Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental issues of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers

ABSTRACT Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are among the emerging contaminants that have been traced in almost all environmental compartments for the past 30 years. Their continued application as flame-retardant additives, persistence in nature due to fluorine groups, global atmospheric transport, and analytical challenges due to interferences and different properties of congeners indicate the urgent need of finding solutions to their use. The increasing level of PBDEs in the environment and especially human tissues is alarming due to their potential neurological effects, cancer proliferation, and thyroid hormone imbalance. Therefore, strict regulations need to be applied in all countries to control the PBDEs production consumption and disposal into the environment. Studies have shown that conventional wastewater treatment plants are unable to degrade PBDEs resulting in the transport of 60–90% of PBDEs to soil through biosolids application. On the other hand, advanced treatment processes, such as ultraviolet light, advanced oxidation, and photocatalytic degradation showed promising potential for removing PBDEs from wastewater (70–100% degradation efficiency). PBDEs can be replaced by natural flame retardants, such as nanoclay or new polymers, such as bishydroxydeoxybenzoin which have no environmental or health problems compared to PBDEs.
An Efficient Data Dimensionality Reduction Scheme Based on SIFT for Face Recognition

In order to accelerate data processing and improve classification accuracy, some classic dimension reduction techniques have been proposed in the past few decades, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Locally Preserving Projections (LPP), etc. In this paper, we put forward an efficient data dimensionality reduction scheme based on Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT). Specifically, SIFT features of all images are first extracted, and then a dictionary is constructed by using k-means clustering algorithm, each image is finally represented according to their SIFT features and the obtained dictionary. A series of experimental results are carried out over two benchmark face databases to demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed scheme.
Disentangling the role of connectivity, environmental filtering, and spatial structure on metacommunity dynamics

Dispersal is a key process in metacommunity dynamics, allowing the maintenance of diversity in complex community networks. Geographic distance is usually used as a surrogate for connectivity implying that communities that are closely located are considered more prone to exchange individuals than distant communities. However, in some natural systems, organisms may be subjected to directional dispersal (air or water flows, particular landscape configuration), possibly leading close communities to be isolated from each other and distant communities to be connected. Using geographic distance as a proxy for realised connectivity may then yield misleading results regarding the role of dispersal in structuring communities in such systems. Here, we quantified the relative importance of flow connectivity, geographic distance, and environmental gradients to explain polychaete metacommunity structure along the coasts of the Gulf of Lions (northwest Mediterranean Sea). Flow connectivity was estimated by Lagrangian particle dispersal simulations. Our results revealed that this metacommunity is strongly structured by the environment at large spatial scales, and that both flow connectivity and geographic distance play an important role within homogeneous environments at smaller spatial scales. We thus strongly advocate for a wider use of connectivity measures, in addition to geographic distance, to study spatial patterns of biological diversity (e.g. distance decay) and to infer the processes behind these patterns at different spatial scales. Synthesis Everything is connected, but connections are seldom accurately quantified. Biological communities are often studied separately, using observations, experiments and models to unravel local dynamics of organisms interacting with each other. However, regional processes such as dispersal through ocean and air circulation, likely to connect distant communities and influence their local dynamics, are not always accounted for, or, at best, used as an homogeneous and distance-related factor. Ocean models have being extensively developed and validated during the past decades with the increasing availability of accurate meteorological data. Using such model outputs, precise quantifi cation of exchange rates of organisms between communities was performed in a marine Mediterranean coastal area. Jointly with local environmental and biological data, these results were used to quantify the effects of realistic connectivity on local and regional polychaete community structure, and revealed that the environmental gradient, geographic distance, and connectivity were responsible for community structure at different spatial scales.
Title : Allergen ligands in the initiation of allergic sensitization Running title : Allergen ligands

As investigations into the innate immune responses that lead to allergic sensitization become better defined there is a need to determine how allergens could interact with pattern recognition receptors that bind non-proteinaceous moieties. Many important allergens are not covalently bound to lipid or carbohydrate but have structures belonging to lipid, glycan and glycolipid-binding families. These include ML-domain proteins, lipopolysaccharide binding/cell permeability increasing proteins, von Ebner gland lipocalins, salivary lipocalins/major urinary proteins, plant pathogenesis related proteins PR-5 &10, uteroglobins, non-specific lipid transfer proteins, large lipid transfer proteins and proteins with chitin and other carbohydrate-binding modules. The binding expected is overviewed with regard to importance of the allergens and their ability to elicit responses proposed from experimental models. The evidence compiled showing that allergens from the same source sensitize for different types of adaptive immune responses supports the concept that individual allergens within these sources have their own distinctive interactions with innate immunity.
Switched Inductor Quasi-Z-Source Based Back-to-Back Converter for Variable Speed Wind Turbines with PMSG

