Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical experiments on bar growth 2

5 [1] A two-dimensional finite element model for the morphodynamic evolution of a 6 cohesionless bed is presented and tested against experimental observations of the 7 formation and evolution of free bars. The model is then employed to study the strongly 8 nonlinear interactions governing bar development. The attention is focused on the 9 influence of the initial perturbation introduced in the flow field for bar inception. It is 10 found that the type of the disturbance plays a role of utmost importance as it can strongly 11 affect both the developing process and the equilibrium conditions.
Accountability in International Development Aid

Concerns over aid effectiveness have led to calls for greater accountability in international development aid. This article examines the state of accountability within and between international development agencies: aid NGOs, the international financial institutions, and government aid ministries. The investigation finds that there is very little accountability in these agencies, and that the accountability that there is often works against poverty relief. Increasing accountability, however, is not always the solution: increased accountability may just amplify the complexities of development efforts. Only those reforms with real promise to make aid more effective in reducing poverty should be encouraged. One such proposal is set out here.
Effects of surface topology on the formation of oxide islands on Cu surfaces

We examined the effects of surface topology on the nucleation and growth of Cu2O oxide islands during the initial oxidation stages of Cu(100) and Cu(110) surfaces by in situ ultrahigh vacuum transmission electron microscopy and ex situ atomic force microscopy. Our observations indicate that nucleation of three dimensional oxide islands on single crystal surfaces is homogenous, surface defects and dislocations play a very limited role as preferential sites for oxide nucleation. On the other hand, grain boundaries are the preferential sites for oxide nucleation and the oxide islands formed along the grain boundaries show a faster growth rate than that on flat Cu surface. The oxidation on the faceted Cu(110) surface results in heterogeneous nucleation of oxide islands in the facet valleys and one-dimensional growth along the intersection direction of the facets.
Environment, Well-Being, and Experienced Preference

Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the use of subjective well-being data in environmental economics. This article discusses the conceptual underpinnings of using such data as a tool for preference elicitation and non-market valuation. Given the connection of those data to the notion of experienced utility, we refer to this approach as the experienced preference method and discuss recent methodological advances and applications of the approach to subject areas not previously reviewed. In addition, we discuss insights concerning environmental behavior that can be gained with the help of subjective well-being data.
Plasmons on the edge of MoS 2 nanostructures

Using ab initio calculations we predict the existence of one-dimensional (1D), atomically confined plasmons at the edges of a zigzag MoS2 nanoribbon. The strongest plasmon originates from a metallic edge state localized on the sulfur dimers decorating the Mo edge of the ribbon. A detailed analysis of the dielectric function reveals that the observed deviations from the ideal 1D plasmon behavior result from single-particle transitions between the metallic edge state and the valence and conduction bands of the MoS2 sheet. The Mo and S edges of the ribbon are clearly distinguishable in calculated spatially resolved electron energy loss spectrum owing to the different plasmonic properties of the two edges. The edge plasmons could potentially be utilized for tuning the photocatalytic activity of MoS2 nanoparticles.
A review on prospects and challenges of biological H2S removal from biogas with focus on biotrickling filtration and microaerobic desulfurization

The production of biogas from sulfate-rich materials under anaerobic digestion results in the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The recommended level of H2S in the produced biogas for direct combustion purposes is in the range of 0.02 to 0.05% w/w (200 to 500 ppm), therefore, desulfurization is required to avoid damages to combustion equipment and prevent the formation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) which is an acid rain precursor. It has been well documented that physical, thermal, and chemical desulfurization approaches suffer from high operation costs as well as waste production needing to be disposed of. Accordingly, a great deal of efforts has been put into biological methods because of being more environmentally friendly and more economically advantageous in comparison with the other techniques. Biotrickling filtration (BTF) and microaerobic desulfurization have shown a high potential for H2S removal at pilot- and large-scale plants. Despite all the progress made and the promising aspects keeping these methods at the core of interest, there are still challenges to be addressed. The present article attempts to briefly review and discuss the challenges and future prospects of BTF and microaerobic desulfurization.
Development of a promoter-luciferase-based high-throughput system to monitor jasmonate-mediated defense gene expression

