Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
VLTI/AMBER observations of cold giant stars: atmospheric structures and fundamental parameters

Aims. The main goal of this research is to determine the angular size and the atmospheric structures of cool giant stars (epsilon Oct, beta Peg, NU Pav, psi Peg, and gamma Hya) and to compare them with hydrostatic stellar model atmospheres, to estimate the fundamental parameters, and to obtain a better understanding of the circumstellar environment. Methods. We conducted spectro-interferometric observations of epsilon Oct, beta Peg, NU Pav, and psi Peg in the near-infrared K band (2.13-2.47 mu m), and gamma Hya (1.9-2.47 mu m) with the VLTI/AMBER instrument at medium spectral resolution (similar to 1500). To obtain the fundamental parameters, we compared our data with hydrostatic atmosphere models (PHOENIX). Results. We estimated the Rosseland angular diameters of epsilon Oct, beta Peg, NU Pav, psi Peg, and gamma Hya to be 11.66 +/- 1.50 mas, 16.87 +/- 1.00 mas, 13.03 +/- 1.75 mas, 6.31 +/- 0.35 mas, and 3.78 +/- 0.65 mas, respectively. Together with distances and bolometric fluxes (obtained from the literature), we estimated radii, effective temperatures, and luminosities of our targets. In the beta Peg visibility, we observed a molecular layer of CO with a size similar to that modeled with PHOENIX. However, there is an additional slope in absorption starting around 2.3 m. This slope is possibly due to a shell of H2O that is not modeled with PHOENIX (the size of the layer increases to about 5% with respect to the near-continuum level). The visibility of psi Peg shows a low increase in the CO bands, compatible with the modeling of the PHOENIX model. The visibility data of epsilon Oct, NU Pav, and gamma Hya show no increase in molecular bands. Conclusions. The spectra and visibilities predicted by the PHOENIX atmospheres agree with the spectra and the visibilities observed in our stars (except for beta Peg). This indicates that the opacity of the molecular bands is adequately included in the model, and the atmospheres of our targets have an extension similar to the modeled atmospheres. The atmosphere of beta Peg is more extended than that predicted by the model. The role of pulsations, if relevant in other cases and unmodeled by PHOENIX, therefore seems negligible for the atmospheric structures of our sample. The targets are located close to the red limits of the evolutionary tracks of the STAREVOL model, corresponding to masses between 1 M-circle dot and 3 M-circle dot. The STAREVOL model fits the position of our stars in the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram better than the Ekstrom model does. STAREVOL includes thermohaline mixing, unlike the Ekstrom model, and complements the latter for intermediate-mass stars.
Carbon acquisition by Trichodesmium: the effect of pCO2 and diurnal changes

We investigated carbon acquisition by the N2‐fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium IMS101 in response to CO2 levels of 15.1, 37.5, and 101.3 Pa (equivalent to 150, 370, and 1000 ppm). In these acclimations, growth rates as well as cellular C and N contents were measured. In vivo activities of carbonic anhydrase (CA), photosynthetic O2 evolution, and CO2 and HCO3‐ fluxes were measured using membrane inlet mass spectrometry and the 14C disequilibrium technique. While no differences in growth rates were observed, elevated CO2 levels caused higher C and N quotas and stimulated photosynthesis and N2 fixation. Minimal extracellular CA (eCA) activity was observed, indicating a minor role in carbon acquisition. Rates of CO2 uptake were small relative to total inorganic carbon (Ci) fixation, whereas HCO{3 contributed more than 90% and varied only slightly over the light period and between CO2 treatments. The low eCA activity and preference for HCO3‐ were verified by the 14C disequilibrium technique. Regarding apparent affinities, half‐saturation concentrations (K1/2) for photosynthetic O2 evolution and HCO3‐ uptake changed markedly over the day and with CO2 concentration. Leakage (CO2 efflux : Ci uptake) showed pronounced diurnal changes. Our findings do not support a direct CO2 effect on the carboxylation efficiency of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) but point to a shift in resource allocation among photosynthesis, carbon acquisition, and N2 fixation under elevated CO2 levels. The observed increase in photosynthesis and N2 fixation could have potential biogeochemical implications, as it may stimulate productivity in N‐limited oligotrophic regions and thus provide a negative feedback in rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
The Circumstellar Environment of T Tauri S at High Spatial and Spectral Resolution