This paper presents a new converter topology for interfacing a permanent magnet synchronous generator based variable speed wind turbine with a residential power network. Analysis of the converter topologies studied earlier shows that they are not well suited for PMSG with low output voltage. PMSG characteristics are discussed in order to formulate requirements for a power converter. A new topology of an interfacing converter is analyzed and simulation results of a lossless model are presented. Simulation results of the proposed converter prove that its utilization in wind power applications is beneficial. The results of performance tests demonstrate the SL qZSI ability to ensure the required sinusoidal output voltage at all operation modes of PMSG-based WSVT. Ill. 15, bibl. 9, tabl. 1 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian). http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.eee. 114.8. 698
Bamboo: An Alternative Raw Material for Wood and Wood-Based Composites

Bamboo is the most important non-wood species which is abundantly grows in most of the tropical and subtropical zone. It has developed as a specially valuable and superior alternate for wood composite manufactured, such as for pulp and paper, stripboards, matboards, veneer, plywood, particleboard and fiberboard. Moreover, several researches have used it as raw material for structural composites such as Oriented Strand Board (OSB), Glue Laminated Timber (GLT), Parallel Strip Lumber (PSL) and Oriented Strand Lumber (OSL). Nowadays, there are many kinds of bamboo composite are produced and traded in the world. However, there are several differences between bamboo and wood for example macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties. For this reason, the methods, technology and equipment for wood processing cannot be directly applied in bamboo utilization. Further research is noticeably required on the information on bamboo properties, cost-effective technologies and managements. With modern techniques and adapted technologies, bamboo can be processed into a wide range of products which successfully compete with wood and other raw materials in the future.
Numerical Simulation for Fluid Impact Loads by Flat Plate with Incident Angles

The free-surface motions interacting with structures are invest igated numerically using the Moving Particle Semi-implicit (MPS) method proposed by Koshizuk a et al. (1996) for solving incompressible flow. In the method, Lagrangian moving particles are used instead of Eulerian approach using grid system. Therefore the terms of time derivatives in Navier-Stokes equation can be directly calculated without any n umerical diffusion or instabilities due to the fully Lagrangian treatment of fluid particles and topological failure never occur. The MPS method is applied to the numerical study on the fluid impact loads for wet-drop tests in a LNG tank, and the results are compared with experimental ones. ※Keywords: Non-linear free-surface motions(비선형 자유표면 유동), Impact loads(충격 하중), MPS method(입자 상호작용 모델), Kernel function(커넬 함수), CFD(전산유체역학), Wet-drop tests(유체 충격 시험)
MODELING THE RISE OF FIBRIL MAGNETIC FIELDS IN FULLY CONVECTIVE STARS

Many fully convective stars exhibit a wide variety of surface magnetism, including starspots and chromospheric activity. The manner by which bundles of magnetic field traverse portions of the convection zone to emerge at the stellar surface is not especially well understood. In the solar context, some insight into this process has been gleaned by regarding the magnetism as consisting partly of idealized thin flux tubes (TFTs). Here we present the results of a large set of TFT simulations in a rotating spherical domain of convective flows representative of a 0.3 M⊙ main-sequence star. This is the first study to investigate how individual flux tubes in such a star might rise under the combined influence of buoyancy, convection, and differential rotation. A time-dependent hydrodynamic convective flow field, taken from separate 3D simulations calculated with the anelastic equations, impacts the flux tube as it rises. Convective motions modulate the shape of the initially buoyant flux ring, promoting localized rising loops. Flux tubes in fully convective stars have a tendency to rise nearly parallel to the rotation axis. However, the presence of strong differential rotation allows some initially low-latitude flux tubes of moderate strength to develop rising loops that emerge in the near-equatorial region. Magnetic pumping suppresses the global rise of the flux tube most efficiently in the deeper interior and at lower latitudes. The results of these simulations aim to provide a link between dynamo-generated magnetic fields, fluid motions, and observations of starspots for fully convective stars.
Progress and Challenges in Valuing Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Services

