Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Working Papers Department of Economics University of Vienna Quality-improving Horizontal Innovations

We modify the growth model with horizontal innovations from Romer (1990) and Jones (1995) by assuming that researchers can determine the quality of the products they invent. Because research effort increases with product quality, the researchers face a tradeoff between the quantity and the quality of their innovations. We show (i) that every product is slowly but steadily driven out of the market by superior goods, (ii) that the model does not exhibit a strong scale effect, (iii) that the long-run growth rate of the economy is not policy-invariant but can be controlled by quality-contingent R&D subsidies, and (iv) that the optimal solution can be decentralized using a mix of production subsidies, R&D subsidies, and lump-sum taxation.
Modes and instabilities in magnetized spherical Couette flow

Abstract Several teams have reported peculiar frequency spectra for flows in a spherical shell. To address their origin, we perform numerical simulations of the spherical Couette flow in a dipolar magnetic field, in the configuration of the $DTS$ experiment. The frequency spectra computed from time-series of the induced magnetic field display similar bumpy spectra, where each bump corresponds to a given azimuthal mode number $m$ . The bumps appear at moderate Reynolds number ( ${\simeq }2600$ ) if the time-series are long enough ( ${\gt }300$ rotations of the inner sphere). We present a new method that permits retrieval of the dominant frequencies for individual mode numbers $m$ , and extraction of the modal structure of the full nonlinear flow. The maps of the energy of the fluctuations and the spatio-temporal evolution of the velocity field suggest that fluctuations originate in the outer boundary layer. The threshold of instability is found at ${\mathit{Re}}_{c} = 1860$ . The fluctuations result from two coupled instabilities: high-latitude Bödewadt-type boundary layer instability, and secondary non-axisymmetric instability of a centripetal jet forming at the equator of the outer sphere. We explore the variation of the magnetic and kinetic energies with the input parameters, and show that a modified Elsasser number controls their evolution. We can thus compare with experimental determinations of these energies and find a good agreement. Because of the dipolar nature of the imposed magnetic field, the energy of magnetic fluctuations is much larger near the inner sphere, but their origin lies in velocity fluctuations that are initiated in the outer boundary layer.
Biosynthesis f fucoxanthin and diadinoxanthin and function of initial pathway genes in Phaeodactylum tricornutum

In mammals, cadmium is widely considered as a non-genotoxic carcinogen acting through a methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanism. Here, the effects of Cd treatment on the DNA methylation patten are examined together with its effect on chromatin reconfiguration in Posidonia oceanica. DNA methylation level and pattern were analysed in actively growing organs, under short(6 h) and long(2 d or 4 d) term and low (10 mM) and high (50 mM) doses of Cd, through a Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism technique and an immunocytological approach, respectively. The expression of one member of the CHROMOMETHYLASE (CMT) family, a DNA methyltransferase, was also assessed by qRT-PCR. Nuclear chromatin ultrastructure was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Cd treatment induced a DNA hypermethylation, as well as an up-regulation of CMT, indicating that de novo methylation did indeed occur. Moreover, a high dose of Cd led to a progressive heterochromatinization of interphase nuclei and apoptotic figures were also observed after long-term treatment. The data demonstrate that Cd perturbs the DNA methylation status through the involvement of a specific methyltransferase. Such changes are linked to nuclear chromatin reconfiguration likely to establish a new balance of expressed/repressed chromatin. Overall, the data show an epigenetic basis to the mechanism underlying Cd toxicity in plants.
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Dioscorea bulbifera tuber extract and evaluation of its synergistic potential in combination with antimicrobial agents

Background Development of an environmentally benign process for the synthesis of silver nanomaterials is an important aspect of current nanotechnology research. Among the 600 species of the genus Dioscorea, Dioscorea bulbifera has profound therapeutic applications due to its unique phytochemistry. In this paper, we report on the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles by reduction of aqueous Ag+ ions using D. bulbifera tuber extract. Methods and results Phytochemical analysis revealed that D. bulbifera tuber extract is rich in flavonoid, phenolics, reducing sugars, starch, diosgenin, ascorbic acid, and citric acid. The biosynthesis process was quite fast, and silver nanoparticles were formed within 5 hours. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction confirmed reduction of the Ag+ ions. Varied morphology of the bioreduced silver nanoparticles included spheres, triangles, and hexagons. Optimization studies revealed that the maximum rate of synthesis could be achieved with 0.7 mM AgNO3 solution at 50°C in 5 hours. The resulting silver nanoparticles were found to possess potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Beta-lactam (piperacillin) and macrolide (eryth-romycin) antibiotics showed a 3.6-fold and 3-fold increase, respectively, in combination with silver nanoparticles selectively against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Notable synergy was seen between silver nanoparticles and chloramphenicol or vancomycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and was supported by a 4.9-fold and 4.2-fold increase in zone diameter, respectively. Similarly, we found a maximum 11.8-fold increase in zone diameter of streptomycin when combined with silver nanoparticles against E. coli, providing strong evidence for the synergistic action of a combination of antibiotics and silver nanoparticles. Conclusion This is the first report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using D. bulbifera tuber extract followed by an estimation of its synergistic potential for enhancement of the antibacterial activity of broad spectrum antimicrobial agents.
Electronic Journal of Qualitative Theory of Differential Equations

