Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Demand Flexibility Management for Buildings-to-Grid Integration with Uncertain Generation

We present a Buildings-to-Grid (BtG) integration framework with intermittent wind-power generation and demand flexibility management provided by buildings. First, we extend the existing BtG models by introducing uncertain wind-power generation and reformulating the interactions between the Transmission System Operator (TSO), Distribution System Operators (DSO), and buildings. We then develop a unified BtG control framework to deal with forecast errors in the wind power, by considering ancillary services from both reserves and demand-side flexibility. The resulting framework is formulated as a finite-horizon stochastic model predictive control (MPC) problem, which is generally hard to solve due to the unknown distribution of the wind-power generation. To overcome this limitation, we present a tractable robust reformulation, together with probabilistic feasibility guarantees. We demonstrate that the proposed demand flexibility management can substitute the traditional reserve scheduling services in power systems with high levels of uncertain generation. Moreover, we show that this change does not jeopardize the stability of the grid or violate thermal comfort constraints of buildings. We finally provide a large-scale Monte Carlo simulation study to confirm the impact of achievements.
The Kinetics on Hydrate Formation in Pipelines

This study presents the experimental apparatus of flow loop type to investigate the hydrate plugging phenomena. The experiments for formation and dissociation of methane hydrate were conducted using the experimental apparatus setup in this study. Through the experiments, (gas + water + hydrate) three-phase equilibrium conditions were measured and enthalpy change in the dissociation process was analyzed based on the equilibrium results. The equilibrium conditions and the enthalpy of dissociation have been found to be consistent with previously published reference data. To examine the effect of hydrate formation under the flowing condition, experiments were carried out at varying flow velocities under a constant pressure. As a result, hydrate forming temperature tends to increase linearly with increasing flow velocity. Therefore, it was verified experimentally that flow velocity can be considered as one of the significant factors triggering the increase in the formation temperature.
Evaluation of the Functionality of a New E-Learning Platform vs. Previous Experiences in E-Learning and the Self-Assessment of Own Digital Literacy

Recent civilizational transformations have led us to search for and introduce new didactic solutions. One of these is e-learning, which is a response to the needs of the education system and its individual stakeholders. The e-learning systems currently available offer similar solutions. Only during direct interaction with a given tool can one notice significant differences in their functionality. By carrying out evaluation studies the indicators that determine this functionality can be identified. The paper presents e-learning in the context of the academic training of the future generations of teachers. The reflections revolve around digital literacy and experience in using modern information and communication technologies in education. The goal of the research was to evaluate three areas: the functionality of the SELI platform, individual experiences with e-learning, and digital literacy. The technique used was an e-learning survey appended to the end of two e-learning courses offered on the platform. The survey was addressed to teachers and students of the biggest pedagogical university in Poland. The general impression of the content presented on the platform was, in most cases, rated as being very good or good. The platform itself was also evaluated positively. Based on the analyses conducted, two groups of platform users were identified. One third of the users have diverse experiences with e-learning, which corresponds with their digital literacy. The remaining two thirds of the respondents need more training in the areas evaluated. The authors of the paper believe that this type of study should accompany all activities that introduce e-learning at every stage of education. Only then will it be possible to discover where the digital divide lies among the teaching staff and learners.
Validity of the weighted HOMO-LUMO energy separation as an index of kinetic stability for fullerenes with up to 120 carbon atoms

The T value, a general index of kinetic stability defined as a HOMO–LUMO energy separation multiplied by the number of conjugated atoms, can be evaluated meaningfully for isolated-pentagon isomers of fullerenes with up to 120 carbon atoms. Fullerenes with 60+6k carbon atoms have one or more isolated-pentagon isomers with very large T values. Here, k is zero or any integer larger than unity.
Multidisciplinary Surgery In Thoracic Wall Reconstruction For Sternal Osteomyelitis

