Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identi(cid:142) cation of cyst forming nematodes of the genus Heterodera (Nematoda: Heteroderidae ) based on the ribosomal DNA-RFLP

Summary – Ampli(cid:142) ed ITS region productsof rDNA from 25 valid speciesand one unidenti(cid:142)ed speciesfrom the genus Heterodera and from Meloidodera alni were digested by 26 restriction enzymes. A combination of seven enzymes clearly separated the agriculturally most important species from each other and from their sibling species. Species speci(cid:142)c digestion pro(cid:142) les of ITS regions and a table with approximate sizes of digested fragments for several identi(cid:142)cation enzymes are given. Heterogeneity of ITS regions was revealed for some cyst forming nematode species. Résumé – Identi(cid:142) cation de nématodes à kystes du genre Heterodera (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) basée sur les RFLP du DNA ribosomal – Des fragments ampli(cid:142) és de la région de l’ITS du rDNA de 25 espèces valides et d’une espèce non identi(cid:142)ée du genre Heterodera et de Meloidodera alni ont été soumis à une digestion par 26 enzymes de restriction. La combinaison de sept enzymes a permis une séparation nette des espèces les plus importantes en agriculture, tant les unes par rapport aux autres que par rapport aux espèces jumelles.Sont donnés les pro(cid:142) ls spéci(cid:142) digestiondes régionsde taillesapproximatives des fragmentsdigérés pour plusieursenzymes d’identi(cid:142)cation. L’hétérogénéité des régions de l’ITS a été révélée chez quelques espèces de nématodes à kyste.
Chapter 6 Options Before Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Management of massive tears of the rotator cuff tears is one of the most difficult problems an upper limb surgeon encounters. Patients with similar tears can present with minimal discomfort through to a flail shoulder. There are a bewildering number of options available, many with published outcomes not always borne out in clinical practise. These range from rehabilitation, simple arthroscopic surgery, attempts at repair, complex tendon transfers and ultimately a reverse total shoulder replacement. More recently further options of patch augmentation and balloon arthroplasty have been added. This paper attempts to provide a critical assessment of the evidence available.
An Efficient Compact Finite Difference Method for the Solution of the Gross-Pitaevskii Equation

We present an efficient, unconditionally stable, and accurate numerical method for the solution of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation. We begin with an introduction on the gradient flow with discrete normalization (GFDN) for computing stationary states of a nonconvex minimization problem. Then we present a new numerical method, CFDM-AIF method, which combines compact finite difference method (CFDM) in space and array-representation integration factor (AIF) method in time. The key features of our methods are as follows: (i) the fourth-order accuracy in space and rth () accuracy in time which can be achieved and (ii) the significant reduction of storage and CPU cost because of array-representation technique for efficient handling of exponential matrices. The CFDM-AIF method is implemented to investigate the ground and first excited state solutions of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the validity, accuracy, and efficiency of the CFDM-AIF method.
Analysis of Chemical Composition of Portland Cement in Ghana: A Key to Understand the Behavior of Cement

The performance of Portland cement in concrete or mortar formation is very well influenced by chemical compositions among other factors. Many engineers usually have little information on the chemical compositions of cement in making decisions for the choice of commercially available Portland cement in Ghana. This work analyzed five different brands of Portland cement in Ghana, namely, Ghacem ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and Portland limestone cement (PLC), CSIR-BRRI Pozzomix, Dangote OPC, and Diamond PLC. The chemical compositions were analyzed with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. Student’s -test was used to test the significance of the variation in chemical composition between standard literature values and each of the commercial cement brands. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also used to establish the extent of variations between chemical compositions and brand name of the all commercial Portland cement brands. Student’s -test results showed that there were no significant differences between standard chemical composition values and that of commercial Portland cement. The ANOVA results also indicated that each brand of commercial Portland cement varies in terms of chemical composition; however, the specific brands of cement had no significant differences. The study recommended that using any brand of cement in Ghana was good for any construction works be it concrete or mortar formation.
Space Charge Simulation

Based on a recent ICFA mini‐workshop held in Oxford, England [1], this paper surveys the computer codes available for simulating the behaviour of charged particle beams under space charge. Modelling tools for both linear and circular accelerating systems are covered. Lists of recent comparisons code v. code and code v. experiment are given and a set of experimental results that might be used to benchmark codes is identified. The Oxford workshop also drew up a detailed spreadsheet of the features of most of the simulation codes in current use, and this is available at [2].
Air Pollution Tracking using PDEs

In this paper we use the convection-diffusion equation to model the transport of pollutant material through the atmosphere. Such models have a wide range of applications such as predicting the environmental impact from new polluting industrial plants. In our study we solve the convection-diffusion equation in a two dimensional setting using the Crank-Nicholson method. For our application it is important that the numerical scheme be positive. The developed numerical model is used to predict the distribution of pollutant material for a few example scenarios. We also discuss the influence of external model parameters such as diffusion coefficient, drift velocity and chemical activity, on the results.
Cannabis changes: Understanding dynamics of use and dependence