We have obtained the first high spatial (0.″05) and spectral (R ~ 35,000) resolution 2 μm spectrum of the T Tau S tight binary system using adaptive optics on the Keck II telescope. We have also obtained the first 3.8 and 4.7 μm images that resolve the three components of the T Tau multiple system, as well as new 1.6 and 2.2 μm images. Together with its very red near-infrared colors, the spectrum of T Tau Sb shows that this T Tauri star is extincted by a roughly constant extinction of AV ~ 15 mag, which is probably the 0. ″7 × 0. ″5 circumbinary structure recently observed in absorption in the ultraviolet. T Tau Sa, which is also observed through this screen and is actively accreting, further possesses a small edge-on disk that is evidenced by warm (390 K), narrow overtone CO rovibrational absorption features in our spectrum. We find that T Tau Sa is most likely an intermediate-mass star surrounded by a semitransparent 2-3 AU radius disk whose asymmetries and short Keplerian rotation explain the large photometric variability of the source on relatively short timescales. We also show that molecular hydrogen emission exclusively arises from the gas that surrounds T Tau S and that its spatial and kinematic structure, while providing suggestive evidence of a jetlike structure, is highly complex.
Serendipitous discovery of a dying Giant Radio Galaxy associated with NGC 1534, using the Murchison Widefield Array

Recent observations with the Murchison Widefield Array at 185~MHz have serendipitously unveiled a heretofore unknown giant and relatively nearby ($z = 0.0178$) radio galaxy associated with NGC\,1534. The diffuse emission presented here is the first indication that NGC\,1534 is one of a rare class of objects (along with NGC\,5128 and NGC\,612) in which a galaxy with a prominent dust lane hosts radio emission on scales of $\sim$700\,kpc. We present details of the radio emission along with a detailed comparison with other radio galaxies with disks. NGC1534 is the lowest surface brightness radio galaxy known with an estimated scaled 1.4-GHz surface brightness of just 0.2\,mJy\,arcmin$^{-2}$. The radio lobes have one of the steepest spectral indices yet observed: $\alpha=-2.1\pm0.1$, and the core to lobe luminosity ratio is $<0.1$\%. We estimate the space density of this low brightness (dying) phase of radio galaxy evolution as $7\times10^{-7}$\,Mpc$^{-3}$ and argue that normal AGN cannot spend more than 6\% of their lifetime in this phase if they all go through the same cycle.
Yield Spreads and Interest Rate Movements: A Bird's Eye View

The expectations theory of the term structure implies that the spread between a longer-term interest rate and a shorter-term interest rate forecasts two subsequent interest rate changes: the change in yield of the longer-term bond over the life of the shorter-term bond, and a weighted average of the changes in shorter-term rates over the life of the longer-term bond. For postwar U.S. data from Mcculloch [1987] and just about any combination of maturities between one month and ten years we find that the former relation is not borne out by the data, the latter roughly is. When the yield spread is high the yield on the longer-term bond tends to fall, contrary to the expectations theory; at the same time, the shorter-term interest rate tends to rise, just as the expectations theory requires. We discuss several possible interpretations of these findings. We argue that they are consistent with a model in which the spread is a multiple of the value implied by the expectations theory. This model could be generated by time-varying risk premia which are correlated with expected increases in short-term interest rates, or by a failure of rational expectations in our sample period.
Transient Effects in MEMS-switched All-Optical Networks with EDFAs