Sternal osteomyelitis and dehisense are a common problem with an incidence rate of 0.5% to 5.0% after major cardiac surgery. However, the management of separation of the sternum in the patient’s thorax remains a challenge for cardiac surgeons and thoracic surgeons using the incision. After cardiac surgery, postop sternal dehiscence and osteomyelitis was developed in the patient. The old steel wires were removed and the sternum was resected due to long-term infection and extensive deformation of the sternum. Pectoralis muscle flaps were partially mobilized and adducted. The large defect was closed using a large prolene patch. Proper sized transversal titanium plates were selected. Due to the sternum bone was severely destroyed by infection, longer transversal titanium plates were chosen to achieve thoracic stability. Healthy tissues were detected on the ribs. A total of 4 titanium plates were placed intermittently. The plates were fixed to the ribs with titanium locking screws. The pectoral muscle flaps adducted to the plates by the plastic surgery team. A total of 3 drains were placed, one in the mediastinum and two between the thoracic wall and muscle structures.
Stable Oxygen and Carbon Isotope Composition of Holocene Mytilidae from the Camarones Coast (Chubut, Argentina): Palaeoceanographic Implications

The stable isotope composition of living and of Holocene Mytilidae shells was measured in the area of Camarones (Chubut, Argentina). The most striking results were the high δ18O values measured in samples older than ca. 6.1 cal ka BP. In the younger samples, the δ18O values remained substantially stable and similar to those of living specimens. Analysis of the data revealed the possibility for this isotopic shift to be driven mainly by changes in temperature probably accompanied by minor changes in salinity, suggesting cooler seawater before 6.1 cal ka BP, with a maximum possible temperature shift of ca. 5 °C. A possible explanation of this change can be related to a northward position of the confluence zone of the Falkland and Brazilian currents. This is consistent with the data obtained in marine cores, which indicate a northerly position of the confluence in the first half of the Holocene. Our data are also in line with the changes in wind strength and position of the Southern Westerlies Wind, as reconstructed in terrestrial proxies from the Southernmost Patagonia region.
Practical Ideology in Militant Organizations

Abstract Ideology shapes militant recruitment, organization, and conflict behavior. Existing research assumes doctrinal consistency, top-down socialization of adherents, and clear links between formal ideology and political action. But it has long been recognized that ideological commitments do not flow unaltered from overarching cleavages or elite narratives; they are uneven, contingent, fraught with tension, and often ambivalent. What work does ideology do in militant groups if it is not deeply studied, internalized, or sincerely believed? How can scholars explain collective commitment, affinity, and behavioral outcomes among militants who clearly associate themselves with a group, but who may not consistently (or ever) be true believers or committed ideologues? I argue that practical ideologies—sets of quotidian principles, ideas, and social heuristics that reflect relational worldviews rather than specific published political doctrines, positions, platforms, or plans—play a key role in militant socialization through everyday practices. Ethnographic evidence gained from fieldwork among Palestinians in Lebanon demonstrates how militants and affiliates render ideas about ideological closeness and distance accessible through emotional, intellectual, and moral appeals. This approach reaffirms the role of discourse and narrative in creating informal mechanisms of militant socialization without expressly invoking formal doctrine.
Analysis of Fluctuations of Uterine Contractions in Preterm Pregnancies using Adaptive Fractal Features of Electromyography Signals

Analysis of fluctuations of uterine contractions under varied gestational ages is clinically significant. In this work, fluctuations associated with Preterm pregnancies are analyzed. For this, uterine electromyography (uEMG) signals in Preterm condition with varied gestational ages are considered. The signals are subjected to Adaptive Fractal Analysis (AFA) where a global trend is identified using overlapping windows of varying orders. The signal is detrended and fluctuation function is estimated. Hurst exponent features are extracted and analyzed statistically. Results show that AFA is able to characterize the variations in the fluctuations of Preterm uEMG signals. The feature values are distinct and vary with gestational age. Coefficient of variation is observed to be low, indicating that these features could handle inter-subject variability of Preterm signals. As early diagnosis of premature delivery is imperative for timely medical intervention and treatment, it appears that the proposed features could aid in determining the changes in uterine muscle contractions in Preterm condition.
Farmers Attitude towards Use of Trichocompost

