Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny derived from homodimeric endonuclease correlates with its pre-RNA substrates

Amongst endonuclease, the homodimeric variety is found in many prokaryotes for processing of the introns out from pre-RNAs. But as the variety and the complexity of introns rise with evolution, do the homodimeric endonuclease adapt to the changes? The correlations between evolving pre-RNAs and adapting homodimeric endonuclease in lower prokaryotes is investigated in this paper. First, we construct and observe the appearance of a long branch in the phylogeny based on homodimeric endonuclease. To appreciate the finer aspects of accelerating evolution near this long branch, we delve deeper into the pre-RNA substrates of the endonuclease. Computational evidence of an as-yet-unreported noncoding RNA gene then emerges from this study. The capabilities of homodimeric endonuclease and the complexities of its pre-RNA substrates appear to evolve in steps together.
Comparative Analysis of Single-Phase Grid-Tied PV Systems with Single and Double Power Conversion Stages

This paper presents a comparative analysis of two single-phase grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems. The first is deployed employing a single-stage power conversion, while the second a double-stage power conversion is used. In the singlestage PV system topology the impedance source inverter (ZSI) is used to perform the maximum power point tracking (MPPT), as well as the control of the active current injected into the grid. On the other hand, in the double-stage PV system a dc-dc boost converter (BC) performs the MPPT, whereas a voltage source inverter (VSI) controls the amount of energy injected into the grid. In both aforementioned PV systems, Perturb and Observe (P&O) based algorithm is employed to perform the MPPT. The comparative analysis takes into account the following aspects: i. converter efficiency; ii MPPT efficiency; iii total harmonic distortion of the grid-tied inverter current; and iv. number of electrical and electronic devices needed to implement the PV systems. Furthermore, the ZSI and BC+VSI modelling and the procedures used to design the controller gains are also presented. Finally, by means of computational simulations, the performance and functionality of the ZSI and BC+VSI PV systems are evaluated.
ACCURACY AND COMPLEXITY ASSESSMENT OF SUB-DOMAIN MOMENT METHODS FOR ARRAYS OF THIN-WIRE LOOPS

A direct sub-domain moment-method formulation is presented for the analysis of arrays of thin-wire loops. Curved piecewise sinusoidal basis functions are used for the description of the currents on the loops, while both point matching and reaction matching are examined as testing schemes. Numerical results are provided for representative array structures with the intention to delve into the behavior of the solutions as the number of basis/testing functions grows, but also for the purpose of comparison with well-documented results. Finally, the complexity of the developed codes is estimated and general guidelines are provided for the efficient and accurate analysis of multi-element arrays.
Computational Thinking: The Developing Definition

Since Jeanette Wing’s use of the term computational thinking in 2006, various discussions have arisen seeking a robust definition of the phrase. With little consensus having been found in the intervening years, there are even suggestions that a definition is not important. Perhaps focus should be on how computational thinking is taught and how its acquisition might be observed. However, in order to facilitate consistent curriculum design and appropriate assessment, it is argued that a definition should still be sought In order to contribute to the discussions surrounding a definition of computational thinking, this review of literature spans the years since 2006. The most frequently occurring terms, descriptions, and meanings are identified. Consideration is given to the motivation for inclusion or exclusion of a term by each individual author. Where possible, if a description has been given, an associated term is supplied. Criteria are developed for the objectives of a computational thinking definition, in accordance with the needs identified in the literature. Using the criteria as a guide and the collected terms as the vocabulary, a definition of computational thinking is proposed which encompasses the thought processes of abstraction, decomposition, algorithmic design, evaluation, and generalization.
A model for collocation uncertainty of atmospheric profiles

Understanding collocation mismatch is particularly relevant for atmospheric profiles obtained by radiosondes, as the balloons containing the measuring instruments tend to drift uncontrollably from their initial launch position. We propose a point based formulation of an heteroskedastic functional regression model that includes a trivariate smooth function to account for time and space mismatch. Results from a case study where we model collocation error of atmospheric pressure show that model fitting is improved once heteroskedasticity is taken into account.
Stability and adaptability of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes based on AMMI analysis

