Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the newly isolated antimicrobial strain Streptomyces goshikiensis YCXU

A rhizosphere bacterial strain coded as Streptomyces goshikiensis YCXU with broad spectrum antifungal activity was isolated from a cucumber field infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum. The strain YCXU showed antagonism to a broad range of phyto-pathogenic fungi and bacteria as well as strain YCXU produced volatile organic compounds that could reduce the fungal growth up to 40% compared to control, concluding that it can be used as biocontrol agent. Because of little information about the newly isolated strain, we further characterized the strain YCXU. The strain YCXU showed maximum growth on glucose containing yeast-malt extract (YME) medium at pH 7 and pink spores were produced after 7 days of incubation at 28°C. The strain YCXU exhibited nitrate reduction, melanin production, blood hemolysis, and casein, gelatin, starch, tyrosine, and hypoxanthine hydrolysis. This characterization will aid further research regarding the strains of S. goshikiensis.
The Effect of Islamic Work Ethic on Organizational Commitment of Employees’ Tejarat Bank Branches in Sanandaj

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Islamic work ethic on organizational commitment of Employees’ Tejarat Bank branches in the city of Sanandaj. The research method was descriptive and correlational. The study population included all employees of Tejarat Bank branches in the city of Sanandaj which their number was 134. The number of samples was obtained using a Cochran formula 90 patients. In order to collect information, a questionnaire Ali Islamic work ethics’ Ali and Al Owihan (2008) and organizational commitment of Allen and Meyer (1990) were used. The results of the regression analysis showed significant and positive impact on organizational commitment and work ethic of its three dimensions (affective commitment, continuous commitment, normative commitment).
SiC power diodes provide breakthrough performance for a wide range of applications

The electrical performance of silicon carbide (SiC) power diodes is evaluated and compared to that of commercially available silicon (Si) diodes in the voltage range from 600 V through 5000 V. The comparisons include the on-state characteristics, the reverse recovery characteristics, and power converter efficiency and electromagnetic interference (EMI). It is shown that a newly developed 1500-V SiC merged PiN Schottky (MPS) diode has significant performance advantages over Si diodes optimized for various voltages in the range of 600 V through 1500 V. It is also shown that a newly developed 5000 V SiC PiN diode has significant performance advantages over Si diodes optimized for various voltages in the range of 2000 V through 5000 V. In a test case power converter, replacing the best 600 V Si diodes available with the 1500 V SiC MPS diode results in an increase of power supply efficiency from 82% to 88% for switching at 186 kHz, and a reduction in EMI emissions.
A new approach for prediction by using integrated neural networks

In this paper, a new neural model is presented. Fast Feedforwared Neural Networks (FFNNs) is integrated with modified recurrent neural networks for powerful estimation. The proposed new model is applied for prediction of power consumption. First, Modified Kohonen's Neural Networks (MKNNs) are used to facilitate the prediction process because they have the ability for clustering the input space into a number of classes. Therefore it is used for data classification to identify the categories which are essential for the prediction process. The unsupervised process performs the role of front-end data compression. For each category, the supervised learning algorithm LVQ is used for training FFNNs. The operation of FFNNs relies on performing cross correlation in the frequency domain between the input data and the weights of neural networks. Simulation results have shown that the presented integrated neural model is very powerful prediction.
MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES AND SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MICROFINANCE PARTICIPANTS

A large number of studies have been conducted on small business performance. However, potential influence of managerial competencies on small business growth, particularly among microfinance participants is hardly existent. In fulfilling the literature gap, this study provides some insight into the relationship between managerial competencies and small business growth. Using data collected from microfinance participants in Kelantan and Terengganu and applying the Structural Equation Modelling approach, this study found that all the managerial competency dimensions – technical, generic and conceptual skills – had positive and significant impacts on small business growth. While consolidating the theories that managerial competencies explain business growth, this study has several limitations. Future studies should delve into, through qualitative research, why managerial skills are significant for small business growth. Sampling should also include small businesses in other parts of Malaysia, instead of Kelantan and Terengganu.
Improved Estimation Performance ofSensor in Wireless Sensor Network UsingSuboptimal Technique

This paper presents a novel network lifetime extension technique. In order to collect information more efficiently, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are partitioned into clusters. Clustering provides an effective way to prolong the lifetime of WSNs. Current clustering approaches often use two methods: selecting cluster heads with more residual energy, and rotating cluster head periodically, to distribute the energy consumption among nodes in each cluster and extend the network lifetime. However, most of the previous algorithms have not considered the expected residual energy, only consider the estimation performance. In this paper we propose a probabilistic based transmission using clustering algorithm. Probabilistic transmission control at which is to minimize the mean squared error of estimation by increasing the packet transmission success probability of only sensors having high observation SNR. These newly available sensors are partitioned into several sensor sets select the cluster head to maintain the same estimation performance. The simulation results show that the proposed approach is more efficient than other distributed algorithms. It is believed that the technique presented in this paper could be further applied to large-scale wireless sensor networks.
Image processing and super resolution methods for a linear 3D range image scanning device for forensic imaging

