Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study of the timing properties of position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes

In this paper, we study position-dependent timing shifts and timing resolution in position sensitive avalanche photodiodes (PSAPDs) and their effects on the coincidence window used in positron emission tomography (PET) systems using these devices. There is a delay in PSAPD signals that increases as the excitation position moves from the corner to the center of the device and the timing resolution concurrently worsens. The difference in timing between the center and the corner can be up to 30.7 ns for a 14 × 14 mm2 area PSAPD. This means that a PSAPD-based PET system could require a very wide coincidence timing window (>60 ns) if this effect is not corrected, although the individual crystal pairs still have full-width half-maximum (FWHM) timing resolutions better than 7.4 ns. In addition to characterizing the timing properties of PSAPDs, two correction methods were developed and applied to data from a pair of PSAPD detectors. These two timing offset corrections reduced the timing shift of a crystal pair from 52.4 ns to 9.7 ns or 1.3 ns, improved the FWHM timing resolution of the detector pair from 24.6 ns to 9.5 ns or 6.0 ns and reduced the timing window (sufficient to cover at least twice the FWHM for all crystal pairs) from 65.1 ns to 22.0 ns or 15.2 ns, respectively. A two-step timing alignment method is proposed for a PET system consisting of multiple PSAPDs. Lastly, the effect of PSAPD size on the timing performance was also evaluated.
ctivity cycles and foraging behaviors of free-ranging sidewinder attlesnakes ( Crotalus cerastes ) : the ontogeny of hunting in a precocial ertebrate ulon

Predators often employ a complex series of behaviors to overcome antipredator defenses and effectively capture prey. Although hunting behaviors can improve with age and experience, many precocial species are necessarily effective predators from birth. Additionally, many predators experience innate ontogenetic shifts in predatory strategies as they grow, allowing them to adapt to prey more appropriate for their increased size and energetic needs. Understanding how the relative roles of innate age-specific adaptation and learning have evolved requires information on how predation behavior develops in situ, in free-ranging predators. However, most of the research on the ontogeny of predation behavior is based on laboratory studies of captive animals, largely due to the difficulty of following newborn individuals in nature. Here, we take advantage of the unique tracks left by juveniles of a precocial viperid, the sidewinder rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes), which we used to follow free-ranging snakes in the field. We recorded details of their ambush hunting behavior, and compared the behaviors of these juveniles to adult snakes that we monitored in the field via radio telemetry. Although juvenile and adult behaviors were similar in most respects, we did find that adults chose more effective ambush sites, which may be due to their increased experience. We also found that juveniles (but typically not adults) perform periodic tail undulations while in ambush, and that juveniles displayed slightly different activity cycles. Both of these latter differences are likely the result of age-specific adaptations for juveniles’ greater reliance on lizards versus small mammals as prey. We also compared the general predatory behavior of sidewinders to that of other species in the genus Crotalus. These findings will provide important baseline field information for more detailed empirical research on the ontogeny of predation behavior in precocial vertebrates. © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Analytical Note on Certain Rhythmic Relations in Organic Systems

Periodic phenomena play an important role in nature, both organic and inorganic. In chemical reactions rhythmic effects have been observed experimentally, and have also been shown, by the writer1 and others,2 to follow, under certain conditions, from the laws of chemical dynamics. However, in the cases hitherto considered on the basis of chemical dynamics, the oscillations were found to be of the damped kind, and therefore, only transitory (unlike certain experimentally observed periodic reactions). Furthermore, in a much more general investigation by the writer, covering the kinetics not only of chemical but also of biological systems, it appeared, from the nature of the solution obtained, improbable3 that undamped, permanent oscillations would arise in the absence of geometrical, structural causes, in the very comprehensive class of systems considered. For it seemed that the occurrence of such permanent oscillations, the occurrence of purely imaginary exponents in the exponential series solution presented, would demand peculiar and very specific relations between the characteristic constants of the systems undergoing transformation; whereas in nature these constants would, presumably, stand in random relation. It was, therefore, with considerable surprise that the writer, on applying his method to certain special cases, found these to lead to undamped, and hence indefinitely continued, oscillations. As the matter presents several features of interest, and illustrates certain methods and principles, it appears worth while to set forth the argument and conclusions here. Starting out first from a broad basis, we may consider a system in the process of evolution, such a system comprising a variety of species of matter S 1, S 2…. S n of mass X 1, X 2…. X n . The species of matter S may be defined in any suitable way. Some of …
Evaluation of Functional Mock-up Interface for vehicle power network modeling