Evaluation of the stability and adaptability of genotypes across different environment conditions is important for release and recommendation of new varieties to ensure their high adaptability. Plant breeders evaluate germplasms in multi-environment trials to study the stability and adaptability of genotypes (G) and to recommend the genotypes to different environments (E). Multienvironment trials for 11 genotypes including 4 check varieties of cotton were carried out during 3 seasons in 3 locations in Mozambique. The objective of this study was to assess the G x E pattern and to evaluate the stability and adaptability of seed cotton yield of a new germplasm in Mozambique. The experiment was set up in Namialo (district of Meconta province of Nampula), Namara (district of Balama, province of Cabo Delgado) and Nhamatanda (district of Nhamatanda province of Sofala). The treatments consisted of 11 varieties, which were established in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The graphic analysis of additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) were used to understand the G x E interaction pattern and to study the stability and adaptability. The results showed significant effect of genotype, environment and G x E interaction. The first two principal components explained about 80% of the detected interaction. The pair of Environment/Genotype showed the E/G combination for high performance. The genotypes and environments showed genetic and environmental performance dissimilarity. The AMMI revealed that genotypes FK 37, BA 919 and Flash were the most adaptable, while BA 2018 and BA 320 were the most stable across the variation of environments. Received 30 March 2016; Revised 5 July 2016; Accepted 11 August 2016.
Enhancement of Biogas production and organic reduction of sludge by different pre-treatment processes

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the most common process for dealing with primary and secondary wastewater sludge. In the present work, four pre-treatment methods (ultrasonic, chemical, thermal, and thermo-chemical) are investigated in Al-Rustumya Wastewater Treatment plant in order to find their effect on biogas production and volatile solid removal efficiency during anaerobic digestion. Two frequencies of ultrasonic wave were used 30 KHz and 50 KHz during the pretreatment. Sodium hydroxide was added in different amounts to give three pH values of 9, 10 and 11 in chemical pre-treating processes. The sludge was heated at 60 o C and 80 o C through thermal pre-treatment experiment. Also, the sludge was treated thermochemically at 80 o C and pH 11 prior to anaerobic digestion. Maximum biogas production (6009 ml) was obtained at ultrasonic pre-treatment method with 30 kHz. The volumetric ratio of produced biogas to the initial volume of sludge is about 4:1.
Adoption of conservation agriculture technology in diversified systems and impact on productivity: evidence from three districts in Bangladesh

Where land is an extremely limiting factor, production is increased through intensive cultivation with two or more crops in a year. We found that 82 per cent of the operating crop land is under 2 or more crops. Soil fertility depletion is one of the main biophysical limiting factors for sustaining per capita food production for smallholder farmers in this system. The adoption of conservation agricultural practices, as a way to tackle this challenge, has become an important issue in the development policy agenda for smallholder agriculture. This paper examines the adoption decisions for conservation tillage, using recent primary data collected from 606 farming households practising diverse cropping systems in three different districts where on-farm participatory trials were being carried out. The paper employs classical tests to identify variations in adoption and yield between participatory and non-participatory farmers as well as variation between cropping patterns and locations. A double hurdle model was employed to explain the factors influencing adoption decisions by farm households. The analysis reveals that several factors contribute to probability and intensity of adoption. Diversities exist between locations, cropping systems, and seasons. Policies that target conservation as a measure of sustainable agriculture must consider diversities for wider diffusion of technology.
Validation of version-4.61 methane and nitrous oxide observed by MIPAS

Abstract. The ENVISAT validation programme for the atmospheric instruments MIPAS, SCIAMACHY and GOMOS is based on a number of balloon-borne, aircraft, satellite and ground-based correlative measurements. In particular the activities of validation scientists were coordinated by ESA within the ENVISAT Stratospheric Aircraft and Balloon Campaign or ESABC. As part of a series of similar papers on other species [this issue] and in parallel to the contribution of the individual validation teams, the present paper provides a synthesis of comparisons performed between MIPAS CH4 and N2O profiles produced by the current ESA operational software (Instrument Processing Facility version 4.61 or IPF v4.61, full resolution MIPAS data covering the period 9 July 2002 to 26 March 2004) and correlative measurements obtained from balloon and aircraft experiments as well as from satellite sensors or from ground-based instruments. In the middle stratosphere, no significant bias is observed between MIPAS and correlative measurements, and MIPAS is providing a very consistent and global picture of the distribution of CH4 and N2O in this region. In average, the MIPAS CH4 values show a small positive bias in the lower stratosphere of about 5%. A similar situation is observed for N2O with a positive bias of 4%. In the lower stratosphere/upper troposphere (UT/LS) the individual used MIPAS data version 4.61 still exhibits some unphysical oscillations in individual CH4 and N2O profiles caused by the processing algorithm (with almost no regularization). Taking these problems into account, the MIPAS CH4 and N2O profiles are behaving as expected from the internal error estimation of IPF v4.61 and the estimated errors of the correlative measurements.
Climate System Simulations: An Integrated, Multi-Scale Approach for Research and Decision-Making

