Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The periodic behaviour of the North-South asymmetry of sunspot areas revisited

Up to now, the periodic behaviour of the N-S asymmetry of solar activity has been analyzed by applying the power spectrum analysis to the time series generated from a normalized definition of the asymmetry. Using sunspot areas and the properties of the discrete Fourier transform, we show that the use of the normalized time series leads to misleading results, and that the correct asymmetry time series to be used is generated from the difference between the values of solar activity indicators in the Northern and Southern solar hemispheres. However, in this case the found significant periodicities correspond to periodicities already present in the hemispheric sunspot areas time series, not providing with any interesting information about the asymmetric behaviour of the solar activity. Of course, our conclusions are extensive to all the studies of the periodic behaviour of the N-S asymmetry of solar activity time series computed by means of the normalized definition of the asymmetry, and independent of the considered solar activity feature.
The temperature and distribution of gas in CL 0016+16 measured with XMM—Newton

We present the results of a 37-ks observation of CL 0016+16 with the XMM-Newton EPIC instrument. Within 1.5 arcmin of the cluster centre we measured a gas temperature of kT = 9.13 - 0 . 2 2 + 0 . 2 4 keV and an abundanceof 0.22 - 0 . 0 3 + 0 . 0 4 times the solar value (1σ uncertainties). This significant improvement over previous measurements has allowed us to revise the estimate of the Hubble constant based on CL 0016+16 to 68 ′ 8 km s - 1 Mpc - 1 (random error only), close to the value from the Hubble Space Telescope distance-scale project. The total gravitating mass within a radius of 248 kpc of the cluster centre is in good agreement with that found from gravitational lensing over the same region, supporting the assumption of isothermal gas in hydrostatic equilibrium. The gas mass fraction of 0.13 ′ 0.02 is in remarkable agreement with that given by cosmological parameters for the Universe as a whole, suggesting that CL 0016+16 is a fair sample of the matter content of the Universe. While there is no spectral or spatial evidence to suggest a cooling flow in CL 0016+16, we find an asymmetrical central X-ray structure which may have a harder spectrum than the cluster as a whole, and be evidence for some merger activity, in addition to a previously reported asymmetry to the west of the cluster. The nearest companion cluster to CL 0016+16 is measured to have a gas temperature of kT = 3.8 - 0 . 3 + 0 . 3 keV and an abundance of 0.6 - 0 . 2 + 0 . 3 times the solar value (1σ uncertainties). We also present spectral data for the companion quasar whose spectrum was confused with CL 0016+16 in previous ASCA data.
Trust -Based Service Selection in Public Cloud Computing Using Fuzzy Modified VIKOR Method

Recently, resolving the problem of evaluating and selecting the Cloud Infrastructure Service (CIS) according to trust criteria has become a complex software engineering process. Cloud service Providers (CSPs) and Cloud Service Requesters (CSRs)both have to face great uncertainty and complexity regarding the degree of CIS trustworthiness. Therefore, many of the normalization methods have been developed for cost effectiveness and performance criteria. As such, sufficient attention must be given to the trust of cloud service in terms of methods as well as achieving desired values, since the need for more efficient decision making is increasing. This paper proposes a novel hybrid fuzzy multi- criteria group decision making method based on combined fuzzy set and modified VIKOR method, which deals with various types of conflicting and incommensurable trust criteria.
Micro-Arrayed Human Embryonic Stem Cells-Derived Cardiomyocytes for In Vitro Functional Assay

Introduction The heart is one of the least regenerative organs in the body and any major insult can result in a significant loss of heart cells. The development of an in vitro-based cardiac tissue could be of paramount importance for many aspects of the cardiology research. In this context, we developed an in vitro assay based on human cardiomyocytes (hCMs) and ad hoc micro-technologies, suitable for several applications: from pharmacological analysis to physio-phatological studies on transplantable hCMs. We focused on the development of an assay able to analyze not only hCMs viability, but also their functionality. Methods hCMs were cultured onto a poly-acrylamide hydrogel with tunable tissue-like mechanical properties and organized through micropatterning in a 20×20 array. Arrayed hCMs were characterized by immunofluorescence, GAP-FRAP analyses and live and dead assay. Their functionality was evaluated monitoring the excitation-contraction coupling. Results Micropatterned hCMs maintained the expression of the major cardiac markers (cTnT, cTnI, Cx43, Nkx2.5, α-actinin) and functional properties. The spontaneous contraction frequency was (0.83±0.2) Hz, while exogenous electrical stimulation lead to an increase up to 2 Hz. As proof of concept that our device can be used for screening the effects of pathological conditions, hCMs were exposed to increasing levels of H2O2. Remarkably, hCMs viability was not compromised with exposure to 0.1 mM H2O2, but hCMs contractility was dramatically suppressed. As proof of concept, we also developed a microfluidic platform to selectively treat areas of the cell array, in the perspective of performing multi-parametric assay. Conclusions Such system could be a useful tool for testing the effects of multiple conditions on an in vitro cell model representative of human heart physiology, thus potentially helping the processes of therapy and drug development.
Assessing the impact of CIFOR's influence on policy and practice in the Indonesian pulp and paper sector

