Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GEOCHEMICAL TRENDS IN SELECTED LECHUGUILLA CAVE POOLS

Lechuguilla Cave is the deepest known limestone cave in the United States, with a surveyed length in excess of 185 km, and hosts some of the world's most exemplary speleogenetic features. Since its discovery in 1986, Lechuguilla Cave has provided researchers with a unique location to study speleogenesis, geology, microbiology, and geochemistry. Although approximately 200 water samples were collected by numerous researchers between 1989 and 1999, subsequently little water quality monitoring has occurred. The primary objective of this study was to collect recent major ion chemical data from pools which either have experienced chemical changes in the past, or which have been designated as drinking-water sources for cavers, and to use those results in conjunction with previous data to evaluate historical trends. The study locations consisted of Lake Lechuguilla, and three pools designated as drinking-water supply (Lake Louise, Pearlsian Gulf Water Supply, and Tower Place Water Supply). In conjunction with sampling for general chemistry, the oxidation-reduction (redox) states of the pools were also assessed by conducting additional measurements for dissolved oxygen, dissolved organic carbon, redox potential (Eh), ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ), total dissolved iron, manganese, and nitrogen (NH3-N and NO3-N). Although Lake Lechuguilla experienced unexplained increases in nitrate and sulfate between 1988 and 1990, the major ion chemistry has apparently returned to baseline conditions. Results also show that between 1988 and 2006, the major ion chemistry of Lake Louise, Pearlsian Gulf, and Tower Place has remained relatively constant. Evaluation of redox status in these pools between 2005 and 2006 indicate an oxic (aerobic) environment, with dissolved oxygen levels in equilibrium with the atmosphere, and concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, NH3-N, iron, and manganese below detection limits.
A Parallel 5 DOF Positioner for Semi-Spherical Workspaces

In this paper, a new five-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulator is described and modeled. This structure has been specially designed for medical applications that require in the same time mobility, compactness and accuracy around a functional point. The purpose of this robotic device is to help practitioners to perform accurate needle insertions while preserving them from harmful intra-operative X-ray imaging devices. The system is built from revolute joints, among which only five joints are actuated to convey the required five degrees of freedom to its moving platform. A numerical simulation of the workspace and a physical prototype are presented.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Assessment of attractiveness of the wine-production industry in the Czech Republic

The paper is focused on evaluation of attractiveness of the wine sector in the Czech Republic and on the competitive position assessment of company Věstonicke sklepy, s. r. o. using the assessment of key factors and applying the GE matrix. Wine-production can be described as very attractive, favorably developing industry with significant potential for growth and expansion. In particular, the growing popularity of wine consumption, increasing consumption and production, increasing competitiveness, introduction of new technical innovations and introduction of innovative changes in production, storage and sales, are aspects that have a positive impact on the attractiveness of the sector.The permanent trend of development and market growth represent a well-verifiable criterion that implies there still is a significant share of the untapped potential. Assessment of the competitive position indicates relatively good strategic situation of the company in the attractive environment, but it is necessary to invest considerable financial resources with an uncertain impact on maintaining the position. Main problems of the company namely include the financial situation which is specifically addressed by utilizing short-term liabilities. The company can be described as prosperous in terms of established technologies and implementation of innovative changes, human resource management, use of production and storage capacities, marketing factors, selection of the appropriate type of promotion, and contracting reliable customers.The strategy based on the position in the GE matrix suggests that the company should focus on production of quality wines and on the offer of specialties to penetrate stronger into the market and with a better competitive advantage. The company should not forget the completion of the proper functioning of the website, which should lead to an increase of the number of potential customers.
Diabetes Lifestyle Support with Improved Glycemia Prediction Algorithm

This paper proposes a combined model to predict the blood glucose level of people with diabetes. Our method consists of two efficient models found in literature and takes nutrition, applied insulin, and initial glucose level into account during the calculations. An extension has been made to these models using various model training methods. Our aim is to help diabetics calculate the insulin need with this efficient algorithm later implemented in a user-friendly software. The tests, that are based on real data, show a significant improvement in the results if model training methods such as Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used. On the other hand, the numbers reveal the weaknesses of our method, which has to be fixed in the future. During an all-day validation, the prediction error was smaller than 3 mmol/l in 83% of the cases while using GA. Compared to other tests found in literature our model seems to be a good start in predicting glycemia, but needs further improvements. Keywords—Glucose-level tracking; eHealth; Genetic algorithm; Glucose-Insulin system; Glucose absorption; Diabetes mellitus; Outpatient care
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in the Banking Sector of Pakistan: Problems and Challenges

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) came into the power when banking institutions were getting more and more competitive. The focus of CRM helped banks to understand the customers? current needs, what they have done in the past, and what they plan to do in the future to meet their own goals (Xu, et al., 2002). Even though most of the banks in the developing countries such as: Pakistan, India etc. have realised the importance of CRM and implemented its applications, but the initial investigations of the current researcjh have shown that quite a number of CRM goals does not produce required results and even worse, in some cases users say that CRM has damaged customer relationships. Therefore, this paper is based on highlighting the problems and challenges in the banking sector of Pakistan using the customer relationship management (CRM). The paper also outlines some precise definitions of customer, CRM System in context with the banking industry in Pakistan, and work done by several researchers in this area. Some major problems in Pakistan? s banking industry using the CRM system are also discussed. Then, from two available research approaches (i.e., quantitative and qualitative), qualitative approach is chosen and its case study technique is selected since its techniques seem relevant to the nature of current research. A short description of some data collection techniques which are used for current research is also presented. At the last part of the paper, some of the major questions used for qualitative interviews from different banking customers and employees in Pakistan are presented and the major CRM problems based on these interviews are discussed.
“THIS DEAL IS DEAD!” A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF VC DECISION MAKING

This paper offers several novel insights on the Venture Capital (VC) decision making process by investigating the criteria used to reject deals (as opposed to the commonly studied acceptance criteria), and the dynamics of the VC decision-making process over the lifecycle of a fund. The qualitative analysis is based on a comprehensive, longitudinal data set comprising 11 years of archival data from a European-based VC firm. During this time, the VC managed two funds, reviewed a total of 3,631 deals, and made 35 investments. Implications of our results for research and practice are outlined.
Integrating Mobile Technology into English Lessons : A Case Study at VNU University of Languages and International Studies and VNU University of Education

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mobile tools (based on Web 2.0 platform) for language activities in English lessons for English-majored students at VNU University of Languages and International Studies (VNU ULIS) and non-English majored students at VNU University of Education (VNU UED). The study involved 21 newly enrolled Master degree students in Teaching Methodology program from VNU UED participating in an introduction program of English for Educational Purposes, and 25 4 th year English-majored students from VNU ULIS. The participants were allowed to use their own devices (smartphone, Ipad, Tablet, Laptop) during English lessons and were introduced mobile applications based on Web 2.0 platform for all their activities in and after class (speaking, writing, reading, listening, translating and homework doing). The study results show that English learning assisted by a mobile device was useful and fun for both groups in terms of developing language skills as well as technology competencies. Using a BYOD/BYOTs (Bring Your Own Devices/Bring Your Own Tools) both inside and outside the classroom, the participants expressed their need, interest and self-confidence in having more mobile apps for English learning despite their background language proficiency.
A construction-based analysis of the English modal be to*

Chang, Kyungchul. 2012. A construction-based analysis of the English modal be to. Linguistic Research 29(3), 579-597. This article presents a construction-based analysis of the English modal be to, as in John is to stay in town. Drawing on standard and novel arguments and evidence, it is argued that sentences with the be to are not bi-clauses but mono-clauses. It is also contended that the combination is a semantic and grammatical unit whose parts are syntactically separable. While the be part undergoes various grammatical operations, the whole unit denotes a deontic modality such as necessity. The article proposes an analysis of the unit as a construction that is stored in the lexicon and is combined with a main verb phrase at phrasal syntax. It also addresses a couple of advantages over previous accounts. (Catholic University of Daegu)
Surface Resistivity and EMI Shielding Effectiveness of Polyaniline Coated Polyester Fabric

In this study electrically conductive polyester fabrics were prepared by using conductive polyaniline polymer. The conductive fabrics were prepared by in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline using ammonium persulphate as the oxidant by a process of diffusion polymerization in a mixed bath. These fabrics were characterized by ATR-FTIR, WAXD, SEM, DSC and two-probe conductivity. The evaluation of electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the polyaniline treated fabrics was carried out using Agilent E5061A/E5062A ENA series RF network analyzer. The structural studies show that the crystalline region of fabric structure is not affected by the polyaniline and the interaction of polyaniline molecules with fabric molecules. The SEM studies reveal a very uniform deposition of polyaniline molecules on the fabrics. The thermal studies show that the PANI-treated fabrics have better thermal stability. The conductivity studies show that the treated fabrics have good electrical conductivity with the resistance value of 5 K ohm/sq. The EMI Shielding tests show that polyaniline treated polyester fabric has the Electromagnetic Interference value of -2.78 dB and which makes it a promising candidate for EMI Shielding and Anti static discharge matrix for the encapsulation of the micro electronic devices Index Terms — conductive fabrics, insitu-polymerisation, polyaniline, surface resistance
Development of NHT Type Cooperative Learning Model through Tutor to Improve the Mathematics Combinatoric Ability

