Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concentration polarization in nanochannel DNA electrophoresis

We demonstrate that the large field electrophoresis of a single DNA molecule in nanofluidic systems is accompanied by concentration polarization. We illustrate this phenomena by utilizing our electrophoretic simulation tool SIMUL. First we in-vestigate a simple system with univalent strong electrolyte as a bulk solution. Second, a more complicated system with buf-fering background electrolyte is examined. Concentration polarization in the vicinity of the DNA is observed in both the sys-tems. The practical impact of such observations are also discussed.
DECREAsE IN THE BODY MAss OF WILD RINGTAILED LEMURs AT BERENTY REsERVE IN MADAGAsCAR WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGEs

We measured the body mass of 76 (in 2006) and 73 (in 2011) wild ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta) inhabiting the Berenty Reserve in Madagascar. Compared with the data recorded in 1999 (Koyama et al., 2008), the mean body mass of the adults had decreased significantly. In 2006, the adult females had decreased from 2.27 kg to 1.98 kg, and the adult males from 2.22 kg to 2.03 kg. In 2011, the body mass of both adult males and females was still 1.99 kg. In 2011, the group variations in body mass may have expanded. No sexual difference was observed in body mass, similar to the data from 1999. Despite their reduced body mass, adult females maintained a high birth rate (73.0% annually), but infant mortality was very high (86.2%) from 2006 to 2011. We discuss these phenomena with reference to environmental changes in this reserve .
ADOPTION OF AND CONSTRAINTS IN USE OF HIGH YIELDING VARIETIES: A CASE STUDY OF FOUR VILLAGES OF DISTRICT PESHAWAR AND CHARSADA

ABSTRCT High yielding varieties (HYVs) play important role in increasing crop yield due to their resistance against pests. The results of the study carried out during 2004 showed that 66% respondents were using HYVs of wheat, 40% of sugarcane and only 10% of maize in the selected four villages of district Peshawar and Charsada. The main constraints faced by the respondents in adopting HYVs were unavailability of seed and lack of latest knowledge. The main limitations as reported by the respondents were access to water supply, lack of capital, shortage of cultivated land, shortage of labor, lack of technical know how and lack of inputs.
Human Embryonic Stem Cells : From Reproductive Technology to Regenerative Medicine

Stem cells are the cells that have the capability to renew themselves and differentiate to the specific cell types. The successful of derivation of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in 1998, together with the discovery of reprogramming the human somatic cells into embryonic-like stage, so called “human induced pluripotent stemcells (iPSCs)” in 2007, dramatically increase the attention of the scientists and the public about the useof human ESCs or iPSCsforboth research and application. Although stem cells can be isolated and identified from several tissue of the human body such as limbal tissue, bone marrow or skin, the powerful of differentiation ability of human ESCs make these cell types a good candidates for cell replacement therapy. Recently, the successful of clinical trials using human ESCs for treating the patients who suffered from macular degeneration, underline the possibility of application of human ESCs for therapeutic purposes. In this review, the general biology of stem cells, source of human ESCs and the potential application of human ESCs were discussed.
The equatorial E-region and its plasma instabilities: a tutorial

In this short tutorial we first briefly review the basic physics of the E-region of the equatorial ionosphere, with emphasis on the strong electrojet current system that drives plasma instabilities and generates strong plasma waves that are easily detected by radars and rocket probes. We then discuss the instabilities themselves, both the theory and some examples of the observational data. These instabilities have now been studied for about half a century (! ), beginning with the IGY, particularly at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory in Peru. The linear fluid theory of the important processes is now well understood, but there are still questions about some kinetic effects, not to mention the considerable amount of work to be done before we have a full quantitative understanding of the limiting nonlinear processes that determine the details of what we actually observe. As our observational techniques, especially the radar techniques, improve, we find some answers, but also more and more questions. One difficulty with studying natural phenomena, such as these instabilities, is that we cannot perform active cause-and-effect experiments; we are limited to the inputs and responses that nature provides. The one hope here is the steadily growing capability of numerical plasma simulations. If we can accurately simulate the relevant plasma physics, we can control the inputs and measure the responses in great detail. Unfortunately, the problem is inherently three-dimensional, and we still need somewhat more computer power than is currently available, although we have come a long way.
Acceptability of chevon from kids, yearling goats and mature does of indigenous South African goats: A case study