CIFOR is a leading international forestry research organisation established in 1993 in response to global concerns about the social, environmental, and economic consequences of forest loss and degradation. CIFOR advances human wellbeing, environmental conservation, and equity by conducting research to inform policies and practices that affect forests in developing countries. CIFOR is one of 15 centres within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). CIFOR's headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia. It also has offices in Asia, Africa and South America. CIFOR works in over 30 countries worldwide and has links with researchers in 50 international, regional and national organisations.
Dimensionality Reduction in the Wild : Gaps and Guidance

Despite an abundance of technical literature on dimension reduction (DR), our understanding of how real data analysts are using DR techniques and what problems they face remains largely incomplete. In this paper, we contribute the first systematic and broad analysis of DR usage by a sample of real data analysts, along with their needs and problems. We present the results of a two-year qualitative research endeavor, in which we iteratively collected and analyzed a rich corpus of data in the spirit of grounded theory. We interviewed 24 data analysts from different domains and surveyed papers depicting applications of DR. The result is a descriptive taxonomy of DR usage, and concrete real-world usage examples summarized in terms of this taxonomy. We also identify seven gaps where user DR needs are unfulfilled by currently available techniques, and three mismatches where the users do not need offered techniques. At the heart of our taxonomy is a task classification that differentiates between abstract tasks related to point clusters and those related to dimensions. The taxonomy and usage examples are intended to provide a better descriptive understanding of real data analysts’ practices and needs with regards to DR. The gaps are intended as prescriptive pointers to future research directions, with the most important gaps being a lack of support for users without expertise in the mathematics of DR, and an absence of DR techniques for comparing explicit groups of dimensions or for relating non-linear embeddings to original dimensions.
High-Accuracy Localization for Assisted Living: 5G systems will turn multipath channels from foe to friend

Assisted living (AL) technologies, enabled by technical advances such as the advent of the Internet of Things, are increasingly gaining importance in our aging society. This article discusses the potential of future high-accuracy localization systems as a key component of AL applications. Accurate location information can be tremendously useful to realize, e.g., behavioral monitoring, fall detection, and real-time assistance. Such services are expected to provide older adults and people with disabilities with more independence and thus to reduce the cost of caretaking. Total cost of ownership and ease of installation are paramount to make sensor systems for AL viable. In case of a radio-based indoor localization system, this implies that a conventional solution is unlikely to gain widespread adoption because of its requirement to install multiple fixed nodes (anchors) in each room. This article therefore places its focus on 1) discussing radiolocalization methods that reduce the required infrastructure by exploiting information from reflected multipath components (MPCs) and 2) showing that knowledge about the propagation environment enables localization with high accuracy and robustness. It is demonstrated that new millimeter-wave (mm-wave) technology, under investigation for 5G communications systems, will be able to provide centimeter (cm)-accuracy indoor localization in a robust manner, ideally suited for AL.
Concessions and Repression in Conflict

Abstract We build a model for predicting civil wars where the government bargains with a rebel group using concessions and repression. The equilibrium is either a state of perpetual peace where there are concessions but no repression or a state of repressive equilibrium that can lead to civil wars. At the lowest levels of political competition, a move towards open electoral participation decreases the ability of the state to use repression to limit challengers, increasing the likelihood of war. At higher levels, an increase in competition decreases the probability of war by increasing concessions to the rebel group. Increasing concessions makes war less likely because it decreases the spoils of war and provides one explanation for the non-monotonicity found between probability of civil war and democracy. We test the prediction of this non-linearity using the technique in [Hansen (2000). “Sample Splitting and Threshold Estimation. ” Econometrica 68:575–603] and find evidence consistent with the model.
The impact of the speed of transition on output growth in transition economies

This Master Essay discusses the impact of the speed of transition on economic growth in transition countries after 1995. The existing literature reveals that output growth during transition is determined by measures for structural reforms, macroeconomic stability and initial conditions. Furthermore control variables are added. The research question is investigated with the help of a panel data analysis. Hardly any evidence is found that the speed of transition still has an impact on economic growth in the long run. However it is concluded that reforms expose a lagged impact on output improvement.
Monetary Policy Transmission during Financial Crises: An Empirical Analysis