This paper describes the results of an evaluation of vehicle power network modeling using Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI). FMI, developed by the Modelica Association, is a tool-independent standard for a model interface. This study compared simulation results between the vehicle power network model with Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs) connected and the model without FMUs. Conversion adaptors were inserted to generate and connect each FMU because it was necessary to convert physical connections from acausal connections to causal inputs and outputs. Using FMI for Model Exchange, it was confirmed that the results for both simulations showed good matches, without any time delays although algebraic loops which would often occur in electrical circuit modeling were included. This method possesses significant potential to reduce the validation effort using models created by other departments or suppliers.
Relative Age, Biological Maturation and Anaerobic Characteristics in Elite Youth Soccer Players

Abstract Being relatively older and having an advanced biological maturation status have been associated with increased likelihood of selection in young elite soccer players. The aims of the study were to investigate the presence of a relative age effect (RAE) and the influence of birth quarter on anthropometry, biological maturity and anaerobic parameters in 374 elite Belgian youth soccer players. The sample was divided into 3 age groups, each subdivided into 4 birth quarters (BQ). Players had their APHV estimated and height, weight, SBJ, CMJ, sprint 5 and 30 m were assessed. Overall, more players were born in BQ1 (42.3%) compared with players born in BQ4 (13.7%). Further, MANCOVA revealed no differences in all parameters between the 4 BQ’s, controlled for age and APHV. These results suggest that relatively youngest players can offset the RAE if they enter puberty earlier. Furthermore, the results demonstrated possible differences between BQ1 and BQ4, suggesting that caution is necessary when estimating differences between players because of large discrepancies between statistical and practical significance. These findings also show that coaches should develop realistic expectations of the physical abilities of younger players and these expectations should be made in the context of biological characteristics rather than chronological age-based standards.
Technological Adaptation, Cities, and New Work

Abstract Where does adaptation to innovation take place? I present evidence on the role of agglomeration economies in the application of new knowledge to production. All else equal, workers are more likely to be observed in new work in locations initially dense in college graduates and industry variety. This pattern is consistent with economies from the geographic concentration of factors and markets related to technological adaptation. A main contribution is a new measure, based on revisions to occupation classifications, that characterizes cross-sectional differences across cities in technological adaptation. Worker-level results also provide new evidence on the skill bias of recent innovations.
Service development: Modelling influencing factors by employing the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Hurtigruten) as a case

This paper reports research on a service development study carried out on the prestigious Norwegian Coastal Voyage (NCV), also known as the Hurtigruten, which is the brand name. The primary research instrument employed in the research was in-depth interviews with service managers and service personnel employed on the Hurtigruten. This paper reports on findings on influencing factors to service development and suggests how the identified factors influence service development on the Hurtigruten. A model is suggested that depicts these factors, which are grouped into company internal, company external and system factors. The study advances the knowledge field of service development particularly relevant for a high-contact service such as a cruise operation.
Passive Surveillance in Maine, an Area Emergent for Tick-Borne Diseases

Abstract In 1989, a free-of-charge, statewide tick identification program was initiated in Maine, 1 yr after the first Ixodes scapularis Say (=I. dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman & Corwin) ticks were reported in the state. This article summarizes data from 18 continuous years of tick submissions during which >24,000 ticks of 14 species were identified. Data provided include tick stage, degree of engorgement, seasonal abundance, geographical location, host, and age of the person from whom the tick was removed. Maps depict the distributions of the three major species submitted. I. scapularis emerged first along the coast, and then it advanced inland up major river valleys, Dermacentor variabilis Say slowly expanded centrifugally from where it was initially reported in southwestern Maine, and the distribution of long-established Ixodes cookei Packard remained unchanged. Submissions of nymphal I. scapularis closely correlated with reported Lyme diseases cases at the county level. Annual fluctuations of nymphal submissions in Maine correlated with those of Lyme disease cases for New England, supporting the possibility of a regional influence on tick abundance. More ticks were removed from people ≤14 and ≥30 yr of age, and their degree of engorgement was greatest in people ≤20 yr of age and progressively increased in people ≥30 yr of age. This study demonstrates the usefulness and potential of tick identification programs.
Comparison of Surgical Outcomes in Thoracolumbar Fractures Operated with Posterior Constructs Having Varying Fixation Length with Selective Anterior Fusion

