Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Asphalt Binder Film Thickness in Recycled Asphalt Mixtures Using Micro-Level Techniques

Adequate asphalt binder film thickness (ABFT) delivers skeletal integrity in recycled asphalt mixtures, resulting in long-lasting roadways when exposed to traffic and environment. The inaccurate measurement of ABFT and the consequences of not having adequate film thickness model has substantially introduced discrepancies in predicting actual performance of recycled asphalt mixtures. Expansion of the ultra-modern expertise and SuperPave requirements necessitate the revision of authentic ABFT at micro-level. The current study identifies the weaknesses of the current methods of estimating ABFT and provides results that are reliable and useful, using modern measurement methods. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), this study measures the ABFT around the tiniest particle of 0.2 μm magnitude, entrenched in asphalt mastic in recycled asphalt mixtures. The ABFT, obtained through image analysis, is compared with those obtained through available analytical models. The study utilizes different asphalt mixtures, containing varying proportions of recycled asphalt mixture and rejuvenators. The aggregate, virgin, and recycled binders were characterized in terms of physical and rheological properties, respectively. Marshall mix design was carried out for the conventional and recycled mixture, containing 40%, 50%, and 60% recycled materials, rejuvenated with 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% waste engine oil (WEO) at a mixing temperature of 160 °C, based on viscosity of the virgin and rejuvenated binder. ABFT was assessed through analytical models and image analysis for the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, prepared at optimum binder and rejuvenator content as per protocol outlined in ASTM D1559. The analytical estimation of ABFT, in the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, revealed that the ABFT fluctuates from 6.4 μm to 13.7 microns, with a significant association to recycled asphalt mixture and rejuvenator content. However, the image analysis revealed that the ABFT, in the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, fluctuates from 0.4 μm to 2 microns, without any association to recycled asphalt mixture or rejuvenator content. The image analysis indicated that the recycled asphalt mixtures typically comprise of mortar, happening in uneven shape, and are used to grip large aggregates. The asphalt mastic, a blend of bitumen and mineral filler, was found to be an interlocking agent, used to grasp only fine particles in asphalt mortar. The asphalt binder film was discovered to be a deviating stand-alone entity that only exists around the mineral fillers in the asphalt mastic as a non-absorbed binder, occupying an imprecise space of 0.4 μm to 2 microns, among the filler particles. The current findings will be useful to design asphalt pavements through the aforesaid precise limit of SEM-based ABFT rather than traditionally measured ABFT to predict the actual performance of recycled asphalt mixtures.
The Madeiran laurel forest endemic Goodyera macrophylla (Orchidaceae) is related to American orchids

Macaronesian laurel forests harbour many herbs and laurophyllous trees with Mediterranean/European or Macaronesian affinities. Traditionally, the origin of these taxa has been explained by the relict hypothesis interpreting these taxa as relics of formerly widespread laurel forests in the European continent and the Mediterranean. We analysed the phylogenetic relationships of the Madeiran laurel forest endemic Goodyera macrophylla (Orchidaceae) using sequences from the nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) and plastid DNA regions. The results were incongruent, either the two Central American G. brachyceras and G. striata (ITS) or the North American G. oblongifolia (plastid DNA) were sister group to G. macrophylla. Nonetheless, biogeographic analyses indicated an American origin of this nemoral laurel forest plant in the two data sets. Molecular clock analyses suggest a colonisation of Madeira in the span of the upper Miocene/lower Pliocene to the Pleistocene. Although the relict hypothesis cannot be ruled out by our data when assuming extinction events on the European and northern African mainland, dispersal from Central or North America to the archipelago of Madeira is a much more likely explanation of the data.
A 720 mV open circuit voltage SiOx:c‐Si:SiOx double heterostructure solar cell

