Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracking a broadband acoustic source in the near field using a particle filter

This report describes a numerical method that may be used to efficiently locate and track underwater sonar targets in the near field for the case of very small passive arrays. The waves emitted by the target are considered as curved rather than plane. The method uses only two pairs of acoustic sensors and is a two-step process. In the first step the time-delays are estimated for each pair of hydrophones using the generalised cross-correlation function. The second step consists of fusing this information based on the known geometry of the array to come up with the best estimate of target position. The optimal solution to the real time positioning problem is given by the recursive Bayesian filter. A transition equation describes the prior distribution of the desired parameters (target position and velocity), the so-called hidden state process, and an observation equation describes the likelihood of the observations (measurements). The determination of target position and velocity is formulated as an optimal stochastic estimation problem, which could be solved using a sequential Monte Carlo based approach known as particle filter. In addition to the conventional particle filter, the proposed tracking and classification algorithm uses the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) to generate the prior distribution of the unknown parameters. Finally, it is demonstrated the ability of the approach to track a fishing vessel over a period of time using the data collected by the Rapidly Deployment System array.
GOOGLE DATASTORE ON MULTI-CORE ARCHITECTURES

Google provides its users an assortment of applications and services. In the process, it requires to store and manage huge volumes of user data. To accomplish this, all the data is distributed and stored across thousands of servers, in a distributed storage system. This approach is beneficial since it exploits parallelism in a cluster environment to achieve an optimal system performance, in terms of throughput and response time. The advent of multi-core architectures has resulted in a lot of research to find effective software solutions that will take complete advantage of the parallel hardware. This project also deals with investigating the possibilities and developing a Google datastore-like system for shared memory multi-core machines, that is scalable, fast, and efficient. This background report discusses the motivation, relevant literature, scope, design decisions, implementation techniques, evaluation strategies, and the deliverables of the project. The literature survey provides all the essential background knowledge, necessary to understand the idea behind this research. The proposed system design comprises primarily of an underlying data structure and a set of APIs (Application Programming Interface) to manipulate the database system. The design decisions are aimed at obtaining high system throughput in a multi-core environment. The implementation mechanisms proposed, based on Java 6 include the parallelization of searches made to the database, apart from developing the data structure. An apposite data structure design is critical to achieve the desired performance and scalability criteria. Support for several database operations like insert, delete, append and search query, similar to that of Google DataStore exist in this system. The query execution is parallelized on several multi-core machines to capture and evaluate performance and scalability of the design, based on certain performance evaluation metrics. This is followed by an analysis of this evaluation, to arrive at the final conclusion. The designed database is a subset of the Google system (datastore) and hence, supports only the core features of the datastore. Given, the stringent time frame, enhancements like fault tolerance and security is avoided.
The distribution of Branchiostoma senegalense (Acrania, Branchiostomidae) in the off‐shore shelf region off North West Africa

During investigations on the macrobenthos between 17° N and 26° N on the North West African continental shelf, abundant stocks of Branchiostoma were found off Spanish Sahara (23° N-25° N), on the d'Arguin Bank (21° N-20° N) and off Gambia (12° N-13° N). The lancelets were identified as Branchiostoma senegalense (WEBB, 1955) by means of statistical analyses. The lancelet populations occur at dephts down to about 40 m. Deeper regions are probably avoided because of the excessively high detritus content. Favourable environmental factors such as temperature, composition of the sediment and food supply permit high lancelet abundancies. Up to 9000 animals'm2 were found in the population off Spanish Sahara. Rough calculations showed that the lancelet population comprises about 6 × 1012 individuals with a biomass of 1.5 million tons. The potential natality amounts to about 45 × 1015 larvae a year.
Structural and dielectric properties of Zn-doped MgAl2O4

