Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation and Phylogeny of Wabisuke Camellias by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) Analysis

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was conducted on the wabisuke camellia and its relative camellia species. Genetic polymorphism was identified among the ‘Uraku’ camellia, its offspring ‘Tosa-uraku’ and Camellia japonica, whereas the two accessions of the old ‘Uraku’ showed monomorphism in all the fragments. The results suggested that the two old ‘Uraku’ trees are asexually-propagated clonal strains. The genetic distance between wabisuke cultivars and Chinese camellias and between wabisuke camellias and C. sinensis was much further than that between wabisuke cultivars and Camellia japonica. It has also been suggested that wabisuke camellias can be classified into two subgroups, I-1 and I-2, and that Subgroup I-2 originated from C. japonica, while Subgroup I-1, including ‘Uraku’ (synonym: ‘Tarokaja’), was developed by the repeated hybridization of C. japonica to interspecific hybrids with the Chinese camellias, e.g., C. pitardii var. pitardii, or by the involvement of related species not investigated in this study.
A comprehensive study to the protection of digital library readers' privacy under an untrusted network environment

PurposeFirst, the authors analyze the key problems faced by the protection of digital library readers' data privacy and behavior privacy. Second, the authors introduce the characteristics of all kinds of existing approaches to privacy protection and their application limitations in the protection of readers' data privacy and behavior privacy. Lastly, the authors compare the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of existing approaches in terms of security, efficiency, accuracy and practicality and analyze the challenges faced by the protection of digital library reader privacy.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors review a number of research achievements relevant to privacy protection and analyze and evaluate the application limitations of them in the reader privacy protection of a digital library, consequently, establishing the constraints that an ideal approach to library reader privacy protection should meet, so as to provide references for the follow-up research of the problem.FindingsAs a result, the authors conclude that an ideal approach to reader privacy protection should be able to comprehensively improve the security of all kinds of readers' privacy information on the untrusted server-side as a whole, under the premise of not changing the architecture, efficiency, accuracy and practicality of a digital library system.Originality/valueAlong with the rapid development of new network technologies, such as cloud computing, the server-side of a digital library is becoming more and more untrustworthy, thereby, posing a serious threat to the privacy of library readers. In fact, the problem of reader privacy has become one of the important obstacles to the further development and application of digital libraries.
The green entrepreneur's challenge: the influence of environmental ambition in new product development

Studies dealing with environmental issues in New Product Development have made significant progress explaining how firms can develop greener new products that succeed in the market and Environmental New Product Development (ENPD) has become a wide-spread practice within an increasing number of firms. Nevertheless, green entrepreneurs and product developers who have tried to develop more sustainable products have had mixed experiences. Through an empirical study in the human powered vehicle sector, this research study examines the challenges product developers teams and green entrepreneurs face in their attempts to incorporate environmental issues into NPD. The purpose of this exploratory research study is a better understanding of the implications of environmental issues in new product development. In particular, this thesis examines the relationship between environmental ambition and the innovation process. From the descriptions and analyses of two cases study this research study suggests that a high level of environmental ambition increases the complexity of the product innovation process. Moreover, a high level of environmental ambition may hamper a product innovation process because it may lead the developers away from the market that their product is to serve. Accordingly, this research study attempts to explain and predict how environmental ambition influences new product development processes. This claim provides a theoretical contribution to existing NPD and ENPD research.
Colored and Luminescent Silk

ABSTRACT Silk plays a vital role in textiles and biomedical applications because of its surpassing mechanical properties and extraordinary bio-compatibility. Different physical and chemical methods have been proposed to reconstruct silk into desired forms and to produce the materials that best imitate the silk. Besides the direct usage of silk and the delicate replication of its original structure and properties, there is a thriving interest in acquainting new practicality into silk while sustaining its unique intrinsic properties. Different methods and their advantages in developing functional silk, especially those with luminescence and color done in post-processing steps and biological ways have been discussed. There is a wide range of applications of intrinsically luminescent and colored silk that is directly produced from the silkworms. This is because appropriate molecular properties are incorporated effectively into the silk and hence intrinsically luminescent and colored silk is produced in the silk gland of the silkworm. With these perspectives, an updated generation of silk-containing several functional materials (e.g., medicine, antibiotics, and stimuli-sensitive dyes) can be developed for novel applications such as cancer therapy with optimized release attribute, wound dressing with monitoring/sensing property, tissue engineering scaffolds with antibacterial feature, anticoagulant feature, anti-inflammatory feature, and even more.
Ring oscillator made of organic thin-film transistors produced by self-organized process on plastic substrate

