Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ni-doping Charge on Structure and Properties of LiNbO3

Phase formation and structural properties of Ni-doped Li0.976-xNb1.005-x/5NixO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) ceramics prepared by solid-state reaction method, are investigated in a temperature range from 400 to 900 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that single phase was formed for lithium niobate ceramics. It was shown that the unit-cell volume of the hexagonal phase decreased with increasing nickel concentration from 0 to 3% Ni charge and increased above 3%. No secondary phases were observed in Ni-doped powder of LiNbO3 for all concentrations compared with that of undoped sample. These results indicate that the Ni 2+ ion was substituted for niobium and lithium ions in the hexagonal phase. The addition of Ni 2+ promotes densification of lithium niobate ceramics. Raman spectra show that the samples were well crystallized with high purity. It was noticed that the increase of Ni-doping causes the decreasing of resistivity at high temperatures, but it has no influence of activation energy.
STUDY OF THE SUITABILITY OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING BY LASER POWDER- BED FUSION

After determining the parameters for laser powder-bed fusion, aluminum alloys 2017A, 2219, 7075, 7020, 6061, 5083, 1050A, AlMg14 and AlSi10Mg by using in an experimental design; we were interested in the operating mode of the laser during melting: keyhole mode vs. conduction mode. After determining the operating mode, the maximum temperatures reached during laser melting were calculated theoretically and compared with the evaporation actually observed for certain chemical elements (e.g. Mg and Zn). The metallurgical quality of the different alloys produced by laser melting was also studied. A hot cracking phenomenon for certain alloys was observed. The explanation of this phenomenon is presented by means of curves of sensitivity to hot cracking. One criterion for implementing aluminum alloys by laser powder-bed fusion is thus possible.
GSICS Quarterly, Vol. 3, No. 2, May 2009

As GSICS international research collaboration matures, some focus has shifted from how to inter-compare satellite instruments to how to distribute inter-comparison results. One decision made at the most recent Joint GSICS Research and Data Working Group meeting, held in January 2009 at JMA Headquarters in Tokyo, is for GSICS researchers to develop correction coefficients for each satellite instrument data set that will adjust those data to a state-of-the-art, on-orbit reference standard. In doing so, it has become the responsibility of GSICS researchers to also estimate the uncertainties associated with those correction coefficients. This Special Issue of GSICS Quarterly includes articles focusing on GSICS members' recent progress towards defining these uncertainties.
High-precision pointing on large wall displays using small handheld devices

Rich interaction with high-resolution wall displays is not limited to remotely pointing at targets. Other relevant types of interaction include virtual navigation, text entry, and direct manipulation of control widgets. However, most techniques for remotely acquiring targets with high precision have studied remote pointing in isolation, focusing on pointing efficiency and ignoring the need to support these other types of interaction. We investigate high-precision pointing techniques capable of acquiring targets as small as 4 millimeters on a 5.5 meters wide display while leaving up to 93 % of a typical tablet device's screen space available for task-specific widgets. We compare these techniques to state-of-the-art distant pointing techniques and show that two of our techniques, a purely relative one and one that uses head orientation, perform as well or better than the best pointing-only input techniques while using a fraction of the interaction resources.
Practical Physical Concepts and Artifacts

Sound comprises a series of vibrations transmitted through an elastic solid, a liquid, or a gas. Sound waves have variable wavelengths and amplitudes, with a frequency defined as being the number of cycles repeated over a given time interval. A high-frequency sound, therefore, has a shorter wavelength and more cycles per second (cycles/s or Hz) than a low-frequency sound. The human ear can perceive sounds in the range of 20–20,000 cycles/s, or up to 20 kHz (Hangiandreou 2003). Beyond this range, it is called “ultrasound. ” Ultrasound frequencies used in medical imaging generally vary between 3 and 12MHz, or 3–12 million cycles/s, which is well beyond what the human ear can perceive. Electronic linear probes are equipped with a row of piezoelectric crystals whose alignment varies from flat (or linear) to convex. The material contained in each one is deformed when it receives an electrical charge, and emits a vibration – this is the initial ultrasound pulsation. The ultrasound wave travels through the tissues, generating several returning wavesor echoes-that, upon reaching the probe, make the crystals vibrate again, producing a new electric current that travels to the system’s computer and provides information on each of the reflected waves. The set of all the reflected waves creates the ultrasound image. To produce an image, the first piezoelectric crystals are stimulated to generate a short ultrasound pulse – comprising three to four waves – that travels through tissue interfaces to produce thousands of echoes that are sent back to the probe (Figure 1.1). Shortly
Evaluation of the Effect of Luteolin on the Hepatic and Hematopoietic Systems in Albino Rats

