Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
VMetaFlow: A Meta-Framework for Integrating Visualizations in Coordinated View Applications

The analysis and exploration of complex data sets are common problems in many areas, including scientific and business domains. This need has led to substantial development of the data visualization field. In this paper, we present VMetaFlow, a graphical meta-framework to design interactive and coordinated views applications for data visualization. Our meta-framework is based on data flow diagrams since they have proved their value in simplifying the design of data visualizations. VMetaFlow operates as an abstraction layer that encapsulates and interconnects visualization frameworks in a web-based environment, providing them with interoperability mechanisms. The only requirement is that the visualization framework must be accessible through a JavaScript API. We propose a novel data flow model that allows users to define both interactions between multiple data views and how the data flows between visualization and data processing modules. In contrast with previous data-flow-based frameworks for visualization, we separate the view interactions from data items, broadening the expressiveness of our model and supporting the most common types of multi-view interactions. Our meta-framework allows visualization and data analysis experts to focus their efforts on creating data representations and transformations for their applications, whereas nonexperts can reuse previously developed components to design their applications through a user-friendly interface. We validate our approach through a critical inspection with visualization experts and two case studies. We have carefully selected these case studies to illustrate its capabilities. Finally, we compare our approach with the subset flow model designed for multiple coordinated views.
Towards Green Credentials of SMEs: Qualitative Insights on Barriers to Green Responsiveness from a Developing Economy

This study explored the drivers/stimulators behind the effective implementation of green strategy and how firms can strategically minimise barriers and hurdles. It investigated the barriers to green responsiveness encountered by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the perspective of owners/top managers in a developing economy. The present study utilised qualitative data gathered from 16 semi-structured interviews with manufacturing and service sector SMEs in Sri Lanka. It adopted directed qualitative content analysis to determine how firms interpret and judge the barriers to green engagement, which are classified into responsibility, practicality and individual barriers. The study found that responsibility and practicality-related barriers are the most salient barriers experienced by SMEs. The gaps in environmental regulatory frameworks, acts and ordinances, weak coordination and monitoring systems, and excessive political interventions caused resentment towards the prevailing command-control policies, as well as the lack of government support and incentives to navigate the embryonic stage of utilising market-based approaches in green responsiveness. The study outcome offers policymakers valuable implications regarding environmental policy development and suggests SME owners/managers focus on the existing barriers and formulate strategies to overcome them to ensure corporate sustainability.
Circularly Polarized Beam-Steering Microstrip Leaky-Wave Antenna Based on Coplanar Polarizers

A periodic frequency-scanning one-dimensional microstrip leaky-wave antenna with circular polarization is proposed in this letter. The introduction of the novel square patch and stub, which are printed on the same layer of the microstrip array, can effectively transform the polarization type into left-handed circular polarization (CP). The two parasitic elements in each unit cell can be excited by the host meandering microstrip line without extra feeding networks, which introduce one orthogonal polarized wave to satisfy the condition of CP radiation. A prototype includes nine modified unit cells is fabricated and measured. The designed antenna covers an impedance bandwidth over 26.1% with |S11| < −10 dB and a CP bandwidth over 11.2% with |AR|< 3 dB in the measurement. The main beam scans from −4° to 18° in the yoz plane (beam scanning plane) through broadside direction (0°) while maintaining good CP property.
Efficiency of CIDR-Based Protocols Including GnRH Instead of eCG for Estrus Synchronization in Sheep

