Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microalgal swimming signatures as indicators of neutral lipids production across growth phases

Microalgae have been shown as a potential bioresource for food, biofuel, and pharmaceutical products. During the growth phases with corresponding environmental conditions, microalgae accumulate different amounts of various metabolites. We quantified the lipid accumulation and analyzed swimming signatures (speed and trajectories) of the motile green alga, Dunaliella primolecta, during the lag-exponential-stationary growth cycle at different nutrient concentrations. We discovered significant changes in neutral lipid content and swimming signatures of microalgae across growth phases. The timing of the maximum swimming speed coincided with the maximum lipid content and both maxima occurred under nutrient stress at the stationary growth phase. Furthermore, the swimming trajectories of microalgae signal the growth phase and corresponding intracellular lipid accumulation. Our results provide the potential exploitation of microalgal swimming signatures as indicators for the cultivation conditions and the timing of microalgal harvest to maximize the lipid yield for biofuel production. The findings can also be implemented to explore the production of food and antibiotics from other microalgal metabolites with low energy cost.
EFFECTS OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS ON EXPORTS IN THE CEEC: FOCUS ON THE WESTERN BALKANS

The world economic crisis that paralyzed the world economy in 2008 and 2009 had a profound impact on all countries in the world. Due to the interconnectedness of national economies the crisis spread rapidly from its centre in the United States to the world. There were two main transmission channels for the spread of the crisis between countries –international trade and the exchange of private capital between states in the form of foreign direct investment (FDI). This economic downturn has greatly influenced the domestic economic stability of the Western Balkan economies. The Western Balkan countries have shaped their economic policy towards European Union (EU) membership, resulting in a high degree of liberalization in international economic relations accompanied by a commitment to free international capital movement. Since this region has close economic ties with the EU the crisis spread to the region very quickly, manifesting itself in decreasing regional exports to the EU market and a downward trend of FDI inflow to the region. This paper will focus on the impact of the world economic crisis on the Western Balkan economies and especially on their exports and FDI inflow. Our empirical analysis, based on panel data, uses a wider sample of Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) which includes the Western Balkans, since we wanted to analyze if the effects of the economic crisis in the Western Balkans are specific or are common to most countries in transition. The analysis shows that Western Balkan exports have suffered due to the crisis, but reveals some interesting results on the different dynamics of export flows which depend on regional trade integration for their destination.
RUNNING HEAD : Network characteristics matter in politics on Facebook 1

Purpose: Facebook has been identified as a primary source of political information by a majority (63%) of its users. This study examines the relationship between Facebook use and political participation, and investigates the mediating effects of the characteristics of one’s Facebook network (i.e., network size, proportion of strong ties, and discussion network heterogeneity). Methodology: This study relies on a representative survey of American adults (N = 1032) conducted during the 2012 primary election campaigns from May 3 to May 10. The sample was randomly selected from a representative online panel maintained by a professional research organization. Given this study’s focus on the influence of Facebook use and network characteristics, an online panel is suitable for testing the hypotheses. Findings: The results show positive associations between Facebook use and both offand online political participation. Further, the positive association between Facebook use and political participation is mediated by discussion network heterogeneity and the proportion of strong ties in one’s Facebook network, but not network size. Value: This study sheds light on roles played by network characteristics of Facebook. The composition of a user’s Facebook network is closely related with what kind of information she encounters and how likely she is to participate in politics. Hence, network characteristics (e.g., Facebook discussion network heterogeneity) arise as important for gaining a nuanced understanding of the relationship between general use of the medium and its political outcomes.
Product platform considerations on a project that develops sustainable low-cost housing for townships

Construction companies in Denmark are often working with profit margins as little as 1-3% in situations where they deliver high-end buildings to the local market. Even though customers are willing to pay a premium price for high quality, construction companies earn very little on their products. Consequently one Danish company took the decision to produce sustainable low-cost houses and to sell them to developing countries that have township housing programmes. But why would this company believe it could make a profit in the low-cost housing segment abroad, when there is almost no profit in the high-end segment at home? As the research described in this article shows there are three main reasons for their optimism: 1) The successful introduction of a product platform for low-cost houses, 2) a modular approach to the design of low-cost houses, and 3) the application of requirements management as described by INCOSE. 1) to 3) have been studied using action research on a case project. The case company´s success contributes to people currently living without decent housing by providing insulated, low-cost houses based on the latest technology. The fact that those low-cost houses are solid gives their new owners the possibility to take a loan out on their building which is expected to contribute to more businesses being started up and thereby strengthening the domestic economy. As a consequence of this, additional research is needed in how to further optimise the economy of sustainable low-cost housing based on life cycle considerations. Moreover, it has to be examined how the experience gained can support in maximising the high-end segment in countries like Denmark.
RECENT SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN CENTRAL GREECE REVEALING LOCAL SEISMOTECTONIC PROPERTIES

