Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins on seed quality parameters of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.

The Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins are known to be detrimental to plant and animals affecting their productivity and yield. This study evaluated effects of toxigenic A. flavus and aflatoxins on physical parameters like seed germination, seedling vigor, root length, shoot length and also biochemical parameters like chlorophyll content, protein, sugars and amylase activity in sorghum seeds. The sorghum seeds were treated with 100, 250 and 500 μg ml-1 concentrations ofaflatoxins and likewise, A. flavus spore suspension adjusted to 1x108 spores ml-1 were also treated to seeds in different treatments. The experimental results revealed maximum inhibition of seed germination, seedling vigor, chlorophyll, proteins, total sugars and α-amylase activity in the sorghum seedlings was observed at 500 μg ml-1 followed by 250 and 100 μg ml-1. But seed treatment with toxigenic A. flavus spore suspension showed slight inhibition all the above parameters tested when compared to untreated control, but there was no significant decrease was observed. The study highlighted negative effects of the A. flavus and aflatoxins on the tested seed quality parameters tested there by necessitating need of monitoring of toxigenic fungi and their metabolites in sorghum seeds.
Proteome-level assessment of origin, prevalence and function of leucine-aspartic acid (LD) motifs

Short Linear Motifs (SLiMs) contribute to almost every cellular function by connecting appropriate protein partners. Accurate prediction of SLiMs is difficult due to their shortness and sequence degeneracy. Leucine-aspartic acid (LD) motifs are SLiMs that link paxillin family proteins to factors controlling (cancer) cell adhesion, motility and survival. The existence and importance of LD motifs beyond the paxillin family is poorly understood. To enable a proteome-wide assessment of these motifs, we developed an active-learning based framework that iteratively integrates computational predictions with experimental validation. Our analysis of the human proteome identified a dozen proteins that contain LD motifs, all being involved in cell adhesion and migration, and revealed a new type of inverse LD motif consensus. Our evolutionary analysis suggested that LD motif signalling originated in the common unicellular ancestor of opisthokonts and amoebozoa by co-opting nuclear export sequences. Inter-species comparison revealed a conserved LD signalling core, and reveals the emergence of species-specific adaptive connections, while maintaining a strong functional focus of the LD motif interactome. Collectively, our data elucidate the mechanisms underlying the origin and adaptation of an ancestral SLiM.
Stradivari Violins Exhibit Formant Frequencies Resembling Vowels Produced by Females

Over the past two centuries, violins made by Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) have been more favorably received by concert violinists and instrument collectors than instruments by any other maker. Some suggest that Stradivari's success can be attributed to unique tonal characteristics, generally described as brilliance, and this opinion is still widely expressed by leading violinists today. Others believe that the perceived tonal distinction of Stradivari violins may be attributed to psychological bias instead of physical differences, influenced by historical reputation and market evaluation. Furthermore, modern research has yet to clearly identify acoustic differences between Stradivari violins and other professional quality instruments. Since both violin tones and spoken vowels are perceived through steady-state spectral features, we hypothesized that voice analysis techniques may help elucidate the tonal properties of violins. Using linear predictive coding (LPC), a common speech analysis technique, we examined the recorded scales of four Stradivari violins and ten other professional quality instruments, both old and new. On most violin notes, there are typically four or five resonance peaks (formants) below 5.5 kHz. Generally, professional quality violins exhibit formant frequencies (F1-F4) which are equidistant from the formants of male and female voices. But Stradivari violins tend to produce higher formants which are closer to female voices. Stradivari violins also show greater probabilities to emulate the formants of bright-sounding front vowels spoken by females, a tendency shared by other violins judged by concert violinists as having Strad-like tonal characteristics. Our results suggest that, within the sample group being studied, there are measurable and statistically significant differences between Stradivari violins and other professional quality violins in terms of formant features. Having higher formants or having formants that resemble female vowels may be acoustic correlates of the tonal qualities which concert violinists frequently associate with Stradivari violins.
Ultrasonic cavitation near a tissue layer