Simple Summary This study examines the preovulatory and ovulatory events (in terms of the timing of onset of estrus behavior, preovulatory LH surge, and ovulation) and the yields obtained (in terms of ovulation rate, progesterone secretion, and fertility) after insertion of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices for 5 days and treatment with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) or gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Abstract The present study examined, for meat sheep (Segureña breed; 2–5-years old, mean body score of 3.5 ± 0.5), the timings of onset of estrus behavior, preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and ovulation, and the ovulation rate and fertility obtained after insertion of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices for 5 days plus treatment with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; single dose at CIDR removal, n = 19 ewes) or gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH, either in a single dose at 56 h after CIDR removal, group CIDR-GnRH, n = 19 ewes; or in one dose at CIDR insertion and another dose 56 h after CIDR removal, group GnRH-CIDR-GnRH, n = 19 ewes). In all the ewes, the appearance of estrus behavior ranged between 84% and 90% and all females showing estrus signs had subsequent preovulatory LH peaks and ovulations. Onset of these events was earlier in the CIDR-eCG group than in the CIDR-GnRH and GnRH-CIDR-GnRH groups (p < 0.05). These differences were mainly determined by the onset of estrus behavior, since timing and intervals of LH peak and ovulation were similar among treatments. In fact, the range of ovulations was narrower in the GnRH-CIDR-GnRH group, which suggests better synchronization of follicular growth (p < 0.05). In conclusion, protocols with two doses of GnRH offer similar yields to eCG protocols.
The Far-Left and Far-Right in Australia - Equivalent Threats? Key findings and Policy Implications

This briefing paper is the fourth and final output in ‘Symbiotic Radicalisation’, a project in our ‘Dynamics of Violent Extremism’ research stream. Symbiotic Radicalisation is a collaboration between researchers at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities at Victoria University (VU). This paper provides an overview of key trends identified throughout this research program, which examines the online interplay between the far-left and far-right in Australia (with a focus on the State of Victoria) and considers the policy implications of this work.
Formulation and Evaluation of Chitosan-Gelatin Thermosensitive Hydrogels Containing 5FU-Alginate Nanoparticles for Skin Delivery

(1) Background: Chitosan-gelatin-based thermosensitive hydrogel containing 5FU-alginate nanoparticles was formulated for the effective and sustained delivery of 5FU to the skin. (2) Methods: Alginate, a polysaccharide was used for the formulation of nanoparticles using a spray drying technique. Size, zeta potential, and surface morphology were investigated using a zetasizer and scanning electron microscope. The hydrogel was fabricated using chitosan and gelatin. Several important analyses were used to characterize these prepared topical hydrogels. The pH, visual transparency, rheological behavior, and swelling index of the prepared hydrogels were evaluated. The in vitro release studies were performed at different pH (5.5 and 7.4) and temperature (32 and 37 °C) conditions using a Franz diffusion cell. Ex vivo permeation and in vivo studies were performed using Sprague Dawley rats. (3) Results: Results show that spherical nanoparticles were produced at sizes of 202–254 nm and with zeta potentials of −43 to −38 mV. The prepared nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into chitosan-gelatin-based hydrogels using a glycerol 2-phosphate disodium salt hydrates crosslinker. Drug polymers and excipients compatibility and formulation of hydrogels was confirmed by ATR-FTIR results. The pH of the prepared hydrogels was in accordance with the skin pH. The viscosity of prepared hydrogel increased with temperature increase and phase transition (sol-gel transition) occurred at 34 °C. The release of drug was sustained in case of nanoparticles incorporated hydrogels (5FU-Alg-Np-HG) as compared to nanoparticles (5FU-Alg-Np) and simple hydrogels (5FU-HG) (ANOVA; p < 0.05). The premature and initial burst release of 5FU was prevented using 5FU-Alg-Np-HG. The release mechanism of 5FU from the 5FU-Alg-Np-HG diffusion was followed by swelling and erosion, as suggested by Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The prepared hydrogel proved to be non-irritant. Ex vivo permeation study across rat’s skin suggests that permeability of nanoparticles (5FU-Alg-Np) was higher than the 5FU-Alg-Np-HG (ANOVA; p < 0.05). However, skin-related drug retention of 5FU-Alg-Np-HG was significantly higher than the 5FU solution, 5FU-Alg-Np, and 5FU-HG (ANOVA; p < 0.05). This was due to swelling of hydrogels in the lower layers of skin where the temperature is 37 °C. The higher concentration of 5FU in the skin is helpful for treatment of local skin cancer, such as melanoma, and actinic keratosis. In vivo results also confirmed maximum AUC, t1/2, and skin-related drug retention of 5FU-Alg-Np-HG. (4) Conclusions: Chitosan-gelatin-based hydrogels containing 5FU-Alg-Np possess exceptional properties, and can be used for the sustained delivery of 5FU for the treatment of local skin cancers.
New IM Torque Control Scheme with Improved Efficiency and Implicit Rotor Flux Tracking

digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320F240, interfaces for incremental encoders, and AD and DA converters. Although ω i can be obtained directly by (noisy) derivation of the current angle vector θ i a second order observer as proposed in (Harnefors & Nee, 2000) was used. During the tests, data acquisition, transformations, and control were executed on the PowerPC, while the slave DSP was used for vector modulation running at 4 kHz. All experiments were performed with the sampling time of 250 μ s. The program codes for the PowerPC and for the slave DSP were developed with Real Time Interface and Simulink. The book "Cutting Edge Research in New Technologies" presents the contributions of some researchers in modern fields of technology, serving as a valuable tool for scientists, researchers, graduate students and professionals. The focus is on several aspects of designing and manufacturing, examining complex technical products and some aspects of the development and use of industrial and service automation. The book covered some topics as it follows: manufacturing, machining, textile industry, CAD/CAM/CAE systems, electronic circuits, control and automation, electric drives, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, vision systems, neural networks, intelligent systems, wireless sensor networks, environmental technology, logistic services, transportation, intelligent security, multimedia, modeling, simulation, video techniques, water plant technology, globalization and technology. This collection of articles offers information which responds to the general goal of technology - how to develop manufacturing systems, methods, algorithms, how to use devices, equipments, machines or tools in order to increase the quality of the products, the human comfort or security. following: Control Scheme Improved http://www.intechopen. com/books/cutting-edge-research-in-new-technologies/new-im-torque-control-scheme-with-improved-efficiency-and-implicit-rotor-
Social Rank or Social Bonds: Which one Facilitates Coalition Formation in Male Tibetan Macaques?

Simple Summary The social behavior and the evolution of non-human primates have always been a focus of animal behavior. In this study, we determined that male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) formed a strong social bond, and there were two mechanisms (social bond and social rank) to promote the formation of coalitions. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the maintenance mechanism of social stability in non-human primates under competitive environments. Abstract Previous studies have shown that fierce competition could promote male coalitions. There are two ways for males to choose their allies in the conflict. The first is that supporters choose high-ranking individuals, and the second is that supporters choose affiliated individuals. It is necessary to clarify the factors for forming a coalition and the process of cooperation in primates with complex relationships and strict hierarchies. Thus, we conducted a study on a group of free-ranging Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) in Anhui, China, and recorded the whole process of male macaques forming coalitions once agonistic support occurred. The results showed that a higher intensity of the social bond between males was associated with more frequent coalitions. Dominance rank also significantly influenced male coalitions, showing that high-ranking individuals allied more frequently. Moreover, males with longer residence times formed more stable coalitions. We suggest that male Tibetan macaques form a stable social relationship, where social bond and social rank both promote the formation of a coalition. This study provided some insights into the mechanism by which social cooperation develops in multi-male and multi-female groups.
Higher alcohols synthesis from syngas and ethanol over KCoMoS2–catalysts supported on graphene nanosheets

