Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Representation of Surface Spectral Emissivity in a Global Climate Model and Its Impact on Simulated Climate

AbstractSurface longwave emissivity can be less than unity and vary significantly with frequency. However, most climate models still assume a blackbody surface in the longwave (LW) radiation scheme of their atmosphere models. This study incorporates realistic surface spectral emissivity into the atmospheric component of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), version 1.1. 1, and evaluates its impact on simulated climate. By ensuring consistency of the broadband surface longwave flux across different components of the CESM, the top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) energy balance in the modified model can be attained without retuning the model. Inclusion of surface spectral emissivity, however, leads to a decrease of net upward longwave flux at the surface and a comparable increase of latent heat flux. Global-mean surface temperature difference between the modified and standard CESM simulation is 0.20 K for the fully coupled run and 0.45 K for the slab-ocean run. Noticeable surface temperature differences between th.
Fermentative conversion of raw glycerol into 1,3- propanediol by isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae 141B stain: Optimization of culture variables

Exposure of plants to long periods of water scarcity, mainly in arid and semi-arid regions, is one of the major reasons for over 50% reduction in average yields. Proper management of Brassica napus to enhance its ability to survive under drought and high temperature stress at early growth stages, besides development of tolerant genotypes, could improve its production in the rainfed areas. In the present study, we report the interactive effects of Ca 2+ , K + and N supplementation and water availability on the fresh biomass, N and C content, as well as C/N ratio of crop plants. Exposure to water stress significantly reduced the fresh biomass, Nitrogen (N), Carbon (C) content and the C/N ratio. Ca 2+ and K + supplementation before drought positively affected fresh biomass by stimulating N uptake and C assimilation. However, the C/N ratio was reduced after supplementation with Ca 2+ and K + . The N supplementation before drought imposition, though enhanced the N uptake, but the excessive damage to cell membranes and electrons leakage from Electron Transport Chain (ETC) during photosynthesis resulted in a decrease in C assimilation. Consequently, there was a decrease in the C/N ratio in seedlings exposed to drought after supplementation with N. Key words : Drought, nutrients supplementation, carbon, nitrogen, C/N ratio.
Wireless Internet Mobility

The ubiquotus internet use together with the proliferation of wireless devices such as pdas, laptops and palmtops has triggered the need of wireless internet mobility. However there are several challenges that need to be address to be able to support mobility. This report highlights several problem in supporting host mobility and propose solutions in the literatures to concludes on the most efficient way in achieving seamless user mobility without suffering too much from degraded quality of services. Keywords: internet mobility, mobile ip, wireless
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED POWER CONVERTER FOR FAST CHARGING AND EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Electric Vehicle (EV) industry is booming from the last two decades due to the foreseen reduction in fossil fuels. The main hindrance confronted by the EVs is the low reliable storage capacity and reduced conversion efficiencies. Major studies are going on in the field of power density improvement in power electronics used in electric vehicles leading to the development of highly efficient EVs. Reduced size of the converters, storage system, response of tight speed controllers are the major challenges in Electric vehicle designing segment. The charging solutions for different segments of Electric vehicles are the other areas posing challenges. In this paper a new method of charging technique is proposed for Low, Medium and High power Electric vehicles. The charging topology increases the efficiency of the EVs by harvesting the energy dissipated during the braking period and further utilising it for the propulsion with the aid of high efficient light weight storage devices like Ultra capacitors. By this system the size of batteries and charging time can be drastically reduced.
Household labour allocation to forest extraction and other activities in areas adjacent to tropical forests: The case of Kakamega forest, Western Kenya

Communities adjacent to forests are faced with a challenge of balancing their labour allocation decisions to the different household activities. This study involves an empirical examination of the determinants of households labour allocation decisions with respect to three different activities identified as important in the study area; agriculture, forest and non-farm. This was done by estimating a labour share model similar to standard models of commodity or factor demand, such as the Almost Ideal Demand Systems (AIDS) model. Data on household characteristics and key policy parameters directly or indirectly affecting labour allocation decisions were collected between March and May 2007. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 140 households. From the findings, it was evident that household members respond positively to wage returns. The positive relationship between the returns to forest use and forest labour share provides a cautionary message for policy-makers and other stakeholders concerned with the fate of the Kakamega forest. In the short term, it seems probable that the returns to forest use will increase as the aggregate demand for forest products rises and supply declines. The study findings suggest that, with improved economic well-being, households become less reliant on forests for their livelihoods. Since reduced forest reliance is positively related with a reduced demand for forest products, these findings suggest a complementary relationship between strategies aimed at poverty alleviation and those aimed towards forest conservation.
Kubo Fluctuation Relations in the Generalized Elastic Model