This paper studies the effects of a monetary policy expansion in the United States during times of high financial stress. The analysis is carried out by introducing a smooth transition factor model where the transition between states (“normal” and high financial stress) depends on a financial conditions index. Employing a quarterly data set over the period 1970Q1 to 2009Q2 containing 108 U.S. macroeconomic and financial time series, I find that a monetary policy shock during periods of high financial stress has stronger and more persistent effects on macroeconomic variables such as output, consumption, and investment than it has during “normal” times. Differences in effects among the regimes seem to originate from non-linearities in the credit channel.
Utilization of Western and Traditional Korean Medicine for Children and Adolescents with Mental Disorders: a Nationwide Population-based Study from 2010 to 2012

When in need of medical treatment, Korean citizens have a choice of practitioners of western medicine (WM) or Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM). However, the two branches frequently conflict with one another, particularly with regard to mental disorders. This study was designed to compare the utilization of WM and TKM, focusing on child/adolescent patients with mental disorders. We analyzed F-code (Mental and behavioral disorders) claims from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, including data from 0–18-year-old patients from 2010 to 2012. Slightly more men than women utilized WM, while TKM use was almost evenly balanced. WM claims increased with advancing age, whereas utilization of TKM was common for the 0-6 age group. In WM and TKM, the total number of claims relying on the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) was 331,154 (92.78%) and 73,282 (97.85%), respectively, and the number of claims relying on medical aid was 25,753 (7.22%) and 1,610 (2.15%), respectively. The most frequent F-coded claim in WM was F90 (Hyperkinetic disorders), with 64,088 claims (17.96%), and that in TKM was F45 (Somatoform disorders), with 28,852 claims (38.52%). The prevalence of a single disorder without comorbidities was 168,764 (47.29%) in WM and 52,615 (70.25%) in TKM. From these data, we conclude that WM takes prevalence over TKM in cases of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as in psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. On the other hand, patients utilizing TKM more commonly present with physical health problems including somatoform problems, sleep, and eating disorders.
What's Good About Failing Schools?

What’s Good About Failing Schools? Maika Malualelagi Tuala Department of Sociology, BYU Master of Science Education policies tend to target failing schools that are often located in disadvantaged communities. However, the use of high-stakes testing to identify and punish failing schools has become increasingly controversial. An overemphasis on test scores to determine school quality has led to unintended consequences and overshadows other valuable school-based resources that parents feel meaningfully contribute to students’ academic experiences. To better understand how low-SES parents describe their children’s low performing schools, I interviewed 92 families in an under-served community. Through these interviews I illuminate the school-based resources that contribute to school quality. In fact, these additional elements were often more important signifiers of school quality for low-SES parents than were test scores.
Working and Environmental Factors on Job Burnout: A Cross-sectional Study Among Nurses

Background: Burnout is a problem that impacts on the staff management costs and on the patient care quality. Objective: This work aimed to investigate some psychosocial factors related to burnout. Specifically, we explored the sample characteristics for moderate/high emotional exhaustion, cynicism and professional inefficacy, as well as the relationship between both working and environmental variables and burnout. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 307 nurses from one Italian hospital was carried out. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS 19.0. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between nurses with low and moderate/high burnout in all the three components in almost all the examined organizational variables. In addition, we found that the aspects of working life had a significant impact on the three dimensions of burnout. Conclusions: The findings of this study not only can provide useful basis for future research in the field, but also can offer practical suggestions for improving nursing practice and promote effective workplace, thus reducing the risk burnout among nurses.
Application of Finite Element Modeling to Optimize Flap Design with Tissue Expansion

Background: Tissue expansion is a widely used technique to create skin flaps for the correction of sizable defects in reconstructive plastic surgery. Major complications following the inset of expanded flaps include breakdown and uncontrolled scarring secondary to excessive tissue tension. Although it is recognized that mechanical forces may significantly impact the success of defect repair with tissue expansion, a mechanical analysis of tissue stresses has not previously been attempted. Such analyses have the potential to optimize flap design preoperatively. Methods: The authors establish computer-aided design as a tool with which to explore stress profiles for two commonly used flap designs, the direct advancement flap and the double back-cut flap. The authors advanced both flaps parallel and perpendicular to the relaxed skin tension lines to quantify the impact of tissue anisotropy on stress distribution profiles. Results: Stress profiles were highly sensitive to flap design and orientation of relaxed skin tension lines, with stress minimized when flaps were advanced perpendicular to relaxed skin tension lines. Maximum stresses in advancement flaps occurred at the distal end of the flap, followed by the base. The double back-cut design increased stress at the lateral edges of the flap. Conclusions: The authors conclude that finite element modeling may be used to effectively predict areas of increased flap tension. Performed preoperatively, such modeling can allow for the optimization of flap design and a potential reduction in complications such as flap dehiscence and hypertrophic scarring.
Experimenter Effects on Pain Reporting in Women Vary across the Menstrual Cycle