Background: Luteolin is a flavonoid with some useful pharmacological properties yet its safety profile has not been fully delineated . Objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of luteolin on blood and liver functions, and make necessary recommendations regarding therapeutic use of luteolin. Methods: A total of 33 adult albino rats (average weight) were used in this study. Oral LD50 of luteolin was carried out with 13 rats using modified Lorke’s method. The other 20 rats were divided into 4 groups comprising of 5 rats per group (n=5 per group) for biochemical, haematological and histopathological studies which were carried out for 28 days. Group I was used as control and received orally 10 ml/kg of distilled water. Groups II,III and IV also orally received 50 mg/kg,100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of luteolin respectively. Blood samples were collected from each rat in the different groups before treatment, on 14th and 28th days respectively and after repeated daily dosing. The liver of the rats were extracted and examined for histological changes. Results: Results show that all doses of luteolin had significant (p<0.05) elevation of some blood indices (RBCs, PCV, Hb) while WBCs was not elevated. There was significant (p<0.05) increase in liver enzymes such as ALT, AST and ALP. Conclusion: The study indicates that high doses ( ≥ 200 mg/kg) and prolonged use of luteolin may increase hepatic enzyme activity while low doses ( ≤ 50 mg/kg) and are hepatoprotective. No significant liver damage was observed based on histopathological results.
Probabilistic Seismic Damage Analysis of Steel Self-Centering Concentrically Braced Frame Systems

This paper develops damage scenario fragilities for buildings with either special concentrically braced frame (SCBF) system or a self-centering concentrically braced frame (SC-CBF) system as the seismic lateral force resisting system. A preevent damage analysis is conducted using the damage scenario tree analysis (DSTA) technique and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). The possibility of building demolition when collapse has not occurred is included in the DSTA. Three damage scenarios are considered: (i) building collapse; (ii) non-collapse with demolition; and (iii) non-collapse with non-demolition and component damage. Damage scenario fragilities for buildings with SCBF and SC-CBF systems are compared and discussed. The probabilities of damage to braces of the SCBF and SC-CBF at the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) hazard level are compared. Fragilities for the post tensioning bar damage scenarios for the buildings with the SC-CBF system are calculated and discussed.
The Effect of Some Natural Antimicrobial Substances on the Shelf Life of Beef. In: Israel Journal of Veterinary Medicine Vol. 69-N°3-Sep. 2014

Aksoy, A. 114 INTRODUCTION Meat has a wide range of nutrients and is a food preferred by many humans around the world as a source of animal protein. However, meat is conducive to the reproduction of many microorganisms, and as a result it spoils very easily. It is also sensitive to spoiling chemical and enzymatic activity. The decomposition of the fat, protein and carbohydrates contained in meat result in odors, flavors and appearance that is unpleasant, making it unsuitable for human consumption. Therefore, meat spoilage must be controlled in order to maintain nutritional value, texture and taste and to extend the shelf life (1). As supermarkets rapidly expand and develop, it is extremely important that meat be capable of being transported long distances without spoiling or losing characteristics like color, texture and nutritional value (2). In addition, consumers demand for natural, delicious and highly nutritious foods has encouraged many researchers to examine new preservative technologies, which has resulted in traditional approaches to preservation being replaced today by bio-preservatives and non-thermal techniques. Furthermore, the use of chemical preservatives is still drawing attention (3, 4, 5). In this study, the in vitro effect was determined on selected pathogenic bacteria by essential oils (Origanum onites, Syzygium aromaticum) of some plants used as spices, water extracts (Rhus coiaria L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), the natural The Effect of Some Natural Antimicrobial Substances on the Shelf Life of Beef
Clinical Significance of Antioxidant Levels in Saliva of Raw Betel Nut Chewer’s: an Experience from Assam