The generalized elastic model encompasses several linear stochastic models describing the dynamics of polymers, membranes, rough surfaces, and fluctuating interfaces. In this paper we show that the Fractional Langevin Equation (FLE) is a suitable framework for the study of the tracer (probe) particle dynamics, when an external force acts only on a single point (tagged probe) belonging to the system. With the help of the Fox function formalism we study the scaling behaviour of the noise- and force-propagators for large and short times (distances). We show that the Kubo fluctuation relations are exactly fulfilled when a time periodic force is exerted on the tagged probe. Most importantly, by studying the large and low frequency behaviour of the complex mobility we illustrate surprising nontrivial physical scenarios. Our analysis shows that the system splits into two distinct regions whose size depends on the applied frequency, characterized by very different response to the periodic perturbation exerted, both in the phase shift and in the amplitude.
JOINT ESTIMATION OF STATE AND PARAMETER FOR TRACKING SYSTEM USING EM-UKF

Unknown parameters and nonlinearity are two vital issues affecting the performance of tracking system. However, parameters, e.g., system and sensor biases, initial state and characteristic of noises, are not taken into account together in the literature. To solve this, an online state and parameter estimation algorithm is proposed to estimate the system parameters and target state simultaneously in this paper. First we develop the system model and then make use of the expectation-maximization (EM) approach which deals with maximizing the likelihood function of the complete data incorporated with the unscented Kalman filter (UKF). UKF is chosen to alleviate instability caused by nonlinearity generated in the measurement function. Computer simulation shows that the proposed method is effective and reliable, and outperforms the conventional algorithms.
CAN TEPARY BEAN BE A MODEL FOR IMPROVEMENT OF DROUGHT RESISTANCE IN COMMON BEAN

Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume for human consumption and drought stress affects over 60% of dry bean production worldwide. Field studies were conducted over two seasons at Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), Palmira, Colombia to (i) evaluate phenotypic differences in drought resistance; and (ii) identify adaptive traits that can be used in on-going breeding programmes of common bean for developing drought resistant genotypes. A total of 36 genotypes, including elite inbred and interspecific lines and landraces of common bean and tepary bean were evaluated under field conditions with two levels of water supply (irrigated and rainfed). Results showed that two accessions of tepary bean, P. acutifolius (G 40159 and G 40068) and two elite lines (RAB 650, SEA 23) of common bean were outstanding in their adaptation to terminal drought stress. The superior performance of these genotypes under drought stress was associated with their ability to mobilise photosynthates from leaves and stems to developing grain. Tepary bean was superior to common bean in combinig several desirable traits that contribute to greater level of adaptation to terminal drought stress. Canopy biomass, pod partitioning index, stem biomass reduction and pod harvest index could serve as useful traits to improve the efficiency of breeding programmes to select superior genotypes of common bean under terminal drought stress. Keywords: Abiotic stress, harvest index, water stress African Crop Science Journal , Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 265 - 281
Effects of initial fattening age on carcass characteristics and meat quality in Simmental bulls imported from Austria to Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of initial fattening age on carcass and meat quality of Simmental bulls imported from Austria to Turkey. These animals were allocated to two initial ages of fattening groups, namely young (n = 74) and old group (n = 61) at 5.5 and 7.5 months old, respectively. After reaching the target final weights, the animals were slaughtered and the carcass characteristics, area and circumference of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle, marbling score, and meat quality, including cooking loss, water-holding capacity (WHC), shear force (WBSF), and colour parameters were evaluated in six animals per group. A comparison of hot and cold carcass weights and dressing percentages, LTL circumference, fat thickness values and marbling score indicated no significant differences between young and old groups. However, the LTL area was significantly affected by the initial age. There were no significant differences between groups in WHC, cooking loss, and WBSF values and meat colour parameters. The results of this study showed that the initial fattening age of bulls showed no significant effect on carcass and meat quality parameters, except the LTL area. The LTL area was significantly higher in young group than the old group. Further studies are needed to improve carcass and meat quality of imported Simmental bulls through modifying the initial fattening age. Keywords: Age, beef, carcass quality, Simmental
Effect on peripheral and central blood pressure of cocoa with natural or high dose theobromine: a randomised double-blind cross-over trial

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Teatro e Neurociência: da intenção dilatada à experiência performativa do espectador

This text deals with the study of theatre as intersubjective relationships between human beings, highlighting the dialogue with researches in cognitive neurosciences. It presents a comparison between these two disciplines, guided by the question: if the actor on stage organizes his own body-mind system in a different way, is it possible to study this difference in terms of neuroscience? It discusses the answer to that question from the need to formulate theoretical hypotheses to prepare and forward experimentations: expanded intention, ambiguity of the actor, the co-constitution of scenic space and the spectator’s performative experience.
Collectively exploring the potential of technology derived from university research: the NanoMem case

