Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selected References

Nutrient-poor, serpentinitic soils in the San Francisco Bay area sustain a native grassland that supports many rare species, including the Bay checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis). Nitrogen (N) deposition from air pollution threatens biodiversity in these grasslands because N is the primary limiting nutrient for plant growth on serpentinitic soils. I investigated the role of N deposition through surveys of butterfly and plant populations across different grazing regimes by literature review, and with estimates of N deposition in the region. Several populations of the butterfly in south San Jose crashed following the cessation of cattle grazing. Nearby populations under continued grazing did not suffer similar declines. The immediate cause of the population crashes was rapid invasion by introduced annual grasses that crowded out the larval host plants of the butterfly. Ungrazed serpentinitic grasslands on the San Francisco Peninsula have largely resisted grass invasion for nearly four decades. Several lines of evidence indicate that dry N deposition from smog is responsible for the observed grass invasion. Fertilization experiments have shown that soil N limits grass invasion in serpentinitic soils. Estimated N deposition rates in south San Jose grasslands are 10-15 kg N/ha/year; Peninsula sites have lower deposition, 4-6 kg N/ha/year. Grazing cattle select grasses over forbs, and grazing leads to a net export of N as cattle are removed fro slaughter. Although poorly managed cattle grazing can significantly disrupt native ecosystems, in this case moderate, well-managed grazing is essential for maintaining native biodiversity in the face of invasive species and exogenous inputs of N from nearby urban areas.
Enabling mass customization: extending build-to-order concepts to supply chains

Mass customization initiatives are usually concerned with analysing and improving the flexibility of manufacturing operations to support the modular build of complex products. This paper is concerned with extending the concept of customization to manufacturing activities upstream of the final product assembly process. A case study is described that prototypes the use of an internet-enabled production information system designed to assess the feasibility of driving a build-to-order methodology through three tiers of a high-volume, high-variety supply chain. In addition, the characteristics that currently support mass customization environments and define the relationship between mass customization and supply-chain management are reviewed and discussed.
A Ka-band circularly polarized high-gain microstrip array

Presents a circularly polarized microstrip planar array that resonates at 32 GHz and provides a broadside beam, a minimum gain of 28 dB, and a bandwidth greater than 1 GHz. This low profile, small mass antenna is to be surface mounted on a microspacecraft that is being developed for future, deep space, NASA missions. Challenges arising from the development of this Ka-band antenna include the minimization of the array's feed network loss and the attainment of the required bandwidth. High-gain microstrip arrays that have previously been developed for Ka-band or higher frequencies have primarily been linearly polarized (l.p.). In the case of this array, circular polarization (c.p.) is achieved by employing the sequential rotation technique in which each patch element is excited at a single feed point. This technique is employed to minimize the insertion loss that occurs in the microstrip transmission line feed network and to satisfy the array bandwidth requirement. To further reduce the insertion loss, the feed network uses a combined parallel and series feed technique. By designing the microstrip line feed network with matched impedances throughout the entire circuit, the bandwidth performance is further enhanced. <<ETX>>
Influence of Polymer Modifiers on Selected Properties and Microstructure of Cement Waterproofing Mortars

This paper presents the results of research on the influence of polymer modifiers: styrene-acrylic copolymer, vinyl acetate/ethylene (EVA), vinyl acetate/acrylic copolymer (VAAc), and VA/VeoVa/acrylic terpolymer on the water permeability and adhesion of cement-containing waterproofing mortars in concrete. The content of the polymers in the composition of the mortars was 15, 20 and 26% (m/m) in relation to the weight of the dry ingredients. Using microscopic methods, an attempt was made to analyse the relationship between the microstructure of the mortars and the properties of these polymers. The EVA and the vinyl acetate/acrylic copolymer, which were used in the form of dry powders, had the most favourable effect on water permeability and adhesion to the concrete substrate. They may prove to be useful for the production of one-component cement-containing waterproofing mortars. On the other hand, the VA/VeoVa/acrylic terpolymer modifier had the least favourable effect on the tested properties. For mortars with this modifier, the desired water-permeability parameters were not achieved. Depending on the amount of polymer modifier, the mortars were characterized by differences in watertightness, as established on the basis of changes in porosity and differences in the adhesion of the cement-polymer paste to the surface of aggregate grains. It was determined that the type of polymer and its dispergation properties influence the water permeability of mortars, as well as their adhesion to concrete substrates.
An Indoor Navigation Algorithm Using Multi-Dimensional Euclidean Distance and an Adaptive Particle Filter

