Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A kinetic study of 4-chlorophenol biodegradation by the novel isolated Bacillus subtilis in batch shake flask

Here in this work, a 4-chlorophenol (4-CP)-degrading bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) MF447840.1 was isolated from the drain outside the Hyundai car service center, Agartala, Tripura, India. 16S rDNA technique used carried out for genomic recognition of the bacterial species. Isolated bacterial strain was phylogenetically related with B. subtilis. This strain was capable of breaking down both phenol and 4-CP at the concentration of 1,000 mg/L. Also, the isolated strain can able to metabolize five diverse aromatic molecules such as 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and pentachlorophenol for their growth. An extensive investigation was performed to portray the kinetics of cell growth along with 4-CP degradation in the batch study utilizing 4-CP as substrate. Various unstructured models were applied to evaluate the intrinsic kinetic factors. Levenspiel’s model demonstrates a comparatively enhanced R value (0.997) amongst every analyzed model. The data of specific growth rate (μ), saturation constant (KS), and YX/S were 0.11 h, 39.88 mg/L, along with 0.53 g/g, correspondingly. The isolated strain degrades 1,000 mg/L of 4-CP within 40 h. Therefore, B. subtilis MF447840.1 was considered a potential candidate for 4-CP degradation.
Collaborative creation and development with customers: the case of Ansaldo Energia

Working across corporate boundaries to co-develop products and customer solutions is becoming a critical aspect of product and service devel- opment in a wide range of industries. By and large, three key sets of practices need consideration when it comes to collaborative c reation and development: strategy, which includes development chain design a nd partner selection and management; execution, which includes governance, metrics, teams, and pro- cesses; and infrastructure, which includes the ICT s ystems that enable effective co-development. Indeed, recent ICT advances have paved the way for compa- nies to interact with external stakeholders, especi ally users, in more efficient and effective ways. Reasoning around the case of Ans aldo Energia, an Italian company that is a world leading producer of thermoelectric power plants, we will provide some insights on how companies can push their inventive and in- novative frontiers further on, starting collaborati ons in which potentially cus- tomers drive innovation.
Systemic biomarkers of exposure associated with ENDS use: a scoping review

Objective This scoping review provides an overview of the existing literature on biomarkers of exposure from electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use and identifies gaps in existing knowledge. Data sources We searched two international databases (PubMed and Web of Science) to identify relevant studies published from August 2013 to February 2021. Data selection Studies were included if they assessed and compared biomarkers of exposure between exclusive ENDS users, non-users, exclusive cigarette smokers, dual users of ENDS and cigarettes or cigarette smokers who switch to ENDS. Data extraction and synthesis Of the 5074 studies identified, 188 studies met criteria and were selected for full-text screening. Of these, 27 studies were selected for inclusion and data extraction. Conclusions Consistent, although limited, evidence shows that exclusive ENDS users have elevated levels of biomarkers of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs; eg, acrylamide and acrylonitrile), metals (eg, cadmium and selenium) and propylene glycol compared with non-users; however, evidence for biomarkers of other toxicants (eg, acrolein, benzene and chromium) is mixed. Biomarkers of most VOCs are lower in ENDS users compared with cigarette smokers, and cigarette smokers who switch to ENDS consistently show reductions in VOC biomarkers. Evidence comparing metal exposures from exclusive ENDS use, cigarette smoking and dual use is mixed and depends on the metal. ENDS and e-liquid characteristics as well as use patterns may be associated with elevated exposure to VOCs and metals. Additional rigorous, controlled studies can assess biomarker exposures from ENDS use and inform the overall risk–benefit of ENDS use for different user populations.
A Scalable and Cost Effective Architecture for High Gain Beamforming Antennas

Author(s): BAKR, Omar Mohammed | Advisor(s): Niknejad, Ali M; Brewer, Eric A | Abstract: Many state-of-the-art wireless systems, such as long distance networks (point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and mesh) and high bandwidth networks using mm-wave frequencies, require high gain antennas to overcome adverse channel conditions. These networks could be greatly aided by adaptive beamforming antenna arrays, which can significantly simplify the installation and maintenance costs (e.g., by enabling automatic beam alignment), and improve the capacity of these networks. Such networks typically require gains ranging from 20-30dBi with wide scanning range in both dimensions. To achieve this, arrays with hundreds or even thousands of antennas are required, which cannot be done with existing techniques that do not scale very well beyond 10-20 antennas. In this dissertation, we examine and address the main challenges presented by large arrays, starting from electromagnetic/antenna and radio circuit design and proceeding to the signal processing and algorithms domain. We propose 3-dimensional antenna array structures that realize large gains and scan angles at a much reduced size and form factor compared with conventional planar antennas. At the circuit level, we propose a hybrid RF/digital beamforming radio architecture that takes advantage of low cost silicon integration to reduce the overall component count and power consumption levels of the system without limiting the capacity. We consider different techniques for implementingcompact beamformers reliably at high radio frequencies, and present signal processing techniques based on adaptive filtering methods for optimizing those beamformers. The performance implications of low precision analog beamformers and implementation errors are also analyzed and quantified, and computationally efficient vector quantizationtechniques that take advantage of the size and scale of the arrays to compensate for low precision are proposed. We validate our approach with mathematical proofs and computer simulations.
Technical Note: Electrochemical Generation of Perchlorate in Municipal Drinking Water Systems

