Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ceremonies And The City: The Court In Fourteenth-Century Constantinople

The picture of court life in the reconquered Constantinople, which is generally regarded as representative of the whole of the late Byzantine period from the late thirteenth century to 1453, is based on the one surviving text from the period after 1204 that contains descriptions of ceremonies, the so-called Treatise on the court titles by the anonymous author known as Pseudo-Kodinos. The author of this chapter argues that the modern portrayal of a reduced and impoverished ceremonial and court life, does not rely so much on the text of Pseudo- Kodinos itself, as on expectations and preconceptions created by the tenth-century Book of Ceremonies . One important difference in the two works is: the Book of Ceremonies is antiquarian, while the Treatise presents living ceremony, protocols that reflect ceremonies that were being performed in the mid fourteenth century. Keywords: Book of Ceremonies ; fourteenth century Constantinople; late Byzantine period; Pseudo-Kodinos; Treatise on the court titles
THE EFFECTS OF DISTURBANCE EVENTS ON LABILE PHOSPHORUS FRACTIONS AND TOTAL ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS

Changes in labile soil phosphorus pools, together with changes in organic matter and total organic soil phosphorus levels, were measured following rhododendron harvest and hurricane windthrow events at the Coweeta Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site. Seasonal soil samples were1 taken every 3 months from June 1996 to September 1997. Soil cores were taken along four transects within each study area at distances approximately 1, 5, and 15 m upslope from the stream channel. Levels of resin P were low for all sites and sampling dates (<5 [jug PO4-P g soil" 1). Levels of bicarbonate inorganic P were <8 (jig PO4-P g soil" 1 for all sites and sampling dates, whereas bicarbonate organic P levels were somewhat higher and ranged from 6.5 to 26.6 jjig PO4-P g soil" 1. Microbial P levels were the most variable and ranged from 4.5 to 25.8 |xg PO4-P g soil" 1. In contrast, total organic P levels were high, 149 to 348 (jug PO4-P g soil"1. For the 3 years after the disturbance events, there were no significant changes in labile phosphorus pools or in total organic phosphorus levels in the soil. This lack of significant differences is likely attributable to the low phosphorus, high P-sorbing status of the soils at Coweeta and the lack of erosion that followed these disturbance events. (Soil Science 1999;164:391-402)
Approaches to Liberalizing Services

The aim of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the link between foreign aid and income inequality for the period 1973-2002. Since simple cross-country regressions cannot be taken as true time series findings, we also focus on dynamic panel data techniques, which allow accounting for potential simultaneity and heterogeneity problems. We do not find very robust evidence that foreign aid is conducive to the improvement of the distribution of income, even when the quality of institutions is taken into account. This finding is consistent with recent empirical research on aid and growth that shows that such a link is weak at best.
A new glacier inventory for the European Alps from Landsat TM scenes of 2003: challenges and results

Abstract Meltwater from glaciers in the European Alps plays an important role in hydropower production, and future glacier development is thus of economic interest. However, an up-to-date and alpine-wide inventory for accurate assessment of glacier changes or modelling of future glacier development has not hitherto been available. Here we present a new alpine-wide inventory (covering Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland) derived from ten Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) scenes acquired within 7 weeks in 2003. Combined with the globally available digital elevation model from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, topographic inventory parameters were derived for each of the 3770 mapped glaciers, covering 2050 km2. The area-class frequency distribution is very similar in all countries, and a mean northerly aspect (NW, N, NE) is clearly favoured (arithmetic counting). Mean glacier elevation is ~2900 m, with a small dependence on aspect. The total area loss since the previous glacier inventory (acquired around 1970±15 years) is roughly one-third, yielding a current area loss rate of ~2%a–1. Digital overlay of the outlines from the latest Austrian glacier inventory revealed differences in the interpretation of glacier extents that prohibit change assessment. A comparison of TM-derived outlines with manually digitized extents on a high-resolution IKONOS image returned 1.5% smaller glaciers with TM.
The Dentition of Megalosaurid Theropods

Theropod teeth are particularly abundant in the fossil record and frequently reported in the literature. Yet, the dentition of many theropods has not been described comprehensively, omitting details on the denticle shape, crown ornamentations and enamel texture. This paucity of information has been particularly striking in basal clades, thus making identification of isolated teeth difficult, and taxonomic assignments uncertain. We here provide a detailed description of the dentition of Megalosauridae, and a comparison to and distinction from superficially similar teeth of all major theropod clades. Megalosaurid dinosaurs are characterized by a mesial carina facing mesiolabially in mesial teeth, centrally positioned carinae on both mesial and lateral crowns, a mesial carina terminating above the cervix, and short to well-developed interdenticular sulci between distal denticles. A discriminant analysis performed on a dataset of numerical data collected on the teeth of 62 theropod taxa reveals that megalosaurid teeth are hardly distinguishable from other theropod clades with ziphodont dentition. This study highlights the importance of detailing anatomical descriptions and providing additional morphometric data on teeth with the purpose of helping to identify isolated theropod teeth in the future.
Integrative Modeling of Caprock Integrity in the Context of CO2 Storage: Evolution of Transport and Geochemical Properties and Impact on Performance and Safety Assessment