This purpose of this study was to assess the farmers attitude towards Trichocompost use, to determine and describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the tricho-compost farmers and identify the problems being confronted towards using Trichoderma by the farmers. Data were collected from 66 randomly selected farmers from Kamarpara, Chupinagar Union, Shajahanpur Upazilla and the Vasubihar, Juanpur, Katabaria, Maria, Chalapara, Charpara, Chakpahari, Mirpara, Panai, Birkedar, Ghashuria, Mirzapur, Adamzamur, Chomorpathalia, Khidiehashra, Chowkibari, Chalkjaphu, Majbari project site of water saving project in Bogura district in Bangladesh during January to March 2020. The findings reveal that, majority of the respondents (59 percent) were middle age category and 39 percent respondent were having secondary level education. Most of the respondents were under small family category (45 percent) and majority (64 percent) of them had a small farm size and 78.8 percent of the respondents had high agricultural knowledge. A quarter of them (24 percent) were found into medium income group and 29 percent farmers received short training and two-third majority of the farmers (68 percent) had high knowledge on Trichoderma. As far as their attitude towards tricho-compost was concerned, majority of the farmers were positive towards good soil health condition, easy application, cheap production cost and more effective than traditional compost and found to have a negative attitude towards its adoption as it is untraditional compost.
Fermentation of Pullulan Using an Oscillatory Baffled Fermenter

The oscillatory baffled reactor offers enhanced and uniform mixing at very low shear rates compared to conventional mixing devices. This is advantageous for biochemical and biomedical applications where shear sensitive cultures are involved. The work in this paper explores the way in which Aureobasidium pullulans, which produces the versatile biopolymer pullulan, behaves in the low and uniform shear environment of an oscillatory baffled fermenter (OBF), and compares its growth rate and pattern to those in traditional fermenters. A series of pullulan fermentation experiments were performed in the OBF with a particular emphasis placed on the influence of aeration on pullulan and biomass production. The results show that at the optimal volumetric airflow rate of 1 vvm (volume of air per volume of liquid per min) the performance of the OBF is significantly better than the traditional stirred tank fermenter.
Surface relief structures on azo polymer films

All optical fabrication of Surface Relief Grating (SRG) on azobenzene functionalized polymer films is reviewed in this article. The uniqueness of the single step erasable photofabrication of large amplitude surface relief structures on azo polymer films is mainly due to the photoisomerization and photoanisotropic behavior of the azobenzene group. The design and synthesis of several classes of suitable azobenzene functionalized polymers for the SRG formation is presented. Experimental studies are carried out in a systematic manner to understand the chemical and physical intricacies involved in the SRG formation process. Structural requirements and their limitations for the efficient fabrication of SRGs on azo functionalized polymer films are also discussed. Understanding the fundamental mechanism of SRG formation on the azo functionalized polymer films enables us to make use of these structures in a variety of applications.
Solubility, sorption and desorption of native and added cadmium in relation to properties of soils in New Zealand

Solution cadmium (Cd) concentrations and sorption and desorption of native and added Cd were studied in a range of New Zealand soils. The concentration of Cd in solution and the concentrations and patterns of native soil Cd desorbed and added Cd sorbed and desorbed varied greatly between the 29 soils studied. Correlation analysis revealed that pH was the most dominant soil variable affecting solution Cd concentration and sorption and desorption of native and added Cd in these soils. However, organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and total soil Cd were also found to be important. Multiple regression analysis showed that the log concentration of Cd in solution was strongly related to soil pH, organic matter and total Cd, which in combination explained 76% of the variation between soils. When data from the present study were combined into a single multiple regression with soil data from a previously published study, the equation generated could explain 81% of the variation in log Cd solution concentration. This reinforces the importance of pH, organic matter and total Cd in controlling solution Cd concentrations. Simple linear regression analysis could at best explain 53% of the total variation in Cd sorption or desorption for the soils studied. Multiple regression analysis showed that native Cd desorption was related to pH, organic matter and total Cd, which in combination explained 85% of the variation between soils. For sorption of Cd (from 2 μg Cd g–1 soil added), pH and organic matter in combination explained 75% of the variation between soils. However, for added Cd desorption (%), pH and CEC explained 77%. It is clear that the combined effects of a range of soil properties control the concentration of Cd in solution, and of sorption and desorption of Cd in soils. The fraction of potentially desorbable added Cd in soils could also be predicted from a soil’s Kd value. This could have value for assessing both the mobility of Cd in soil and its likely availability to plants.
Balancing Socio-Ecological Risks, Politics, and Identity: Sustainability in Minnesota’s Copper-Nickel-Precious Metal Mining Debate

