Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of black liquors from soda-AQ pulping of wheat straw

Wheat straw was delignified in a laboratory-scale digester by conventional soda-AQ pulping. The chemical composition of the corresponding black liquors was analysed with respect to their main organic constituents (lignin, aliphatic carboxylic acids, and polysaccharides). In addition, detailed gas chromatographic data were reported on the composition of aliphatic carboxylic acids (i.e. formic and acetic acids and different hydroxy carboxylic acids). The results showed that the dry solids of the black liquors studied contained 31 to 33% of lignin, 13 to 20% of aliphatic carboxylic acids, and 14 to 19% of polysaccharides. The value of average molecular masses (M w 4032 to 5298 Da and M n 732 to 832 Da) and polydispersity (M w /M n 5.0 to 7.1) indicated a close similarity between the dissolved lignins and a wide distribution in their molecular masses. It was also clearly noted that, beside degradation, some condensation of lignin fragments in black liquor occurred as delignification proceeded. Of the monosaccharide moieties detected, xylose was the dominant component, suggesting that xylan was a major polysaccharide constituent in the black liquor.
Ensemble machine learning algorithm optimization of bankruptcy prediction of bank

The ensemble consists of a set of individually trained single models, the predictions of which are combined when classifying new cases, in building a good classification model requires single model diversity. Logistic regression algorithm, support vector machine, random forest is a single model as an alternative source of information to diversity. Previous research has shown that ensembles are more accurate than single models. Single models, standard bagging ensemble models, and random forest modification ensemble models in bagging are some of the techniques we will study in this paper. We experimented with the financial ratio of the banking industry ratio. The results of his observations are as follows. The first ensemble is always more accurate than the single model. Second, we observed that the random forest modification ensemble model in bagging showed improved performance over single model and standard ensemble models, as they could adapt their behavior and make it more suitable for class imbalances in relatively small training datasets. This model can be used to improve the accuracy of the classification of multi-class datasets on the financial datasets of bank industry ratio.
Effect of trampoline sputtering on surface morphology and coatings properties

The collective trampoline ion-plasma effect was used to modify surface properties of metals, ceramics, silicon and carbon in a desired manner. The rough surfaces created by low-energy dense ion flows were demonstrated to include double-level hierarchical structures. Namely, the submicron and nanoscale peaks and valleys were found. The coating films were deposited by the nanoclusters emitted in the trampoline mode, as well as by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods. The substrates were prepared by prior ion processing in the trampoline mode. Preliminary nanoscale texturing of surfaces substantially modified the interaction of ion-plasma flows with surfaces during the subsequent film formation by PVD and PECVD techniques. The so created rough surface showed the strong film adhesion and a 25%–50% faster film formation during ion-plasma deposition as compared to the case of a non-textured surface. The transfer of target material in the form of nanoclusters allowed obtaining dense defect-free micron-scale films. The submicron structure leads to the infrared and visible light trapping. The results were analyzed on the basis of the previously suggested qualitative model of the trampoline sputtering.
Anomalous diameter dependent electrical transport in individual CuO nanowire

