Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF THERMIC PRETREATMENT AND ANTIBIOTICS ON THE SELECTIVE ISOLATION OF THE CULTURABLE ACTINOMYCETES FROM THE ALGERIAN DESERT SOIL

In order to define the isolation conditions of actinomycetes from desert soils, the soils of the town of Biskra, situated at the gate of the Algerian Sahara was analyzed. Two types of samples have been prepared; the firt one was heated up at 110 °C during 10 minutes and the second did not undergo any heat processing. The isolation was carried out from these two types of soils on the starch casein medium added to a combination of several antifungal and antibacterial agents. Five different isolation mediums have been tested in this study. The results showed that the pretreatment of the soil with heat is not recommended. Indeed, the number of isolated actinomycetes was 38. 104 cfu.g-1 when the soil samples were heated up and 92.104 cfu.g-1 when no heating was used. The thermic processing reduces then the actinomycetes by more than 50 %. The antifungal and antibacterian which permit the elimination of undesirable germs are the nystatin and the nalidixic acid with respective concentrations of 50 µg/ml and 10 µg/ml. According to these results, the most favorable isolation medium for actinomycetes of desert soils studied is Glucose-yeast extract-malt (GLM).
Are Public Investment Efficient in Creating Capital Stock in Developing Countries

In many poor countries, the problem is not that governments do not invest, but that these investments do not create productive capital. So, the cost of public investments does not correspond to the value of the capital stocks. In this paper, we propose an original non parametric approach to evaluate the efficiency function that links variations (net of depreciation) of stocks to public investments. We consider four sectors (electricity, telecommunications, roads and railways) of two Latin American countries (Mexico and Colombia). We show that there is a large discrepancy between the amount of investments and the value of increases in stocks.
Multiwavelength campaign on Mrk 509 - VI. HST/COS observations of the far-ultraviolet spectrum

We present medium-resolution (! / ! " 20,000) ultraviolet spectra covering the 1155‐1760 A spectral range of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 509 obtained using the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS )o n the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Our observations were obtained simultaneously with a Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer observation using the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and they are part of a multiwavelength campaign in September through December 2009 which also included observations with XMM-Newton ,S wift, and INTEGRAL. Our spectra are the highest signal-to-noise observations to date of the intrinsic absorption components seen in numerous prior ultraviolet observations. To take advantage of the high signal-to-noise ratio, we describe special calibrations for wavelength, flat-field and line-spread function corrections that we applied to the COS data. We detect additional complexity in the absorption troughs compared to prior observations made with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograp h( STIS) on HST. We attribute the UV absorption to a variety of sources in Mrk 509, including an outflow from the active nucleus, the interstellar medium and halo of the host galaxy, and possible infalling clouds or stripped gaseous material from a merger that are illuminated by the ionizing radiation of the active nucleus. Variability between the STIS and COS observation of the most blue-shifted component (#1) allows us to set an upper limit on its distance of < 250 pc. Similarly, variability of component 6 between FUSE observations limits its distance to < 1.5 kpc. The absorption lines in all components only partially cover the emission from the active nucleus with covering fractions that are lower than those seen in the prio rS TIS observations and are comparable to those seen in spectra from the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). Given the larger apertures of COS and FUSE compared to STIS, we favor scattered light from an extended region near the active nucleus as the explanation for the partial covering. As observed in prior X-ray and UV spectra, the UV absorption has velocities comparable to the X-ray absorption, but the bulk of the ultraviolet absorptio ni s in al ower ionization state with lower total column density than the ga sr esponsible for the X-ray absorption. We conclude that theoutflow from the active nucleus is a multiphase wind.
Meteorological drivers of ablation processes on a cold glacier in the semi-arid Andes of Chile

Abstract. Meteorological and surface change measurements collected during a 2.5 yr period are used to calculate surface mass and energy balances at 5324 m a.s. l. on Guanaco Glacier, a cold-based glacier in the semi-arid Andes of Chile. Meteorological conditions are marked by extremely low vapour pressures (annual mean of 1.1 hPa), strong winds (annual mean of 10 m s−1), shortwave radiation receipt persistently close to the theoretical site maximum during cloud-free days (mean annual 295 W m−2; summer hourly maximum 1354 W m−2) and low precipitation rates (mean annual 45 mm w.e.). Snowfall occurs sporadically throughout the year and is related to frontal events in the winter and convective storms during the summer months. Net shortwave radiation provides the greatest source of energy to the glacier surface, and net longwave radiation dominates energy losses. The turbulent latent heat flux is always negative, which means that the surface is always losing mass via sublimation, which is the main form of ablation at the site. Sublimation rates are most strongly correlated with net shortwave radiation, incoming shortwave radiation, albedo and vapour pressure. Low glacier surface temperatures restrict melting for much of the period, however episodic melting occurs during the austral summer, when warm, humid, calm and high pressure conditions restrict sublimation and make more energy available for melting. Low accumulation (131 mm w.e. over the period) and relatively high ablation (1435 mm w.e.) means that mass change over the period was negative (−1304 mm w.e.), which continued the negative trend recorded in the region over the last few decades.
Relativistic Alpha Field Theory – Part I: determination of field parameters

