Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generación de Nubes de Puntos 3D con Escáner Laser Terrestre. Georreferenciación y Evaluación de la Calidad

Contexto: La técnica LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) permite el modelado 3D de estructuras con un nivel de resolución inédito y precisión milimétrica. Esta tecnología está naturalmente relacionada con la Agrimensura, más aún cuando los modelos forman parte de espacios georreferenciados con respecto a sistemas de referencia geodésicos y verticales. Diferentes mediciones LiDAR deben ser vinculadas geométricamente con técnicas topográficas clásicas ó geodésicas como GNSS, lo que condiciona la calidad geométrica externa del modelo integrado. La comparación en el tiempo de modelos 3D de precisión milimétrica requiere de un conocimiento de los sistemas de referencia con por lo menos, el mismo nivel de confianza. En consecuencia, la exactitud de las determinaciones debe ser validada. Método: Se relevaron dos edificios pertenecientes a la Universidad Nacional de la Plata mediante LiDAR terrestre estático. Estos escáneres miden la superficie directamente visible, y el relevamiento completo de un objeto requiere de varias estaciones de registro. El producto final resulta del empate de los diferentes escaneos. Para ello existen distintas técnicas, la utilizada en este trabajo es la de elementos comunes identificables desde estaciones aledañas. Los resultados son expresados en un marco de referencia terrestre a partir de una poligonal de apoyo que involucró mediciones con estación total, nivel automático y equipos GNSS. La calidad de los modelos 3D obtenidos fue evaluada internamente, a partir de los parámetros estadísticos del procesamiento y en forma externa, mediante las coordenadas de puntos de control obtenidas con métodos independientes. Resultados: La calidad geométrica interna de los puntos de las nubes de puntos generadas por el LiDAR terrestre estático Trimble TX5, fue estimada en 1 a 3 milímetros (1RMS). Las técnicas topográficas clásicas utilizadas en la poligonal de apoyo arrojaron una coherencia de 3 mm en cada una de las componentes, mientras que para la georreferenciación obtenida mediante mediciones GNSS, fue de 1 cm. Conclusiones: La calidad geométrica interna de los puntos de las nubes generadas muestran la capacidad de representación de estos modelos 3D y su potencial para el análisis de deformaciones internas (como ángulos y distancias). Las diferentes nubes LiDAR 3D inicialmente desvinculadas entre sí, pueden ser integradas a través de métodos geodésicos-topográficos y georreferenciadas en un marco de referencia geodésico de calidad adecuada.
A high-performance SERS-imprinted sensor doped with silver particles of different surface morphologies for selective detection of pyrethroids in rivers

Herein, a novel technique that combined surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with molecular imprinting was presented. In this study, SERS-active Ag particles with different surface morphologies were synthesized with the assistance of small acid molecules. Through the SERS investigation of different Ag morphologies, the Ag particles with a wool-ball surface morphology presented the perfect SERS capacity. Then, the Ag particles with a wool-ball surface morphology were used as the SERS substrate and combined via the technique of molecular imprinting to prepare SERS-MIPs for LC detection in a river. Under the optimal condition, a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.98) was observed between the Raman signal (at 1595 cm−1) and the concentration of the templates, and the limit of detection was 0.013 μmol L−1. Moreover, the selective experiment proved that the specific selectivity of this material was due to the template. It has been confirmed that Ag-MIP is a kind of highly sensitive and selective sensor material for pyrethroid detection.
The impacts of seawater acidification on Ruditapes philippinarum sensitivity to carbon nanoparticles

In the present study, the impacts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), one of the most important NMs used in broad industrial and biomedical applications, on the clam Ruditapes philippinarum were evaluated under actual and predicted ocean acidification conditions. For this, oxidative stress, metabolic capacity and neurotoxicity related biomarkers were measured after a long-term exposure of the clams to different conditions. The results obtained revealed that under low pH conditions the toxicity of MWCNTs was similar to the impacts measured under control pH. In both cases the energy-related responses in contaminated clams were altered with an increase of their metabolism which resulted in the expenditure of their energy reserves (lower glycogen content). Moreover, R. philippinarum showed oxidative stress when exposed to MWCNTs expressed by higher lipid peroxidation activity, a lower ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione and activation of antioxidant defences and biotransformation mechanisms. Additionally, neurotoxicity was observed by inhibition of cholinesterase activity in organisms exposed to MWCNTs at both pH conditions.
ZnO Nanostructures Synthesized by Chemical Solutions