Defense gene expression systems of higher plants responsible for protection against pathogen attack are predominantly regulated by salicylic acid (SA)and jasmonic acid (JA)-mediated pathways, and control the expression of many downstream defense response genes. To monitor the regulated gene expression of SA-mediated signaling pathways, we previously described an assay system based on the bioluminescence of seedlings transformed with a promoter-luciferase fusion gene. Here, to develop a system suitable for JA-mediated gene expression monitoring, we compared the expression patterns of Arabidopsis gene promoters obtained from the plant defensin 1.2 (PDF1.2) and vegetative storage protein 1 (VSP1) genes in response to treatment with chemicals. Although both promoters responded well to treatment with JA in 3-week-old plants, only the VSP1 promoter exhibited marked and prolonged luciferase expression in response to JA treatment in 6-dayold seedlings. The use of transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings harboring the VSP1-luciferase reporter gene construct enables multiwell plates to be used for conducting high-throughput assays for the screening of chemicals that are involved in JAmediated signaling pathways in Arabidopsis.
Title Rapid unwinding of triplet repeat hairpins by Srs 2 helicase ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae

Expansions of trinucleotide repeats cause at least 15 heritable human diseases. Single-stranded triplet repeat DNA in vitro forms stable hairpins in a sequence-dependent manner that correlates with expansion risk in vivo. Hairpins are therefore considered likely intermediates during the expansion process. Unwinding of a hairpin by a DNA helicase would help protect against expansions. Yeast Srs2, but not the RecQ homolog Sgs1, blocks expansions in vivo in a manner largely dependent on its helicase function. The current study tested the idea that Srs2 would be faster at unwinding DNA substrates with an extrahelical triplet repeat hairpin embedded in a duplex context. These substrates should mimic the relevant intermediate structure thought to occur in vivo. Srs2 was faster than Sgs1at unwinding several substrates containing triplet repeat hairpins or another structured loop. In contrast, control substrates with an unstructured loop or a Watson–Crick duplex were unwound equally well by both enzymes. Results with a fluorescently labeled, three-way junction showed that Srs2 unwinding proceeds unabated through extrahelical triplet repeats. In summary, Srs2 maintains its facile unwinding of triplet repeat hairpins embedded within duplex DNA, supporting the genetic evidence that Srs2 is a key helicase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for preventing
Magma transport and metasomatism in the mantle: A critical review of current geochemical models - Discussion

Abstract Nielson and Wilshire (1993) promised a review of geochemically based models for magma transport and metasomatism in the mantle. However, they focused on discrediting the chromatographic model ofNavon and Stolper (1987). Nielson and Wilshire concluded that the process operating during melt percolation in the mantle "resembles ion-exchange chromatography for H2O purification, rather than the model of chromatographic species separation proposed by Navon and Stolper (1987). " Our objective here is to show that Nielson and Wilshire (1993) did not offer any new theoretical or modeling advances. We demonstrate that the "water-purification model" (based on the finite-plate model of Helfferich 1962) is controlled by the same physics and mathematics as the frontal chromatography model discussed by Navon and Stolper (1987). Thus, the distinction made by Nielson and Wilshire between the two models has no basis. Moreover, we show that with appropriate boundary conditions, the model of Navon and Stolper (1987) produces an excellent fit to the data that Nielson et al. (1993) fitted using the "water-purification model. " We emphasize that the model of Navon and Stolper can be used to model both small- and large-scale processes and that it allows the recovery of temporal information, which cannot be retrieved using the finite-plate model. The usefulness of these models for understanding the geochemistry of mantle rocks is a subject of active research and beyond the scope of this discussion.
An empirical study to measure the impact of financial and macro economical figures on capital adequacy