Cupric oxide (CuO) nanostructure arrays have been extensively investigated for solar energy harvesting, electrochemical energy storage, chemical sensing, field-effect transistors, etc. Although most of these applications depend on the collective behavior of an array of such structures, analysis of electrical transport in a single nanostructure, which are the building blocks, is essential for understanding both the fundamental aspects and device performance. Here we report the electrical conduction mechanism in thermally grown single CuO nanowire (NW), which reveals that the current density has an anomalous dependence on the diameter of the NWs—decreasing with an increase in diameter. An analysis of the electrical behavior at room temperature shows that the current density in CuO NWs has different slopes in different regions of the applied bias indicating distinct types of charge transport, which are characterized as near Ohmic (lower voltage), trap controlled, and space charge limited conduction (higher applied voltage). Further, the trap density and activation energy are calculated from the temperature-dependent current density data, which shows higher values (9.38 × 1015cm−3, 79.4 meV) in thicker NWs compared to that in the thinner ones (3.96 × 1015 cm−3, 63.9 meV). Investigation of the NWs with Raman and photoluminescence spectra establishes the presence of Cu2O phase in thicker NWs, which act as hole traps to hinder the charge transport in p-type CuO and resulting in lower conductivity at higher diameters. This study helps to design and fabricate prototype nanodevices with desired conductivity based on CuO NWs.
The effect of consuming an anthocyanin-containing supplement derived from Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) on eye function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 6-week consumption of anthocyanin-containing supplement on eye function. Methods : This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison study involving 32 healthy Japanese adults with eye fatigue after using visual display terminals (VDTs). Subjects were randomly allocated into either the active group (bilberry-derived anthocyanin 43.2 mg per capsule) or placebo group using a random number generator. Subjects consumed either one active or placebo capsule once a day for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measured was the change in percentage of pupillary response pre- and post-VDT use, whereas the secondary outcomes were tear film break-up time, Schirmer's value, muscle hardness, and subjective symptoms. Experimental data was analyzed using Student's t-test, the two-way analysis of covariance, or Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Each group included 15 subjects in the efficacy analysis. The active group showed a significant improvement in the logarithmic conversion values of the percentage of pupillary response (active group: 0.2 ± 0.4, placebo group: 0.0 ± 0.3; P = 0.043) and pupillary response/near point (active group: 0.1 ± 0.4, placebo group: −0.1 ± 0.3; P = 0.049) pre- and post-VDT use at 6 weeks compared with the placebo group in a subgroup analysis per eye. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions : The consumption of the supplement containing anthocyanins extracted from bilberry for 6 weeks inhibited the decrease in the accommodative function caused by oxidative stress due to VDT use. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR: UMIN000037039. Foundation: BGG Japan Co., Ltd. and Arysta Health and Nutrition Sciences Corp.
New business as a bargaining factor in audit pricing: evidence from emission trading schemes

In this study, we examine whether auditors use a new business as a bargaining chip in audit pricing. Taking the launch of China’s pilot regional emissions-trading schemes (ETSs) as a quasi-natural experiment, we find that mandatory participation in an ETS results in increased audit fees subsequent to implementation of the regulation. Adopting both empirical and textual analyses to exclude three alternative explanations (auditing effort, audit risk, and reporting risk), our results suggest that a new business is used as a bargaining chip by auditors when they negotiate audit fees with their clients. Additional empirical tests suggest that pilot companies experience an increase in audit fees after ETS implementation only when the companies have less importance to the auditors, companies' CFOs do not have experience working in an accounting firm and signing auditors are better educated. These findings demonstrate that the mandatory implementation of an ETS creates a new accounting business and alters the auditor–auditee bargaining dynamics.
An Ecological Insight into the Multifaceted World of Plant-Endophyte Association

Abstract Under natural conditions plants are not individual entities; they are associated with diverse microbiota to form the plant holobiont. The concept of plant holobiont is being actively explored to address the issues related to plant’s health. Endophytes are a class of plant-associated microbes, which reside within the internal tissues of plants. They have been ubiquitously reported in all plants investigated so far. The plant-endophyte interactions may exhibit different modes of symbiotic association, ranging from beneficial (mutualism), neutral (commensal), to even pathogenic. Although we have a fair idea of the factors affecting plant-microbe interactions, the intricacies involved in fine-tuning their association are just beginning to unfold. Some of the pertinent questions surrounding the plant-endophyte symbiosis include: how are endophytes different from other beneficial microbes like rhizobia, mycorrhizae, and rhizobacteria? What mechanisms ensure that endophytes gain an unsurpassed entry and colonization into plants without eliciting a strong defense reaction? Why do different strains of the same microbial species enter into diverse modes of symbiotic association with plants? What factors cause the switch in the lifestyle of endophytes? In the present review, these questions have been addressed in the light of recent data and finally, concluded with gaps in endophyte research, which could be deliberated in future endeavors.
Numerical investigation of oxygen transport in the retinal artery with higher order accuracy by using seven and nine point finite difference technique: a comparative study

