Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Fly Ash on Brick Properties and the Impact of Fly Ash Brick Walls on the Indoor Thermal Comfort for Passive Solar Energy Efficient House

In quest for quality and sustainable development, it is necessary to find alternative materials, methods of brick making and house design. Bricks made in open kilns using locally available materials usually do not meet the requirements of the South African Bureau of Standards; hence it needs to add some ingredients such as fly ash to produce better quality bricks. This paper reports the effects of fly ash on properties of clay bricks that can improve the thermal performance of buildings. Bricks of different clay and fly ash mixing proportions were molded. A passive solar house was designed and constructed using fly ash bricks. Results indicate that thermal conductivity and water absorption decrease with increase in fly ash. Compressive strength was found to in-creases with increase in amount of fly ash. A mixing proportion of 50% of fly ash to 50% clay by volume produced a brick with the highest compressive strength, lowest thermal conductivity and minimum water absorption. The bricks were observed to have uniform size as they experience minimal burning shrinkage. These properties were found to have a significant impact on the thermal performance of the house. The mean indoor temperature swing was found to be 11&degC.
Exploring multi-trophic plant-herbivore interactions for new crop protection methods

Biological control of arthropod herbivores in agricultural crops depends on antagonists or enemies of the pest organisms. To minimise damage to a crop, it is crucial that the biological control agents are able to find their prey efficiently. Here we discuss the finding that when herbivores feed, plants produce volatiles that are attractive to the predators. The effects of biotic, abiotic and genetic factors on volatile formation and the biochemical and molecular regulation of this indirect defence mechanism are reviewed. The opportunities to use genetically modified plants to further understanding this complex interaction and the possibilities of using our knowledge to improve biological control in agricultural crops are discussed.
Effect of Annealing on Microstructure, Grain Growth and Hardness of Nanocrystalline Cu-Zr Alloy Prepared by Cryogenic Ball Milling

Nanocrystalline Cu-0.75 at. %Zr alloy was synthesized by high energy ball milling under cryogenic temperature. To investigate the influence of 0.75 at. %Zr addition on thermal stabilization of nanocrystalline state of Copper, milled powder was annealed up to T/Tm = 0.79 for 1h in an inert atmosphere. The microstructural changes of both milled and annealed powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mechanical properties were determined in terms of hardness. It was found that addition of 0.75 at. %Zr can stabilize grain size at higher temperature, i.e., ~ 32 nm at 800oC (T/Tm = 0.79). The hardness of Cu-0.75 at. %Zr at 800oC was found to decrease by only ~ 13% as opposed to a 65% decrease in pure copper from cryomilled condition. The thermal stability of Cu-0.75 at. %Zr system at high temperatures was attributed to the kinetic stabilization, i.e., grain boundary pinning by intermetallic phases. Thermal stability contributions were assessed by thermodynamic models elicits added Zr is not sufficient for stabilization, rather kinetic stabilization (by intermetallic pinning of grain boundary) became active at higher annealing temperature.
Cross-correlation of the 2XMMi catalogue with Data Release 7 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

The Survey Science Centre of the XMM-Newton satellite released the first incremental version of the 2XMM catalogue in August 2008. Containing more than 220 000 X-ray sources, the 2XMMi was at that time the largest catalogue of X-ray sources ever published and thus constitutes an unprecedented resource for studying the high-energy properties of various classes of X-ray emitters such as AGN and stars. Thanks to the high throughput of the EPIC cameras on board XMM-Newton accurate positions, fluxes, and hardness ratios are available for a substantial fraction of the X-ray detections. The advent of the 7th release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey offers the opportunity to cross-match two major surveys and extend the spectral energy distribution of many 2XMMi sources towards the optical bands. This implies building extensive homogeneous samples with a statistically controlled rate of spurious matches and completeness. We here present a cross-matching algorithm based on the classical likelihood ratio estimator. The method developed has the advantage of providing true probabilities of identifications without resorting to heavy Monte-Carlo simulations. Over 30,000 2XMMi sources have SDSS counterparts with individual probabilities of identification higher than 90%. At this threshold, the sample has only 2% spurious matches and contains 77% of all expected SDSS identifications. Using spectroscopic identifications from the SDSS DR7 catalogue supplemented by extraction from other catalogues, we build an identified sample from which the way the various classes of X-ray emitters gather in the multi dimensional parameter space can be analysed and later used to design a source classification scheme. We illustrate the interest of this clean source sample by investigating two scientific use cases. In the first example we show how these multi-wavelength data can be used to search for new QSO2s. Although no specific range of observed properties allows us to efficiently identify Compton Thick QSO2s, we show that the prospects are much better for Compton Thin AGN2 and discuss several possible multi-parameter selection strategies. In a second example, we confirm the hardening of the mean X-ray spectrum with increasing X-ray luminosity on a sample of over 500 X-ray active stars and reveal that on average X-ray active M stars display bluer g − r colour indexes than less active ones. Although this catalogue of 2XMM-SDSS sources cannot be used directly for statistical studies, it nevertheless represents an excellent starting point to select well defined samples of X-ray-emitting objects.
Removal of selected pesticides by nano zero-valent iron