In this paper, we consider the following nonlinear Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system with a steep potential well { −∆u + (λa(x) + 1)u − μ(2ω + φ)φu = f (x, u), in R3, ∆φ = μ(ω + φ)u2, in R3, where ω > 0 is a constant, μ and λ are positive parameters, f ∈ C(R3 × R, R) and the nonlinearity f satisfies the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. We use parameterdependent compactness lemma to prove the existence of nontrivial solution for μ small and λ large enough, then explore the asymptotic behavior as μ → 0 and λ → ∞. Moreover, we also use truncation technique to study the existence and asymptotic behavior of positive solutions of the Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system when f (u) := |u|q−2u where 2 < q < 4.
Eriophyoid Mites Found on Healthy and Rose Rosette Diseased Roses in the United States1

Phyllocoptes fructiphilus (Keifer), known as the rose bud mite, is an eriophyoid mite that has been shown to be the vector of Rose rosette virus (RRV), an Emaravirus, and the causal agent of rose rosette disease (RRD). Studies were conducted of mites found on roses, using various microscopy techniques including wide field, phase contrast and differential interference contrast light microscopy, and table top and low temperature scanning electron microscopy. Surveys of roses from several states within the US indicate the presence of three species of eriophyid mites: Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, Eriophyes eremus (Druciarek & Lewandowski), and Callyntrotus schlechtendali (Nalepa). Phyllocoptes fructiphilus was found primarily under the petioles (stipules), inside the flower sepals appressed to the ovary/seeds, and on the surface of the leaves. It was collected on plants with or without symptoms of RRD and often hides amongst the dense simple and bulbous, glandular hairs or under the stipules/petioles. Eriophyes eremus was found under the stipules of roses and is now recorded for the first time in the Americas. Callyntrotus schlechtendali was found on the open surface of the older leaves. The latter two species were not observed to be associated with obvious plant injury. In addition, predatory mites were found associated with these mites which may be useful as biological control agents of the eriophyid mites.Index words: insect vectors, disease spread, predatory mites, virusesSpecies used: Rose bud mite [Phyllocoptes fructiphilus (Keifer)]; Roses (Rosa spp.)
Title: A decision support system for self-management of low back pain Activity: PHC-28-2015 Predictive modelling RIA

This deliverable covers the provision of an activity recognition system from accelerometer data. The system takes as input time series data from a triaxial accelerometer, along with time stamps for each accelerometer reading, and returns a set of detected activities along with start and end times of each detected activity. The system also returns step counts for ambulation activities i.e. walking, climbing stairs and running.
Carbon Stock in Soil and Greenhouse Gas Flows in the Sugarcane Agro-System

Brazil is the world’s largest sugarcane producer (FAOSTAT, 2007), with an area of approximately 7 million hectares, and a production of 550 million tons (2006/2007 harvest season), which represents a 13% increase in planted area and 16% over the previous harvest season (UNICA, 2008). From these 7 million hectares, 3.7 are located in the São Paulo state, representing 52.8% of the country’s area, and 58% of the domestic production (CONAB, 2008). Estimates from Ministério da Agricultura, Abastecimento e Pecuária (MAPA, 2007) indicate a significant increase in the cultivated area for the next 10 years, to about 10.3 million hectares, as a result of potential demand from several countries interested in using ethanol as fuel, either to comply with the Kyoto Protocol, (mostly environmental considerations) or geopolitical and security of supply issues (MACEDO et al., 2008). In the sugarcane production system, burning tops and leaves before harvesting has been a common practice, to make stalks cutting, loading and transportation operations easier. The burning process produces the emission of gases like CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O, responsible for the greenhouse effect. Such practice also releases soot, which causes inconveniences as well as health hazards to neighboring populations (CANÇADO et al., 2006). Public policy banning sugarcane burning, together with the development of more efficient harvesting machinery, has favored harvesting of “raw” sugarcane (that is, unburned sugarcane), leaving CARBON STOCK IN SOIL AND GREENHOUSE GAS FLOWS IN THE SUGARCANE AGRO-SYSTEM
DESIGN OF FAULT TOLERANT PARALLEL FFT'S USING PARSEVAL CHECK