MgAl2O4 based spinels exhibit fascinating microwave dielectric characteristics. However, the phase pure synthesis of these compounds usually requires a high processing temperature. Here, we report relatively low temperature synthesis of MgAl2O4 ceramics by sol-gel based microwave assisted combustion process. Zn was substituted at Mg site in order to systematically investigate its effect on the structural and dielectric statistics. X-ray diffraction was utilized to confirm the crystal structure and to evaluate the structural parameters. Surface morphology was determined by using a scanning electron microscope. The effects of Zn substitution at Mg-site on frequency dependent dielectric constant and tangent loss have been reported in detail.
Cryptography on Audio Files Using the Blowfish Algorithm

Blowfish is a 64-bit block cipher with variable key length. The algorithm consists of two part: Key expansion anddata encryption. Allowing its use in cryptography. In general, cryptography is about constructing and analyzecommunication protocols that can block an opponent. Various aspects of information security, Such as confidentialdata, Data integrity, Authentication and non repudance Is the center of modern cryptography. This caseimplementation with encryption and decryption techniques on audio files using java programming, aims to securethe audio data contained in it can be maintained and can only be read by user who have the cryptographic key.
Endocrine disruptors are a novel direction of endocrinologic scientific investigation

Endocrine disruptors are exogenous anthropogenic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, polychlorinated biphenyls, bisphenol A, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, phthalates and others), that are able to bind hormonal receptors of endocrine and other cells in vivo and act like hormones. These substances disrupt endocrine regulation of metabolism, reproduction and adaptive reactions of organisms and promote human and animal endocrine disorders.
Evaluation of Telerobotic Shared Control Strategy for Efficient Single-Cell Manipulation

Microinjection is a method for the delivery of exogenous materials into cells and is widely used in biomedical research areas such as transgenics and genomics. However, this direct injection is a time-consuming and laborious task, resulting in low throughput and poor reproducibility. Here, we describe a telerobotic shared control framework for microinjection, in which a micromanipulator is controlled by the shared motion commands of both the human operator and the autonomous controller. To determine the weightings between the operator and the controller, we proposed a quantitative evaluation method using a model of speed/accuracy trade-offs in human movement. The results showed that a 40%-60% weighting on the human operator (or the controller) produced the best performance for both speed and accuracy of guiding and targeting task in microinjection suggesting that some level of both automation and human involvement is important for microinjection tasks.
Moisture and Rutting Resistances of Foamed Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Coal Ash or Shingles With Moist Aggregates

The objective of this study was to evaluate the laboratory moisture and rutting susceptibility of foamed warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures containing moist aggregates and recycled materials such as manufactured roofing shingles and coal ash material. The test properties of these mixtures included the indirect tensile strength (ITS), tensile strength ratio, flow value, and rut depth of dry and wet specimens. The experimental design included two percentages of coal ash (10 % and 5 % by weight of the aggregate), two shingle contents (5 % and 3 % by weight of the aggregate), foaming WMA and control mixtures, and two aggregate sources (containing approximately 0.5 % moisture). A total of 24 mix designs were used in this study. The test results indicate that the aggregate source significantly affected the moisture and rutting resistance, regardless of the foaming technology and/or recycled material type. In addition, the dry and wet rut depth values of mixtures containing moist aggregate generally satisfied the demand of pavement performance without requiring additional treatment. Moreover, all mixtures have high dry and wet ITS values as using recycled shingle and coal ash materials along with hydrated lime or liquid anti-stripping additive. Furthermore, the utilization of recycled coal ash and roofing shingles significantly improved the moisture and rutting resistance of WMA mixtures.
Genetic association among scrotal circumference and female reproductive traits in Nellore