Abstract This paper is focused on the possibility of using iron nanoparticles (nZVI - nano zero-valent iron) to remove selected specific synthetic substances, such as hexachlorobutadiene, pentachlorobenzene, hexachlorobenzene, lindane and heptachlor. Experimental measurements were performed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the removal of substances and their specific removal rate. Evaluation of the results shows that nanoiron NANOFER 25 is a convenient reactant for the removal of heptachlor, lindane and hexachlorobenzene; while for pentachlorbenzene and hexachlorobutadiene removal, longer contact times are necessary to achieve significant removal efficiencies.
Recent Progress of Seismic Observation Networks in Japan

Before the occurrence of disastrous Kobe earthquake in 1995, the number of high sensitivity seismograph stations operated in Japan was nearly 550 and was concentrated in the Kanto and Tokai districts, central Japan. In the wake of the Kobe earthquake, Japanese government has newly established the Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion and started the reconstruction of seismic networks to evenly cover the whole Japan. The basic network is composed of three seismographs, i.e. high sensitivity seismograph (Hi-net), broadband seismograph (F-net), and strong motion seismograph (K-NET). A large majority of Hi-net stations are also equipped with a pair of strong motion sensors at the bottom of borehole and the ground surface (KiK-net). A plenty of high quality data obtained from these networks are circulated at once and is producing several new seismological findings as well as providing the basis for the Earthquake Early Warning system. In March 11, 2011, "Off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake" was generated with magnitude 9.0, which records the largest in the history of seismic observation in Japan. The greatest disaster on record was brought by huge tsunami with nearly 20 thousand killed or missing people. We are again noticed that seismic observation system is quite poor in the oceanic region compared to the richness of it in the inland region. In 2012, NIED has started the construction of ocean bottom seismic and tsunami observation network along the Japan Trench. It is planned to layout 154 stations with an average spacing of 30km, each of which is equipped with an accelerometer for seismic observation and a water pressure gauge for tsunami observation. We are expecting that more rapid and accurate warning of earthquake and tsunami becomes possible by this observing network.
The Peer Relationships of Youths With Psychopathic Personality Traits

Because a callous use of others in many short-term relationships is one criterion for diagnosing psychopathy in adults, one would expect adolescents who are high on psychopathic personality traits to have unstable, conflict-ridden peer relationships. Little is known about this, however, or about the peer activities of youths who are high in psychopathic traits. The authors examined relationship quality and delinquency with peers in a community sample of 12- to 15-year-old adolescents who were stably high or stably low on psychopathic traits during 4 years. Peers also provided data on relationship quality. Youths high on psychopathic traits often engaged in antisocial activities with their peers. Although they reported conflict in their peer relationships, their peers did not report low support or high conflict in those relationships. The authors conclude that youths with psychopathic traits have biased perspectives on interactions with close peers, and this might underlie future problems.
A Reliable Multiple Access Scheme Based on Chirp Spread Spectrum and Turbo Codes

Nowadays, smart devices are the indispensable part of everyone’s life and they play an important role in the advancement of industries and businesses.These devices are able to communicate with themselves and build the super network of the Internet of Things(IoT). Therefore, the need for the underlying structure of wireless data communications gains momentum. We require a wireless communication to support massive connectivity with ultra-fast data transmission rate and ultra-low latency. This research explores two possible methods of tackling the issues of the current communication systems for getting closer to the realization of the IoT. First, a grant-free scheme for uplink communication is proposed. The idea is to the combine the control signals with data signals by superimposing them on top of each other with minimal degradation of both signals. Moreover, it is well-established that orthogonal multiple access schemes cannot support the massive connectivity. Ergo, the second part of this research investigates a Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access(NOMA) scheme that exploits the powerful notion of turbo codes for separating the signals in a slow fading channel. It has been shown that in spite of thesimplicity of the design, it has the potentials to surpass the performance of Sparse Code Multiple Access(SCMA) scheme.
Terahertz Kerr effect