Abstract In this paper we examine the dynamics of an initially stable bubble due to ultrasonic forcing by an acoustic wave. A tissue layer is modelled as a density interface acted upon by surface tension to mimic membrane effects. The effect of a rigid backing to the thin tissue layer is investigated. We are interested in ultrasound contrast agent type bubbles which have immediate biomedical applications such as the delivery of drugs and the instigation of sonoporation. We use the axisymmetric boundary integral technique detailed in Curtiss et al. (J. Comput. Phys., 2013, submitted) to model the interaction between a single bubble and the tissue layer. We have identified a new peeling mechanism whereby the re-expansion of a toroidal bubble can peel away tissue from a rigid backing. We explore the problem over a large range of parameters including tissue layer depth, interfacial tension and ultrasonic forcing.
Appel Botha Cornelitz : the abc of a three hundred year old divorce case

In 1683 Maria Kickers and Jan Cornelitz got married in Cape Town. Today, 330 years later, the living patrilineal descendants of Maria’s four sons, number in excess of 76,000 people. Curiously, none of them carry the surname Cornelitz – in fact, they are all called Botha and include former President P. W. Botha, general Louis Botha and Minister Pik Botha. The reason for this anomaly is also the reason why Jan got divorced from Maria in 1700. According to Maria’s testimonies she did indeed have a long term relationship with Frederik Botha, but in her defence she claimed that her husband was impotent and that he actually encouraged her. Other witnesses, presumably prompted by Jan, gave testimonies that implied that Maria was in fact licentious. We combined haplotyping with the AmpFlSTR® YfilerTM kit with deep-rooting genealogies to show that Maria’s first son was actually fathered by Ferdinandus Appel and that roughly half the living Bothas (38,000 people) actually descend from Ferdinandus Appel while the remaining three sons all stem from the same father, presumably Frederik Botha, and this implies that Maria’s husband did not father any of her sons.
Optimization And Implementation Of Item-based Collaborative Filtering Algorithm Based on Attributes and Penalty Factors

A new item-based collaborative filtering algorithm based on attribute similarity and Penalty was proposed by analyzing the drawbacks of traditional item-based collaborative filtering algorithm according to the similarity between items to select the nearest neighbor[1]. The new item-based collaborative filtering algorithm uses the similarity of the item attributes to modify the original item similarity calculation method, and dynamically generates the punish factors according to the item's heat. It comprehensively considers the influence of the item attributes and item heat on the recommendation system, and improves the traditional item similarity measure method. The experimental results on the Movie Lens dataset show that the proposed algorithm can effectively solve the problem of sparse evaluation data and inaccurate recommendation results [2].
Investigating the performance of matrix factorization techniques applied on purchase data for recommendation purposes

Automated systems for producing product recommendations to users is a relatively new area within the field of machine learning. Matrix factorization techniques have been studied to a large extent on data consisting of explicit feedback such as ratings, but to a lesser extent on implicit feedback data consisting of for example purchases. The aim of this study is to investigate how well matrix factorization techniques perform compared to other techniques when used for producing recommendations based on purchase data. We conducted experiments on data from an online bookstore as well as an online fashion store, by running algorithms processing the data and using evaluation metrics to compare the results. We present results proving that for many types of implicit feedback data, matrix factorization techniques are inferior to various neighborhoodand association rules techniques for producing product recommendations. We also present a variant of a user-based neighborhood recommender system algorithm (UserNN), which in all tests we ran outperformed both the matrix factorization algorithms and the k-nearest neighbors algorithm regarding both accuracy and speed. Depending on what dataset was used, the UserNN achieved a precision approximately 2-22 percentage points higher than those of the matrix factorization algorithms, and 2 percentage points higher than the k-nearest neighbors algorithm. The UserNN also outperformed the other algorithms regarding speed, with time consumptions 3.5-5 less than those of the k-nearest neighbors algorithm, and several orders of magnitude less than those of the matrix factorization algorithms.
A recurrent neural network-based method for training probabilistic Support Vector Machine

