Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High‐performance water‐based barrier coatings for the corrosion protection of structural steel

This article provides an overview of the outcomes of a European‐funded project called BarrierPlus. A new type of water‐based barrier coating was developed for structural steel applications. The advantages of this coating include enhanced moisture resistance, low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and one‐component self‐crosslinking free of isocyanates. To enable this performance, a latex polymer binder was uniquely designed without using soap‐like molecules, known as surfactants, to form the dispersion. By minimizing surfactants in the coating, the barrier properties were significantly enhanced. The latex was successfully scaled up to 15 kg quantities by an SME, coating formulations were scaled to pilot quantities and a variety of characterization and coating performance tests were completed. A life cycle assessment found that the BarrierPlus coating has a better environmental profile than an industry benchmark solvent‐borne coating and showed promising results relative to commercial waterborne benchmarks.
Relation of Bacteria to Diatoms In Sea Water

1. Dead marine diatom plankton was found to undergo rapid oxidation and decomposition when added to fresh sea water. This was measured by oxygen consumption, nitrogen liberation, phosphate regeneration and bacterial multiplication. 2. Living diatoms added to sea water and placed in the dark continued to absorb oxygen; they were rather resistant to bacterial attack. 3. Diatom-rich marine plankton also absorbed oxygen, while the phosphorus was gradually regenerated. The bacteria did not increase in numbers in correspondence with the oxidation of the fresh diatom material. 4. When sea water in which photosynthesis was allowed to proceed for varying periods of time was placed in the dark, rapid oxidation of the freshly synthesized material took place, as indicated by oxygen consumption and phosphate liberation. Although there was a greater number of bacteria in the water in which photosynthesis took place, the oxidation of the fresh diatom material was not accompanied by any large increase in bacteria; in fact a decrease in numbers was frequently observed.
Eshelby problem of polygonal inclusions in anisotropic piezoelectric bimaterials

This paper studies the two-dimensional Eshelby problem in anisotropic piezoelectric bimaterials. Assuming that the inclusion is an arbitrarily shaped polygon with uniform eigenstrain and eigenelectric fields, we derive the exact closed-form solution by integrating analytically the line-source Green functions in the corresponding bimaterials. The required line-source Green functions are obtained in terms of the Stroh formalism and include six different interface models. Since the induced elastic and piezoelectric fields due to the eigenstrain and eigenelectric fields are given in the exact closed form in terms of simple elementary functions, those due to multiple inclusions can be superposed together. Benchmark numerical examples are also presented for the induced elastic and piezoelectric fields within a square inclusion due to a uniform hydrostatic eigenstrain with the bimaterials being made of typical quartz and ceramic.
Determination of RNA stability using reverse transcription real-time PCR

BILEK, K. , ZRŮSTOVA, J., KNOLL A. : Determination of RNA stability using reverse transcription real-time PCR. Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun. , 2008, LVI, No. 4, pp. 219–222 The aim of this study was to verify an eff ect of RNA storage in diff erent laboratory conditions. Especially, this work was focused on the importance of using diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) treated water for storage of isolated RNA. The eff ect of storage of RNA samples in diff erent temperatures was monitored according to various times as well. Isolated RNA was incubated at 20 °C, 4 °C, −20 °C and −80 °C,
Real-Time Software Methodologies : Are They Suitable for Developing Manufacturing Control Software ?

Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) systems may be classified as real-time systems. Hence, the applicability of methodologies that are developed for specifying, designing, implementing, testing, and evolving real-time software is investigated in this article. The paper highlights the activities of the software development process. Among these activities, a great emphasis is placed on automating the software requirements specification activity, and a set of formal models and languages for specifying these requirements is presented. Moreover, a synopsis of the real-time software methodologies that have been implemented by the academic and industrial communities is presented together with a critique of the strengths and weaknesses of these methodologies. The possible use of the real-time methodologies in developing the control software of efficient and dependable manufacturing systems is explored. In these systems, efficiency is achieved by increasing the level of concurrency of the operations of a plan, and by scheduling the execution of these operations with the intent of maximizing the utilization of the devices of their systems. On the other hand, dependability requires monitoring the operations of these systems. This monitoring activity facilitates the detection of faults that may occur when executing the scheduled operations of a plan, recovering from these faults, and, whenever feasible, resuming the original schedule of the system. The paper concludes that the set of surveyed methodologies may be used to develop the real-time control software of efficient and dependable manufacturing systems. However, an integrated approach to planning, scheduling, and monitoring the operations of these systems will significantly enhance their utility, and no such approach is supported by any of these methodologies.
Consensus of multi‐agent linear dynamic systems