Joshi, Abhishek Shriram. M.S., Purdue University, August, 2012. Image Processing and Super Resolution Methods for a Linear 3D Range Image Scanning Device for Forensic Imaging. Major Professor: Mihran Tuceryan. In the last few decades, forensic science has played a significant role in bringing criminals to justice. Shoe and tire track impressions found at the crime scene are important pieces of evidence since the marks and cracks on them can be uniquely tied to a person or vehicle respectively. We have designed a device that can generate a highly accurate 3-Dimensional (3D) map of an impression without disturbing the evidence. The device uses lasers to detect the changes in depth and hence it is crucial to accurately detect the position of the laser. Typically, the forensic applications require very high resolution images in order to be useful in prosecutions of criminals. Limitations of the hardware technology have led to the use of signal and image processing methods to achieve high resolution images. Super Resolution is the process of generating higher resolution images from multiple low resolution images using knowledge about the motion and the properties of the imaging geometry. This thesis presents methods for developing some of the image processing components of the 3D impression scanning device. In particular, the thesis describes the following two components: (i) methods to detect the laser stripes projected onto the
Technical Efficiency of Shrimp Farming in Andhra Pradesh: Estimation and Implications

Shrimp farming is a key subsector of Indian aquaculture which has seen a remarkable growth in the past decades and has a tremendous potential in future. The present studyanalyzes thetechnical efficiency of the shrimp famers of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh using the Stochastic Production Frontier Function with the technical inefficiency effects. The estimates mean technical efficiency of the farmers was 93.06 % which means the farmers operate at 6.94 % below the production frontier production. Age, education, experience of the farmers and their membership status in farmers associations and societies were found to have a significant effect on the technical efficiency. The variation in the technical efficiency also confirms the differences in theextent of adoption of the shrimp farming technology among the farmers. Proper technical training opportunities could facilitate the farmers to adopt the improved technologies to increase their farm productivity.
Mesh optimization with volume preservation using GPU

Surface mesh optimization represents a challenge especially when it corresponds to an evolving geometry used in numerical simulations where the mesh is restricted to an enclosed volume and requires the preservation of certain features. In this context, we propose an efficient and paralleliza- ble method to retrieve the local volume after per- forming successive operations, such as smoothing and topological changes that optimize the quality of the triangles. Due to the complexity of this algo- rithm, GPU is used as a calculation unit to reduce processing time. Additionally, we present a simple and robust de- tection of singularities that helps to preserve the ap- pearance of the mesh during the remeshing process. This process is finally validated by the experimental study in simple geometries (such as spheres and reg- ular polyhedra) and then applied to non-regular meshes obtained from segmentations of medical im- ages or from CAD tools.
From meticulous professionals to superheroes of the business world

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative cultural shift from professionalism to commercialism in the accounting profession, based on an analysis of the promotional brochures used by the Ordre des comptables agrees du Quebec (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Quebec), over the last 40 years, to attract new members. Design/methodology/approach – The study's specific objectives are: to examine accountancy's cultural representations depicted in promotional brochures; to evaluate the extent to which these representations are indicative of the commercialist shift as documented in the literature; and to establish whether the representations under study provide further insight into the nature of the cultural shift. Drawing on the semiotic approach developed by Roland Barthes, the authors' analysis is predicated on the idea that promotional brochures and advertisements, though often simple in appearance, constitute complex representations that convey meaningful information about influenti.
The Effect of Tillage System and Rimsulfuron Application on Weed Flora, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Root Colonization and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of tillage system and rimsulfuron application on weed flora and growth of maize (Zea mays L. Mitic F1) at a site with no history of pesticide use for the last 5 years. A randomized complete block design was employed with three replicates per treatment (conventional tillage without rimsulfuron application (control), no-tillage with rimsulfuron application (NT+Rim) and conventional tillage with rimsulfuron application (CT+Rim)). The lowest leaf area index, dry weight and yield of maize were recorded in NT+Rim plots. In addition, the highest soil bulk density was determined in NT+Rim plots. Moreover, the rimsulfuron application resulted in significant reduction in the root growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization. The lowest root biomass, root length density, root surface and AM root colonization was found in CT+Rim plots. The lowest weed number and biomass was also observed at CT+Rim plots. Sustainability yield index (SYI) shown that the maize crop is more stable under conventional tillage compared with no-tillage. Our results indicated that root growth was reduced significant by rimsulfuron application but statistically significant lower maize yield was obtained in no-tillage system.
European Responses to Global Competitiveness in Higher Education. Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.7.09.