The authors studied the fabrication of a ring oscillator consisting of organic inverters showing no hysteresis in output characteristics. They designed and fabricated the ring oscillator with bootstrapping inverters made of pentacene organic thin-film transistors on plastic produced by self-organized process, exhibiting the field-effect mobility of ∼0.6cm2∕Vs, on/off current ratio of 107, and threshold voltage of −5V. The oscillation frequency of 3kHz and signal propagation delay of 15μs per stage were achieved for an 11-stage oscillator with a supply voltage of 20V.
Real-Time Audio-Guided Multi-Face Reenactment

Audio-guided face reenactment aims to generate authentic target faces that have matched facial expression of the input audio, and many learning-based methods have successfully achieved this. However, most methods can only reenact a particular person once trained or suffer from the low-quality generation of the target images. Also, nearly none of the current reenactment works consider the model size and running speed that are important for practical use. To solve the above challenges, we propose an efficient <italic>A</italic>udio-guided <italic>M</italic>ulti-face reenactment model named <italic>AMNet</italic>, which can reenact target faces among multiple persons with corresponding source faces and drive signals as inputs. Concretely, we design a <italic>Geometric Controller</italic> (GC) module to inject the drive signals so that the model can be optimized in an end-to-end manner and generate more authentic images. Also, we adopt a lightweight network for our face reenactor so that the model can run in real-time on both CPU and GPU devices. Abundant experiments prove our approach’s superiority over existing methods, <italic>e.g</italic>. , averagely decreasing FID by 0.12<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\downarrow$</tex-math></inline-formula> and increasing SSIM by 0.031<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\uparrow$</tex-math></inline-formula> than APB2Face, while owning fewer parameters (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times 4 \downarrow$</tex-math></inline-formula>) and faster CPU speed (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times 4 \uparrow$</tex-math></inline-formula>).
Preliminary Study on the Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae) Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Black nightshade, or the Solanum nigrum complex, includes a number of species that botanists consider problematic due to their morphological resemblance and the high rate of hybridization. As part of the revision of the family Solanaceae for the Flora central Africa,we realized a molecular study of the Solanum nigrum complex in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 21 samples of this complex were collected and identified using the recent revision by [11]. The DNA of each specimen was extracted and then amplified by PCR for 4 molecular markers: the two nuclear regions waxy and ITS, and the two chloroplastics markers trnL-F and trnH-psbA. Additional sequences of specimens reliably identified were obtained from GenBank. The combined molecular data set allowed for the identification of two distinct groups. The first we conclude that in the western part of D.R. Congo, two species of the Solanum nigrum complex occur, both showing high morphological variability, while the true Solanum nigrum is absent from that region. The two species are Solanum americanum Mill. and Solanum scabrum Mill. The results confirm the taxonomic decisions of [11]. The generally low resolution in the analyses did not allow to visualize a geographical signal in the variation.
Sewage sludge treatment by a continuous microwave enhanced advanced oxidation processA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.

A continuous flow mode of the microwave enhanced advanced oxidation process (MW/H2O2-AOP) was used for sludge treatment as opposed to a batch operation mode from past studies. The effects of pre-microwave heating, microwave irradiation and post-microwave holding on organic matter solubilization were studied. Pre-microwave heating did not improve the overall orthophosphate solubilization, but helped in organic matter solubilization. Nutrients and organic matter were found to have increased during the post-microwave holding period, indicating overall sludge solubilization can be more effective when maintained at a high temperature after treatment with the MW/H2O2-AOP. It was beneficial to operate a continuous mode of the MW/H2O2-AOP at a longer retention time for organic matter solubilization, and at a shorter retention time for orthophosphate solubilization. Sludge settleability was greatly improved with the microwave treatment, with or without the addition of H2O2. The pre-heating of sludge before treatme.
The reliability of the scapular posture and scapular dyskinesis tests in rugby union players