In this paper, Support Vector Machine (SVM) is reformulated to a recurrent neural network model which can be described by the nonlinear dynamic system. In the proposed algorithm, an iterative training procedure is proposed independent of initial point. Also probabilistic constraints are recommended for reducing effect of noisy samples in training procedure and appearance of incorrect Support Vectors (SV). Probabilistic constraints admit using knowledge about distribution function of samples. A set of differential equations is used to modelling of the proposed probabilistic SVM. These equations are converged to optimal solution for SVM. The Euler method is used to solve differential equation. The primal and dual problem of SVM is solved by this model. Enough information is given for finding optimal hyper plane. Capability of the proposed method is shown by experimental results in the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and synthetic data.
Microstructure and crystallization kinetics of polyurethane thermoplastics containing trisilanol isobutyl POSS

The synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) from the reaction of a NCO group-containing prepolymer and 0, 1.14, 1.71, and 2.28 wt% of trisilanol isobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) was carried out in an instrumented batch mixer. The samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis shows that the incorporation of POSS promoted strongly aggregation through physical interactions (formation of POSS-rich domains). Modifications in the TPU microstructure and the reduction in the crystal size were observed in the XRD diffractograms. The incorporation of POSS equally altered the TPU crystallization, and samples bearing higher concentrations of POSS formed two distinct types of crystalline structures. The kinetics of crystallization showed that nucleation strongly depends on the balance between TPU crystal formation and POSS-rich domains.
The impact of risk attitudes on micro-enterprise performance

Sound policies to promote private sector growth in developing countries are of crucial importance to create employment and fight poverty. Despite the fact that microenterprises are the most common type of business in low income countries, little is known about the determinants of microenterprise survival and growth. Although risk attitudes have been shown to be an important determinant of entrepreneurship, their relationship with business growth and success remains unclear. To examine this relationship, we use a novel dataset collected among urban micro-entrepreneurs in Mozambique, including an empirically validated risk measure. We find that risk attitudes are strongly correlated to microenterprise revenues and costs, and also with business practices regarding stock management. Our findings imply that risk loving entrepreneurs are more likely to grow their businesses relative to their risk averse counterparts. JEL classification : D22 ; D81 ; L25 ; L26 ; O12.
On the finiteness of the discrete spectrum of a 3x3 operator matrix

An operator matrix $H$ associated with a lattice system describing three particles in interactions, without conservation of the number of particles, is considered. The structure of the essential spectrum of $H$ is described by the spectra of two families of the generalized Friedrichs models. A symmetric version of the Weinberg equation for eigenvectors of $H$ is obtained. The conditions which guarantee the finiteness of the number of discrete eigenvalues located below the bottom of the three-particle branch of the essential spectrum of $H$ is found.
Ethnobotanical study on food crop diversity in swidden agroforestry agriculture to support food security of Baduy community

Iskandar J, Iskandar BS. 2015. Ethnobotanical study on food crop diversity in swidden agroforestry agriculture to support food security of Baduy community. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1: 1265-1272. This paper discusses the result of a study on food diversity crops in the swidden agroforestry (huma) which have an important role in supporting food security of Baduy community who reside the in village of Kanekes, sub-district of Leuwidamar, District of Lebak, Province of Banten. The aims of the study include (i) to understand cultivation of food crops in the swidden agroforestry huma among the Baduy community; (ii) to inventory food crops which are commonly cropped in the swidden agroforestry huma of the Baduy community; and (iii) to understand the food security of the Baduy community and its changes caused of various environmental changes. The qualitative method was used in this study. The botanical data was mainly collected by inventory crops/plants in the swidden (huma) and secondary forest fallowed land (reuma). Meanwhile, social aspect data on the traditional management of the swidden agroforestry huma in relation to maintaining food security undertaken by the Baduy community was collected by deep interviewed with informants who were selected by purposive with considering the completeness and variations. The result of the study shows that the swidden agroforestry huma has been culturally managed by the Baduy based on moral and interest purposes, and managing a high diversity of crops/plants. In the swidden agroforestry of Baduy was recorded 41 species of food crops consist of 9 species of carbohydrate food and 32 species of non-carbohydrate food. By applying of strategy to cultivate various local rice varieties (landraces) -- for moral purposes which are prohibited from trading-- are mixed cropped with harmonious with non-rice crops/plants which are not prohibited from trading. As a result, the swidden agroforestry PROS SEM NAS MASY BIODIV INDON 1 (6): 1265-1272, September 2015 1266 huma has been an important role in conserving local crop/plant diversity, including food crop diversity. In addition, by conserving crops diversity in the swidden agroforestry huma has been very useful in supporting and maintaining the food security of Baduy. By more intensive economic market penetration to Baduy village, the food consumption pattern of the Baduy household has dramatically changed. However, by the rapid development of the economic market, the Baduy people have properly adapted, such as involving in selling non-rice crops and household handicrafts. As a result, Baduy have got cash money and can be used for buying various household needs of the Baduy, such as sawah husked rice (beras sawah) to supplement of the swidden rice. Moreover, the swidden rice production can be stored in rice barns (leuit) for more than fifty years, and food security of the Baduy can be maintained.
Two new species of Myxobolus (Myxosporea, Bivalvulida) from the Indian major carp Labeo rohita (Ham.)

Summary During a survey on fish parasites in Wetlands of Punjab, India, two new myxosporean species, Myxobolus sushmii sp. nov. and Myxobolus punjabii sp. nov. were found infecting the Indian freshwater fish Labeo rohita (Ham.). Spores of M. sushmii sp. nov., a parasite infecting the eye ball, are measuring 9.0-10.2 (9.6 ± 0.84) × 7.3-9.3 (8.3 ± 1.41) µm in size. The spores have ovoidal to sub-spherical shape with flat anterior end between the openings of two polar capsules and rounded posterior end. Spore valves are thick with 6-8 parietal folds arranged around the margin of spore. Two polar capsules are distinctly unequal, broad and pyriform in shape with pointed anterior end. Larger one is 4.1-5.3 (4.70 ± 0.84) × 2.9-3.5 (3.2 ± 0.42) µm and smaller one is 2.9-3.4 (3.10±0.35) × 1.0-3.0 (2.0 ± 1) µm in size. Prominent U-shaped intercapsular process is present. M. punjabii sp. nov. infect the caudal fin. The sub-spherical spores are measuring 8.1-9.7 (8.9 ± 3.1) × 6.4-7.5 (6.9 ± 0.77) µm in size. Shell valves are without parietal folds. Two polar capsules are distinctly unequal. Larger one measures 3.4-5.4 (4.4 ± 1.41) × 2-3.4(2.7 ± 0.98) µm; smaller one is 2.8-3.6 (3.2 ± 0.56) × 1.2-2.2 (1.7 ± 0.7) µm in size. They are tear shaped with pointed anterior end and broad posterior one. Both are placed parallel to each other. Intercapsular process is absent.
Exploration of low-power viterbi decoders design for low-throughput application