Climate physicists define the Climate System in terms of the different interactions taking place between hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and lithosphere. Being the associated general thermo-hydrodynamic partial differential equation system so complex for analytical solving, it is usually integrated numerically involving a good deal of computational resources. Moreover, today different spatial scales involve different physical parametrisations, and each forecast horizon (few days, seasonal, annual, decadal and climate change periods) of interest deserves a special treatment, mostly defined by the predictability of the Climate System and the characteristic response time of the interacting components at the corresponding temporal scale. Thus, it is presently customary to distinguish between large-, mesoand micro-scale numerical models, their descriptions ranging from global climate state to basin availability of hydrological resources. An integrated, multi-scale approach considering the output of the various models is of vital to understand at the different levels the behaviour of the Climate System, and thus offer useful tools for decision makers and stake holders. In this chapter, after introducing a few fundamental concepts and equations in Section 2, and a hierarchy flux of information among the models for different scales in Section 3, the methodologies involving downscaling executions are discussed in detail, regarding both scientific research and policy-making applications. In section 4 we explain the usefulness of conducting several simulations (realisations) to partially reduce the inherent uncertainties. Later, in Section 5 we offer a plausible way to put into operation all the components, presenting several examples based on the experience acquired through a regional initiative known as the Latin-American Observatory for Climate Events. Some concluding remarks and suggestions for future research are presented in Section 6.
Quantification of identical and unique segments in ethylene-propylene copolymers using two dimensional liquid chromatography with infra-red detection

Hyphenating high temperature high performance liquid chromatography (HT-HPLC) with high temperature size exclusion chromatography (HT-SEC) (high temperature two dimensional liquid chromatography (HTHPLC x HT-SEC or HT 2D-LC)) leads to an isocratic elution in the second dimension, which in turn enables to use IR detector (quantitative detection) for monitoring the eluting polymers. Experimental data obtained from HT 2D-LC with IR detector are usually presented as contour plots, which can be mathematically described in matrices. Quantitative data about chemical composition, molar mass and concentration of all the segments, which are present in a polymer, can be obtained, after calibrating the HPLC separation (HPLC elution volume vs chemical composition), SEC separation (SEC separation vs molar mass) and response of the IR detector (IR response vs mass of the polymer). A new procedure based on subtraction and addition of matrices is described, which enables quantitative comparison of different polymer materials. This procedure enables to determine, which components are present in both materials (i.e., identical components or segments) and which are present only in one from both the materials (i.e., unique segments). Moreover, molar mass distribution, as well as chemical composition distribution of both identical and unique segments is evaluated from experimental data. The procedure was applied on two different ethylene-propylene copolymer samples. Polyolefins J (2016) 3: 119-133
Hierarchical Learning For FM Radio Based Aerial Localization Using RSSI

Received Signal Strength Indicator~(RSSI) based large scale positioning systems are beginning to gain traction as coarse positioning systems when GPS is unavailable. In this paper we present a system for automatic positioning of an unmanned aerial system using broadcast FM radio. Our method is data driven, and uses machine learning techniques to improve its accuracy. The techniques are easy to extend to other terrestrial static radio transmitters. Using our algorithms, we can localize with a minimum error of 172 meters and mean error less than 3000 meters.
IS IT GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE, OR ARE ELEPHANTS JUST ON A HIGH? A COMPARISON OF SCALE, SEX AND SEASON FOR GREENNESS AND ELEVATION

It is important that the scale at which patterns of foraging ecology are studied corresponds to the scale of the process. It is also important to understand how generalist herbivores select for forage at different scales. In my study, associations with vegetation greenness (NDVI) and elevation (DEM) were compared within the 16-day home range and between the 16-day home range and the seasonal home range, to investigate patterns of elephant habitat selection. Most individuals showed no evidence of an association with NDVI. Most of those elephants that showed evidence of an association with NDVI were associated with lower values (i.e., lower vegetation quality or quantity). More elephants had evidence of an influence by both NDVI and DEM at the 16-day scale than at the seasonal scale. More males had evidence of an association with NDVI and DEM (covariate) in the dry season than in the wet season. Most elephants had evidence of an association with elevations that were higher than what was randomly available. Mechanisms that lead to selection of higher elevations warrant further investigation. INTRODUCTION: Understanding the processes that underlie patterns in nature is an important component of ecology. However, these processes usually occur at scales different to that at which they are observed by researchers (Levin, 1992). This is because different species perceive their
Stale or Sticky Prices? Non-Trading, Predictability and Mutual Fund Returns