Background: Saliva as a diagnostic component is emerging as powerful diagnostic tool. Saliva is delivered from various salivary glands. It is always considered to be the first line of defense against oxidative stress and often provide the perfect medium to explore for health and disease surveillance. Various sources of oral free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are oral disease or/and tobacco consumption. Materials and methods: we have determined the salivary antioxidant specially targeting uric acid and total antioxidant capacity in three groups i.e. Control population (No exposure to betel nut and healthy), raw betel nut chewers and oral cancer patients. Result and Conclusion: Significant variation is seen in all the three categories. Mean value uric acid and Total Antioxidant in cancer patients and Tamol chewers are less as compare to control with the mean value of 2.7330, 3.6185 and 6.8545 for uric acid and . 98635, 51500 and 1.19500 for total antioxidant capacity respectively which state an oxidative state in the oral cavity of the respective categories. Uric acid and total antioxidant capacity can be the important and promising salivary biomarker for raw betel nut associated oral cancer.
Vertical distribution and production of fine roots in an old-growth forest, Japan

Fine roots (≤ 2 mm in diameter) account for up to 50% of total net primary production in forests, representing a major flow of both carbon and nutrients into the soil. We investigated the vertical distribution and production of fine roots in a warm temperate old-growth evergreen broadleaved forest in southwestern Japan. We used a continuous inflow method that considered different rates of diameter-dependent root mortality, decomposition, and thickening. Fine roots were classified into two classes (≤ 1 mm and 1–2 mm diameter). The experiment was conducted over a 1-year period to collect data on the mass of live fine roots and mass of dead fine roots in January, May, November and the following January. Decomposition ratios were assessed for three intervals (January to May, May to November, and November to January). More than 70% of fine roots occurred in the 0–20 cm soil layer, and less than 4% were found in the 50–80 cm soil layer. Decomposition ratios varied seasonally in both root size classes, peaking in summer and reaching a minimum in winter. The same pattern was found for production, mortality, and decomposition. The peak rate of production was 1.62 g·m–2·day–1 in ≤ 1 mm and 0.63 g·m-2·day–1 in 1–2 mm fine roots. The lowest production was 0.62 g·m–2·day–1 in ≤ 1 mm and 0.38 g·m–2·day–1 in 1–2 mm fine roots. Total fine root production over a 1-year period was 6.61 t·ha–1. A mass of 2.70 t·ha–1yr–1 of dead fine roots was decomposed to return nutrients to the soil. It is concluded that a warm temperate old-growth evergreen broadleaved forest in southwestern Japan plays an important role in carbon cycle and nutrient return through a high amount of production and decomposition.
A Common Fixed Point Theorem for Two Hybrid Pairs of Mappings in b-Metric Spaces

The study of fixed points for set-valued contraction maps using the Hausdorff metric was initiated by Nadler [1] in 1969, who extended the Banach contraction principle to set-valued mappings. The theory of set-valued maps has many applications in control theory, convex optimization, differential equations, and economics. Recently Amini-Harandi [2] proved a set-valued version of Ciric’s [3] theorem as follows.
Enhancement of HCO3− Permeability across the Apical Membrane of Bovine Corneal Endothelium by Multiple Signaling Pathways

