Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Depth Estimation System for Laboratory Studies using Video Imagery

A simple video-based system has been developed for depth estimation based on wave propagation characteristics. A numerical simulation of a long-crested monochromatic wave propagating over a beach with straight and parallel contours is used for testing the depth inversion system. An oblique video, simulating field conditions, is recorded, digitized and rectified for its further analysis. Pixel intensity time series from a virtual array in the rectified images are analyzed using the depth estimation technique developed by Stockdon and Holman. The linear dispersion equation is applied for depth estimation at every cross-shore position and the resulting values are compared with the depth values used to feed the numerical model. Error analysis confirms good performance for depth estimation using this video-system for completely controlled conditions in small-scale experiments. The relative depth estimation error for this idealized case is 2.3%. This accuracy is explained by the use of a linear model for the wave propagation simulation. The methodology proposed here allows the testing of a new video-system and separation of errors resulting from the depth inversion algorithm from those inherent to photogrammetry techniques in small areas. The use of this system could easily be extended for physical models and field studies.
PHYTOPLANKTON ASSEMBLAGES IN BIR M'CHERGA FRESHWATER RESERVOIR (TUNISIA)

Tunisia is a Mediterranean country characterized by aridity on the major part of its territory. To this aridity is added the variability of the Mediterranean climate, with erratic and unpredictable periods of large drought and violent floods, to make of water an often limited resource and distributed unequally in the time and in the space. Facing this shortage of water, Tunisia developed a strategy of surface water resources mobilization. Consequently, the continuous increase of artificial water systems (reservoirs) provided a privileged investigation field for limnological research. Being the first link in the trophic web, phytoplankton plays a basic role in aquatic ecosystems. In fact, the processes, related to it, affect directly or indirectly the environment. Thus, a monitoring of the environmental conditions and phytoplankton assemblages was carried out in Bir M'cherga reservoir, from witch problems of fish mortality was reported in the recent years. In this way, we have identified 50 phytoplankton species spreading across seven classes, namely chlorophyceae, diatoms and cyanobacteria. These latter was the most diversified group since it represented 36% of the species richness, against 34% for chlorophyceae and 14% for diatoms. In quantitatively terms, the successions of the main phytoplankton species showed large seasonal and inter-annual variations, but with a clear dominance of cyanobacteria. Indeed, it is very important to note that 80% of samples were dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria mainly Limnothrix sp, at more than 50% and up to 99%. Thus, the phytoplankton in Bir M'cherga reservoir did not present the classically succession described in the Tunisian reservoirs, where the Chlorophyceae and diatoms are dominant. It seems that the high trophic level of the studied water body contributed largely to the expansion of these micro-organisms. Cyanobacteria pose a potential risk to the environment and public health since they can produce toxic secondary metabolites including hepatotoxins that have carcinogenic potential, neurotoxins and lipopolysaccaride endotoxins. In fact, in Bir M’cherga dam, eight potentially toxic cyanobacteria species, such as Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Microcystis aeruginosa and Planktothrix agardhi, have been identified. It is important to note that the hepatotoxicity in Bir M’cherga freshwater, evaluated by PP2A assay, didn’t exceed the WHO guideline value for drinking water, but it was positively correlated with temperature, salinity and chlorophyll a.
Study on Endotoxin Removal from Human-like Collagen

In this study endotoxin is removed from protein preparations using a Pierce ® High-Capacity Endotoxin Removal Resin column. The effects of phosphate buffer and NaCl concentration on endotoxin removal and protein recovery have been investigated. Both PBS concentration and NaCl had significant effects on endotoxin removal from protein solutions. When PBS and NaCl were increased from 10 to 40mM and from 100 to 200mM respectively, the residual endotoxin was reduced from 8000 to 25 EU/ml in the PBS 25mM and NaCl 150mM. When protein concentration was varied from 1 to 5mg/ml, the residual endotoxin was reduced to about 20EU/ml in the PBS 25mM and NaCl 150mM. However, the incubation time had a critical effect on the endotoxin removal. Protein recovery was above 98% in all cases. This method greatly provided high endotoxin removal and HLC recovery.
Regeneration of Andrographis paniculata Nees: Analysis of genetic fidelity and andrographolide content in micropropagated plants