For maximal performance solar cells should resemble semiconductor lasers, i.e., they should be constructed in the form of a double heterostructure. We have found rather good performance in SIPOS‐crystalline silicon‐SIPOS double heterostructure solar cells, where SIPOS≡SiOx. The processing of these solar cells gives insights into the truly outstanding performance of the n+‐SIPOS: p‐Si heterojunction which has a forward saturation current coefficient J0=10−14 A/cm2, or equivalently an ‘‘emitter Gummel number’’ Ge=3.3×1015 s/cm4. This suggests that crystalline silicon solar cells can be much more efficient than had been suspected.
Uncovering the Genetic Diversity of Giardia Isolates from Outbreaks in New Zealand

BackgroundGiardia is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea in the world and is a notifiable disease in New Zealand. Recent advances in molecular techniques, such as PCR and Sanger sequencing, have greatly improved our understanding of the taxonomic classification and epidemiology of this parasite. However, there has been an inability to identify shared subtypes between samples from the same epidemiologically linked cases, due to samples showing multiple dominant subtypes within the same outbreak when characterised using Sanger sequencing. MethodsHere, NGS was employed to uncover the genetic diversity within samples from sporadic and outbreak cases of giardiasis that occurred in New Zealand between 2010 and 2018. ResultsThis strategy exposed the significant diversity of subtypes of Giardia present in each sample. The utilisation of NGS and metabarcoding at the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) locus enabled the identification of shared subtypes between samples from shared outbreaks, providing a better understanding of the epidemiology of outbreaks of giardiasis in New Zealand.ConclusionsNext-generation sequencing technologies provides a superior tool, when compared to consensus sequencing technologies, for capturing the genetic diversity of Giardia within hosts. This study showed that infections in humans are frequently mixed, with multiple subtypes present in each host.
Identification of Candidate Genes and Genomic Regions Associated with Adult Plant Resistance to Stripe Rust in Spring Wheat

Wheat stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) is a major disease that damages wheat plants and affects wheat yield all over the world. In recent years, stripe rust became a major problem that affects wheat yield in Egypt. New races appeared and caused breakdowns in the resistant genotypes. To improve resistance in the Egyptian genotypes, new sources of resistance are urgently needed. In the recent research, a set of 95 wheat genotypes collected from 19 countries, including Egypt, were evaluated for their resistance against the Egyptian race(s) of stripe rust under field conditions in the two growing seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. A high genetic variation was found among the tested genotypes. Single marker analysis was conducted using a subset of 71 genotypes and 424 diversity array technology (DArT) markers, well distributed across the genome. Out of the tested markers, 13 stable markers were identified that were significantly associated with resistance in both years (p-value ≤ 0.05). By using the sequence of the DArT markers, the chromosomal position of the significant DArT markers was detected, and nearby gene models were identified. Two markers on chromosomes 5A and 5B were found to be located within gene models functionally annotated with disease resistance in plants. These two markers could be used in marker-assisted selection for stripe rust resistance under Egyptian conditions. Two German genotypes were carrying the targeted allele of all the significant DArT markers associated with stripe rust resistance and could be used to improve resistance under Egyptian conditions.
Mini Programming Worlds: Teaching MDSD via the Hamster Simulator

Model-driven software development (MDSD) aims at the total or partial generation of software systems from instances of Domain-specific Languages (DSLs). However, teaching MDSD often suffers from small, comprehensible systems which can be understood easily but are not entirely artificial. In teaching programming, so-called mini programming worlds (MPWs) play the role of small, easy-to-comprehend but still realistic systems. In teaching MDSD, on the contrary, toy examples are often used based on well-known examples like UML2RDBMS. In this paper, we present our approach to transferring the idea of using MPWs to teach MDSD. We have developed a full-fledged MDSD project to model new MPWs and generate code for them in the two supported programming languages C++ and Java. We will use both simulators in our introductory programming courses.
Oviposition and development of the gregarious parasitoid Homalotylus eytelweinii (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in relation to host stage of predaceous ladybirds