Coastal and marine ecosystems (CMEs) generate some of the most important services to humankind, but they are endangered from overexploitation and loss. The widespread decline in CME services suggests that it is important to understand what is at stake in terms of the critical benefits and values of these services. This article examines how environmental and resource economics has contributed to our knowledge of CME services and discusses progress as well as challenges in valuing these services. The article highlights case studies in which the economic valuation of key CME services has influenced policy decisions concerning the management of CMEs. Two key features of CME benefits are also examined. First, the natural spatial variability in these systems can influence the economic value of CME services. Second, because they occur at the interface between watersheds, the coast, and open water, CMEs can produce cumulative and synergistic benefits across the entire seascape that are much more significant and unique than the services provided by any single ecosystem.
FLOATING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

In the recent years, scientific and technological advancements have been made in the research and development of novel drug delivery systems by overcoming physiological troubles such as short gastric residence times and unpredictable gastric emptying times. FDDS is one of the techniques which shows prolong gastric retention by the principle mechanism of floatation. Several approaches are currently utilized in the prolongation of the gastric residence times, including floating drug delivery systems, swelling and expanding systems, polymeric bioadhesive systems, modified-shape systems, high-density systems and other delayed gastric emptying devices.
Using decision analysis to evaluate candidate OMPs for the South African west coast rock lobster fishery

Simulation models frequently are used to provide information to assist in decision-making in natural resource management. The sheer volume of information to process can be overwhelming, however, and there is a danger that some management objectives are not adequately considered, because of the difficulties of making decisions when there are multiple, conflicting objectives. Formal decision-analysis methods have been used in conservation biology to choose among simulation model results. This paper suggests that they can also be used in South African fisheries management, where simulation models are used extensively in developing operational management procedures.
Seismic evidence for stratification in composition and anisotropic fabric within the thick lithosphere of Kalahari Craton

Based on joint consideration of S receiver functions and surface‐wave anisotropy we present evidence for the existence of a thick and layered lithosphere beneath the Kalahari Craton. Our results show that frozen‐in anisotropy and compositional changes can generate sharp Mid‐Lithospheric Discontinuities (MLD) at depths of 85 and 150–200 km, respectively. We found that a 50 km thick anisotropic layer, containing 3% S wave anisotropy and with a fast‐velocity axis different from that in the layer beneath, can account for the first MLD at about 85 km depth. Significant correlation between the depths of an apparent boundary separating the depleted and metasomatised lithosphere, as inferred from chemical tomography, and those of our second MLD led us to characterize it as a compositional boundary, most likely due to the modification of the cratonic mantle lithosphere by magma infiltration. The deepening of this boundary from 150 to 200 km is spatially correlated with the surficial expression of the Thabazimbi‐Murchison Lineament (TML), implying that the TML isolates the lithosphere of the Limpopo terrane from that of the ancient Kaapvaal terrane. The largest velocity contrast (3.6–4.7%) is observed at a boundary located at depths of 260–280 km beneath the Archean domains and the older Proterozoic belt. This boundary most likely represents the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary, which shallows to about 200 km beneath the younger Proterozoic belt. Thus, the Kalahari lithosphere may have survived multiple episodes of intense magmatism and collisional rifting during the billions of years of its history, which left their imprint in its internal layering.
Unsafe abortion and associated factors among women in reproductive age group in Arsi Zone, Central Ethiopia

Unsafe abortion is one of the major medical and public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. Yet, there is no reliable information on induced abortion distribution and its determinant factors in the country. This study assesses the determinants of unsafe abortion among women of reproductive age group in Arsi Zone, Central Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in four health facilities in Arsi zone. Client exit interview was conducted on 268 patients using a structured questionnaire and semi-structured guide for in-depth interview with key informants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with unsafe abortion. Thematic analysis was done in this study. For variables having association in bivariate logistic regression, multivariate logistic regression test was employed. About 115 (42.9%) underwent unsafe abortion; they were about 15 to 19 years (AOR = 12.5; 95% CI: 3.24, 48.3), 20 to 24 years (AOR= 3.98; 95% CI: 1.27, 12.4) and had no formal education (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.67, 11.14). The study shows the high level of unsafe abortion to capture the attention of programmers and implementers to prevent unwanted pregnancy and make post abortion care accessible. Key words: Unsafe abortion, maternal health, Arsi, Ethiopia.
Current Assets Management and Financial Performance: Evidence from Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

