Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is AFLP Fingerprinting a True Alternative to the DNA-DNA Pairing Method To Assess Genospecies in the Genus Aeromonas?

In a recent issue of the International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, Huys and colleagues (9) report a numerical taxonomic study of the genus Aeromonas using the band patterns obtained by restriction fragment selective amplification of chromosomal DNA as characters. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the AFLP technique used to discriminate the DNA hybridization groups delineated in the genus Aeromonas. The authors justified their method when consistency between AFLP results and DNA-DNA pairing data was observed; however, they were not able to explain satisfactorily the cases of inconsistency. Among them, they reported that A. encheleia strains grouped with some A. eucrenophila strains and that A. allosaccharophila strains clustered with some representatives of A. veronii. Nevertheless, the strains of A. encheleia and A. allosaccharophila were respectively segregated from the type strain of A. eucrenophila (NCIMB 74T) and A. veronii (ATCC 35624T) as expected from the results of DNA-DNA hybridization (3, 4) and 16s rRNA sequencing (10). Despite these genomic data, the authors supposed that additional DNADNA hybridizations using Aeromonas strains other than the types would give results more in accordance with their proposals. But this consideration leads to confusion in the species definition because phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the type are the standard to delineate the biological species. Up to now, all DNA hybridization groups in the genus Aeromonas have been constituted by comparison with type strains
Dynamics of seawater carbonate chemistry, production, and calcification of a coral reef flat, central Great Barrier Reef

Ocean acidification is projected to shift coral reefs from a state of net accretion to one of net dissolution this century. Presently, our ability to predict global-scale changes to coral reef calcification is limited by insufficient data relating seawater carbonate chemistry parameters to in situ rates of reef calcification. Here, we investigate diel and seasonal trends in carbonate chemistry of the Davies Reef flat in the central Great Barrier Reef and relate these trends to benthic carbon fluxes by quantifying net ecosystem calcification (nec) and net community production (ncp). Results show that seawater carbonate chemistry of the Davies Reef flat is highly variable over both diel and seasonal cycles. pH (total scale) ranged from 7.92 to 8.17, p CO 2 ranged from 272 to 542 μatm, and aragonite saturation state (Ω arag ) ranged from 2.9 to 4.1. Diel cycles in carbonate chemistry were primarily driven by ncp, and warming explained 35% and 47% of the seasonal shifts in p CO 2 and pH, respectively. Daytime ncp averaged 37 ± 19 mmol C m −2 h −1 in summer and 33 ± 13 mmol C m −2 h −1 in winter; nighttime ncp averaged −30 ± 25 and −7 ± 6 mmol C m −2 h −1 in summer and winter, respectively. Daytime nec averaged 11 ± 4 mmol CaCO 3 m −2 h −1 in summer and 8 ± 3 mmol CaCO 3 m −2 h −1 in winter, whereas nighttime nec averaged 2 ± 4 mmol and −1 ± 3 mmol CaCO 3 m −2 h −1 in summer and winter, respectively. Net ecosystem calcification was highly sensitive to changes in Ω arag for both seasons, indicating that relatively small shifts in Ω arag may drive measurable shifts in calcification rates, and hence carbon budgets, of coral reefs throughout the year.
Restaurant Customer Loyalty: A Qualitative Assessment of Niche Brands

Using the Loyalty Triangle framework developed by Lewis and Shoemaker (1999) and focus group methodology, the study examined how a niche brand restaurant best achieved long-term loyalty. Results indicate that customers are loyal to a niche brand because of the unique characteristics inherent to the brand. Customers have higher perceptions of such qualities as the presentation of service, consistency of product, and the benefits offered by the loyalty program than characteristics that are shared across all brands. Niche brand restaurants can be more effective in developing these qualities to promote customer loyalty.
Youth and Media

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On the use of optimization for flight control laws clearance: a practical approach