The inertial navigation system has high short-term positioning accuracy but features cumulative error. Although no cumulative error occurs in WiFi fingerprint localization, mismatching is common. A popular technique thus involves integrating an inertial navigation system with WiFi fingerprint matching. The particle filter uses dead reckoning as the state transfer equation and the difference between inertial navigation and WiFi fingerprint matching as the observation equation. Floor map information is introduced to detect whether particles cross the wall; if so, the weight is set to zero. For particles that do not cross the wall, considering the distance between current and historical particles, an adaptive particle filter is proposed. The adaptive factor increases the weight of highly trusted particles and reduces the weight of less trusted particles. This paper also proposes a multidimensional Euclidean distance algorithm to reduce WiFi fingerprint mismatching. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm achieves high positioning accuracy.
Effects of High–Energy Neutrons on Advanced SOI MOSFETs

This work discusses the degradations caused by high-energy neutrons in advanced MOSFETs and compares them with damages created by γ-rays reviewing the original researches performed in our laboratory during last years [1-6]. Fully–depleted (FD) Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) MOSFETs and Multiple-Gate (MuG) FETs with different geometries (notably gate lengths down to 50 nm) have been considered. The impact of radiation on device behavior has been addressed through the variation of threshold voltage (VT), subthreshold slope (S), transconductance maximum (Gmmax) and drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL). First, it is shown that degradations caused by high-energy neutrons in FD SOI and MuG MOSFETs are largely similar to that caused by γ-rays with similar doses [1,3]. Second, it is revealed that, contrarily to their generally-believed immunity to irradiation [7, 8], very short-channel MuGFETs with thin gate oxide can become extremely sensitive to the total dose effect [2,3]. The possible reason is proposed. Third, a comparative investigation of high-energy neutrons effects on strained and non-strained devices demonstrates a clear difference in their response to high-energy neutrons exposure [6]. Finally, based on simulations and modeling of partially –depleted (PD) SOI CMOS D Flip-Flop, we show how radiation-induced oxide charge and interface states build-up can affect well-known tolerance of SOI devices to transient effects [4,5].
Integrated circuit/microfluidic chips for dielectric manipulation

In this chapter, we describe the development of Integrated-Circuit/Microfluidic chips that can move individual living cells and chemical droplets along programmable paths using dielectrophoresis (DEP). These hybrid chips combine the biocompatibility of a microfluidic system with the complexity and programmability of an integrated circuit (IC) - a microfluidic chamber is built directly on top of the IC - and they offer new opportunities for sensing, actuation, and control. IC/Microfluidic chips can independently control the location of hundreds of dielectric objects, such as biological cells or chemical droplets, in the microfluidic chamber at the same time. The IC couples with suspended objects by using spatially patterned, time-dependent electromagnetic fields. The IC layout is similar to a computer display: it consists of a two-dimensional array of 128x256 metal 'pixels', each 11x11 µ m 2 in size, controlled by a built-in SRAM memory. Each pixel can be energized by a radio frequency (RF) voltage up to 5 V pp . The ICs were made in a commercial foundry, and a microfluidic chamber was built on its top surface at Harvard. Using this IC/Microfluidic chip, we have moved yeast and mammalian cells
Effluent from local palm oil mill refinery in Nigeria is excessively oily and potentially genotoxic

In spite of the fact that the informal, local mills in countries like Nigeria constitute a major portion of the palm oil refinery, adequate attention has not been paid to the quality of the palm oil mill effluent (POME) they generate. In this study, therefore, the physicochemical properties and genotoxic potential of POME generated by a local mill in Nigeria were investigated using the methods prescribed by the American Public Health Association and Allium cepa chromosomal assay, respectively. In addition to the presence of trace/toxic metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu) and high biochemical oxygen demand, POME contained a very high oil and grease concentration of 10,500 mg L-1 as against the maximum limit of 25 mg L-1 prescribed in the Environmental Management Guideline for the Palm Oil Industry. Mitotic activities in A. cepa roots exposed to POME showed that the number of dividing cells and percentage mitotic index generally decreased with increasing POME concentrations. The major chromosomal aberrations induced by POME were sticky, C-mitosis, bridged anaphase, vagrant, and attached chromosomes. However, no chromosomal aberrations were observed in onion roots exposed to water (control). These results indicate that the local refinery from where the POME was obtained is inefficient at recovering oil from palm fibre. The effluent generated by the mill is also a potential pollutant capable of inducing genotoxic and other adverse effects. These results may be typical of many more local palm oil refineries who use mainly manual methods to extract oil from oil palm fruits.
Age prediction from iris biometrics