The December 2008, M=5.2 earthquake occurred in the Voiotikos–Kifissos basin near the town of Amfikleia in Central Greece and was followed by an intense sequence with hundreds of earthquakes. Mainshock source characteristics derived from the recordings of the Greek National Seismological Network are consistent with previous known earthquakes as well as with the current nearly N–S extensional regime. The adequate azimuthal coverage and the calculated time residuals at each seismological station ensure high location accuracy, whereas the stations operated close to the seismic excitations constrained 80% of the focal depths between 8 and 12km. Distances from the mainshock epicenter to the 10 closest seismological stations vary from 15 to 75 km. Hypoinverse and HypoDD were used for locations, and FPFIT was used for fault plane solutions of events with an adequate number of clear first arrivals. The hypocenters and focal mechanisms illuminate a ≈10km–long fault zone striking nearly E–W with oblique normal faulting and a small left lateral component. The Voiotikos–Kifissos basin is bordered in the south by two left–stepping en echelon segments known as the Pavliani fault zone and the Parnassos detachment, which strike NW and dip NE. In our preferred interpretation, the Amfikleia mainshock ruptured a previously recognized south–dipping fault antithetic to the basin border faults. This fault may be associated with the left step on the border fault, which would be releasing if that fault had a sinistral component.
Within the dentin matrix , these strategies stabilize calcium and phosphate ions , guiding mineral deposition to the desired gap region areas within the collagen matrix

Remineralization of dentin during dental caries is of considerable clinical interest. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is a non-collagenous calcium-binding protein that plays a critical role in biomineralization. In the present study, we tested if peptides derived from DMP1 can be used for dentin remineralization. Peptide pA (pA, MW = 1.726 kDa) and peptide pB (pB, MW = 2.185), containing common collagen-binding domains and unique calcium-binding domains, were synthesized by solid-phase chemistry. An extreme caries lesion scenario was created by collagenase digestion, and the biomineral-nucleating potential of these peptides was ascertained when coated on collagenase-treated dentin matrix and control, native human dentin matrix under physiological levels of calcium and phosphate. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggests that peptide pB was an effective nucleator when compared with pA. However, a 1:4 ratio of pA to pB was determined to be ideal for dentin remineralization, based on hydroxyapatite (HA) morphology and calcium/phosphorus ratios. Interestingly, HA was nucleated on collagenase-challenged dentin with as little as 20 min of 1:4 peptide incubation. Electron diffraction confirmed the presence of large HA crystals that produced a diffraction pattern indicative of a rod-like crystal structure. These findings suggest that DMP1-derived peptides may be useful to modulate mineral deposition and subsequent formation of HA when exposed to physiological concentrations of calcium and phosphate.
Toward a Domain-Independent Semantic Model for Context-Aware Computing

Context-aware systems assist people's everyday tasks by adapting their behavior based on context information gathered from instrumented environments. Context is any relevant information describing entities in a user-computer interaction. A pertinent issue to developing such systems is how to represent context. High-level context models prevent the development of ad hoc and limited schemes for context management. Moreover, the more formal a context model is, the better is the ability for reasoning about context. This paper presents our work toward a domain-independent ontology-based context model, which provides a set of general classes, properties, and relations so lower ontologies can import them for particular domains. We show how this context model can be extended in a ubiquitous e-learning scenario on campus. Built upon our model, we also present a configurable service infrastructure for the prototyping of semantic context-aware systems.
Strategy Making as Iterated Resource Allocation

Capitalizing on the Bower-Burgelman process model of strategy making in a large. complex organization. we investigate the multilevel managerial activities that lead firms facing similar new business opportunities to respond with different strategic commitments. Our field-based data provide evidence on (1) the role of 'corporate contexts ' that reflects top managers' crude strategic intent in shaping strategic initiatives of business-unit managers; (2) the critical influence of early business development results on increasing or decreasing middle managers' enthusiasm to the new businesses and top managers ' confidence in these middle managers in a resource allocation; (3) the escalation or deescalation of a firm' s strategic commitment to the new businesses as a consequence of iterations of resource allocation. We conclude that it is useful to conceptualize strategy making in a large, complex firm as an iterated process of resource allocation.
On the Solvability of the Equations x 2 − dy 2 = ∓ 4 pe and x 2 − dy 2 = ∓ pe for Odd Prime