PURPOSE In this study, the involvement of signaling pathways in the regulation of HCO(3)(-) permeability across the apical membrane of the corneal endothelium was examined. METHODS Cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells (CBCECs) were grown to confluence on permeable membranes. Apical and basolateral sides were perfused with a HCO(3)(-)-rich Cl(-)-free Ringer's solution (28.5 mM; pH 7.5). Relative changes in apical HCO(3)(-) permeability were assayed by pulsing the apical perfusion bath with a low-HCO(3)(-) Cl(-)-free Ringer's solution (2.85 mM; pH 6.5), in the presence or absence of agonists or inhibitors, and comparing the rates of change in intracellular pH (pH(i)), as measured with a pH-sensitive dye. Ca(2+)-activated signaling was measured with the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye Fura-2. Qualitative changes in membrane potential (E(m)) were measured with a voltage-sensitive dye. RT-PCR using calcium-activated chloride channel (CLCA)-specific primers was used to examine the expression of CLCA in the corneal endothelium. RESULTS The adenoceptor agonist adenosine (20 M) enhanced HCO(3)(-) permeability by a factor of 2. Forskolin (40 microM) exerted a 6.3-fold increase of HCO(3)(-) permeability, which was inhibited by the Cl(-) channel blockers, glibenclamide (50 microM) and niflumic acid (100 microM). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ATPgammaS, P(2) receptor agonists that increased intracellular Ca(2+) in corneal endothelium, enhanced HCO(3)(-) permeability by 87% and 79%, respectively. ATPgammaS induced depolarization of the E(m), consistent with anion channel activation, rather than activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels, which could secondarily increase extrusion of anions by E(m) hyperpolarization. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+)-pump inhibitor that increased [Ca(2+)](i), also enhanced HCO(3)(-) permeability by 95%. Both the calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN-62 and the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I (BIMI), decreased HCO(3)(-) permeability induced by ATPgammaS. The PKC activator PMA also increased HCO(3)(-) permeability by a factor of 1.8. RT-PCR using CLCA-specific primers showed the expression of CLCA1 in both fresh and cultured BCECs. CONCLUSIONS Activation of adenoceptors and purinoceptors enhances HCO(3)(-) permeability across the apical membrane of the cultured corneal endothelium. Multiple signaling pathways (PKA, PKC, and Ca(2+)/CaMKII) contribute to the HCO(3)(-) transport in cultured corneal endothelium. Both cAMP and Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels (possibly CLCA) may be involved in HCO(3)(-) transport.
In vitro bioassay to study phytotoxicity effects of Stevia rebaudiana on food crops.

SINGH B, BHATT S, UNIYAL P, PAL V & CHAUHAN DS. 2010. In vitro bioassay to study phototoxicity effects of Stevia rebaudiana on food crops. The present study dealt with the effect of leaf leachates of Stevia rebaudiana on germination and growth of three traditional food crops of Garhwal Himalaya. Results suggested that the allelopathic behaviour of S. rebaudiana was concentration dependent. Higher concentration was more toxic and significantly reduced the germination and growth of food crops. Among food crops, germination of Vigna mungo and growth of the radicle and plumule of Triticum aestivurn were found to be more susceptible. Significant reduction in radicle and plumule lengths at almost all concentrations was noticed. Radicle length exhibited more sensitivity against phytotoxic activity. The degree of inhibition increased with increasing concentration of leaf leachates.
LARGE SCALE SIMULATION OF GROUND MOTIONS FOR HETEROGENEOUS SOURCE MODELS BY FDM RECIPROCITY METHOD