We have observed optical birefringence in liquids induced by single-cycle terahertz pulses with field strengths exceeding 100 kV/cm. The induced change in polarization is proportional to the square of the terahertz electric field. The time-dependent terahertz Kerr signal is composed of a fast electronic response that follows the individual cycles of the electric field and a slow exponential response associated with molecular orientation.
Methods to promote reanimation and rehabilitation of forelimb function after spinal cord injury

Methods to promote reanimation and rehabilitation of forelimb function after spinal cord injury Aiva Mara Vitrungs Ievins Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Chet Moritz, PhD Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Physiology & Biophysics Graduate Program in Neuroscience Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition that can severely limit motor and sensory function and make an individual completely dependent on others for care. The effects of spinal cord injury are debilitating, and available treatments have limited effect. Impaired signal transduction, increased inhibitory molecules near the injury site, and cell damage all contribute to poor recovery from spinal cord injury. The following chapters describe experiments that aim to address these three obstacles to restore movement to paralyzed limbs. Electrical stimulation treatment can induce movements of paralyzed limbs, but these treatments have not yet restored normal motor function. A user-controlled stimulation system may improve the effects of spinal cord stimulation by allowing the user to trigger movements relevant to a particular task. In addition, supplementary treatments that mitigate the biological reaction to spinal cord injury may be necessary to achieve lasting improvements in motor function. Chondroitinase treatment can introduce a period of
Complexity and Entropy Analysis of DNA Methyltransferase

Background: The application of complexity information on DNA sequence and protein in biological processes are well established in this study. Available sequences for DNMT1 gene were thoroughly explored in the information complexities. DNMT1 gene is a maintenance methyltransferase responsible for copying DNA methylation patterns to the daughter strands during DNA replication in different species. Results: We found that the entropy of DNMT1 gene in different species is DNA base composition dependent, and its complexity in mammals is lower in introns than in coding regions. We also demonstrated the impacts of entropy on domains and non-domain(s) of the DNMT1 gene. The results from DNA and protein sequences indicated that DNA evolution has a tendency toward complexity. The most interest is that the methylation’s changes of the gene over aging in a unique chick model showed aging-driven entropy characteristics, which may give an explanation of aging processes. Conclusion: In summary, the information complexity of DNMT1 gene is related to its genomic composition, which thereby associates to evolutionary and aging processing, even though the intrinsic mechanism is not to be studied yet.
Distance education in the school environment: integrating remote classrooms by video conferencing

The instructional process in classroom focused distance education consists of features of conventional educational as well as elements from distance education. The theoretical and practical approach adopted in this article seeks to find the common features from both approaches and link them together. A theoretical framework for classroom focused distance education tries to capture some key features of the instructional process both on distance and on conventional education and to describe them in relation to each other. The article focuses on the issues how two separate classrooms that are connected to one instructional process can be handled simultaneously by one teacher.
An approximate elastic two-dimensional Green's function for a constant-gradient medium

Summary Approximate analytical formulae for elastic 2-D Green's functions for a constant-gradient propagation velocity medium are presented. These solutions correspond to unit line forces per unit length: the antiplane SH line source and the in-plane P–SV line sources, respectively. They are based on the asymptotic ray theory and account for both near-source effects and low frequencies. The analytical expressions obtained are tested by means of the pseudospectral method with a velocity–stress staggered grid. The agreement of the approximate analytical displacement and stress fields with their numerical counterparts is generally very good. A measure of relative error is proposed.
Disturbance Attenuation For A Periodically Excited Piece-Wise Linear Beam System

In this paper, we consider the problem of disturbance attenuation for a class of piece-wise linear systems. The proposed control design ensures that the closedloop system is uniformly convergent. Uniform convergence guarantees the existence of a unique globally asymptotically stable steady-state solution for a given periodic disturbance. This property allows to uniquely assess the performance of the controller in terms of disturbance attenuation. Both state-feedback and outputfeedback variants of the control design are presented. The effectiveness of the strategy is shown by application to a piece-wise linear beam system.
DIVERSITY AND GENETIC STRUCTURE OF THE MONOTYPIC GENUS Colombobalanus (FAGACEAE) IN SOUTHEAST OF COLOMBIAN ANDEANS