We explore and report on the temporal behavior of MEMS-based optical switching elements and optical amplifiers in multiwavelength systems as may be utilized in next generation optical networks. The importance of this work is underscored by the growing use of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) in conjunction with dynamically controlled optically transparent network elements. Switching, using MEMS technology, has taken on an important role in supporting dynamic network reconfiguration. Such networks typically include optical amplifiers, and multiple wavelengths are amplified by a single network element The combination of MEMS switching with optical amplifiers and other active elements provides new challenges in overall system design, as the millisecond switching time of MEMS fabrics is comparable to the excited state lifetime in Erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), thereby leading to potentially undesirable gain fluctuations and cross talk. Our observations of such transients show durations ranging upwards of 20 milliseconds and amplitudes of up to 2 dB, with transients affecting both switched and unswitched wavelengths. These effects can lead to degradation in end-to-end system performance, as measured by bit error rate (BER). This problem is particularly important for future optical networks where burst switching and packet switching, in addition to circuit switching will generate transients on finer time
Research and Higher Education: The United Kingdom and the United States

The dynamics of university research in the United States 1945-1990 research and higher education - the UK scene strengthening the US university research system issues in funding research the impacts of state technology programmes on American research universities the industrial academic research agenda research productivity and the environmental context constraints on the individual researcher toward a broader conception of scholarship teaching and research graduate education and research training issues in American science policy issues in British higher education policy uncertainties in Britain's transition from elite to mass higher education.
External Corporate Venturing: Strategic Renewal in Rapidly Changing Industries

External Corporate Venturing: Strategic Renewal in Rapidly Changing Industries Thomas Keil Greenwood Publishing Group, Incorporated as Quorum Books, 2002 224 pages, hardcover, $62.95 Reviewed by: Dr. Anne Nelson, Grande Ecole de Management, Conference des Grande Ecoles Synopsis Thomas Keil, in his book External Corporate Venturing, delivers a thorough look at the venturing domain, its theoretical foundations, and its applications. In a clear format, though one that sometimes reads more as a Ph.D. dissertation, Keil succinctly defines a corporate venture as an alliance formed between two independent companies. The larger, and usually more established, firm may invest resources directly into a smaller company and through the venture, both firms share and benefit from the commercial risks and resultant rewards for mutual benefit. In today's networked economy, many companies, either due to structure or size, have found difficulty in allocating appropriate finance, resources, or time to developing products and services. Through external corporate venturing, larger companies have found an effective method for nurturing external growth. The smaller companies often benefit through realization of a faster and higher growth rate, not easily achievable alone. Growth remains a paramount issue for all firms and this book is an excellent primer and resource for business students, academicians, and undoubtedly practitioners. Using a provocative and innovative style and approach, External Corporate Venturing addresses the issue of growth. Keil gives the reader three interesting ideas to ponder in regards to corporate venturing. First, he stresses how corporate venturing is actually the creation of new firms and of new sources of wealth, all generating from existing, unexploited assets and capabilities. Second, he shows how corporate venturing blends commercial pragmatism and strategy in an environment that produces innovation. Third, Keil suggests that external corporate venturing unites both physical and intellectual assets extending and exploiting a firm's internal capabilities for continual regeneration and growth. Much time is also devoted to the tensions between core businesses and new startups. External corporate ventures by their very nature magnify the inherent structural tensions that exist between the participants in the partnership. It is paramount that organizational mechanisms are identified and in place to deal with these tensions and to mitigate the adverse impact of the two firms' struggle for assets, resources, and human capital. Political tensions can also arise from external corporate venturing. Keil points out the political debate often focuses on allocation of financial and leadership resources as well. Readers who are interested in accessing funding and resources from other businesses to help their company grow or who have asked themselves, "Could my business benefit from a link with a Corporate Partner" will find information directly related to accessing marketing and distribution channels, management and technical skills, and short or long term finance. …
Presumptive Treatment of Malaria from Formal and Informal Drug Vendors in Nigeria