This paper proposes and investigates experimentally an approach to age prediction from iris images by using a combination of a small number of very simple geometric features, and a more versatile and intelligent classifier structure which can achieve accuracies to 75%. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental study of three class age prediction from iris images.
Expert system and process optimization techniques for real-time monitoring and control of plasma processes

To meet the ever-increasing demand of the rapidly-growing semiconductor manufacturing industry it is critical to have a comprehensive methodology integrating techniques for process optimization real-time monitoring and adaptive process control. To this end we have accomplished an integrated knowledge-based approach combining latest expert system technology machine learning method and traditional statistical process control (SPC) techniques. This knowledge-based approach is advantageous in that it makes it possible for the task of process optimization and adaptive control to be performed consistently and predictably. Furthermore this approach can be used to construct high-level and qualitative description of processes and thus make the process behavior easy to monitor predict and control. Two software packages RIST (Rule Induction and Statistical Testing) and KARSM (Knowledge Acquisition from Response Surface Methodology) have been developed and incorporated with two commercially available packages G2 (real-time expert system) and ULTRAMAX (a tool for sequential process optimization).
Complete chloroplast genome of the rare medicinal vegetable Allium hookeri

Abstract Allium hookeri is a rare medicinal plant with unique flavor. In this study, the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of A. hookeri was sequenced and assembled based on the next generation sequencing. The cp genome is 153,592 bp in length, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 82,609 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,487 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,748 bp each. The genome encodes 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and six rRNA genes. The GC content of whole genome is 36.99%. The phylogenetic analysis based on 24 complete cp sequences revealed that A. hookeri was at the base of the phylogenetic tree, indicating an older species in the Allium genus.
Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar 5xxx to 6xxx Al Alloys: A Review

Many engineering applications in aerospace and automotive field require joining of dissimilar 5xxx to 6xxx Al alloys. Dissimilar Al alloy joints are used for industrial applications due to technical & economic reasons. However, due to different metallurgical behaviour & mechanical properties, joining of dissimilar Al alloys presents a number of challenges. Due to high temperature generation most of the fusion welding techniques are not suitable. In addition, other pressure welding techniques such as – Ultrasonic welding, Roll bonding, Diffusion bonding and Friction welding have some limitation. Hence, friction stir welding (FSW) can be considered to be the most suitable method to join dissimilar Al alloys due to solid-state nature of the process. Since invention, friction stir welding has been a matter of research and investigation for years. In its history of two decades, Friction Stir welding was investigated for joining dissimilar Al alloys during the last decade. Most of studies demonstrated that good quality joints between dissimilar Al alloys can be produced by the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process. The present study is a chronological & critical review of recent studies on joining of dissimilar 5xxx to 6xxx Al alloys by friction stir welding.
New shunting parameter tuning method for piezoelectric damping based on measured electrical impedance

A new tuning method for passive piezoelectric damping which is based on the electrical impedance model and maximum dissipated energy is proposed and its validity is investigated. In contrast to the conventional tuning method associated with a mechanical vibration absorber, the proposed method uses the electrical impedance model of which the coefficients of the model are found from the measured impedance data. In the tuning process, the optimal shunt parameters are found for maximizing the dissipated energy at the shunt circuit. A mechanical vibration absorber example proves that the result of the proposed method shows a good agreement with that of the conventional tuning method. Examples of piezoelectric cantilever beams and plates are considered to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method in realistic piezoelectric structures. Since this method is based on measured electrical impedance data, it can be easily applied to arbitrary shapes as well as sizes of piezoelectric structures. Also, the proposed method is applicable for multiple-mode piezoelectric damping with one piezoelectric device. Some remarks concerning realistic implementations are addressed.
An algorithm for selecting optimal controls to determine the estimators of the coefficients of a mathematical model for the dynamics of a self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system

Today’s self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems are designed to intercept low-flying, manoeuvring targets not only under any weather conditions but also during movement of the carrier vehicle over rough terrain. As target search and tracking need to be reliable, i.e. not affected by unfavorable conditions, a self-propelled surface-to-air missile system requires suitable stabilization and control systems. This implies that it is necessary to develop an adequate mathematical model of the missile system dynamics. In this article, we propose a procedure for experimental design to determine the coefficients of such a model. Particular attention is paid to the algorithm for selecting optimal controls and a time-dependent measurement spectrum to minimize the assumed criterion of quality.
The Cap-Binding Complex CBC and the Eukaryotic Translation Factor eIF4E: Co-Conspirators in Cap-Dependent RNA Maturation and Translation