For this study we used hierarchical heterogeneous source modeling procedure of Sekiguchi et al., 2008. This modelling approach is a result of compilation of many source observations (inversions) of strong earthquakes and allow easily generate possible variations of slip distributions. As a result, we can apply probabilistic approach to study generated ground motions. Namely, we can estimate effect of many heterogeneous source models that reproduce observed (inverted) slip patterns, and choose models that have average, average plus standard deviation, or certain probability of non-exceedance levels of strong ground motions (e.g. response spectra in period range of a target structure). Many models have to be calculated in this case. E.g., in order to estimate average plus standard deviation level we may need to calculate 30 models, and we will need 2-3 times more models, when need to choose specific source model that reproduce this level. We applied above methodology to study long-period ground motions in the Osaka sedimentary basin, Japan, from a hypothetical M9 earthquake in Nankai Trough, which has high probability of occurence within next 30 years. For computing long-period motions, we used detailed 3-D crust and basin velocity structure model JIVSM, developed for Japan. Simulation space is around 820km in EW direction, 550km in NS direction and 70km in depth, and shortest period to simulate is 3sec. It takes 3 days to calculate 300sec record by FDM. Because time consuming 3D-FDM method is used, in order to calculate many source models we employed reciprocity method. For this simulations, we constructed multiscale heterogeneous source models based on the characterized source model of the Central Disaster Management Council of Japan (CDMC, 2012) and simulated long-period ground motions in period range 3-20 sec using FDM. Natural periods of many high-rise buildings and other construction structures, e.g. numerous suspension bridges around Osaka bay, fall into this period range. 300 source models are generated randomly from initial characterized source model. Source parameters, which have randomly generated heterogeneities, are: slip, rupture velocity Vr and location of SMGAs. Moreover, in order to account for variations of directivity effect, we generated ground motions for three cases of rupture start: in center of model and in west and east sides of model. In the deepest landward part of Osaka basin (site Konohana, depth of sediments 1500m) the ground motions at larger NS component are estimated to have peak velocities of 40–80 cm/s, prolonged durations exceeding 300 s, and long predominant periods of 5–10 s, and velocity response spectra for this periods of 190 cm/s in average, or 290 cm/s for average plus standard deviation. Effects of rupture heterogeneity (slip and Vr), SMGA location and rupture starting point are approximately equal: about 30% of average amplitudes of ground motions. Variations of amplitudes among all 300 models are around 50%.
Temporal development and vertical distribution of major components of the plankton assemblage during an iron fertilization experiment in the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone

During the iron fertilization experiment EisenEx conducted in the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone the response of the plankton community to iron addition was studied in detail. Within the diatom assemblage four major response types could be distinguished inside the fertilized patch. Fast growing and weakly silicified diatoms like Pseudo-nitzschia lineola and Chaetoceros curvisetus exhibited exponential growth rates throughout the experiment. The heavily silicified species Fragilariopsis kerguelensis and Thalassionema nitzschioides showed an initial phase with negligible growth during the first week followed by a linear increase in abundance thereafter. Two large solitary and weakly silicified diatoms, Haslea sp. and Corethron pennatum, exhibited a linear growth with no initial lag phase. The small diatom species Nitzschia sp. and Cylindrotheca closterium were characterised by an initial linear increase and a decline during the second half of the experiment. The response of major components of the non-diatom phytoplankton assemblage, including Phaeocystis antarctica, phototrophic dinoflagellates, coccolithophores and Dictyocha speculum, to iron addition accounted for only a minor iron-induced biomass increase. In addition to life diatom cells intact empty and broken diatom frustules were also accounted for in this study as indicators of diatom mortality. The increase of both broken and intact empty frustules inside the patch indicates an increased grazing pressure by proto- and metazoen grazers. The vertical distribution of non-motile particles and planktonic organisms comprises another important aspect of this study. Whereas motile planktonic organisms are able to regulate their position in the water column by active swimming non-motile particles will eventually sink out of the surface layer. Various processes affect the composition and magnitude of non-motile particles of biological origin of which grazing seemed to have played the major role during this study.
Relationships among novelty seeking, satisfaction, return intention, and willingness to recommend of foreign tourists in Vietnam

Article history: Received: February 2, 2020 Received in revised format: March 11 2020 Accepted: March 11, 2020 Available online: March 11, 2020 The study was conducted with the overall purpose of examining the relationship between novelty seeking, satisfaction, return intention, and willingness to recommend of international visitors in Vietnam. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used in this study. Research data were collected by direct interviews with 252 international visitors from different countries visiting at least two tourist attractions in Vietnam. The research's results indicated that novelty-seeking was made up of four factors (relaxation seeking, experience seeking, arousal seeking, and boredom alleviation). The research proved that novelty seeking positively affected satisfaction. Besides, satisfaction also contributed to high effects on two other factors, namely, return intention and willingness to recommend. Comprehensively, some recommendations were provided to improve destinations' attractiveness as well as to ameliorate Vietnamese tourism service quality. © 2020 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada