Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural circulating flat plate collectors : Investigations of a new material and performance simulations

Solar energy can be utilized to heat water with the use of flat plate collectors. Effort is made to reduce the cost of solar water heating technology in order to make it economically competitive to conventional energy. An absorber material is tested on component level and performance related aspects are studied. The material has a lower price than the polymer materials currently used in glazed collectors, and therefore it has the potential to lower the cost of solar flat plate collectors. The performance related aspects are tested on a partially glazed, natural circulating flat plate collector, referred to as the Duo-Collector. The aim of letting the collector be partially glazed is to prevent the heat carrier from boiling. Samples cut from an extruded absorber sheet were exposed to 140 ◦C and 150 ◦C for different periods of time. These were used to map the mechanical properties of the material. The samples exposed to 150 ◦C were used to map dimensional and optical changes. The results from the material-related studies on component level show that no failure occurs for any of the ageing periods which were realized in the time frame of the present work. The extruded absorber sheet has a sufficiently high absorptance and dimensional stability. These findings have strengthened the material’s position as a candidate for use in solar thermal applications. The performance of the Duo-Collector has been simulated with MATLAB R ©. It is found that the system is suitable as a method for preventing the fluid in the collector from boiling. The efficiency of such a system was also investigated. For low operating temperatures the efficiency of a Duo-Collector is approximately equal to the efficiency of a fully glazed or an unglazed collector. The efficiency of all the collectors decrease with increasing operating temperatures, and the efficiency of the Duo-Collector is between that of a fully glazed and that of an unglazed collector for all operating temperatures above approximately 10 ◦C. Under certain circumstances the Duo-Collector can cool the water. This effect needs to be investigated further. Since only steady-state conditions are studied in this work, further analysis must be performed to compare how the Duo-Collector performs for different applications.
Bayes inference via Gibbs sampling of autoregressive time series subject to Markov mean and variance shifts

We examine autoregressive time series models that are subject to regime switching. These shifts are determined by the outcome of an unobserved two-state indicator variable that follows a Markov process with unknown transition probabilities. A Bayesian framework is developed in which the unobserved states, one for each time point, are treated as missing data and then analyzed via the simulation tool of Gibbs sampling. This method is expedient because the conditional posterior distribution of the parameters, given the states, and the conditional posterior distribution of the states, given the parameters, all have a form amenable to Monte Carlo sampling. The approach is straightforward and generates marginal posterior distributions for all parameters of interest. Posterior distributions of the states, future observations, and the residuals, averaged over the parameter space are also obtained. Several examples with real and artificial data sets and weak prior information illustrate the usefulness of the metho.
Severe cholestatic jaundice in a patient who develops sepsis due to diabetic foot

Ulcer development in a diabetic patient's foot can cause serious morbidity and even mortality in patients. In these patients, a small infection can rapidly increase sepsis during the day due to the effects of both vascular pathologies and the disorder of blood sugar regulation, especially the mechanical problems leading to impaired load distribution. The physiological working process of the liver is becoming more difficult with using of painkillers and antibiotics and septic process. This case was initially hospitalized for evaluation and treatment plan for infected diabetic foot ulcer. However, additional investigations were necessary because of the icterus that is required to be detected in terms of the primary liver problem. Clinically detectable icterus of the amputated patient due to diabetic foot infection and impaired liver function tests have dramatically improved with the elimination of source of infection after amputation.
Architectural Design of an Efficient Data Center

In the present world, organizations depend on their information systems to run their activities and services. If a system becomes impair the services will be stopped completely. So, it is necessary to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure for IT operations to minimize any chance of disruption. A data center must therefore keep at high standards for assuring the integrity and functionality of its hosted computer environment. There has been good number researches into data center design and functions in the past few years and the findings show that there are several designs of data centers such as traditional server centric, modular, and cloud computing [4], [5], [6], [7], & [8]. Each design of data center adopted various functions to minimize disruption, space required, power consumption, and make the data center environment friendly. Nevertheless, it is very had to find a complete data centre integrated with all modern functions to make it more sustainable. This study is conducted through investigation of the design and functions of several data centers and finally developed an architectural model of a modern and sustainable data centre. The paper is organized as follows. Section 2 discusses the plan of the study, section 3 discusses the design of data center, section 4 describes various functions, section 5 proposed the design based on the analysis of the findings, section 6 includes the validity of the model, and section 6 presents conclusion of this paper.
Exploiting Thread‐Level Parallelism in Lockstep Execution by Partially Duplicating a Single Pipeline