This study aims to develop students 'mathematical combinatoric ability by using Nht type cooperative models, including (1) students' thinking processes on combinatoric abilities (2) Combinatoric abilities of students after Nht type cooperative learning and (3) levels of active student activity during the learning process. this is the class X-Multimedia2 SMK PAB 1 Helvetia as many as 30 students and the object of this research is the combinatoric ability of students. This study is a qualitative descriptive study. The instrument which used u consists of a combinatoric ability test, and an observation questionnaire of student learning activities. Data analysis uses the NHT (Numbered Head Together) model. Based on the data obtained data, the thinking process of students on combinatoric abilities after learning with cooperative models of NHT type is categorized into three categories, namely high, medium and low. (1) Students with high combinatoric abilities have conceptual thinking processes and are neat in completing combinatoric ability tests. Students with medium combinatoric abilities are having conceptual thinking processes but are less neat in completing combinatoric ability tests. Students with low combinatoric abilities in understanding problems using processes imperfect thinking, not concentrate and unable to use alternatives to answer and are not conceptual and neat. (2) Combinatoric abilities that are possessed by students of SMK PAB 1 Helvetia after Nht type cooperative learning are good. (3) The overall results of student’s presentations which is used during the teaching learning activities are in the se ideal time tolerance interval.
Ovarian vein diameters measured by MDCT in women without evidence of pelvic congestion syndrome

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to clarify reference values for ovarian veins diameters in women without evidence of primary or secondary pelvic venous insufficiency and to determine factors influencing these parameters. Methods: Multidetector computed tomography images and medical records of 197 women were retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ age, body mass index and history of parturition were examined. Results: Diameters of right ovarian veins (ROV) and left ovarian veins (LOV) ranged from one to six mm (mean 2.9 (1.0) mm, 3.2 (1.2) mm, respectively). The reference values for ROVs diameters were between 0.9 mm and 4.9 mm (95% CI 2.7-3.0 mm), while the reference values for LOVs diameters ranged from 0.8 mm to 5.5 mm (95% CI 3.0-3.3 mm). ROV diameter was significantly narrower than LOV diameter (2.9 (1.0) vs 3.2 (1.2) mm, p=0.031). Ovarian veins diameters were smaller in elderly patients (p=0.001 and p=0.002), and larger in nulliparous women (p=0.002) and those with higher individual frequency of parturition (p=0.05). There was a tendency to higher values of veins size in presence of drainage variation. Multiple regression analysis revealed presence of negative significant relationship of ROV size with age, positive association with parturition frequency and anatomical drainage variation of ovarian veins. ROVs and LOVs diameters did not differ in subgroups of normal weight, overweight and obese patients (p>0.05). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated significant reduction of ovarian veins diameters with advancement in age of patients, while increased ovarian veins diameters were related positively to parturition history and higher parturition frequency index. There was a negative relationship of right ovarian veins size with age, and positive association with parturition frequency and drainage variation. Only individual parturition frequency had an independent association with left ovarian vein diameter.
MicroRNAs Responsible for Inflammation in Obesity

Background: In recent years, more and more evidence has accumulated to elucidate the modulating roles of microRNA in immune and inflammatory system. We conducted a novel positional omics integration study to identify microRNAs that could shed further light on the possible links between microRNAs, adipose tissue immunity/inflammation and obesity. Methods: In contrast to previous methodologies employed for integration of heterogeneous OMIC data, we based the integration on genomic positions of alterations in human disease and employed an additional weighing step. A data search for various types of studies on obesity (genome-wide association, meta-analysis, transcriptomic, proteomic studies and epigenetic studies) was conducted to establish the initial data set. Results and discussion: The analysis identified 19 high scoring microRNAs (miR-146, miR-378, miR-143, miR-145, miR-194, miR-1273, miR-190, miR-561, miR-151, miR-215, miR-196, miR-328, miR-208, miR-3155A, miR-933, miR-4685, miR-640, miR-4659, and miR-877). Five (miR-146, miR-378, miR-143, miR-145, and miR-194), which may be directly linked to adipose tissue inflammation or obesity-related diseases, eight other microRNAs (miR-1273, miR-190, miR-561, miR-151, miR-215, miR-196, miR-328, and miR-208) have been identified to play a role in cancer and myocardial infarction, where obesity is a defined risk factor. Conclusion: In this study, we applied a new method of positional integrational analysis of different OMIC-layers and utilized an additional validation step through weighing. Our study yields a number of plausible microRNAs that provide an interesting basis for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms of obesity. Our detection of common microRNAs which are also related with an increased risk for inflammations, cardiovascular problems and type 2 diabetes, irrespectively of gender and age may provide a path for understanding the inherited or acquired impact of microRNAs on human health and wellbeing. J Endocrinol Metab. 2017;7(3):77-85 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem399w
Variance Estimation Using Jackknife Method in Ranked Set Sampling under Finite Population Framework