The purpose of this paper is to investigate of the solvability of the equations x2 − dy2 = ∓4pe and x2 − dy2 = ∓pe. Where d ∈ { (pn)2 + 1, (2pn)2+1, (pn)2+4 } and p is an odd prime, e is a very special number related to the class number of the real quadratic field K = Q( √ d). Mathematics Subject Classification: 11D09, 11R29
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Mesoscale Model Intercomparison and Observational Evaluation for Three Contrasting Diurnal Cycles in CASES-99: Focus on the Stable Boundary Layer

The boundary-layer scheme in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models is an essential connection between the atmosphere and the land-surface. Despite its relevance, the representation of the boundary-layer and the diurnal cycle in NWP models is rather poor, especially for stable conditions. Following the GABLS single-column and LES-model intercomparisons, we evaluate three state-of-the-art meso-scale models: MM5 (using 4 boundary-layer schemes, and three radiation schemes), COAMPS and HIRLAM on their performance in the atmospheric boundary layer, for three contrasting diurnal cycles during CASES-99. All models use maximum possible horizontal resolution, and increased vertical resolution near the surface compared to operational settings. Soil moisture availability was modified to realistic conditions according to the observations. The first diurnal cycle contains a night with intermittent turbulence, while the second night is continuous turbulent. Finally, the last cycle contains a night with extremely small amount of turbulence and highly driven by the radiative forcing. We find that during daytime the TKE-closure schemes show too cold and shallow boundary layers. During nighttime TKE models show a more realistic vertical mixing compared to operational first-order schemes. All models show a high sensitivity of the boundary layer development to the soil moisture availability. Contrary to earlier findings, the representation of the Low-Level jet is surprisingly good. A general model deficiency is the underestimated longwave incoming radiation. Furthermore,it is found that the minimum temperature modeled with MM5 depend strongly on the chosen radiation scheme (up to 5 K during weak winds), with favorable results when using RRTM or CCM3. This sensitivity is an extra contribution to the already known strong sensitivity for turbulent mixing in stable conditions.
Endogenous Sampling and Matching Method in Duration Models

Endogenous sampling with matching (also called gmixed sampling h) occurs when the statistician samples from the non-right- censored subset at a predetermined proportion and matches on one or more exogenous variables when sampling from the right-censored subset. This is widely applied in the duration analysis of firm failures, loan defaults, insurer insolvencies, and so on, due to the low frequency of observing non-right-censored samples (bankrupt, default, and insolvent observations in respective examples). However, the common practice of using estimation procedures intended for random sampling or for the qualitative response model will yield either an inconsistent or inefficient estimator. This paper proposes a consistent and efficient estimator and investigates its asymptotic properties. In addition, this paper evaluates the magnitude of asymptotic bias when the model is estimated as if it were a random sample or an endogenous sample without matching. This paper also compares the relative efficiency of other commonly used estimators and provides a general guideline for optimally choosing sample designs. The Monte Carlo study with a simple example shows that random sampling yields an estimator of poor finite sample properties when the population is extremely unbalanced in terms of default and non-default cases while endogenous sampling and mixed sampling are robust in this situation.
ASSESSING THE EFFICIENCY OF URBAN CO-OPERATIVE BANKS IN INDIA

Aim: Urban Co-operative Banks are a small segment albeit significant constituent in the multi-stage credit delivery mechanism of the banking sector in India. These banks have an organisational, managerial and regulatory structure different from commercial banks. It is, therefore, of interest to study the efficiency with which these banks perform their core banking and off balance sheet activities. This paper focuses on the measurement of efficiency in the conduct of core banking and off balance sheet activities for the period 2013-14 to 2015-16. Design / Research methods: The main idea is to employ the parametric Stochastic Frontier Analysis and the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis to measure the efficiency of Urban Co-operative Banks. We estimate two models for both the frontier methods, Model A examines the efficiency in core banking activity and Model B for the off balance sheet activities. The analysis of super efficiency undertaken helps identify the most efficient bank while the quartile analysis provides an insight into the distribution of efficiency (for both Models A and B). A Tobit model (for both Models A and B) has also been estimated to identify the determinants of efficiency. Conclusions / findings: We find that Urban Co-operative banks display a higher mean efficiency in core banking activities (Model A) as compared to the off-balance sheet activities (Model B) and this finding has been reiterated by the frequency distribution of efficiency for both the frontier methods. The difference is the mean efficiency obtained for Models A and B is much wider under the stochastic frontier analysis. The analysis of super efficiency points out that of the three banks efficient under Model A and five efficient banks under Model only one bank is common to both the models. The quartile analysis highlights that 38.9 percent of the UCBs are ranked in the lower two quartiles of efficiency. The Tobit regression model has identified deposits and loans disbursed as significant determinants of efficiency for both models. Originality / value of the article: This study contributes significantly to the existent gap in the literature on efficiency measurement of banks in India by focussing on efficiency measurement among urban co-operative banks who play an important role in urban financial inclusion. Implications of the research: This study is the only study that has measured the efficiency in operations of Urban Co-operative Banks and can hence provide an insight into the operations of these banks. It can also help individual banks in taking appropriate measures to improve efficiency.
Singular MoS2, SiO2 and Si nanostructures—synthesis by solar ablation