The IEEE 802.11ah is a long range 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standard. It aims to achieve a cost-effective and large scale wireless network for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Convolutional encoding is an important process to provide error-correcting codes for the wireless transmission in a 802.11ah transmitter. This thesis work explores the digital integrated circuit (IC) design and implementation of a low-power and small-area convolutional decoder by the Viterbi Algorithm for the receiver to fit the low-throughput and low-power requirement of 802.11ah standard. After investigating different architectures and algorithms to save the power and area, the promising designs are implemented with the Cadence digital IC design tool using the TSMC 40nm technology at 1.1V supply voltage. To fulfill the current project requirements, 5 Mb/s is the target throughput. The results of the Cadence front-end and back-end simulation are analyzed concerning the power and area and also are compared with the state-of-the-art design in the literature. Among all the architectures with the conventional Viterbi Algorithm, the optimal design is the fully-parallel architecture which has 247 uW power and 0.04 mm area at 10 MHz clock. Among all implemented algorithms based on the fully-parallel architecture with the conventional Viterbi Algorithm, the pre-traceback (PTB) algorithm are the optimal with 269 uW power and 0.04 mm area at 5 MHz clock rate. PTB can achieve the maximum throughput (40 Mb/s) among all designs with 40 MHz clock rate. So it is promising to be the optimal low-power design by the voltage and clock rate scaling. The power target based on the scaling results of state-of-the-art designs can be achieved by two selected implementations.
Comparison of fat mass and fat-free mass between Anthropometry, BIA and DEXA in young females: are methods really interchangeable?

The aim of this study was to check the degree of consistency and agreement between three methods for the estimation of body composition, fat mass and fat-free mass after their application to a group of young women. A transverse observation study was performed. Fifty-nine women aged between 18 and 28 years old were included. Each woman was subjected to three assessments of body composition: anthropometry, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and bio-impedance analysis. Pearson’s r coefficient and the Cronbach α were calculated. To check the degree of agreement, analysis of variance was implemented for repeated measurements and Bland and Altman plot was used. Differences were observed among the four assessment methodologies, the results of the General Durnin & Womersley Formula departing from those of the others, such that it was left out. In contrast, the consistency of the Specific Durnin & Womersley Formula was better in fat mass. Regarding the level of agreement between pairs of methods, a homogenous pattern was observed, with low bias, although broad 95% agreement limits were observed. These results indicate that different methods of body composition assessment provide different estimations in a sample of healthy young women. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and anthropometry (Specific Durnin & Womersley Formula) have high levels of consistency, with low bias ranges.
An acoustic investigation into coarticulation and speech motor control: high vs. low frequency syllables

Psycholinguistic research of the mid nineties suggests that articulatory routines for high frequency syllables are stored in the form of gestural scores in a library. Syllable frequency effects on naming latency and utterance duration have been interpreted as supporting evidence for such a syllabary. This paper presents a data-subset from a project investigating speech motor learning as a function of syllable type. Fourteen native speakers of English were asked to listen to and repeat 16 mono-syllabic stimuli which belonged to either of two categories: high & low frequency syllables (CELEX). Acoustic coarticulation measures, i.e. F2 locus equations and absolute formant changes, were used to indirectly determine the degree of gestural overlap in articulatory movements. In addition, utterance durations were measured to determine speed of articulation. Significant syllable frequency effects were found for both F2 Locus equations (e.g. slope and R²), and utterance duration. High frequency syllables exhibited greater degrees of coarticulation (steeper slopes), greater overall consistency in their production (greater R²) and shorter utterance durations than low frequency syllables. These data provide some further supporting evidence that different syllable categories may be encoded differently during speech production.
Big data collection and analysis for manufacturing organisations

Data mining applications are becoming increasingly important for the wide range of manufacturing and maintenance processes. During daily operations, large amounts of data are generated. This large volume and variety of data, arriving at a greater velocity has its own advantages and disadvantages. On the negative side, the abundance of data often impedes the ability to extract useful knowledge. In addition, the large amounts of data stored in often unconnected databases make it impractical to manually analyse for valuable decision-making information. However, an advent of new generation big data analytical tools has started to provide large scale benefits for the organizations. The paper examines the possible data inputs from machines, people and organizations that can be analysed for maintenance. Further, the role of big data within maintenance is explained and how, if not managed correctly, big data can create problems rather than provide solutions. The paper highlights the need to have advanced mining techniques to enable conversion of data into information in an acceptable time frame and to have modern analytical tools to extract value from the big datasets.