This article documents the first known in situ electrochemical production of perchlorate within a public water distribution system. In this detailed incident, perchlorate (ClO4−) was detected in the distribution system of Levelland, Texas, and was eventually isolated to one elevated storage tank. Theoretical considerations supported the production of ClO4− by an electrochemical process within the tank. ClO4− was produced (64–113 μg/L in 338 h) in laboratory experiments that simulated the cathodic protection system in place in the storage tank. Because cathodic protection systems are widely used, this research confirms a potentially troubling mechanism of ClO4− generation.
Heat Transfer and Flow Analysis of a Novel Low Flow Piezoelectric Air Pump

With the propagation of ever faster and more powerful electronics, the need for active, low power cooling is becoming increasingly apparent. In particular, applications which have traditionally relied only on natural convection will soon require an active cooling solution due to continually rising heat loads. A promising solution lies in utilizing piezoelectric materials via fans or pumps. Examples of such devices include synthetic jets and piezoelectric pumps, both of which rely on an oscillating diaphragm to induce flow. The device investigated in this thesis is able to generate flow rates up to 1 L/min and overcome pressures of over 2 kPa. The focus is to experimentally characterize the cooling potential of a piezoelectric-based air pump oriented normal to a heated surface, an environment similar to jet impingement. Experimental characterizations were made through the use of a thin film heater which provided a constant heat flux while an infrared camera was used to capture the resulting temperature field of the heated surface. Full-field data of the convection coefficient was analyzed as a function of vibration amplitude of the piezoelectric diaphragm and distance from the nozzle to the heated target. The maximum heat transfer coefficient was found to always be at the stagnation point regardless of vibration amplitude or distance to the target. Correlations have been developed which account for both variables considered and can be used to predict the performance of future designs which rely on the same physical characteristics. Further, because of the piezoelectric blower’s ability to overcome large pressure drops, a theoretical analysis was conducted to assess the viability of using them in oscillating flow cooling. It was found to be a reasonable driver of reciprocating flow that can keep fluid temperature change low. Additionally it was found that reciprocating flow allows for a more uniform temperature distribution over a heated surface.
Traffic Surveillance by Wireless Sensor Networks: Final Report

This report describes the prototype design, development, analysis and performance of a traffic surveillance system that is based on wireless sensor networks. Vehicle classification and reidentification schemes for low-cost, low-power platforms with limited computation resources were developed and tested. Both acoustic and magnetic sensors were tested. A robust real-time vehicle detection algorithm for both sensors was developed, and the magnetic sensor was shown to be superior to the acoustic sensor. The detection accuracy was shown to be comparable to that of inductive loop detectors while also having a much higher configuration flexibility, thus allowing the wireless sensor network system to be scalable and deployable everywhere in the traffic networks.
Optimal Dynamic Soaring for Full Size Sailplanes

Abstract : Dynamic soaring is a unique flying technique designed to allow air vehicles to extract energy from horizontal wind shears. Dynamic soaring has been used by seabirds like the Albatross to fly hundreds of kilometers a day across the ocean. Small hobby radio controlled sailplanes have also used this technique to achieve sustained speeds of over 200 miles per hour from just a simple hand toss. Dynamic soaring, however, has never before been studied for use on full size aircraft. The primary goal of this research was to prove or disprove the viability of dynamic soaring for enhancing a full size aircraft's total energy by using a manned sailplane as a demonstration air vehicle. The results of this study will have a direct impact on the sport of soaring, as well as the design of the next generation of large, sailplane-like, robotic planetary explorers for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This research began with a point mass optimization study of an L-23 Super Blanik sailplane. The primary goal of this study was to develop and analyze optimal dynamic soaring trajectories for full size sailplanes. A prototype 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) flight simulator was then developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Aerospace Vehicles Technology Assessment and Simulation Branch (AFRL/VACD) and implemented on their Large Amplitude Multi-Mode Aerospace Research Simulator (LAMARS). This simulator helped to validate the dynamic soaring aircraft equations of motion derived for this research and built operational simulator development experience. This experience was then incorporated into a full dynamic soaring research simulator developed at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility (NASA DFRC). This NASA simulator was used to develop advanced dynamic soaring flight displays, flight test techniques, and aircrew coordination procedures. Flight test were successfully accomplished using an Super Blanik sailplane and advanced weather monitoring equipment.
High-Temperature, 400 W, DC-to-AC Inverter Using Silicon Carbide Gate Turn- Off Thyristors and p-i-n Diodes