The objective of the “Geocarbone-Integrite” project (2005-2008) was to develop a methodology to assess the integrity of the caprock involved in the geological storage of CO2 . A specific work package of the project (WP5) was dedicated to the integration of (1) the phenomenology describing the evolution of the storage system with a focus on the mechanisms occurring in the caprock and at the interface with the caprock, and (2) the data obtained from the investigation of petrographical, geomechanical, and geochemical properties, before and after reaction with CO2 -rich solutions, performed in the other work packages (WP1 to WP4). This knowledge was introduced in numerical models and specific safety scenarios were defined in order to assess the performance of the CO2 storage system.The results of the modeling show that the injection of CO2 can potentially have a significant effect on the caprock by changing the porosity due to the dissolution and precipitation of minerals, but that the impact is limited to a zone from several decimeters to several meters of the caprock close to the interface with the reservoir depending on whether the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2 ) plume enters into the caprock and if fractures are present at this location.The methodology used in this project can be applied to a pilot site for the injection of CO2 in the Paris Basin. A key aspect of the safety of such a facility will be to look at the coupling of geochemical alteration and the evolution of geomechanical properties in the short and medium terms (several hundreds of years). The challenge for the future will be to structure and apply the safety assessment methodology with an operational finality, in order to support the robustness of the transition step to CGS projects at the industrial scale.
The Music Self-Perception Inventory: Development of a short form

Music self-concept integrates perceptions, beliefs, and self-schemas about a person’s musical abilities and potential. Like other self-concept dimensions, it is multifaceted, hierarchically organized and has implications for motivation toward musical practice. The Music Self-Perception Inventory (MUSPI) is a theoretically based instrument assessing six specific music self-concept dimensions, as well as global music self-concept. Nonetheless, its applicability is limited by its length (84 items). In this study, we developed and validated a 28-item short form of the MUSPI, and showed that the short form yielded equivalent psychometric properties as the original. We validated the original MUSPI on a first sample and used these results to develop a shorter version (MUSPI-S), which we then cross-validated using a new independent sample. We also tested whether the MUSPI-S psychometric properties generalized (were invariant) across gender and grade-differentiated subgroups. Finally, we examined the convergent validity of the MUSPI and MUSPI-S. Results highlighted the psychometric soundness of the MUSPI-S on all criteria, and showed that it presented patterns of associations with other constructs equivalent to those observed with the original MUSPI.
Synoptic regulation of the 3 May 1999 tornado outbreak

Abstract Despite the relatively successful long-lead-time forecasts of the storms during the 3 May 1999 tornadic outbreak in Oklahoma and Kansas, forecasters were unable to predict with confidence details concerning convective initiation and convective mode. The forecasters identified three synoptic processes they were monitoring for clues as to how the event would unfold. These elements were (a) the absence of strong surface convergence along a dryline in western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, (b) the presence of a cirrus shield that was hypothesized to limit surface heating, and (c) the arrival into Oklahoma of an upper-level wind speed maximum [associated with the so-called southern potential vorticity (PV) anomaly] that was responsible for favorable synoptic-scale ascent and the cirrus shield. The Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Fifth-Generation Mesoscale Model (MM5), nested down to 2-km horizontal grid spacing, is used in forecast mode [using the data from th.
Effects of the Signalling Principle on EFL Learning: A Study of Explicit Presentation of Frequent Grammar Mistakes Using an Adapted Functional Teaching Approach

This piece of research presents the results of a quasi-experimental study on the effects of the signalling principle (Mayer 2001) in a sample of Chilean university EFL learners exposed to pictures and text with explicit presentations of grammar mistakes. One group was presented explicitly some frequent grammar mistakes previously elicited from ten experienced teachers of English that included the signalling principle (using several colours, sounds and semiotic signs). The other group was exposed to the functional approach, where grammar mistakes were implicitly dealt with, using the same pictures as teaching resources used by the experimental group. Both groups kept the interactive and functional practice. After using different instruments to test recognition and oral production, findings revealed there were no significant differences with a P-value of 0.314 and a 5% level of significance when both groups were compared in the recognition stage of mistakes. This means that both groups benefited from explicit and implicit presentation of specific English contents. However, in the oral production stage, the group that was explicitly exposed to some grammar mistakes did a better job at "monitoring" and self-correcting some of the mistakes that had been shown in the presentation stage. These results show that using explicit presentations of grammar mistakes on one hand was neither detrimental nor unnecessary for recognising such mistakes, and on the other hand, learners increased their monitoring and self correcting learning capacities.
Monetary Policy and the Transaction Role of Money in the US