Purpose Surgical treatment in the case of thoracolumbar burst fractures is very controversial. Posterior instrumentation is most frequently used, however, but the number of levels to be instrumented still remains a matter of debate. Materials and Methods A total of 94 patients who had a single burst fracture between T11 and L2 were selected and were managed using posterior instrumentation with anterior fusion when necessary. They were divided into three groups as follows; Group I (n = 28) included patients who were operated by intermediate segment fixation, Group II (n = 32) included patients operated by long segment fixation, and Group III (n = 34) included those operated by intermediate segment fixation with a pair of additional screws in the fractured vertebra. The mean follow-up period was twenty one months. The outcomes were analyzed in terms of kyphosis angle (KA), regional kyphosis angle (RA), sagittal index (SI), anterior height compression rate, Frankel classification, and Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire. Results In Groups II and III, the correction values of KA, RA, and SI were much better than in Group I. At the final follow up, the correction values of KA (6.3 and 12.1, respectively) and SI (6.2 and 12.0, respectively) were in Groups II and III found to be better in the latter. Conclusion The intermediate segment fixation with an additional pair of screws at the fracture level vertebra gives results that are comparable or even better than long segment fixation and gives an advantage of preserving an extra mobile segment.
A Review for Future Research and Practice in Using Computer Assisted Instruction on Vocabulary Learning among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A lack of educational strategies may hinder students from benefiting the most from their education. The existing public or government schools do not adequately accommodate children with special needs in terms of providing them with good syllabuses as well interventions. Instead, various forms of pervasive developmental disorders are frequently placed in special education classes without an accurate diagnosis. This is something that needs to be rectified because every disability requires different needs and attention. In children with special needs such as children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it warrants diverse teaching methods to be used. While the use of computer assisted instructions (CAIs) in the West has been found to be effective for children with ASD, research regarding the applicability of CAIs to cater for the learning process of children with special needs in the Malaysian context is still lacking. The present paper reviews previous studies that have employed CAIs to enhance language development of children with ASD. Following this, it recommends future research that incorporates the use of CAI to improve vocabulary learning of children with ASD who are non-native English speakers.
Access and Success in Web Courses at an Urban Multicultural Community College: The Student's Perspective.

This study explores the question of access in Arizona's postsecondary electronic education environment by looking at an urban community college with a highly diverse student population. Phoenix College (PC) is a community college in the Maricopa Community College District in Phoenix, Arizona. A number of neighborhoods near the campus showed a household income of 50-75% below the poverty level. Ethnic minorities represented 57% of the student body at Phoenix College. The college is early in its Web course development, and offered only 16 Web courses in the spring term of 2001. Courses required by or that applied to a large cross-section of academic and occupational degree and certificate programs were selected for the study in order to obtain a broad representation of majors and educational goals among the student sample. The study looked at 10 sections of freshman-level general education courses. The sample included 252 students--140 returned an electronic survey, and 100 participated in the follow-up interviews. Women represented 56% of the PC student body, but 65% of the Web students were women. Older students were underrepresented in the Web courses under study: 6% of these students were aged 40 or older, while 19% of students at PC were over 40. The study also found that the majority of Web students were White, and there were proportionally fewer Hispanics registered in the Web courses. (Contains 32 references.) (NB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Access and Success in Web Courses at an Urban Multicultural Community College: The Student's Perspective
Finite Element Shoulder Models

Shoulder joint is a complex integration of soft and hard tissues. It plays an important role in performing daily activities and can be considered as a perfect compromise between mobility and stability. However, shoulder is vulnerable to complications such as dislocations and osteoarthritis. Finite element (FE) models have been developed to understand shoulder injury mechanisms, implications of disease on shoulder complex and in assessing the quality of shoulder implants. Further, although few, Finite element shoulder models have also been utilized to answer important clinical questions such as the difference between a normal and osteoarthritic shoulder joint. However, due to the absence of experimental validation, it is questionable whether the constitutive models applied in these FE models are adequate to represent mechanical behaviors of shoulder elements (Cartilages, Ligaments, Muscles etc), therefore the confidence of using current models in answering clinically relevant question. The main objective of this review is to critically evaluate the existing FE shoulder models that have been used to investigate clinical problems. Due concern is given to check the adequacy of representative constitutive models of shoulder elements in drawing clinically relevant conclusion. Suggestions have been given to improve the existing shoulder models by inclusion of adequate constitutive models for shoulder elements to confidently answer clinically relevant questions.
Nonlinear Income Inequality Effect on Software Piracy