Consumer sensory evaluations of oven-roasted goat and sheep m. longissimus dorsi samples were conducted in two series to determine the acceptability of chevon from indigenous South African goats to consumers. Chevon samples were from goat carcasses of known description. In series I, castrate and female goats and female sheep, all with 2 – 6 permanent incisors, were compared. Castrate males were significantly heavier and yielded heavier carcasses than the female goats. Nonetheless, the two groups did not differ significantly in carcass and meat characteristics. Cooking losses from mutton samples were significantly higher than losses from chevon from female goats only. In series II, male kids (milk teethed), old does (8 permanent teeth) and sheep (2 – 6 permanent teeth) were compared. Does were heavier at slaughter, but the mean carcass weight did not differ significantly from that of the kids. There were no significant differences between the does and kids in carcass tissue composition and sarcomere lengths. The pHu of does was significantly higher than that of kids. Cooking losses from mutton and chevon samples in series II did not differ significantly. Amongst the consumer characteristics, level of education was the most important determinant of consumer acceptance of the sensory attributes and intended frequency of consumption in both series. Population group was a significant factor in the judgement of the more diverse meats of series II only. Sensory evaluations indicate that all meat types were highly acceptable to the consumers who on average were willing to eat any of the meats at least once a week. The study indicated that chevon from indigenous South African goats is acceptable to consumers and may be as acceptable as mutton, provided that the meat is from goats of about two years of age or younger.
Corporate social responsibility professionals and institutional work : an institutional perspective on a developing profession in multinational corporations

In times of societal loss of confidence in the economic system and limitation of political regulations of government, businesses are increasingly engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). According to Matten and Moon (2008: 405), defining CSR is challenging for several reasons: First, the concept of CSR is essentially contested, complex and has open rules of application. Second, it is an umbrella term for business-society relations. Third, it stands for a highly dynamic phenomenon. With respect to these difficulties and different conceptualizations available (for a recent overview, see Aguinis/Glavas 2012), I adopt a rather broad definition of CSR as “contextspecific organizational actions and policies that take into account stakeholders’ expectations” (Aguinis 2011: 855) to contribute to a socially and environmentally sustainable and just society. In this context, multinational corporations (MNCs) are of particular interest since, first, their CSR practices have increasingly institutionalized in recent years. For instance, MNCs are expected to regularly publish a CSR report or related information on their CSR strategy or different CSR policies. Such information has become increasingly sophisticated and complex (see Baumann-Pauly et al. 2013); second, these CSR practices are increasingly strategically-orientated and to a greater extent integrated in (versus separated from) the corporations’ core business activities; third, as recent studies (see e.g. Bondy et al. 2012; Boxenbaum 2006) demonstrate, this leads to tension and conflict between different institutional logics within business organizations and one can assume that CSR is going through a phase of instability. The task of ensuring the stability of CSR and challenging the relationship between business and society in MNCs often falls upon “CSR professionals”. In practice and the literature, job titles of practitioners in the field of CSR, sustainability, and ethical business vary (see Maak/Ulrich 2007: 495). Subsequently, I will use “CSR professional” (or CSR manager) as a collective term for staff members whose main job task is to promote and manage CSR in their organizations. CSR managers are regarded as change agents because they seek to develop and implement CSR as a
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Relationships between teachers and disruptive children in kindergarten : an exploration of different methods and perspectives , and the possibility of change

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Changes in Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron (Knoch) Habitat with Altitude in Scotland, Associations with Topography and Possible Effects of Climate Warming

Introduction M ountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron is found locally at high altitude in Europe with colonies in Scotland and Cumbria in the north and in the mountains of southern and central Europe much further south. The altitude range in southern Europe is very wide, occurring from 500 to 3000m (Chinery, 1998), while it is narrower in the UK, being 500‒700m in Cumbria and 350‒900m in Scotland (Asher et al., 2001). A paper which provides an explanation for the limited distribution of Mountain Ringlet in Scotland was published in Atropos 41 (Masterman, 2010a). That paper demonstrated that 1km squares within the range of Mountain Ringlet had significantly more Mat-grass Nardus stricta, the larval foodplant, and more nectar plants than 1km squares outside the range of Mountain Ringlet in the Cairngorms. The nectar plants were Tormentil Potentilla erecta, Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile, Meadow Buttercup
' s personal copy Elevated CO 2 alters N-growth relationship in spruce and causes unequal increases in N , P and K demands