The growing global competition in which knowledge is a prime factor for economic growth is increasingly shaping policies and setting the agenda for the future of European higher education. With its aim to become the worldâ€™s leading knowledge economy, the European Union is concerned about its performance in the knowledge sector, in particular in the nexus of research, higher education institutions, and innovation. A major concern is to solve the â€œEuropean paradoxâ€ : whereby Europe has the necessary knowledge and research, but fails to transfer this into innovation and enhanced productivity and economic growth. Further complicating the matter, policy responses are formulated and implemented at different levels within the EU: at the European-wide level, the national, regional, and institutional levels. Moreover, the formulation of policies are often underpinned by different perceptions of the meaning of globalization, the nature of global competition for the higher education sector, and by differences in the current ability of institutions to effectively promote innovation in the private sector. This paper offers an overview of relevant European higher education policies and responses to global competition, and considers how global competitiveness can best be stimulated and achieved; what role competition and cooperation-based strategies at the national and European level play in this respect, and what is the best mix.
Hybrid turbulence models for atmospheric flow: A proper comparison with RANS models

A compromise between the required accuracy and the need for affordable simulations for the wind industry might be achieved with the use of hybrid turbulence models. Detached-Eddy Simulation (DES) [1] is a hybrid technique that yields accurate results only if it is used according to its original formulation [2]. Due to its particular characteristics (i.e., the type of mesh required), the modeling of the atmospheric flow might always fall outside the original scope of DES. An enhanced version of DES called Simplify Improved Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulation (SIDDES) [3] can overcome this and other disadvantages of DES. In this work the neutrally stratified atmospheric flow over a flat terrain with homogeneous roughness will be analyzed using a Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) model called k – ω SST (shear stress transport) [4], and the hybrids k – ω SST-DES and k – ω SST-SIDDES models. An obvious test is to validate these hybrid approaches and asses their advantages and disadvantages over the pure RANS model. However, for several reasons the technique to drive the atmospheric flow is generally different for RANS and LES or hybrid models. The flow in a RANS simulation is usually driven by a constant shear stress imposed at the top boundary [5], therefore modeling only the atmospheric surface layer. On the contrary the LES and hybrid simulations are usually driven by a constant pressure gradient, thus a whole atmospheric boundary layer is simulated. Rigorously, this represents two different simulated cases making the model comparison not trivial. Nevertheless, both atmospheric flow cases are studied with the mentioned models. The results prove that a simple comparison of the time average turbulent quantities obtained by RANS and hybrid simulations is not easily achieved. The RANS simulations yield consistent results for the atmospheric surface layer case, while the hybrid model results are not correct. As for the atmospheric boundary layer case, no meaningful conclusion could be established for RANS, and the DES results are not satisfactory. However the SIDDES model is capable of reproducing accurately the atmospheric boundary layer over flat terrain.
Category structure and induction 1 Running head : CATEGORY STRUCTURE AND INDUCTION Category structure affects the developmental trajectory of children ’ s inductive inferences for both natural kinds and artifacts

Inductive reasoning is fundamental to human cognition, yet it remains unclear how we develop this ability and what might influence our inductive choices. We created novel categories in which crucial factors such as domain and category structure were manipulated orthogonally. We trained 403 4to 9-year-old children to categorize well matched natural kind and artifact stimuli with either featural or relational category structure, followed by induction tasks. This wide age range allowed for the first full exploration of the developmental trajectory of inductive reasoning in both domains. We found a gradual transition from perceptual to categorical induction with age. This pattern was stable across domains, but interestingly, children showed a category bias one year later for relational categories. We hypothesize that the ability to use category information in inductive reasoning develops gradually, but is delayed when children need to process and apply more complex category structures.
Seaport Management Aspects and Perspectives: an Overview

Ireland occupies the northern part of the western European coast which has a 70,000 Kilometres coasting along two oceans and four seas. These coasts are Europe’s lifeblood and represent the trade routes, climate regulator and source of food, energy and resources. Seaports and shipping are key maritime activities which allow European coast countries to benefit from the rapid growth of international trade. Therefore, port management became the centre of governments’ interest and the focal point of research to improve the efficiency. This research aims to summaries past publications of seaport systems to highlight challenges and reveal relevant research gaps. Having the objective to classify the literature, a comprehensive review of journal articles and the best practices in the field was conducted. A wide variety of management issues and opportunities to improve service delivery of port systems was discussed in a three main categories based on port authority objectives; strategic, economic and operational.
Periodic-MAC: Improving MAC Protocols for Biomedical Sensor Networks Through Implicit Synchronization

