Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LIF DIAGNOSTICS OF NO MOLECULES IN ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE DC STREAMER CORONAS USED FOR NOX ABATEMENT

Recently, the streamer coronas have been proved to be one of the most efficient atmospheric-pressure non-thermal plasma methods used for NOx removal from the flue gases. In order to optimize the non-thermal plasma processing of the flue gases, it is important to study directly in the plasma reactor the discharge-induced plasma-chemical processes responsible for NOx removal. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is a useful diagnostics method for in-situ observation of the phenomena occurring during the NOx removal process (e.g., for monitoring the spatial and temporal behaviours of the species involved) [1-5]. The main objective of the presented work was LIF visualization of NO density (two-dimensional distribution) and monitoring the process of NOx removal in various regions of the streamer corona discharge reactor through which a simulator of flue gas (air/NO) flowed.
Universities as Knowledge Providers in the Technological Innovation. Romania's Situation

In its first part, the present paper demonstrates the relation between innovation and knowledge using a literature review. Concepts such as technology, technological innovation, knowledge and knowledge flow are defined and described. The Newman model of knowledge flows is then used as a starting point for the analysis of the innovative potential in the Romanian academic sector. The paper also identifies the characteristics of the knowledge actors, transformation and knowledge artefacts at the level of the Romanian universities. In the conclusions part, starting from the characteristics we discovered, we drew a series of recommendations for changing the knowledge web in the academic environment into innovation.
The Post-Apartheid Challenge: Labour Demand Trends in the South African Labour Market, 1995-1999

The paper attempts to provide a descriptive overview of absolute and relative shifts in labour demand in the South African economy over the post-apartheid period, 1995-1999. The paper debunks the myth that the domestic economy is characterised by ‘jobless growth’ in this period. However, it does reveal that the rate of job creation has been far below the growth of the labour force, yielding a relatively poor employment performance for the South African economy. In particular, the analysis shows that the economy is a poor creator of low-end jobs. The second segment of the paper attempts to ascribe, using an established labour demand decomposition methodology, reasons for these labour demand shifts. It is clear that the adoption of new technologies, relative to structural changes in the economy, have remained the dominant determinant of the economys employment trajectory. One key exogenous factor though, has impacted on employment changes in this period namely the process of intensive process of public sector restructuring.
An Overview on Facial Image Annotation

Face recognition presents a challenging problem in the field of image analysis and computer vision, and it has received a great deal of attention over the last few years because of its applications in various domains. Mining web facial images on the internet has emerged as a promising paradigm towards auto face annotation. Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems require users to query images by their low-level visual content. This not only makes it hard for users to formulate queries, but also can lead to unsatisfied retrieval results. Because of this, Image annotation is introduced. The aim of image annotation is to automatically assign keywords to images, so image retrieval users are able to query images by Keywords and automatically detect human faces from a photo image and further name the faces with the corresponding human names. This paper also focuses on some of the earlier work on face annotation.
Teleseismic imaging of alpine crustal underthrusting beneath Niberia

The deep crustal structure of the northern part of Iberia, extensively explored by active seismic methods, has been investigated here by the teleseismic receiver function (RF) technique. Two N‐S transects were implemented across the Cantabrian Mountains (CMT) and the western Pyrenees (WPT). The resulting RFs were migrated to obtain depth sections of the lithosphere. These images are fairly consistent with previous seismic sections and velocity‐depth modeling. The WPT shows a clear northward‐dipping interface, interpreted as the Iberian lower crust underthrusting an European Moho identified at the northern end of the transect. In the CMT a similar pattern can be inferred, although the deep crustal geometry is not well resolved. In this transect, intra‐crustal convertors are associated to high‐velocity materials of European lower crust imbricated at shallower levels. The new results provide farther evidence on the lateral extent of the Alpine underthrusting of Iberia beneath Europe.
Necessity vs. Opportunity Entrepreneurs in the Informal sector (Short Note)

Some informal or unregistered businesses are established to take advantage of business opportunities (opportunity firms) while others are established because the owner cannot find a satisfactory job (necessity firms). Comparing opportunity vs. necessity informal firms in Africa, this note finds that opportunity firms are more efficient and larger. They are also more likely to use external finance, and suffer less from infrastructure bottlenecks such as power outages. However, all these differences apply to the manufacturing sector alone. With the exception of having more educated managers and more businesses located outside than inside household premises, opportunity firms in the service sector are not too different from the necessity firms in the same sector. In short, the motivation behind starting a business influences the performance of informal manufacturing firms but has little effect on the performance of informal service firms.
Control of the glacial carbon budget by topographically induced mixing