General Relativity Theory (GRT) cannot be applied to the extremely strong gravitational field at the Planckrsquos scale, because of the related singularity. Here we show that Relativistic Alpha Field (RAF) theory extends the application of GRT to the extremely strong fields at the Planckrsquos scale. This is the consequence of the following predictions of RAF theory: a) no a singularity at the Schwarzschild radius, b) there exists a minimal radius at r = (GM/2c2) that prevents singularity at r = 0, i.e. the nature protects itself, c) the gravitational force becomes positive (repulsive) if (GM/rc2) gt 1, that could be a source of a dark energy, and d) unification of electrical and gravitational forces can be done in the standard four dimensions (4D). Predictions a) and b) are presented in the second part of this theory, while predictions c) and d) are considered in the third part of the theory. In this (first) part of the theory we present the solution of the field parameters in RAF theory. This solution is based on the assumption that the field parameters should connect geometry of the line element with potential energy of a particle in an alpha field. The solution of the field parameters is the key point in this theory. If RAF theory is correct, then it could be applied to the both weak and strong fields at the Universe and Planckrsquos scales giving the new light to the regions like black holes, quantum theory, high energy physics, Big Bang theory and cosmology.
Schizandra chinensis Alkaloids Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in BV2 Microglial Cells

Schizandra chinensis (S. chinensis) exhibits a harmless, 'adaptogen-type' effect leading to improvements in mental performance and learning efficacy in brain. Activated microglia contributes to neuronal injury by releasing neurotoxic products, which make it important to regulate microglial activation to prevent further cytological as well as functional brain damage. However, the effect of S. chinensis on microglial activation has not been examined yet. We have investigated the effects of four compounds (Gomisin A, Gomisin N, Schizandrin and Schizandrol A) from S. chinensis on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced microglial activation. In this study, BV2 microglial cells were activated with LPS and the microglial activation was assessed by up-regulation of activation markers such as nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The results showed that all four compounds significantly reduced the intracellular level of ROS, the release of NO and MMP-9 as well as LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. These results strongly suggested that S. chinensis may be useful to modulate inflammation-mediated brain damage by regulating microglial activation.
THE EFFECTS OF TOURISM REVENUES ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE CONTEXT OF NEO-CLASSICAL GROWTH MODEL: IN THE CASE OF TURKEY

The aim of this study is to analyses the relationship between tourism and gross domestic product in the context of the Neo-classical growth model in the period after 1980 when Turkey adopted as an export-led growth model. A°n this paper, gross domestic product, gross fixed capital formation and tourism revenues between the years 1980-2014 were used. Co-integration between series was tested using the Johansen co-integration technique. This test concluded that the series are co-integrated. Additionally the Granger causality test was used to investigate the causality between tourism and economic growth. As a result of this test, unidirectional causality running from tourism to economic growth was determined. As a developing country, this result shows that the tourism sector plays an important role on Turkeyâ€™s attempts to close the gap with developed countries by financing gross fixed capital formation.
Optimization of Wind Turbine Airfoil Using Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm and Pareto Optimal Front

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and response surface-based multiobjective design optimization were performed for six different 2D airfoil profiles, and the Pareto optimal front of each airfoil is presented. FLUENT, which is a commercial CFD simulation code, was used to determine the relevant aerodynamic loads. The Lift Coefficient () and Drag Coefficient () data at a range of 0° to 12° angles of attack () and at three different Reynolds numbers (, 479, 210, and 958, 422) for all the six airfoils were obtained. Realizable turbulence model with a second-order upwind solution method was used in the simulations. The standard least square method was used to generate response surface by the statistical code JMP. Elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) was used to determine the Pareto optimal set based on the response surfaces. Each Pareto optimal solution represents a different compromise between design objectives. This gives the designer a choice to select a design compromise that best suits the requirements from a set of optimal solutions. The Pareto solution set is presented in the form of a Pareto optimal front.
About normality distribution of age in patients with diabetes mellitus.