In most parallel loops of embedded applications, every iteration executes the exact same sequence of instructions while manipulating different data. This fact motivates a new compiler‐hardware orchestrated execution framework in which all parallel threads share one fetch unit and one decode unit but have their own execution, memory, and write‐back units. This resource sharing enables parallel threads to execute in lockstep with minimal hardware extension and compiler support. Our proposed architecture, called multithreaded lockstep execution processor (MLEP), is a compromise between the single‐instruction multiple‐data (SIMD) and symmetric multithreading/chip multiprocessor (SMT/CMP) solutions. The proposed approach is more favorable than a typical SIMD execution in terms of degree of parallelism, range of applicability, and code generation, and can save more power and chip area than the SMT/CMP approach without significant performance degradation. For the architecture verification, we extend a commercial 32‐bit embedded core AE32000C and synthesize it on Xilinx FPGA. Compared to the original architecture, our approach is 13.5% faster with a 2‐way MLEP and 33.7% faster with a 4‐way MLEP in EEMBC benchmarks which are automatically parallelized by the Intel compiler.
Designed porous structures as reactors

A novel combination of catalyst carrier and reactor design was developed and tested for the intensified production of vitamin intermediates. The so called Design Porous Structured Reactor (DPSR) is a laser sintered porous 3D-structure that can be tailored to desired properties such as fluid conditions or heat removal. It acts simultaneously as catalyst support. The selective, solvent free hydrogenation of 2-Methyl-3-butyn-2-ol (MBY ) to 2-Methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBE) was chosen as test reaction for its industrial relevance in the production chain of vitamins. The structures were coated with a Pd/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst specifically designed for this hydrogenation. To study structured reactors, a dedicated plant was constructed. This plant is capable of either running fully continuous or in a semi-continuous mode. Design operation conditions were < 10 bar, < 150 ◦C, < 150 kg/h liquid flow and < 180 Ln/min gas flow. As low chemical conversion rates were expected, a semi batch mode was chosen during all experiments presented in this work. In this mode, the plant was filled with liquid reaction mixture once, after which it was continuously recycled and circulated. Fresh process gas was fed continuously. The chemical performance of catalytically coated DPSRs was compared to conventional stirred reaction autoclaves (batch) using a similar powder catalyst. DPSR experiments were performed at different temperatures, pressures and liquid flow rates. DPSRs exceeded the batch performance in terms of selectivity, yield and turnover frequency in the analyzed process parameter range. Selectivites and yields were found to increase with the liquid flow rate. Two main factors were attributed to account for this. First,
Corporate Returns to Subsidized R&D Projects: Direct Grants vs Tax Credit Financing

According to theory, direct R&D grants should be used for projects with low private returns, high social returns and high risk. R&D tax credits, on the other hand, allow firms to choose projects freely according to their private returns. Building on the standard R&D capital model, I develop a framework for estimating private returns to R&D projects with different types of funding. I apply the framework to estimate the corporate returns to subsidized R&D projects in Norway. Consistent with theory and a high quality grant allocation process, I find that projects funded through direct grants have private returns that are not significantly different from zero and with high variance, while the return to R&D projects financed by tax credits is just slightly below the return to R&D projects financed by own funds. The latter two return estimates are 16 % and 19 % respectively. I find that SMEs and small R&D performers have somewhat higher returns to R&D than larger firms. The overall return estimate across all types of finance is 15 %. This is in line with recent meta-regression results in the international literature.
Model of Sustainable Business for Business-Evidence forTaiwan

This study presents the model of sustainable business for business that integrates many ideas of scholars with gains of this study. It shows that nowadays enterprises should have social practice and economic practice for their managial idea and goal, and merges both into managerial policy to get the achievement of sustainable business. It describes the interreaction of social performance and financial performance, influence degree got from operating variables. In addition to ordinary least squares model (OLS), this paper uses the research approach of three-stage least squares model (3SLS) for considering endogeneous variables. Then we can construct the unbias, consistency and validity model, and offer companies the bases of business decision. From empirical results, this paper shows that more operating variables are significant influence on social performance and financial performance, and there is the positive and apparent influence for corporate social performance on corporate financial performance. The financial performance has positive influence on social performance too, and shows that the good financial performance contributes to the push of corporate social practice. These offer good foundation for business to construct the model of sustainable business. While getting profit, business can facilitate the progress of social responsibility.
Consumer acceptance of yellow, provitamin A-biofortified maize in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract Objectives: To assess the acceptance of popular maize food products (phutu, thin porridge and samp), prepared with yellow, provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties, in 212 subjects between the ages of three and 55 years, from rural KwaZulu-Natal. Design: A cross-sectional study. Method: Preschool, primary school and secondary school subjects were randomly selected from two primary schools and one secondary school, respectively, while adult subjects constituted a convenience sample. Pre- and primary school children completed a paired preference test. Secondary school and adult subjects completed a five-point facial hedonic and a preference ranking test. Focus group discussions were conducted using adult subjects. Results: Preschool children preferred yellow maize to white maize food products: phutu (81% vs. 19%; p-value < 0.001), thin porridge (75% vs. 25%; p-value < 0.001) and samp (73% vs. 27%; p-value < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in preference for white and yellow maize by primary school children. Secondary school and adult subjects preferred white maize to yellow maize. Focus group discussions confirmed the preference for white maize by the adults. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that yellow, provitamin A-biofortified maize has the potential to succeed as a new strategy of dealing with the serious problem of vitamin A deficiency, especially among children of preschool age. However, in older groups, this strategy is unlikely to be successful, unless other strategies are implemented, including intensive nutrition education programmes on the nutritional benefits of the maize, targeting the market price at which yellow maize is sold, increasing its availability in local grocery stores, and improving its sensory properties through breeding.
Experimental studies of divertor stabilization in an axisymmetric tandem mirror