The declining importance of money in transactions can explain the well-known fact that U.S. interest rate policy was passive in the pre-Volcker period and active after 1982. We generalize a standard cashless New Keynesian model (Woodford, 2003) by incorporating an explicit transaction role for money. In the pre-Volcker period, we estimate that money did play an important role and determinacy required a passive interest rate policy. However, after 1982, money no longer played an important role in facilitating transactions. Correspondingly, the conventional view prevails and an active policy ensured equilibrium determinacy.
Generating spiking time series with Generative Adversarial Networks : an application on banking transactions

The task of data generation using Generative Models has recently gained more and more attention from the scientific community, as the number of applications in which these models work surprisingly well is constantly increasing. Some examples are image and video generation, speech synthesis and style transfer, pose guided image generation, cross-domain transfer and super resolution. Contrarily to such tasks generating data coming from the banking domain poses a different challenge, due to its atypical structure when compared with traditional data and its limited availability due to privacy restrictions. In this work, we analyze the feasibility of generating spiking time series patterns appearing in the banking environment using Generative Adversarial Networks. We develop a novel end-to-end framework for training, testing and comparing different generative models using both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Finally, we propose a novel approach that combines Variational Autoencoders with Generative Adversarial Networks in order to learn a loss function for datasets in which good similarity metrics are difficult to define.
Assessment of Effectiveness of Different Teaching Methodologies in Pharmacology for Undergraduates at a Rural Medical College of Bastar Region

Background: Pharmacology is one of the most fundamental subjects in the field of medicine and a good grasp of this subject is vital for any clinical practitioner. The teaching of pharmacology in medical and dental colleges of India has evolved from mere didactic lectures to audio-visual aid based lectures and computer based learning. Aim: To identify strengths and weaknesses in the current teaching-learning and evaluation methodology in pharmacology using feedback from the undergraduates of Late Shree Baliram Kashyap Memorial Government Medical College, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in March-April 2015. The tool used was pretested questionnaire. A total of 150 students from II, III, &Final year MBBS participated in study. They were administered a pre-validated questionnaire after explaining them the purpose of the study. Suggestions were also asked regarding the qualities of good pharmacology teachers and modification in pharmacology teaching methods. Descriptive statistics were used and results were expressed as percentage. Results: The students’ opinion revealed important information. Most of the students are aware that pharmacology as one of the most important subjects in the medical curriculum. Many students wanted the use of audiovisual aids and introduction of integrated teaching, also clinical demonstrations on the manikin . Conclusion : The present study has helped us to elicit the student preference regarding pharmacology teaching and its Outcome would be helpful in modifying undergraduate pharmacology teaching patterns.
“Miss, I Am Not Being Fully Prepared”: Student - Teachers’ Concerns About Their Preparation at a Teacher Training Institution in Jamaica

The issue of teacher preparation continues to occupy academic discourse relating to student outcomes and student achievement (Stronge, Ward & Grant, 2011). Research has supported the view that there is an inextricable connection between student outcomes, quality of teaching and teachers, and teacher preparation (Darling-Hammond 2005; Grover 2002). Similarly, theories about students’ self efficacy beliefs (e.g. Bandura, 1977; Dweck, 2000) and Institutional Habitus (Bourdieu, 1977) have been advanced in relation to students’ study experience, motivation and coping mechanisms. Using data from a focus group comprising 30 third year students enrolled in a four year teacher training pogramme in Jamaica, this paper discusses student-teachers’ concerns about their training. The main findings from this small scale exploratory study indicated that student teachers’ concerns were about the quality of teaching and teachers, curriculum organisation, content and delivery,
Experience of Trained Primary Health Care Workers in Mental Health Service Delivery across Ogun State Nigeria