The age variable from a sample of patients with diabetes mellitus has been analyzed with the iteratively applied method of moving average. Graphically, we found a normal frequency distribution of patients’ age. We were concerned by confirming the normality distribution of age, due to its importance, since many statistical tests require the normality as a prerequisite. We tested the above graphical conclusion using a concordance test (Kolmogorov-Smirnov).
The Value of Gelfoam in Prevention of Recurrence Following Microvascular Decompression

Trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and glossopharyngsal neuralgia account for the majority of cranial nerve hyperexcitability disorders. As vascular compression of the cranial nerve root has been believed to be the etiology, microvascular decompression (MVD) has nowadays become the most effective remedy for these disorders.
Practical implications of aflatoxin contamination in corn

Aflatoxin (AFL) contamination of corn is a serious economic and food security issue. Although a variety of technical solutions for reducing AFL contamination of corn have been proposed, only a few have produced satisfactory results. A successful approach is a biocontrol strategy consisting of using non-flatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus to replace indigenous AFL-producing isolates. The main objective of the present thesis was to investigate the dynamic and contamination of AFL/A. flavus in corn in Northern Italy. The study also investigated the role of the key-pest of corn, the European Corn Borer (ECB), on AFL contamination and dispersal of A. flavus propagules in corn. Finally, the study evaluated the feasibility of bioplastic-based granules entrapping a non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strain for the biocontrol of this fungus in corn. The 2-year field study demonstrated the efficacy of the bioplastic formulation to reduce AFL contamination in corn. More precisely, although AFL contamination varied among the two years, application of 15 and 30 kg ha-1 of granules reduced AFL contamination to up 60 and 85% in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Microbiological analysis showed that the relative abundance of non-aflatoxigenic soil isolates significantly increased after 1 month from granules application (mid-May) and throughout the corn-growing season. These findings were consistent with data obtained using a bioplastic-based bait specifically developed to selectively isolate Aspergilli from soil and other environmental samples. In addition, field and laboratory evaluations showed that the level of damages produced by ECB larvae were not significantly correlated to A. flavus infestation and AFL contamination. Taking together, these findings demonstrated that AFL contamination of corn in Northern Italy was variable, but above the EU limit for human consumption. First proposed in the USA, this study showed the practical possibility of this formulation to be use for reducing AFL contamination in corn in the EU.
Turbulent Combustion Parameters in Gas Explosions with Two Obstacles with Variable Separation Distance

Most of the congested gas explosions studies have focused on quantifying global flame acceleration and maximum overpressure through obstacle groupings rather than detailed analysis of the flame propagation through the individual elements of the congested region. Fundamental data of the turbulent flow and combustion parameters would aid better understanding of gas explosion phenomena and mechanisms in the presence of obstacles in addition to the traditional flame speeds and overpressures that are usually reported. In this work we report near stoichiometric methane/air explosion tests in an elongated vented cylindrical vessel 162 mm internal diameter with an overall length-to-diameter, L/D of 27.7. Single and double obstacles (both hole and flat-bar types) of 20-40% blockage ratios, BR with variable obstacle scale were used. The spacing between the obstacles was systematically varied from 0.5 m to 2.75 m. Turbulence parameters were estimated from pressure differential measurements and geometrical obstacle dimensions. This enabled the calculation of the explosions induced gas velocities, rms turbulent velocity, turbulent Reynolds number and Karlovitz number. This allowed the current data to be plotted on a premixed turbulent combustion regimes diagram. The bulk of the data fell in the thickened-wrinkled flames regime. The influence of the calculated Karlovitz number on the measured overpressures was analysed and was related to obstacle separation distance and obstacle scale characteristics.
A Framework for Describing and Classifying Multicriteria Portfolio Selection Problems: An Object-Oriented Approach

Many decisions require not a single solution alternative, but a set or portfolio of alternatives. For example, a business generally produces not a single product, but a portfolio of products, and a project is tackled not by a single individual, but by a team of individuals. Unfortunately, the portfolio selection problem has been largely neglected in the literature. Though many specific problem environments have been discussed using heuristic, ad hoc methods, no general methodology or theory has been developed. This paper proposes an object-oriented framework to provide a theoretical foundation for future research on the portfolio selection problem
A new classification technique based on hybrid fuzzy soft set theory and supervised fuzzy c-means

