Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a volcanic cooling signal in a 335-year coral record from New Caledonia

Although volcanic cooling events have been detected in tree ring records, their occurrence in marine records has received much less attention. Herein we report results from a 335-year oxygen isotope record (1657–1992) from a New Caledonia coral indicating that as many as 16 interannual-scale cooling events occur within 1 year of a volcanic eruption as determined by ice core records. There are also pentadal/decadal-scale cooling events beginning in 1675, 1813, and 1903 that immediately postdate volcanic eruptions. However, the interannual correspondences are complicated by the fact that some of the cooling events also coincide with El Ninos, which cause cooling in this part of the western South Pacific. If our conclusions are substantiated by further work, occurrence of distinct volcanic cooling signals may enable refinement of coral chronologies by use of the “event stratigraphic” approach, with the most promising correlation horizons being associated with the following eruptions: 1808 (Unknown), 1813–1821 (several eruptions), 1835 (Coseguina), 1883 (Krakatau), and possibly 1963 (Agung).
A computational study of Saffman–Taylor instability in premixed flames

The Saffman–Taylor (S–T) instability mechanism in laminar premixed flames in a Hele–Shaw cell is investigated using two-dimensional numerical simulations with an Arrhenius reaction model and Poiseuille assumption for the viscous effect. The baseline calculations considering the Darrieus–Landau (D–L) and diffusive–thermal instability modes show results consistent with the classical linear instability theory. The primary effect of the variable transport properties is found to be the modification of the flame thickness, such that the results can be properly normalized by the actual flame thickness and timescales. The effect of different Lewis numbers is also found to be consistent with previous studies. With the S–T instability mechanism, the overall effect is to enhance the destabilizing mechanism by providing an increased viscous force in the product gas. The linear instability behaviour is found to be qualitatively similar to the D–L mechanism. However, the results in the nonlinear range demonstrate that there may exist distinct characteristic timescales associated with D–L and S–T mechanisms, such that the latter effect sustains longer in time, contributing to a higher overall flame speed. The calculations show that the S–T effect is considerable for Peclet numbers less than 50. For sufficiently smaller Peclet numbers, the overall flame speed is found to be significantly affected by the S–T mechanism.
A tale of two LAMS: a report of benign tissue ingrowth resulting in recurrent gastric outlet obstruction

Abstract Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gastroenterostomy is a novel, off-label, procedure that has been facilitated by availability of a novel lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) (Axios, Boston Scientific, Marlbourough Massachusetts, United States). The literature suggests its efficacy to be comparable to surgical gastrojejunostomy. In theory, this procedure overcomes the issues associated with woven enteral stents, which are subject to continuous, straightening, axial forces. We report the adverse event of tissue ingrowth in an Axios stent placed as an EUS-guided gastroduodenostomy, resulting in recurrence of gastric outlet obstruction, treated by a stent-inside-stent technique.
Planning and control of logistics for offshore wind farms

Construction and utilization of offshore wind farms will increase within the next years. So far the first German offshore wind farm was constructed and put into operation by "Alpha Ventus". Experiences illustrate that bad weather conditions are the main cause for delays in transport, handling and installation of offshore wind farms. This can lead to extensive project delays of several months. The main objective of current logistical research activities is the robust design of planning and control methods for offshore installations. In this study, the basic conditions and existing disturbances of supply chains for offshore installations are analyzed. Based on these results, a planning and control concept will be introduced. Additionally, a mathematical model using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) is developed. It calculates the optimal installation schedule for offshore wind farms by observing different weather conditions. The model can be used to reduce vessel operation times in dependence on seasonal or up-to-date weather forecasts.
Implementation of a distributed algorithm for multi-camera visual feature extraction in a visual sensor network testbed

[ANGLES] Visual analysis tasks, like detection, recognition and tracking, are computationally intensive, and it is therefore challenging to perform such tasks in visual sensor networks, where nodes may be equipped with low power CPUs. A promising solution is to augment the sensor network with processing nodes, and to distribute the processing tasks among the processing nodes of the visual sensor network. The objective of this project is to enable a visual sensor network testbed to operate with multiple camera sensors, and to implement an algorithm that computes the allocation of the visual feature tasks to the processing nodes. In the implemented system, the processing nodes can receive and process data from different camera sensors simultaneously. The acquired images are divided into sub-images, the sizes of the sub-images are computed through solving a linear programming problem. The implemented algorithm performs local optimization in each camera sensor without data exchange with the other cameras in order to minimize the communication overhead and the data computational load of the camera sensors. The implementation work is performed on a testbed that consists of BeagleBone Black computers with IEEE 802.15. 4 or IEEE 802.11 USB modules, and the existing code base is written in C++. The implementation is used to assess the performance of the distributed algorithm in terms of completion time. The results show a good performance providing lower average completion time.
QoE evaluation of multicast video delivery over IEEE 802 . 11 aa WLANs