A divertor coil set has been installed on the Tara tandem mirror [Nucl. Fusion 22, 549 (1982); Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1984 (IAEA, Vienna, 1985), Vol. 2, p. 285] for stabilization of m=1 flutelike modes. The effectiveness of divertor stabilization is discussed in experiments where m=1 modes are driven to instability by plug electron cyclotron heating (ECH) in an ion cyclotron heated (ICH) plasma. The instability onset is characterized by thresholds in ECH power, fueling rate, ICH power, and mapping radius of the divertor null. In general, the stability is enhanced by mapping the null radially inwards into the plasma. The interdependence of these parameters and their effect on equilibrium profiles and stability boundaries are discussed.
The role of the intestinal microbiome in rotavirus vaccine immunogenicity: An exploration from correlation to causation

Rotavirus (RV) is one of the leading causes of serious gastroenteritis and diarrheal deaths in children under the age of five across the globe. Rotavirus vaccines (RVV) protect infants, reducing rotavirus disease, diarrheal outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and deaths following introduction into a national immunization program. However, the vaccines have a significantly diminished effectiveness in poor settings where the majority of rotavirus deaths occur. Identifying modifiable etiologies of this effectiveness gap in order to reduce rotavirus hospitalizations and deaths is therefore a global public health priority. The central aim of this thesis is to interrogate the hypothesis that the intestinal microbiome modulates RVV immunogenicity and thereby contributes to the diminished RVV efficacy observed in developing country settings.
SORBITOL PROCESS FOR ITS PREPARATION , AND USE THEREOF 75 Inventors :

A modified sorbitol with improved tableting properties, viz, has a melting point of about 96° C. , a bulk density of 0.3-0.6 g/ml, a y-sorbitol content of at least 90%, a purity of at least 98%, a specific surface area of 0.7-1.5 m2/g, a bending strength of at least 7 N/mm2 at a com pressive force of at least 10,000N, and a friability of less than 1% at a compressive force of at least 10,000 N, can be prepared by obtaining a sorbitol solution by hydro genation of crystallized glucose at a temperature below 170 C. , and spray-drying this solution at a temperature of 140' to 170° C. The sorbitol thus obtained has a water content of less than 1%.
Knowledge transfer, Learning and Organizational Capabilities in an inter-organizational software project

The aim of this work is to describe how learning and knowledge transfer mechanisms based on knowledge articulation and codification contribute to the development of organizational capabilities in software. The study focuses on client-specific and process capabilities. Results were obtained through a case study involving two partner companies in an inter-organizational project to develop an integrated information management and technology system. Evidence revealed investment and organizational efforts focused on knowledge articulation practices and activities to develop client-specific capabilities, as well as knowledge codification practices and activities to develop process capabilities. We also identified three factors that influenced software professionals’ choice of the respective mechanisms (knowledge articulation and codification) namely: the sharing context, absorptive capacity and task complexity.
Physical activity, BMI and metabolic risk in Portuguese adolescents

It has been reported, in the last decades, a significant decrease in physical activity (PA) levels, with a consequent increase in obesity and metabolic risk factors among youth. The aims of this study were to describe PA levels, the prevalence of overweight/obesity and metabolic risk factors, and to examine the association between PA and body mass index (BMI) with metabolic risk among Portuguese youth. The sample comprises 212 Portuguese adolescents (12-16 years old). Height and weight were measured. PA was estimated with the Bouchard questionnaire (3 days recall), as well as with the use of a pedometer (used for 5 consecutive days). Metabolic risk factors comprised fasting glucose, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference. Subjects were classified as normal weight, overweight or obese according to BMI; the maturational status was indirectly estimated with the maturity offset procedure. A continuous metabolic risk score was computed (zMR) and PA values were divided into tertiles. Qui-square test, t-test and ANOVA were used in statistical analyses. SPSS 18.0 and WinPepi softwares were used and p<0.05. A moderate to high prevalence of overweight/obesity and HDL-cholesterol was found, as well as a high prevalence of high blood pressure and low to moderate PA levels among Portuguese youth. The relationship between BMI and zMR showed that obese adolescents have higher zMR when compared to normal weight or overweight adolescents. This finding suggests that increased levels of PA and reduction in the prevalence of overweight/obesity may have a positive role against the development of metabolic risk factors.
Particle capture and deposition by deep-sea sponges from the Norwegian-Greenland Sea

