Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Melting of Ni-Cr Cast Steel with Additions of Niobium and Titanium

This study gives a compilation of values of the melting loss of individual elements present in creep-resistant 0.3 % C – 30 % Ni – 18 % Cr cast steel stabilised with niobium and titanium, produced from the melt made in an acid-lined induction furnace. The content of niobium in alloy varied from 0.0 to 2 %, and that of titanium from 0.0 to 1.2 % (%-wt). As-cast macro- and microstructures of this alloy were presented as well.
Numerical algorithms for constrained maximum likelihood estimation

Abstract This paper describes a SQP-type algorithm for solving a constrained maximum likelihood estimation problem that incorporates a number of novel features. We call it MLESOL. MLESOL maintains the use of an estimate of the Fisher information matrix to the Hessian of the negative log-likelihood but also encompasses a secant approximation S to the second-order part of the augmented Lagrangian function along with tests for when to use this information. The local quadratic model used has a form something like that of Tapia's SQP augmented scale BFGS secant method but explores the additional structure of the objective function. The step choice algorithm is based on minimising a local quadratic model subject to the linearised constraints and an elliptical trust region centred at the current approximate minimiser. This is accomplished using the Byrd and Omojokun trust region approach, together with a special module for assessing the quality of the step thus computed. The numerical performance of MLESOL is studied by means of an example involving the estimation of a mixture density.
Biodegradable polylactide and thermoplastic starch blends as drug release device – mass transfer study

Abstract Four different compositions of polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends (PLA/TPS blends) for application as drug carriers were examined. Initially, using cyanocobalamin (1.355 kDa) as a model compound, the blend with the highest starch content (wt. 60%) was selected for further research of mass transfer phenomenon. In this case, different concentrations of acetaminophen (0.151 kDa), doxorubicin hydrochloride (0.580 kDa) and cyanocobalamin (1.355 kDa) were used for determination of particular releasing profiles. Besides from the comparative analysis of obtained results, the values of the overall mass transfer coefficient (K) were calculated for each of tested drug molecules. Depending on the size and properties of used compound, determined values of the coefficient range from 10−11 to 10−13 m/s. Based on these outcomes, it could be stated that PLA/TPS blend selected in preliminary research, seems to be preferred material for fabrication of long-term drug delivery systems, which could be successfully applied for example in anti-cancer therapy.
Particle backscatter and relative humidity measured across cirrus clouds and comparison with state-of-the-art cirrus modelling

The paper presents a new experimental approach to determine in-cloud and out-ofcloud humidity with respect to ice by combining the balloon-borne new backscatter sonde COBALD and the established frostpoint hygrometer CFH. This is a step forward in measurements of cirrus clouds and their environmnent, since no aircraft is needed which makes the observations much easier. Though no detailed microphysical cirrus properties can be derived from the COBALD-CFH-tandem, the upper tropospheric water vapour budget -a key player in the Earth’s climatecan be better estimated with the complementary information of cirrus clouds and relative humidity. The peculiar charm C3279
Finding the Discount Rate for a Private Firm Using Public Comparables

Determining the cost of equity is one of the most difficult problems in corporate finance. In this paper, we present a simple estimation example using an internet start-up company. We use public firm comparables for beta, making adjustments for leverage using Harris and Pringleâ€™s (1985) assumptions, rather than Hamadaâ€™s (1972). While we consider adjustments for size, unsystematic risk, and illiquidity, we argue that significant adjustments to a Capital Asset Pricing Model approach using public comparables may be unnecessary.
The approach of music therapy in the support of people with psychological trauma