The value creation of research activities is a fully fledged mission at university. This article examines the various issues arising from this requirement and the nature of the organizational mechanisms likely to be implemented to meet it. It describes the NanoMem case – based on a promising technology in the semi conductor sector-, the initial value creation project as well as its risks and limitations. It then attests to the collaborative arrangement set up during companion research in order to extend the perspectives for enhancing this technology as regards applications and markets. Our work demonstrates that this mechanism can be more generally extended and that this type of collaborative workshop makes it possible : 1) to guide the exploration of a concept both concerning the technical and value dimensions, 2) to better manage this upstream phase in innovation projects and 3) to identify the groups that must be mobilized.
Consumer preferences for organic foods

The Danish market for organic foods is especially well suited for consumer analyses because it is relatively mature, meaning that it does not suffer seriously from the supply shortages and barriers which dominate most of the markets outside Denmark. The well-functioning Danish market makes it possible to collect and analyse reliable data on purchases. Our study distinguishes itself by being based on observations of stated as well as actual purchasing behaviour of a large number of organic as well as conventional foods. The project applies information at the individual household level (panel data), which makes possible a detailed and informative approach. The panel data were provided by a marketing research company. In addition, the modelling is supported by a questionnaire, surveying households in the very same panel as applied in the model estimations. An essential feature and the ultimate strength of the project is that it can reveal differences between actual and postulated behaviour and enlarge the analyses by information on attitudes, values, food habits/eating patterns and food interests. In the paper, preliminary results from the project are presented.
Death Effects Assessment of PM2.5 Pollution in China

The provinces of China have suffered from severe PM2.5 pollution in recent years, presenting a significant threat to human health. Identifying associations between mortality rate and PM2.5 level is extremely useful for a range of purposes, such as the development of preventive measures, increasing health awareness, and establishing disaster warning systems. Based on remote sensing data, station monitoring data, and statistical data, this paper uses the exposure response function, regression analysis, and kriging to evaluate the number of deaths in China’s 31 provinces caused by PM2.5 pollution in 2015. Variations in the number of deaths and mortality rates in China under different PM2.5 concentration control standards have been simulated by a range of countries and organizations helping to develop optimal control standards for each province individually according to actual PM2.5 concentration. These results show that: 1) PM2.5 pollution has an important effect on the mortality rate in China. The rate caused by PM2.5 pollution in 2015 accounted for 1.75‰, or approximately 2.62 million people and 31.14% of all deaths
The Impact Role of Childhood Traumas and Life Events in Patients with Alopecia Aerate and Psoriasis

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) and psoriasis are common dermatological diseases which may be associated with psychosomatic origin. Close relationship with stressful life events has been shown both AA and psoriasis in previous studies. Dermatologic diseases which are thought to be psychosomatic origin are not examined about childhood traumas except AA. In the literature there is no study that investigates both stressful life events with childhood trauma in healthy indiviudals and dermatological diseases with psychosomatic origin such as AA and psoriasis.
A study of antibacterial, antioxidant and neuroprotective effect of stem of Syzygium cumini

Aims: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective ability of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the stem of Syzygium cumini. Materials and Methods: Antibacterial activity of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of stem of S. cumini was observed against two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening was done to reveal the presence of flavonoids in its aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts of stem of S. cumini. Antioxidant activity was estimated by its enzymatic and non-enzymatic biochemical assay such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione content, glutathione S-transferase, and malondialdehyde content in the aqueous and methanolic extract. Neuroprotective ability of aqueous and ethanolic extract of stem of S. cumini were observed on Rat pheochromocytoma (PC)-12 cell line, by giving neurotoxic shock to Rat PC-12 cells using 6-hydroxydopamine, Statistical Analysis Used: To estimate the accuracy of the experimental data, each experiment was performed in triplicates, and the result was expressed as mean ± standard deviation of three replications. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: Antibacterial activity of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of stem of S. cumini was observed where alcoholic extract showed maximum antibacterial activity against B. amyloliquefaciens and S. aureus. Methanolic extract showed higher level of antioxidant activity as comparative to aqueous extract. Ethanolic extract has shown maximum number of viable cells, i.e., 75% and aqueous extract showed 50% of it. Conclusions: This study suggests that stem can be utilized as a good source of antibacterial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective agent.
Abnormal Pedestrian Trajectory analysis based on arbitrary-length clustering