Nanomaterials have been synthesized using several different techniques. Some of these techniques are sophisticated, expensive and need certain training before use. However, there are other highly efficient methods for preparing nanomaterials that are easy to work with and require no specialized equipment, making them relatively inexpensive routes for synthesis. The least expensive routes are those that are classified as solution‐based techniques such as colloidal, sol‐gel and microwave‐assisted synthesis. The focus of this chapter is on a general description of each technique with recent advances in synthesis, doping processes and applications. Specifically, these processes are discussed in connec‐ tion with the synthesis of ZnO compounds and its related nanomaterials.
THE ADDITIVITY ANTINOCICEPTIVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN DICLOFENAC AND THE DERRIS SCANDENS EXTRACT DRUG IN MICE.

Â Objective: Combination therapy is a valid approach in pain treatment, in which a reduction of doses could reduce side effects and still achieve optimal analgesia. The objective was to determine the effects of coadministered diclofenac and the Derris scandens extract drug.Methods: Acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test in mice was used to determine the type of interaction between components. The effective dose that produced 50% antinociception (ED50) was calculated from the log dose-response curves of fixed ratio combinations of diclofenac with the D. scandens extract drug. The ED50 was compared to the theoretical additive ED50 calculated from the ED50 of diclofenac and of the D. scandens extract drug alone.Results: Diclofenac and the D. scandens extract drug doseâ€dependently and significantly reduced the abdominal writhing. The combination was the additive effect, the experimental ED50 being smaller than the theoretically calculated ED50. Interaction index of the combination was 0.89. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the additivity antinociceptive interactions between diclofenac and the D. scandens extract drug and may be used as a combination analgesic in the treatment of pain conditions.
An orthorhombic polymorph of (E)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-3-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one

The title compound, C16H10Cl2O3, is almost planar with a dihedral angle of 0.14 (16)° between the benzodioxole ring system and the di­chloro­benzene ring that are bridged by the olefinic double bond. The corresponding value reported for the monoclinic polymorph is [5.57 (9)° (Lokeshwari et al. (2017). IUCrData, 2, x170103). The carbonyl group lies almost in the plane of the olefinic double bond and is twisted slightly from the benzodioxole ring plane. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are linked by weak C—H⋯O and C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a chain propagating along the b-axis direction.
EL GLUFOSINATO DE AMONIO ALTERA LA CALIDAD Y EL ADN DE LOS ESPERMATOZOIDES DE RATÓN

El glufosinato de amonio (GLA) es un herbicida organofosforado que se utiliza para el control de malezas. La exposicion a GLA induce incrementos en la incidencia de partos prematuros, anormalidades y abortos en hembras prenadas, asi como un retraso en el desarrollo del cigoto de preimplantacion. Sin embargo, se desconoce si el GLA tiene como blanco de toxicidad a las celulas espermaticas durante la ultima fase de su desarrollo y de maduracion. Este estudio evaluo los efectos del GLA sobre la calidad de los espermatozoides y del ADN espermatico despues de la exposicion durante dos etapas cruciales, la de espermatida y la de maduracion epididimal. Ratones macho adultos de la cepa ICR fueron administrados diariamente con GLA [5, 7.5 y 10 mg/kg de peso corporal/v.o. /5- o 15-dias de tratamiento (dt)], y sacrificados 24 h post-tratamiento. Los espermatozoides fueron obtenidos de la cola del epididimo-conducto deferente y despues fueron utilizados para evaluar la calidad espermatica y el dano al ADN. A los 5- o 15-dt, las dosis de 5, 7.5 y 10 mg/kg/d de GLA, disminuyeron significativamente los parametros de calidad espermatica. Asimismo, a los 5-dt, la dosis de 10 mg/kg/d incremento significativamente el %DFI (por sus siglas en ingles, “DNA Fragmentation Index”), mientras que a los 15-dt las dosis de 7.5 y 10 mg/kg/d incrementaron significativamente la media de %DFI y %HSD (por sus siglas en ingles, “High DNA stainability” o Alta fluorescencia del ADN). Estos datos sugieren que las espermatidas tempranas y los espermatozoides maduros son blancos de la exposicion a GLA.
Democracy and the Covid-19 Pandemic. A Cross-Country Perspective within Cultural Context