Abstract Following the recent interest of using optimization to solve tricky engineering problems, this paper studies the use of multi-objective optimization methods applied to the clearance phase of flight control laws (FCL). The clearance problem is related to prove that aircraft control systems are capable of keeping it flying within flight envelope bounds, regardless of pilot inputs and environmental conditions. Previous work have focused on the technical viability of this approach, dealing with single criterion clearance, but in an real validation phase, there are usually multiple criteria that need to be checked, therefore requiring either multiple runs of a single-objective method, or ideally a multi-objective approach. In this work, the well-known Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and a internally developed method are both tested against a highly non-linear certified AIRBUS aircraft simulation model. Pareto optimal solutions to the multi-criteria clearance problem were found with higher probability than the current probabilistic Monte-Carlo approach. A hybrid combination of local and global optimization is also evaluated to improve worst-cases.
Dynamic discovery and semantic reasoning for next generation intelligent environments

This work describes an OSGi-based middleware platform to enable more scalable, future-proof, cost-efficient and standard-following intelligent environments. It complements OSGi with two main features which make it even more suitable for intelligent environment management: a) dynamic discovery and monitoring of distributed semantic services and b) semantic context modelling and reasoning for intelligent service provision. Furthermore, it evaluates the suitability of applying semantic technologies in the construction of intelligent environment middleware.
Production and acceptability of chinchin snack made from wheat and tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) flour

Abstract Consumer interest in dietary fiber has continued to increase potential impact on health as more information about the nutritional benefits of this are being made available. Among the underutilized crops in Nigeria is tigernut which could find useful application in food industry because of its high level of dietary fibre and other inherent properties. Proximate composition and functional properties of wheat flour (WF) substituted with tigernut flour (TF) at varying proportions (100:0; 90:10; 80:20; 70:30) were carried out. Chinchin was produced based on prepared composite flour. Proximate composition and sensory properties of the product were carried out. The results of the protein were from 11.1 to 14.9%, while the crude fibre content ranged from 0.3 to 2.0% respectively. Increase in water absorption capacity and bulk density of the samples which ranged from 4.25 to 6.40 g/g and 0.51 to 0.62 g/ml respectively were also observed. Most of the parameters of proximate composition assessed increased with increase in tigernut flour for snacks making. Sensory evaluation showed that acceptable chinchin with qualities similar to 100% wheat chinchin can be produced with 10% tigernut flour replacement.
Cell Model for Slow Viscous Flow past Spherical Particles with Surfactant Layer Coating

Creeping flow through a swarm of spherical particles, where each particle consists of a solid core covered by a liquid shell coated with monomolecular layer of surfactant layer, is studied using the cell model technique. The analytical solution of the problem for four models: Happel's, Kuwabara's, Kvashin's and Cunningham's (usually referred to as Mehta-Morse's) is derived. The drag force acting on each particle in the cell is evaluated for the four models. In limiting cases the drag force reduces to earlier analytical results. Results are discussed and presented in graphical forms.
Application of Extension Theory with Chaotic Signal Synchronization on Detecting Islanding Effect of Photovoltaic Power System

The detection of islanding effect is a highly important topic for photovoltaic (PV) power system. The islanding effect occurs when the distributed power source is disconnected from the main supply while the power is still supplied in partial load area, which may injure the set maintenance personnel or damage the equipment. Combining chaotic synchronization and extension theory, this research is to propose a novel detection method to distinguish the occurrence of islanding effect based on nonautonomous Chua’s circuit. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, this paper applies PSIM to simulate the PV power system. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed method achieves 98% on islanding effect.
Group-finding with photometric redshifts: the photo-z probability peaks algorithm