Digital FFTs are widely used in signal processing and communication systems. This makes protection against soft errors a requirement for many applications. Communications and signal processing systems are no exceptions to this trend. For some applications, an interesting option is to use algorithmic-based fault tolerance (ABFT) techniques that try to exploit the algorithmic properties to detect and correct errors. Signal processing and communication applications are well suited for ABFT. One example is fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) that are a key building block in many systems. Several protection schemes have been proposed to detect and correct errors in FFTs. Among those, probably the use of the Parseval or sum of squares checks is the most widely known. In modern communication systems, it is increasingly common to find several blocks operating in parallel. Recently, a technique that exploits this fact to implement fault tolerance on parallel filters has been proposed. In this brief, this technique is first applied to protect FFTs. Then, two improved protection schemes that combine the use of error correction codes and Parseval checks are proposed and evaluated. The results show that the proposed schemes can further reduce the implementation cost of protection. The design entry is done in Verilog Hardware Description Language (HDL) and simulated using ISIM Simulator. It is synthesized and implemented using Xilinx ISE 14.7. Index Terms: Error correction codes (ECCs), fast Fourier transforms (FFTs), soft errors
ScholarWorks at UMass Boston ScholarWorks at UMass Boston

This article examines how multinational corporations (MNCs) shape institutional conditions in emerging economies to secure access to high-skilled, yet lower-cost science and engineering talent. Based on two in-depth case studies of engineering offshoring projects of German automotive suppliers in Romania and China we analyze how MNCs engage in ‘active embedding’ by aligning local institutional conditions with global offshoring strategies and operational needs. MNCs thereby contribute to the structuration of field relations and practices of sourcing knowledge-intensive work from globally dispersed locations. Our findings stress the importance of institutional processes across geographic boundaries that regulate and get shaped by MNC activities.
Research on the moving behaviors and modeling of light nonaqueous phase liquid in subsurface

A two dimensional experimental chamber is designed and installed to simulate the spills or leaks of lighter than water nonaqueous liquid in water wetted porous media The results show the infiltration, movement and distribution of light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) in subsurface Then the mechanisms of LNAPL contamination are analysed by the multiphase fluid theory Based on the experimental results, the analytical models are developed to predict the moving behaviors of LNAPL in the unsaturated saturated zone,including the spreading velocity of contaminant front in shallow vadose zone and the final extent of immobile oil lens The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data It is shown that the predict models are critical for control and remediation of LNAPL contamination in groundwater
Viral Infections Exacerbate FUS-ALS Phenotypes in iPSC-Derived Spinal Neurons in a Virus Species-Specific Manner

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) arises from an interplay of genetic mutations and environmental factors. ssRNA viruses are possible ALS risk factors, but testing their interaction with mutations such as in FUS, which encodes an RNA-binding protein, has been difficult due to the lack of a human disease model. Here, we use isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived spinal neurons (SNs) to investigate the interaction between ssRNA viruses and mutant FUS. We find that rabies virus (RABV) spreads ALS phenotypes, including the formation of stress granules (SGs) with aberrant composition due to increased levels of FUS protein, as well as neurodegeneration and reduced restriction activity by FUS mutations. Consistent with this, iPSC-derived SNs harboring mutant FUS are more sensitive to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and Zika viruses (ZIKV). We demonstrate that RABV and HIV-1 exacerbate cytoplasmic mislocalization of FUS. Our results demonstrate that viral infections worsen ALS pathology in SNs with genetic risk factors, suggesting a novel role for viruses in modulating patient phenotypes.
Evaluation of Cervical Proprioceptive Function: Optimizing Protocols and Comparison Between Tests in Normal Subjects

Study Design. A test-retest design evaluated stability as well as within and between day reliability. Objective. The study aimed to define optimum protocols for the cervical joint position error (JPE) and cervicocephalic kinesthesia tests and to investigate association between performances in the tests. Summary of Background Data. The cervical JPE and cervicocephalic kinesthesia tests are proposed as measures of cervical proprioception. However, there has been little investigation of the number of trials needed to obtain stable and reliable estimates of performance. Both tests have potential limitations in reflecting the underlying construct of cervical proprioception and association between performances in both has not been investigated previously. Methods. Head repositioning and head-tracking errors were measured using an electromagnetic-tracking system in 16 normal subjects, tested on 3 occasions over 2 days. The effect of different numbers of trial repeats was analyzed descriptively in terms of stability of measures obtained and by using intraclass correlation coefficients to assess reliability. Association between the tests was analyzed with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results. Stable estimates of performance were obtained when data from 6 or more trials was included. The greatest test-retest reliability was obtained with 5 or more trials in both the cervical JPE (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.73–0.84) and cervicocephalic kinesthesia (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.90–0.97) tests. Correlation analyses indicated no significant association between performances in the 2 tests (r = −0.476–0.228, P > 0.05). Conclusion. Our finding that at least 6 trials were needed to optimize stability, and reliability of outcome measures has important implications for application of these tests. The lack of correlation between performances in the tests supports the suggestion that they are not comparable measures of cervical proprioception. Further planned studies will include a range of tests challenging different aspects of cervical proprioceptive contribution to sensorimotor control in different subcategories of neck pain patients.
Identifying separate impacts of climate and land use/cover change on hydrological processes in upper stream of Heihe River, Northwest China