Abstract The comparative study of the catalytic behavior of K-modified CoMoS2-catalysts supported on Al2O3, carbon covered alumina (CCA) and graphene coated alumina (GCA containing 0.4, 1.2, and 1.7% of graphene) in synthesis gas and ethanol conversion (separately) to higher alcohols (HAS) and other oxygenates has been carried out. The supports and catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, pyridine adsorption, SEM, EDX, and TEM. In HAS from syngas, the catalyst supported on GCA materials showed better catalytic performances than the catalysts supported on alumina and carbon coated alumina (Cat-GCA > Cat-CCA > Cat-Al2O3). The spectroscopic results have established that the homogenous uniform coating of alumina by graphene nanosheets follows the order: GCA1 (1.7%) > GCA2 (1.2%) > GCA3 (0.4%). The yield of ethanol has a positive correlation with graphene wt. % in GCA. In ethanol conversion, graphene attenuate the interaction of the support/active site KCoMoS2 and with it its selectivity toward dehydrogenation/condensation reactions. The GCA1 supported catalyst exhibits low activity for the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction compared to its counterpart. Explanations of the observed phenomena have been suggested.
A Preliminary Study on Anti-Mycobacterium, Anti-Candida Activity and Morphological Clustering of Fifteen Folk Medicinal Plants of Assam, India

Saikia et al. : Antimicrobial Potential of Folk Medicinal Plants of Assam Antimicrobial resistance against Mycobacterium and Candida are vital problems in immunocompromised patients. The current study was aimed to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of fifteen folk medicinal plants found in Assam. Ethanolic plant extracts by well diffusion assay showed antimicrobial activity of 7 species against Mycobacterium smegmatis (ATCC ® 607 TM ) and 9 species against Candida albicans (ATCC ® 90028 TM ). Nepenthes khasiana exhibited highest zone of inhibition 21±0.5 mm against Mycobacterium smegmatis and this is the first report of Nepenthes khasiana showing anti-Mycobacterium activity from North East India. Mesua ferrea leaf extract first time exhibited good anti-candidal activity than the other studied species with zone of inhibition 11.83±0.76 mm. The impact of morphological characters on mechanistic convergence of anti-Mycobacterium and anti-Candida activities among the studied species was also assessed. Approximately 27 discrete morphological characters were used to prepare data matrix. Majority rule consensus tree of morphological data matrix with branch support ≥50 % using Mesquite 3.61 found that nearly 66.67 % species exhibited mechanistic convergence of anti-Mycobacterium and anti-Candida activity in combination congruent to morphological clustering. However, the clades viz . , rosids, Murraya, Crinum and Alpinia showed partial congruence with angiosperm phylogeny group IV classification. A larger dataset including more than one representative species of each genus of the studied family and use of extensive morphological characters may exhibit a better mechanistic convergence
Circulating Tumour Cells, Cell Free DNA and Tumour-Educated Platelets as Reliable Prognostic and Management Biomarkers for the Liquid Biopsy in Multiple Myeloma

Simple Summary Even though the presently employed biomarkers in the detection and management of multiple myeloma are demonstrating encouraging results, the mortality percentage of the malignancy is still elevated. Thus, searching for new diagnostic or prognostic markers is pivotal. Liquid biopsy allows the examination of circulating tumour DNA, cell-free DNA, extracellular RNA, and cell free proteins, which are released into the bloodstream due to the breakdown of tumour cells or exosome delivery. Liquid biopsy can now be applied in clinical practice to diagnose, and monitor multiple myeloma, probably allowing a personalized treatment of the disease. Abstract Liquid biopsy is one of the fastest emerging fields in cancer evaluation. Circulating tumour cells and tumour-originated DNA in plasma have become the new targets for their possible employ in tumour diagnosis, and liquid biopsy can define tumour burden without invasive procedures. Multiple Myeloma, one of the most frequent hematologic tumors, has been the target of therapeutic progresses in the last few years. Bone marrow aspirate is the traditional tool for diagnosis, prognosis, and genetic evaluation in multiple myeloma patients. However, this painful procedure presents a relevant drawback for regular disease examination as it requires an invasive practice. Moreover, new data demonstrated that a sole bone marrow aspirate is incapable of expressing the multifaceted multiple myeloma genetic heterogeneity. In this review, we report the emerging usefulness of the assessment of circulating tumour cells, cell-free DNA, extracellular RNA, cell-free proteins, extracellular vesicles, and tumour-educated platelets to evaluate the changing mutational profile of multiple myeloma, as early markers of disease, reliable predictors of prognosis, and as useful tools to perform less invasive monitoring in multiple myeloma.
Modes of Incorporation: The Inclusion of Migrant Academics in the UK

