Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Congestion Tolls Efficiently Reduce CO2 Emissions from Homes in addition to Urban Transportation in the Long Run

Greenhouse gas emissions caused by urban residents' energy consumption arise from the 1) transportation and 2) housing sectors. This energy consumption depends on the population distribution of the city. This study quantitatively examines the effectiveness of congestion tolls, carbon tax, and land use regulations on the social welfare and the reduction of urban CO2 emissions. Results show that, among the three policies, the congestion toll can increase the social welfare by about 99% of the increase in the first-best scenario, which shows the best among the three policies, and can reduce the amount of total CO2 emissions by about 22%, which is almost the highest level among the three policies. These results suggest that congestion tolling, which is primarily the Pigovian tax for congestion, does not only internalize congestion externalities but also reduce CO2 emissions rather effectively through downsizing transportation distances and housing sizes with the spatial change in population density in the city.
A new 3-component Novikov hierarchy

Abstract. We study the bi-Hamiltonian structure of the hierarchy of a 3-component Novikov system. We show that Hamiltonian functionals of the 3-Novikov hierarchy in negative direction are local, and in both directions are homogenous. We construct a reciprocal transformation to connect the 3-Novikov system to a reduction of the first negative flow in a modified Yajima-Oikawa hierarchy, which is shown to pass the standard Painlevé test. Besides we discuss bi-Hamiltonian structures of the 3-Novikov hierarchy under the reciprocal transformation. Moreover, we consider a limit for the 3-Novikov system.
Seed as major gizmo in ret medicinal and aromatic plants conservation- a perspective

Seed quality comprises of genetic and physiological characters that govern successful reproducibility by conserving genetic information from one generation to other. Seed is the pivotal input for the conservation of Rare, Endangered and Threatened medicinal and aromatic plants. The fundamental objective of genetic resources conservation is the maintenance of broad-based genetic diversity within each of the species. Further, genetic diversity and attainment of homozygosity of the individual or the population of plants selected for conservation lay the ultimate footstone. Selection of suitable strategies keeping the seed developmental biology offers a great means for conserving RET species. Prominent among these are provenance, genetic diversity, appropriate seed bearing in self and cross-pollinated species, seed polymorphism, the presence of inhibitors is also a primary source of seed dormancy and germination, and tissue culture methods are the key features of employing seed as the chief source to accomplish successful conservation.
VLSI DESIGN OF HIGH THROUGHPUT FINITE FIELD MULTIPLIER USING REDUNDANT BASIS TECHNIQUE

: Redundant basis (RB) multipliers over Galois Field have gained huge popularity in elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) mainly because of their negligible hardware cost for squaring and modular reduction. In this paper, we have proposed a novel recursive decomposition algorithm for RB multiplication to obtain high-throughput digit-serial implementation. Through efficient projection of signal-flow graph (SFG) of the proposed algorithm, a highly regular processor-space flow-graph (PSFG) is derived. By identifying suitable cut-sets, we have modified the PSFG suitably and performed efficient feed-forward cut-set retiming to derive three novel multipliers which not only involve significantly less time-complexity than the existing ones but also require less area and less power consumption compared with the others. Both theoretical analysis and synthesis results confirm the efficiency of proposed multipliers over the existing ones.
Individual and Community Well-Being in Transborder Areas: Spatial Patterns and Regional Accounts-an exercise from Poland and Ukraine

