Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
JPE 10-3-5 Optimal Topologies for Cascaded Sub-Multilevel Converters

The general function of a multilevel converter is to synthesize a desired output voltage from several levels of dc voltages as inputs. In order to increase the steps in the output voltage, a new topology is recommended in [1], which benefits from a series connection of sub-multilevel converters. In the procedure described in this reference, despite all the advantages, it is not possible to produce all the steps (odd and even) in the output. In addition, for producing an output voltage with a constant number of steps, there are different configurations with a different number of components. In this paper, the optimal structures for this topology are investigated for various objectives such as minimum number of switches and dc voltage sources and minimum standing voltage on the switches for producing the maximum output voltage steps. Two new algorithms for determining the dc voltage sources magnitudes have been proposed. Finally, in order to verify the theoretical issues, simulation and experimental results for a 49-level converter with a maximum output voltage of 200V are presented.
Making sense of overconfidence in market entry

Entrepreneurs are often described as overconfident (or at least very confident), even when entering difficult markets. However, recent laboratory findings suggest that difficult tasks tend to produce underconfidence. How do entrepreneurs maintain confidence in difficult tasks? Our two laboratory experiments and one archival study reconcile the literature by distinguishing types of overconfidence and identifying what type is most prominent in each type of task. Furthermore, we critically examine the notion that �overconfidence� explains excess market entry: we find that entry into different markets is not driven by confidence in one's own absolute skill, but by confidence in one's skill relative to that of others. Finally, we consider whether overconfidence in relative skill is driven by neglecting competitors or by systematic errors made when considering them
Ant-Associated Beetle Fauna in Bulgaria: A Review and New Data

The rich myrmecofauna in Bulgaria, comprising about 170 species, constitutes favorable settings for a diverse associated fauna. An attempt to summarize the fragmented faunal data on this ecological group in Bulgaria, together with inclusion of new data, has resulted in a comprehensive list of 121 beetle species from 14 families, obligate or facultative ant related. The extent of current knowledge on the various beetle families, host specificity, the nature of relations between guests and their ant hosts, and the regional characteristics of the myrmecophilous fauna are discussed.
The Effect of Sodium Hydroxide Treatment on Chemical Composition and Digestibility of Straw

NaO treatment reduced the hemicellulose content and this resulted in an increased content of cellulose and lignin in the remaining cell wall. The mean increased in organic matter digestibility. The study was designed also to compare the measurment of digestibility methods. It was determined that the result of the experiment in vitro digestibility method was more suitable for accurately predicting digestibility than that in vivo or in situ.
The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment: review of in-flight performance and new reprocessed 1995–2011 level 1 product

Abstract. The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) on-board the second European Remote Sensing satellite provided measurements of atmospheric constituents such as ozone and other trace gases for the 16-year period from 1995 to 2011. In this paper we present a detailed analysis of the long-term performance of the sensor and introduce the new homogenised and fully calibrated level 1 product that has been generated using the recently developed GOME Data Processor level-0-to-1b (GDP-L1) Version 5.1. By means of the various in-flight calibration parameters, we monitor the behaviour and stability of the instrument during the entire mission. Severe degradation of the optical components has led to a significant decrease in intensity, in particular in channels 1 and 2, which cover the spectral ranges of 240–316 and 311–405 nm, respectively. Thus, a soft correction based on using the Sun as a stable calibration source is applied. Revision and optimisation of other calibration algorithms such as the wavelength assignment, polarisation correction, and dark current correction resulted in an improved and homogeneous level 1 product that can be regarded as the European satellite reference data for successor atmospheric composition sensors and that provides an excellent prerequisite for further exploitation of GOME measurements.
Almost Global Asymptotic Formation Stabilization Using Navigation Functions

We present a navigation function through which a group of mobile agents can be coordinated to achieve a particular formation, both in terms of shape and orientation, while avoiding collisions between themselves and with obstacles in the environment. Convergence is global and complete, subject to the constraints of the navigation function methodology. Algebraic graph theoretic properties associated with the interconnection graph are shown to affect the shape of the navigation function. The approach is centralized but the potential function is constructed in a way that facilitates complete decentralization. The strategy presented will also serve as a point of reference and comparison in quantifying the cost of decentralization in terms of performance.
Organic in the local vs global antinomy

Increasing attention is paid by European citizens to food chain character, power relations and impacts. Distance travelled by food, its authenticity and identity, fairness in the value chain and information robustness on quality specifications tend to assume a growing relevance in both public perception and business organisation. A triennial multidisciplinary and multicriteria study, funded under the EU 7th Framework Research Programme, aims to assess the performance of local and global food chains against economic, environment, social, health and ethical dimensions.The present paper presents some results of the first part of the project, examining how organic foods and method of production fits in the local/global discourse, as emerging from an Italian literature review.
PRIMALITY OF THE NUMBER OF POINTS ON AN ELLIPTIC CURVE OVER A FINITE FIELD