In experimental settings where measuring an observation is expensive, but ranking a small subset of observations is relatively easy, Ranked Set Sampling (RSS) can be used to increase the precision of the estimators. The majority of research in RSS has been concerned with estimating the mean are in the context of infinite population. Estimating the variance in case of RSS has been found to be cumbersome in the context of finite population. Therefore, in this study, an attempt was made to develop variance estimation procedures using Jackknife method in RSS under finite population framework. Under this study, three different variance estimation procedures have been developed using Jackknife method in ranked set sampling under finite population framework. The efficiency of these developed variance estimation procedures has been compared among themselves through a simulation study. The performance of variance estimation procedure following cycle based approach has been found to be at par with strata based approach for varying number of cycles as well as for varying ranks. The variance estimation procedures following cycle based approach and strata based approach have performed better than the variance estimation procedure following unit based approach for varying number of cycles as well as for varying ranks.
A Semiparametric Approach to Estimate Engel curves using the US Micro Data

The study estimates Engel curves using cross-section data from the 2003 US consumer expenditure survey (CES). We focus on finding adequate specification for modeling the demographic characteristics using parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric techniques. The empirical results indicate parametric Working-Leser or Piglog specification was sufficient for most budget shares except for transportation where semiparametric specification had support.
Remote Sensing Time Series for Modeling Invasive Species Distribution: A Case Study of Tamarix spp. in the US and Mexico

Detecting invasive species and predicting their potential distribution are crucial to coordinate management responses. Remote sensing data are now available in several spatial and temporal resolutions and can supply environmental models with additional information. This study uses the Maximum Entropy algorithm to model the current distribution of the saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) in the US and Mexico and to identify suitable habitats, both already inhabited and not yet occupied. Tamarisk is restricted to specific habitats such as riparian zones, wetlands and agricultural or disturbed areas, which are typically not only characterized by climate. To describe vegetation phenology and thermal seasonality in these habitats, the study uses annual metrics of remotely sensed time series from 2001 to 2008 (Terra-MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index and Land Surface Temperature) together with WorldClim bioclimatic data. By using occurrence records primarily from the US we were able to model predictive maps of tamarisk distribution correlating very well to the known distribution in the US. For Mexico, where only very few occurrence records exist, we identified potential tamarisk habitats for substantial areas in Baja California, in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa and in the Central Mexican Plateau. These predictive model results can be used to support the early detection and prevention of Tamarix spp. invasion.
Molecular analysis of tea clones (Camellia sinensis) using AFLP markers.

Cultivated tea belongs to the genus Camellia and consists of three species each with specific plant types viz. China, Assam and Cambod type. High flavour / quality is known to be a unique character of these tea clones. In this work, an attempt is made to explore the genetic variation of clones grown in Darjeeling area. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of 29 tea clones reveals a high degree of polymorphism in genomes of different clones. Cluster analysis exhibits a dendrogram that closely matches with earlier clonal grouping based on morphological characters. A total of 677 bands were amplified using 8 +2/+3nt primer pair combinations, of which 469 were polymorphic bands in a set of 29 tea clones, where as out of 174 bands 129 bands were polymorphic in another set of 50 tea clones by using four +3/+4nt primer pair combinations. The extent of genetic relatedness between the clones was found to be 70% using both +2/+3 primer pair combinations and +3/+4 primer pair combinations. The similarity index ranged from 0.712 to 0.815 within China type population, from 0.711 to 0.800 among Cambod type and 0.716 between to 0.778 among Assam type population using +2/+3 primer pair combinations. The high similarity figure (0.697– 0.869) suggests that the tea clones have a narrow gene pool within the genus Camellia.
The ion-ion hybrid Alfvén resonator in a fusion environment

An investigation is made of a shear Alfven wave resonator for burning plasma conditions expected in the ITER device. For small perpendicular scale-lengths the shear mode, which propagates predominantly along the magnetic field direction, experiences a parallel reflection where the wave frequency matches the local ion-ion hybrid frequency. In a tokamak device operating with a deuterium–tritium fuel, this effect can form a natural resonator because of the variation in local field strength along a field line. The relevant kinetic dispersion relation is examined to determine the relative importance of Landau and cyclotron damping over the possible resonator parameter space. A WKB model based on the kinetic dispersion relation is used to determine the eigenfrequencies and the quality factors of modes trapped in the resonator. The lowest frequency found has a value slightly larger than the ion-ion hybrid frequency at the outboard side of a given flux surface. The possibility that the resonator modes can be driv.