Abstract : A high-temperature, 400 W, DC-to-AC inverter has been developed using silicon carbide gate turn-off thyristors and p-i-n diodes. We demonstrate the inverter driving a three-phase, inductive motor up to 580 W and device case temperatures up to 150 deg C. The inverter circuit was constructed to perform the first characterization of these SiC devices under significant electrical and thermal stresses, investigate the parametric operating space of the SiC devices, and uncover circuit-related failure modes. We discuss our electrical screening criteria of the SiC components, electrical stresses brought about by circuit topology, component failure modes, and inverter performance. We will use the results of this work in the development of future SiC components.
Evaluating and minimizing the effects of impact pile driving on the marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), a threatened seabird

The purpose of this paper is to describe the methods used to evaluate the potential adverse effects of underwater sound from impact pile driving on the marbled murrelet (a seabird that is federally listed as threatened), and to introduce measures that have successfully minimized adverse effects. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has evaluated the effects of pile driving on the marbled murrelet through several recent Endangered Species Act consultations. Over the past few years, there has been increased attention to the potential for impact pile driving to adversely affect fish species. When foraging, marbled murrelets dive in pursuit of prey and can be exposed to the same elevated sound pressure levels that adversely affect fish. Exposure to these sounds could result in mortality, injury, and/or modification of normal behaviors. Marbled murrelets forage in the marine waters throughout Puget Sound. Recent transportation projects that have occurred in Puget Sound include replacement of the Hood Canal Floating Bridge and multiple Washington State Ferry terminal-maintenance and preservation projects. These projects typically use 36-inch and 24-inch hollow steel piles. Impact installation of these piles can produce sound pressure levels of 210 dB peak. Physical injury, including death, may occur in aquatic organisms at sound-pressure levels above 180 dB peak. Sound-pressure levels above 153 dBrms are expected to cause temporary behavioral changes that may negatively affect foraging efficiency. These projects were evaluated by determining the area where sound pressure was expected to exceed the above levels and then estimating the potential for marbled murrelets to be exposed to those sound-pressure levels. When exposure was likely to occur, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service anticipated adverse effects in the form of harm (physical injury) and harassment (modification of normal behavior patterns). Minimization measures focused on reducing that potential exposure. Sound-attenuation devices (bubble curtains) were used to reduce the extent of the geographic area where adverse effects could occur. A hazing program was used to move murrelets out of the area where physical injury was expected. We present the analysis used to evaluate adverse effects to marbled murrelets from pile driving, discuss the method used to estimate the extent of effects, and introduce measures to minimize adverse effects. Finally, we recommend future research needed to better understand and to reduce further these impacts.
Directrices unificadas sobre prevención, diagnóstico, tratamiento y atención de la infección por el VIH para grupos de población clave, julio del 2016

En estas nuevas directrices unificadas sobre prevención, diagnóstico, tratamiento y atención de la infección por el VIH para grupos de población clave, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) reúne toda la orientación existente que es pertinente para cinco grupos clave de la población —los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres, las personas que consumen drogas inyectables, las personas recluidas en prisión y otros entornos cerrados, los trabajadores sexuales y las personas transgénero— y actualiza algunas directrices y recomendaciones. El propósito de este documento es, por tanto, proporcionar un conjunto integral de recomendaciones sobre el VIH basadas en la evidencia que son específicas para estos grupos; aumentar el conocimiento sobre las necesidades de los grupos de población clave y las cuestiones que les son importantes; mejorar el acceso, la cobertura y la utilización de servicios eficaces y aceptables; y favorecer un mayor compromiso nacional y mundial para que haya financiamiento y servicios suficientes… En las presentes directrices se procura abordar estas brechas y limitaciones. Los países y otros usuarios han indicado la importancia de consolidar las directrices de la OMS sobre los grupos de población clave para ayudar a los directores de programas nacionales y los prestadores de servicios, entre los que se cuentan los programas basados en la comunidad y guiados por ella, a planificar y poner en marcha servicios de salud específicos para estos grupos de población. Por lo tanto, estas directrices unificadas abordan las cuestiones y los elementos necesarios para prestar servicios eficaces de atención de la infección por el VIH que son comunes a todos los grupos de población clave, así como aquellos que son específicos para uno o varios grupos.
Evaluating Bus Rapid Transit System in Nagoya City