In this paper the consensus problem is considered for multi‐agent systems, in which all agents have an identical linear dynamic mode that can be of any order. The main result is that if the adjacent topology of the graph is frequently connected then the consensus is achievable via local‐information‐based decentralized controls, provided that the linear dynamic mode is completely controllable. Consequently, many existing results become particular cases of this general result. In this paper, the case of fixed connected topology is discussed first. Then the case of switching connected topology is considered. Finally, the general case is studied where the graph topology is switching and only connected often enough. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
On a Limit Theorem for Branching One-Dimensional Diffusion Processes

Let M be a simply connected complete Riemannian manifold with constant sectional curvature, and consider a branching Brownian motion Y=(yt9Py) having M as the underlying state space ([5]), In the case of M = S, the ddimensional sphere, one can apply the results of Watanabe [16], [17] and Asmussen-Hering [1] to obtain a limit theorem on the number of particles in a domain for the process Y. If M= R, then, although M is not compact, the process F belongs to the class considered by Watanabe [17], and his argument works well. But, if M has constant negative sectional curvature — fc, then Y is not necessarily contained in the scheme of [17] and a new phenomenon appears. In this case, the Laplace-Beltrami operator is given by
Conceptual Design of the NISS onboard NEXTSat-1

The NISS onboard NEXTSat-1 is being developed by Korea astronomy and space science institute (KASI). For the study of the cosmic star formation history, the NISS performs the imaging spectroscopic observation in the near-infrared range for nearby galaxies, low background regions, star-forming regions and so on. It is designed to cover a wide field of view ( deg) and a wide wavelength range from 0.95 to by using linear variable filters. In order to reduce the thermal noise, the telescope and the infrared sensor are cooled down to 200 K and 80 K, respectively. Evading a stray light outside the field of view and making the most use of limited space, the NISS adopts the off-axis reflective optical system. The primary and the secondary mirrors, the opto-mechanical part and the mechanical structure are designed to be made of aluminum material. It reduces the degradation of optical performance due to a thermal variation. This paper presents the study on the conceptual design of the NISS.
Simultaneous control of linear systems by Genetic Algorithms in state and output feedback

In this paper, Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are employed to control simultaneous linear systems in both state and output feedback. First, the similarity transformation is applied to obtain parameterized controllers. This requires solution of a system of equations and also some non-linear inequalities. GAs are used to solve these equations and inequalities. Therefore, the paper presents an analytical method for finding parameterized controllers and employs a numerical method to enhance the solution. Three numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the method and to compare the results with previous results.
Will Amphibians Croak under the Endangered Species Act?

Herpetologists often complain that, despite amphibians' being one of the most threatened vertebrate classes, there is a dearth of funding and capacity to tackle the global crisis afflicting them. We compared the average funding per species listed under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) to quantify funding favoritism across vertebrate classes in the United States and compared ESA listings with NatureServe evaluations of endangerment in order to examine listing bias. We found that, on average, listed US amphibians receive one-quarter of the ESA funding that other vertebrate classes do. This inequality is compounded by listing bias, with 82% of the amphibians found to be at risk by NatureServe remaining unlisted under the ESA. We recommend that federal, state, and private conservation groups take reactive andproactive measures to build capacity to sustain this important class of vertebrates for future generations.
Review on medicinal plants recommended in Siddha literatures for the management of hypertension

Hypertension is the gift of modern life due to change in food habit and reduced physical activities. According to Siddha literatures hypertension is termed as ‘Kurithi azhal noi’. The causative factors, symptoms and medicinal remedies for hypertension were explained detail in the Siddha literature. Drugs for hypertension are many and usually the treatment is life-long. Hence research is going on to find out a suitable & safe drug. Herbal products in this regard are worthy of investigation. Even though several Siddha literatures are available about the usage of various herbals in the management of hypertension in South India, the information are scattered and hence there is a lack of knowledge on their utility. Hence this present article focused on the herbals which are used in Siddha system of medicine to manage hypertension in Tamil Nadu region with scientific evidences. In Siddha system of medicine, more than 60 medicinal plants are used to treat hypertension and prevent/control blood pressure. In this review, important medicinal plants employed in Siddha system of medicine were discussed in detail about their medicinal efficacy, scientific validation and method of administration.
Retrieval of Precipitation Profiles from Multiresolution, Multifrequency, Active and Passive Microwave Observations

