Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scientific note: mass transfer coefficient in the drying of soybean meal.

The mass transfer coefficient is a basic parameter in the project and analysis of industrial soybean meal dryers. The aim of this work was to determine a model to estimate the soybean meal mass transfer coefficient (K). Experimental data on the drying kinetics were obtained in a bench scale tray dryer at different temperatures and air speeds. It was observed that the air temperature and moisture content of the soybean meal exerted a significant influence on the value for K and that the limiting step for mass transfer occurred in the interior of the particle. A model was developed to evaluate K, which could be used in the project, analysis, modeling, simulation, optimization and control of any soybean meal dryer on an industrial scale.
Joint Implementation of Policies for Making the MRT Successful and Mitigating the Congestion in Jakarta

Traffic congestion in Jakarta is an emerging challenge. Although the policies have been implemented both discouraging private vehicles and improving public transport, the traffic jam is getting worse as conflicting fuel subsidy policy is implemented. This study reports empirical evidence on the trade-off effect between improvements in public transport services and fuel subsidy removal for a modal shift of private vehicle commuters in Jakarta. The data on stated preferences on the possibility of modal shift for private vehicle commuters in Jakarta are collected and analyzed by mixed logit models. With presence of road pricing at the (Central Business District) CBD in Jakarta, we find that joint implementation of policy scenarios through removal of fuel subsidy and road pricing is more effective to discourage people using cars or motorcycles. As the consequence, the new provision of mass rapid transit (MRT) will be effective to attract car and motorcycle commuters in any feasible range of service improvements.
Modeling Evapotranspiration Response to Climatic Forcings Using Data-Driven Techniques in Grassland Ecosystems

Remarkable progress has been made over the last decade toward characterizing the mechanisms that dominate the exchange of water vapor between the biosphere and the atmosphere. This is attributed partly to the considerable development of machine learning techniques that allow the scientific community to use these advanced tools for approximating the nonlinear processes affecting the variation of water vapor in terrestrial ecosystems. Three novel machine learning approaches, namely, group method of data handling, extreme learning machine (ELM), and adaptive neurofuzzy inference system (ANFIS), were developed to simulate and forecast the daily evapotranspiration (ET) at four different grassland sites based on the flux tower data using the eddy covariance method. These models were compared with the extensively utilized data-driven models, including artificial neural network, generalized regression neural network, and support vector machine (SVM). Moreover, the influences of internal functions on their corresponding models (SVM, ELM, and ANFIS) were investigated together. It was demonstrated that most developed models did good job of simulating and forecasting daily ET at the four sites. In addition to strengths of robustness and simplicity, the newly proposed methods achieved the estimates comparable to those of the conventional approaches and accordingly can be used as promising alternatives to traditional methods. It was further discovered that the generalization performance of the ELM, ANFIS, and SVM models strongly depended on their respective internal functions, especially for SVM.
Dwarf spheroidal galaxy kinematics and spiral galaxy scaling laws

Kinematic surveys of the dwarf spheroidal (dSph) satellites of the Milky Way are revealing tantalising hints about the structure of dark matter (DM) haloes at the low-mass end of the galaxy luminosity function. At the bright end, modelling of spiral galaxies has shown that their rotation curves are consistent with the hypothesis of a Universal Rotation Curve whose shape is supported by a cored dark matter halo. In this paper, we investigate whether the internal kinematics of the Milky Way dSphs are consistent with the particular cored DM distributions which reproduce the properties of spiral gal axies. Although the DM densities in dSphs are typically almost two orders of magnitude higher than those found in (larger) disk systems, we find consistency between dSph kinematics an d Burkert DM haloes whose core radii r0 and central densitiesρ0 lie on the extrapolation of the scaling law seen in spiral galaxies: log ρ0≃α log r0 + const with 0.9< α< 1.1. We similarly find that the dSph data are consistent with the relation betweenρ0 and baryon scale length seen in spiral galaxies. While the origin of these scaling relations is unclear, the fi nding that a single DM halo profile is consistent with kinematic data in galaxies of widely varying size, luminosity and Hubble Type is important for our understanding of observed galaxies and must be accounted for in models of galaxy formation.
How electric and ultrasonic fields assist membrane filtration

In recent years 'assisted filtration' techniques have been receiving much attention. This paper describes how electric and ultrasound fields can be used to reduce fouling in microfiltration. Experimental data obtained over a range of operating conditions are presented that show both the effects of the individual fields and the synergistic effect of the combined fields. The parameters which control separation rate are identified and their individual contributions discussed.
DOES IT PAY TO BE A STEM GRADUATE? Evidence from the Polish Graduate Tracking System November 2017

ABSTRACT Returns to education have received much attention from scholars as well as policy makers and the media. It is a wellestablished fact that educational attainment improves employability and wages and that university graduates better than their less educated counterparts. However, the educational expansion rises the importance of the horizontal dimension in explaining social stratification. The field of study has proved to be an important factor for graduates’ labor market performance in many countries. This paper discusses the differences in the labor market outcomes in early careers of graduates of various disciplines in Poland where the topic has been hotly debated for many years but remained under researched. We use data from the second measurement of the recently established Polish National Graduate Tracking System (ELA). The system uses administrative data exported from the national register of students and graduates as well as monthly records on employment status and earnings fetched from the Social Insurance Institution registers. The data cover entire population of recent higher education graduates in Poland and enables tracking for twenty-one months after graduation. We focus particularly on the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics which are presumed to lead to the best labor market positions. We demonstrate that, contrary to popular opinion, only some of the STEM disciplines give their graduates an edge on the labor market while the rest struggle to achieve results comparable with those of graduates of Humanities and Social Sciences.
A State-of Art of Creative Sensor Devices Utilizing Magneto- Rheological Fluids

This article presents the state-of-the-art sensors design based on magneto-rheological (MR) fluid. In smart materials, the magneto-rheological fluid is one of the prominent material, which changes rheological properties on application of magnetic field. The MR fluid is mainly used for designing the dampers, clutches and mounts for heavy vehicle systems. However, the MR fluid can also be used for sensor design applications, which has not been much reported in the literature. This review paper summarizes the design of following novel sensors such as resonant, current, magnetic flux and tactile sensors designed using MR fluid. First, this article introduces the design and development of resonant based measurement system used for studying the properties of magneto rheological fluid. Secondly, this paper discusses about the novel electrical current measurement technique using MR fluid in shear mode of operation. This paper discuss on the design of novel variable resistor using the behavioural change of MR fluid in third. Finally, the design of tactile display utilizing magneto rheological fluid is introduced and discussed. Tactile display is used in robotic system in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to provide a surgeon tactile information of touching remote biological tissues or organs. This review article will motivate the readers to design the novel sensors using magneto-rheological fluid with advanced technology.
Plankton Resting Stages in the Marine Sediments of the Bay of Vlorë (Albania)

In the frame of the INTERREG III CISM project, sediment cores were collected at 2 stations in the Gulf of Vlore to study the plankton resting stage assemblages. A total of 87 morphotypes were identified and produced by Dinophyta, Ciliophora, Rotifera, and Crustacea. In 22 cases, the cyst belonged to a species absent from the plankton of the same period. The most abundant resting stages were those produced by Scrippsiella species (Dinophyta). Some calcareous cysts were identified as fossil species associated with Pleistocene to Pliocene sediment, although they were also found in surface sediments and some of them successfully germinated, thus proving their modern status. Total abundance generally decreased with sediment depth at station 40, while station 45 showed distinct maxima at 3 and 8 cm below the sediment surface. The depth of peak abundance in the sediment varied with species. This paper presents the first study of the plankton resting stages in the Bay of Vlore. The study confirmed the utility of this type of investigation for a more correct evaluation of species diversity. In addition, the varying distribution with sediment depth suggests that this field could be of some importance in determining the history of species assemblages.
An indigenous fish aggregating method practiced along the Kolong river in Nagaon district of Assam

In the present study, an attempt has been made to document an indigenous fish aggregating method practiced along the Kolong river of Raha in Nagaon district of Assam. Vertically fixed branches of Saora trees in the selected deeper portions of river banks with a thick layer of aquatic vegetation mainly comprised by water hyacinth constitutes the fish aggregating structure. The entire structure is encircled by a two–tier barricade consisting of the outer netting called Mosuri Jaal and an inner drag net. The area encircled by the two nets is narrowed by inward repositioning of both the nets. After removing the branches of Saora trees and aquatic vegetation, the encircled fishes are caught by cast nets. The catch is comprised by both herbivorous and carnivorous fishes.
Differential Activation of Microglia in an in vitro Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

An in vitro model of intracerebral hemorrhage was established to examine the protective versus cytotoxic roles of microglia in the context of mild versus severe injury. Co-cultures of microglia, astrocytes, and granule neurons were prepared from the cerebellar cortex of neonatal rats, and grown in standard medium containing fetal bovine serum or, in some cases, a serum-free chemically defined medium. To mimic hemorrhagic stroke, co-cultures grown for 7-8 days in vitro were challenged with two different concentrations of the toxic blood product hemin, corresponding to a mild versus a severe brain bleed. Immunocytochemical, real-time RT-PCR, iron deposition, and cell survival assays were performed to assess the effects of hemin, with emphasis on the functional effector states of microglia. In cultures grown in serum-containing medium, the lower concentration of hemin (20 μM) induced significant expression of the protective enzyme, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Consistent with this, iron deposition was localized to the microglia in the cultures. Only a modest induction of the inflammatory molecule TNF-α, and no significant cell death was observed 24 hrs after hemin addition. In contrast, the higher concentration of hemin (100 μM) induced greater expression of HO-1, and iron deposition was detected in all three cell types in the cultures. Moreover, significant and robust induction of the inflammatory molecules TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, and significant neuronal death were observed. These results suggest that microglia are protective and serve to effectively catabolize hemin when exposed to 20 μM hemin. However, increasing the hemin concentration to 100 μM appears to exceed the capacity of the microglia to effectively catabolize the hemin load, resulting in an inflammatory and cytotoxic environment. Serum proteins, in particular albumin and hemopexin, can bind blood products such as hemin, and slowly release them to be processed by microglia after a brain bleed. To test the possible protective effect of albumin, co-cultures grown in a chemically defined medium lacking serum were exposed to hemin as described above, with or without co-addition of an equivalent amount of albumin. In these cultures, significant neuronal death was observed in response to 20 μM hemin, with essentially total cell death in response to 100 μM hemin. Addition of albumin to the cultures significantly decreased the amount of neuronal death in response to both concentrations of hemin. These data suggest that addition of agents that bind toxic blood products may serve as protective agents after hemorrhagic stroke. In future studies, this in vitro model should prove valuable in characterizing the signaling pathways underlying distinct functional effector states of microglia, and developing strategies to preserve the protective phenotype.
The Relationship Between Risk, Performance-Based Pay, and Organizational Performance

In this study, we argue that much of the recent agency-based research on performance based pay virtually omits the role of risk. This compensation research has predominantly taken the positive perspective and focused on the incentive properties of performance-based pay, thereby overlooking the important role that risk plays in normative formulations of agency theory (Holmstrom, 1979; Eisenhardt, 1989; Jensen & Meckling; 1976). Building on previous research, such as Beatty and Zajac (1994), we re-introduce risk by investigating its effects on the formation and outcomes of performance-based pay contracts. Specifically, our study examines both the main effects of risk on the structure of compensation contracts and the joint effects of risk and performance-based pay on firm performance. This study is based on data of incumbent managers from 356 companies over the period 1981 to 1988. Financial performance and market data were drawn from the CRSP and COMPUSTAT.
Identification of Potential F1 Hybrids in Maize Responsive to Water Deficient Condition

The assessment of heterotic F1 combinations is a basic requisite for hybrid seed development. A set of 30 F1 hybrids along with their parental inbred lines were evaluated under both normal and water deficit conditions for various physiological and agronomic traits. Highly significant mean squares due to general combining ability, specific combining ability and reciprocal effect were observed for all traits under both water regimes. Components of variation exhibited greater estimates for GCA variance (б2g) than SCA variance (б2s) for majority of the traits under both normal and stress conditions depicting the predominant role of additive genetic component. Inbred lines NCIL-20-20, D-157 and OH-8 were found to be the best general combiner on the basis of performance regarding grain yield per plant under water deficit condition. The F1 combinations namely, NCIL-20-20 × D-109, NCIL-20-20 × OH-8 and D-157 × NCIL-20-20 were out-performers based on yield and yield attributes under water deficit conditions. On the basis of our results, we recommend these hybrids for further exploitation to assess their potential for commercial cultivation under water deficit condition.
The effect of erythropoietin on ?-glutamyltransferase during ischemia reperfusion injury in rats

The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of erythropoietin on rat model and particularly in an ischemia reperfusion (IR) protocol. The effect of that molecule was studied biochemically using blood mean γ-glutamyltransferase (γGT) levels. Materials and methods: 40 rats of mean weight 247.7 g were used in the study. γGT levels were measured at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min (groups B and D) of reperfusion. Erythropoietin was administered only in groups C and D. Results were that Epo administration non-significantly decreased the γGT levels by 12.70% +13.11% results of paired t-test (p= 0.3541). Reperfusion time kept non-significantly increased the γGT levels by 6.35%+13.24% (P=0.6264). However, erythropoietin administration and reperfusion time together produced a non-significant combined effect in keeping decreased the γGT levels by 4.62%+7.97% (P= 0.5534). Conclusions are that erythropoietin administration interacted or not with reperfusion time have non significant short – term decreasing effects on γGT levels.
The Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation on SMEs Growth and Export in Israeli Peripheral Regions

This research explores the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on SMEs located at core and peripheral regions, by focusing on a single dimension of EO: proactiveness. We conducted a quantitative study of 626 Israeli SMEs. Business growth, as measured by the rate of change in number of employees, was found to be significantly higher in the core region. As expected, proactiveness was found to strongly affect SME growth as well as firm expansion to international markets. Our analysis shows that the difference in business growth between regions can be attributed also to a lower level of ownersʼ proactiveness in peripheral regions since it was found to mediate the effect of peripheral location on firm growth. Differences in proactiveness levels may be explained by the historical development of peripheral regions. Our results have useful implications for policies that aim to promote growth and development in peripheral regions.
Does singing style correlate to social behaviour? - A revision of the Cantometric descriptor vocal tension and its correlation to the subordination of women in society

This is a presentation of work-in-progress for the FMA conference 2012 in Seville. The project described in this article is concerned with the Cantometric descriptor vocal width or vocal tension. This vocal quality was shown to correlate with subordination of women in the society by Alan Lomax and the Cantometrics team. In the current project the choice of this aspect of Cantometric parametrisation is put under scrutiny. Methods for automated extraction of the relevant vocal production qualities are investigated with the goal to reproduce or refute Cantometrics' findings using new data and avoiding the subjectivity of manual rating. Inverse filtering is identified as a possible approach for semi -automatic detection of phonation modes and ways to automate it are discussed.
Aspects Regarding Operation Characteristics of Brush-less Direct Current Motors

The researches regarding optimization in the area of electrical machines, include with priority the problem of the energy efficiency, by increasing the efficiency and the power factor. The objectives followed in this paper are the analysis of the operation characteristics, the fabrication and exploitation cost for brushless direct current motors rated at very low power. The utilization of permanent magnets having high specific energy in the construction of these motors influenced the machine performances, the cost and exploitation price. The research carried out aims at reducing the electrical energy consumption in exploitation by optimally dimensioning the permanent magnets. The last part of the paper compares two motors (brushless direct current motor and synchronous motor), both of them having permanent magnets, the same rated data, the same electromagnetic stresses and the same main constructive dimensions. It results that, using the brushless direct current motor instead of the synchronous one, the consumption of active electrical energy is reduced with 11.8%, and the machine weight is reduced with 12.7%.
The impact of electricity price forecast accuracy on the optimality of storage revenue

Grid connected electrical energy storage could enable large numbers of intermittent renewable generators to be deployed in the UK. Many studies investigate the revenue which could be achieved through arbitrage assuming perfect foresight of electricity prices. In practice, storage operators will not have perfect foresight and will have to devise operational strategies using price forecasts. This paper investigates the impact of forecast accuracy on the optimality of storage revenue. The optimal revenue available is determined using linear programming and historic electricity prices. The results are compared to those found using dynamic programming and electricity price forecasts with increasing percentage error. A small scale lithium ion battery and a large pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) device are compared. The results show that revenue reduces at an increasing rate with increasing forecast error. The PHES device is more sensitive to forecast accuracy than the lithium ion battery. For both technologies, with a maximum error of 30%, 80% of the optimal revenue can be achieved. With increased capacity and significantly increased power rating, the lithium ion battery becomes more sensitive to price forecast accuracy.
Barriers and facilitators to family participation in the care of their hospitalized loved ones

This study’s objective was to better understand family members’ experiences in order to identify how healthcare organizations can facilitate their participation in the care of a hospitalized loved one. Eighteen individuals at the bedside of a hospitalized loved one were interviewed individually. Roles at the bedside and factors that facilitated their participation or represented barriers were examined. A qualitative analysis using a mixed inductive/deductive approach was performed. Reassurance and emotional support, as well as sharing information with the healthcare team emerged as main roles. Quality and timeliness of the information received about the patient’s condition, prognosis and changes in medical condition, as well as information on how to participate in their care, were the factors most frequently evoked as facilitating participation. On the other hand, the need to improve communication channels and access to doctors were highlighted. Most family members having no prior knowledge or exposure to healthcare environments reported feeling overwhelmed in this foreign environment. Among the suggestions on how to improve their experience, having a wellidentified contact person who liaises with them and who can instruct them on how to participate in care during hospitalization and back at home was frequently suggested. Furthermore, many mentioned that recognizing the experiential knowledge they have of the patient allows for more holistic care and contributes to improve both patient and family experience. Families need to be adequately recognized and supported and have access to information in a timely manner so that their contribution to their loved one’s care is maximized and the burden associated with this stressful experience alleviated.