The objectives of this work were to estimate of genetic parameters for scrotal circumference (SC) at 12 (SC12, n = 652) and 18 (SC18, n = 607) months of age, age at first calving (AFC, n = 1,582), first (FCD, n = 1,582) and second (SCD, n = 644) calving dates and first calving interval (FCI, n = 644) in Nellore cattle. Parameters were estimated using REML methodology, with animal models and considering the relations among 15,648 animals. Heritability estimates from univariate analyses were . 24±. 10, . 31±. 10, . 01±. 03, . 11±. 05, . 07±. 08 and . 10±. 10, respectively, for SC12, SC18, AFC, FCD, SCD and FCI. These values were close to the estimates from bivariate analyses, except for the analysis including both SC (heritability estimates of .61 and .68, respectively, for SC12 and SC18). Genetic correlation estimates between SC12 and, respectively, AFC, FCD, SCD and FCI were ¾1. 00, -. 08, -. 71, and -. 37. In the same order, genetic correlation between SC18 and female reproductive traits were ¾1. 00, . 21, -. 35 and -. 44. The selection for SC12 would be more effective than selection for SC18 when trying to improve the reproductive traits of the females.
Reemigrar en España: una aproximación a sus determinantes

Re-migration in Spain: an approach to its determinants ABSTRACT: This paper investigates the reasons that lead migrants to perform multiple migrations in Spain. After describing the main features of these immi­ grants, we specify a binomial logit and multinomial probit in which the probabi­ lity of re-migration depends on the personal characteristics of individuals and the corresponding origins and destinations of their migratory paths. The information used comes from the microdata of the Residence Variation Statistic. Results in­ dicate that repeated migration of nationals and non nationals respond to diffe­ rent reasons. The analysis suggests that foreigners' re-migrations depend on the
Geometric constraint model selection – an example with New World birds and mammals

Geometric constraint models (GCMs) may be important tools for understanding macroecological patterns. However, there are currently a wide range of models in use, and few established criteria for selecting a model to use in a particular case. I propose a model selection procedure that uses multiple macroecological patterns to select the best fitting GCM. I then demonstrate this method by comparing the fit of three GCMs to patterns of richness, range size and range shape of New World birds and mammals. Which GCM fit best depended on the average range size of the group in question, suggesting that the choice of which GCM to use can and should be context-dependent. Objective model-selection criteria, such as those proposed here, offer a promising basis for making this choice.
Floral biology and the effects of plant-pollinator interaction on pollination intensity, fruit and seed set in Solanum

Reproductive biology and patterns of plant-pollinator interaction are fundamental to gene flow, diversity and evolutionary success of plants. Consequently, we examined the magnitude of insect-plant interaction based on the dynamics of breeding systems and floral biology and their effects on pollination intensity, fruit and seed set. Field and laboratory experiments covering stigma receptivity, anthesis, pollen shed, load and viability, pollinator watch vis-à-vis controlled self, cross and pollinatorexclusion experiments were performed on nine taxa of Solanum: Solanum aethiopicum L. , Solanum anguivi Lam. , Solanum gilo Raddi, Solanum erianthum Don, Solanum torvum SW, Solanum melongena L. (‘Melongena’ and ‘Golden’) and Solanum scabrum Mill. (‘Scabrum’ and ‘Erectum’). Pollen shed commenced 30 min before flower opening attaining peak at 20 to 30 min and continued until closure. Stigma was receptive 15 to 30 min before pollen release, making most species primary inbreeders (100% selfed) but facultatively outbreeding (12.5 to 75%) through insect pollinators such as Megachile latimanus, Diplolepis rosae and Bombus pennsylvanicus. S. scabrum ‘Scabrum’ was an obligate inbreeder, while S. scabrum ‘Erectum’ was facultatively outbreeding (12.5%). S. melongena ‘Melongena’ was strongly outcrossing (75%) than its relative ‘Golden’ (25%). Small pollen and anther assured high pollen load and pollination efficiency and vice versa, except S. torvum. Diploid species (2n = 24) received crossed pollen (25 to 53.9%) from related species than the tetraploid S. scabrum (2n = 48; 0 to 11%). We concluded that insect-pollinators complement self pollination in Solanum. They provide cross-pollen, which enhanced gene exchange and hybrids in natural population and lower inbreeding depression.
MOLECULAR EVIDENCE FOR EVOLUTION IN THE ALGAE: A POSSIBLE AFFINITY BETWEEN PLANT CELL WALLS AND ANIMAL SKELETONS *