Recently, music therapists have been working intensively with a range of populations with different types of psychological trauma, such as refugees (Orth, 2005), war survivors (Bensimon, Amir, & Wolf 2008) and sexually abused children (Strehlow, 2009). The present qualitative analysis aims to investigate the approach of music therapy in supporting traumatized individuals. For that purpose, 6 certified music therapists described their clinical experience through semi-structured interviews and the thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke (2006) was used. The results indicated that traumatized individuals have lost their ability to connect with themselves as well as with others. Music therapy provides a safe environment through musical creation and therapeutic relationship, in order for traumatized people to genuinely connect with their feelings and needs, process the traumatic event and communicate with others. In this way, they become subjects of their own stories by gaining a sense of control and personal choice.
The characteristics of submerged hydraulic jump in sloped stilling basins with rough bed

In present study, the effect of reversed slope on hydraulic jump specifications in rectan gular channel with rough bed was measured. Also the proportion of Sequent depths, the length of roller, the submerged depth on the gate, and energy dissipation are investigated. flume with 0.3 depth, 0.4 height and 8 meters length, was used for experiments . Experiments were performed in range of Frouden umber between 4.5 - 10.9. Reversed slope were set in zero, 1.8%,2.5%, 3.5% and 4 percents. The results show that energy dissipation increases up to 7 percent by increasing slope. Also they show that
Market-Based Evaluation for Models to Predict Bond Ratings

Previous studies have examined different statistical models to predict corporate bond ratings. However, these papers use agency ratings as the benchmark to assess models and ignore the evidence that agency ratings may not be accurate in a timely manner. In this paper, we propose a new approach which incorporates ex-post bond returns to evaluate rating prediction models. Relative rating strength portfolios, formed by buying under-rated bonds with agency ratings lower than model ratings and selling over-rated bonds with agency ratings higher than model ratings, are employed to test the performance of different statistical models in rating predictions. Our results show that one version of multiple discriminant analysis model can generate a statistically significant abnormal return of 5% over a 5-year horizon. The ordered probit model which is believed to possess theoretical advantages in classifying bonds does not perform better. This suggests that using traditional measures to evaluate models can be misleading. The existence of a profitable trading strategy also raises the concern of market efficiency in the corporate bond market.
An electrostatic lens system for the deceleration of high intensity heavy ion beams

This work focuses on the design and implementation of an electrostatic lens system to produce high-intensity, low-energy ion beams, by means of numerical simulation of the beam trajectories (SIMION 7). The lens design was optimized using the simulation data obtained with a performance characteristics of the electrostatic lens system. This lens system maintains good beam focal quality for the deceleration of heavy ion beams of argon ions of with space charge of 10 mA. The beam emittance and beam diameter as a function of the gap width for a decel voltage of 45 kv of a deceleration lens system for a singly charged argon ion trajectories were investigated. A gap width of 5 mm and a tube diameter of 26 mm were found to be the minimum values. Also, a minimum of 24 mm of inner tube diameter was obtained for the relation between the inner tube diameter and the beam diameter. Beam emittance and beam diameter as a function of the focusing points for a decel voltage of 45 kv of a deceleration lens system for a singly charged argon ion trajectories was studied. A minimum of 455 mm was obtained at the outer exit of the deceleration lens system. While for the beam diameter, a minimum of 460 mm was deduced. It was found also that, a minimum of Vdecel = 43 kV, deceleration voltage was obtained for the relation between the deceleration voltage and beam emittance. Also, a minimum of Vdecel = 49 kV was found for the relation between the decelration voltage and beam diameter. Key words: Deceleration lens system and decel voltage, SIMION computer program, Beam emittance and beam radius.
Global magnetic ) eld of the Sun and long-term variations of galactic cosmic rays

The paper deals with the relation of long-term variations of 10 GV galactic cosmic rays (GCR) to the global solar magnetic )eld and solar wind parameters. This study continues previous works, where the tilt of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) and other solar-heliospheric parameters are successfully used to describe long-term variations of cosmic rays in the past two solar cycles. The novelty of the present work is the use of the HCS tilt and other parameters reconstructed from H observations of )laments for the period when direct global solar magnetic )eld observations were unavailable. Thus, we could extend the GCR simulation interval back to 1953. The analysis of data for 1953–1999 revealed a good correlation (the correlation coe<cient ¿ 0:88) between the solar-heliospheric parameters and GCR in di>erent cycles of solar activity. Moreover, the approach applied makes it possible to describe the behavior of cosmic rays in the epochs of solar maxima, which could not be done before. This indicates both the adequacy of the model and the reliability of the reconstructed global solar magnetic )eld parameters. c © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Gauged Floer homology and spectral invariants

