Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Role of Socio-Economic and Built Environment Driving Factors in Shaping the Commuting Modal Share: A Path-Analysis-Based Approach

Abstract This paper explores the role of the built environment and socio-economic drivers in shaping the modal share of commuting. For this, we have identified through our literature review 67 potential variables categorised into two groups; the built environment and the households’ socio-economic characteristics. We have considered the city of Djelfa as a case study and used the questionnaire as a data collection tool. The questionnaire processing of the 700 questionnaires provided to the households allowed us to select 184 questionnaires for our analysis. The sensitivity analysis protocol is designed for two stages; (i) an exploratory stage, conducted by principal component analysis and bivariate correlation analysis; (ii) and a confirmatory stage conducted by a path analysis. The first step allowed us to hypothesise several causal pathways that could explain, directly or indirectly, the modal share of commuting. The results of the path analysis show that the modal shares of walking, private car and public transit are controlled by 13, 16 and 12 explanatory variables, respectively. Overall, the socio-economic characteristics of households discourage walking and transit use, and encourage private car commuting. On the other hand, the variables identified in this paper related to the built environment discourage walking, but encourage the use of public transit rather than private cars for commuting.
Plant Biosystems Design Research Roadmap 1.0

Human life intimately depends on plants for food, biomaterials, health, energy, and a sustainable environment. Various plants have been genetically improved mostly through breeding, along with limited modification via genetic engineering, yet they are still not able to meet the ever-increasing needs, in terms of both quantity and quality, resulting from the rapid increase in world population and expected standards of living. A step change that may address these challenges would be to expand the potential of plants using biosystems design approaches. This represents a shift in plant science research from relatively simple trial-and-error approaches to innovative strategies based on predictive models of biological systems. Plant biosystems design seeks to accelerate plant genetic improvement using genome editing and genetic circuit engineering or create novel plant systems through de novo synthesis of plant genomes. From this perspective, we present a comprehensive roadmap of plant biosystems design covering theories, principles, and technical methods, along with potential applications in basic and applied plant biology research. We highlight current challenges, future opportunities, and research priorities, along with a framework for international collaboration, towards rapid advancement of this emerging interdisciplinary area of research. Finally, we discuss the importance of social responsibility in utilizing plant biosystems design and suggest strategies for improving public perception, trust, and acceptance.
ARGUMENT, KNOWLEDGE AND ETHICS: UNDERSTANDING CORE CONCEPTS IN PHILOSOPHY BY AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON GREEK UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

An empirical study was conducted measuring the degree to which Greek university students’ understanding of core philosophical concepts (that is, ‘argument’, ‘knowledge’ and ‘ethics’) has been shaped by the material taught in the classroom. The extent of this transition from pre-instructional conceptions to textbook formulations has been investigated through the use of a new questionnaire. Findings indicate that generally, students retain their pre1 Author’s e-mail address: stelioss@mail.ntua. gr 2 Author’s e-mail address: cstheol@mail.ntua. gr 3 Author’s e-mail address: siliadi@mail.ntua. gr 4 Author’s e-mail address: manolaka@phs.uoa. gr 190 ARHE XVII, 33/2020 theoretical understanding of these terms. Within this framework, some formal definitions are closer to common sense (e.g. ‘ethics’) and some others aren’t (e.g. ‘knowledge’). Furthermore, the role of intuitions in this process is been evaluated, leading to the ascertainment that previous philosophical encounters seem to play a crucial role in determining actual understanding.
Потенциально опасные для отечественного картофелеводства карантинные виды и патотипы нематод: изменчивость популяций и генетика устойчивости картофеля