CO2 elevation stimulates plant growth, which in turn demands more nutrients to sustain. Since the increase of demand for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) may be in different proportions, the optimal N–P–K ratios at elevated [CO2] are likely different from those at the ambient [CO2]. This study investigated the effects of various N supply levels with constant and variable (constant P and K concentrations) N–P–K ratios under ambient and elevated [CO2] on black spruce (Picea mariana Mill. BSP) seedlings. One-year-old seedlings were exposed to two [CO2] (370 vs. 720 lmol mol ), two nutrient ratio regimes (constant vs. variable N/P/K ratios) and six N concentrations (10, 80, 150, 220, 290 and 360 lmol mol ) in four environmentally controlled greenhouses for 3.5 months. Growth response to N varied with [CO2] and N/P/K ratios: under the elevated [CO2], height growth increased with increasing N supply when P and K concentrations were kept constant across different N levels, but it only increased when increasing N from 10 to 150 lmol mol , and started to decline with further increase in N supply when N/P/K ratios were kept constant at different N levels; at the ambient [CO2], height growth was greatest at 150 lmol mol 1 N and was generally greater at 220–360 than at 10 and 80 lmol mol 1 N in both nutrient ratio treatments. The foliage to root ratio, shoot mass ratio and total biomass generally increased with increasing N supply but root mass ratio decreased. The smallest specific leaf area occurred at the lowest N supply when N/P/K ratios were kept constant but at 220 lmol mol 1 N when P and K concentrations were kept constant across different N supplies. The results of leaf nutrient concentrations suggest that the elevated [CO2] increased demand for N, P and K and the increase for N was greater than P and K, altering the relationship between growth and nitrogen supply. Under the elevated [CO2], high N supplies resulted in growth suppression by critical toxicity content only in the constant N/P/K ratios treatment but low N supplies led to growth suppression by critical deficiency content in both nutrient ratio treatments. At the ambient [CO2], in contrast, N/P/K ratio treatments did not affect growth suppression by critical deficiency or critical toxicity content. Because elevated CO2 causes unequal increases in N, P and K demands, N–P–K ratios should be considered when modeling plant growth responses to elevated CO2. 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A Movement Training Platform for Old Patients Suffering from Type II Diabetes Based on Human Computer Interaction

This research put forward a low-cost movement training platform for the old suffering from type II diabetes based on Kinect sensor. The platform uses Kai Mai Tai Chi as the main training routine, somatosensory interaction technology as humanmachine interactive method, Berg Balance Scale as filtrating technology, and Kinect sensor as application apparatus. The platform can provide users with rational movement training plan and assess the effect of training according to the users’ physical condition. The comparison tests show that this platform can reach the demand in terms of accuracy and possess preferable availability and promotional value.
A model for hepatitis B with chronological and infection ages

We introduce then a model with differential infectivity and chronological or infection ages. We denote by s (t,a) the density of susceptible at time t with chronological aged a. We denote by i (t,τ) the density of infective that will develop acute disease at time t contaminated since a time and e (t,τ) the density of infective that will not develop acute disease (asymptomatic carrier) at time t contaminated since a time τ. The model we shall consider reads as follows:
Automatic Recognition of Machinery Noise in the Working Environment

A necessity for the suitable recognition of different machinery and equipment based on the sound they generate is constantly present and will increase in the future. The main motivation for the discrimination between different types of machinery sounds is to develop algorithms that can be used not only for final quality inspection but for the monitoring of the whole production line. The objective of our study is to recognize the operation of the individual machine in a production hall, where background noise level is high and constantly changing. An experimental plan was designed and performed in order to confirm the hypothesis proposing that automatic speech recognition algorithms can be applied to automatic machine recognition. The design of the automatic machine recognition procedure used in our study was divided into three stages: feature extraction, training, and recognition (classification). Additionally, a traditional mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) procedure was adjusted for machinery noise by using different filter compositions. Finally, two classifiers were compared, the k-NN classifier and the multivariate Gaussian distribution. The results of the experiment show that machinery noise features frequency cepstral coefficients (FCC) should be extracted by using linear filter compositions and processed with recognition algorithm based on the multivariate Gaussian distribution.
Propensity based classification: Dehalogenase and non-dehalogenase enzymes

The present work was designed to classify and differentiate between the dehalogenase enzyme and non– dehalogenases (other hydrolases) by taking the amino acid propensity at the core, surface and both the parts. The data sets were made on an individual basis by selecting the 3D structures of protein available in the PDB (Protein Data Bank). The prediction of the core amino acids were predicted by IPFP tool and their structural propensity calculation was performed by an in-house built software, Propensity Calculator which is available online. All datasets were finally grouped into two categories, namely dehalogenase and non-dehalogenase using Naive Bayes, J-48, Random forest, K-means clustering, and SMO classification algorithm. By making the comparison of various classification methods, the proposed tree method (Random forest) performs well with a classification accuracy of 98.88 % (maximum) for the core propensity data set. Therefore, we proposed that, the core amino acid propensity could be approved as a novel potential descriptor for the classification of enzymes.
Fire and Terrain Controls on Soil Carbon in Chaparral Watersheds