In the northeastern corner of Minnesota, two of the state’s most iconic symbols, mining and pristine wilderness, are on a collision course. The Duluth Complex, considered by many to be the world’s largest undeveloped deposit of copper-nickel and precious metals, is the site of mining proposals for several controversial mines. Proponents suggest that mining can be accomplished in an environmentally benign manner, and in the process create nearly 1000 jobs and $500 million in economic benefits annually. Opponents counter that the tourism and recreation industries already provide nearly 18,000 jobs and bring over $900 million in economic benefits annually, and that mining will permanently impair the regions environment. Thus, the copper-nickel and precious metal mining debate has become highly polarized, and serves as an ideal example of how people address national and global sustainability issues at local and regional scales. This study examines this polarization through a Q-sort analysis of subjectivities of residents of the state of Minnesota. Results suggest that partisanship is a strong predictor of attitudes towards mining, and that the strongest differences between respondents were not based on perceptions comparing jobs and the environment, the typical partisan divide, but rather on respondents’ perceived identity with relation to the mining industry or water resources.
Conversor SEPIC-Buck Modificado com Ampla Atenuação de Tensão e Maior Ciclo de Trabalho

Abstract: This paper presents an adaptation in the structure of the SEPIC-buck converter. This change consists in replacing one of the converter capacitors by a structure known as switched capacitor. After performing a mathematical analysis, it has been shown that the converter can offer a greater attenuation to the input voltage with higher duty-cycles when compared to other similar converters. This adaptation does not cause stress of voltage and current over the switch and other semiconductors. The modified SEPIC-Buck converter was evaluated by a computational way and, simulations results validate its equations and operation modes.
Gain-scheduled control of nonlinear sampled-data systems: A Wirtinger-based approach

This paper addresses the design of gain-scheduled state-feedback controllers for sampled-data nonlinear systems, aiming at the minimization of the L2-gain. A description of nonlinear systems based in polynomial quasi-linear parameter-varying models is employed. Sufficient conditions for the synthesis of sampled-data controllers are derived in terms of polynomial linear matrix inequalities, using Wirtinger’s Inequality and considering LyapunovKrasovskii functionals. The designed controllers ensure both closed-loop stability and guaranteed L2-gain costs. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is assessed through numerical simulations.
Microgrids: A Review of Status, Technologies, Software Tools, and Issues in Indian Power Market

The primary goal of integrating and deploying microgrids in India is to facilitate economic development, increase energy access, enhance energy security, and reduce environmental pollutions. Microgrids have the potential to provide solutions to the long-standing energy problems being faced by developing countries like Iran, India, Nigeria, etc. In this research paper, a review on different generation and storage alternatives of microgrids, major microgrid projects in India, challenges faced by microgrids, protection and control of microgrid, regulatory policies, monitoring of microgrid, and future prospective of microgrids have been presented. The paper also assesses specific software tools and theoretical review of various energy alternatives for microgrid design.
过表达NKG2D-CD3ζ的NY-ESO-1 TCR-T细胞对一例急性髓系白血病患者原代细胞的杀伤活性体外研究