Обзор посвящен проблеме потенциально опасных для отечественного картофелеводства каран- тинных видов и патотипов нематод. Картофель поражают более 30 видов паразитических нематод, однако в статье основное внимание уделено самым вредоносным, приносящим большой ущерб картофелеводству пред- ставителям родов Globodera, Ditylenchus, Nacobbus и Meloidogyne. Проанализированы фитопатологические и молекулярные методы идентификации видов и патотипов и основные достижения в изучении изменчивости популяций паразитических нематод картофеля. Показано, что, благодаря особенностям жизненного цикла не- матод и лабильности их геномов, генетическая изменчивость этих организмов очень велика, что создает угрозу образования новых патогенных генотипов паразита. Сведения о внутри- и межпопуляционной изменчивости нематод важны для изучения путей интродукции и распространения отдельных видов, а также поиска корреля- ций молекулярных маркеров с определенным патотипом. Филогенетические исследования, основанные на со- временных данных по генетической изменчивости популяций, позволили выявить комплексы видов у Globodera pallida (Stone) Behrens и Nacobbus aberrans (Thorne) Thorne & Allen (sensu lato), включающие криптические виды. К основным составляющим успешной защиты, предотвращающей массовое распространение паразитических нематод, относятся карантинные мероприятия, агротехнические приемы, биологические способы защиты и возделывание устойчивых сортов. Особое внимание в обзоре уделено вопросам селекции сортов картофеля с длительной устойчивостью к различным видам нематод, поскольку возделывание таких сортов – экологически наиболее безопасный и экономически выгодный способ предотвращения эпифитотий. В настоящее время до- стигнуты значительные успехи в генетической защите сортов картофеля, особенно в отношении цистообразую- щих нематод. Приведены сведения об источниках устойчивости картофеля к паразитическим нематодам, выде- ленных в коллекциях диких и культурных видов. Проанализированы данные об идентифицированных R-генах и QTL устойчивости, которые были интрогрессированы в селекционный материал с помощью различных методов и подходов. Представлены результаты изучения структурной и функциональной организации генов устойчиво- сти к цистообразующим нематодам картофеля. Рассмотрены результаты исследований по использованию моле- кулярных маркеров определенных генов в маркер-опосредованной селекции для создания новых устойчивых сортов, в том числе с групповой устойчивостью.
Characteristic Phase Transition of Aqueous Solution of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Functionalized with Spirobenzopyran

A novel functional copolymer was synthesized by modifying poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with spirobenzopyran. The phase transition properties of the aqueous solution of this copolymer exhibited a logic-gate response to the light irradiation and to increased temperature, which has three different modes depending on the pH of the solution. Especially, a great increase in turbidity was observed even in dilute aqueous solution containing only 0.10 wt % of the copolymer although the copolymer contained spirobenzopyrans by only 1.1 mol %. It was confirmed also that the spirobenzopyran residues were isomerized by the influence of thermally induced phase transition of the same system. The main chain of thermoresponsive polymer and photoresponsive chromophores, which are linked closely together, affected each other.
Order−Order Transition in a Rod−Coil Diblock Copolymer Induced by Supercritical CO2

We synthesized a series of well-defined rod−coil block copolymers (BCPs), poly(dimethylsiloxane)-b-poly{2,5-bis[(4-methoxyphenyl)oxycarbonyl]styrene} (PDMS-b-PMPCS), containing a CO2-philic block PDMS, and we studied their phase structures in bulk and after treatment with supercritical CO2 (scCO2) using small-angle X-ray scattering. The nanostructure of the BCP changed from lamellae (LAM) to hexagonally packed cylinders (HEX) when the volume fraction of PDMS (fPDMS) decreased to ∼18%. Although the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PMPCS block in scCO2 could not be measured directly in our experiment, it significantly decreased in scCO2 at 110 bar as estimated from SAXS results. More significantly, we observed a HEX−LAM order−order transition induced by scCO2 in a HEX-structured BCP which was located close to the HEX−LAM phase boundary in the BCP phase diagram under our experimental conditions. The OOT could be attributed to increases in both the volume fraction of the coil block and the effective i.
Military Veterans and Welfare Reform: Bridging Two Policy Worlds through Qualitative Longitudinal Research

There has been an increasing focus in the UK on the support provided to the Armed Forces community, with the publication of the Armed Forces Covenant (2011), the Strategy for our Veterans (2018) and the first ever Office for Veterans’ Affairs (2019). There is also an important body of research – including longitudinal research – focusing on transitions from military to civilian life, much of which is quantitative. At the same time, the UK has witnessed a period of unprecedented welfare reform. However, research focused on veterans’ interactions with the social security system has been largely absent. This article draws on the authors’ experiences of undertaking qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) to address this knowledge gap. We reflect on how QLR was essential in engaging policy makers enabling the research to bridge the two parallel policy worlds of veterans’ support and welfare reform, leading to significant policy and practice impact.
DNA Extraction from Archived Paraffin Embedded Tissues: A Comparative Study Using Three Different Extraction Method-Extraction of DNA from Paraffin Embedded Tissues

Objective: Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue is a valuable source of nucleic acids requiredfor various molecular studies. The purpose of the present study was to extract Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)from archival retrieved FFPE oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues using three different extraction method(salting out, commercial kit and microwave method) and to compare the yield of DNA extracted by thesemethod.Method and Material: 30 oral squamous cell carcinoma paraffin embedded tissue blocks were categorizedinto three groups based on the duration of storage as Group A(<2 years), B(2-4 years) and C(4-6years). Thetissue sections made from these blocks were subjected to three DNA extraction method and the DNA yieldwas measured using a spectrophotometer. The extracted DNA was checked by successful amplification ofp53 gene using Polymerase Chain Reaction followed by gel electrophoresis. The values of DNA yield andpurity were statistically analysed and the level of significance was set at P? 0.05. Results: The DNA yield was above 3? g in all the three extraction method. On multiple comparison, themean DNA yield was statistically significant (P value<0.05) among the three method in Group A. Also, theDNA yield was found to be higher in salting out method though successful amplification was obtained fromthe extracted DNA in other extraction method as well.Conclusions: DNA was successfully extracted from all the tissue samples using all the three method. Saltingout method yielded the maximum amount of DNA compared to the other method and shall be a good costeffective alternative.
Active Control of Surface Plasmons in MXenes for Advanced Optoelectronics

Active Control of Surface Plasmons in MXenes for Advanced Optoelectronics Jehad K. El-Demellawi MXenes, a new class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, have recently demonstrated impressive optoelectronic properties associated with its ultrathin layered structure. Particularly, Ti3C2Tx, the most studied MXene by far, was shown to exhibit intense surface plasmons (SPs), i.e. collective oscillations of free charge carriers, when excited by electromagnetic waves. However, due to the lack of information about the spatial and energy variation of those SPs over individual MXene flakes, the potential use of MXenes in photonics and plasmonics is still marginally explored. Hence, the main objective of this dissertation is to shed the light upon the plasmonic behavior of MXenes at the nanoscale and extend their use beyond their typical electrochemical applications. To fulfill our objective, we first elucidated the underlying characteristics governing the plasmonic behavior of MXenes. Then, we revealed the existence of various tunable SP modes supported by different MXenes, i.e. Ti3C2Tx and Mo2CTx, and investigated their energy and spatial distribution over individual flakes. Further, we fabricated an array of MXene-based flexible photodetectors that only operate at the resonant frequency of the SPs supported by MXenes. 5 We also unveiled the existence of tunable SPs supported by another 2D nanomaterial (i.e. MoO2) and juxtaposed its plasmonic behavior with that of MXenes, to underline the uniqueness of the latter. Noteworthy, as in the case of MXenes, this was the first progress made on studying specific SP modes supported by MoO2 nanostructures. In this part of the dissertation, we were able to identify and tailor multipolar SPs supported by MoO2 and illustrate their dependence on their bulk band structure. In the end, we show that, on the contrary, SPs in MXenes are mainly controlled by the surface band structure. To confirm this, we selectively altered the subsurface band structure of Ti3C2Tx and modulated its work function (from 4.37 to 4.81 eV) via charge transfer doping. Interestingly, thanks to the unchanged surface stoichiometry of Ti3C2Tx, the plasmonic behavior of Ti3C2Tx was not affected by its largely tuned electronic structure. Notably, the ability to attain MXenes with tunable work functions, yet without disrupting their plasmonic behavior, is appealing to many application fields.
Optical Coherence Tomography for the Investigation of Skin Adaptation in Lower-Limb Prosthesis Users