Summary This project addressed the post-fire soil carbon distribution as a function of burn history and terrain characteristics in two chaparral watersheds in the uplands of the San Gabriel Mountains, Southern California. We hypothesized that (1) prescribed fire, because it does not burn as hot, leaves a greater amount of soil carbon on the landscape than a wildfire, and (2) soil carbon distribution is strongly linked to terrain characteristics that influence post-fire erosion. This relationship was assessed for two watersheds; one subjected to a prescribed fire, the other a wildfire. Terrain analysis using a 0.5-meter DEM defined terrain characteristics within each watershed. Soil samples were taken within a predetermined grid and analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC). The mean SOC of the prescribed fire watershed, 4.44 kg m -2 , was significantly higher than that of the wildfire watershed, 3.47 kg m -2 , which indicates that fire severity is a major influence on the post-fire SOC. Terrain characteristics, such as elevation and curvature, were correlated to SOC only in their roles as defining elements of the broader landscape positions (shoulder, channel, sideslope). Slopes in this study were very steep, mostly near 60%, and the correlations between slope gradient and erosion found in studies of gentler landscapes do not occur here. The extreme steepness of these slopes may be such that substantial erosion occurs on all points of the landscape. This study provides values for SOC in the post-fire chaparral ecosystem and evidence of the differences that occur due to fire severity.
A GIS-based comparative study of the analytic hierarchy process, bivariate statistics and frequency ratio methods for landslide susceptibility mapping in part of the Tehran metropolis, Iran

The high hillsides of the Tehran metropolis are prone to landslides due to the climatic conditions and the geological, geomorphologicalcharacteristics of the region. Therefore, it is vitally important that a landslide susceptibility map of the region be prepared. For thispurpose, thematic layers including landslide inventory, lithology, slope, aspect, curvature, distance to stream, distance to fault,elevation, land use, and precipitation were used. Next, weighted raster thematic maps with assigned values for their classes weremultiplied by the corresponding weights and combined to yield a simple map where each cell has a certain landslide susceptibilityindex (LSI) value. After reclassification, this represents the final susceptibility map of the study area. Finally the three maps werecompared to assess the strength of the corresponding methods. In this study area, 74% of landslides occurred in highly or completelyshaly units. Lithology, slope, distance to fault and distance to stream data layers were found to be important factors in the study area.The outcome of this comparison was the conclusion that the active landslide zones do not completely fit into the high and very highsusceptibility classes. However, 99.6% of these landslide zones fall into the high and very high susceptibility zones of the bivariatestatistics (WI) method, or 74.5% in the case of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and 97.2% with the frequency ratio (FR)method. The results showed the WI and FR methods to give a more realistic picture of the actual distribution of landslide susceptibilitythan the AHP method.
Automatic Tool for Transformer Operation Monitoring in Smartgrid

The operating parameters of distribution transformers from smart substations that are working on national grid are automatically collected by IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) such as 3G modem and then imported to the database of the Meter Data Management System (MDMS). The operators can easily access the database to read the parameters by using a computer with internet connection instead of reading data directly through meters. This makes the monitoring of distribution transformers become faster and more convenient. The capacity of the collected data is very high for the entire power system and there is a problem in establishing their hierarchy and achieving the optimization of this process. To solve this problem, in this paper is developed a tool based on Microsoft excel software that automatically collects and processes the parameters of the load transformers. The tool ensures a shorter implementation time, reduces the labor, travel expenses and staff costs, and optimizes the process without errors.
Bewertung von ovarieller Reserve und Fertilität mit steigendem Lebensalter

Die Fruchtbarkeit einer Frau ist nicht allein am chronologischen Alter abzuschätzen. Das Alter korreliert zwar mit der Eizellqualität und auch -quantität, aber besonders Letztere – die sogenannte „ovarielle Reserve“ – kann deutlich vom Alter abweichen. Unter den hormonellen Parametern sind der AMH(Anti-Müller-Hormon)-Wert und der sonografische antrale Follikelcount (AFC) die aussagekräftigsten Prädiktoren der ovariellen Reserve. Die basalen Serumwerte von FSH und Estradiol sind bedingt nur in Kombination – und nicht als Einzelwerte – aussagekräftig. Ein Indiz für die nachlassende ovarielle Reserve ist ein FSH-Wert im oberen Referenzbereich (> 8 mIU/ml) in der frühen Follikelphase, ggf. mit einem erhöhten Estradiol (> 80 pg/ml). Lifestylefaktoren wie Rauchen und Übergewicht haben einen negativen Einfluss auf die Fertilität. Im Folgenden werden Ursachen und Möglichkeiten zur Beurteilung der ovariellen Reserve bewertet und eine Zusammenfassung der wichtigen Konsequenzen für die tägliche Praxis vorgestellt.