纽约食管鳞状上皮癌抗原 1(New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1,NY-ESO-1)是癌-睾丸抗原(CTA) 家族中的重要成员,能诱导细胞和体液免疫应答。 文献 报道抗NY-ESO-1 T细胞受体(TCR)1G4可识别HLA-A*02: 01限制性 p157-165肽段。 而目前NY-ESO-1特异性TCR 嵌合型T细胞在急性髓系白血病(AML)中的研究甚少,疗效 也不甚明确。 自然杀伤细胞活化型受体 2(NKG2D)主要表达于NK 细胞、CD8T 细胞、γδT 细胞,特定的 CD4T 细胞也有表 达。 在激活的CD8 T细胞中,NKG2D可能提供共刺激功 能,尤其对于缺乏CD28(T细胞的传统共刺激受体)表达的 高度活化的CD8 T细胞激活作用最为明显。 如 IL-15刺激 人的CD8T细胞被有效激活后,在T细胞受体激活缺失的情 况下,NKG2D的参与足以触发靶细胞杀伤。 最近有研究 发现 NKG2D 的配体 NKG2DL 在白血病干细胞表面缺失 引起免疫逃逸,针对耐药的 AML 患者增强 NKG2DL 的表 达可提高免疫治疗与化疗效果,减少复发。 NKG2DL 主 要包括 MHC class I chain-related(MIC)基因家族的两个 成 员 MICA/MICB 和 UL16 结 合 蛋 白 家 族 6 个 成 员 (ULBP1~6) 。 我们构建并制备 NY-ESO-1 TCR-T 细 胞,观察其功能,并将其过表达NKG2D-CD3ζ,通过持续提 供刺激激活信号并结合肿瘤表面配体NKG2DL,观察是否 增强NY-ESO-1 TCR-T细胞对AML原代细胞的杀伤活性。
Impact Evaluation of the Provision of Social Housing on the Use of Social Services by Homeless People in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has recently experienced a growing number of homeless people, which leads to the need to evaluate the impact of social housing on the living conditions of its users. At present, there is no existing law on social housing in the Czech Republic and the agenda of assistance to the homeless is thus carried out mainly by social services. For these reasons, the paper intends to evaluate the impact of social housing on the homeless in the Czech Republic in a specific area of the use of social services. Based on a quantitative research survey of 147 social housing dwellers after moving in and after 12 months, the impact of social housing on the use of social services was determined, which was put into context with the trend of using social work services in social housing. Research results show that the provision of social housing leads to an overall decrease of the social work utilization and (possible) increase in client self-sufficiency, which can result in strong economic impacts of social housing in the form of savings on social work provision.
Monoterpenes in the aromas of fresh wild mushrooms (Basidiomycetes)

The odorous volatile compounds in the fruiting bodies of 82 fresh wild mushrooms species were investigated for monoterpene compounds by GC/MS using both headspace concentration and solvent extraction techniques. In this study, 34 mushrooms gave positive analyses for monoterpenes and the wide diversity of such molecules extracted from basidiocarps was noted. A total of 27 different monoterpenes was identified in this investigation, for example, limonene, α-pinene, camphene, β-phellandrene, and linalool. Both analysis methods used were well adapted to the identification of monoterpenes in fresh mushrooms.
Marketing Capabilities of Early Internationalising Firms

* Corresponding author: Sanja Mitić, e-mail: sanja@ekof.bg. ac.rs Research Question: The topic of this study is marketing capabilities of early internationalising firms from Serbia. Motivation: As marketing perspective was found to be important for understanding the early internationalisation phenomenon, the aim of this study is to shed light on the marketing capabilities of early internationalising firms from Serbia. This topic was widely examined in the developed countries, but there is an evident lack of research in developing countries, especially in the Western Balkans. Understanding the specifics of early internationalising firms can provide valuable policy and managerial implications for stimulating export activities of small and medium-sized firms. Idea: The idea of the paper is to identify the main marketing capabilities of early internationalising firms from Serbia. Data: Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the founders or managers of four firms from Serbia, over the period from August 2018 to January 2019. Tools: As this topic is not widely investigated in Serbia and other Western Balkan countries, a case study method was found to be appropriate. Primary data were completed with secondary data sources. Findings: The results show that in terms of marketing capabilities, early internationalising firms from Serbia express similar features as the ones already recognized in the literature. They develop differentiated, high quality and innovative products, specialized for a particular market niche or segment. Contribution: This study provides the results of the first primary research on the marketing capabilities of early internationalising firms from Serbia and offers valuable implications for managers, for developing an effective international marketing strategy, as well as policy implications for export support programmes and small and medium-sized firms’ policy.