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug. Part of ever-users become frequent users and continue to use over a longer period. 600 frequent users (18-30 years) were enrolled in a 3-year longitudinal study. Trajectories of frequent cannabis use and cannabis dependence appeared very dynamic. Overall use and dependence declined over time. The empirical core of this thesis was an in-depth qualitative analysis of the trajectories of a sub-sample of 47 participants. Taking a life course perspective as a main theoretical framework, the leading questions were: How and why do frequent young adult users increase, decrease or quit their use over time? And why do some develop or recover from dependence and others do not? The dynamics in frequent cannabis use and cannabis dependence were examined, particularly the underlying processes and mechanisms. In general, participants lived a life rather similar to other young adults. Cannabis use appeared predominantly a leisure activity. This thesis uncovered the reciprocal relationships and mechanisms involved in cannabis trajectories. Social relationships (particularly peers and partners) were of great importance in these trajectories, including in processes of desistance from and persistence of use. Even when similar, social relationships, work and study, leisure and related life events had different meanings for individuals. Meaning-giving to life events was essential. Agency was a necessary ingredient for desistance and played a key role in life events becoming turning points in cannabis trajectories. Like many other aspects in life, over time, either gradually or abruptly, cannabis use and dependence can change.
Structure and composition of NixGaAs

Advanced compound semiconductor devices require increasingly stable, shallow, and uniform metallized layers for ohmic and Schottky contacts. However, the design of new multielemental contact metallization systems is limited by the paucity of information regarding the structure, composition, and stability of phases resulting from the interaction of single metal layers with compound semiconductors. In this letter, the results of a transmission electron microscopy investigation of the Ni/GaAs reaction are presented. The first reaction product is shown to have the composition Ni3GaAs. Based on this composition and lattice parameter measurements, it is proposed that the structure of Ni3GaAs is closely related to that of γ’ Ni3Ga2, a derivative of the hexagonal B8 structure type.
THE INFLUENCE OF SLAG AND PSAC ON THE WEAR RESISTANCE OF COMPOSITE ALUMINIUM ZULKIFLI SULAIMAN

This research involves the fabrication of aluminum composite by using Palm Shell Activated Carbon (PSAC) and Boiler Slag as reinforcements. The method used is powder metallurgy. For aluminum composite fabrication process, set compaction pressure of 200 MPa and sintering temperature was at 500°c and for 2 hours. Composite samples produced from pure aluminum as a matrix and PSAC and Boiler Slag as reinforcement. All samples were set at 80% pure aluminum while the ratio of reinforcements is as follows; sample A, 0% PSAC, 0% Boiler Slag; sample B, 0% PSAC, 20% Boiler Slag; sample C, 2% PSAC, 18% Boiler Slag; sample D, 4% PSAC, 16% Boiler Slag; sample E, 6% PSAC, 145 Boiler Slag; sample F, 8% PSAC, 12% boiler Slag and sample G,10% PSAC, 10% Boiler Slag. These composites were tested using wear test (ASTM G99-95, 2000). The composites were also tested for hardness, density, porosity and microscopic test. Based on the wear test, is found that PSAC and Boiler Slag enforcement influence the wear rate of the aluminum composite produced. For the best wear resistance, composite composition is 80% Al, 2% PSAC and 18% Boiler Slag. Based on the observation of the microstructure of aluminum composite produced, is found PSAC and Boiler Slag particles still in original condition. This indicates it is appropriate to provide aluminum composite reinforcements. Based on the porosity test, is found PSAC and Boiler Slag enforcement influence the rate of porosity aluminum composite produced. Density test shows the contents of PSAC and Boiler Slag enforcement influence the density of the composite. Hardness test showed the contents of PSAC and Boiler Slag enforcement influence the hardness of the composite. Aluminum composite containing 80% Al, 2 PSAC% and 18% Slag is the most hard. Aluminum composite produced potential as automotive and motorcycle components. Keyword; Aluminum Composite, Palm Shell Activated Carbon (PSAC), Boiler Slag, Wear Resistance.
Conception et contrôle d'actionneurs électro-actifs dédiés à la stimulation tactile