Our paper investigates the influence of democracy upon the spread of COVID-19. For the purpose of our study we use a sample consisting of 185 worldwide countries affected by the spread of the new coronavirus disease (54 high income and 131 low income countries). First, we find that in high income countries, higher levels of democracy reduce the spread of COVID-19 while in the low income countries its influence is exactly the opposite. Second, we find clear evidence that three dimensions of culture (individualism versus collectivism, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity versus femininity) influence people’s behaviour in relation with the spread of COVID-19 in a large manner. This study’s addressability is wide, from regular people to top policymakers, through their common goal of limiting this pandemic and all the negative effects it brings along. Our findings are important as their policy implications suggest that democracies perform badly for the poorest people and what can be done to improve their record.
Isolation and characterization of lytic bacteriophages against Escherichia coli serogroups O1, O2, and O78

The goal of this study was to isolate and characterize a complete set of phages that are active against Escherichia coliserogroups O1, O2, and O78, the main causative agents of avian colibacillosis. A mixture of E.coli (O1:K1), (O2:K1), and (O78:K80) used as host to isolate phages from wastewater and fecal samples from poultry processing plants. Eleven phages were isolated, only two of them EC-NJ4 and EC-NJ7 were selected for further characterization. EC-NJ4 and EC-NJ7 had icosaheadral heads, necks and contractile tails, with tail fibers and therefore belonged to Myoviridae, with genome sizes of 67.06 – 68.04 kb and they lysed 100% of serotype O1, O2, and O78. The two phages were resistant to pH 5-9, and phage EC-NJ7 was slightly more resistant to acid and alkali environments. It was concluded that Phage EC-NJ4 and EC-NJ7 are highly active against O1, O2, and O78 colibacillosis strains and it might be suitable candidate for phage therapy. Running title: APEC, Phages, E. coli O1, O2, O78
Study of electronic and optical properties of ZnO clusters using TDDFT method

We present a systematic computational study of the electronic and optical properties of (ZnO)n clusters with n=1–16, 24 and 36 using time dependent density functional calculations (TDDFT). The calculations bring out the role of dimensionality of clusters, multiple connectivity of Zn–O network and origin of blue-shift in the absorption spectra. This is accompanied by large value of optical gap in 2D clusters as compared with 3D structures. The observed optical gap are strongly related to the size, geometrical shape, symmetry and dimensionality of the structures. Our calculations also shows the blue shift of the spectral lines from planar and ringlike structures to 3D spheroidal clusters due to the occurrence of the dipole-forbidden transitions in the optical gap for highly symmetric structures. A microscopic analysis of the molecular orbitals and eigenvalue spectra show that the electronic transitions occur between the non-bonding p-states of Oxygen and unoccupied sp-hybrid orbitals of Zinc atoms. We additionally use many body perturbation theory (MBPT) method to validate the TDDFT results.
The New Mixed Cluster Trielide K3Ga11–xInx (x = 1.16–1.36): Synthesis, Crystal Chemistry, and Chemical Bonding