Background. Separate lines of research have shown that menstrual cycling and contextual factors such as the gender of research personnel influence experimental pain reporting. Objectives. This study examines how brief, procedural interactions with female and male experimenters can affect experimentally reported pain (cold pressor task, CPT) across the menstrual cycle. Methods. Based on the menstrual calendars 94 naturally cycling women and 38 women using hormonal contraceptives (M age = 19.83, SD = 3.09) were assigned to low and high fertility groups. This assignment was based on estimates of their probability of conception given their current cycle day. Experimenters (12 males, 7 females) engaged in minimal procedural interactions with participants before the CPT was performed in solitude. Results. Naturally cycling women in the high fertility group showed significantly higher pain tolerance (81 sec, d = .79) following interactions with a male but not a female experimenter. Differences were not found for women in the low fertility or contraceptive groups. Discussion. The findings illustrate that menstrual functioning moderates the effect that experimenter gender has on pain reporting in women. Conclusion. These findings have implications for standardizing pain measurement protocols and understanding how basic biopsychosocial mechanisms (e.g., person-perception systems) can modulate pain experiences.
A conceptual map for understanding the terrorist recruitment process: Observation and analysis of DHKP /C, PKK, and Turkish Hezbollah terrorist organizations

Terrorism is a historical problem; however, it becomes one of the biggest problems in 21st century. September 11 and the following Madrid, Istanbul and London attacks showed that it is the most significant problem threatening world peace and security. Governments have started to deal with terrorism by improving security measurements and making new investments to stop terrorism. Most of the governments' and scholars' focus is on immediate threats and causes of terrorism, instead of looking at long-term solutions such as root causes and underlying reasons of terrorism, and the recruitment style of terrorist organizations If terrorist recruitment does not stop, then it is safe to say terrorist activities cannot be stopped. This study focused on the recruitment process by observing two different terrorist organizations, DHKP/C and Turkish Hezbollah. The researcher brings 13 years of field experience and first-person data gathered from inside the terrorist organizations. The research questions of this study were: (i) How can an individual be prevented from joining or carrying out terrorist activities? ; (ii) What factors are correlated with joining a terrorist organization? ; (iii) What are the recruitment processes of the DHKP/C, PKK, and Turkish Hezbollah? ; (iv) Is there any common process of being a member of these three terrorist organizations? ; and (v) What are the similarities and differences these terrorist organizations? As a result of this analysis, a terrorist recruitment process map was created. With the help of this map, social organizations such as family and schools may be able to identify ways to prevent individuals from joining terrorist organizations. Also, this map will also be helpful for government organizations such as counterterrorism and intelligence to achieve the same goal.
Analysis and Control of a Variable-Pitch Quadrotor for Agile Flight

Fixed-pitch quadrotors are popular research and hobby platforms largely due to their mechanical simplicity relative to other hovering aircraft. This simplicity, however, places fundamental limits on the achievable actuator bandwidth and the possible ﬂight maneuvers. This paper shows that many of these limitations can be overcome by utilizing variable-pitch propellers on a quadrotor. A detailed analysis of the potential beneﬁts of variable-pitch propellers over ﬁxed-pitch propellers for a quadrotor is presented. This analysis is supported with experimental testing to show that variable-pitch propellers, in addition to allowing for generation of reverse thrust, substantially increase the maximum rate of thrust change. A nonlinear, quaternion-based control algorithm for controlling the quadrotor is also presented with an accompanying trajectory generation method that ﬁnds polynomial minimum-time paths based on actuator saturation levels. The control law and trajectory generation algorithms are implemented on a custom variable-pitch quadrotor. Several ﬂight tests are shown, which highlight the beneﬁts of a variable-pitch quadrotor over a standard ﬁxed-pitch quadrotor for performing aggressive and aerobatic maneuvers. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4030676]
New Organized Crime: Problems and Issues for Information Analysis

This study illustrates the changing nature of organized crime at both national and international levels. Organized crime groups have changed in that they have entered the realm of high technology. In response this change, the use of new or modified analytical tools is suggested to enhance law enforcement efforts. This study highlights the problems of, and offers particular solutions for information analysis in its use in the fight against organized crime. Ultimately, it is argued that combined crime and intelligence analysis can be an effective and efficient method for the detection and prevention of modern organized crime.