We present a galaxy group-finding algorithm, the photo-z probability peaks (P3) algorithm, optimized for locating small galaxy groups using photometric redshift data by searching for peaks in the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the local overdensity of galaxies in a 3D grid. This method is an improvement over similar 2D matched-filter methods in reducing background contamination through the use of redshift information, allowing it to accurately detect groups at lower richness. We present the results of tests of our algorithm on galaxy catalogues from the Millennium simulation. Using a minimum S/N of 3 for detected groups, a group aperture size of 0.25 h -1 Mpc, and assuming photometric redshift accuracy of σ z = 0.05, it attains a purity of 84 per cent and detects ~295 groups deg -2 with an average group richness of 8.6 members. Assuming photometric redshift accuracy of σ z = 0.02, it attains a purity of 97 per cent and detects ~143 groups deg -2 with an average group richness of 12.5 members. We also test our algorithm on data available for the COSMOS field and the presently available fields from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS)-Wide survey, presenting preliminary results of this analysis.
MJERE ZA SMANJENJE PROMETNE BUKE NA PRIMJERU GRADA OSIJEKA

Noise pollution is a major environmental problem in urban spaces worldwide. The first step toward noise abatement is determining and evaluating noise levels in order to best prioritize and implement protective measures. The city of Osijek, as is obligated by law and the European Directive, has done this by creating a noise map. In this paper, we present measures for noise abatement, showing some of the measures implemented in Osijek based on their noise map, and review possible methods for abating noise in the most vulnerable areas.
Analysis of the lipoproteins of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

~ LITERATURE REVIEW 1 Biology 1 Enzootic Pneumonia 1 Adhesion and Cell Surface 2 Antigenic Variation 3 Gene Families 4 Size Variation 4 Phase Variation: Homopolymeric Repeats and Chromosomal Rearrangements 4 Posttranslational Processing 5 Codon Usage 6 DNA Vaccines 6 Genomic Data and Analysis 7 Summary with Goals and Hypothesis 8 MATERIALS AND METHODS 10 Bacterial Strains, Media and Plasmids 1 O Reagents and Buffers 1 O Enzymes 10 Sequence Analysis and ORF Selection 11 Primer Synthesis and DNA Sequencing 11 Polymerase Chain Reactions 11 pCR2.1 Plasmid Constructions 12 Mutagenesis 12 pSTBO78 Plasmid Constructions 13 Rabbit Vaccinations 14 Immunoblot 15 Immunofluorescence 15 RESULTS 17 Sequence Analysis and ORF Selection 17 pCR2.1 Plasmid Constructions Mutagenesis pSTB078 Plasmid Constructions Rabbit Vaccinations Immunoblot Immunofluorescence
Silicon Hyperuniform Disordered Photonic Materials with a Pronounced Gap in the Shortwave Infrared

Photonic crystals are metamaterials designed to display a periodic modulation of the refractive index. [ 1,2 ] For light wavelengths that match the Bragg condition, such materials display a photonic gap. For suffi cient refractive index contrast, a complete band gap emerges, the density of states in the gap is zero, transmission vanishes and incident light is specularly refl ected. The concept was initially proposed by Yablonovitch and John 25 years ago. Research in the fi eld initially developed rapidly but has matured over the last decade. Although materials with complete band gaps have been reported from the infrared to the visible, there still exist many challenges in fabrication and for possible applications. [ 3,4 ] For example only recently threedimensional guiding of photons in photonic crystals has been demonstrated. [ 5,6 ]
A system for performing simultaneous in situ atomic force microscopy/optical microscopy measurements on electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

An atomic force microscope (AFM) equipped with an optical charge coupled device camera has been placed in an Ar filled glovebox for the purpose of studying the change in morphology of electrode materials as they react with lithium. In order to minimize noise induced by vibration, the AFM is mounted on granite blocks suspended from the ceiling of the glovebox by a combination of flexible rubber cords and metal springs. The AFM, which is equipped with an environmental chamber surrounding the sample, is then enclosed in a specially constructed draft shield that allows the circulation of Ar gas by the purification system during imaging. A special electrochemical cell was constructed to hold the working electrode under study. Repeated imaging with little drift is possible while electrodes are reacted with lithium for periods of many days. Examples of measurements made by this device will be given for the case of lithium alloying with sputter-deposited Si–Sn thin films. The optical and AFM images obtained as a function of lithium content in the films are assembled into time-lapsed “movies” showing the evolution of the morphology of the sample along with the corresponding electrochemistry. These movies are available for download through the Electronic Physics Auxiliary Publication Service (EPAPS).
Power aware accuracy-guaranteed fractional bit-widths optimization