Colombobalanus is a genus with a single species Colombobalanus excelsa, currently categorized as vulnerable (VU) and known from only five localities in the Colombian Andes. We analyzed the diversity and genetic structure of four C. excelsa forest remnants in one locality in the coffee-producing area of the southeastern corner of Department of Huila, Colombia. Samples from ten trees were collected from each forest remnant for a total of 40 sample leaves, which were analyzed using 7 microsatellite markers. The resulting data matrix was used to perform genetic diversity (He), genetic structure (FST), and genetic distance analyses, as well as the Jaccard similarity index. Fourteen alleles were found for the entire population, with a heterozygosity (He) of 0.2797 and a genetic structure (FST) of 0.049. These indices suggest that the forest remnants are members of a panmictic population with historical patterns of genetic flow. The results also allow us to conclude that the low number of alleles found in these populations compared with other populations in the country show a signature of historical bottleneck in these forest remnants, where few individuals were seedlings of C. excelsa due to the disturbances caused by human activity
The impact of HIV on TB prevalence is clearly seen with the increase in prevalence of congenital TB, Paucibacillary or smear negative TB, extra pulmonary tuberculosis and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health concern, with an estimated 8.9 million new cases world wide in 2004 and two million deaths each year (Dye C, 2006). It is a major contributor to the burden of disease, especially in low and middle-income countries, where it is fuelled by the HIV/AIDS epidemic (Corbett EL et al, 2006) More than 2 billion people (about one third of the world population) are estimated to be infected. Tuberculosis peaked around 2003 and now appears to be declining slowly (WHO, 2008). In 2006 the World Health Organization estimated: The prevalence of active infection was 14,4 million The incidence of new cases was estimated to be 9,2 million Twelve of the 22 countries with the highest estimated TB incidence are in Africa In 2006 there were 1.7 million deaths from Tuberculosis worldwide, a death rate of 25/100 000. (WHO.2006)
A New Approach for Deconvolution and Filtering of 3-D Microscopy Images

Abstract A new approach to the deconvolution and filtering of 3-D microscopy images is introduced in this paper. A state-space representation of the image is derived according to the assumption that the whole image can be modelled by an ensemble of smooth 3-D Gaussian random fields. Blurring and noise are then easily included in the representation. Making use of this model the image restoration is carried out by means of a Kalman-based minimum variance estimation algorithm. The reported simulation results show high performances of the proposed approach.
BOARD COMPOSITION AND AUDIT FEE: EVIDENCE FROM RUSSIA

In the recent years the Russian Government has undertaken serious steps to improve corporate governance practices by introducing the Corporate Code of Governance (CCG) and strengthening the role of corporate boards to monitor top management performance. This paper investigates whether these measures have stimulated positive changes by increasing the demand for higher quality audit. We test our hypotheses using 147 non-listed companies to examine whether board composition influences audit fee in the Russian capital market. Our findings support the demand-side perspective of audit services and suggest that audit fees are associated positively with the presence of an independent chairman, higher proportion of independent directors and State representatives on the board.
Use Cases and Scenarios in the Conceptual Design of Web Applications

In this work we describe a method for gathering requirements and synthesizing the conceptual design of web applications. Our method emphasizes the importance of modeling user interaction and involving users in this process. It starts by capturing the requirements expressed in use cases and user interaction diagrams, a visual notation we propose to represent user-system interaction. These diagrams are also useful as a requirement validation tool and as input for obtaining the conceptual schema. We show how to derive user interaction diagrams from use cases and how to obtain a conceptual schema from these diagrams. Conceptual design is followed by navigation design, which is a crucial phase for the success of web application development. We finally describe how techniques used in this method can be extended specifically to support the navigational design stage.
A case study to estimate costs using Neural Networks and regression based models

Article history: Received September 9, 2010 Received in revised format June 5, 2012 Accepted 11 July 2012 Available online July 11 2012 Bombardier Aerospace’s high performance aircrafts and services set the utmost standard for the Aerospace industry. A case study in collaboration with Bombardier Aerospace is conducted in order to estimate the target cost of a landing gear. More precisely, the study uses both parametric model and neural network models to estimate the cost of main landing gears, a major aircraft commodity. A comparative analysis between the parametric based model and those upon neural networks model will be considered in order to determine the most accurate method to predict the cost of a main landing gear. Several trials are presented for the design and use of the neural network model. The analysis for the case under study shows the flexibility in the design of the neural network model. Furthermore, the performance of the neural network model is deemed superior to the parametric models for this case study. © 2012 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.