Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic Bias in Land Surface Models

A neural network–based flux correction technique is applied to three land surface models. It is then used to show that the nature of systematic model error in simulations of latent heat, sensible heat, and the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 is shared between different vegetation types and indeed different models . B y manipulating the relationship between the dataset used to train the correction technique and that used to test it, it is shown that as much as 45% of per-time-step model root-mean-square error in these flux outputs is due to systematic problems in those model processes insensitive to changes in vegetation parameters. This is shown in the three land surface models using flux tower measurements from 13 sites spanning 2 vegetation types. These results suggest that efforts to improve the representation of fundamental processes in land surface models, rather than parameter optimization, are the key to the development of land surface model ability.
Characterization of Carbon Particulates in the Exit Flow of a Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly (PPA) Reactor

The ISS presently recovers oxygen from crew respiration via a Carbon Dioxide Reduction Assembly (CRA) that utilizes the Sabatier chemical process to reduce captured carbon dioxide to methane (CH4) and water. In order to recover more of the hydrogen from the methane and increase oxygen recovery, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is investigating a technology, plasma pyrolysis, to convert the methane to acetylene. The Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly (or PPA), achieves 90% or greater conversion efficiency, but a small amount of solid carbon particulates are generated as a side product and must be filtered before the acetylene is removed and the hydrogen-rich gas stream is recycled back to the CRA. In this work, we present the experimental results of an initial characterization of the carbon particulates in the PPA exit gas stream. We also present several potential options to remove these carbon particulates via carbon traps and filters to minimize resupply mass and required downtime for regeneration.
CORPORATE SOCIAL DISCLOSURE BY BANKS AND FINANCE COMPANIES: MALAYSIAN EVIDENCE

This paper provides empirical evidences on the corporate social disclosure practice in the highly regulated industries namely banking and finance. In response to prior literature, research in specific industry will allow the researcher to see some specific pattern in disclosure theme for those industries because all social disclosure items were treated equally. Result from the study on disclosure theme shows that product related disclosure was highest. It may indicate some important issues taking place in the period under study. Furthermore, the result of the hypothesis testing shows that size, listing status and age of business appear to significantly influence the disclosure practice and may conforms to legitimacy theory postulate. While the profitability variable show insignificant relationship possibly due to prior literature notion that decision to disclose social information is related to public pressure variable rather than profitability variable. Finally, for the company profiles the result shows negative and insignificant relationship.
Genetic variability and structure of populations of Homoeosoma nebulella (Denis et Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in northern China

In recent years, there have been significant outbreaks of the European sunflower moth (ESM) Homoeosoma nebulella in northern China, causing enormous agricultural losses to local farmers. Although some control measures have been investigated, there is limited knowledge about genetic structure among ESM populations which may be related to pest outbreak. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variation and genetic structure of ESM. Our results showed that genetic differentiation was low among populations (2.73%), while it was high within individuals (60.73%), and among individuals within populations (32.59%). Dendograms based on Fst and genetic distance revealed that populations from Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region were first clustered and subsequently grouped with populations from Heilongjiang province. The outbreaks of ESM in Inner Mongolia may be caused by dispersal of ESM from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Using Gray’s (1988) Accounting Values to Explain Differing Levels of Implementation of IFRS

We examine the effect of measurement and disclosure related accounting values on the level of use of IFRS in 42 countries. The decision to undertake the cost associated with replacing current domestic GAAP with a set of foreign constructed accounting standards must be justified with many benefits. These benefits, such as high quality financial statements and increased transparency, are valued differently by countries with differing accounting values. We find empirical support for the hesitancy of countries that value conservatism and secrecy to fully implement IFRS. As an additional test, we use recent data gathered from the IAS Plus website. This more recent test of the effect of measurement and disclosure related accounting values on the level of use of IFRS failed to empirically support the hesitancy of countries that value conservatism and secrecy to require or allow the use of IFRS.
Identification of Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria using sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR) based PCR assays