In this paper, we examine the relationship between income inequality and piracy rate in the presence of network effects. We build a theoretical framework which examines how income thresholds determine individual users’ positive net benefits from piracy. We claim that the proportion of the population with positive net benefits from piracy increases with income inequality at a diminishing rate, and then eventually decreases. We provide empirical evidence for this inverted U-shaped relationship between income inequality and piracy rates, controlling for income, judicial efficiency, and fixed broadband subscribers. Our theoretical and empirical results imply that mild anti-piracy policies would make software producers better off in countries whose income inequality is moderate, but worse off in countries whose income inequality is severe. Therefore, policies against piracy should be strategically designed considering the non-linear effects of income inequality.
Entropy - Some Cosmological Questions Answered by Model of Expansive Nondecelerative Universe

The paper summarizes the background of Expansive Nondecelerative Universe model and its potential to offer answers to some open cosmological questions related to entropy. Three problems are faced in more detail, namely that of Hawkings phenomenon of black holes evaporation, maximum entropy of the Universe during its evolution, and time evolution of specific entropy.
Variation of p-adic Newton polygons for L-functions of exponential sums

In this paper, we continue to develop the systematic decomposition theory (18) for the generic Newton polygon attached to a family of zeta functions over finite fields and more generally a family of L-functions of n-dimensional exponential sums over finite fields. Our aim is to establish a new collapsing decomposition theorem (Theorem 3.7) for the generic Newton polygon. A number of applications to zeta functions and L-functions are given, including the full form of the remaining 3 and 4-dimensional cases of the Adolphson-Sperber conjecture (2), which were left un-resolved in (18). To make the paper more readable and useful, we have included an expanded introductory section as well as detailed examples to illustrate how to use the main theorems.
A Framework for Geographically Sensitive and Efficient Recycling Networks

This paper has three primary objectives. First, it seeks to demonstrate that recycling is an important component of sustainable human systems, particularly in the case of electronics, where environmental impacts of disposal are potentially severe. Second, it presents a methodology that could be used to estimate the volumes of electronics or other consumer durable goods that are available for recycling. Third and last, it illustrates, through a case study of Atlanta focused on computers, that metropolitan areas may fruitfully be viewed as opportune centres from which to mine, recycle and reuse cast-off electronic goods. From an environmental and economic development policy perspective, doing so presents an important opportunity to provide new economic opportunities in the most distressed portions of metropolitan areas which have been disproportionately impacted by previous environmentally destructive industrialization practices.
Forecasting EREIT Returns

This paper analyzes the role played by financial assets, direct real estate, and the Fama and French factors in explaining EREIT returns and examines the usefulness of these variables in forecasting returns. Four models are analyzed and their predictive potential is assessed by comparing three forecasting methods: time varying coefficient (TVC) regressions, vector autoregressive (VAR) systems, and neural networks models. Trading strategies on these forecasts are compared to a passive buy-and-hold strategy. The results show that EREIT returns are better explained by models including the Fama and French factors. The VAR forecasts are better than the TVC forecasts, but the best predictions are obtained with neural networks and especially when they are applied to the model using stock, bond, real estate, size, and book-to-market factors.
A comparative study of bifidobacteria in human babies and adults

The composition and diversity of the gut microbiota are known to be different between babies and adults. The aim of this project was to compare the level of bifidobacteria between babies and adults and to investigate the influence of lifestyle factors on the level of this bacterium in the gut. During this study, the levels of bifidobacteria in 10 human babies below 2 years of age were compared with that of 10 human adults above 40 years. The level of bifidobacteria proved to be significantly higher in babies in comparison with adults. This investigation concluded that a combination of several factors, such as age, diet, and BMI, has an important effect on the level of bifidobacteria in adults, while in babies, a combination of diet and age may influence the level of intestinal bifidobacteria.
Knowledge Workers’ Job Performance: The roles of Emotional Intelligence and Affective Commitment

This study aims to propose and test an integrative model that considers the mediating effects of affective commitment on the positive relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance. Participants are 552 knowledge workers from 37 small and medium-sized companies in Information Technology sector. Job performance scores of the participants are obtained from their immediate supervisors. The results show a significant positive relationship between knowledge workers’ affective commitment and their job performance levels. Hierarchical regression analyses reveal that the relationships between self-emotional appraisals, others’ emotional appraisals, use of emotions and job performance of knowledge workers are partially mediated by their affective commitment to the organization. The findings indicate that organizations should focus more on fostering affective commitment of knowledge workers that is the underlying mechanism between their emotional intelligence and job performance.
On Costas arrays with various types of symmetry

Using the database of Costas arrays of orders 27 and below, a table is generated showing the number of arrays which exhibit some kind of symmetry. The number of diagonal, anti-reflective and consecutive arrays are given, correcting previously published results in a small number of cases. Finally, several of the symmetry definitions are extended to odd sizes.