Transborder areas are studied from a variety of angles, such as local development or migration, and recently also well-being, to mention a few. However, question about their exceptionality as a spatial context for individual well being and community well-being (gminas), and how they relate to each other, remains still among relatively less recognized. The goal of this paper is three-fold. [First] It starts with identification of spatial patterns of the two types of synthetic indicators, pertaining to community and individual (subjective) dimensions of well-being and quality of live, respectively. Spatial autocorrelation coefficients are used to measure the strength of spatial effect independently, while looking for the patterns of co-occurrence of the clusters identified for both of thesm. Having collected data from samples of about 1200 individuals in selected communes/gminas (about 400 households from each of the three NUTS-2 level areas under study two in 'exterior' areas of Polish voievodship adjacent to Ukraine, and one in a central voievodship as a reference 'initerior' area), a test on null hypothesis (lack of spatial effect) is further extended to consider spatial relations between individual and community well-being. [Second] It is followed by a search for an underlying spatial processes that might affect cross-level (individual-community) interaction due to some neighboring effect. To address this, multilevel modeling with spatial effects is being discussed. [Third] The much discussed issue of the relationship between subjective and objective measures of well-being is also addressed here. To this aim, preliminary estimates of the regional national accounts for sub-regional units (NUTS-3, the case of Poland only) are calculated. And the multilevel modeling with spatial effects is subsequently adjusted to capture the problem of subjective-objective influence in the local context. Some suggestions on further empirical (comparative) study with the use of the presented methodological strategy in an international perspective conclude the paper (presentation).
Disappearance of DIBOA-glucoside, DIBOA, and BOA from Rye (Secale cereale L.) Cover Crop Residue

Disappearance of rye cover crop residue and allelochemicals from rye residue were evaluated in a field study at Clayton, NC, in 1992 and 1993. The aerial portion of rye biomass declined linearly over time with 50% of the residue disappearing by 105 d after clipping. Extrapolations indicated all residue would disappear approximately 200 d after rye clipping. Total content of DIBOA and two related compounds, DIBOA-glucoside and BOA, in the residue also was measured over time. Fifty percent of the 0-d content of the compounds disappeared from residue 10 and 12 d after kill for 1992 and 1993, respectively. Extrapolations indicated content reached 0121 and 168 d after kill for 1992 and 1993, respectively. Reported duration of weed suppression by rye cover crops more closely follows disappearance of allelochemicals from rye residue than disappearance of the residue.
The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses on the Behavior of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Dental Setting

THE EFFECT OF VIRTUAL REALITY GLASSES ON THE BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN THE DENTAL SETTING By: ROBERT LUNKA, DDS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University Thesis Advisor: TEGYWYN H. BRICKHOUSE, DDS, PhD Purpose: The study investigated if viewing a simulated dental exam on virtual reality glasses between two visits would desensitize participants with autism spectrum disorder to the dental environment and improve their anxiety and behavior. Methods: This randomized prospective cohort study compared behavior between a Control Group and Experimental Group who wore the glasses between visits. Blinded raters watched video recordings of participants and assessed behavior using the Venham scale. Heart rate and post-visit questionnaires completed by guardians were also analyzed. Results: Five subjects were enrolled (two in the Control and three in the Experimental groups). The median heart rate at visit one was 61 and reduced to 55 for visit two. The maximum heart rate was always observed in the waiting room (n=10, 100%). Raters agreed on anxiety scores for 10% of visits and 80% for behavior scores (k=0.2, 0.5 respectively). Guardians that completed the poststudy surveys agreed (n=3, 100%) the glasses were easy to use, enjoyed by the child, and improved anxiety and cooperation at visit two. Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, median heart rate deceased and behavior stayed the same or improved at the second visit in both groups. The maximum heart rate was observed in the waiting room at each visit. Post-visit questionnaires demonstrated high guardian satisfaction with the virtual reality simulation and they felt their child’s anxiety and behavior improved at the second visit.
Enzyme stabilization with solid-phase triazine-scaffolded biomimetic ligands Thesis to obtain the Master of Science Degree in Biological Engineering