This paper presents a novel power aware fractional bit-widths optimization scheme during floating-point to fixed-point transformation of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. The scheme guarantees accuracy at output and saves power in multipliers. Quantization-Operation-Error (QOE) model is used to construct the worst case quantization error propagation. Based on QOE, a power reduction technique is proposed to dynamically reduce switching activity in multipliers when not the worst case is confronted. Results of four case studies demonstrate that 1.65% to 2.14% system power is saved with the power reduction technique, which is nearly free.
Liliana Abreu challenges Thirty years of music and drama education in the Madeira Island : Facing future

In this paper we give an overview of relevant findings of a three years long case study that was carried out in the Madeira Island, Portugal. It addresses a thirty years old project in music and drama education in primary schools, which involves all children within the school curriculum, but also in extra-curriculum activities. The study used mainly qualitative methodologies for the case study approach, and statistical analysis concerning the questionnaires that were sent out to classroom teachers, supporting teachers, and parents. Findings indicate the magnitude of the project, its educational relevance, and a strong sense of ownership and leadership as revealed both by results from the questionnaires and emerging themes in the interviews. Taking into account the contributions of activity theory, critical points were identified that may bring about a qualitative transformation capable of fostering good practices in music and drama education in primary schools in Madeira.
AKI ROUHIAINEN INTERNET OF THINGS SECURITY SURVEY: SOLUTIONS, STANDARDS AND OPEN ISSUES

TAMPERE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Master’s Degree Programme in Signal Processing and Communications Engineering ROUHIAINEN, AKI: Internet of Things Security Survey: Solutions, Standards and Open Issues Master of Science Thesis, 61 pages February 2014 Major: Communication Networks and Protocols Examiners: Professor Jarmo Harju, M.Sc. Joona Kannisto
The Goal of the IAU/IAG Joint Working Group on the Theory of Earth Rotation

In 2012 the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) initiated a process to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) on theory of Earth rotation with the purpose of promoting the development of improved theories of the Earth rotation which reach the accuracy required to meet the needs of the near future as recommended by, e.g. GGOS, the Global Geodetic Observing System of the IAG. The JWG was approved by both organizations in April 2013 with the chairs being the two authors of this paper. Its structure comprises three Sub Working Groups (SWGs) addressing Precession/Nutation, Polar Motion and UT1, the Numerical Solutions and Validation, respectively. The SWGs should work in parallel for the sake of efficiency, but should keep consistency as an overall goal. This paper offers a view of the objectives and scope of the JWG and reports about its initial activities and plans.
On core stability and apportionment methods

In the thesis two distinct topics in cooperative game theory are investigated. The first problem analyzed is one of the oldest unsolved problems in cooperative game theory. The question asks, under what conditions does an n-person, cooperative, TU game have a stable core? This problem is fundamental for n-person, cooperative, TU game theory as the solution of this problem would provide vital insights into certain properties of the core as well as revealing certain aspects of von Neumann-Morgernstern stable sets. In the thesis new sufficient conditions for core stability are found that turn out to also be necessary for certain classes of games. In the second chapter of the dissertation the question of core stability is analyzed from a different perspective using the concept of a fuzzy game. This style of game is used to provide new necessary and sufficient conditions for core stability in terms of properties of two correspondences. The second topic examined in this PhD, in the third chapter, concerns what is known as the apportionment problem. The problem in question is how one can apportion seats, power, etc., in a parliament, committee, etc., corresponding to the size, power, etc., of certain states or parties within a country, company, etc. One is confronted with this problem as soon as one wishes to represent the interests of certain groups in some sort of committee. Hence, this problem is age old but has only recently received a proper mathematical treatment in the twentieth century. In this thesis, a new apportionment method based on game theoretical concepts is investigated for its suitability as an apportionment method to be applied in reality. It is shown that the new apportionment does not fulfill certain desirable criteria. In addition, variations of the new apportionment methods are considered.
The time-varying correlation between output and prices in the United States over 1800 to 2014

