Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lignin Separated from the Hydrolyzate of the Hydrothermal Treatment of Birch Wood and Its Surface Properties

The chemical composition, structural features and surface active properties of alkali lignin, separated from the hydrolyzate of the birch wood sawdust treatment in a moderately alkaline water solution at a temperature below 100 °C, were studied. The separated lignin was rich in p-oxyphenylpropane fragments and carbonyl groups, but contained a relatively low amount of aliphatic hydroxyl and methoxyl groups. The carboxyl groups were weaker than those in kraft lignins. The lignin aqueous solutions were structured, containing both nano- and micro-sized colloidal particles. The pronounced amphiphilic character of the lignin molecules governed their low critical micelle concentration (CMC) values and enhanced the surface activity at the water-air and liquid-liquid interfaces. When decreasing the pH and increasing ionic strength, the surface activity of lignin at the air-water interface grew, while that at the oil-water interface dropped. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the microstructure of the lignin surface consisted of globules, forming extended clusters of the “grape-bunches” type.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis - A Review

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was introduced nearly a quarter-century ago. Since then, it has been expanding in scope and applications. It is an evolving technique that provides a practical alternative to prenatal diagnosis and prevents termination of pregnancy in couples with a high risk for offspring affected by a sex-linked genetic disease. Early protocols used blastomeres biopsied from cleavage-stage embryos. With further advancements, improved results have started to be seen with biopsy from first and second polar body or early trophectoderm. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis was first carried out using polymerase chain reaction followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Now, newer molecular tools, such as DNA microarrays and next-generation sequencing are being tested. This advancement in the field of medicine has not only provided an insight into reproductive genetics and early human development but has also raised important new ethical, legal and social issues about assisted human reproduction in order to avoid inappropriate use of this technology.
A Cryptographic Based Implementation Of Secure Hash Algorithm By Using Microblaze Processor

Hash function is simply an algorithm that takes a string of any length and reduces it to a unique fixed length string. Hash functions are used to ensure data and message integrity, password validity as well as the basis of many other cryptographic systems. Due to the tremendous developments within the wired and wireless communications, new algorithms and new security standards are developed. Among these hash algorithms are widely used. Performance in security applications can be improved by accelerating the algorithms in hardware. This encryption subsystem is implemented by an embedded processor combined with specific hardware. In this paper, SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) application is presented. A Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGA is employed to implement MicroBlaze based embedded system.
Biofilm formation analysis and molecular identification of copper-resistant bacteria isolated from PT Freeport Indonesia’s tailings

Copper is an essential macronutrient for living organisms. Nevertheless, at high concentrations, it is toxic to most forms of life, including microorganisms. In this research, we examined the biofilm formation ability and identified the molecular characteristics of copper-resistant bacteria isolated from PT Freeport Indonesia’s tailings. Four bacteria isolates from PT Freeport Indonesia’s tailings were used in this study. Qualitative analysis of biofilm formation by copper-resistant bacteria was performed using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) method and Microtiter Plate Biofilm Assay. The results showed that the C53 isolate could be categorized as a strong biofilm former, and three other isolates (C38, C40, and C43) as medium biofilm formers. The identity of the selected isolates was based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis: C38 isolate had a 99% similarity to Bacillus cereus strain HM85, C43 isolate had a 99% similarity to Bacillus subtilis strain EN16, C40 isolate had a 99% similarity to Lycinibacillus fusiformis strain MB52, and C53 isolate had a 98% similarity to Pseudomonas aeuruginosa strain GGRJ21. The capability of the C53 isolate to form strong biofilm can be exploited in bioremediation processes aiming to remove copper from tailings.
Ontogenetic diet shifts in the reef fish Pseudanthias rubrizonatus from isolated populations on the North-West Shelf of Australia

The red-barred anthias Pseudanthias rubrizonatus is a common tropical deep reef fish species found in Australia, but little is known about its dietary preferences and trophic interactions. We examined the gut contents and stable isotope signatures (δ 13 C and δ 15 N) of P. rubrizonatus from populations on the North-West Shelf of Australia to determine differences in diet relative to site, depth and fish size. We sampled 5 fish populations from a series of sub-sea structures, from 82 to 152 m depth, which had been submerged for up to 15 yr. Gut content analysis suggested that P. rubri- zonatus displays an opportunistic feeding strategy and utilises both pelagic and benthic resources, including larval fishes, heteropods, isopods and mysids. Stable isotope analyses revealed that at all depths P. rubrizonatus underwent an ontogenetic diet shift. Values for δ 13 C in muscle ranged from -19.7‰ for small fish to -16.2‰ for larger individuals, and δ 15 N ranged from 8.2‰ for smaller fish to 13.2‰ for larger fish, indicating that a diet shift occurs at the end of juvenile development between 30 and 50 mm standard length. By simultaneously analysing gut contents and stable isotope signa- tures of the collected specimens, we have documented opportunistic dietary strategies that may assist P. rubrizonatus to colonise isolated structures.
Dynamics of the Typhoon Haitang Related High Ozone Episode over Hong Kong