Article history: Received August 12, 2012 Accepted 1 October 2012 Available online October 2 2012 Capital adequacy plays an important role for reducing different risk components in banking industry. In this paper, we present an empirical study to measure the impact of financial and macro economical factors on capital adequacy. We gather the necessary information from financial statements and balance sheets of nine Iranian private banks over the period of 20052011. The results of analyzing the data based on the implementation of linear regression technique reveal that there are some meaningful relationship between financial figures, including bank size and profitability, and capital adequacy. However, the survey does not show any relationship between macro economical factors, including growth domestic product and inflations, and capital adequacy. © 2012 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
An External Memory Approach to Computing the Maximal Repeats Across Classes of DNA Sequences

This work presents an external memory approach to extract the maximal repeats from whole genome sequences with the statistics of these repeats across classes, where the definition of a class is determined from the statistics to be computed. A heuristic method consisting of a bucket-sort-like approach and the Chinese term extraction approach is adopted. The bucket-sorting method is used to sort the suffixes of DNA sequences stored in files, and the term extraction is used to extract maximal repeats by scanning the sorted suffixes while computing the statistics of these repeats. The statistics of these repeats across classes might be useful for sequence classification and species identification.
Mass balance of silica in straw from the perspective of silica reduction in straw pulp

The high silica content of wheat straw is an important limiting factor for straw pulping. High silica content complicates processing and black liquor recovery, wears out factory installations, and lowers paper quality. Each section of wheat straw has different cells and chemical compositions and thus different silica content. In this work, the silica content of balled straw samples were examined according to their physical components, including internodes, nodes, leaves (sheath and blade), rachis, grain, other plant bodies, and other plant spikes. Mass distribution of silica was determined by a dry ashing method. Half (50.90%) of the silica comes from leaves, and its mechanical separation will reduce the silica content in wheat straw pulp significantly. Destroying silica bodies by sonication will increase the strength properties of straw pulp.
Pastoral guidance for cohabiting couples – suggestions for the current Polish context

Premarital cohabitation in Poland, although still not as widespread and common as in many western countries, is becoming an attractive form of being in an intimate relationship for a growing number of young adults. This state of things – in spite of the recent, more welcoming attitude towards cohabiting couples introduced by Francis – is not fully recognised by the Polish Episcopate. The Church in Poland had to wait over two years to receive a general guideline for the application of Amoris Laetitia. Also, until now the Polish bishops have not been able to propose any systematic marriage preparation program (MP) or working document – which would offer principles on how to deal pastorally with cohabiting couples. In this article I specifically concentrate on the newest empirical research regarding the quality of cohabiting unions (prior to and after they transit to marriages) as well as on the new orientation towards those living in ‘irregular’ situations introduced by Francis. Based on these two perspectives, I make several suggestions on how to deal with the Polish cohabiting couples in the context of marriage preparation in a pastorally sensitive and at the same time effective and realistic manner.
Erosional and depositional subglacial streamlining processes at Skálafellsjökull, Iceland: an analogue for a new bedform continuum model

Abstract We combine the use of the unique Glacsweb in situ embedded sensors, surface velocity measurements (from dGPS and remote sensing), and UAV and field photographic surveys, to understand the subglacial processes responsible for the formation of a series of subglacial bedforms composed of both till and bedrock. There is till deformation throughout the year, with spatial and temporal variations. We estimate the ice velocity associated with the formation of a range of subglacial bedforms (9.2–31 m a−1) and the erosion rate on the bedrock flutes (2.13 mm a−1). We show that there is simultaneous deposition and erosion (either at the base of till or directly by ice) which generates flutes, large flutes and drumlins (rather than just depositional processes required by the instability theory). The flutes form behind obstacles associated with mobile till. Where a stationary obstacle is below a threshold height (which at this site is 1.56 m), either till tails will form behind the obstacle or a large flute will develop. Where a stationary obstacle is above a threshold height, then drumlins may form. Using these results as an analogue for larger bedforms, we discuss the bedform continuum in relation to elongation ratio, height, glacier velocity and bed mobility. These bedforms form associated with an overall net erosional regime, and once bedforms are produced, they may become fixed due to the presence of stationary obstacles, and so the resultant bedforms result from the most recent, as well as legacy, processes as they evolve over time.
Physical Characteristics and Somatotype of Soccer Players according to Playing Level and Position