Wired biomedical sensors have facilitated increasingly advanced clinical decisions support systems in specialized medical settings over the last decades. Reliable hemodynamic monitoring of cardiac and pulmonary function is mandatory for individual tailoring of treatment of critically ill patients. Sensors provide the hemodynamic parameters that reveal impending clinical problems, and initiate caregiver intervention. Biomedical sensor technologies include invasive or non-invasive sensors for intermittent or continuous monitoring of vital physiological parameters used in hemodynamic treatment at point-of-care. A hemodynamic sensor portfolio thus involves multiple sensors either attached to the patient, or embedded in biomedical devices used for treatment. The criticality of such systems is evident, as they are used for direct life support in a setting where quality, stability and continuity of real-time data is vital (Øyri et al., 2010). For the last few decades, biomedical sensors and patient monitors used in hemodynamic monitoring have been based on wired solutions. However, a digital revolution is now taking place in healthcare. Medical profiles for wireless standards, such as Bluetooth or ZigBee standards, have currently been developed and adopted by the Continua Health Alliance (Caroll et al., 2007). In the standardization bodies IEEE, ISO and CEN TC 251, improvement of care by reuse of medical device data has been addressed for many years; In particular the IEEE 1073 Standard for Medical Device Connection. A consortium of Scandinavian research institutions, technology startup companies, sensor producers, and a hospital based test facility collaborated to develop a portfolio of multiple experimental wireless sensor prototypes for a platform compliant with the X73 PoC-MDC (ISO11073/IEEE1073)(Galarraga et al., 2006) medical device communication outline (Øyri et al., 2010). Other research groups have evaluated implementations of wireless clinical alerts from pager systems (Major et al., 2002 and Reddy et al., 2005). Yao and Warren investigated how to apply the ISO/IEEE 11073 Standards to wearable home health monitoring systems (Yao & Warren., 2005). There is a demand for a point of care clinical decision support systems providing real time processing of 26
GENERALIZED SCALAR PWM ALGORITHMS FOR DIODE CLAMPED MULTILEVEL INVERTER FED VECTOR CONTROLLED DRIVES

This paper presents simple generalized scalar PWM algorithms for three and five-level inverter fed vector controlled drive. The proposed PWM technique uses the notion of imaginary switching times and hence does not require sector and reference voltage vector calculations. Based on the magnitude tests, the minimum and maximum times will be calculated. From which the generalized offset time expression is derived. By varying a constant between 0 and 1 in offset expressions, various PWM methods such as continuous and discontinuous PWM techniques are derived. Thus, the all PWM techniques brought under one umbrella. Moreover, the same generalized PWM approach can be easily extended to multilevel inverters by increasing the number of carrier signals. To evaluate the performance of proposed PWM technique, numerical simulation studies have been carried out on multilevel inverter fed vector controlled drive in MATLAB environment. From the results, it is observed that when compared with continuous modulating PWM technique discontinuous modulating signal based PWM techniques give reduced switching losses for same switching frequency. Moreover, the quality of waveforms is increased as the number of level increases.
Los efectos del conflicto parental después del divorcio sobre el rendimiento educativo de los hijos / Effects of Post-Divorce Parental Conflict on Children?s Educational Achievement

espanolEsta investigacion analiza el efecto de la separacion o divorcio de los padres en el rendimiento educativo de los hijos, incluyendo como factor de analisis la conflictividad entre los padres separados o divorciados. El estudio se basa en el analisis del Panel de Familias e Infancia,con una muestra de 2.731 adolescentes de 13 a 16 anos de Cataluna. Los principales resultados indican que los hijos de padres divorciados que mantienen una relacion conflictiva tienen mayor probabilidad de obtener peores resultados educativos que los hijos de padres divorciados sin conflicto y de hogares biparentales. Sin embargo, los hijos de padres divorciados sin conflicto tienen una menor probabilidad de obtener una nota media de suspenso que aquellos que viven en un hogar biparental. EnglishThis study analyses the effect of parental separation or divorce on children? s educational achievement, and includes parental conflict as a factor of analysis. The study is based on the analysis of the Panel of Families and Children, with a sample of 2,731 adolescents aged between13 to 16 years old in Catalonia, Spain. The main results show that the children of divorced parents who have a conflicted relationship are more likely to obtain poorer educational results than the children of divorced parents without conflict and two-parent households. However, children of divorced parents with no conflicted relationship are less likely on average to receive a failing grade than those who live in two-parent households.