Background Impact forces during rugby can contribute to scapula dysfunction and shoulder pain. Reliable assessment of static and dynamic scapula position is paramount in managing athletes with, and those at risk of developing, shoulder pain. Objectives To determine the reliability of static scapular posture (SP), clavicular tilt angle (CTA) and the scapular dyskinesis (SD) assessments by expert and student therapists. Methods The study design was an inter-rater and intra-rater reliability study in male university level rugby union players. Four sport rehabilitation students and one experienced physiotherapist evaluated the position of the scapular and clavicle of male university-level rugby union players (inter-rater participants: session 1: n=17, session 2: n=12 and session 3: n=16; (intra-rater participants: n = 12). Participants attended 3 testing sessions, each 1 week apart. Scapular orientation and motion were assessed in five planes of movement and using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT) respectively. The inter-rater analysis included all participants from each session, while in the intra-rater analysis included only the 12 participants who attended all three testing sessions. Results Kappa coefficient values and percentage agreement ratings for students compared to the experienced therapist were: SP=poor to fair (−0.01 to 0.33), (27% – 94%); SDT=slight (0.16; 41%); CTA=fair (0.21; 59%). Test-retest (intra-rater) agreement was fair to moderate (0.22 – 0.44; 69% – 95%), slight (0.12; 47%), and fair (0.39; 77%) for the SP, SDT, and CTA, respectively. Conclusion Static and dynamic evaluation of the shoulder by students and an experienced therapist has poor to moderate reliability and should not be used to make clinical decisions based on observation alone.
A fast dissipative robust nonlinear model predictive control procedure via quasi‐linear parameter varying embedding and parameter extrapolation

In this article, a robust model predictive control (MPC) procedure for quasi‐linear parameter varying (qLPV) systems is proposed. The novelty resides in considering a recursive extrapolation algorithm to estimate the values of the scheduling parameters along the prediction horizon Np , which fastens the sluggish performances achieved with the robust qLPV MPCs from the literature. The bounds on the estimation errors of the scheduling parameters through Np are taken into account by the robust MPC, which solves an online min‐max problem: first, a constrained convex program is resolved in order to determine the worst‐case bound on the cost function and, subsequently, a second constrained quadratic program is solved to minimize this worst‐case cost function with respect to a control sequence vector. Since the bounds on the estimation error for the scheduling parameters are usually much smaller than the bounds on the actual scheduling parameter, the conservativeness of the solution is quite reduced. Recursive feasibility and stability of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated with dissipativity arguments given in the form of a linear matrix inequality remedy, which determines the zone of attraction for which input‐to‐state stability is ensured. The nonlinear temperature regulation problem of a flat solar collector is considered as a case study. Using a realistic simulation benchmark, the proposed technique is compared to other robust min‐max LPV MPC algorithms from the literature, proving itself efficient while achieving good performances.
Extension of RESURF principle to dielectrically isolated power devices

The RESURF (reduced surface field) principle has been extended to dielectrically isolated power devices including the effect of the formation of an inversion layer under the isolating oxide. Two device structures that allow high voltage operation have been investigated. Extensive two-dimensional simulations have been performed to relate the breakdown voltage to the doping and length of the drift region, and the thicknesses of the silicon layer and isolating oxide. It has been shown that lateral devices with breakdown voltages up to 600 V can be obtained. <<ETX>>
Tribological behavior and mechanical properties of friction stir processed HDPE/Fe-Fe3O4 composites

In the current work, high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were fabricated via Friction Stir Processing (FSP). A two-phase Fe-Fe3O4 powder was used as the reinforcing agents. The extremely low cost powder was obtained from shot-blasting of as-forged low carbon steel components. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to phase analysis and evaluation of the purity of the as-received powder. The size distribution of the powder was determined by Laser Particle Size Analysis (LPSA). Also, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate the particles morphology. The processing used a cylindrical tool to impose the severe plastic deformation and material stirring in order to improve the mechanical properties and particles distribution. The tribological and mechanical properties of the fabricated samples were examined. According to the results, both the friction coefficient and specific wear rate of FSPed samples reduced remarkably. The hardness and tensile strength of the FSPed composites were higher than the FSPed HDPE samples; however, their elongations were lower.
Lateral capillary forces of cylindrical fluid menisci: a comprehensive quasi-static study

Capillarity is pivotal to many important technologies, including capillary self-alignment and self-assembly for heterogeneous microsystem integration and packaging. Lateral capillary forces ensuing from perturbed fluid menisci were the object of substantial theoretical and numerical modeling in recent years. Anyway, those studies were so far unsatisfactorily supported by direct experimental inspections. In this paper we present a comprehensive quasi-static study of lateral capillary forces arising from a constrained cylindrical fluid meniscus subjected to small lateral perturbations. We describe the novel experimental apparatus that we designed to accurately characterize such a fundamental system. We then reproduce our experimental data on lateral meniscus forces and stiffnesses by means of both a finite element and a novel analytical model. The agreement between our measurements and models, while confirming earlier reports, provides a solid foundation for the applications of lateral capillary forces to microsystem assembly. Moreover, our experimental apparatus may enable the exploitation of Gibbs’ inequality to measure the advancing contact angles of liquids, and it may be used as a reference testbed for further experimental investigations on constrained fluid menisci.
A basic component for ISGRI, the CdTe gamma camera on board the INTEGRAL satellite