Background: In developing countries with shortage of mental health professionals, paramedics are trained in the delivery of mental health services. Knowledge of the experience of the trained health workers is useful in evaluating output of service and restructuring training package. This study was undertaken to determine the experience of trained primary health care (PHC) workers in mental health service delivery across Ogun State South west Nigeria. Methods: Aro Primary Care Mental Health Program (APCMHP) was developed for the training of 80 PHC workers across the state using adapted mhGAP intervention guide to assess and treat/ refer five priority conditions: Psychosis, Depression, Epilepsy, Alcohol & Substance Abuse and Other Significant Emotional Complaint (OSEC). Data was collected on their experience 12 months after commencement of service delivery. Descriptive statistics were used and appropriate ethical approval was obtained. Results: Out of the 80 PHC workers, attrition of 25 (31.3%) was recorded in 12 months period. 54 valid questionnaires were analyzed. There were 52 (96.3%) females and 90.7% were nurses. The mean (SD) age was 42.4 (16.3) years. A total of 473 patients were seen with diagnostic breakdown as follows: Psychosis (45.9%), Epilepsy (38.3%), Depression (10.1%), OSEC (3.2%) and Alcohol & Substance Abuse (2.5%). Diagnostic and treatment difficulty was reported for the following: Psychosis (23.1%), Depression (22.0%), Epilepsy (3.7%), OSEC (52.2 %) and Alcohol & Substance Abuse (57.1%). Personal fulfillment in mental service delivery was reported by 88.5%, while 94.3% reported that the program was helpful to the community. Good attitude of clients and relatives towards the program was identified by 86.8% of the PHC workers. Conclusion: Our study revealed a high personal fulfillment of the trained PHC workers in mental health service delivery. There is need for re-training of the PHC workers towards effective service delivery.
A bosonic Josephson junction

We review the experimental realization of a single bosonic Josephson junction for ultracold gases, which was made possible by the generation of a precisely controllable double-well potential for Bose–Einstein condensates. We will focus on the comparison of the experimentally obtained data with the predictions of a many-body two-mode model and a mean-field description and show that the observed static, thermal and dynamical properties can be described in terms of classical equations.
Gr upSM Duality and Plasticity of Th 17 Cells in Behçet ’ s Disease

T helper type 17 (Th17) cells are active players in the establishment of inflammation in Behçet’s disease (BD). How this process impacts the immune dysregulation observed in BD is far from fully understood. Plasticity within this subset is suggested by the existence of IL-17 secreting cells, which express either forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) or retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor (RORγt), signature transcription factors of Treg and Th17 respectively. Much more is unknown at the basic level, as IL-17 producing cells do not always contribute to inflammation, and may even acquire regulatory features depending upon environment modifications. This review aims to highlight Th17 plasticity and to discuss the role of Th17/IL-17-axis in BD inflammatory pathway.
Host Affinity of Nematode Species of the Genus Aphelenchoides

Aphelenchoides are commonly known as foliar nematodes. Information on host diversity and host taxonomic affiliation revealed that out of 23 nematode species11were monophagous, and of these 70% species preferred dicotyledons. All the monophagous species had GAI value of 1.000. Polyphagous species were species specific. However, generalized picture revealed that 69.71, 14.86 and 15.43% plant species were accepted as host from dicotyledons, monocotyledons and others (non-angiosperms), respectively. A. cibolensis was exclusively feeding on non-angiosperms (ferns, junipers, pines). A fragariae showed greater affiliation to dicot-herbaceae and indicated 3 possible evolutionary lineages which contributed host taxonomic affinity in the range of 70 to 86%.
Analysis of hierarchical SSOR for three dimensional isotropic model problem

In this paper, we study a hierarchical SSOR (HSSOR) method which could be used as a standalone method or as a smoother for a two-grid method. It is found that the method leads to faster convergence compared to more costly incomplete LU (ILU(0)) with no fill-in, the SSOR, and the Block SSOR method. Moreover, for a two-grid method, numerical experiments suggests that HSSOR can be a better replacement for SSOR smoother both having no storage requirements and have no construction costs. Using Fourier analysis, ex- pressions for the eigenvalues and the condition number of HSSOR preconditioned problem is derived for the three-dimensional isotropic model problem.
Critical examination of constraints on the equation of state of dense matter obtained from GW170817

The correlation of the tidal polarizabilities Λ1-Λ2 for GW170817 is predicted by combining dense-matter equations of state (EOSs) that satisfy nuclear physics constraints with the chirp mass and mass asymmetry for this event. Our models are constrained by calculations of the neutron-matter EOS using chiral effective field theory Hamiltonians with reliable error estimates up to once or twice the nuclear saturation density. In the latter case, we find that GW170817 does not improve our understanding of the EOS. We contrast two distinct extrapolations to higher density: a minimal model (MM) which assumes that the EOS is a smooth function of density described by a Taylor expansion and a more general model parametrized by the speed of sound that admits phase transitions. This allows us to identify regions in the Λ1-Λ2 plots that could favor the existence of new phases of matter in neutron stars. We predict the combined tidal polarizability of the two neutron stars in GW170817 to be 80≤Λ≤580 (280≤Λ≤480 for the MM), which is smaller than the range suggested by the LIGO-Virgo data analysis. Our analysis also shows that GW170817 requires a NS with M=1.4M⊙ to have a radius 9.0km