L'objectif de cette these est de proposer un peripherique tactile qui pourrait augmenter notre immersion dans un environnement virtuel en stimulant la pulpe du doigt. Ce dispositif s'inscrit dans le cadre des dispositifs haptiques. Ainsi, a partir d'une etude sur le role de la dynamique du toucher dans la perception de textures, nous avons propose un dispositif tactile innovant permettant de simuler differentes textures fines. Dans cette these, fondamentalement pluridisciplinaire, nous avons d'abord determine les specifications du cahier des charges pour obtenir un stimulateur tactile fonctionnel base sur la generation d'un effet glissant. Apres avoir identifie le phenomene responsable de cet effet glissant par vibration haute frequence, nous avons realise le dimensionnement d'une plaque tactile capable de faire varier cet effet, c'est-a-dire de faire varier le coefficient de frottement percu par l'utilisateur. Cette plaque est mise en vibration grâce a une matrice de ceramiques piezoelectriques collees sur une ses faces. Ce dimensionnement a ete valide par des simulations sur un logiciel d'elements finis, puis la configuration retenue a ete realisee. Par la suite, le controle de la plaque vibrante nous a permis de moduler le coefficient de frottement percu afin d'obtenir differents motifs. Dans une derniere partie, le peripherique a ete evalue. Plusieurs textures crantees ont ete testees afin de connaitre les capacites des utilisateurs a differencier des periodes spatiales. Cette evaluation a permis de connaitre les performances de ce stimulateur tactile et de comparer ses performances a celles d'une texture reelle.
Development of a tool for building shared representations among industrial designers and engineering designers

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in New Product Development (NPD). As such, interactions between industrial designers and engineering designers have become increasingly important. This research project aims to build a shared understanding between the two disciplines during NPD. Following empirical research that revealed collaboration-related problem areas, as well as collecting data concerning the use of design representations, a card system was developed to provide information on the role and significance of design representations, leading to joint understanding, improved communication and creation of shared knowledge. When asked in the validation study if the system would foster collaboration, 68.2% of industrial designers and 63.2% of the engineering designers gave a good and excellent rating, indicating that the system could play a significant role towards the support of multi-disciplinary teamwork.
TOWARDS CYCLE-ORIENTED TRACEABILITY IN ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Engineering changes and requirement changes strongly interfere with each other. Traceability helps to formalize this interface on a process and organizational level. We propose a data model that includes information elements for different change stages and all related requirement artifacts, solution artifacts or production artifacts. It facilitates the access to necessary information about relations or dependencies between these artifacts. Hence, change effects can easily be estimated and relevant people/information for the decision about a change and its implementation can be identified.
An Assesment of Monetry Policy Transmission Mechanisms in Nigeria

Monetary policy as an integral part of economic growth and development require effective transmission channels to lubricate the flow of resources to different part of a country in order to achieve holistic development. Both monetary and fiscal policy are relevant in Nigeria. But, the transmission mechanism must be suitable for the type of economythat Nigeria operates. It is our flair in this work to demonstrate our erudition in an important area of modern economy such as the monetary issues that guidesthe behavior of both producers and consumers alike. Our chapter one is the general introduction of the concept of financial system, chapter two treats the transmission mechanism, chapter three examines monetary and fiscal policies and their relevance in the Nigerian economy, chapter four assesses the monetary policy transmission mechanism in a rapidly growing economy like Nigeria. While our conclusion forms the last part of this write-up.
Characterization of deepwater invertebrates at Isla del Coco National Park and Las Gemelas Seamount, Costa Rica

The deepwater faunas of oceanic islands and seamounts of the Eastern Tropical Pacific are poorly known. From 11-22 September 2009, we conducted an exploration of the deepwater areas around Isla del Coco National Park and Las Gemelas Seamount, located about 50km southwest of Isla del Coco, Costa Rica using a manned submersible to survey the seafloor habitats. The goal of the exploration was to characterize the habitats and biota, and conduct quantitative surveys of the deepwater portions of Isla del Coco National Park and Las Gemelas. We completed a total of 22 successful submersible dives, spanning more than 80hr underwater, and collected a total of 36hr of video. With respect to invertebrates, our objectives were to gather quantitative information on species composition, density, distribution and habitat associations as well as to compare the invertebrate communities between the two sites. A total of 7172 invertebrates were counted from analysis of the video collected on this project. Larger organisms were counted and placed into 27 taxonomic groups to characterize the deepwater invertebrate fauna of Las Gemelas Seamount and Isla del Coco National Park. The Shannon-Weiner Index for biodiversity (H’) was calculated to be 0.14 ± 0.02 for Isla del Coco and 0.07 ± 0.03 for Las Gemelas surveys. Although richness was fairly equal between the two sites, evenness was greater at Isla del Coco (J = 0.04 ± 0.006) when compared to Las Gemelas (J = 0.02 ± 0.01). This lower level of evenness in the community at Las Gemelas was a result of high densities of a few dominant species groups, specifically sea urchins and black corals. We also evaluated invertebrate percent cover at both Isla del Coco and Las Gemelas Seamount with respect to habitat type, slope and rugosity. Results indicated that highly rugose habitats contained the highest frequencies of all invertebrates at both sites, with the exception of glass sponges and polychaetes at Isla del Coco, which were found in greater quantities at intermediate levels of rugosity. Information obtained from these submersible surveys indicate that seamounts in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean may be an important source of biodiversity and that more quantitative surveys are needed to characterize the fauna of the region. Citation: Starr, R.M. , J. Cortés, C.L. Barnes, K. Green & O. Breedy. 2012. Characterization of deepwater invertebrates at Isla del Coco National Park and Las Gemelas Seamounts, Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (Suppl. 3): 303-319. Epub 2012 Dec 01.
An evaluation of the life-cycle effects of minimum pensions on retirement behaviour: Extended Version