Three randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, OPA-12 420 , OPB-06 1200 and OPA-01 700 , species specific to the root-knot nematode species Meloidogyne arenaria , M. incognita and M. javanica respectively, were identified. After sequencing these RAPD-PCR products, longer primers of 18 to 23 nucleotides were designed to complement the terminal DNA sequences of the DNA fragments. This resulted in three pairs of species specific primers that were used to amplify the sequence characterised amplified regions (SCARs). The developed sets of SCAR primers were successfully used in straightforward, fast and reliable PCR assays to identify M. incognita , M. javanica and M. arenaria . The length variant SCAR markers can be amplified from DNA from egg masses, second stage juveniles and females. This species identification technique is therefore independent of the nematode's life cycle stage. Moreover the SCAR-PCR assay was successfully applied using DNA extracts from infested plant material. The method has potential to be optimised for routine practical diagnostic tests facilitating the control of these economically important pest organisms. Identification de Meloigyne incognita, M. javanica et M. arenaria au moyen de l'amplification de regions de sequences caracteristiques (SCAR) par une technique PCR - Trois marqueurs d'ADN polymorphique amplifiee au hasard (RAPD) OPA-12 420 , OPB-O6 1200 et OPA-OI 700 , respectivement specifiques des especes de nematodes Meloidogyne arenaria , M. incognita et M. javanica , ont ete identifies. Apres le sequencage de ces produits RAPD-PCR, les amorces les plus longues de 18 a 23 nucleotides ont ete choisies pour completer les sequences terminales d'ADN des fragments d'ADN. Cela a conduit a trois paires d'amorces specifiques de l'espece, utilisees pour amplifier les regions des sequences caracteristiques (SCAR). Les lots d'amorces SCAR mis au point ont ete utilises avec succes lors d'essais directs, rapides et surs pour identifier M. incognita , M. javanica et M. arenia . Les marqueurs peuvent etre amplifies a partir de l'ADN des masses d'oeufs, des juveniles de deuxieme stade ou des femelles. Cette technique d'identification specifique est donc independante des differents etats de developpement du nematode. De plus la technique SCAR-PCR a ete appliquee avec succes a l'ADN extrait du materiel vegetal infeste. Cette methode presente des potentialites d'amelioration permettant d'envisager des tests pratiques d'identification de routine, facilitant ainsi le controle de ces parasites economiquement importants.
A Classification-Based Algorithm to Detect Forged Embedded Machines in IoT Environments

In the Internet of Things (IoT), interconnected devices manage essential information related to people's lives; hence, securing this information is essential. The number of these machines is rapidly growing; these are mostly embedded, and therefore more susceptible to attacks. Recently, thousands of subverted IoT embedded machines, such as surveillance cameras, were used for launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. In this scenario, attackers, who are not embedded machines, can emulate their behaviors to subvert the machine-to-machine network. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm to detect such forged machines. This allows detection of virtualized and emulated systems by observing their behaviors and can be used by IoT trust agents in embedded machines. With the aim of creating a machine-agnostic system, portable and applicable to future IoT machines, we propose a classification-based algorithm as the detection mechanism. Extensive experiments with different system architectures and operating systems were performed, along with a comparison of several feature selection and classification methods. The results show that our method can quickly reveal illegitimate machines with a high probability of detection, giving the opportunity for its use in power-constrained machines. Our approach is also able to detect unknown embedded systems and can be used to detect fake timing attacks.
Trypanosomatids in dogs belonging to individuals with chronic Chagas disease living in Botucatu town and surrounding region, São Paulo State, Brazil