This papers examines the use of trajectory distance measures and clustering techniques to deﬁne normal and abnormal trajectories in the context of pedestrian tracking in public spaces. In order to detect abnormal trajectories, what is meant by a normal trajectory in a given scene is ﬁrstly deﬁned. Then every trajectory that deviates from this normality is classiﬁed as abnormal. By combining Dynamic Time Warping and a modiﬁed K-Means algorithms for arbitrary-length data series, we have developed an algorithm for trajectory clustering and abnormality detection. The ﬁnal system performs with an overall accuracy of 83% and 75% when tested in two different standard datasets
THE DYNAMIC LIQUIDATION OF BANKS’ BAD LOANS

We consider the optimal dynamic liquidation of banks’ bad loans. The banks’ liquidation strategy affects the value of collateral and hence other firms’ access to credit. In this framework we characterize the socially optimal liquidation path. We show that the ’liquidate immediately’ strategy is optimal in a small banking crisis whereas the ’liquidate gradually’ strategy is optimal in a large banking crisis. It is argued that liquidation is likely to be postponed at society’s cost when the regulator has a short time horizon. We apply our analysis to the Japanese banking crisis.
Ecology of Gymnodinium aureolum. I. Feeding in western Korean waters

A bloom-forming dinoflagellate was isolated from coastal waters in western Korea during a red tide event in March 2008 and clonal cultures were established. The dinoflagellate was identified as Gymnodinium aureolum based on morphological and genetic analyses (GenBank accession no. FN392226). We report here for the first time that the red-tide dinoflagellate G. aureolum, which has previously been thought to be exclusively autotrophic, is a mixotrophic species. G. aureolum fed on algal prey using a peduncle. Among the algal prey provided, G. aureolum ingested heterotrophic bacteria, the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. , and small algal species that had equivalent spherical diameters (ESDs) of ≤11.5 μm. However, it did not feed on larger algal species (ESD ≥12 μm) or the small diatom Skeletonema costatum. The specific growth rates for G. aureolum on the cryptophyte Teleaulax sp. increased continuously with increasing mean prey concentration before saturating at prey concentrations of ca. 190 ng C ml -1 (11050 cells ml -1 ). The maximum specific growth rate (mixotrophic growth) of G. aureolum on Teleaulax sp. was 0.169 d -1 , at 20°C under a 14:10 h light:dark cycle of 20 μE m -2 s -1 , while its growth rate (phototrophic growth) under the same light conditions without added prey was 0.120 d -1 . The maximum ingestion and clearance rates of G. aureolum on Teleaulax sp. were 0.058 ng C grazer -1 d -1 (3.4 cells grazer -1 d -1 ) and 0.003 μl grazer -1 h -1 , respectively. The calculated in situ grazing coefficient for G. aureolum on co-occurring cryptophytes ranged up to 0.498 d -1 . Bioassay results indicated that this strain of G. aureolum is not toxic. Results of the present study suggest that G. aureolum has a potentially considerable grazing impact on algal populations.
Hypoglycaemia and improved testicular parameters in Sesamum radiatum treated normo-glycaemic adult male Sprague Dawley rats

The development of a new dietary adjunct with a novel natural antioxidant impact on diabetes mellitus with prevention of its long term deleterious effect on the male fertility in general has been increasingly expressed in recent time. Hence, we aim to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Sesame radiatum leaves on adult male Sprague Dawley rats’ testis using unbiased stereological, biochemical and hormonal studies. Thirty adult male rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. The treated groups; 1 and 2 received 28.0 and 14 mg/kg bwt of aqueous extract of sesame leaves via oral garvage, respectively, while the control group received equal volume of 0.9% (w/v) normal saline per day for 6 weeks. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and blood glucose were assayed. In addition five microns of uniformly random transverse sections of processed testicular tissues were equally analyzed using an un-biased stereological study. The result showed that the mean percentage volume fractions (Vf) of epithelial cells and lumen of the testis were 76% (P 0.05) higher than the control in a dose related manner. Serum testosterone and FSH were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in the high dose sesame when compared to control. Sesame leaves intake improved glucose profile and testicular parameters in a dose related manner via possible improved insulin activity on the cells with a stimulatory impact on sperm production. This also confirmed its folkloric claims.
A comparative account of the small pelagic fisheries in the APFIC region

The production of the small pelagics in the APFIC region was 1.2 mt/sq. km during 1995. Among the four areas in the region, the small pelagics have registered (i) the maximum annual fluctuations in the western Indian Ocean; (ii) the highest increase duri'}i the past two decades along the west coast of Thailand in the eastern Indian Ocean; and (iii) the consistent decline in the landings during the past one decade along the Japanese coast in the northwest Pacific Ocean.