Andrographis paniculata Nees is a valuable medicinal plant which yields the therapeutic compound andrographolide. The objective of the present study was to develop reliable in vitro propagation techniques in this plant species. The efficiency of shoot regeneration in A. paniculata was tested on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), thidiazuron (TDZ), kinetin (Kn) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 μM and BAP (1.0 μM) in combination with other cytokinins like TDZ, Kn and 2-iP (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 μM) by using nodal explants. Maximum number of 39 shoots per explant was recorded on MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.0 μM) and Kn (5.0 μM). An anatomical study confirmed shoot regeneration via direct organogenesis. Regenerated shoots were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3- acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 μM for the induction of roots. Cent percent shoots developed roots after transfer to half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA (2.0 μM). The rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil. Randomly amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (RAPD) analysis was carried out to check for possible genetic alterations in regenerated plants and the results revealed that the recovered plants did not exhibit any type of polymorphism. The andrographolide content was determined in regenerated plants using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and regenerated plants had considerable amount of andrographolide, so regenerated plants could be used as raw material for andrographolide extraction. Keywords: Andrographis paniculata , andrographolide, nodal culture, micropropagation
Public Investment Multipliers in EU Countries: Does the Efficiency of Public Sector Matter?

This study examines whether differences in public sector efficiency are associated with diverging effects of public investment on growth. At first stage, we estimate public investment multipliers for each country of the European Union (EU). Their size varies considerably across countries. Then we construct measures of public sector efficiency which are used in the econometric analysis to study the relationship between public investment and growth. The main result of the econometric analysis is that the efficiency of public sector indeed matters in raising the influence of public investment on growth. This result remains robust to several changes in the econometric specification and to various measures of government efficiency which used as explanatory variables in the econometric estimations.
Strain driven phase decomposition in ion-beam sputtered Pr 1− x Ca x MnO 3 films

The deposition of heteroepitaxial thin films on single crystalline substrates by means of physical deposition methods is commonly accompanied by mechanical strain due to lattice mismatch and defect generation. Here we present a detailed analysis of the influence of strain on the Mn solubility of Pr1-XCaXMnO3 thin films prepared by ion-beam sputtering. Combining results from X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and in situ hot-stage stress measurements, we give strong evidence that large tensile strain during deposition limits the Mn solubility range of the Perovskite phase to near-stoichiometric composition. Mn excess gives rise to MnOz precipitates and the precipitation seems to represent a stress relaxation path. With respect to size and density of the precipitates, the relaxation process can be affected by the choice of substrate and the deposition parameters, that is, the deposition temperature and the used sputter gas.
Mission Power and Firm Financial Performance

ABSTRACT We estimate the effect of the mission statement on firm financial performance. The mission power, a latent construct, is included in a structural equation model to compute its impact across two channels: the profit margin and the assets turnover. Our estimates, based on a sample of Colombian companies, show that the non-significant impact of mission statement documented in the literature may be caused by the opposite effect that the amount of sales induces on both channels. We disentangle both effects and show that the effect on assets turnover dominates when mission statement compels good assets management practices.
Linear observation systems on groups (I)

The present paper is an accessible digest, along with extensions, of previous work by the authors. We propose an unifying and versatile framework for a class of discrete time systems whose state is an element of a group, that we call linear observation systems on groups. Those systems strictly mimic linear systems in the sense that + is replaced with group multiplication , and linear maps by endomorphisms. Generalized linear observers on groups, which are the group counterpart of linear observers (and known as invariant observers on groups), are shown to share some important properties with linear observers, namely the fact the estimation error equation is autonomous. We then prove that, linear observation systems are in fact the only ones such that the error equation is autonomous, and relate them to group-affine systems we have previously introduced in continuous time. We also introduce a family of groups called SE_K(D), and leverage it to prove many non-linear discrete-time systems of navigation and robotics (including Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) are in fact linear observation systems on SE_K(D).
The Impact of Fire Ants Solenopsis sp . on Upland Arthropods in Eastern India