Abstract In this study, a technique for estimating vertical profiles of precipitation from multifrequency, multiresolution active and passive microwave observations is investigated. The technique is applicable to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observations, and it is based on models that simulate high-resolution brightness temperatures as functions of observed reflectivity profiles and a parameter related to the raindrop size distribution. The modeled high-resolution brightness temperatures are used to determine normalized brightness temperature polarizations at the microwave radiometer resolution. An optimal estimation procedure is employed to minimize the differences between the simulated and observed normalized polarizations by adjusting the drop size distribution parameter. The impact of other unknowns that are not independent variables in the optimal estimation, but affect the retrievals, is minimized through statistical parameterizations derived from cloud model simulations. The retr.
Micropropagation of Cyrtanthus mackenii Hook. f.: from tri scales

A procedure for in vitro production of bulbs of Cyrtanthus mackenii was developed from triscales. The explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with cytokinins such as BAP (6-Benzyl amino purine), TDZ (Thidiazuron), Zeatin, Kinetin and auxins namely IAA (Indole-3-aceticacid), IBA (Indole-3 butyric acid), NAA (Napthalene acetic acid), individually at different concentrations. A combination of TDZ and NAA in equal concentrations (1mg/l) produced a maximum 14 bulblets. The maximum number of roots (6) root length (4.96cm) was recorded on TDZ (1mg/l) + NAA (1mg/l). Sucrose at various concentrations (30, 60, 90 and 120g/l) was tested to increase the size of bulblets. Increase in the size of bulblets (growth index) was noticed after three months at 60g/l concentration which gave the maximum weight of 4.20gms. Bulblets were then transferred to pots containing a potting mixture of vermiculite: soil (3:1). The plants showed 98% survival. Regenerated plantlets exhibited morphological characters similar to source plant.
Skeletal status in subjects with poor visual acuity in independent and institutionalized subjects

M AT E R I A L A N D M E T H O D S Skeletal status was assessed in a group of subjects with poor visual acuity living independently in general community or institutionalized in a nursing home. A group of 91 subjects (47 females 29 living independently and 18 from nursing home and 44 males 19 and 25, respectively) were studied. Mean age was 61.3+/-16.8 y. in females and 61.4+/-10.9 y. in males. Binocular visual acuity was evaluated using a Snellen acuity chart. Skeletal status was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the calcaneus and forearm using PIXI (Lunar, USA) which measures bone mineral density (BMD) and by quantitative ultrasound at hand phalanges using DBM Sonic 1200 (IGEA, Italy) measuring Amplitude-dependent Speed of Sound (Ad-SoS [m/s]).
Advanced Nanomedicine: Present Contributions and Future Expectations

The present review highlights the development and relevance of various advanced nanocarrier systems in the field of nanomedicine for delivering drugs, contrast agents and antibodies to different sites in the body. Wherever appropriate, emphasis on targeting to tumor site is discussed to support the concepts. Several multifunctional nanoparticles developed recently and possessing unique characteristics are also discussed. The scientific contributions, technological gaps and promising opportunities presented by advanced and sophisticated but hypothetical nanodevices of future, known as ‘medical nanorobots’ are also described that are designed for superior targeting efficiency, controlled drug release, optimum dosing and wide range of other functional capabilities.
Does Teaching Presence Change Over Time

This paper investigates ways in which pedagogical practice or teaching presence changes over time by sharing the experiences of two instructors as they move from teaching face-to-face to teaching online within a collaborative project. A self-study methodology provides the theoretical background where two instructors share their stories describing their perspectives and teaching presence based on five iterations of an international online collaborative project. Reflecting on their collaborative teaching and changes in their teaching presence, resulting student outcomes, and feedback from critical friends, the authors share their learning, impact of this work on learners, educators and the educational field, and subsequent implications.
Acute Toxicity Study of Nanosilver Particles in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Pathological Changes, Particle Bioaccumulation and Metallothionien Protein Expression

An acute toxicopathological study of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was conducted in concentrations of 0, 1, 10 and 100 ppm in adult tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) at days 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. Mortality, clinical sign, histopathology and immunohistochemistry were observed and evaluated. Calculated LC 50 at 24 hr was 53 ppm. The major clinical sign was respiratory distress. Histopathologic lesions were found mainly in gill, kidney, spleen and liver. Severity of the lesions depended on the concentration and exposure time. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) positive immunostaning was found in gill and renal tubular epithelium. Metallothionein (MT) positive staining was observed in renal tubular epithelium. Autometallography (AMG) positive grains were found in gill and gastrointestinal tract. In summary, AgNPs could cause acute toxicity to tilapia in a concentration and exposure time-dependent manner. Oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of acute AgNPs exposure. Moreover, the expression of MT in tissues responded to AgNPs accumulation.
Integration of organic pig production into land use