Synthetic ligands that mimic the structure and binding of natural biological ligands are designated as biomimetic ligands. After the first uses of textile dyes as pseudo-affinity ligands, this technology started to be the basis of de novo synthesis and rational design concepts of triazine-scaffolded synthetic ligands. This rational approach was formally used to find stabilizing ligands, which could bind cutinase with high affinity while retaining enzymatic activity. The stabilizing effect on cutinase from Fusarium solani pisi obtained with triazine-scaffolded synthetic ligands, and, particularly with a selected lead-ligand (3’/11), is the basis for future research with triazine-based compounds as probes for enhancing protein stability by adsorption. It is envisaged that some of these ligands are assessed and screened for their potential stabilizing effect on other enzymes. In the present work, the high affinity of ligand 3’/11 with cutinase was confirmed and the same ligand was screened for its ability to bind with other enzymes, as lipases from Aspergillus oryzae, Candida rugosa, Chromobacterium viscosum, Rhizomucor miehei and Rhizopus niveus, and invertase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The enzymes CRL, CVL, RNL and invertase showed significant adsorption yields to ligand 3’/11 – 32, 29, 36 and 94%, respectively –, and the thermostability at 60oC of the free and adsorbed enzymes was studied. CVL and CRL were stabilized by the adsorption to ligand 3’/11. In the cases of CRL and invertase, other ligands, from the original combinatorial library, were tested: CRL was stabilized by adsorption to ligand 3/3’ and invertase was stabilized by adsorption to ligand 5/3’.
DEV122598 2916..2927

Hemimetabolous insects such as the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus regenerate lost tissue parts using blastemal cells, a population of dedifferentiated proliferating cells. The expression of several factors that control epigenetic modification is upregulated in the blastema compared with differentiated tissue, suggesting that epigenetic changes in gene expression might control the differentiation status of blastema cells during regeneration. To clarify themolecular basis of epigenetic regulation during regeneration, we focused on the function of the Gryllus Enhancer of zeste [Gb’E(z)] and Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat gene on the X chromosome (Gb’Utx) homologues, which regulate methylation and demethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27), respectively. Methylated histone H3K27 in the regenerating leg was diminished by Gb’E(z) and was increased by Gb’Utx. Regenerated Gb’E(z) cricket legs exhibited extra leg segment formation between the tibia and tarsus, and regenerated Gb’Utx cricket legs showed leg joint formation defects in the tarsus. In the Gb’E(z) regenerating leg, the Gb’dac expression domain expanded in the tarsus. By contrast, in the Gb’Utx regenerating leg, Gb’Egfr expression in the middle of the tarsus was diminished. These results suggest that regulation of the histone H3K27 methylation state is involved in the repatterning process during leg regeneration among cricket species via the epigenetic regulation of leg patterning gene expression.
Monitoring and tackling genetic selection in the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida

Management of plant pests is probably the most serious challenge in sustainable food production and the maintenance of food security. Due to the strict regulation of or ban on major categories of pesticide, the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida has been managed by a combination of crop rotation and the potato resistance locus Grp1, a relatively narrow range resistance gene which was introgressed into a range of commercial potato cultivars in Europe. However, in 2014, G. pallida populations were described that can no longer be controlled by Grp1. Most likely similar highly virulent populations will also emerge in all major potato growing areas in North Western Europe where production practices are very similar. Except for laborious, costly and often moderately accurate pot experiments, there is currently no rapid and reliable method to identify virulent populations. This represents a strong limitation and prevents an accurate and durable management of infestations. The PalAdapt project funded by EFSA represents the first step of a European battle plan against the emergence of virulent G. pallida populations and aims at improving the methods and tools for a fast identification of virulence outbreaks. Four main research questions were investigated during the project: (i) Do resistance breaking populations correspond to novel introductions into Europe? (ii) Can miniaturized in vitro tests be used to get more rapidly an accurate identification of the virulence status? , (iii) Is cyst size a life history trait useful to estimate the virulence status of a population? , (iv) Can we identify polymorphism to design molecular tools for an accurate virulence monitoring? The EFSA partnering grants initiative was an accurate way to improve the EU risk assessment capacity through a knowledge exchange among partners having complementary resources and expertise.
Bamboo: Inherent source of nutrition and medicine