We define a version of spectral invariant in the vortex Floer theory for a $G$-Hamiltonian manifold $M$. This defines potentially new (partial) symplectic quasi-morphism and quasi-states when $M//G$ is not semi-positive. We also establish a relation between vortex Hamiltonian Floer homology and Woodward's quasimap Floer homology by constructing a closed-open string map between them. This yields applications to study non-displaceability problems of subsets in $M//G$
QTL Mapping for Days to Flowering under Drought Condition in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genome

QTL for days to flowering in rice under drought condition were mapped using a DH population derived from a cross between a deep-rooted upland adapted japonica genotype CT9993-5-10-1-M and a lowland adapted shallow-rooted moderately drought tolerant indica genotype IR62266-42-6-2. QTL mapping was performed following three different mapping models viz. simple (SIM), composite (CIM) and multiple mapping model (MIM) using WinQTL Cartographer version 2.5. 006. SIM located 12 QTL for days to flowering spread over nine chromosomes whereas CIM and MIM each located 5 QTL with a threshold LOD score of 2.5. A comparison of the QTL detected by three different models identified five QTL that were common across at least two models for days to flowering. In MIM analysis, the detected QTL (qHD-1-b) between flanking markers (RG109 – ME1014) located on chromosome 1 recorded positive effect (1.4090) but the remaining four QTL had negative effect. The QTL (qHD-3-a) detected between flanking markers (RG104 – RG409) by both MIM and SIM in the present study was also reported earlier as linked with the marker RG104. The five common QTL detected by at least two models could be considered as stable QTL for days to flowering under drought and might be of practical use in marker assisted selection.
CHINA ROSE (HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS): A NEW NATURAL HOST OF COTTON LEAF CURL BUREWALA VIRUS IN PAKISTAN

China rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a perennial ornamental plant grown throughout the tropics and subtropics. China rose plants with severe vein thickening/ greening, leaf curling, and enations on the lower leaf surface were found near cotton fields at the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture Biology (NIAB) in Faisalabad. The symptoms of disease exhibited on China rose plants were very much similar to Cotton leaf curl disease exhibited by cotton plants. DNA was extracted from ten naturally infected symptomatic China rose plants and subjected to PCR using begomovirus and betasatellite specific primers. The expected products of 2.8Kb and 1.4Kb for begomovirus and betasatellites were amplified, respectively. The begomovirus and its cognate betasatellite isolated from China rose were sequenced and submitted to the database with accession numbers HG003876 and HG003877, respectively. Owing to a 99% nucleotide sequence identity, this virus was designated as an isolate of Cotton leaf curl Burewala virus (CLCuBuV). Similarly the sequenced betasatellite showing 96% nucleotide sequence identity was designated as an isolate of Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). The symptomatic induction of Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) by indexing in LRA-5166, a CLCuBuV susceptible genotype of cotton that resists Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV), further confirmed the presence of CLCuBuV in China rose. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CLCuBuV and its cognate betasatellite in infected China rose.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Helps Reduce Pesticide Load in Cotton

The adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy by farmers of Bathinda cotton belt of Punjab, India resulted in reduction of insecticidal applications. There was 34 times reduction in insecticidal applications in IPM villages (4.86-5.33) over the non-IPM villages (15.16-18.12). A general trend of reduced insecticidal applications of both conventional as well as new insecticides, in IPM villages as compared to non-IPM ones, was observed. However, the use of endosulfan was significantly more in IPM villages (1.07 and 0.85 applications) over non-IPM ones (0.49 and 0.32 applications) in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The use of the remaining insecticides was significantly less in IPM than in non-IPM villages. There was no application of non-recommended insecticides and mixtures in IPM villages while it was observed in non-IPM ones only. Further, farmers in IPM villages showed increased preference for relatively new insecticides (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, indoxacarb and spinosad) over the conventional group of chemicals. The adoption of IPM strategies resulted in significantly reduced pest incidence (32-75%), reduced plant protection and total input costs (17-34 and 15-21%, respectively) and an increase in net profit (54-88%) in addition to conservation of natural enemies (0.81.0 natural enemies/ plant in IPM over 0.4-0.7/ plant in non-IPM villages).
Mario Van Peebles's Panther and Popular Memories of the Black Panther Party

The 1995 movie Panther depicted the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense as a vibrant but ultimately doomed social movement for racial and economic justice during the late 1960s. Panther's narrative indicted the white-operated police for perpetuating violence against African-Americans and for undermining movements for black empowerment. As such, this film represented a rare source of filmic counter-memory that challenged hegemonic memories of U.S. race relations. Newspaper reports and reviews of Panther, however, questioned the film's veracity as a source of historical information. An analysis of these reviews and reports indicates the challenges counter-memories confront in popular culture.
A Comparative Study of Mn/Co Binary Metal Catalysts Supported on Two Commercial Diatomaceous Earths for Oxidation of Benzene

Two commercial diatomaceous earths were used as supports for the preparation of Mn/Co binary metal catalysts at different metal loads (5 to 10 wt % Mn and 5 to 15 wt % Co) by incipient wetness deposition. The activity of the prepared catalysts towards the complete oxidation of benzene to CO2 and water was investigated between 100 and 400 °C. Raw supports and synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, SEM-EDS, H2-TPR, and TPD. The purification treatment of food-grade diatomite significantly affected the crystallinity of this support while reducing its specific surface area (SSA). A loss of SSA, associated with the increase in the metal load, was observed on samples prepared on natural diatomite, while the opposite trend occurred with food-grade diatomite-supported catalysts. Metal nanoparticles of around 50 nm diameter were observed on the catalysts’ surface by SEM analysis. EDS analysis confirmed the uniform deposition of the active phases on the support’s surface. A larger H2 consumption was found by TPR analysis of natural diatomite-based samples in comparison to those prepared at the same metal load on food-grade diatomite. During the catalytic oxidation experiment, over 90% conversion of benzene were achieved at a reaction temperature of 225 °C by all of the prepared samples. In addition, the formation of coke during the oxidation tests was demonstrated by TGA analysis and the soluble fraction of the produced coke was characterized by GC-MS.
Bio Concentration Factor and Translocation Ability of Heavy Metals within Different Habitats of Hydrophytes in Nairobi Dam, Kenya

Bio-Concentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Ability (TA) of Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) and Nickel (Ni) in different habitats of hydrophytes within Nairobi dam was carried out during wet and dry seasons. Freshwater plant species from three habitats: (i) free floating; (Eichhornia crassipes), (ii) emergent (attached); (Typha domingensis, Vernonia lasiopus, Cyperus papyrus, Polygonum salicifolium, Rumex bequaertii, Colocasia esculenta, Amaranthus spinosus), and (iii) submerged; (Ceratophyllum demersum); water and sediments were sampled and analysed. Bio Concentration Factor (BCF) of heavy metals was the highest in free floating plants than submerged and lowest in emergent during the wet than dry season. The Translocation Ability (TA) was better in free floating plants in comparison to emergent hydrophytes in the dry season. It is concluded that the free floating specie Eichhornia crassipes has the highest Bio Concentration Factor and Translocation Ability of heavy metals in both dry and wet seasons. Therefore, it is recommended that Eichhornia crassipes should be used for removal of heavy metals from contaminated freshwater bodies and these should not be consumed by animals and humans.
Statistical methods for mining Chinese hamster ovary cell 'omics data: from differential expression to integrated multilevel analysis of the biological system