A basic component, called Polycell, has been developed for the ISGRI (INTEGRAL Soft Gamma Ray Imager) CdTe camera on board the INTEGRAL (INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) satellite. Operating at room temperature, it covers the 20 keV-1 MeV energy range. It features a sub-ensemble of 16 CdTe detectors and their associated front end electronics. This electronics is based on 4-channel analog digital ASICs. Their analog part features a low noise preamplifier, allowing a threshold below 20 keV and a pulse rise-time measurement which permits a charge loss correction. The digital part ensures the internal acquisition timing sequence as well as the dialogue with external electronics. Two versions of the ISGRI ASIC have been developed in a collaboration of two CEA microelectronics teams from CEA/DTA/LETI/DSYS and CEA/DSM/DAPNIA/SEI, respectively on a standard CMOS AMS process hardened against radiation by lay-out, and on a Silicon On Insulator process (DMILL MHS), the latter being latch-up free. This paper presents the ASIC and polycell architecture as well as experimental results obtained with polycells equipped with AMS ASICs.
A Behavioral Analysis of EPA's MOBILE Emission Factor Model

This paper examines the behavioral and stochastic aspects of modeling emission reductions from vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs. Forecasts of the potential emission reductions from such programs have been modeled by the use of the Environmental Protection Agency's MOBILE Model, EPA's computer model for estimating emission factors for mobile sources. We examine the structure of this Model and review the way behavior of drivers, mechanics and state regulatory authorities is incorporated in the current generation of the Model. We focus particularly on assumptions about vehicle repair under I/M, compliance with I/M requirements, and the impact of test measurement error on predicted I/M effectiveness. We also include some preliminary comparisons of the Model's outcomes to results of the I/M program in place in Arizona. Finally, we perform some sensitivity analyses to determine the most influential underlying parameters of the Model. We find that many of the assumptions of the I/M component of the Model are based on relatively small data sets on vehicle done in a laboratory setting, and that the output of the Model makes it difficult to compare the results against real world data from on-going state programs. In addition, the Model assumes that vehicles will either be repaired or receive a waiver. In the Arizona program there appears to be a third category of vehicles those which fail the test and do not receive passes. This share may be as high as a third of all failing vehicles. Vehicles which do not eventually pass the test would be treated in the Model as non-compliant. However, in current programs, states do not seem to be measuring and entering the compliance rate correctly. The paper also examines the evidence about whether emissions deteriorate over the life of vehicle in a grams per mile basis (as assumed by the Model) or a grams per gallon basis. It finds support for the argument that emissions deteriorate on a grams per gallon basis. We find through sensitivity analysis that the repair effectiveness assumed by the Model to occur in an IM240 test are much greater than for the idle test, and that identification rates and repair effectiveness vary a great deal according to the cutpoint. These results are based on small numbers of vehicle tests in a laboratory setting and could be compared to real world evidence. Examining costs and cost-effectiveness of variations in I/M programs is important for determining improvements in I/M programs. States may not have incentives to develop cost-effective programs based on current Model that forecast emission reduction "credits" that are overly optimistic.
Design and application considerations for motors in steep fronted surge environments

A large body of research has been conducted in the past 15 years into steep-fronted surges in electrical systems and their propagation in AC machine windings. This paper reviews the nature of the surge, the factors that determine its amplitude and rise time, and how it affects the motor winding. It then explains how its harmful effects can be controlled by system and winding design, and by effective quality control. Related US national and international standards are discussed and their shortcomings pointed out. Uncertainties in the prediction of amplitude and rise time of surges are explained and guidance for cost effective specification of motors for application in a surge environment are given.
Pushing boundaries: Advocacy evaluation and real‐time learning in an HIV prevention research advocacy coalition in sub‐Saharan Africa

Evaluation processes that facilitate learning among advocates must be nimble, creative, and meaningful while transcending putative performance and accountability management. This article describes the experience, lessons, and trajectory of one such approach, Simple, Participatory Assessment of Real Change (SPARC), that a transnational HIV prevention research advocacy coalition pilot‐tested in sub‐Saharan Africa. Inspired by the pioneering work of the outcome harvesting (OH) and participatory evaluation community, we recuperate advocates' centrality as storytellers, sense‐makers, and strategists in advocacy evaluation and describe how we recalibrated SPARC to meet their evaluation and learning needs. This article highlights the normative value of deliberative discourse in evaluation as it contributes to the interpretation of OH and the enrichment of the theory and practice of advocacy evaluation.