Background Despite policies that recommend parasitological testing before treatment for malaria, presumptive treatment remains widespread in Nigeria. The majority of Nigerians obtain antimalarial drugs from two types of for-profit drug vendors—formal and informal medicine shops—but little is known about the quality of malaria care services provided at these shops. Aims This study seeks to (1) describe the profile of patients who seek treatment at different types of drug outlets, (2) document the types of drugs purchased for treating malaria, (3) assess which patients are purchasing recommended drugs, and (4) estimate the extent of malaria over-treatment. Methods In urban, peri-urban, and rural areas in Oyo State, customers exiting proprietary and patent medicine vendor (PPMV) shops or pharmacies having purchased anti-malarial drugs were surveyed and tested with malaria rapid diagnostic test. A follow-up phone survey was conducted four days after to assess self-reported drug administration. Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine the correlates of patronizing a PPMV versus pharmacy, and the likelihood of purchasing an artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT) drug. Results Of the 457participants who sought malaria treatment in 49 enrolled outlets, nearly 92% had diagnosed their condition by themselves, a family member, or a friend. Nearly 60% pharmacy customers purchased an ACT compared to only 29% of PPMV customers, and pharmacy customers paid significantly more on average. Multivariate regression results show that patrons of PPMVs were younger, less wealthy, waited fewer days before seeking care, and were less likely to be diagnosed at a hospital, clinic, or laboratory. Only 3.9% of participants tested positive with a malaria rapid diagnostic test. Conclusions Poorer individuals seeking care at PPMVs are more likely to receive inappropriate malaria treatment when compared to those who go to pharmacies. Increasing accessibility to reliable diagnosis should be explored to reduce malaria over-treatment.
Auditory-visual perception of talking faces at birth: a new paradigm

Newborn infants prefer faces to all other visual displays. All previous studies of face recognition in newborns used schematic faces, photographs or static real faces. In our study, we used video films to explore, for the first time, recognition of talking faces, in newborns. Our results suggest that video films of talking faces are very salient stimuli for newborns and can enhance face recognition a few hours after birth. Index terms : newborns, face recognition, videos, talking faces, cross-modal
Asymmetrical Genesis by Remanufacture of Antielectrons

Problem: The asymmetrical genesis problem concerns why the universe should have an abundance of matter over antimatter. Purpose: This paper shows how the baryogenesis and leptogenesis asymmetries may both be resolved. Approach: Design methods were used to develop a conceptual mechanics for the remanufacturing processes that transform particles in the decay processes. This was based on the structures for the photon, electron, antielectron, proton and antineutrino as previously identified as logical necessities for the beta decay process, and represented as a non-local hidden-variable design with discrete fields. Findings: The solution is given in terms of a mechanics that defines the transformation of discrete field structures in particles. The genesis problem is shown to be solvable. The mechanics describes pair production of an electron and antielectron from two initial photons, and subsequent remanufacture of the antielectron into a proton. It is predicted that two antineutrinos would be emitted, which are testable and falsifiable. The theory identifies that the role of the antineutrinos is to remove the antimatter handed field structures. The original electron and proton may bond to form a simple hydrogen atom, or combine via electron capture to form a neutron and hence heavier nuclides. The subsequent preponderance of the matter pathways in the genesis production sequence is also addressed and is explained as domain warfare between the matter and antimatter species. Originality: The concept of remanufacture of antielectrons into protons, with emission of antineutrinos, is novel. Extensions of the theory explain the nuclides. Consequently the theory explains from pair production up to nuclear structure, which is also original.
Transfer Students' Persistence and Contribution to College Graduation Rate--A Case of Four-Year Public Institution.