Physical Characteristics and Somatotype of Soccer Players according to Playing Level and Position The purpose of this study was to assess the physical characteristics of soccer players according to playing level and position. A total of 305 professional male soccer players [Turkish Super League (SL) (n = 161) and Turkish First League (FL) (n = 144)] were involved in this study. All data were gathered at the beginning of preparatory period of mid-season. Height, weight, flexed and tensed upper arm and calf girths, humerus and femur biepicondylar breadths, and four skinfold thicknesses (triceps, subscapular, supraspinale, and medial calf) were measured. Somatotypes were estimated using the Heath-Carter method. SL players were older (p≥0.002), and heavier (p≥0.007) than FL players, while height (p ≤ 0.497) was similar between SL and FL groups. There were significant differences for BW (p≥=0.000), and height (p≥0.000) between playing positions. Goalkeepers were taller (p≥0.000), and heavier (p≥0.001) than other players. Midfielders were shorter (p≥0.013) than other players, however, they were lighter than forwards (p≥0.008). The mean somatotype of the overall players was 2.4-4.8-2.3 (0.9-0.8-0.7) in SL and was 3.0-4.5-2.6 (0.9-0.9-0.8) in FL. SL players were more mesomorphic (p≥0.01), less endomorphic (p≥0.000), and less ectomorphic (p≥0.001) than FL players. Except for goalkeepers, there were significant differences in paired means between whole somatotype means of the SL and FL according to playing positions. The results of the present study demonstrate that both physical characteristics and somatotype of players were significantly different between playing levels and positions. Although the somatotype of soccer players in both levels was dominated by the mesomorph category, players at the higher playing level were more mesomorphic, and less endomorphic and ectomorphic than players at the lower level at all playing positions.
The FIIND domain of Nlrp 1 b promotes oligomerization and pro-caspase-1 activation in response to lethal toxin of Bacillus anthracis by Vineet Joag

Lethal toxin (LeTx) of Bacillus anthracis kills murine macrophages in a caspase-1 and Nod-likereceptor-protein 1b (Nlrp1b)-dependent manner. Nlrp1b detects intoxication, and self-associates to form a macromolecular complex called the inflammasome, which activates the pro-caspase-1 zymogen. I heterologously reconstituted the Nlrp1b inflammasome in human fibroblasts to characterize the role of the FIIND domain of Nlrp1b in pro-caspase-1 activation. Amino-terminal truncation analysis of Nlrp1b revealed that Nlrp1b1100-1233, containing the CARD domain and amino-terminal 42 amino acids within the FIIND domain was the minimal region that selfassociated and activated pro-caspase-1. Residues 1100EIKLQIK1106 within the FIIND domain were critical for self-association and pro-caspase-1 activation potential of Nlrp1b1100-1233, but not for binding to pro-caspase-1. Furthermore, residues 1100EIKLQIK1106 were critical for cell death and pro-caspase-1 activation potential of full-length Nlrp1b upon intoxication. These data suggest that after Nlrp1b senses intoxication, the FIIND domain promotes self-association of Nlrp1b, which activates pro-caspase-1 zymogen due to induced pro-caspase-1 proximity.
Evaluation of Horseradish Peroxidase for the Treatment of Estrogenic Alkylphenols

The xenoestrogen alkylphenols 4-nonylphenol (3.4 mg/L) and octylphenol (6.0 mg/L) were oxidized by hydrogen peroxide using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a biocatalyst. Substrate transformation required about one mole of peroxide per mole of phenolic compound. A high degree of conversion of alkylphenol was achieved within a 3-h reaction time. In the case of 4-nonylphenol, HRP treatment led to complete disappearance of Microtox toxicity. Results of the yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay demonstrated that the reaction products of HRP-catalyzed 4-nonylphenol conversion lacked estrogenic activity. A new approach to the YES assay has been suggested based on observations made during this study.
A 380 V High Efficiency and High Power Density Switched-Capacitor Power Converter using Wide Band Gap Semiconductors