The model explains the special distribution of oxygen pressure, typically normal breathing pressure with time-dependent diffusion including depletion of oxygen by normal metabolism. The model considered here has four sections described as the inner retina, the outer retina, the fluid layer, and the choriocapillaris. The oxygen transportation is considered through these four layers with metabolism in each layer that consumes oxygen. For the numerical investigation of the diffusion model, the method of lines (MOL) with Runge–Kutta (RK4) method is implemented. For the spatial derivatives, the different 6th (seven-point) and 8th order (nine-point) finite difference schemes are used to achieve higher accuracy. Three various models are thoroughly focused in the study. The normal metabolism rate of oxygen through each layer is found in the first case while abnormal rate is predicted in the second case and in third case; the vision loss due to extensive stage of hypoxia is observed. The key finding of the study comes in terms of getting higher accuracy by seven-point and nine-point formula as compared to five-point formula. All the major results are tabulated and sketched diagrammatically.
PRODUCTION, PURIFICATION AND FIBRINOLYTIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ALKALINE PROTEASE FROM EXTREMOPHILIC SOIL FUNGI

The fungal populations in the alkaline soil samples collected from Eastern Ghats, Kolli hills region was studied by using potato dextrose agar medium. The samples possessed an average of 15X10 4 colony forming unit per gram of soil. Among this population 23 strains of fungi belong to five genus such as Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Mucor were isolated. Protease producing fungal species was screened by Casein and Skimmed milk agar. Among the isolates three strains of Aspergillus spp. , one Mucor sp. and one strain of Curvularia sp. showed greater proteolytic activity in both of the medium. An isolate of Aspergillus strain KH 17 showed maximum zone of proteolysis in screening media and greater enzyme activity in submerged fermentation 215U/ml in complex media containing casein. The effect of physiochemical parameters studied includes different carbon, nitrogen sources, pH and temperature. Among the parameters tested 1 % starch, 3% soya bean meal, pH 9 and temperature of 25 to 30 0 C showed greater induction in enzyme production. The crude enzyme of cell free extract was concentrated by ammonium sulphate and dialysis. The precipitate showed 4.1 fold greater activities and dialyzed precipitate showed 6.7 fold greater specific activity per milligram protein than the crude. The fibrinolytic activity of the partially purified enzyme was determined, it showed prompt fibrinolytic activity. The area of clearance by alkaline protease was observed to be 64.5 ± 2.4 mm 2 . From this study it is found that the alkaline protease isolated from Aspergillus strain
Design and Experiment of a Hand Movement Device Driven by Shape Memory Alloy Wires

Hand is one of the most flexible and useful organs of the human body. However, cases of hand function loss due to diseases and accidents abound, which brings a lot of inconvenience to patients’ lives. This paper introduced a flexible hand movement device (HMD) driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, which is compact, lightweight, and easy to use during activities of daily living (ADL). Firstly, we elaborated the design and modelling process, including the driving analysis of SMA wires. Secondly, the manufacturing process and testing method of the HMD are presented. Thirdly, the results of the experiment are discussed in detail. Through the experiment, we obtained the bending angle and operating space of fingers. Moreover, the joint angle as well as the fingertip force can be controlled using PWM. A maximum angular movement of 45°, 62°, and 71° can be generated at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) of a finger using an SMA wire, respectively. Then, the operating space of the entire hand can be calculated based on the experimental results. Besides, an estimated 40 N of grasping force can be produced for a whole hand. In conclusion, this research indicates that the finger movement driven by the HMD is similar to a healthy person, which can meet the needs of ADL.
Dysregulation of Micro RNA-155 as a Biomarker in Iraqi Patients with Prostate Cancer

Chronic inflammation can induce proliferative events and posttranslational DNA modifications in prostate tissues through oxidative stress. The miR-155 expression is abnormally increased in tumors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the clinical significance of serum TNF-α and IL-1α as well as miR-155 expression in prostate cancer (PC) patients. A total of 50 blood samples from patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were collected from the Oncology Department, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, along with samples from 50 healthy volunteers. Serum TNF-α and IL-1α levels in Iraqi males with prostate cancer were estimated by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The total RNA was extracted from all subjects and converted to cDNA using Stem-Loop technique and the expression was measured by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) using SYBR Green with specific primers. The results showed that serum TNF-α and IL-1α levels were significantly higher in the clinical stage of tumor node metastasis (TNM) as compared to those in the control (p<0.05). The miR- 155 level was significantly elevated in the patients compared with the control (p<0.05), being positively correlated with advanced stages. It is concluded that circulating miR-155 could act as a promising marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of PC.
CINETIQUE D'ELIMINATION DU PHENOL ET DE L'ORTHOCHLOROPHENOL EN FILTRATION BIOLOGIQUE LENTE SUR SABLE ET SUR POLYSTYRENE

L'objectif de ce travail est d'etudier les modes d'utilisation du phenol et de l'orthochlorophenol (OCP) sur des filtres biologiques apres que la biodegradabilite de ces composes eut ete deja averee sur ces filtres lorsqu'ils sont utilises comme seule source de carbone par les bacteries. Ainsi deux colonnes de filtration ayant chacune 120 cm de longueurs ont ete utilisees. L'une contient du sable et le mode de filtration est descendant (down filtration) et l'autre contient du polystyrene et le mode de filtration est ascendant (up filtration). La hauteur des lits filtrants est de 70 cm, la vitesse de filtration 230 ml.H -1 . L'ensemencement a ete realise par les eaux de la station d'epuration de Limoges. La maintenance et la croissance bacterienne ont ete assurees par une solution complement nutritive: glucose - ammonium - sels mineraux (CaCl 2 , MgSO 4 , NH 4 Cl, KH 2 PO 4 , FeCl 3 , CaCO 3 ). Les prelevements sont effectues en entree et sortie des filtres et analyses au spectrophotometre a 270 nm. Il ressort de cette etude que la cinetique d'elimination du phenol est d'ordre 0 alors que la cinetique d'elimination de l'OCP est d'ordre 1 ou 2 en fonction de la concentration du compose.
Photosensibilisateurs pour la thérapie photodynamique (PDT) des cancers : impact des modifications structurales sur leur interaction avec des membranes

La phototherapie dynamique (PDT) consiste a injecter un photosensibilisateur (PSr) au patient, puis a illuminer sa tumeur. En presence d’oxygene, le PSr active entraine la formation d’oxygene singulet cytotoxique. Nos collaborateurs a l’Institut Curie ont synthetise des derives porphyriniques glycoconjugues(TPP) pour traiter le retinoblastome par PDT.Des etudes de caracterisation de ces TPP in vitro ont montre une internalisation dans la cellule par voie passive. C’est dans ce contexte que nous avons analyse l’interaction de certaines TPP avec les lipides membranaires.Dans un premier temps, cette interaction a ete etudiee par une approche chromatographique sur des colonnes C18/C8, PolarTec, HILIC et IAM. Nous avons demontre une variation de l’interaction selon la structure des TPP. Par la suite, nous avons mis en evidence par DSC, les changements d’organisation de bicouches phospholipidiques produits par deux TPP d’interet, et determine par FTIR-ATR, la localisation de la perturbation au niveau des tetespolaires ou des chaines aliphatiques des lipides.Cette approche a ete poursuivie par l’evaluation de la localisation des TPP a l’echelle cellulaire,par microspectroscopie IR couplee au rayonnement synchrotron. Une discrimination des TPP a ete mise en evidence par des outils chimiometriques pour les cellules Y79, mais pas pour les lignees WERI-Rb1 ni ARPE-19. Afin de developper un modele membranaire artificielde retinoblastome, nous avons realise par spectrometrie de masse (Orbitrap) une analyse lipidomique approfondie des phospholipides des membranes plasmiques et mitochondriales des lignees Y79 et ARPE-19,. Nous avons analyse les proprietes visco-elastiques des extraits membranaires et propose un modele artificiel complexe mimant au moins partiellement ces proprietes. Ce modele pourrait permettre le criblage in vitro des TPP.
Reduction of order of device Hamiltonian with adaptive moment estimation