ABSTRACT Introduction Mechanically induced skin breakdown is a significant problem for many lower-limb prosthesis users. It is known that skin can adapt to the mechanical stresses of prosthesis use thereby reducing the risk of breakdown, yet little is understood about the biology behind skin adaptation. This is a proof-of-concept study for the use of novel, noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging techniques to investigate skin adaptation. Methods Two OCT imaging-based tests were used to evaluate features of the skin that may be involved in adaptation to limb-socket interface stresses. The tests were used to assess the function and structure of the cutaneous microvasculature, respectively. Epidermal thickness was also quantified. Tests were run on three lower-limb prosthesis users in a region of the residual limb believed to be highly stressed within the prosthetic socket. The measurements were compared with measurements taken at a location-matched site on the contralateral limb. Results Two of three participants demonstrated a faster time-to-peak and larger peak magnitude reactive hyperemia response in their residual limb compared with their contralateral limb. Two of three participants also demonstrated a larger magnitude vessel density at maximum dilation in their residual limb versus contralateral limb. The epidermal thickness was greater in the residual limb versus contralateral limb for all participants. Conclusions This study demonstrated the utility of two novel OCT imaging techniques for investigating skin adaptation in users of lower-limb prostheses. If we are able to confirm these findings on a larger subject population, we will better understand the biology behind mechanically induced skin adaptation. These findings, along with the noninvasive OCT imaging methods introduced here, would have the potential to improve clinical practice by enabling the development of rehabilitation techniques and therapeutics to better strengthen skin, thereby reducing the incidence of harmful skin breakdown.
The chemistry of galaxies. I. The nature of giant extragalactic H II regions.

Spectrophotometric observations of 99 H II regions in 20 spiral and irregular galaxies are presented and discussed. The emission properties are shown to form a one-parameter sequence. The vast majority of the nebulae must be ionization-bounded. The most effective spectral sequencing index composed of line intensities from one metal is log )((O II)+(O III))/H.beta. ). Theoretical dust-free models of H II regions are constructed to explain the variations of (O II)/H.beta. , (O III)/H.beta. , (N II)/(O II), and (S II)/(O II). The oxygen abundance is found to be underlying physical determinant of the spectrum of a giant extragalactic H II region. The ionizing radiation field hardens with decreasing abundance. Above an oxygen abundance of about 0.2 times solar, the abundances of oxygen and nitrogen appear to be closely coupled. Nitrogen grows like a secondary product of nucleosynthesis (with respect to oxygen) on top of a base abundance (relative to hydrogen) of order 1 x 10/sup -6/. Sulfur appears to grow as a primary product of nucleosynthesis (with respect to oxygen). The models are used to revise the calibration of (O II)+(O III) with oygen abundance. The visual continuum of the H II regions seems to be contributed mainly by nonionizing supergiants inmore » the embedded OB associations. « less
Average Response Time (ART):Real-Time Traffic Management in VFC Enabled Smart Cities

The extension of Cloud computing with an effective impact is the Fog computing with respect to the edge network which has the capability of identifying location awareness with probable lower latency based on the ever increasing requirements the ever present connectivity and particularly low latency confront the real time traffic supervision in smart cities which is merely possible by integrating the aspects of “Fog Computing” and “Vehicular Networks” called as the Vehicular Fog Computing (VFC) which is capable of providing the real time position aware network response. In this paper we use the aspects and “use case of VFC” where in initially the article develops a “three layer VFC model” which enables us to implement the dispersed traffic organization by reducing the Average Response Time(ART) up to a greater extent and we facilitate the offloading scheme which is clearly based on the optimization problem for leveraging the parked and running vehicles as the fog nodes through with the performance is analyzed by validating the proposed model by providing measures or guidelines towards the challenges such as the VFC enabled traffic management as a whole.
Simultaneous determination of nine water‐soluble vitamins in pharmaceutical preparations by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection

A simple and rapid method for the simultaneous determination of nine water-soluble vitamins was developed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The water-soluble vitamins were analyzed by HPLC on a μBondapak C 18 column (300 × 3.9 mm, 10 μm) with methanol-0.1 mol/L KH 2 PO 4 buffer (pH 7.0) as mobile phase (1.5 mUmin) in gradient mode as follows: in the range 0-7.0 min, 10:90; and in the range 8.0-15.0 min, 40:60 (v/v). All nine water-soluble vitamins were separated in a single HPLC run within less than 15 min. The linearity of the calibration graphs was compound-dependent with correlation coefficients of 0.9986 to 0.9999 (n = 6). The detection limits ranged from 0.02 μg/mL to 0.5 μg/mL. The method was successfully applied to the determination of vitamins in pharmaceutical preparations. The recoveries were from 95% to 102% and the relative standard deviations were in the range of 0.8% to 4.2%.
How to Sustainably Use Water Resources—A Case Study for Decision Support on the Water Utilization of Xinjiang, China

Global warming has led to a serious crisis on regional water resources. Establishing a decision support system (DSS) on the sustainable utilization of water resources for arid areas is an increasingly critical problem. Selecting Xinjiang as a case study, this paper developed a system dynamics (SD) model. Through the simulation operation of the model, we achieved the decision on sustainable utilization of water resources. The extensive economic development is the main factor restricting the sustainable utilization of water resources in Xinjiang. We propose to adjust the planting structure and implement water-saving irrigation in Xinjiang, especially the Tarim Basin and Turpan-Hami Basin. This research provides the sustainable utilization plan of water resources for Xinjiang and its sub-regions in the next 30 years. By 2050, we recommend that the reuse rate of urban domestic water consumption and industrial sewage should reach 75%; the rural domestic water quota should be 70 L/(person·day); water consumption per industrial output value of ten thousand Yuan should be 28 m3; the irrigation water quota should be 5000 m3/hectare in Xinjiang. This research can provide references for the decision on sustainable utilization of water resources in arid regions around the world.
Mathematical model for implementing Non Linear Time Series Forecasting using Deep Learning

In this paper we propose a novel algorithm for implementing the mathematical model using the Non Linear Time Series Forecasting using the methods of deep learning which has to avoid noise and tends to transforms the space to next level in a iterative manner by swapping the down-trend to up-trend or up-trend to down-trend based on the iterative set values by computing the transformations. The proposed model must handle huge dimensional data which is in a dynamic nature of proposed model and then we need to compare the results attained from the proposed model with the complex ARIMA model and identified various trial and error methods for predicting the future price without guidance. For obtaining the results we used the petroleum dataset of India and attained the results which prove that our proposed mathematical model is far better than the famous ARIMA model while handling non linear time series applications.
Prospective Comparative Study of the Effects of Clonidine and Moxonidine as Add on Therapy in Patients of Chronic Kidney Disease with Hypertension in a Tertiary Carecenter

Objectives: To compare the effects of clonidine and moxonidine as add on therapy in patients of chronickidney disease with hypertension.Method: It is an observational study of duration of one year. Patient who fall under the diagnostic criteria ofchronic kidney disease with hypertension were selected randomly from those attending the routine medicineoutpatient department and medicine wardat S.N. Medical College and associated hospital.Result and Conclusion: Study shows a slightly greater reduction in various parameters of chronic kidneydisease like systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse rate, blood urea, and serum creatinine with moxonidine groupthan clonidine group. But statistically there was no significant difference was found in both groups.