Solar ablation creates the sharp radiative and temperature gradients, as well as the high-temperature annealing environment, that favor nanomaterial syntheses. Using highly concentrated sunlight, we generated fullerene-like MoS2, ranging from single-walled nanotubes and closed-cage structures to their larger multi-walled counterparts. TEM, HRTEM and EDS unambiguously established the nanostructures, some achieving fundamentally minimum sizes predicted by molecular structural theory. Irradiation of MoS2 and powdered mixtures of MoS2 + SiO2 in evacuated quartz ampoules also generated nanofibers and nanospheres of amorphous SiO2: the first production of SiO2nanostructures purely from quartz. Also, solar ablation of MoS2 + SiO mixtures produced nanowires and nanospheres of crystalline Si.
Policy making as collective bricolage: The role of the electricity sector in the European carbon market

How do private corporations provoke radical opinion shifts during policymaking processes? To address this question, we re-open the case of the making of the European carbon market with unprecedented empirical elements. Drawing on a rich set of archival data and interviews, we reconstitute the very original strategy deployed by the electricity sector to convince both policymakers and industrial players to develop and implement a carbon market in Europe. In this chapter, we discuss two aspects characterizing the dynamics of two successive role plays from 1999 to 2001 involving first the electricity sector and second the rest of the industry to imagine and test the potential effects of a carbon market. First, we describe the role of collective bricolage as a key process for reaching consensus. The participants in the role play felt involved in the design of the market instrument as they had a possibility to add new features to the market’s design and reshuffle its existing architecture. Collective bricolage proved key to gain participant’s confidence as well as to ensure that the participants’ interests were represented in the market design. Second, we describe the role of platforms as protected spaces that host highly sensitive activities that might not have taken place in more formal political arenas. We believe that these two concepts carry the potential to open new academic avenues in the analysis of policymaking and implementation. We conclude the chapter with a discussion of the enigma of implementing the European carbon market as perceived from this analytical angle.
In vitro Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf Extracts of Mangrove Plant, Phoenix paludosa Roxb

Purpose: To investigate the anti-proliferative and antioxidant potentials of four different solvent extracts of Phoenix paludosa Roxb leaves. Methods: Four different solvent (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol) leaf extracts of the plant were tested for cytotoxicity against four cancer cells, viz, MCF-7 (oestrogen positive breast cancer cell line), MDA-MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer cell line), SK-BR-3 (breast adenocarcinoma) and ACHN (renal adenocarcinoma) as well as two normal cell lines, namely, HEK-293 (embryonic kidney cells) and MCF-10A (normal mammary epithelial cells)]. 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 29-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the crude extracts. Results: The methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH, half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 30.17 ± 6.21 µg/mL) and (ABTS, IC50 = 27.91 ± 3.21 µg/mL). Of the four extracts, methanol extract showed the strongest significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxicity to all four cancer cell lines at 24 and 48 h of incubation followed by the chloroform extract (IC50 of methanol extract (24 and 48 h): 36.71 ± 8.72 and 33.19 ± 5.53 µg/mL (MCF-7), 159.7 ± 32.09 and 141.9 ± 26.2 µg/mL (MDA-MB-231), 103.3 ± 18.9 and 75.39 ± 19.39 µg/mL (SKBR-3), 57.21 ± 3.72 and 43.16 ± 10.25 µg/mL (MCF-10A), 37.48 ± 5.75 and 26.99 ± 1.85 (ACHN) and 66.83 ± 14.26 and 60.34 ± 10.66 µg/mL (HEK-293)). Furthermore, the methanol extract was least cytotoxic to normal cell lines. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate that the methanol leaf extract of P. paludosa exhibit potent antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and has the potential of being developed into an anti-cancer agent.