ABSTRACT Though predaceous ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are known to be attacked by a wide array of parasitoids, the biology of these parasitoids remains largely unknown. This study was focused on the gregarious parasitoid Homalotylus eyteweinii that attacks multiple taxa of predaceous ladybirds, to understand how females allocate brood and their offspring develop in relation to host stage at parasitism with the seven-spot ladybird Coccinella septempunctata as the host. The parasitoid spent the same length of time on ovipositor insertion in response to different host instars. All instars of the host were equally susceptible to parasitism. Parasitism success from oviposition to adult emergence was greater for the 2nd instar than for late instars while similar between the 2nd and 1st instars. Both egg-to-host mummification time and egg-to-adulthood time were longer for the 1st instar than for the late instars. Realised brood size was smaller for the 1st instar host than for the late instars, and there were no differences among the late instars. Sex ratio of realised brood was not significantly different among host instars and was female-biased. Body size of offspring male and female adults at emergence was not significantly different among host instars. These results suggest that middle instars of C. septempunctata are of higher quality for offspring development of H. eytelweinii.
Systemic Design for a circular textile: towards a systemic change

: The Circular Economy Action Plan provides a roadmap of actions aiming at accelerating the transformational change required by the European Green New Deal. The textile sector has been identified amongst the industrial sectors recognized of great potential for the reconversion from linear to circular economy. Being one of the world’s most globalized, polluting, and exploitative industries throughout its whole value chain, there is an urgent need for the textile sector to make a transformative and radical shift towards a Circular Economy. Since 2015, different Circular Economy actions have been implemented across different industrial sectors and at the micro / meso / macro level, but a systemic and cross-sectoral effort is needed to cope with such a complex challenge. Thus, this paper contributes to the ongoing discussion around the topic of design for sustainability aiming to understand how a systemic design approach can foster the transition towards a circular textile value chain.
Fluorescent DNA probe based on CdTe/CdS/SiO 2 core/multishell composite nanoparticles

A novel kind of fluorescent DNA Probe based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was presented in this paper when CdTe/CdS/SiO2 core/multishell fluorescent nanoparticles were as energy donors and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were as energy acceptors. The DNA probes were prepared when energy donors and acceptors were conjugated with two single-stranded complementary oligonucleotides respectively and hybridized with each other. Compared with the fluorescent intensity of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) conjugated CdTe/CdS/SiO2 nanoparticles (CdTe/CdS/SiO2-DNA), the fluorescent intensity of DNA probe was significantly increased and the FRET efficiency was about 71%. The detection results indicated that this novel DNA probe had excellent detection and specificity of completely complementary target ssDNA. Streszczenie W pracy zaprezentowano nowy rodzaj fluoryzującej probki DNA opartej o rezonansowe przenoszenie energii fluoryzacji (FRET), gdzie donorami energii są nanocząstki CdTe/CdS/SiO2 z jądrową fluorescencją powlokową a akceptorami energii nanocząstki Au (AuNPs). W przygotowanych probkach DNA energia donora i akceptora są odpowiednio sprzezone z dwoma pojedynczo skreconymi komplementarnymi oligonukleotydami i hybrydyzowane ze sobą. Intensywnośc fluorescencji probki DNA ze sprzezonymi nanocząstkami CdTe/CdS/SiO2 (CdTe/CdS/SiO2 -DNA) w porownaniu z probką pojedynczo-skreconego DNA (ssDNA) znacząco wzrasta, Wydajnośc FRET wynosi okolo 71%. Wyniki wykrywalności wykazują, ze nowa probka DNA ma doskonalą wykrywalnośc i swoistośc do calkowicie komplementarnego docelowego ssDNA. Fluorescencyjna probka DNA oparta o nanocząstki kompozytowe CdTe/CdS/SiO2 z fluorescencją jądrową powlokową
Fabrication and electromechanical characterization of silicon on insulator based electrostatic micro-scanners