It has been previously established that photochemical smog occurring in the Pearl River Delta Region (PRD) was associated with stagnant meteorological conditions. However, the photochemical smog (17 July to 20 July 2005) induced by typhoon Haitang was associated with moderate wind speed and nonstagnant meteorological conditions. The dynamic process of this ozone episode was studied using an integrated numerical model, that is, a mesoscale meteorological model and Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Model performance has been evaluated using both ground-based meteorological and air quality observations. Analysis of simulated wind fields and ozone budget has been performed. This dynamic process is summarized into three physical factors. First, the westerly wind placed Hong Kong directly downwind of the PRD emissions. Second, the convergence of wind flow stimulated a vertical local circulation near the surface layer. This recirculation allowed primary and secondary pollutants to accumulate. Third, the conditions of high air temperature and low humidity resulted in active photochemical reactions. These combined effects resulted in the formation of high ozone in this episode.
Introducing price-setting behaviour in the Phillips Curve: the role of nonlinearities

Based on the theoretical literature on price setting behavior, we model three distinct forms of nonlinearity that can describe the reduced-form Phillips curve: reaction asymmetry, state dependence and a mix of both. Employing these models to the G5 for the 1985-2011 period, we find that: (i) the Phillips curve is unstable and nonlinear and (ii) there exist threshold levels of inflation and capacity utilization that erode price rigidity. Our results reinforce the existence of downward price rigidity in Japan, helping to explain the puzzle of gradual deflation. In opposition, downward price flexibility is verified for U.S.
Unprecedented evidence for deep convection hydrating the tropical stratosphere

We report on in situ and remote sensing measurements of ice particles in the tropical stratosphere found during the Geophysica campaigns TROCCINOX and SCOUT‐O3. We show that the deep convective systems penetrated the stratosphere and deposited ice particles at altitudes reaching 420 K potential temperature. These convective events had a hydrating effect on the lower tropical stratosphere due to evaporation of the ice particles. In contrast, there were no signs of convectively induced dehydration in the stratosphere.
VOLTAGE DERATING RULES FOR SOLID TANTALUM AND NIOBIUM CAPACITORS

For many years, whenever people have asked tantalum capacitor manufacturers for general recommendations on using their product, the consensus was “a minimum of 50% voltage derating should be applied”. This rule of thumb has since become the most prevalent design guideline for tantalum technology. This paper revisits this statement and explains, given an understanding of the application, why this is not necessarily the case. With the recent introduction of niobium and niobium oxide capacitor technologies, the derating discussion has been extended to these capacitor families also.
Education, Growth, and Income Inequality

Estimates of the effect of education on GDP (the social return) have been hard to reconcile with micro evidence on the private return to schooling. We present a simple explanation combining two ideas: imperfect substitution and endogenous skill-biased technological progress and use cross-country panel data on inequality and GDP to test these ideas. A one-year increase in the level of education reduces the private return by 2 percentage points, consistent with Katz-Murphy's (1992) elasticity of substitution. We find no evidence for reversal of this initial effect as in Acemoglu (2002). In the short run, the social return equals the private return.
OXIDATIVE MODIFICATION OF LIPOPROTEINS AS A MEASURE OF MACROSOMIA IN DIABETIC PREGNANCY

The present study is centered on the concept that Macrosomia is a frequent complication of pregnancy in diabetes mellitus. In this article, we shed light on the abnormalities in lipoprotein fractions in Diabetic pregnancy can act as a measure of macrosomia. We also raise the question of the possible beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs in diabetic pregnancy in the prevention and treatment of long-term metabolic abnormalities associated with macrosomia. The cases for this study were selected from the Gynaecology and Obstetrics 'Out-patients' and 'In-patients' clinic of Sassoon General Hospital,Pune. In all 130 cases belonging to the age group of 20-45 years could be studied. Out of the 130 subjects, 50 subjects belonging to the III trimester of pregnancy were studied. The study could evaluate 30 subjects belonging to the III trimester diabetic pregnancy group. 50 healthy non-pregnant women constituted the control group
Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) Multiplexers for Multiple-Valued Computing