Evidence for the oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO2 during glaciations suggests that there was less production of southern origin deep water but, paradoxically, a larger volume of southern origin water than today. Here we demonstrate, using a theoretical box model, that the inverse relationship between volume and production rate of this water mass can be explained by invoking mixing rates in the deep ocean that are proportional to topographic outcropping area scaled with ocean floor slope. Furthermore, we show that the resulting profile, of a near‐linear decrease in mixing intensity away from the bottom, generates a positive feedback on CO2 uptake that can initiate a glacial cycle. The results point to the importance of using topography‐dependent mixing when studying the large‐scale ocean circulation, especially in the paleo‐intercomparison models that have failed to produce the weaker and more voluminous bottom water of the Last Glacial Maximum.
Food before Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel has recently drawn attention because of its potential to make an important contribution to national energy security and the environment. However, the rapid growth of biodiesel has raised concerns about biodiesel’s impact on the price level and volatility of agricultural commodities. To address these concerns this research investigates the short- and long-run relationships between agricultural commodity and fuel markets, and finds interdependencies between the two. The causal linkage between biodiesel and soybean prices is very weak, indicating little likelihood of biodiesel triggering another food crisis. In contrast, oil price shocks have major influence on both fuel and agricultural commodity prices.
Experimental verification of backward-wave radiation from a negative refractive index metamaterial

A composite medium consisting of an array of fine wires and split-ring resonators has been previously used to experimentally verify a negative index of refraction. We present a negative refractive index (NRI) metamaterial that goes beyond the original split-ring resonator/wire medium and is capable of supporting a backward cone of radiation. We report experimental results at microwave frequencies that demonstrate backward-wave radiation from a NRI metamaterial—a characteristic analogous to reversed Cherenkov radiation. The conception of this metamaterial is based on a fresh perspective regarding the operation of NRI metamaterials.
Investigation of the Mutator Genes in Staphylococcus aureus

In contrast to Escherichia coli, the mechanisms of hypermutability have been poorly studied in Staphylococcus aureus, only the role of mutSL has been recently demonstrated. The in silico analysis of the genome of S. aureus MW2 allowed to identify thirty-four homologues of genes reported as mutators in E. coli or Bacillus subtilis. Six candidate genes in S. aureus, homologues of miaA, nth, ung, recA, recG and mutS2, were chosen on the basis of their co-existence in E. coli, B. subtilis and S. aureus, and of a high percentage of similarity of the deduced amino acid sequences (36%, 21%, 54%, 59%, 35% and 26% identity between E. coli and S. aureus and 48%, 63%, 48%, 68%, 50%, and 50% identity between B. subtilis and S. aureus, respectively). Individual genes of S. aureus RN4220 were inactivated by insertion of the thermosensitive pBT1 plasmid. Only mutants of nth gene showed an increase in frequencies of mutation to rifampin (mean 1.6 x 10 -7 ) and streptomycin resistance (mean 3.1 x 10 -6 ), versus 1.9 x 10 -8 and 5.1 x 10 -7 in the parent strain, respectively. Complementation of the mutant by an intact nth gene allowed to restore the mutation frequency similar to that of the wild-type. To the best of our knowledge, nth gene may play a part at the hypermutability other than mutSL in S. aureus. ©All right reserved.
Notes on survey-based spatial indicators for monitoring fish populations

This paper presents the spatial indicators used in the European project FISBOAT. These are statistics intended to capture spatial patterns of fish populations, using fish density data collected during scientific surveys. To handle diffuse population limits, indicators are designed not to depend on arbitrary delineation of the domain. They characterize the location (centre of gravity and spatial patches), occupation of space (inertia, isotropy, positive area, spreading area and equivalent area) and microstructure. Collocation between different populations is summarized by a global index of collocation. These spatial indicators have the potential to be used in a monitoring system to detect changes in spatial distribution. They could be helpful for relating the spatial distribution properties of fish stocks to their dynamics, their habitats, or to climate change.
Melatonin Improves Learning and Memory Impairment in Chronic Stress Rats