The observed predictability in indexes and domestic mutual funds has been attributed to stale prices. Market timing of mutual funds exploits this predictability. We show that there are few stale prices for stocks in the top few deciles of market value and that mutual funds concentrate their holding in these deciles. Still, we observe predictability in the returns of portfolios and mutual funds holding these stocks. Much of this predictability is due to stickiness, or momentum, in market returns and not stale prices. Thus, the often suggested use of "fair-value" accounting will not eliminate the profitability of market timing.
Environmental Law and Policy Practices in Malaysia: An Empirical Study

Malaysia is one of the very environmentally rich countries in the world. At present, her traditions and heritage have been facing with numerous environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution, exploitation of natural resources etc. Although, there are some historic states in Malaysia listed as a UNESCO Heritage Sites in the country. In order to cope with the environmental problems, the Government of Malaysia has passed some important environmental laws and policies such as the Environment Quality Act 1974 and its Regulations 1989, the Environmental Quality Order 1989, the Protection of Wildlife Act, the National Forestry Act 1984, the Fisheries Act 1985, the National Parks Act 1980, the International Environmental Laws etc. In addition to that, the Civil Law Act 1972, the Principles of the English Laws, the Federal Law, Shariah Laws, the Adat Temenggung (Malay Customary Laws) with some international environmental obligations etc; have also been implemented in order to attain sustainable environment and development in the country. But it regrets that these laws and policies have not been properly implemented due to some problems such as non -coordination, weak enforcement, customary attitudes etc. The study will examine potentialities and constraints of the environmental laws and policies in Malaysia consisting of 25 respondents in different criteria such as the professionals including foreigners, local people, old aged people, law enforcing agency, students etc., based on the primary and secondary sources through structured and unstructured in Melaka City, Malaysia. I. Background: Malaysia is historically one of the environmentally rich and abundant in natural resources and high biodiversity countries in the world consists of renewable and non-renewable resources that may include in every sectors of the country including the mineral resources, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, marine, poultry etc., without which we cannot live. It is one of the fastest growing economies in the ASEAN region. The country provides 41% of world supplies of natural rubber, 39% of hardwoods, 37% of palm oil and 32% of tin. But this rich environment along with natural resource with the heritage and traditions have been facing numerous problems such as climate change, biodiversity degradation, increasing scarcity unwise use of natural resources, hazardous waste management, growing rate of urbanization, weak enforcement and short term policy, instable and defective foreign policy, weak environmental governance, lack of technicalities, lack of environmental
Design and Stability Analysis of a Fuzzy Adaptive SMC System for Three-Phase UPS Inverter

This paper proposes a combined fuzzy adaptive sliding-mode voltage controller (FASVC) for a three-phase UPS inverter. The proposed FASVC encapsulates two control terms: a fuzzy adaptive compensation control term, which solves the problem of parameter uncertainties, and a sliding-mode feedback control term, which stabilizes the error dynamics of the system. To extract precise load current information, the proposed method uses a conventional load current observer instead of current sensors. In addition, the stability of the proposed control scheme is fully guaranteed by using the Lyapunov stability theory. It is shown that the proposed FASVC can attain excellent voltage regulation features such as a fast dynamic response, low total harmonic distortion (THD), and a small steady-state error under sudden load disturbances, nonlinear loads, and unbalanced loads in the existence of the parameter uncertainties. Finally, experimental results are obtained from a prototype 1 kVA three-phase UPS inverter system via a MS320F28335 DSP. A comparison of these results with those obtained from a conventional sliding-mode controller (SMC) confirms the superior transient and steady-state performances of the proposed control technique.
A Research Agenda for Evaluating Strength of Internal Preferences and External Influences in Consumer Smartphone Switching

This article proposes a research agenda to study what causes consumers to switch smartphone manufacturer and operating system brands. International consumer survey is planned for data collection and structural equation modeling method will be used to extrapolate whether internal preferences play a larger role than external influences in consumers’ switching behavior. The effects are expected to be moderated by behavioral control, subjective uncertainty and prior switching experience and controlled with a set of constraint variables. As a theoretical contribution, we propose a new theory to evaluate switching primarily through the latent construct of magnitude of switch. Potential practical implications offer new insights into consumer switching decision-making. These insights could be useful in customer acquisition and lock-in strategy revision for smartphone market players but also in other ecosystems with similar technological characteristics.