In this paper, a silicon on insulator based electrostatic micro-scanner with extremely low pull-in voltage and fast switching time is proposed. Two symmetric mirror plates are suspended by a cross suspension lever anchored on the substrate. A buried silicon dioxide (BOX) layer underneath the anchors separates the two actuation electrodes. The symmetric design can not only provide better balance of the mirror plates than cantilever design but also increase the dynamic range by scanning in two directions. The structural parameters of the micro-scanner are optimized for a combination of dynamic performance and actuation voltage according to finite element analysis (FEA). Squeeze film damping effects are addressed by a comparison of the theoretical analysis using FEA with experimental results. The testing results show that the pull-in voltage of the micro-scanner is as low as 2.7 V, making it compatible with off-the-shelf control logic circuits. The demonstrated tilt angle is approximately 0.5° and may be increased by adjusting the thickness of the pre-specified BOX layer.
Comparison of Phytochemical Contents, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Various Solvent Extracts Obtained from ‘Maluma’ Avocado Pulp Powder

Although avocado is a superfood rich in phytochemicals with high antioxidant activities, studies on the antibacterial properties of its pulp are limited, except for seed and peel portions. In this study, three types of solvent (acetone, methanol, and diethyl ether) were used to obtain the extracts from “Maluma” avocado pulp powder prepared by infrared drying. The extracts were analyzed for total polyphenols, phytopigments (total chlorophylls and carotenoids), antioxidant activities (ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays), and antibacterial activities against seven pathogens (Shigella sonnei ATCC 9290, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Salmonella typhi ATCC 6539, Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 25933, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, and Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778). The results showed that the acetone solvent could extract the highest polyphenols and chlorophylls with the highest antioxidant activity in terms of ABTS and DPPH assays. In contrast, diethyl ether exhibited the most significant content of carotenoids and FRAP values. However, the methanol extract was the best solvent, exerting the strongest antibacterial and meaningful antioxidant activities. For the bacterial activities, Gram-positive pathogens (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) were inhibited more efficiently by avocado extracts than Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the extracts from avocado powder showed great potential for applications in food processing and preservation, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Tonal Emergence: An agent-based model of tonal coordination

Humans have a remarkable capacity for coordination. Our ability to interact and act jointly in groups is crucial to our success as a species. Joint Action (JA) research has often concerned itself with simplistic behaviors in highly constrained laboratory tasks. But there has been a growing interest in understanding complex coordination in more open-ended contexts. In this regard, collective music improvisation has emerged as a fascinating model domain for studying basic JA mechanisms in an unconstrained and highly sophisticated setting. A number of empirical studies have begun to elucidate coordination mechanisms underlying joint musical improvisation, but these findings have yet to be cached out in a working computational model. The present work fills this gap by presenting Tonal Emergence, an idealized agent-based model of improvised musical coordination. Tonal Emergence models the coordination of notes played by improvisers to generate harmony (i.e., tonality), by simulating agents that stochastically generate notes biased towards maximizing harmonic consonance given their partner's previous notes. The model replicates an interesting empirical result from a previous study of professional jazz pianists: feedback loops of mutual adaptation between interacting agents support the production of consonant harmony. The model is further explored to show how complex tonal dynamics, such as the production and dissolution of stable tonal centers, are supported by agents that are characterized by (i) a tendency to strive toward consonance, (ii) stochasticity, and (iii) a limited memory for previously played notes. Tonal Emergence thus provides a grounded computational model to simulate and probe the coordination mechanisms underpinning one of the more remarkable feats of human cognition: collective music improvisation.
A Compact Multi Antenna System with DGS

A compact multi antenna system with DGS (Defective Ground Structure) for ECM (Electronic Countermeasure) applications is proposed in this paper. Two monopoles are located on the opposite corners of the PCB and spaced 10 mm apart by a small ground portion. To decrease the mutual coupling caused by near-field two monopoles are decoupled by using the metal strip. The proposed Wang-shaped DGS of size 30mm*16mm is placed in ground plane. It does provide a method to improve antenna performance. In this way, performance parameters with S11 ≤ -10 dB and S21 ≤ -18dB at resonance frequency 6.18 GHz are achieved. The analysis has been done by using IE3D software based on MOM (Method of Moments).
Excitation and Emission Wavelength Comparison Study for Bacterial Aerosol Identification Based on Intrinsic Fluorescence