In this paper we explore the effects of the minimum pension program on welfare and retirement in Spain. This is done with a stylized life-cycle model which provides a convenient analytical characterization of optimal behavior. We use data from the Spanish Social Security to estimate the behavioral parameters of the model and then simulate the changes induced by the minimum pension in aggregate retirement patterns. The impact is substantial: there is a threefold increase in retirement at 60 (the age of first entitlement) with respect to the economy without minimum pensions, and total early retirement (before or at 60) is almost 50% larger.
Site-specific to local-scale shallow landslides triggering zones assessment using TRIGRS

Abstract. Rainfall-induced shallow landslides are common phenomena in many parts of the world, affecting cultivation and infrastructure and sometimes causing human losses. Assessing the triggering zones of shallow landslides is fundamental for land planning at different scales. This work defines a reliable methodology to extend a slope stability analysis from the site-specific to local scale by using a well-established physically based model (TRIGRS-unsaturated). The model is initially applied to a sample slope and then to the surrounding 13.4 km2 area in Oltrepo Pavese (northern Italy). To obtain more reliable input data for the model, long-term hydro-meteorological monitoring has been carried out at the sample slope, which has been assumed to be representative of the study area. Field measurements identified the triggering mechanism of shallow failures and were used to verify the reliability of the model to obtain pore water pressure trends consistent with those measured during the monitoring activity. In this way, more reliable trends have been modelled for past landslide events, such as the April 2009 event that was assumed as a benchmark. The assessment of shallow landslide triggering zones obtained using TRIGRS-unsaturated for the benchmark event appears good for both the monitored slope and the whole study area, with better results when a pedological instead of geological zoning is considered at the regional scale. The sensitivity analyses of the influence of the soil input data show that the mean values of the soil properties give the best results in terms of the ratio between the true positive and false positive rates. The scheme followed in this work allows us to obtain better results in the assessment of shallow landslide triggering areas in terms of the reduction in the overestimation of unstable zones with respect to other distributed models applied in the past.
FIXED-TIME ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN DAIRY EWES RAISED IN FIELD CONDITIONS IN ARGENTINA

Modern systems of sheep production are directed towards intensification, being in this line the adoption of artificial insemination. The objective was to compare two protocols of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in dairy ewes managed under field conditions in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Twenty four two-tooth Milchschaf x Texel ewes were synchronized with intravaginal sponges plus 300 IU eCG and cervically inseminated with fresh semen either once at 54 h (Group A) or twice at 48 and 60 h (Group B) after sponge removal. Additionally, 23 Milchschaf x Texel ewes were synchronized as previously described and estrus was detected at 6-h intervals by teaser rams. The pregnancy rate was higher in B than in A (B: 50.0% vs. A: 9.1%; P<0.05). In the group exposed to teasers, 91.3% of the ewes came into estrus from 24 to 36 h after sponge removal, with an interval to estrus averaging 30.6+-1.0 h. Based on both type of mucus mostly observed and data of estrus outcome, it could be suggested that the difference in effectiveness between protocols would be related to an earlier rather than to a double insemination. In conclusion, this study provides information on the application of FTAI in dairy ewes reared rangeland in Argentina.
Fabrication of a compliant phantom of the human aortic arch for use in Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experimentation

Abstract Compliant phantoms of the human aortic arch can mimic patient specific cardiovascular dysfunctions in vitro. Hence, phantoms may enable elucidation of haemodynamic disturbances caused by aortic dysfunction. This paper describes the fabrication of a thin-walled silicone phantom of the human ascending aorta and brachiocephalic artery. The model geometry was determined via a meta-analysis and modelled in SolidWorks before 3D printing. The solid model surface was smoothed and scanned with a 3D scanner. An offset outer mould was milled from Ebalta S-Model board. The final phantom indicated that ABS was a suitable material for the internal model, the Ebalta S-Model board yielded a rough external surface. Co-location of the moulds during silicone pour was insufficient to enable consistent wall thickness. The resulting phantom was free of air bubbles but did not have the desired wall thickness consistency.