Among domestic animals, dogs are considered to be the major reservoirs of trypanosomatids and, due to their proximity to man, the presence of these parasites in dogs is an alert to actions aiming at triatomine control. Fifty dogs (26 males and 24 females), aged from 2 months to 15 years, belonging to 30 chronic Chagas disease individuals from 15 different municipalities in the western region of Sao Paulo State, Brazil, were subjected to blood collection for the following tests: artificial xenodiagnosis, blood culture, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Forty-three (86%) out of 50 dogs were positive to at least one of the tests performed; 34 (68%) were positive to xenodiagnosis, 30 (60%) to blood culture, and 25 (50%) to PCR for T. cruzi and/or T. rangeli. Although triatomines were not detected during the intra and peridomiciliary inspections in the dog owners residences, the results obtained demonstrate that there is a transmission cycle whereby triatomine vector may be participating in the infection epidemiological chain.
Expression of NOB1 Gene and Its Clinical Significance in Ovarian Cancer

[Purposes] To explore the correlation between mRNA expression of NOB1 gene in tissues from ovarian cancer, normal ovary, benign ovarian tumor. [Methods] 50 samples of ovarian cancer as the experimental group, 20 samples of normal ovarian tissues and 50 samples of benign ovarian tumor as control groups. Expression of NOB1 gene was evaluated by RT-PCR. [Results]The mRNA Expression of NOB1 gene in ovary cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in normal ovarian tissues (P<0.01), while there was no significant difference between normal ovary and innocent ovary. High level of NOB1 mRNA expression was correlated to tumor size and degree of cell differentiation (P<0.05), but not significantly correlated to pathology type, pathological stage of operation and age (P>0.05). [Conclusions]Compared to normal ovary and benign ovarian tumori, mRNA expression of NOB1 gene was higher in ovarian cancer which indicates that mRNA expression level of NOB1 gene in ovary may be correlated to the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer.
Qualitative Phytochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Evaluation of Glandular Hairs Covering of Mallotus phillippinensis Fruit Extract

The developing countries mostly rely on traditional medicines. This traditional medicine involves the use of different plant extracts or the bioactive constituents. This type of study provides the health application at affordable cost. This study such as ethnomedicine keenly represents one of the best avenues in searching new economic plants for medicine. In keeping this view in mind the present investigation was carried out to examine Mallotus philippinensis fruit extract for their phytochemical components and in-vitro antibacterial activity. The phytochemical tests was carried out by using standard methods of analysis and these investigations revealed presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extract was assayed against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27893, Salmonella Typhi MTCC 3216, Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Shigella flexineri ATCC 12022, Bacillus subtilis, Plesiomonas shigelloides ATCC 14029 (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25323 (Gram-positive) and Candida albicans ATCC 90028,Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida tropicalis ATCC 750, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 using the disc diffusion and agar dilution techniques. The result showed the MIC of 15 mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and 12 mg/ml for Escherichia coli and 15-20 mg/ml against remaining bacteria tested, with no antifungal activity. The study revealed that the extracts possessed antibacterial activity in a dose dependent manner. In future this plant can be subjected to isolation and purification of the major constituent’s having antibacterials and to other pharmacological activities.
Tool Lifecycle Management in Industrial Practice

The paper presents Tool Lifecycle Management (TLM) as an enhancement of traditional approach to the tool management. The most important assumptions and main research areas of modern tool management are introduced. The author describes functional areas and expectations of TLM. The components and design principles of Industie 4.0 are presented. The main part shows TDM System, developed on the basis of TLM, and an example of its implementation in industrial practice. TOOL LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT IN INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE
Genetic diversity in populations of Erica andevalensis, a vulnerable metallophyte species from the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract. Erica andevalensis is an endemic vulnerable species that grows in metal-polluted soils from the Iberian Pyrite Belt. The genetic diversity of six E. andevalensis populations from Portugal and Spain was studied using PCR Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR). The obtained data showed that a) there is a very low genetic diversity within the populations from Portugal, and b) the populations sampled in Portugal are genetically different from the Spanish populations. The lack of genetic diversity in the Portuguese populations suggests the existence of founder effects and subsequent genetic isolation. Plant genetic diversity was also low in the Spanish populations, although the analysis showed that the studied populations were different among them. A Mantel test of the correlation between genetic and geographic distances was significant evidencing the genetic isolation by distance of the studied populations. The distinctiveness and low genetic diversity of the Portuguse populations emphasizes the importance of taking measures for their conservation.
Language-Specific Tuning of Audiovisual Integration In Early Development