Background: The rapid and efficient identification of bacterial aerosol become important in clinical application, public health, and manufacturing increasingly. Laser-induced-fluorescence is an important method for identifying bacteria from environmental aerosol. This method is real-time, can operate 24-hour without pretreatment, and even remotely. Objective: Choosing the optimal excitation and emission wavelength and designing an appropriate analysis apparatus fulfill identification of bacterial aerosol. Method: First, fluorescence spectral data of five different strains of bacteria (S.aureus, E.coli, Bacillus subtilis, salmonella, Vibrio Parahaemolyticus) and three types of disruptors (pollen, leave powder, cloth fiber) were obtained by Three-dimensional fluorescent spectrometer. Second, the original spectral data was preprocessed and analyzed in light of common laser wavelength. Last, the optimal excitation and emission wavelength was chosen based on the balance of identification performance and fabricating cost. Result: Experiments showed that choosing ex:266nm/em:354nm and ex:337nm/em:394nm as ex/em wavelength can meet the requirement to identify bacterial aerosol specifically. Furthermore, the 337nm/394nm wavelength had more practical value. Conclusion: Choosing 337nm wavelength laser as excitation light inducing intrinsic the fluorophores within bacterial aerosol and receiving emission fluorescence with 394nm bandpass light filter can differentiate bacteria from disruptors in environmental aerosol efficiently.
The Feasibility Analysis of Bioethanol Production From Potential Raw Materials in Indonesia

The development of bioethanol agroindustry is important for supporting the availability of renewable energy. The objective of the research was to analyze the feasibility of bioethanol production from potential raw materials in Indonesia. The methodology used in this research was descriptive analysis, which is carried out by exploring secondary data and experts survey. The result showed that molasses is the best raw material for bioethanol production in Indonesia. It also indicated that significant factors to be considered in choosing raw material for bioethanol production are quantity, continuity, and the price of the raw material. In bioethanol processing, the first priority was fermentation (0.30%), followed by distillation and pre-process handling (0.25%). Furthermore, when cassava is used to substitute molasses as raw material of bioethanol, then it is important to focus on pre-process activities such as initial fermentation (0.35%) and liquification (0.33%). The result also showed that bioethanol has a promising marketing opportunity to substitute fossil fuel since the government has determined to increase the percentage of the use of renewable energy, from about 5 % in 20052010 to 10 % in 2011-2015, and 15 % in 2016-2025. Finally, the financial analysis showed that the establishment of a small scale bioethanol industry with production capacity of about 4000 litres a day was feasible with the investment cost of IDR 2.713. 500.000,-. The investment will generate profit on the rate of IDR 340.000. 000, and will be recovered in 7.9 months.
Cognitive Dynamics of Distributed Teams Performing Dynamic, Complex Tasks

Traditional team training is conducted by physically co-locating students and accessing a common system. This method of training involves bringing the entire team to where the system is located. This can be made more efficient by allowing students to remotely access these systems from their duty station. However, the effects of conducting training in this distributed manner have not been investigated. This study identifies task and cognitive performance decrements of distributed teams. Teams of three people were trained on a complex, dynamic task and performed several scenarios. The key variable of interest was whether teams were seated next to each other (co-located) or were in separate spaces (distributed). Task performance metrics were collected, along with measures of workload, communications, and team cohesion. Results demonstrate that all teams had similar mission outcomes, but distributed teams reported higher team workload, lower group integration, and increased communications. This suggests that the act of distributing a team will impact training, but these impacts may not all be negative. Improvements to distributed training environments should be developed to increase performance and reduce workload in distributed teams.