation (FDI) is examined. The proposed filter design provides necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution to the detection and isolation of faults using an H/sub /spl infin// formulation. These conditions are expressed in terms of LMIs with matrix rank constraints, and a parameterization of all admissible filters is provided, which corresponds to a feasible solution. A convex LMI problem is obtained for the full-order FDI filter design. Finally, the proposed methods are demonstrated using a structural system simulation example, which include faulty actuators, sensors and external disturbances.
Wave Measuring Buoy

Wave measuring buoys are essential devices in ocean engineering. This article describes the process of designing a program that calculates useful wave parameters from measured raw acceleration data. The calculations are based on the assumption that the buoy analogue to a water particle travels on a circular orbit. The final program calculated position from the acceleration data and eliminated unwanted rotation of the coordinate system of the buoy. In a first field test the program turned out to be successful. Key words: wave-measuring buoy, acceleration sensor, gyroscope, Matlab, rotating coordinate system, significant wave height.
A method of designing seamless connectivity algorithm in ubiquitous networks

The b-phase of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is well known for its piezoelectric properties. PVDF films have been developed using solvent cast method. The films thus produced are in a-phase. The a-phase is transformed to piezoelectric b-phase when the film is hotstretched with various different stretching factors at various different temperatures. The films are then characterized in terms of their mechanical properties and surface morphological changes during the transformation from a- to b-phases by using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, Raman spectra, Infrared spectra, tensile testing, and scanning electron microscopy. The films showed increased crystallinity with stretching at temperature up to 808C. The optimum conditions to achieve b-phase have been discussed in detail. The fabricated PVDF sensors have been tested for free vibration and impact on plate structure, and its response is compared with conventional piezoelectric wafer type sensor. The resonant and antiresonant peaks in the frequency response of PVDF sensor match well with that of lead zirconate titanate wafer sensors. Effective piezoelectric properties and the variations in the frequency response spectra due to free vibration and impact loading conditions are reported. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 00:000–000, 2012. a2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
A Comparison of the Media Response to the Rio +20 Summit in Canada and Australia

Relevant articles from The Australian , SBS Australia , Courier Mail , The Globe and Mail , CBC News and The Telegram were analysed with regard to their portrayal of the Rio +20 Summit. Canadian media had more bias, fewer stories, and were more likely to portray the conference as a failure and a waste of time than Australian media. The Canadian media’s portrayal of the conference may have been affected by Canada’s lack of participation due to the Harper Government’s disinterest in the environment. The Australian media’s portrayal of the conference resulted from Australia’s participation in it, due mainly to governmental interest in ocean conservation.