Publication of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line and Chinese hamster genomes is accelerating efforts to increase the efficiency of biopharmaceutical manufacturing through greater understanding of CHO cell biology. It is hoped that this knowledge will lead to more predictable bioprocesses through the identification of biomarkers for culture monitoring and engineering of the CHO cell itself. If we are to translate the potential of the CHO systems biology era to industrial practice, the extraction of knowledge from complex genomic, proteomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets will be critical. In this manuscript, we review the methods utilized to analyze expression profiling data and highlight the role of advanced statistics as we generate larger scale datasets and move toward integrated multi-omic analyses of the biological system.
FATIGUE ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES WITH PASSIVE CONSTRAINING DAMPING LAYERS SUBJECTED TO RANDOM LOADS

Resumo: This paper is dedicated to the investigation of the possibility of increasing fatigue life of engineering structures subjected to multiaxial random loads by applying constrained viscoelastic layers. The rationale for such study is the fact that as the addition of viscoelastic materials provide decreased vibration amplitudes, it becomes important to quantify the increase of reliability that can be obtained. Moreover, despite the fact that many multiaxial fatigue damage criteria applicable to undamped structures exist in the literature, none of them is adapted to deal with the problem of estimation the fatigue damage in structures incorporating viscoelastic damping, since they must conveniently account for the frequencyand temperature-dependent behavior of the viscoelastic material. Due to the nature of the stress state of the considered problem, the fatigue damage is assessed by using Sine’s global criterion. After presenting the theoretical aspects, the numerical fatigue damage analyses of a three-layer sandwich plate treated by passive constrained damping layer are addressed, and the main features of the methodology are discussed.
Expression and functional analysis of the barley Nud gene using transgenic rice

Most cereal crops have hulless grains (naked caryopses) with a free-threshing trait, whereas the majority of barley cultivars show hulled (covered) caryopses. The naked caryopsis in barley is genetically controlled by a single locus, nod. The Nud gene (the covered caryopsis allele) encodes an ethylene response factor (ERF) family transcription factor that regulates a lipid biosynthetic pathway. For functional analysis of the barley Nud gene, we produced transgenic rice expressing Nod in the developing caryopses. All transgenic lines had caryopses that were easily dehulled at maturity, indicating that the naked caryopsis phenotype remained in spite of expression of the Nod transgene. Histochemical and lipid analyses of the transgenic rice caryopses did not show increased lipid accumulation on the surface of developing caryopses, suggesting that the Nud-mediated lipid pathway may not function in rice caryopses. The predicted rice ortholog of Nod, Os06ERF was expressed specifically in the developing caryopses. However, expression of Os06ERF ceased at an earlier developmental stage than that of the native Nod gene in barley caryopses, which was also the case for expression of the Nod transgene. This raises the alternative hypothesis that the timing of Nod expression may be critical for activating the pathway for hull-caryopsis adhesion.
Valuation of Multi-currency CSA’s

A Multi-currency Credit Support Annex (CSA) is a contract used to document collateral agreements of a derivative contract between two parties where it is allowed to post the collateral in other currencies than the base currency. In this thesis, I construct a blended Cheapest-to-Deliver (CTD) framework in order to value those type of derivatives. I apply this new framework to a portfolio of Interest Rate Swaps (IRS) and compare it with the CTD method of Fujii & Takahashi (2011) and the multi- and single-curve framework of Fujii et al. (2010a). Key findings are that: (i) choosing the cheapest collateral largely increases the present value of the IRS portfolio when the portfolio holder is the collateral payer, (ii) the impact of the considered CTD methods depends on the knowledge of the counterparty (other party that participates in the swap contract) and the type of IRS and (iii) the single-curve framework highly mis-prices the IRS portfolio relative to the multicurve framework.