Particle uptake and deposition by the 2 most abundant deep-sea demosponge species from the Nolwegian and Greenland Sea (Thenea abyssorum) and the deep fjords of western Norway (Thenea muncata) were studied In flume expenments Fluorescent par t~cles of 1, 2, 3 6 10 and 16 pm diameter (miclospheres, Duke Sc ien t~ f~c Corporat1ono) with a density of 1 0 5 g cm were used at 2 curlent velocities, 1 5 and 5 cm s ' Both species ingested small particles exclusively ( < 6 pm and < l 0 pm, respectively) w ~ t h a preference for the smallest fiaction at both current speeds The results suggest that the size spectrum actually ingested depends on the supp l~ed particle s u e s rather than on current velocity Culrent velocity fields aiound dead speclinens were recorded and turbulence intens ~ t y calculated in older to determine the influence of the sponge actlng as a biogemc structure on the neai-bottom current leginle Disruption of flow conditions was detected as far as 14 cm downstream and several cm laterallv from the blogenic obstacles Bulk biodeposition rates calculated from sponge biomass and volume of Ingested particles iange between 7 and 10 mg d ' g ' ash-free dry weight K E Y WORDS Deep sea Sponge Suspension feeding Biodeposition Blogenic structure Flow regime
Cross-Validation of Persistence Models for Incoming Freshmen. Professional File. Number 93, Fall 2004.

This study was intended to serve as an example of cross-validating results from student persistence prediction models that employed commonly available pre-college student characteristics. The study investigated whether the accuracy of predicting student persistence would vary because of the use of present-year vs. previous-year parameters on present-year data, and whether the same set of predictors would change in terms of predictive efficiency between years. Institutions with selective, liberal, and open admissions policies had consistent persistence prediction odds ratios across time regardless of the data on which model parameters were generated. As expected, all institutions demonstrated lower accuracy rates at higher persistence criteria, and accuracy rates differed between different sets of model parameters. The ACT Composite scores emerged as consistently stable, significant predictors of persistence. The paper concludes with a discussion of procedural issues to consider when using logistic regression to predict persistence.
Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Sida cordifolia l. against Aflatoxin B 1 induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fourth common cancer globally occurring by many factors such as mycotoxins, chemicals, genetical, viral factors etc. AFB1 is a potent mycotoxin classified in group I carcinogens by IARC found in contaminated food stuffs. The present study was aimed at evaluating the ethanolic extract of whole plant of sida cordifolia L against AFB1 induced HCC. Hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatoma) was induced in wistar rats by intra peritoneal administration of AFB1 (250µg/kg/dose) for 7 days. The effect of concurrent administration of ethanolic extract of sida cordifolia L. at doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg were given orally was observed by estimating the serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, LDH, GGT and TP. DNA, RNA and TP were estimated from liver. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant studies were also measured. The results showed a significant decrease in serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP, LDH and GGT and increase in total proteins of groups treated with EESC. Elevated DNA and RNA found decreased with a prominent increase in total proteins in liver of EESC groups. Significant increase in antioxidants and a decrease in lipid peroxidation were also observed. The extracts at both doses (250mg/kg and 500 mg/kg b.w) shows a significant (p<0.001) reversal of altered biochemical, molecular and antioxidant parameters showing that sida cordifolia L. possess antioxidant and antitumor activity.
nikotyny ? When does nicotine dependence begin ?

Tobacco use leads in short time to nicotine dependence. Mechanisms of this process remain still not quite understood, of importance is also a question: When does nicotine dependence begin? The present review reports commonly used definition of nicotine dependence (according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems Tenth Revision), as well as its limited value in detecting first symptoms of this process. The review presents also the concept, which links the beginning of dependence with diminished autonomy (i.e., autonomy theory), results of studies supporting this concept, and neurophysiologic model of sensitization-homeostasis for nicotine dependence development. Further, despite phenomenon of sensitization has not been demonstrated in humans, results of animal studies arguing for sensitization-homeostasis theory are presented in the article. Usefulness of the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist in diagnosing first nicotine dependence symptoms in adolescents is also pointed out.