Solenopsis sp. is an important invader on upland arthropod of Eastern India. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of this insect as potential biocontrol agent against some major pests of rice. The ant populations were sampled before and during appearance of hibernating larva and pupa of rice yellow stem borer (YSB) Scirpophaga incertulas (Walk.) inside the rice plant. Species richness and diversity of other ant species were also assessed from YSB protected field with insecticides and the crop grown under natural biological control. The maximum value of Barger-Parker index (d = 0.245) indicated that fire ant constituted 24.55% of the total population. Besides, in natural as in agricultural ecosystems, interference between fire ants and mealy bug as well as aphids was also recorded in different altitudes of the Eastern Himalayas and found that the incidence of fire ants Solenopsis sp. decreased the abundance of borer pests, but in contrast it increased the hopper pests in the same ecological niche.
The First Principles Approach to The Structural, Elastic, Electronic, Vibrational and Thermal Properties of CsCl type-ErAu Alloy

Lantanit-altin ikili alasimlari, dirence dayali elektrik olcum teknolojilerinin uygulamalarinda cok dikkat cekmektedir. Bu tur malzemeler, buyuk sicaklik kararliligina bagli olarak elektrik devreleri icin uygun kabul edilir. Bu calismada, birim hucredeki ErAu ikili alasiminin iki atomlu CsCl-tipli kristal yapisinin yapisal, elastik, elektronik, titresimsel ve termal ozellikleri ilk ilkeler yaklasimi cercevesinde incelenmistir. Orgu parametresi 3.603 A olarak bulunmustur. Elde edilen yapisal parametreler mevcut calismalarla tutarlidir. Elektronik ozelliklerini goz onune alindiginda, elektronik bant yapilari, ErAu alasiminin toplam ve kismi durumlarinin yogunlugu belirlenir. Bu hesaplamalardan, ErAu alasiminin metalik ozellikte oldugu belirlenmistir. Elastik sabitler, gerilme-zorlama yontemi kullanilarak hesaplanmistir. Elastik sabitler, farkli basinc degerleri icin de elde edilmistir. Sistemin elastik ozellikleri ErAu alasiminin farkli basinc degerlerinde mekanik olarak dengeli oldugunu ortaya koymaktadir. Fonon frekanslari hesaplanmistir ve yapi dinamik olarak kararli olarak belirlenmistir. ErAu alasiminin termal ozelliklerini sunmak icin, sistemin serbest enerjisi, entropi ve isi kapasitesi artan sicaklik degerleri altinda elde edilmistir.
Test of Hypotheses in a Time Trend Panel Data Model with Serially Correlated Error Component Disturbances

This paper studies test of hypotheses for the slope parameter in a linear time trend panel data model with serially correlated error component disturbances. We propose a test statistic that uses a bias corrected estimator of the serial correlation parameter. The proposed test statistic which is based on the corresponding fixed effects feasible generalized least squares (FE-FGLS) estimator of the slope parameter has the standard normal limiting distribution which is valid whether the remainder error is I(0) or I(1). This performs well in Monte Carlo experiments and is recommended.
Low-frequency analogue Hawking radiation: The Bogoliubov-de Gennes model

We analytically study the low-frequency properties of the analogue Hawking effect in Bose-Einstein condensates. We show that in one-dimensional flows displaying an analogue horizon, the Hawking effect is dominant in the low-frequency regime. This happens despite non vanishing greybody factors, that is, the coupling of the Hawking mode and its partner to the mode propagating with the flow. To show this, we obtained analytical expressions for the scattering coefficients, in general flows and taking into account the full Bogoliubov dispersion relation. We discuss the obtained expressions for the greybody factors. In particular, we show that they can be significantly decreased if the flow obeys a conformal coupling condition. We argue that in the presence of a small but non-zero temperature, reducing greybody factors greatly facilitates the observation of entanglement, that is, establishing that the state of the Hawking mode and its partner is non-separable.
Soil water content and water balance simulation of Caragana korshinskii Kom. in the semiarid Chinese Loess Plateau