Given a fixed elliptic curve E defined over Q having no rational torsion points, we discuss the probability that the number of points on E mod/? is prime as the prime p varies. We give conjectural asymptotic formulas for the number of p < n for which this number is prime, both in the case of a complex multiplication and a non-CM curve E. Numerical evidence is given supporting these formulas.
Reappraisal of the Arc-Arc Collision in Taiwan

Al though it is evident that Tai wan has been formed by the collision of the west-facing Luzon arc with the Eurasian continental mar gin, there re main a lot of enigmas in this collision. The major ones are: (1) a trans form fault presently connecting the Manila and Ryukyu Trenches in the Philip pine Sea-Eurasia relative motion direction is missing, and in stead, the Ryukyu Trench ex tends near off shore E. Tai wan, (2) the western edge of the intermediate-depth seismicity associated with the Philip pine Sea plate subduction beneath NE Tai wan has a NNW trend, not NW, and (3) a large negative Bouguer gravity anomaly, with undulation of its amplitude in a wave length of 60-80 km, exists along the southernmost Ryukyu forearc. We propose a new model of the collision in Tai wan to re solve these enigmas, assuming that the southern Ryukyu forearc was migrating to the south west with respect to Eurasia for the past several m.y. and the Luzon arc has been colliding with this actively migrating Ryukyu forearc. The northern most Luzon arc is divided into two parts by the NNW line directing along the Philip pine Sea-Ryukyu forearc motion from its initial intersection point with the Ryukyu Trench; the part west of this line has been obducted on the Ryukyu forearc-Eurasian mar gin, producing the collision orogen in Taiwan, and the part east of it has been subducted beneath the Ryukyu forearc. This evolutionary scenario re solves enigmas (1) and (2) kinematically. This model also predicts that the South China Sea slab has to be torn by the west ward component of the motion of the subducting Philip pine Sea slab to Eurasia. This would have brought large lateral compression in the shallow portion of the Philip pine Sea slab at its western border, which might lead to buck ling of the slab causing the ob served undulated gravity anomaly.
Climate and vegetation changes during the Lateglacial and early-middle Holocene at Lake Ledro (southern Alps, Italy)

Adding to the on-going debate regarding vegetation recolonisation (more particularly the timing) in Europe and climate change since the Lateglacial, this study investigates a long sediment core (LL081) from Lake Ledro (652ma.s.l., southern Alps, Italy). Environmental changes were reconstructed using multiproxy analysis (pollen-based vegetation and climate reconstruction, lake levels, magnetic susceptibility and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements) recorded climate and land-use changes during the Lateglacial and early-middle Holocene. The well-dated and high-resolution pollen record of Lake Ledro is compared with vegetation records from the southern and northern Alps to trace the history of tree species distribution. An altitudedependent progressive time delay of the first continuous occurrence of Abies (fir) and of the Larix (larch) development has been observed since the Lateglacial in the southern Alps. This pattern suggests that the mid-altitude Lake Ledro area was not a refuge and that trees originated from lowlands or hilly areas (e.g. Euganean Hills) in northern Italy. Preboreal oscillations (ca. 11 000 cal BP), Boreal oscillations (ca. 10 200, 9300 cal BP) and the 8.2 kyr cold event suggest a centennial-scale climate forcing in the studied area. Picea (spruce) expansion occurred preferentially around 10 200 and 8200 cal BP in the south-eastern Alps, and therefore reflects the long-lasting cumulative effects of successive boreal and the 8.2 kyr cold event. The extension of Abies is contemporaneous with the 8.2 kyr event, but its development in the southern Alps benefits from the wettest interval 8200-7300 cal BP evidenced in high lake levels, flood activity and pollen-based climate reconstructions. Since ca. 7500 cal BP, a weak signal of pollen-based anthropogenic activities suggest weak human impact. The period between ca. 5700 and ca. 4100 cal BP is considered as a transition period to colder and wetter conditions (particularly during summers) that favoured a dense beech (Fagus) forest development which in return caused a distinctive yew (Taxus) decline.We conclude that climate was the dominant factor controlling vegetation changes and erosion processes during the early and middle Holocene (up to ca. 4100 cal BP).
Assessment tool for performance of high capacity combination vehicles including envelopes for A-double vehicles

The technological advancements in the automotive industry in past few decades has resulted in a rapid rise in the number of vehicles. In addition to private vehicles, heavy duty vehicles (HDV) have also increased, which play a big part in transporting goods for import, export, and businesses. These rapidly rising numbers, on one hand, contribute to the convenience and development also on the down side contribute to the emissions. In a study conducted in 2017, it was found that 26% of the total CO2 emissions in Europe came from the HDVs and more than 3/4th of these emissions were from the trucks. In the recent years, a lot of research has been done in the commercial vehicle industry that is focused on making transportation more sustainable and to reduce the emissions. One of the well-established ways for achieving sustainability in transportation and lower the emissions is by improving the efficiency of vehicles. Using long combination vehicles (LCV) has been proven as one of the ways of tackling this problem and also addressing the issue of congestion on roads. Currently, the allowed maximum length of HDV in Sweden is 25.25 m. In the case of LCVs two or more trailers are used on the same HDV, thereby increasing the effective length of the vehicle. In countries like Australia, Canada, Mexico and the United States, LCVs known as “Road trains” are being used for efficient movement of freight in the rural areas. Similar to this, it is proposed by the government to bring a legislation in Sweden to permit LCVs. However, designing such vehicles requires consideration of both vehicle and the road traffic. To address these issues of safety, performance and congestion, performance based standards (PBS) have evolved. This thesis work focuses on developing a framework to assess LCVs and provide vehicle manufacturers with allowed ranges for vehicle parameters. The vehicle that complies with these allowed ranges will be permitted on the road. The work done in this thesis project proposes a generic framework considering legal, performance and practical constraints. Thereafter, it can be applied to any LCV to obtain the allowable ranges. The final outcome of the thesis was that the generic framework was applied on an A-double combination vehicle to obtain envelopes. A special study of performance measures for friction demands for low speed maneuvering on low road friction is also included.
Human Rights Due Diligence through Stakeholder Engagement ? The Case of a Copper-Gold Mine in the Philippines INEF Report 109 / 2015

Brigitte Hamm/Anne Schax: Human Rights Due Diligence through Stakeholder Engagement? The Case of a Copper-Gold Mine in the Philippines. Duisburg: Institute for Development and Peace, University of Duisburg-Essen (INEF Report, 109/2015). The report examines to what extent stakeholder engagement as a form of private governance can contribute to a corporation’s human rights due diligence performance. It takes as the basis for investigation a case study of a stakeholder engagement program implemented by the operating company SMI for a planned copper-gold mine in the Philippines during the project’s preoperational phase. The analysis examines criteria for good stakeholder engagement set out by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and uses the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as the conceptual framework. For the case investigated here, it is established that SMI’s stakeholder engagement program as well as the IFC’s guidelines evince several shortcomings from a human rights perspective, which in turn negatively affect other due diligence processes.
Sur le credit scoring par les réseaux de neurones artificiels

Dans cet article, un probleme de mesure de risque de credit dans une banque est etudie. L’approche proposee pour le resoudre utilise un reseau de neurones artificiels. Apres la collecte des donnees caracterisant des particuliers demandant des credits, cette approche consiste d’abord a pretraiter les echantillons recueillis, puis la mise en en œuvre de differentes architectures de reseaux et combinaisons de fonctions d’activation et d’apprentissage et comparaison des resultats obtenus avec les resultats des methodes courantes dans les banques.
Reverse staining: Effective method for purification of HIV-1 Nef protein in prokaryotic expression system

: Background: Nef protein is one of the HIV regulatory proteins. This protein has various conserved epitopes inducing the efficient immune responses in HIV-1 infected individuals. Thus, Nef protein has been proposed as a suitable candidate for vaccine design. In current study, our goal was the cloning and expression of Nef protein in prokaryotic expression system and its purification using the reverse staining method. Materials and Methods: The coding sequence of Nef protein was amplified from pUC19-nef vector by PCR. Then, nef gene was inserted into the pGEX6p2 expression vector. This construct was transformed into the E.coli BL21 E.coli strain and subsequently protein expression was induced by IPTG anti-repressor. The protein expression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot using anti-Nef antibody. Protein purification was performed by reverse staining method. Results: The PCR and digestion analysis showed a clear band of 648 bp in agarose gel indicating the correct cloning of HIV- nef in pGEX6p2 expression vector. In addition, the detection of a clear 50 kDa band in Western blotting using Anti-Nef antibody suggests the Nef protein expression induced by IPTG. Finally, the purified protein was obtained by reverse staining method. Conclusion: The recombinant Nef protein expressed in E.coli was purified by reverse staining method. The Nef protein has the potential of antigenicity for vaccine designing against HIV infections.
On the Design of Optimal Feedback Control for Systems of Second Order