This study aimed to observe the effect of melatonin on chronic stress rats. 60 male rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group (CON group), chronic stress group (CS group), melatonin high dose group (HMT group, 10mg/kg), melatonin middle dose group (MMT group, 5mg/kg), and melatonin low dose group (LMT group, 1mg/kg). Melatonin was daily intragastrically administrated for 4w with stress induction. Ability of spatial learning and memory of rats were determined by morris water maze. Concentration of Ca2+, contents of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nitric oxide (NO), and the number of CA3 neurons in hippocampus were tested. Compared with CON group rats, ability of learning and memory were significantly decreased, concentration of Ca2+ and contents of NOS and NO in the hippocampus were significantly increased in CS group rats. The number of CA3 neurons in hippocampus was decreased in CS group rats. As compared with CS group rats, ability of learning and memory were improved in MMT group and LMT group rats, and concentration of Ca2+, contents of NOS and NO in the hippocampus were significantly decreased, and the number of CA3 neurons was decreased in hippocampus. It shows that melatonin improving learning and memory impairment is likely by reducing the calcium and NO in hippocampus.
DEVELOPMENTAL INSTABILITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FITNESS: CAN MORPHOLOGICAL ASYMMETRY PREDICT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY?

Developmental instability (DI) refers to an organism’s failure to realize its ideal phenotype in a given environment. The most popular metric of DI is fluctuating asymmetry (FA), i.e., the degree to which bilateral morphological traits deviate from perfect symmetry when those traits are bilaterally symmetric per the ideal species phenotype. Numerous studies have shown that FA is inversely related to physical and reproductive fitness in myriad species of plants and animals. More recently, researchers have begun to assess correlations between FA and psychological variables in humans. Research has revealed negative relationships between FA and intelligence, neurological functioning, and typical brain structure. Positive relationships have also been found between FA and severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia. However, few studies have addressed the relationship between FA and symptomology of more prevalent forms of psychopathology, such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse. The aim of this study is to address this void. Accordingly, FA was assessed in 204 college students across 12 morphological and dermatoglyphic traits. Current Axis I symptomology related to 13 diagnostic categories was assessed via the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ). Depressive symptom severity was also assessed via the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in an attempt to replicate the previous finding of a positive relationship between FA and BDI in men (Martin et al., 1999). Finally, the SCID Axis II Screening Questionnaire (SCID-II-SQ) was administered to provide exploratory data regarding FA and personality disorders. Study analyses indicated
Chitosan as an alternative to control phytopathogenic fungi on fruits and vegetables in Mexico

The control of phytopathogenic fungi has been carried out by synthetic chemical fungicides for many years. However, some studies showed the potential risk they present to the environment and human health. The use of chitosan as an alternative to control phytopathogenic fungi during postharvest is important particularly in Mexico because this polymer exhibits antifungal activity against several important pathogens that affect horticultural commodities. In this review, we present the most relevant scientific studies done in Mexico on the potential use of chitosan as an alternative for the control of phytopathogenic fungi. In addition to its antifungal activity, chitosan forms a semipermeable coating which generates a mechanical barrier against the diffusion of gases that affect the metabolism of agricultural products. The results obtained in different studies are variable and depend on several factors such as the concentration, molecular weight and degree of acetylation of chitosan, as well as on the application method and the storage temperature of the commodities, among others. The studies included in this review may assist to highlight the antifungal potential of chitosan and may spread its use within a sustainable agriculture. Key words: Chitosan, antifungal effect, phytopathogenic fungi, horticultural commodities, Mexico.
Predicting locations of moose–vehicle collisions in Sweden

Summary 1. Animal‐vehicle collisions are a serious problem for road planners and biologists concerned with traffic safety, species conservation and animal welfare. In Sweden, vehicle collisions with moose (MVC) are an important safety issue. Police records average approximately 4500 incidents year − 1 , including 10‐15 human fatalities. New mitigation policies require improved knowledge of the factors influencing the spatial distribution of MVC. 2. Three logistic regression models were developed to predict MVC risks on public roads for use in strategic and project-related impact assessment. The models were based on remotely sensed landscape data, road and traffic statistics and estimations of moose density, quantified at 2000 accident and 2000 non-accident control sites in south-central Sweden. Model predictions were validated on 2600 1-km road sections in the county of Orebro, which were classified as either accident or non-accident roads. Model performances were compared using Akaike’s information criterion. 3. Traffic volume, vehicle speed and the occurrence of fences were dominant factors determining MVC risks, identifying 72·7% of all accident sites. Within a given road category, however, the amount of and distance to forest cover, density of intersections between forest edges, private roads and the main accident road, and moose abundance indexed by harvest statistics, significantly distinguished between accident and control sites. In combination, road‐traffic and landscape parameters produced an overall concordance in 83·6% of the predicted sites and identified 76·1% of all test road sections correctly. 4. Synthesis and applications . The risk of moose‐vehicle collisions in Sweden can be predicted from remotely sensed landscape data in combination with road traffic data. Prediction models suggest that reduced vehicle speed in combination with road fencing and increased roadside clearance may provide effective tools for road planners in counteracting MVC. However, effective mitigation will depend on integrated management of the surrounding landscape and moose population, as well as increased responsibility of individual drivers. Remedying animal‐vehicle collisions must involve road authorities as much as landowners and the public.
Sympathetic Nervous System Regulation of Th Cells in Autoimmunity: Beyond Th1 and Th2 Cell Balance