We propose an equivalent model of simple form suitable for using in a computer program. The model reduces the order of device Hamiltonian and reproduces a narrow transport window of a target band-structure calculated by an atomistic model. We implemented the model with the adaptive moment estimation and the automatic differentiation technique by using an end-to-end open-source platform for machine learning. We tested the equivalent model on semiconducting nanoribbon and nanowire structures, and confirmed that it correctly reproduces not only the band-structures but also the ballistic transmission functions calculated by the non-equilibrium Green's function method.
Ultra-wideband arrays

There is a need for ultra-wideband phased arrays for military applications such as multifunction, EW, and ESM systems. This need was addressed on the DARPA reconfigurable aperture (RECAP) program, with a goal of a 10:1 bandwidth array aperture. Previous aperture designs covered 3 or 5:1 bandwidths [Hemmi, C, et al., March 1999, Chio, T.H. , et al., Sept. 1999 and June 2000]. On this program we designed array radiating apertures tunable over a 10:1 bandwidth, using RF micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switches. Design trades addressed multiple tunable approaches, but ultimately a 10:1 instantaneous-bandwidth approach, requiring no tuning, was selected for further development. An array aperture operating from 1.8 to 18 GHz (10:1), with dual polarization and wide-angle scan capability, was designed and demonstrated with hardware measurement.
A Systematic Review of Serious Games for Collaborative Learning: Theoretical Framework, Game Mechanic and Efficiency Assessment

In recent years, there has been extensive research on serious games for edu-cational purpose. However, the design space for collaboration in games re-mains substantially unexplored. In this study, we systematically reviewed 31 empirical research articles regarding game-based collaborative learning published from 2006 to 2020 and attempted to provide new information about designing serious games for collaborative learning. We surveyed a number of games and investigated their design features that encourage col-laborative learning. Twenty game mechanics were identified and grouped in-to six main domains: (1) Space, (2) Objects, attributes and states, (3) Ac-tions, (4) Rules and goals, (5) Skill, (6) chance. The analysis of user studies they performed indicated that most of the game projects relied on self-report methods to test their learning effectiveness, and only a few studies adopted the data mining method based on game logs. The implications for research into facilitating collaborative learning and recommendations for future re-search directions are discussed.
Effect of the length of flexible chain fragments on electrooptical properties of mesophase formed by chain molecules

The optical and dielectric properties of planar nematic films of liquid crystals representing a series of 4,4'-biscyanobiphenyloxyalkanes containing from 2 to 12 CH 2 groups in the alkyl chain were studied by polarization microscopy and threshold elastic deformations in the electrical field. The optical anisotropy xn, threshold potentials V 0 of elastic deformation, and the temperature variation of xn and V 0 values were measured for the entire homologous series. The xn values were used to determine the nematic order parameters S. The dependence of the xn, S, and V 0 values on the number n of CH 2 groups in the oxyalkyl chain exhibits a strong odd-even effect. This is explained by structural features of the studied molecules in which a flexible core links two rigid mesogenic terminal fragments. Several conclusions are made concerning the role of intramolecular orientational polar and intermolecular (nematic) orders in the formation of dielectric properties of nematic liquid crystals.