This paper empirically explores the impacts and discusses the advantages of the two BRT systems “Key Route Bus System”, operating on exclusive median bus lane system and “Guideway Bus System”, operated on elevated mechanical track guidance system. These systems have been introduced (Key Route Bus: 1985, Guideway Bus 2001) in Nagoya which is the third largest city in Japan. The analysis for the Key Route Bus System suggests that: 1) Median bus lane and longer distances between bus stops improve the operational speed and punctuality, and therefore this higher service enables to minimize the decrease of passengers compared to the other bus routes; 2) It increases the road capacity and decreases the environmental load; 3) It does not have any notable impacts on urban development. For the Guideway Bus System the three important conclusions are: 1) High operational speed and punctuality is attained through elevated alignment which is completely elevated from the car traffic and signalizations on the roads; 2) Rate of increase in passenger demand is higher than that of population because of higher level of service; 3) Current legislation system in Japan requires complex operation system and elevated track lane for Guideway Bus System and this makes the operational cost higher compared to the other applications in other countries.
The effect of hydrophobic glassy organic material on the cloud condensation nuclei activity of particles with different morphologies

Abstract. Particles composed of organic and inorganic components can assume core-shell morphologies. The kinetic limitation of water uptake due to the presence of a hydrophobic viscous outer shell may increase the critical supersaturation required to activate such particles into cloud droplets. Here we test this hypothesis through laboratory experiments. Results show that the viscosity of polyethylene particles is 5×106 Pa s at 60 ∘C. Extrapolation of temperature dependent viscosity measurements suggests that the particles are glassy at room temperature. Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity measurements demonstrate that pure polyethylene particles are CCN inactive at diameters less than 741 nm and 2.5 % water supersaturation. Thus, polyethylene is used as proxy for hydrophobic glassy organic material. Ammonium sulfate is used as proxy for hygroscopic CCN active inorganic material. Mixed particles were generated using coagulation of oppositely charged particles; charge-neutral polyethylene–ammonium sulfate dimer particles were then isolated for online observation. Morphology of these dimer particles was varied by heating, such that liquefied polyethylene partially or completely engulfed the ammonium sulfate. Critical supersaturation was measured as a function of dry particle volume, particle morphology, and organic volume fraction. The data show that kinetic limitations do not change the critical supersaturation of 50 nm ammonium sulfate cores coated with polyethylene and polyethylene volume fractions up to 97 %. Based on these results, and a synthesis of literature data, it is suggested that mass transfer limitations by glassy organic shells are unlikely to affect cloud droplet activation near laboratory temperatures.
Auditor Rotation Policies and Perceived Auditor Attributes in Texas School Districts

68.6% believed that technical competence of the engagement team members is the most important attribute of an auditing firm, 13.8% believed it was the second most important attribute, 9.0% believed it was the third most important, and 7.1% believed it was the fourth most important attribute. Only 3 (1.4%) respondents did not list this attribute as one of the top four. These results demonstrate that the technical competence of the auditor is not only important to the district but is the most important attribute.
Inbetriebnahme eines schnellen Photondetektors für den ringabbildenden Cerenkov-Detektor am COMPASS-Experiment

This thesis is dedicated to the characterisation and comissioning of the new photon detection system of the upgraded COMPASS-RICH-1 detector and its new readout electronics. The jitter of the digital part of the readout electronics versus a reference TDC-CMC was determined to be (192 ± 2) ps. The time resolution of the entire readout chain, consisting of a multi-anode photo-multiplier, a pre-amplifier/discriminator and the digital electronics, was measured to be (323 ± 3) ps. The crosstalk between different channels of the whole readout chain was measured to be negligible, as it is below 1 h. In order to test the new photon detection system including readout whenever necessary, a test system consisting of two LEDs inside the RICH vessel was designed and installed. The effective time window containing all relevant entries for physics analysis was determined after analysing the time distribution within all channels and within Cherenkov rings on an event by event basis. The T0 calibration ensures a central position of the time peak for all channels. An offline cut of ± 4.5 ns around this time peak leads to a reduction of the background by a factor of 10. The new detector shows a performance as good as and better than expected from the design studies. It has been included sucessfully in the COMPASS experiment since the beginning of the 2006 data-taking period.
Quality of Higher Education in the State of Karnataka (India)

Increase in comprehensive growth of the students and leveraging the global competitiveness in higher education is the uniqueness of the any higher education stakeholders, the present study makes an attempt to revisit on quality higher education, 400 respondents were participated in the study across state of Karnataka. Using Factor analysis, the result discloses that Reliability, Competency, Content, Delivery and tangibility are found to be significant in the order (i.e.) All five variables collectively contributes to a tune of momentous to Quality of Education. There are range of determinants needs to be focussed immediately. The target of Quality administration is to ceaselessly look for a superior method for conferring instruction to the understudies. Everybody in the framework is normal, welcomed, and prepared to partake in the improvement procedure, instead of simply managed from the top organization. The application of the study is to emphasis on the Quality Higher Education as year to come. Quality is continuous, so the study on the above should seam less. Regular study shall give notchy elements for study experiments and study