The new cluster compound K3Ga11-xInx, which exhibits a small In/Ga phase width of x=1.16 to 1.36 only, was obtained in the course of a systematic synthetic, crystallographic and bond theoretical investigation of mixed potassium trielides of the system K-In-Ga. The compound, which was synthesized from nearly stoichiometric amounts of the elements at Tmax=500°C, crystallizes in a new orthorhombic structure type (Cmmm, a=1577.9(5), b=3355.1(8), c=655.2(2) pm, Z=10, R1=0.0471). In the complex polyanion, the triels form two different [Ga12] icosahedra, and a previously unknown M[13] 'double-cluster' consisting of two vertex-sharing [M7] pentagonal bipyramids. All clusters are connected among each other and via a four-bonded pure In and Ga atom [In(1), Ga(1)]. The polyanion (of K15M55) can thus be split up according to [Ga(1X)12][Ga(2X)12]2 [M(3X}13]In(1)4Ga(1)2. Herein, the all-exo bonded closo icosahedra carry a charge of -2, the six 4-bonded In/Ga contribute with a charge of -6 and the new [M13] cluster thus carries a charge of -3. Under the reasonable assumption of an 'intermediate' interaction between the two cluster fragements, this charge, i. e. the presence of 15 skeleton electron pairs, is in accordance with the mno electron counting rules. Band structure calculations support this interpretation: The tDOS exhibits a small band gap and the electron density map suggests a limited additional interaction between the Ga5 bases of the two bipyramidal cluster fragments.
How the Internet Changed the Market for Print Media

Combining rich data from the Norwegian media market with exogenous variation in the availability and adoption of broadband internet, this paper provides causal evidence on how the internet affected traditional print media. Broadband internet adoption triggered large reductions in print readership and circulation and equally large increases in online news readership. Despite strong substitution from print to online news consumption, newspaper revenues fell dramatically. Newspapers responded to this adverse technology shock along multiple dimensions, including cutting costs by reducing labor inputs and the physical newspaper size and changing the print product available to customers by reducing tabloid content share. (JEL D24, L13, L25, L82, L86, O33)
Competing for Time: A Study of Mobile Applications

A smartphone user allocates her time to multiple mobile applications. To study the competitive relationship among apps, I develop a discrete-continuous model of time allocation with a binding time constraint and estimate it with a weekly panel of app usage in China. If two apps are often used together, it is because either they are complements or the preferences of the two apps are positively correlated. To disentangle complementarity (substitutability) from correlation in preferences, I use the exclusion restriction that updates of an app should affect the utility of this app but not those of other apps. I estimate the model on three pairs of apps (substitutes, complements, and independent apps). I recover a reasonable competition pattern and simulate mergers of the three pairs of apps. I find that a seemingly innocuous merger of independent apps can hurt consumers due to the binding time constraint. My results confirm that users and firms can both benefit from a merger of complements. I also find that usage-based pricing leads to higher profits and total surplus compared with subscription pricing because it enables price discrimination based on usage.
Selective permeability properties of a basal lamina model system

The basal lamina acts as a highly selective filter for compounds passing from the blood stream into the connective tissue and vice versa. Despite the important regulatory function of the basal lamina, the detailed physical mechanisms responsible for this selectivity are still not fully understood. In this thesis, diffusion studies of tracer particles were conducted to probe the permeability properties and the physical interactions responsible for the selectivity of a basal lamina model system. Furthermore, a microfluidic chip was designed to test the diffusive transport of test molecules across a basal lamina/buffer interface. With this setup key results from in vivo experiments conducted in living mice were reproduced.
A Method for 3D Image Retrieval

: The usefulness of 3D image retrieval paradigm is evaluated in the context of neurological research using 265 high resolution MRI-T 1 brain datasets of healthy controls. The method is based on multi-sort co-occurrence descriptors. It is shown that the approach can be used for localization of specific brain regions (mean deviation of 2.4 mm for searching anterior/posterior commissures), retrieval subjects from different age groups (more than 90% correct in top-10 for retrieval of young and aged subjects), and distinguishing very weak differences associated with gender (62% correct in top-10 query results on 210 young healthy subjects).
Kinetics of zinc transformation in calciorthids soils of western Rajasthan, India