A difficult but important problem in optimal control theory is the design of an optimal feedback control, i.e., the design of an optimal control as function of the phase (state) coordinates [1,2]. This problem can be solved not often. We study here the autonomous nonlinear system of second order in general form. The constraints imposed on the control input can depend on the phase (state) coordinates of the system. The goal of the control is to maximize or minimize one phase coordinate of the considered system while other takes a prescribed in advance value. In the literature, optimal control problems for the systems of second order are most frequently associated with driving both phase coordinates to a prescribed in advance state. In this statement of the problem, the optimal control feedback can be designed only for special kind of systems. In our statement of the problem, an optimal control can be designed as function of the state coordinates for more general kind of the systems. The problem of maximization or minimization of the swing amplitude is considered explicitly as an example. Simulation results are presented.
Poland's Investment Development Path: in search of a synthesis

This study is a synthesis of the authors' research on the application of the Investment Development Path (IDP) concept to Poland. The IDP is investigated from the point of view of its general trajectory as well as its geographic and industry/sector idiosyncrasies. Collected data cover a time span ranging from the beginning of the country's transition to a market-led system until 2006. The general IDP analysis approach followed by geographic and industry/sector patterns provide grounds for specific economic policy recommendations. The major challenge for the economic policy is to sustain substantial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows while, at the same time, spurring faster growth of FDI outflows.
A quick-response discrete transit-share model for transit-oriented developments

Various studies have highlighted an apparent lack of analyses associated with the modal choice characteristics of transit-oriented developments (TODs) and emphasized the need for quick response models for estimating transit share in TOD areas. In this paper, a methodology for developing transit-share model for TOD’s using travel activity data is presented. A transit-share model is formulated as an innovative combination of the direct generation, urban travel factor (UTF), and logit models. This model determines transit usage in TODs based on household auto ownership as the primary input and the transit system variables as secondary inputs. Validation of the model indicates a close agreement with observed data. Since the input requirements to the TOD transit-share model are minimal, this model structure is expected to be very useful for sketch analysis of many TOD project alternatives.
Bipolar disorder in the elderly: clinical and socio-demographic characteristics [Abstract in English]

Objetivos: descrever as caracteristicas clinicas, psiquiatricas e sociodemograficas de pacientes idosos com transtorno afetivo bipolar. Metodos: foram selecionados pacientes com transtorno bipolar, com idade maior ou igual a 60 anos. Suas caracteristicas clinicas e sociodemograficas foram obtidas por meio de consulta aos prontuarios medicos, bem como atraves de entrevista com cada paciente e pelo menos com um familiar proximo. Resultados: uma amostra de 135 individuos foi incluida no estudo. Os pacientes com transtorno afetivo bipolar da presente amostra apresentaram taxas mais elevadas de hipotireoidismo, câncer e diabete melito, quando comparados com dados publicados sobre a populacao de idosos em geral. A presenca de sintomas psicoticos foi associada a niveis menores de escolaridade, idade mais precoce de inicio do transtorno, mais episodios de mania e maior frequencia de internacoes psiquiatricas. A idade media de inicio do transtorno bipolar foi maior quando comparada a outros estudos, e a natureza do primeiro episodio afetivo indicou a maior frequencia de episodios da mesma polaridade. Conclusoes: o presente estudo, conduzido em pacientes idosos com transtorno afetivo bipolar, confirmou achados clinicos importantes de investigacoes realizadas em pacientes adultos, acrescentando o fato inedito de consolidar esses achados atraves da investigacao em uma populacao de pacientes idosos com longo tempo de evolucao de seu quadro clinico.
Aggregate demand function is not monotonic: the Loss of confidence effect

The aim of this article is to show that an aggregate demand function (curve) might not be monotonically decreasing as assumed in economic theory. When a price of a good decreases to some point, the amount demanded stops increasing due to the so called loss of confidence effect: a price too low causes consumers’ distrust. The existence of this effect was examined via questionnaire research among a small sample of respondents. The main result of this study is that the loss of confidence effect was found indeed, and applied to some 40% of respondents. However, a broader and more sophisticated research on the topic is needed. Results of this study have an impact on microeconomics theory as well on sellers’ behavior, as a lower price might not sell more than a higher price.
Hubbell's fundamental biodiversity parameter and the Simpson diversity index

Central to Hubbell’s neutral theory of biodiversity is a universal, dimensionless fundamental biodiversity parameter that is the product of community size and speciation rate. One of the most important discoveries of Hubbell’s theory is that the speciesabundance distribution and the species–area relationship of the neutral metacommunity is completely determined by this fundamental biodiversity parameter, although the diversity patterns of the local community are collectively determined by the biodiversity parameter and migration. Using the relative abundance of species and following the concept of heterozygosity of population genetics, here we developed an analytical relationship between this biodiversity parameter and the well-known Simpson diversity index. This relationship helps bridge the evolutionary aspect of biodiversity to the ecological and statistical aspect of the diversity. The relationship between these two parameters suggests that diversity patterns of the metacommunity can also be equally described by the Simpson index. This relationship provides an alternative approach to interpret and estimate the fundamental biodiversity parameter for the metacommunity.