The IEEE 802.11aa amendment standardised the Group Addressed Transmission Service (GATS), which extends 802.11 WLANs with a novel set of MAC mechanisms to support an effective and efficient multicast video service. The key challenge with GATS is the selection of the best scheme and its configuration for a given network scenario, as the standard does not provide any guidelines nor any assessment of the performance of each mechanism. Although some previous studies have addressed this challenge, their evaluation is either via analysis or simulations under non-realistic assumptions, or based on Quality of Service (QoS) metrics instead of video quality metrics, which are required for a proper video performance assessment. In this paper, we deploy a mid-size real-life testbed and develop a thoughtful methodology to perform an extensive Quality of Experience (QoE) evaluation of GATS under a variety of scenarios. We analyse the performance of the novel schemes under ideal conditions, as well as under controlled and non-controlled interference, assessing their ability to provide an adequate QoE and quantifying the resources left for other type of traffic. Ours is the first thorough QoE evaluation of GATS in a real-life scenario, providing key insights on their performance, and can be used to derive configuration guidelines for the schemes.
The impact of biomass, geothermal and hydroelectric energy consumption on industrial production: A threshold cointegration model with regime shifts

This paper aims at estimating the impact of total renewable energy consumption and its components on industrial production. Paper launches the data of industrial production, total biomass energy consumption, hydroelectric energy consumption, geothermal energy consumption and total renewable energy consumption for US for the period January, 1974 - January, 2012. Paper, then, following the growth rate of the data, employs nonlinear cointegration vector and nonlinear vector error correction model (VECM) through regime shifts. In estimation algorithm, all coefficients, except cointegration vector, are allowed to shift from one regime to another. Finally paper reveals that (i) total biomass energy consumption and industrial production and (ii) geothermal energy consumption and industrial production are significantly cointegrated and, that, on the other hand, (iii) hydroelectric energy consumption and industrial production, (iv) total renewable energy consumption and industrial production do not follow cointegrating path, and (v) VECM’s second regimes need larger adjustments in order for industrial growth to reach its long run equilibriums with growths of biomass and geothermal consumption.
Bifurcated neoclassical particle transport

The theory of neoclassical transport in an impure, toroidal plasma is extended to allow for steeper pressure and temperature gradients than are usually considered. It is found that the ion particle flux is a nonmonotonic function of these gradients for plasma parameters typical of the tokamak edge. A sudden transition between states of low and high confinement is therefore possible.
Ecological and reproductive constraints of body size in the gigantic Argentavis magnificens(Aves, Theratornithidae) from the Miocene of Argentina

Abstract. Several estimates of ecological and reproductive parameters are offered for the giant Argentavis magnificens (Teratornithidae), from upper Miocene localities in Argentina. Using the allometric relationship between home range and body mass observed in modern birds of prey, the home range of this extinct raptor is estimated in 542 km2. This implies that an adult individual soaring at an altitude of 120 m would travel around 2,168 km searching for its prey, a task that needs nearly three days flying 12 hours per day at 68 km/h. Such estimate suggests it behaved as vultures rather than eagles. The amount of meat ingested daily by an adult individual is estimated in 5-10 kg. Clutch size is predicted in 0.78 eggs per year for a bird this large, with an estimate for egg mass above 1000 g, suggesting one hatchling every two years. The scaling of incubation, nestling and post-fledging periods in modern raptors provide for A. Magnificens figures of 64, 230 and 190 days, respectively; the estimate of the time needed for acquiring adult plumage is 12.6 years. Annual mortality rate of this species was probably less than 2%. All these figures provide an emerging picture about A. magnificensas a scavenger with a very low population density and a strikingly slow turnover rate, whose individuals had very high metabolic requirements, thus needing to scan a large home range searching for food, and invested too much energy cost and time in reproduction. Resumen. TAMANO CORPORAL Y LIMITACIONES ECOLOGICAS Y REPRODUCTIVAS DE ARGENTAVISMAGNIFICENS (AVES, TERATORNITHIDAE) DEL MIOCENO DE ARGENTINA. Se realizan estimaciones de parametros ecologicos y reproductivos de Argentavis magnificens (Teratornithidae), del Mioceno superior de Argentina. Usando relaciones alometricas en aves modernas, se estimo el tamano del territorio en 542 km2. Esto implica que un individuo solitario planeando a una altitud de 120 m deberia recorrer 2168 km para encontrar una presa, lo que le demandaria aproximadamente 3 dias volando a 68 km/h. Tales valores sugieren un comportamiento mas similar al de los buitres que al de las aguilas modernas. Se estima en 5 a 10 kg la cantidad de carne ingerida diariamente por un adulto. El tamano de la puesta se infiere en 0,78 huevos por ano, la masa de cada huevo en 1000 g y la frecuencia de puesta cada dos anos. Los tiempos de incubacion, anidamiento y crianza se estiman en 64, 230 y 190 dias, respectivamente, y el periodo necesario para adquirir el plumaje adulto en 12,6 anos. La tasa de mortalidad fue probablemente inferior al 2%. La consideracion de estos valores en conjunto sugiere que A. magnificens fue un ave carronera, con una baja densidad poblacional, una remarcablemente baja tasa de renovacion y unos requerimientos metabolicos muy altos, por lo que necesitaba prospectar un territorio bastante amplio en busca de su alimento, invirtiendo un alto costo energetico y tiempo en la reproduccion.
Industrial ingredient co-branding: a brand relationship approach

Existing research on industrial ingredient co-branding alliances has largely focused on the functional andtransactional value that ingredient brands provide to ingredient buyers and sellers. The current research draws on the brand relationship perspective to investigate how the relational assets of ingredient brands generate value for both ingredient buyers and for the ingredient supplier itself. For the former, such value manifests in ingredient co-branding value, and for the latter, the value lies in brand equity. The results are derived from a survey of 107 ingredient buyers from a multinational ingredient manufacturer aiming to initiate ingredient co-branding agreements in the energy component industry. The results of the structural equation model reveal that ingredient brand trust directly affects both ingredient brand loyalty and ingredient co-branding value, but indicate no significant effect between brand loyalty and ingredient co-branding value. Moreover, ingredient co-branding value proved to be a driver of ingredient supplier brand equity.
The Solow model with CES technology: nonlinearities and parameter heterogeneity

This paper examines whether nonlinearities in the aggregate production function can explain parameter heterogeneity in the Solow growth regressions. Nonlinearities in the production technology are introduced by replacing the commonly used Cobb-Douglas (CD) aggregated production specification with the more general Constant-Elasticity-of-Substitution (CES) specification. We first justify our choice of production function by showing that cross-country regressions favour the CES over the CD technology. Then, by using an endogenous threshold methodology we show that the Solow model with CES technology is consistent with the existence of multiple regimes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of Hyperuricaemia and Hypertension: A Target for Treatment

Hypertension is a significant cardiovascular risk factor with multifactorial aetiology. The link between hypertension and hyperuricaemia has been noted for over a century however determining whether this link is causal and whether there is a role for management of hyperuriaemia in the context of hypertension has been more problematic. Over the past two decades research in this area has dramatically increased with development of animal models of hyperuricaemia and use of large observational cohorts. There is an emerging body of evidence that hyperuricaemia should be considered an independent risk factor for the development of essential hypertension and that further research into the management of hyperuricaemia is required.
Proceeding - Kuala Lumpur International Business, Economics and Law Conference 6, Vol. 1. April 18 – 19, 2015. Hotel Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Takaful (Islamic insurance) is one of the fastest-growing developing segments in the Islamic financial industry. The takaful market in Saudi Arabia remains the largest among the GCC countries with a contribution of US $2.9 billion in 2008 (E & Y, 2010). Participants in the takaful industry are the main stakeholders and their equity consists of ownership of the underwriting activities and the investment funds. Hence, it is important to adhere to participants preferences as it considered an individual realization of a need, which is a perceived lack. However, a number of studies indicated a negative communication between policyholders or participants who require the service and suppliers who provide it is large. Weakness of information dissemination has causes a negative compliance with participants preferences. Negative adherence to customer preferences and motivations might carry a negative connotation concerning the image of Islamic institutions. Most of the investigated studies were towards the Islamic banking products and they found that the most important factor in motivating customers to participate in the Islamic banks was religion rather than profitability. No studies have been conducted to systematically document participants’ preferences in the takaful industry. This paper attempts to fill the gap. The paper reports results about the preferences of 420 participants of takaful companies in Saudi Arabia on five dimensions. The research found that the most important factor in motivating participants to buy Islamic Insurance in Saudi Arabia was profit return rather than religion. The results indicate that there is a need for the TOs to educate their participants about the main purposes behind their contribution to the takaful fund.
A new combined treatment and effects on reducing decay in stored honey peaches: A study from a multi-year experiment

Peach is a popular fruit worldwide because of its nutritional valueand pleasant flavor ,and it is difficult to keep fresh under high temperature and high humidity.The compositional use of multi-materials is a trend for the peach post-harvest preservation. In order to investigate the effect of combined treatment of UV-C+pullulancoating, CaCl2+pullulancoating and UV-C+ modified atmosphere packaging in ambient temperature, the Fenghuang honey peaches were selected as the experiment materials. Based on one year’s preliminary experiments and four years’ repeated tests, the effects of different treatments about weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), membrane permeability, respiration rate and soluble sugar, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were examined each day during the storage period. After 7 days, the sound fruit rate of the control group decreased to 20%, while the part treated with 2%CaCl2+ 2%Pullulan coating kept at 80%. The results suggested that the 0.25kJ/m-2UV-C+2% Pullulan coating combination treatment was a useful technique for Fenghuang peach preservation. The results suggested that this combination could influence the degradation of pectin molecules, as well as the ability to induce antioxidant systems. Based on the results, the compositionof 0.25kJ/m-2UV-C+2%Pullulan coating have a prospect in future commercial production.
Title Detection of pain from nociceptive laser-evoked potentials usingsingle-trial analysis and pattern recognition