Objective: To investigate whether infants aged eight months and older are sensitive to the audiovisual information in both familiar and unfamiliar speech we manipulated the congruency of the auditory and visual information in both familiar and unfamiliar speech streams. Language-Specific Tuning of Audiovisual Integration in Early Development Juliana Flynn1, Martijn Baart2, Nicole Depowski1, Heather Bortfeld1 Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut1 Department of Psychology, Tilburg University2
Association of GR GENE Polymorphism with T2DM among North Indian Population

Background & Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder and is escalating at a very fast rate across the globe in 21st century and is a pressing problem for the world and especially for our nation. Genetics has given us a solution to most of the unsolved mysteries and therefore it was very rational to investigate the association of GRL gene polymorphism with T2DM among north Indians. Methods: A total of 50 blood samples in each group of T2DM cases and of healthy controls were collected randomly from Diabetes clinic in Medicine Department of ELMC&H. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood using the standard phenol-chloroform extraction method. The DNA concentration was determined by spectrophotometer and stored at -20°C. Ethical committee’s clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee, prior to the commencement of the study. Results: Frequencies of GRL GG, GT and TT genotypes in T2DM cases and controls were 2%, 24%, 74% and 0%, 8%, 92% of GRL G and T allele was 4%, 96% in cases and 14%, 86% in the controls respectively. Odd Ratio of GT was 3.63(95% CI=1.08-12.18, X2=4.76, p values=0.029), for GG NA (95% CI=NA, X2=1.01, p values=0.315) and for TT 0.25 (95% CI=0.07-0.82, X2=5.74, p values=0.017). Interpretation & Conclusion: On the basis of the findings of this study it is concluded that GRL GT and TT genotype is significantly (p=0.029, 0.017) associated with T2DM. The short study period, small sample size and financial restrains were the limitations of the study. There is need to carry out a multicentric study on larger sample size and for a longer duration to find out a genetic solution of the escalating problem of T2DM.
Rose Flower Petals: Rich Source of Anthocyanins

Dried flower petals of “Tornado” floribunda rose cultivar are a highly abandoned source of anthocyanins with more than 4.0 g of anthocyanins per 100 g of the dryed plant material. The main components of the “Tornado” flower anthocyanin composition were found to be 3,5-diglucosides of cyanidin (80.9 %) and peonidin (13.9 %). While in flower petals of “Shock Versilia”, “New Fashion” and “Black Magic” hybrid tea rose cultivars cyaniding-3,,5-diglucoside was also the main anthocyanin, that of “Corvette” cultivar is a proper source to get the same pelargonidin derivative (68.4 %). An optimized method for anthocyanin extraction and partial purification in a “simulated moving-bed” solid phase extraction mode was proposed to get a concentrate in a mixture of 1 part of 0.1 M HCl water solution and 3 parts of ethanol with the overall anthocyanins concentration of 3.7 g/l as a cyanidin-3-glucoside chloride equivalent.
Development and optimization of real-time PCR assays to detect anti-microbial immune factors and their response to type I and II interferons.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of mortality in HIV-infected individuals worldwide. HIV-infected individuals have increased risk of developing active tuberculosis even at high CD4 T-cell counts and while undergoing effective antiretroviral therapy. The mechanisms that result in anti-TB immune dysfunction in HIV-infected people are not well understood. Previous studies have shown that a type II (IFN-γ) interferon-driven vitamin D-dependent antimicrobial pathway in monocytes and macrophages is important for the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) growth in vitro. Notably, acute and chronic HIV infection are associated with high levels of type I interferons, specifically interferon alpha 2a (IFNα2a). Type I interferon has been shown to be upregulated during M. tb infection and has been found to be detrimental to M. tb control. We, therefore, hypothesised that HIV-1 infection induces an interferon-driven dysregulation of the vitamin D-dependent antimicrobial pathway in monocytes, which may predispose to tuberculosis susceptibility. The goal of this project is to lay the methodological
Better Daylight and Natural Ventilation by Design