This article examines the internationalisation of professions in a qualitative study of migrant academics, drawing on social closure theory to understand how professions respond to the growing numbers of migrants. While studies of closure in professions tend to focus on forms of exclusion based on ascribed characteristics, this article is concerned with how professions include migrants in their ranks. Analysis of interviews with 62 foreign-born academics working in the UK reveals differences in degree of closure towards migrant academics, indicating that inclusion and exclusion are not binary opposites. The article captures degrees of closure in a novel concept – ‘modes of incorporation’ – identifying three inclusion patterns: integration, subordination and marginalisation. ‘Modes of incorporation’ extends closure theory by showing how inclusion is controlled and designed to preserve the status quo, thereby restricting internationalisation.
Oligogalacturonides Enhance Resistance against Aphids through Pattern-Triggered Immunity and Activation of Salicylic Acid Signaling

The remarkable capacity of the generalist aphid Myzus persicae to resist most classes of pesticides, along with the environmental and human health risks associated with these agrochemicals, has necessitated the development of safer and greener solutions to control this agricultural pest. Oligogalacturonides (OGs) are pectin-derived molecules that can be isolated from fruit industry waste. OGs have been shown to efficiently stimulate plant defenses against pathogens such as Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. However, whether OGs confer resistance against phytophagous insects such as aphids remains unknown. Here, we treated Arabidopsis plants with OGs and recorded their effects on the feeding performance and population of M. persicae aphids. We also identified the defense mechanism triggered by OGs in plants through the analysis of gene expression and histological approaches. We found that OG treatments increased their resistance to M. persicae infestation by reducing the offspring number and feeding performance. Furthermore, this enhanced resistance was related to a substantial accumulation of callose and reactive oxygen species and activation of the salicylic acid signaling pathway.
Exponentially Expanding Radiation Dominated and Dust Dominated Universes in Brans-Dicke Theory

The Brans-Dicke Theory of Gravity is one of the most promising alternatives to the Einstein's Theory of General Relativity. We have examined an action term with wrong signs for both the kinetic and mass terms for the scalar field and have found solutions for both the scale factor of the universe and the Brans-Dicke scalar field which vary exponentially in time.
Asymptotic Inference about Predictive Ability, An Additional Appendix

smooth functions of out of sample predictions and prediction errors, when there is a long time series of predictions and realizations, and each prediction is based on regression parameters estimated from a long time series. The aim is to provide tools for inference about predictive accuracy and efficiency, and, more generally, about predictive ability. The paper allows for nonlinear models and estimators, as well as for possible dependence of predictions and prediction errors on estimated regression parameters. Simulations indicate that the procedures work well. This additional appendix contains material omitted from the body of the paper to save space; additional simulation results, proofs, and additional references.
A Ka-Band Wideband Monolithically Metallic 3-D Printed Turnstile Junction Orthomode Transducer With Shaped Internal Profile

This paper presents design and implementation of a Ka-band wideband turnstile-junction-based waveguide or-thomode transducer (OMT). The OMT is composed of turnstile and Y-shape junctions that are connected by twisted waveguides. These constituent parts are properly arranged to form a compact OMT architecture. More significantly, sharp corners and edges inside these parts are shaped with fillets, resulting in smooth internal profile that exhibits enhanced structural compatibility with additive manufacturing technology. Two OMT prototypes are devised for experimental validation in horizontal and vertical orientations of polarization. They are monolithically 3-D printed with an aluminum alloy AlSil0Mg and their RF performance at Ka band is measured. The engineered OMTs demonstrate port return loss of mostly >15 dB, average transmission loss of 0.5-1.0 dB, port isolation of >20 dB, and polarization isolation of >19 dB. This work has exemplified importance of geometrical shaping in the application of 3-D printed complex waveguide structures.