The development in organic livestock production can be attributed to an increased consumer interest in organic products while, at the same time, farmers are interested in converting to organic production methods – often stimulated by governmental support or subsidies. It is important that the organic production systems can fulfil the expectations of each of these stakeholders if the organic livestock production is to increase further. This is in particular important if the organic pig production should move from the present niche-production to a real player in the food marked, like in the case of beef and milk. In the regulations for organic farming, the aspect of allowing a high degree of natural behaviour of the livestock is among others translated in the requirement that livestock in certain periods of their life or of the year should be allowed to graze or have access to another outdoor area. The most common outdoor systems for pig used in intensively managed organic production have some important drawbacks in relation to environmental impact (risk of N-leaching and ammonia volatilisation), animal welfare (nose-ringed sows) and workload and management constraints. With the starting point in the present experience in such systems, it is argued that there is a need for a radical development of the systems. There is a need to search for systems where the outdoor/free range systems (for the sake of the livestock) are constructed and managed in a way whereby the livestock at the same time exert a positive influence on other parts of the farming systems. There is evidence that pregnant sows can fulfil their nutritional needs to a large extent by grazing, that co-grazing sows with heifers can diminish the parasite burden of the heifers, and that the pigs’ inclination for rooting can be managed in a way that makes ploughing and other heavy land cultivation more or less superfluous. These elements need to be further explored as a basis for future system development.
Understanding Games as Participation: an analytical model

Public health communication in Brazil has difficulties in reaching different groups of the population, as well as fostering their participation for building better health policies. Digital games could help in this regard, but there is a need of detailed models that account for social and participatory aspects of games and game playing. In order to provide such model, this study combined theoretical concepts from Game Studies, namely, the concept of games as participation and the Gaming Dispositif-model, with the Model of Communication as a Symbolic Market, from Latin American Communication Studies, creating a game model describing the socially inscribed relations among player, game and other players, based on participation. This article explains the mentioned concepts and the analytical model in detail, concluding with remarks on its possible uses.
How can behavioral finance help us in better understanding the recent global financial crisis

The recent global financial crisis calls for a need to adopt a more interdisciplinary approach to the study ofeconomics and finance by focussing also on the individual and social psychology that drives the actions ofmarket participants. Behavioural finance offers such a perspective by drawing on the fields of psychologyand the other social sciences to explain how investors are led to make less than rational investmentdecisions and how these could aggregate to less than rational market outcomes, like periods of excessiveinvestor euphoria preceding a financial crisis. This paper draws on the existing literature in behaviouralfinance and particularly on the two models of â€œinformation cascade by Bikchandani et al. (1992) andâ€œlimits to arbitrageâ€ by De Long et al. (1990) to provide a better understanding of the underlying reasonsbehind the recent global financial crisis. The paper concludes with a view to inform policy of the ways itcan curb speculative excesses and prevent events like the recent global financial crisis. Keywords: Investor psychology, information cascade, social contagion, limits to arbitrage, noise trader risk.
Sexual Dimorphism in Perissodactyl Rhinocerotid Chilotherium wimani from the Late Miocene of the Linxia Basin (Gansu, China)

Sexual dimorphism is reviewed and described in adult skulls of Chilotherium wimani from the Linxia Basin. Via the analysis and comparison, several very significant sexually dimorphic features are recognized. Tusks (i2), symphysis and occipital surface are larger in males. Sexual dimorphism in the mandible is significant. The anterior mandibular morphology is more sexually dimorphic than the posterior part. The most clearly dimorphic character is i2 length, and this is consistent with intrasexual competition where males invest large amounts of energy jousting with each other. The molar length, the height and the area of the occipital surface are correlated with body mass, and body mass sexual dimorphism is compared. Society behavior and paleoecology of C. wimani are different from most extinct or extant rhinos. M/F ratio indicates that the mortality of young males is higher than females. According to the suite of dimorphic features of the skull of C. wimani, the tentative sex discriminant functions are set up in order to identify the gender of the skulls.
Household differentials and the individual decision to migrate to South Africa : the case of Gweru city in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabweans of all walks of life have crossed over to South Africa since the late 1990s for long and short periods of time, some of them even remain there permanently. The increased amount of the migration is largely blamed on Zimbabwe's socio-economic and political instability by most scholars. However, the actual decision to migrate is reached as a result of pressure and motivation from within a household. The study investigates the influence of the household on an individual's decision to migrate to South Africa. This study was carried out using a household survey of 150 households from different wealth quantiles from the central city of Gweru in Zimbabwe. Basic descriptives were employed to generate the findings. Only 2% of the sample indicated that they did not have individuals who had migrated to South Africa or any other country. About 43.7% of all migrants were females and 45.7% of the female migrants had children younger than five years old staying with relatives in Zimbabwe. Most households tend to have a strong influence on the migration decision, and as a result the majority of the migrants send remittances back home.