Recent advances in information technology have led to significant changes in today‟s world. The generating and collecting data have been increasing rapidly. Popular use of the World Wide Web (www) as a global information system led to a tremendous amount of information, and this can be in the form of text document. This explosive growth has generated an urgent need for new techniques and automated tools that can assist us in transforming the data into more useful information and knowledge. Data mining was born for these requirements. One of the essential processes contained in the data mining is classification, which can be used to classify such text documents and utilize it in many daily useful applications. There are many classification methods, such as Bayesian, K-Nearest Neighbor, Rocchio, SVM classifier, and Soft Set Theory used to classify text document. Although those methods are quite successful, but accuracy and efficiency are still outstanding for text classification problem. This study is to propose a new approach on classification problem based on hybrid fuzzy soft set theory and supervised fuzzy c-means. It is called Hybrid Fuzzy Classifier (HFC). The HFC used the fuzzy soft set as data representation and then using the supervised fuzzy c-mean as classifier. To evaluate the performance of HFC, two well-known datasets are used i.e., 20 Newsgroups and Reuters-21578, and compared it with the performance of classic fuzzy soft set classifiers and classic text classifiers. The results show that the HFC outperforms up to 50.42% better as compared to classic fuzzy soft set classifier and up to 0.50% better as compare classic text classifier.
Geometry of higher order relative spectra and projection methods

Let $H$ be a densely defined linear operator acting on a Hilbert space $\cH$, let $P$ be the orthogonal projection onto a closed linear subspace $\cL$ and let $n \in \bn$. The $n$-th order spectrum ${\rm Spec}_n(H,\cL)$ of $H$ relative to $\cL$ is the set of $z\in\bC$ such that the restriction to $\cL$ of the operator $P(H-zI)^nP$ is not invertible within the subspace $\cL$. We study restrictions which may be placed on this set under given assumptions on ${\rm Spec}(H)$ and the behaviour of ${\rm Spec}_n(H,\cL)$ as $\cL$ increases towards $\cH$.
On the Democracy and Relevance of Governance Networks

The essential issue in this article is the relevance of the output of governance networks and the impact this relevance has on the democratic qualities of the network. The indifference for political participation is an urgent problem in contemporary societies, and as a consequence new forms of participation have been advocated by researchers and politicians. Examples can be found in the model for regional development of the European Union, which presupposes involvement of local actors, and in the research field of deliberative democracy, through which the practice of citizen juries has become increasingly frequent in political decision making. By investigating a specific governance network for regional planning in the region of Ostrobothnia in Finland, the article want to draw attention to the relevance of the output of such networks and the impact this relevance has on its possibilities for positive democratic contribution. The study compares the network operations with democratic ideals found in governance network theory and deliberative democracy theory. The contrast between casual conversation and discussions for deciding crucial issues becomes a central point for understanding the impact of relevance. The article suggests that a policy network cannot be democratic until its output is relevant, and this may be done through increasing publicity.
Reintroduction of Historically Extirpated Taxa on the California Channel Islands

Abstract. Most invasive alien vertebrate populations on the Channel Islands of California have been eradicated over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, removal of these introduced herbivores or predators came too late for some native flora and fauna, and numerous populations are now extinct. Here, we describe a systematic approach to reintroducing extirpated native taxa as a means for rebuilding natural communities and enhancing the resiliency of island ecosystems. Reintroduction efforts typically focus on a single species or site. In contrast, we propose that if reintroduction is a shared conservation goal of managers across the islands, the associated planning, implementation, and monitoring should be conducted as a cross-island initiative for the archipelago. A coordinated effort based on best practices in reintroduction biology could accrue programmatic efficiencies and economies of scale, more quickly advance ecosystem and species conservation goals, and create unique opportunities to test hypotheses in basic and applied ecology and evolution. The philosophical and technical approaches developed through this program may apply to other island and mainland systems and could be adapted to develop conservation strategies for species that may be candidates for assisted colonization in the face of climate change.
The Challenges of Big Data Analytics in the Mobile Communications Sector

Abstract The activities of the MNO (Mobile Network Operator) feature rapid development and business model innovations; one of their principal results is the communications infrastructure that is vital for economic growth. This dynamic and changing mode of operation (modus operandi) introduces high requirements for business decisions and overall informing to maintain competitiveness. One of the principal success factors in MNO activities is the application of contemporary information technologies, in particular technologies of business intelligence and analytics. The activities of MNO create large data volumes, leading to a significant potential discovery of insights from data. As a result, MNOs have been using analytical technologies to mine large data volumes for several decades, and experience accumulation started long before the term “big data” emerged in academia and business. The growing dynamics of activities drive the efficient use of analytical experience to boost competitive advantage. The goal of this paper is to define the most important features of the use of big data analytics in MNO business and any possible related challenges.