The concepts of current assets management and financial performance have been adopted in many research fields but they are scarcely attempted on in developing countries. The structure and size of current assets and its impact on the financial performance of the firm cannot be over-emphasised. A literature gap exists, thus motivating the author to come up with a multiple correlation and regression model that uses current assets management to forecast changes in financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. These varying parameters include the cash and bank balances, financial assets held for trading, derivative assets, loans and advances to banks and loans and advances to customers. An OLS model was formulated to compute the effect of CAM on financial performance. For model validation purpose, five year data analysis was conducted. The study’s sample utilizes data from 2010-2014 belonging to 15 deposit money banks operating in financial services sector as listed by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). In empirical analyses, robust estimator was used. The results of the conducted analyses suggest a positive relation between the cash and bank balances, financial assets held for trading, loans and advances to customers and Return on Asset. Another result of the study, on the other hand, suggests that derivative assets, loans and advances to banks have negative impact on return on asset. Keywords : Current assets management, deposit money banks, financial performance, Nigeria
Effects of Grain Size and Orientation on Mechanical Response of Lead Free Solders

In this study, the effects of grain size and orientation on mechanical behaviors of lead free solders were evaluated by measuring the sub-grain size and determining the plane orientation of the grains. Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder alloys and solder joints (SAC 105, SAC 305, SACX) were chosen for investigation. By using polarized light microscopy, Ball Grid Array (BGA) solder joints were found to typically be comprised of a single grain or just a few grains. To quantitatively measure the sub-grain size, three methods including the intercept method, the planimetric method, and the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) method were applied to examine the microstructure of SAC solders. The results indicated that the sub-grain size increased during aging, which could be a cause of aging-induced degradation of mechanical properties of SAC solders. In the second part of this work, the grain orientations in solder specimens and joints were characterized by the EBSD technique. Inverse pole figures (IPFs) were generated and used to calculate the Euler angles and crystallographic orientations of the grains. Based on the determination of the crystallographic orientations, the elastic modulus values were determined in the global coordinate directions of the joints. Simple finite element models were also developed to show the importance of the grain structure and orientation. The results revealed that in-plane shear stress concentrations were induced along the grain boundaries and the stress distributions were dependent on the grain sizes and orientations in the SAC solder joints.
The external validity of scores based on the two-parameter logistic model: Some comparisons between IRT and CTT

A theoretical advantage of item response theory (IRT) models is that trait estimates based on these models provide more test information than any other type of test score. It is still unclear, however, whether using IRT trait estimates improves external validity results in comparison with the results that can be obtained by using simple raw scores. This paper discusses some methodological results based on the 2-parameter logistic model (2PLM) and is concerned with three issues: first, how validity coefficients based on IRT trait estimates must be interpreted; second, how inferences about these coefficients can be made; and third, which differences in external validity can be expected if the 2PLM is correct for the data and IRT scores are used in place of raw scores. Four empirical examples in the personality domain provided further evidence for the results that can be expected in real research in which the model is, at best, a good approximation to the data. A general result of these examples was that validity coefficients based on IRT scores were similar to those based on raw scores
Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Awareness and Expectations Among Completely Edentulous Patients Regarding Conventional Complete Dentures

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between socioeconomic status of Patients with regard to their awareness and expectation regarding conventional complete denture treatment through a questionnaire based survey. Material and Methods: The Present study was conducted in region of Delhi. 1500 completely edentulous patients of different socioeconomic status with age group of 63-74 years who report to Dental OPD first time are taken for the study from the period of January 2015 till January 2016. The sample questionnaire to determine awareness and expectation of conventional complete denture therapy was formulated. Results were statistically evaluated. Results: The percentage of patients believing in dissimilarity between natural and artificial teeth was decreasing as moving from Upper to Lower class. Upper class and Upper middle class patients feel that artificial teeth may create problem initially whereas Lower class and Upper Lower class patients feel vice versa. Upper ,Upper middle and Lower middle class patients feel that they need to visit dentist after getting dentures made whereas Upper lower and lower class patients feel otherwise. Majority of patients in all socioeconomic groups feel that CD lasts for Lifelong. Percentage of Upper, Upper middle, Lower middle and Upper Lower and Lower class who had higher expectations from treatment was greatest. Percentage of patients with no expectation from treatment were highest in Upper Lower and Lower classes. Conclusion: Socioeconomic status has a definite relationship on awareness and expectation of patients regarding complete denture treatment. This should be considered as one of the major factor affecting success of conventional complete denture treatment.