Abstract In this paper, to evaluate the hydrological effects of Caragana korshinskii Kom. , measured data were combined with model-simulated data to assess the C. korshinskii soil water content based on water balance equation. With measured and simulated canopy interception, plant transpiration and soil evaporation, soil water content was modeled with the water balance equation. The monthly variations in the modeled soil water content by measured and simulated components (canopy interception, plant transpiration, soil evaporation) were then compared with in situ measured soil water content. Our results shows that the modeled monthly water loss (canopy interception + soil evaporation + plant transpiration) by measured and simulated components ranges from 43.78 mm to 113.95 mm and from 47.76 mm to 125.63 mm, respectively, while the monthly input of water (precipitation) ranges from 27.30 mm to 108.30 mm. The relative error between soil water content modeled by measured and simulated components was 6.41%. To sum up, the net change in soil water (ΔSW) is negative in every month of the growing season. The soil moisture is approaching to wilting coefficient at the end of the growth season, and the soil moisture recovered during the following season.
Modified Intraglandular Sialography by US-guided Contrast Injection in Dogs

IN KOREAN ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ 35
Use of aqua-jel® and feed for nutrient supply during long journey air transport of baby chicks

Severe body dehydration had been hypothesized as a major cause for elevated mortalities of breeder chicks associated with long-journey air transport. To test this hypothesis and to explore means of alleviating chick stress and subsequent mortality, five short-term experiments involving 6,000 neonate breeder chicks (1,200 chicks per experiment) were conducted using environment-controlled chambers. Specifically, Experiment I evaluated the effects of supplying water only on chick performance during extended posthatch fasting and subsequent growth. Experiment II evaluated the feasibility of a commercial Aqua-Jel® containing 93% water as a water replacement for the chicks. Experiment III compared continuous versus intermittent lighting regimes on chick performance. Experiments IV and V were conducted to consolidate findings from the previous experiments. Specifically, Experiment V involved a 24-h, round-trip flight of the experimental chicks between Des Moines, Iowa, and Miami, Florida. Air temperature inside the environmental chambers was maintained at 29 ± 0.5°C with a relative humidity of 30 to 45% throughout the trial periods.
Analysis of Iris Recognition Based On FAR and FRR Using Hough Transform

Iris recognition is an identification method of biometric that uses pattern-recognition techniques. It is one of the most biometrical techniques used for personal identification. In this paper, we give a brief overview of different methods used in iris recognition system and use houghman transform and rubber sheet method for increasing accuracy by calculating metrics like FAR and FRR.
ENRICHMENT OF IN VIVO EFFICACY OF CATECHIN RICH EXTRACT WITH THE APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

Objective: The primary goal of this study was to convert a natural catechin-rich extract into nanoparticles by using a biodegradable and non-toxic polymer Eudragit L 100 to address the various biopharmaceutical problems of catechin. Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation technique using Eudragit L 100 in increasing concentration. Optimization of processing conditions like a selection of organic solvents, diluent and surfactant concentrations, drug and polymer ratio and method of drying to increase the biological efficiency were duly attempted. Parameters such as dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were assessed for the evaluation of nanoparticles. Results: The entrapment efficiency was found to be between 35-45 % with methanol compared to other organic solvents. The zeta potential values of all the formulations were in the range of±30 mV to±60 mV) which confirms moderate to good stability. A rapid or ‘burst’ effect of the drug release in pH 6.8 buffer showing 92 % in the first 30 min which gradually decreased to 52 % by the end of 180 min but in the pH 7.4, the release was found to be moderate. SEM and DLS indicated particles were of spherical shape lying in a nanometer range of 100 to 200 nm with a proportional influence of polymer on the particles size. Conclusion: Nanoformulations were found to be more stable and confirmed the presence of major elements such as carbon and oxygen. The findings collectively indicate that it may be worthwhile to apply nanotechnology for the design of an advanced oral dosage form for an enhanced bioavailability and biological efficacy.
The Market Share Impact of the Fit between Market Leadership Efforts and Overall Strategic Aggressiveness