In this study, we examine the time-varying correlations between output and prices, while controlling for the impact of monetary policy stance, and output and inflation uncertainties over the period of 1800-2014. The results of the empirical analysis reveal that dynamic correlations of output and prices were typically negative, suggesting a countercyclical behaviour of prices, apart from the early 1840s, and from the beginning till the mid of the 20th century, wherein correlation were positive, indicating the procyclicality of prices. A historical decomposition analysis based on a sign-restricted structural vector autoregressive model is able to relate the procyclical and countercyclical behavior to the predominance of aggregate supply, and aggregate demand and/or monetary policy shocks, respectively. Moreover, inflation uncertainty (monetary policy stance) was found to have a positive (negative) effect on inflation over the last 215 years.
Popular Healing and Primary Health Care: A Socio-Cultural Study in Rural North-Eastern Ethiopia

Introduction : Studies have shown that popular healing practices at home could play a major role in solving the problem of overcrowding in primary care services. This study explored the indigenous popular healing practices used by communities in North Eastern Ethiopia. Methodology : A qualitative ethnographic method was used for this study. Using Kleinman’s Cultural Systems Model, we conducted participatory observation (5 months during the span of one year) supplemented by ten focus group discussions (n=96) and 20 key informant interviews with purposefully selected knowledgeable community members. The focus group and key informant interviews included questions about the popular healing as a health care option and popular modes of healing practices. The process of analysis and interpretation was informed by thematically and the analysis of narratives strategies. Findings : The study found that home remedies are applied for both prevention and remedial purposes. Common ailments that are managed at home include Nedad (malaria) and Mich (acute febrile illness). Home remedies are prepared in the household by the patient, his/her parent or a family member. However, in cases where home remedies and/or home-based treatment did not cure a patient, other alternatives are looked for such as visiting a bio-medical care facility following a similar model developed by Kleinman in early 1980’s. Conclusion : Since people in the study communities believe that popular healing is a health care option among multiple health-care resources, successful rural primary health care strategy would give due attention to such local resources. This will help to ensure the optimal utilization of Ethiopia’s limited resources. ] Key Words : Popular healing, home remedies, ailments, primary health care, Ethiopia
The Evaluation of the Efficacy of Derivatives of Vitamin K

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic products containing two derivatives of vitamin K on skin with vascular problems. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in two groups, 24 people, and the other included 22 participants, mean age 50. The participants applied creams twice a day for a period of 4 weeks. Creams were applied on the right half of the face-concentration of 0.5% and 0.1%-on the left. The participants completed a questionnaire and a measurement was performed using standardized equipment Multi Probe Adapter (MPA) Courage-Khazaka and VISIA Canfield. Results: Application creams with MQ and Epoxy MQ derivatives at a concentration of 0.1% and 0.5% had the effect of reducing redness of the skin at a comparable level. All of formulations did not contribute to decrease melanin level. The hydration was increased after application MQ (0.1% and 0.5%) adequately 14% and 13% in about 60% participants. The elasticity was significantly improved in all groups. Conclusion: Derivatives of vitamin K such as Epoxy MQ and MQ used in 0.1% and 0.5% give comparable results reducing redness of the skin. The improvement of erythema was more significant with 0.1% concentration (MQ and Epoxy MQ).