Bamboo is a perennial plant found all over the world except alkaline soils, desert, and marsh. Bamboo shoots are considered as one of the useful health foods because of their rich contents of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fibers, and minerals and very low fat. Though bamboo shoots provide lots of health benefits, their consumption is confined mostly to Southeast Asian and East Asian countries. In recent years, evidences show immense therapeutic potential of Bamboo plant, which has been used in various traditional systems of medicine like ayurveda. The leaves of Bamboo are used as a folk medicine for the treatment of cough, fever and leprosy. Recent scientific evidences indicate that the extract of Bamboo possess antioxidant and free radical scavenging property, antimicrobial, anti-aging and cardioprotective property. This review discussed about different nutritional constituents and therapeutic potential
Changes in the abundance of cells in the anterior pituitary gland and the possible roles of luteinizing hormone, prolactin and progesterone in the control of delayed implantation in the straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum)

Eidolon helvum (Megachiroptera) is a large frugivorous bat found in equatorial and tropical Africa. The reproductive cycle is characterized by a three-month period of delayed implantation and the total length of pregnancy may be as much as 10 months. A histochemical study of the gonadotrophs and mammotrophs of the anterior pituitary, in conjunction with assays of LH-like, progesterone-like and prolactin-like immunoreactivity in the plasma suggest that during delayed implantation the gonadotrophs were inactive while the mammotrophs were active and plasma PRL-like immunoreactivity high. We interpret this as indicating that, in the straw-coloured fruit bat, implantation was inhibited by high levels of prolactin and, as such, the endocrine control of delayed implantation may be quite different from that described for other mammals.
IMPACT OF EXTREME DROUGHT ON NET ECOSYSTEM EXCHANGE FROM LEMUS CHINENSIS STEPPE IN XILIN RIVER BASIN, CHINA

Background and Aims Many reports on global change have predicted major change in the temporal and spatial pattern of precipitation, which may have significant effects on temperate grasslands in arid and semi_arid regions. The responses of grasslands to environmental changes, especially amount and timing of precipitation, can be very different. Some studies indicate that drought may result in degradation of ecosystem function in NEE, even changing the ecosystem from a carbon sink to a carbon source. Methods In order to quantify net ecosystem carbon exchange in Leymus chinensis steppe and its response to precipitation, we used the eddy covariance technique to measure carbon dioxide flux during the 2005 growing season in Xilin River Basin of Inner Mongolia Plateau in 2005. Only 126 mm precipitation fell during this growing season, far less than average; therefore, the steppe was in an extreme drought condition. Key Results The daily pattern of CO_2 uptake in this drought year was consistent bimodal, with peaks at 8∶00 and 18∶00. In normal years, the bimodal pattern occurred only when soil water stress occurred. Maximum half_hourly average CO_2 uptake was -0.38 mg·m~ -2 ·s~ -1 in 2005, which was half that in typical growing seasons. Moreover, the ecosystem was a CO_2 source most of the growing season, releasing about 0.05 mg CO_2·m~ -2 ·s~ -1 at nighttime. Conclusions The seasonal pattern of CO_2 uptake closely followed that of aboveground biomass and was strongly affected by soil temperature and soil water content. The ecosystem emitted 372.56 g CO_2·m~ -2 during the growing season in 2005. The partial explanation is that much plant litter accumulated on the ground surface due to enclosure of the grassland since 1979, and this litter decomposed and resulted in a net release of CO_2 to atmosphere.
Mobile phone data and geo-spatial information for official statistics and indicators