The current study takes a contingency theory approach to the relationship between market leadership and a variety of marketing strategy concepts making up a firm’s strategic profile, including a firm’s Miles and Snow strategy type, market growth, service growth, service focus, market coverage, the Porter strategy group, and market orientation. The results of the study support this approach, showing that at least six of the seven strategic contingency combinations exhibit a significant relationship to market share. Utilizing a sample drawn from the financial services industry, it is found that firms possessing a recommended “fit”, as when market leader firms exhibit a more aggressive marketing strategy profile, tend to have higher levels of market share. The results of the study also reveal that a firm’s market share performance is related to the total number of strategic “fits” between the firm’s market leadership position and the various components of the firm’s strategic profile.
The mechanics and cryogenics of GIANO-TNG

GIANO is a cryogenic cross-dispersed spectrometer whose optics consist of aspheric aluminum mirrors, glass flats, cross-dispersing prisms and a grating fixed onto a ~1.5×1.0 m aluminum bench. The primary aim of the project is to achieve the highest possible image quality and spectral stability essential for precise radial velocity measurements. The instrument also includes other observing modes which are obtained by inserting a flat mirror or a prism at different positions in the optical path. This flexibility is achieved without affecting the stability and performances of the primary, high resolution mode. We describe here the cryo-mechanical design which has been optimized to these purposes.
Co-movement Analysis among different Sectors of Indian Stock Market

The relationship between the stock markets of the developed and emerging countries has been examined extensively in the literature. However, there are very few studies in the literature that attempt to analyse cointegration among different sectors within a single stock market. Hence, this study examines the cointegration among different sectors of Indian Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) using daily sector indices data from the period January 4, 2010 to May 21, 2013. Stock market sectors include Auto, Bankex, capital-goods, Consumer-durables, FMCG, IT, Metals, Oil & Gas, Power and Realty.
High-Throughput Synthesis of Pillared-Layered Magnesium Tetraphosphonate Coordination Polymers: Framework Interconversions and Proton Conductivity Studies

Novel pillared-layered framework materials were synthesized by high-throughput or microwave-assisted methodology that contain Mg2+ and the zwitterionic linker HDTMP (hexamethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid)). Three compounds were structurally characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. In the compound {Mg[(HO3PCH2)2N(CH2)6N(CH2PO3H2)2]·(H2O)}n(1), obtained at 140 °C by hydrothermal or microwave-assisted reaction, the layers are built by isolated Mg2+ octahedra coordinated by oxygen atoms from six different zwitterionic HDTMP ligands. Each amino-bis(methylenephosphonate) moiety links three Mg2+ ions, bridging two of them through one phosphonate group and connecting the third polyhedron in a monodentate fashion. In Compound 2, {Mg[(HO3PCH2)2N(CH2)6N(CH2PO3H2)2]}n, hydrothermally synthesized at 180 °C, the layers are composed of bidentate amino-bis(methylenephosphonate) moieties connected to three Mg2+ ions, with one of the phosphonate groups acting as a bridging ligand. Various subtle structural changes are noted for the other two compounds. Thermodiffraction of 1 reveals that a crystalline-to-crystalline phase transformation occurs concomitantly with its dehydration, leading to a new anhydrous phase, namely, {Mg[(HO3PCH2)2N(CH2)6N(CH2PO3H2)2]}n(1deh). This process is fully reversible upon equilibrating the solid at room temperature. The reported compounds can adsorb ammonia and CO2. Compound 1 exhibits a moderate proton conductivity, ~1.5 × 10−5 S·cm−1 at 80 °C and 95% RH, that increases a half order of magnitude after experiencing a complete dehydration/rehydration process, 1→1deh→1.