State-of-the-art switched-capacitor DC-DC power converters mainly focus on low voltage and/or high power applications. However, at high voltage and low power levels, new designs are anticipated to emerge and a power converter that has both high efficiency and high power density is highly desirable. This paper presents such a high voltage low power switched-capacitor DC-DC converter with an input voltage up to 380 V (compatible with rectified European mains) and an output power experimentally validated up to 21.3 W. The wide band gap semiconductor devices of GaN switches and SiC diodes are combined to compose the proposed power stage. Their switching and loss characteristics are analyzed with transient waveforms and thermal images. Different isolated driving circuits are compared and a compact isolated halfbridge driving circuit is proposed. The full-load efficiencies of 98.3% and 97.6% are achieved for the power stage and the complete power converter, without heatsink or airflow. The corresponding power densities are 7.9 W/cm and 2.7 W/cm, based on boxed volumes, respectively.
Regional Stock Markets and the Economic Development of Southeast Asia

type="main"> The paper examines the contribution made by the establishment and operation of a local stock exchange to the economic development of Southeast Asian (SEA) countries. The paper informs investors and policymakers about the current status of SEA stock market development and the associated positive and negative effects of such initiatives. Policymakers have placed a clear focus on SEA stock markets as a primary driver of regional economic growth. However, it is questionable whether SEA is ready for such an ambitious economic initiative, particularly given the reported negative effects of lesser developed stock markets. Despite these negative implications, the benefits appear to outweigh the costs for SEA stock markets. It is perceived that SEA stock markets will drive further economic reform, financial liberalisation, and market integration, promising tremendous benefits for both the region and the international investment community. The paper concludes with questions regarding the efficiency of stock markets in SEA and offers recommendations for further empirical research.
High concentrations of sub-3nm clusters and frequent new particle formation observed in the Po Valley, Italy, during the PEGASOS 2012 campaign

Abstract. The concentrations of neutral and charged sub-3nm clusters and their connection to new particle formation (NPF) were investigated during the PEGASOS campaign (7 June–9 July 2012) at the San Pietro Capofiume measurement station in the Po Valley, Italy. Continuous high concentrations of sub-3nm clusters were detected during the measurement period, although the condensation sink was relatively high (median value 1.1 × 10−2 s−1). The median cluster concentrations were 2140 and 7980 cm−3 in the size bins of 1.5–1.8 and 1.8–3 nm, and the majority of them were electrically neutral. NPF events were observed during the measurement period frequently, on 86 % of the days. The median growth rates of clusters during the events were 4.3, 6.0 and 7.2 nm h−1 in the size ranges of 1.5–3, 3–7 and 7–20 nm. The median formation rate of 1.6 nm clusters was high, 45 cm−3 s−1, and it exceeded the median formation rate of 2 nm clusters by 1 order of magnitude. The ion-induced nucleation fraction was low; the median values were 0.7 % at 1.6 nm and 3.0 % at 2 nm. On NPF event days the neutral cluster concentration had a maximum around 09:00 (local winter time), which was absent on a non-event day. The increase in the cluster concentrations in the morning coincided with the increase in the boundary layer height. At the same time radiation, temperature and SO2 concentration increased, and RH and condensation sink decreased. The concentrations of neutral and charged clusters were observed to have a positive correlation with sulfuric acid proxy, indicating the significance of sulfuric acid for the cluster formation in San Pietro Capofiume. The condensation sink had a negative correlation with the concentration of charged clusters but no clear relation to the neutral cluster concentration. This finding, together with back-trajectory analysis, suggests that the precursor vapors of the clusters and background aerosol particles, acting as their sink, have possibly originated from the same sources, including e.g., power plants and industrial areas in the Po Valley.