The advent of Big Data is having an important impact on the production and analysis of data, and is changing the environment within which the official statistical community operates. Spurred by the increased demands for timely and disaggregated data for the monitoring of the new sustainable development goals of the Post-2015 development agenda, innovative technologies and new data sources are required. The rapid spread of mobile phone usage offers a great opportunity to improve timeliness and fill data gaps. There are today almost 7 billion mobile-cellular subscriptions worldwide. Each of these mobile phones generates data and leaves a digital footprint by communicating, accessing the internet and using various applications. Mobile phone data provides – among others – the location and movement of mobile phones, and is considered one the most promising data sources for measuring and monitoring spatial-temporal activities of the population. In parallel, geospatial information services, including satellite imagery, have added new dimensions to traditional statistical outputs. Together this creates a range of new opportunities to modernize statistical production and improve the quality in different domains of official statistics, including tourism, transportation and population statistics. Privacy concerns and access to mobile phone data are important challenges, as are some technological and methodological difficulties. Despite these challenges, mobile phone data, in particular if combined with satellite imagery and other geospatial information, can offer unprecedented opportunities for improving the timeliness, frequency, coverage and relevance of official statistics, especially in developing countries.
FROM KNOWLEDGE AGENTS TO KNOWLEDGE AGENCY

In this report we further develop the notion of knowledge agent and analyse knowledge agency in an 8 grade mathematics classroom learning probability. By knowledge agency we mean the many ways and variations in which knowledge agents act. We also observe the teacher as an orchestrator of the learning process who as such invests efforts to create a learning environment that enables students to be active and become knowledge agents. In our previous work we have identified mainly a single student who acted as knowledge agent. Here we show how four students acted as a group of knowledge agents and that knowledge agency may appear in different forms: as one student and his followers, as two students, and as group of students.
Effect of Partial Removal of Endosperm on Seedling Sizes of Panicum virgatum and Agropyron psammophilum

Greenhouse studies were conducted to examine the role of the endosperm in determining the size of subsequent seedlings of two grasses, Panicum virgatum L. and Agropyron psammophilum Gillett & Senn. Different proportions (0, 20, 40, 60, 80%) of endosperm were surgically removed to experimentally produce seeds with similar embryo but different endosperm weights. Several traits of the seedlings measured three days after emergence showed that they were dependent on weight of the endosperm rather than the embryo size. After endosperm removal, significantly more dry matter was allocated to the root and less to the leaf of resulting seedlings in comparison with control. This study suggests that the predation of seed endosperm may result in seedlings of smaller sizes as compared with those from intact seeds.
Effect of hydrothermal treatments on mineral composition, bio accessibility and total polyphenols of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Millets are nutritionally superior to major cereals but contain anti-nutrients which are major phytochemicals which negatively affects their nutritive values. Millets requires specialized treatment in order to improve their nutritive value, shelf-life and organoleptic properties. For this hydrothermal treatments and coating treatments were employed in this study. Pearl millet grain was subjected to hydrothermal (microwave for 40, 60, 80 and 100sec and steamed for 4, 6, 8 and 10min) and curry leaf extracts (Ethanol, Hot water and Ethanol + water extracts) treatments. Untreated and treated grains were evaluated for mineral composition, iron and zinc bio-accessibility and for total polyphenol content. Increase in mineral content was observed in all treatments; polyphenols were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in curry leaf extract treated grains than untreated grains; while steaming treatment showed more reduction compare to microwave treatment. Iron and zinc bio-accessibility was significantly (p≤0.05) increased due to hydrothermal and curry leaf treatments. Treatments brought about an increase in accessibility of total minerals, iron and zinc and a decrease in the total phenolics, thus found to be an effective technique for improving the availability of minerals in pearl millet and making it nutritionally superior.
NFC Antennas for Modern Wireless Communication Applications

This work focuses on 13.56MHz NFC antennaas that will satisfy the operational requirement in horizontal orientations. The wavelength of 13.56MHz systems corresponds to about 22 m. However, the antenna size is a small fraction of that in size and the operating distance is in the range of the reader antenna's diameter. Hence, the interaction between the reader and the ring happens in the near field of the interrogator. This leads to the fact, that the fundamental working principle can be described by a transformer, the capacitive or inductive coupling between the reader and the ring. In order to achieve a good coupling, the structure is made of different coils aligned together according to the current flow to avoid the disturbance of the induced magnetic field. In short, the coupling and the magnetic field distributions between the two components, the reader and the ring are presented.