Climate change and land use/cover change (LUCC) are two factors that produce major impacts on hydrological processes. Understanding and quantifying their respective influence is of great importance for water resources management and socioeconomic activities as well as policy and planning for sustainable development. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was calibrated and validated in upper stream of the Heihe River in Northwest China. The reliability of the SWAT model was corroborated in terms of the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), the correlation coefficient (R), and the relative bias error (BIAS). The findings proposed a new method employing statistical separation procedures using a physically based modeling system for identifying the individual impacts of climate change and LUCC on hydrology processes, in particular on the aspects of runoff and evapotranspiration (ET).
The impact of stochastic variability in insolation and capital cost of batteries on optimal microgrid design

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Department Master in Economics and Management of Network Industries (EMIN) The impact of stochastic variability in insolation and capital cost of batteries on optimal microgrid design by Tim Schittekatte In this research the impact of solar irradiation variability and battery prices on costoptimal distributed energy resource (DER) investments is analyzed. A novel methodology is proposed to capture the impact on power demand charges caused by moving clouds in microgrids where photovoltaic (PV) arrays, electrochemical energy storage and generators are considered. This is done using a statistical approach to decouple accounting of energy and power demand economics, and allows events of different time lengths to be simultaneously analyzed. The methodology is implemented in the Distributed Energy Resources Customer Adoption Model (DER-CAM), and four case studies are performed. In DER-CAM, a state of the art mixed integer linear model used to find costand CO2optimal DER portfolios of energy supply in decentralized energy systems, PV output is calculated using monthly average-hourly solar irradiation data. This approach fails to capture the effect of fast moving clouds and may sometimes lead to inaccurate results. The methodology introduced in this work estimates the variability of PV output and the resulting impact on power demand charges for different confidence levels taking into account that existing energy storage may offset drops in PV output if sufficiently charged, or that fast-ramping generator units may also be used for the same purpose. This formulation is embedded in the investment decision process, and is reflected in the optimal DER portfolio provided by DER-CAM. Results obtained in the case studies suggest that in previous DER-CAM formulations the optimal capacity of PV was overestimated in cases where storage capacity was not sufficient to compensate for drops in PV output. Also it was found that the optimal capacity of on-site generators might have been slightly underestimated in some cases. The new model formulation depicts the economic value of PV more accurately while effectively capturing the synergic economic benefits of PV paired with electric storage.
Book and Media Reviews

Abstract HOMESHARE IN EUROPE. By Anne-Lotte Kreickemeier and MaAsuncion Martinez Roman. Alicante: University of Alicante, 2001. Reviewed by Johan Galtung. ABOUT SCHMIDT. A Film by Alexander Payne (Director). New Line Cinema, 2002. Reviewed by Liz Larkin. THE LIVING MAYA: THE MOPAN AND Q'EQCHT OF THE TOLEDO DISTRICT, BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA. By Anne-McheUe Marsden. Belize: MayaViewkeeper, 2002. Reviewed by David Burdick.
Precise and Automatic 3-D Absolute Geolocation of Targets Using Only Two Long-Aperture SAR Acquisitions

This paper deals with precise absolute geolocation of point targets by means of a pair of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) acquisitions, acquired from a satellite. Even though a single SAR image is a 2-D projection of the backscatter, some 3-D information can be extracted from a defocussing analysis, depending on the resolution, thanks to orbital curvature. A second acquisition, observing the same scene under a different look angle, adds stereogrammetric capability and can achieve geolocation accuracy at decimeter level. However, for the stereogrammetric analysis to work, it is necessary to match targets correctly in the two images. This task is particularly difficult if it has to be automatic and targets are dense. Unfortunately, the defocussing-based geolocation is not sufficient for reliable target matching: the limiting factor is the unknown tropospheric delay that can cause geolocation errors of several meters in the elevation direction. However, observing that the tropospheric phase screen displays a low-pass character, this paper shows how to identify statistically the local atmospheric disturbances, therefore dramatically improving the score of successful matching. All steps involved exploit peculiar radar image characteristics and, thanks to this, avoid generic point cloud matching algorithms. The proposed algorithm is shown at work on a pair of TerraSAR-X staring spotlight images.