Simple Summary To produce the proteins needed for the cell to survive, the information in the DNA is converted to a mobile form known as messenger RNA, which exits the cell nucleus and binds to machines that convert RNAs into proteins in a process referred to as translation. Importantly, the RNA message can be altered at any point in its journey prior to translation. These alterations constitute changes to the chemical nature of the messenger RNA and modulate the ability of mRNAs to be converted into proteins and even lead to the production of proteins with different functionalities than those encoded by their original forms. Here we provide a conceptual framework for the integration of these mRNA maturation steps with translation with a focus on the proteins that escort these mRNAs through these steps and into the translation machines. We discuss the relevance to cancer and therapeutic strategies to target these in malignancy. Abstract The translation of RNA into protein is a dynamic process which is heavily regulated during normal cell physiology and can be dysregulated in human malignancies. Its dysregulation can impact selected groups of RNAs, modifying protein levels independently of transcription. Integral to their suitability for translation, RNAs undergo a series of maturation steps including the addition of the m7G cap on the 5′ end of RNAs, splicing, as well as cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA). Importantly, each of these steps can be coopted to modify the transcript signal. Factors that bind the m7G cap escort these RNAs through different steps of maturation and thus govern the physical nature of the final transcript product presented to the translation machinery. Here, we describe these steps and how the major m7G cap-binding factors in mammalian cells, the cap binding complex (CBC) and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, are positioned to chaperone transcripts through RNA maturation, nuclear export, and translation in a transcript-specific manner. To conceptualize a framework for the flow and integration of this genetic information, we discuss RNA maturation models and how these integrate with translation. Finally, we discuss how these processes can be coopted by cancer cells and means to target these in malignancy.
An Engineered Nanocomplex with Photodynamic and Photothermal Synergistic Properties for Cancer Treatment

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are promising therapeutic methods for cancer treatment; however, as single modality therapies, either PDT or PTT are still limited in their success rate. A dual application of both PDT and PTT, in a combined protocol, has gained immense interest. In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are conjugated with a PDT agent, meso-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin (mTHPC) photosensitizer, designed as nanotherapeutic agents that can activate a dual photodynamic/photothermal therapy. The AuNP-mTHPC complex is biocompatible, soluable, and photostable. PDT efficiency is high because of immediate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production upon mTHPC activation by the 650 nm laser which decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Likewise, the AuNP-mTHPC complex is used as a photoabsorbing (PTA) agent for PTT, due to efficient plasmon absorption and excellent photothermal conversion characteristics of AuNPs under laser irradiation at 532 nm. Under the laser irradiation of a PDT/PTT combination, a twofold phototoxicity outcome follows, compared to PDT-only or PTT-only treatment. This indicates that PDT and PTT have synergistic effects together as a combined therapeutic method. Hence, applying our AuNP-mTHPC may be a potential treatment of cancer in the biomedical field.
HIV Positive status disclosure to sexual partners: a qualitative study to explore experiences and challenges among clients attending HIV care services in North-Western Tanzania

ABSTRACT HIV status disclosure rates to sexual partners are low in Tanzania, despite the benefits it confers to both partners. This qualitative study drew on the Disclosure Decision Model to explore the decision by people living with HIV (PLHIV) to disclose, or not, their HIV status to their partner. Six focus group discussions and thirty in-depth interviews were conducted in Mwanza, Tanzania in 2019 with PLHIV. Topics covered decision-making around disclosure and disclosure experiences. Thematic content analysis was conducted. Most respondents reported having disclosed their status to their partners. Disclosure was reported to facilitate or hinder the attainment of social goals including having intimate relationships, raising a family, relief from distress and accessing social support. Decisions made by PLHIV about whether to disclose their status were made after weighing up the perceived benefits and risks. The sense of liberty from a guilty conscious, and not “living a lie” were perceived as benefits of disclosure, while fears of stigma, family break-up or abandonment were perceived as risks. Many participants found disclosure was beneficial in promoting their adherence to treatment and clinic appointments. Interventions to support PLHIV with disclosure should include enhanced counselling, strengthening HIV support groups and enhanced assisted partner notification services.
The synthesis of two-terminal switching circuits

THE theory of switching circuits may be divided into two major divisions, analysis and synthesis. The problem of analysis, determining the manner of operation of a given switching circuit, is comparatively simple. The inverse problem of finding a circuit satisfying certain given operating conditions, and in particular the best circuit is, in general, more difficult and more important from the practical standpoint. A basic part of the general synthesis problem is the design of a two-terminal network with given operating characteristics, and we shall consider some aspects of this problem.