Mechanisms that cause autoimmune disease are complex and include interactions with genetic, environmental, immunologic, and neural-endocrine factors. These events are often separated by many years, suggesting that disease onset requires a triggering event that if understood, could be targeted therapeutically. How tolerance is broken and disease onset is initiated remain enigmatic. Psychological stressors are implicated in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. First, severe life stressors are strongly associated with disease onset in up to 80% of patients. Second, the major stress pathways, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis function become pathological in autoimmune diseases. Finally, there is a common “trifecta” of dysregulated immune functions, elevated SNS activity, low parasympathetic and low HPA-axis responsiveness across most autoimmune diseases. Understanding the changes in bidirectional cross-talk between these systems leading to this “trifecta” is key to fully understanding autoimmune diseases. These neuro-endocrine systems normally function to regulate immune responses and restore immune system homeostasis after immune challenges. Here, we focus on our current understanding of the imbalance of the CD4+ T cell subtypes thought to drive autoimmunity and how dysregulation of the cross-talk between the SNS and the immune system impacts CD4+ Th cell subtype balance in the autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our lab has shown that elevated SNS tone and altered nerve to β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) signaling occurs in lymphocytes in immune organs where arthritogenic CD4+ T helper cells develop. In an animal model of RA, these receptors no longer signal via cAMP, the canonical signaling pathway for β2-ARs. Instead, β2-AR signaling is shifted towards signaling pathways expected to promote the generation of arthritogenic CD4+ T cells. These findings indicate that dysfunctions in SNS to immune system communication are pathological events that could trigger the onset of RA and, by extension, other autoimmune diseases.
Boost Full Bridge Bidirectional DC/DC Converter for Supervised Aeronautical Applications

The More Electrical Aircraft concept requires electronic devices able to efficiently and safely convert electrical power between different voltage levels. The entire realization of a bidirectional DC/DC converter, from design to validation phase, is here discussed in detail. First, a boost full bridge electrical structure is selected, adopting a Parallel Input Parallel Output (PIPO) interleaving technique and an optimal turns ratio selection for the transformers in order to reduce both weight and size of the equipment. Next, modulation schemes in both step-down and step-up modes are discussed. Successively ad hoc PI regulators for both operative modes are presented. A key idea of the paper is that the converter behavior must be related not only to the control strategy but also to a global supervision logic able to safely conduct the converter operations and to react from external stimuli. Thus, a finite state machine (FSM) approach is employed. An innovative strategy called buffer mode is presented, defined as an intelligent combination of buck and boost modes. Extensive simulations and experimental results are shown, in order to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Design of smart sensors for real time drinking water quality monitoring and contamination detection in water distributed mains

Drinking Water Distribution Systems facilitate to carry portable water from water resources such as reservoirs, river, and water tanks to industrial, commercial and residential consumers through complex buried pipe networks. Determining the consequences of a water contamination event is an important concern in the field of water systems security and in drinking water distribution systems. The proposed work is based on the development of low cost fuzzy based water quality monitoring system using wireless sensor networks which is capable of measuring physiochemical parameters of water quality such as pH, temperature, conductivity, oxidation reduction potential and turbidity. Based on selected parameters a sensing unit is developed along with several microsystems for analog signal conditioning, data aggregation, sensor data analysis and logging, and remote representation of data to the consumers. Finally, algorithms for fusing the real time data and decision making using fuzzy logic at local level are developed to assess the water contamination risk. Based on the water contamination level in the distribution pipeline the drinking water quality is classified as acceptable/reject/desirable. When the contamination is detected, the sensing unit with ZigBee sends signals to close the solenoid valve inside the pipeline to prevent the flow of contaminated water supply and it intimates the consumers about drinking water quality through mobile app. Experimental results indicate that this low cost real time water quality monitoring system acts as an ideal early warning system with best detection accuracy. The derived solution can also be applied to different IoT (Internet of Things) scenario such as smart cities, the city transport system etc.