It is not unusual for algae to serve as a source of evidence for the evolution of protozoa with whom they bear common ancestry through the phytoflagellates. In this paper, it is suggested that the animal skeleton may have evolved from a protein (or polypeptide) similar to the proteins found in algal and plant cell walls and to those found in the supporting internal or external structures of protozoa. Metaphytan and lower eucaryotic plant cells are protected and supported by cell walls composed mainly of polysaccharides such as cellulose, chitin, xylan, or mannan. Metazoa are supported and protected by exoand endoskeletons made of the polysaccharide, chitin, or the protein, collagen (sometimes impregnated with inorganic salts). The skeletons and surface coverings, i.e., “cell walls” of protozoa (tests, loricas, pellicles, and cyst walls) are also composed of proteins or polysaccharides. ’ These supportive and protective structurescell walls or skeletons-consist of a fibrous substance (linear polymers of cellulose, chitin, xylan, mannan, or protein) in a more amorphous matrix composed of other polymers such as xylan, mannan, mucopolysaccharides, or protein. *, Until recently it was assumed that any protein found in plant cell walls was an enzyme in the wall or a cytoplasmic c~ntaminant. ~. Proteins t in varying concentration have now been reported in a fairly representative group of plant cell walls (TABLE 1). Proteins or peptides as an integral part of plant cell walls may be traced to the most primitive plants, the bacteria, whose cell walls are made of linear polysaccharides cross-linked by small polypeptide chains.6 To date, there is no evidence suggesting that bacterial cell walls are related to the cell walls of microorganisms other than blue-green algae. ” The similarity in amino acid composition of the proteins of all vertebrate skeletons, many invertebrate skeletons, and other protective coverings, i.e., cuticles pr connective tissues, with some plant cell wall proteins is worthy of attention. These skeletons and cuticles contain the unusual protein, collagen.
QUANTITATION OF PHOTOSYSTEM II ACTIVITY IN SPINACH CHLOROPLASTS. EFFECT OF ARTIFICIAL QUINONE ACCEPTORS

Quantitation of photosystem II (PSII) activity in spinach chloroplasts is presented. Rates of PSII electron‐transport were estimated from the concentration of PSII reaction‐centers (Chl/PSII = 380:1 when measured spectrophotometrically in the ultraviolet [ΔA320] and green [ΔA540–550] regions of the spectrum) and from the rate of light utilization by PSII under limiting excitation conditions. Rates of PSII electron‐transport were measured under the same light‐limiting conditions using 2,5‐dimethylbenzoquinone or 2,5‐dichlorobenzoquinone as the PSII artificial electron acceptors. Evaluation is presented on the limitations imposed in the measurement of PSII electron flow to artificial quinones in chloroplasts. Limitations include the static quenching of excitation energy in the pigment bed by added quinones, the fraction of PSII centers (PSIIβ) with low affinity to native and added quinones, and the loss of reducing equivalents to molecular oxygen. Such artifacts lowered the yield of steady‐state electron transport in isolated chloroplasts and caused underestimation of PSII electron‐transport capacity. The limitations described could explain the low PSII concentration estimates in higher plant chloroplasts (Chl/PSII = 600 ± 50) resulting from proton flash yield and/or oxygen flash‐yield measurements. It is implied that quantitation of PSII by repetitive flash‐yield methods requires assessment of the slow turnover of electrons by PSIIβ and, in the presence of added quinones, assessment of the PSII quantum yield.
The role of ecology in the geographical separation of blood parasites infecting an insular bird