As the majority of the graduation class, transfer students are neither being counted into the college graduation rate nor giving entrant institutions positive effect on retention. The study examines 906 students of 2002 transfer cohort in a public four-year institution. The study found the majority of the transfer students were female and white, had a prior degree and with good academic standing from transferring institutions. Transfers from two-year colleges and four-year institutions were different on the number of transfers, institution type, and institution location, but similar on major program chosen, number of transferable credit hour, and GPA. The number of transferring credit hour, possess a prior associate degree, and 2 semester GPA after transfer are positively impact the degree attainment within two years. Gender factor and 2 semester GPA after transfer help retain the transfers’ for continuously seeking bachelor degree. From the institution point of view, trend of transfers’ graduation rate is an important performance indicator.
What virtual reality can offer to the furniture industry

The U.S. furniture, home furnishings, and textile industries are faced with threats from less expensive imports and as a result must become more strategic with regard to consumer preferences, effective marketing, and supply chain management. As a significant market for textiles, the sustainability of furniture and home furnishing industries is vital to the U.S. textile industry. This paper focuses on the furniture industry. The sustainability of the furniture industry lies on product variety, mass customization, and speed to market based on understanding of consumer preferences. Authors suggest Virtual Reality as a viable tool that may offer ultimate solutions to many identified problems that the furniture industry faces. Finally, the authors propose the Virtual Reality Integrated System (VRIS) as an innovative way for the U.S. furniture industry to more effectively address this situation and ultimately gain a more competitive stance in the furniture marketplace and, as a result, have positive impact on the textile industry.
Predicting Third-Grade Mathematics Achievement: A Longitudinal Investigation of the Role of Early Numeracy Skills

Despite the vast research on the early predictors of mathematics achievement, little research has investigated the predictors of various domains of mathematics (e.g., geometry, statistics). The purpose of the present study was to examine the predictive relation between first-grade early numeracy and computation skills and third-grade mathematics achievement as measured by a state test. Furthermore, we explored the relations between these measures for students who were Below Proficient and Proficient. Findings suggest that proficiency level matters when examining the relation between mathematics skills. Also, there are different patterns of significant predictors depending on the domain of later mathematics achievement and whether or not reading achievement was considered. Findings are discussed in the context of mathematics learning for students with mathematics difficulty.
The Law & Economics of the Estonian Law on Cultural Autonomy for National Minorities and of Russian National Cultural Autonomy in Estonia

This essay analyses the 1993 Estonian Law on Cultural Autonomy for National Minorities (LCANM), based on an earlier one of 1925 during the first period of Estonian national independence, as the potential basis for the National Cultural Autonomy (NCA) of the Estonian Russian community. The latter was in fact never established in Estonia – and the question would be, why not? Law & Economics analysis is used in order to find out more about this complex matter. First, we discuss the issue of whether the purpose of the LCANM has actually been to further (Russian or any) NCA in Estonia to begin with. Second, if it was, then the question remains whether it is a bad thing that this never worked, either from the perspective of the Estonian state or from that of the Estonian Russians.
Life‐History Consequences of Investment in Free‐Spawned Eggs and Their Accessory Coats

The optimal trade‐off between offspring size and number can depend on details of the mode of reproduction or development. In marine organisms, broadcast spawning is widespread, and external coats are a common feature of spawned eggs. Egg jelly coats are thought to influence several aspects of fertilization and early development, including the size of the target for sperm, fertilization efficiency, egg suspension time, polyspermy, embryo survival, and fecundity. These costs and benefits of investment in jelly result in trade‐offs that can influence optimal reproductive allocation and the evolution of egg size. I develop an optimization model that sequentially incorporates assumptions about the function of egg coats in fertilization. The model predicts large variation in coat size and limited variation in ovum size under a broad range of conditions. Heterogeneity among spawning events further limits the range of ovum sizes predicted to evolve under sperm limitation. In contrast, variation in larval mortality predicts a broad range of optimal ovum sizes that more closely reflects natural variation among broadcast‐spawning invertebrates. By decoupling physical and energetic size, egg coats can enhance fertilization, maintain high fecundity, and buffer the evolution of ovum size from variation in spawning conditions.