Pain is an unpleasant multidimensional experience, which could be largely influenced by various peripheral and cognitive factors. Therefore, the pain experience and the related brain responses exhibit high variability from time to time and from condition to condition. The availability of an objective assessment of pain perception would be of great importance for both basic and clinical applications. In the present study, we combined single-trial analysis and pattern recognition techniques to differentiate nociceptive laserevoked brain responses (LEPs) and resting electroencephalographical recordings (EEG). We found that quadratic classifier significantly outperformed linear classifier when separating LEP trials from resting EEG trials. Across subjects, the error rates of quadratic classifier, when it was tested on all trials (I1+I2), trials with low ratings (I1), and trials with high rating (I2), are respectively 17.5±3.5%, 20.6±4.3%, and 9.1±4.9%.
Habitat Selection of Adult Largemouth Bass Associated with Winter Drawdown in the Pend Oreille River

This paper characterizes movement and habitat selection of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides associated with winter drawdown, and loss of backwater habitat in the 3,887 ha impounded section of the Pend Oreille River, Idaho. Twenty adult largemouth bass (> 300 mm total length) were captured in a 30-km section of reservoir, surgically implanted with radio transmitters, and monitored biweekly from September 1999 to June 2000. Habitats available to largemouth bass under drawdown conditions were separated into seven categories based on water depth, velocity, presence of cover and orientation to the main river channel, and quantified using Geographic Information System (GIS). In the fall, largemouth bass exhibited a shift from backwater habitat to shoreline areas along the main river channel in response to lowering water levels, however movement into over-wintering areas did not occur until early November, when drawdown was near completion and water temperatures were below 10 o C. Two primary over-wintering areas (combined area 102.1 ha) contained 95 % of the largemouth bass monitored (n=19) from November to mid-March. Some fish traveled up to 16 km to winter in this area. Over-wintering areas were protected from main river currents, but were located outside of traditional backwater habitat, possibly to avoid cooler water temperatures in the back water habitat. Aquatic vegetation in 1-3 m of depth was associated with 90.2 % of the winter locations of largemouth bass, and was the most selected winter habitat. Our analysis suggests that largemouth bass were selecting not only specific habitat characteristics, but also a specific geographic area.
Analytical solutions for rotating vortex arrays involving multiple vortex patches

A continous two-parameter family of analytical solutions to the Euler equations are presented representing a class of steadily rotating vortex arrays involving $N\,{+}\,1$ interacting vortex patches where $N\,{\ge}\,3$ is an integer. The solutions consist of a central vortex patch surrounded by an $N$-fold symmetric alternating array of satellite point vortices and vortex patches. One of the parameters governs the size of the central patch, the other governs the size of the $N$ satellite patches. In the limit where the areas of the satellite vortex patches tend to zero, the solutions degenerate to the exact solutions of Crowdy (J. Fluid Mech. vol. 469, 2002, p. 209). Limiting states are found in which cusps form only on the central patch, only on the satellite patches, or simultaneously on both central and satellite patches. Contour dynamics simulations are used to check the mathematical solutions and test their robustness. The linear stability of a class of ‘point-vortex models’ (in which the patches are replaced by point vortices) are also studied in order to examine the stability of the distributed-vorticity configurations to pure-displacement modes. On the other hand, a desingularization of all point vortices to Rankine vortices leads to a class of ‘quasi-equilibria’ consisting purely of interacting vortex patches close to hydrodynamic equilibrium.
Common fixed-point theorems for commuting maps on a metric space

2. In this section, we prove a fixed point theorem which is a generalization of Theorem 1.1. Let X be a complete metric space. Let f be a continuous self-map on X and let g be any self-map on X such that (1.1) is satisfied. We define a sequence of points {xn} as follows. For xo (E X) arbitrary, let x1 (EX), guaranteed by (1. 1), be such that g(xO) = f(x1). Having defined xn ( E X), let xn I 1 ( E X) be such that g(xn) = f(Xn + Letting g(xn) (= f(xn I 1)) = Yn (n = 0, 1, 2,. ) we denote by O(Yk; n) the set of points yk,yk+ I *. * Yk+In). Let us assume that f and g satisfy the following condition: There exists a constant a E (0, 1) such that for every x, y in X,