Niche modelling is increasingly used to predict species' geographical distributions or to infer the evolutionary or ecological processes that constrain them, but relatively few studies have examined the ecological processes governing the distributions of parasites. Among such processes, niche divergence is frequently invoked to explain species range variation. Here, we test whether the geographical distributions of two lineages of Leucocytozoon (Haemosporida) avian parasites are linked to climatic conditions and whether niche divergence can explain their geographical separation.
Metal fumes toxicity and its association with lung health problems among welders in automotive industry

Welding is one of the fundamental processes and considered the world’s most vital trades especially in metal industries. Along with mechanization and automation growth in the welding process, there is increasing concern over occupational lung disease among welders due to exposure towards welding fumes in a body shop area of automotive industries. This paper reviews previous studies on the implications of metal-rich contained in automotive welding fumes to lung disease risk among welders. In total, 123 publications for original papers, review articles and statements published in PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct that were relevant to research on lung diseases associated with metal-rich element contained in welding fumes are cited in this review article from 1950 to 2016. The presence of a specific heavy metal emitted in the automotive industrial joining process and the risk of lung disease are discussed systematically. These findings suggest that further studies on interactions of hexavalent chromium, nickel, iron, cadmium, aluminium and beryllium from welding fumes and induction of lung disease in automotive industries are highly warranted.
Characterizing Health Behavior Information: Developing A Surveillance Text Mining Framework Using Twitter For Diet, Diabetes, Exercise, And Obesity

The medical costs for individuals who are overweight or obese are $1,429 higher than those of healthy weight. Obesity increases one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, reproduction difficulties, and decreases the overall quality of life. Few studies have utilized a small-scale Twitter study to retrieve user-generated content regarding diet, diabetes, exercise, and obesity to characterize the topics associated with them; a human evaluation of the sentiment analysis and topic cluster results was also conducted. Previous studies show the relationship that exists among diabetes, diet, exercise, and obesity. Exercise and proper dieting are modifiable lifestyle behaviors that can help with reducing obesity and various chronic conditions like diabetes.
Thiomolybdates and the copper–molybdenum–sulphur interaction in ruminant nutrition

In 1945 we reported (Dick & Bull, 1945) the first observations on the effects of molybdenum in the diet of ruminants in limiting the accumulation of copper in their tissues. Further observations (Dick, 1952) indicated that there was a third factor which materially altered the control by molybdenum of copper accumulation and this factor, present in lucerne hay, was identified as inorganic sulphate (Dick, 1953a). It was also shown that sulphate regulated molybdenum excretion (Dick, 1953b) in the urine and hence the level of molybdenum in circulating blood (Dick, 1953c).
The polypeptide composition of highly purified prolamellar bodies and prothylakoids from wheat (Triticum aestivum) as revealed by silver staining

The inner membranes from wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Walde, Weibull) etioplasts were separated by density centrifugation. The etioplasts were broken by osmotic shock and the inner membranes were split by the sheering forces when pressed through a syringe needle. Membrane fractions representative of prolamellar bodies and prothylakoids, respectively, were achieved by separation on a 20–50% continuous sucrose density gradient followed by different purification procedures. The membrane contents of the isolated fractions were characterized by low temperature fluorescence spectra, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electron micrographs. The prolamellar body and the prothylakoid fractions had a fluorescence emission ratio 657/633 nm of 18 and 0.9, respectively. The main part of the total amount of PChlide was found in the prolamellar body fraction. The electrophoretograms stained with Coomassie Blue showed the presence of mainly two polypeptides. The NADPH-protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase was the dominating polypeptide in the prolamellar body fraction, and the α and β subunits of the coupling factor 1 of chloroplast ATP synthase the dominating polypeptides in the prothylakoid fraction. Silver staining revealed at least 4 additional prominent bands with molecular weights of 86, 66, 34 and 28 kDa. The polypeptide composition of the prolamellar body is thus more complex than earlier judged after Coomassie Blue staining. The function of these polypeptides is unknown, but the knowledge of their presence is important in understanding the formation and function of the prolamellar body.