Novel two types of Carbon Nano Tube (CNT)-based multiplexers are in- troduced. The first device is a solid-state transmission gat e (t-gate) multiplexer that uses CNT as a channel in the Field Effect Transistors (FET) of both n-FET and p-FET types that are used. Because of its very small size, it has bee n shown that a CNT-based FET switches reliably using much less power than a silicon-based device, and thus the new device will consume less power than traditional t-gate multiplexer. The second new CNT device uses the fundamental Lorentz magnetic force from the basic laws of Electromagnetics as a switching mechanism between two conducting CNTs. The implementation of multiple-valued Galois logic using the new CNT devices is shown. Since a multiplexer is a fundamental logic block, the new devices can have a wide range of applications in a wide variety of nano circuits.
Casson fluid Model for Blood flow with Velocity Slip in presence of Magnetic effect

Abstract An attempt is made in this analysis to study the flow of blood through a uniform rigid artery with an axial velocity slip condition at vessel wall has been considered by assuming blood a Casson fluid. It has been observed that the effect of the Hartmann number and the Reynolds number on the velocity field as well as on the wall shear stress is very prominent and when the Hartmann number and Reynolds number increases, the fluid velocity decreases. It also include Poiseuille fluid models of blood for both slip and no-slip at wall and one-layered Casson fluid model and no slip at tube wall as its special cases. Role of slip in influencing the flow variables and physiological implications of this theoretical modelling are discussed in brief.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on CuInSe 2 / ZnS Thin-Film Solar Cells Fabricated by Using Electron Beam Evaporation

CuInSe 2 (CIS) thin films are successfully prepared by electron beam evaporation. Pure Cu, In, and Se powders were mixed and ground in a grinder and made into a pellet. The pallets were deposited via electron beam evaporation on FTO substrates and were varied by varying the annealing temperatures, at room temperature, 250C, 300C, and 350C. Samples were analysed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) for crystallinity and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) for grain size and thickness. I-V measurements were used to measure the efficiency of the CuInSe 2 /ZnS solar cells. XRD results show that the crystallinity of the films improved as the temperature was increased. The temperature dependence of crystallinity indicates polycrystalline behaviour in the CuInSe 2 films with (1 1 1), (2 2 0)/(2 0 4), and (3 1 2)/(1 1 6) planes at 27, 45, and 53, respectively. FESEM images show the homogeneity of the CuInSe 2 formed. I-V measurements indicated that higher annealing temperatures increase the efficiency of CuInSe 2 solar cells from approximately 0.99% for the as-deposited films to 1.12% for the annealed films. Hence, we can conclude that the overall cell performance is strongly dependent on the annealing temperature.
LIGHT-WEIGHT MULTISPECTRAL UAV SENSORS AND THEIR CAPABILITIES FOR PREDICTING GRAIN YIELD AND DETECTING PLANT DISEASES

In this paper we investigate the performance of new light-weight multispectral sensors for micro UAV and their application to selected tasks in agronomical research and agricultural practice. The investigations are based on a series of flight campaigns in 2014 and 2015 covering a number of agronomical test sites with experiments on rape, barley, onion, potato and other crops. In our sensor comparison we included a high-end multispectral multiSPEC 4C camera with bandpass colour filters and reference channel in zenith direction and a low-cost, consumer-grade Canon S110 NIR camera with Bayer pattern colour filters. Ground-based reference measurements were obtained using a terrestrial hyperspectral field spectrometer. The investigations show that measurements with the high-end system consistently match very well with ground-based field spectrometer measurements with a mean deviation of just 0.01-0.04 NDVI values. The low-cost system, while delivering better spatial resolutions, expressed significant biases. The sensors were subsequently used to address selected agronomical questions. These included crop yield estimation in rape and barley and plant disease detection in potato and onion cultivations. High levels of correlation between different vegetation indices and reference yield measurements were obtained for rape and barley. In case of barley, the NDRE index shows an average correlation of 87% with reference yield, when species are taken into account. With high geometric resolutions and respective GSDs of down to 2.5 cm the effects of a thrips infestation in onion could be analysed and potato blight was successfully detected at an early stage of infestation.
Effect of polycystic ovaries syndrome on outcome of assisted reproductive Technology in Isfahan Fertility-Infertility Center

Background: Polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) is the most common disorder in infertile women with ovulation steri lity. There are some instances of abnormal endocrine in t he women stricken by this syndrome and so the clini cal results of ovulating induction in them, because of severe respons e of ovary against ovulating induction, are very di scussing and may lead to different results from those with normal ovary. In this research the effect of ovulating induction among this group of women was compared with the women with normal ovary and tubal sterility. Methods: This prospective cohort study performed on 260 inf ertile pairs with PCOS and tubal factors under trea tment using fertility assistance techniques in IFIC. The nu mbers of oocyte, concentration of testosterone and andrestandion, fertility rate and embryo quality were compared. Results: The mean of oocyte retrieved, concentration of andr estandion in follicular and LH0 phases, and testost erone in LH0 phase were higher in PCOS patients (p < 0.05), but the fertilization rate indicated no difference between two groups. According to the results there was a significant as sociation between the concentration of andrestandio n and testosterone phase LH0 and the embryo quality. Conclusion: The ovulation induction in PCOS by increasing the serum androgen concentration would lead to undesirable influence on oocyte, so that the achieved embryo ha s a lower quality and the ratio of good-quality emb ryo decrease, but because of the high number of oocyte and the number of achieved embryo in the women with PCOS the chance of growing more good-quality embryo is high
ROMANIAN ELDERLY HOUSEHOLDS*: STATE'S OR FAMILY'S CONCERN?

On the short and medium term, the already high pressure imposed by a growing proportion of elderly in the population will be further augmented by the effects of the fi nancial and economic crisis. In this context, the question regarding the fi nancing and care of elderly persons, most exposed to the risk of poverty, is raised. Based on the data resulted from the Households Budget Survey developed by the National Institute of Statistics in the second trimester of 2010 in Romania, the authors aimed at identifying the perceptions of the elderly households with regard to their fi nancial resources for coping with current consumption, the solutions taken into account, the role of the family and the solidarity relations in the community**.
Korean ‘-e ci’ Constructions: Anti-Causatives or Passives?

Jina Song. 2016. Korean ‘-e ci’ Constructions: Anti-Causatives or Passives? Language and Information 20.1, 51-71. The status of the Korean morphological marker ‘-e ci’ has been controversial whether it is a passive marker, an anticausative marker, or a passive/anticausative marker. However, the previous approaches that tried to classify ‘-e ci’ constructions based on the syntactic verb classes (i.e. intransitive or transitive) were short of explaining the properties of the constructions. In this study, the ‘-e ci’ constructions were distinguished based on agentivity, following Levin & Rappaport Hovav (1995) and Alexiadou et al. (2006). Moreover, how the verbal root meaning is associated with the passive/anticausative construction was investigated by means of Distributed Morphology (DM) (Embick 2010; Marantz 1997). I argued that the morphological marker ‘-e ci’ is the instantiation of the absence of external arguments. With respect to the behavior of the Korean ‘-e ci’ constructions with the semantics of each verbal root class, I found out that the ‘-e ci’ constructions can form passives with the verbal roots that require the external arguments; whereas, the anticausatives cannot be formed with the roots that necessarily require the agentive arguments. However, contrary to the previous arguments that ‘-e ci’ passives can be only formed with transitive verbs, it is discovered that non-agentive transitive roots do form anticausatives. Moreover, I argued that there are two types of the anticausatives – zero and ‘-e ci’ anticausatives. Since the valency reduction is marked by the non-active voice morphology, the zero anticausatives appear only with the roots that do not require external arguments. The different ‘-e ci’ constructions (passives, ‘-e ci’, and zero anticausatives) are represented by the distinct syntactic structures.
Assistive Technologies For The Blind : A Digital Ecosystem Perspective

Assistive technology devices for the blind are portable electronic devices that are either hand-held or worn by the visually impaired user, to warn of obstacles ahead. These devices form a small part of a much wider support infrastructure of people and systems that cluster about a particular disability. Various disabilities, in turn, form part of a greater ecosystem of clusters. These clusters may form about a nucleus of various specific disabilities, such as vision impairment, speech or hearing loss, each focusing on its own particular disability category. Clusters are comprised of teams of therapists, carers, trainers, as well as device manufacturers, who design and produce computer-based systems such as mobility aids. There is, however, little evidence of any real crossover collaboration or communication between different disability support clusters.
GENERATING IMITATION CUSTOM ARTWORK BY SIMULATING BRUSH STROKES AND ENHANCING EDGES

The precision of an initial image is reduced through image automatic processing in a manner Simulating techniques used in the production of a custom art work. The resulting image, although generated without human intervention, has a pleasing, customized appearance which can be desirable to consumerS Seeking decorative art work. One way of reduc ing the precision of the initial image is modifying portions of the image to have more uniform luminance, color Saturation, or color hue, producing a resulting image appear ing to contain brush Strokes. Alternatively, the precision of the initial image is reduced by locating contrast edges in the image, and modifying the luminance along these edges, producing a resulting image in which objects and features are outlined and have an enhanced definition from the background.
Strategic Approaches to CO 2 Emissions-The Case of the Cement Industry and of the Chemical Industry

The ability of companies to turn an environmental constraint into a source of strategic opportunities is a controversial topic in published research. The article, which is based on a comparative study of the CO2 emission reduction strategies implemented by the cement and chemical industries, shows that companies’ freedom to adopt a proactive approach to sustainable development is severely constrained by the characteristic features of the sector, in terms of its dependence on natural resources, of flexibility in the composition of the business portfolio, and of the structure of the downstream sector.