The present study was undertaken to investigate the kinetics of transformation process of applied and native Zn as influenced by soil moisture regime, available moisture and organic matter additions in Aridisols of western Rajasthan. The incubation experiment was conducted with exact amount of the soil samples (250 g), put in a number of small containers, made of corning glass. Three levels of moisture regimes i.e. field capacity (W0), continuous submergence (W1), alternate submergence and saturation (W2) and two levels of organic matter as starch at 0 per cent (M1) and 0.5 per cent (M2) of the soil weight; and two levels of zinc i.e. native (N) and applied (A) (Zn @ 5 mg kg-1 soil as ZnSO4.7 H2O). The soils then incubated for 30, 60 and 90 days. Destructive sampling was done after each incubation period, and then different fractions of Zn were sequentially extracted by different extracting solutions and determined with the help of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the transformation of Zn is largely controlled by organic matter, moisture regimes and Zn application due to considerable changes in the chemical and electrochemical properties of soil and thereby influence the transformation of zinc. Organic matter application significantly increased Zn fractions due to the retention of Zn on exchange complex owing to producing organic acid by decomposition of organic matter in soil. Further, the results showed that if such condition was maintained in the field, and it increased the availability of Zn for different crops in Aridisols.
Enhanced sulfate formation by nitrogen dioxide: Implications from in situ observations at the SORPES station

Investigating sulfate formation processes is important not only for air pollution control but also for understanding the climate system. Although the mechanisms of secondary sulfate production have been widely studied, in situ observational evidence implicating an important role of NO2 in SO2 oxidation in the real atmosphere has been rare. In this study, we report two unique cases, from an intensive campaign conducted at the Station for Observing Regional Processes of the Earth System (SORPES) in East China, showing distinctly different mechanisms of sulfate formation by NO2 and related nitrogen chemistry. The first case occurred in an episode of mineral dust mixed with anthropogenic pollutants and especially high concentrations of NOx. It reveals that NO2 played an important role, not only in surface catalytic reactions of SO2 but also in dust‐induced photochemical heterogeneous reactions of NO2, which produced additional sources of OH radicals to promote new particle formation and growth. The second case was caused by aqueous oxidation of S(IV) by NO2 under foggy/cloudy conditions with high NH3 concentration. As a by‐product, the formed nitrite enhanced HONO formation and further promoted the gas‐phase formation of sulfate in the downwind area. This study highlights the effect of NOx in enhancing the atmospheric oxidizing capacity and indicates a potentially very important impact of increasing NOx on particulate pollution formation and regional climate change in East Asia.
Calcium-Based Catalytic System for the Synthesis of Bio-Derived Cyclic Carbonates under Mild Conditions

Recently, bio-derived cyclic carbonates have gained significant importance: e.g., as building blocks in non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). Herein we report the development of a calcium-based catalyst system for the synthesis of challenging internal and trisubstituted cyclic carbonates from bio-derived epoxides and CO2 under mild reaction conditions. Several crown ethers were tested as ligands in combination with various cocatalysts for the possible activation of CO2. The most active system consists of a dicyclohexyl-functionalized 18-crown-6 ether and triphenylphosphane in addition to calcium iodide. The in situ complexation of Ca2+ by the crown ether was detected by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Interestingly, the addition of triphenylphosphane as a cocatalyst leads to a significant increase in activity, which is similar to or even higher than that of organic superbases such as DBU and TBD. The catalytic system was employed in the conversion of 16 different bio-derived epoxides, including fatty acid esters, oi.
The effect of single and combined coagulation/flocculation methods on the sedimentation behavior and conductivity of bentonite suspensions with different swelling potentials

ABSTRACT In this study, the sedimentation behavior of bentonite (Na and Ca bentonite) suspensions with different swelling potentials was investigated with single and combined coagulation and flocculation methods. The samples exhibited a negative surface charge over a broad pH range and had a relatively high suspension stability. Al2(SO4)3, FeCl3, MgCl2, CaCl2, and NaCl were used as coagulants. All coagulants have provided sedimentation efficiencies higher than 85% with Ca bentonite suspension, but only 22% efficiency was seen with Na bentonite suspensions. The effectiveness of coagulants increased with higher ionic values of the metal salts. Versus monovalent cations, multivalent cations had a greater influence on the zeta potential of the samples. Higher coagulant concentrations enhance the conductivities of the suspensions. In flocculation, anionic (A-150), cationic (C-521) and nonionic (N-100) flocculants were used. For a Ca bentonite suspension, all flocculants have 98% efficiency. The anionic flocculant was more efficient than cationic and nonionic ones for Na bentonite suspension. The dual-flocculation of cationic and anionic flocculant combinations and pre-destabilization via coagulants of Na bentonite suspension were also studied. Better flocculation performance was achieved with these combined methods.