ABSTACT: An important consideration of urban design is to provide natural outdoor conditions that are pleasant and conducive to human activities. Planning the city to cope with needs is an important task for planners and architects. There are many design parameters, for example: Development Density, Plot ratio, Site Coverage, Skyline, Building to Space Ratio, Permeability, Building Shapes and so on. This paper reports a study on how they may affect daylight and natural ventilation provisions and performance. Experiments are conducted with physical models in wind tunnel and artificial sky, as well as using CFD and computational lighting simulation. The study establishes that, for same density, by varying the skylines, the overall daylight and natural ventilation performances could be improved when compared to a city with a uniform skyline. The message of the paper is that: through better design, high density cities could be planned without losing the development efficacy of the land.
Effect of dressing on high-order harmonic generation in vibrating H2 molecules

We develop the strong-field approximation for high-order harmonic generation in hydrogen molecules, including the vibrational motion and the laser-induced coupling of the lowest two Born-Oppenheimer states in the molecular ion that is created by the initial ionization of the molecule. We show that the field dressing becomes important at long laser wavelengths $(\ensuremath{\approx}2\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\text{m})$, leading to an overall reduction of harmonic generation and modifying the ratio of harmonic signals from different isotopes.
Characterization of a Gene Encoding for Dihydrodipicolinate Synthase from Rice

Dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS, EC 4.2.1.52) is a key enzyme in lysine biosynthesis in the aspartate family pathway of plants and microorganisms. The dapA gene encoding for DHDPS has been reported in many bacteria and plants and was utilized to enhance the level of lysine in cereal crops. In this study, we describe the functional analysis and characterization of a gene encoding for DHDPS from rice (OsDHDPS). Analysis of the OsDHDPS sequence showed a full-length open reading frame consisting of 380 amino acids, which encoded for a protein of approximately 41.4 kDa. The predicted amino acid sequence of OsDHDPS is highly homologous to those of other DHDPS enzymes from bacteria and plants. The OsDHDPS expression in a dapA mutant of Escherichia coli showed that the gene was functionally capable of complementing the mutant. These results indicated that the OsDHDPS encoded for a protein in dihydrodipicolinate synthase in rice.
Response of Brassica rapa var. parachinensis grown on copper contaminated Oxisol, Inceptisol and Histosol.

Copper (Cu) plays a key role in plant physiological and biochemical function but is harmful to plants when in excess. Copper availability is influenced by the mineralogical and chemical properties of soils. High Cu concentration is prominent in soils where vegetables are grown intensively with routine application of fertilizers and pesticides. A factorial pot experiment was carried out to determine Cu critical concentration and toxicity threshold for Brassica rapa as well as its soil phase association in Oxisol, Inceptisol and Histosol. Copper sulphate was applied at rates of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 mg Cu kg -1 soil. The soil Cu critical level in Oxisol, Inceptisol and Histosol was 5.42, 4.67 and 7.79 mg kg -1 , respectively; and threshold toxicity level was 12.69, 13.00 and 21.33 mg kg -1 , respectively. Height of plants decreased by 50% at a rate of 15 mg Cu kg -1 soil for Oxisol and Inceptisol, and at 30 mg kg -1 for Histosol. The SPAD value of plant leaves also decreased as the Cu application rate increased starting at 15 mg kg -1 in Oxisol and 20 mg kg -1 in Inceptisol. The amount of Cu in different soil fractions for both Oxisol and Inceptisol applied with Cu at a rate of 60 mg kg -1 was in the order of organic > residual > Fe/Mn oxides > carbonates > exchangeable > water soluble. This study indicated that at 60 mg Cu kg -1 , Oxisol had a higher ability to retain Cu in the carbonate, Fe/Mn oxides and organic-bound fractions whereas in Inceptisol, the highest Cu amount was in the residual fraction.