Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The full-spectrum correlated-k method for longwave atmospheric radiative transfer using an effective Planck function

The correlated-k-distribution (CKD) method is widely used in the radiative transfer schemes of atmospheric models; it involves dividing the spectrum into a number of bands and then reordering the gaseous absorption coefficients within each one. The fluxes and heating rates for each band may then be computed by discretizing the reordered spectrum into O(10) quadrature points per major gas and performing a pseudomonochromatic radiation calculation for each point. In this paper it is first argued that for clear-sky longwave calculations, sufficient accuracy for most applications can be achieved without the need for bands: reordering maybeperformedontheentirelongwavespectrum.Theresultingfull-spectrumcorrelated-k(FSCK)method requires significantly fewer pseudomonochromatic calculations than standard CKD to achieve a given accuracy. The concept is first demonstrated by comparing with line-by-line calculations for an atmosphere containing only water vapor, in which it is shown that the accuracy of heating rate calculations improves approximately in proportion to the square of the number of quadrature points. For more than around 20 points,the root-mean-square errorflattens out at around 0.015 K day 21 due to the imperfectrank correlation of absorption spectra at different pressures in the profile. The spectral overlap of m different gases is treated by considering an m-dimensional hypercube where each axis corresponds to the reordered spectrum of one of the gases. This hypercube is then divided up into a number of volumes, each approximated by a single quadrature point,such that the total numberof quadrature points is slightlyfewer thanthe sum of the number that would be required to treat each of the gases separately. The gaseous absorptions for each quadrature point are optimized such that they minimize a cost function expressing the deviation of the heating rates and fluxes calculated by the FSCK method from line-by-line calculations for a number of training profiles. This approach is validated for atmospheres containing water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone, in which it is found that in the troposphere and most of the stratosphere, heating rate errors of less than 0.2 K day 21 can be achieved using a total of 23 quadrature points, decreasing to less than 0.1 K day 21 for 32 quadrature points. It would be relatively straightforward to extend the method to include other gases.
Just enough inflation: power spectrum modifications at large scales

We show that models of `just enough' inflation, where the slow-roll evolution lasted only 50- 60 e-foldings, feature modifications of the CMB power spectrum at large angular scales. We perform a systematic analytic analysis in the limit of a sudden transition between any possible non-slow-roll background evolution and the final stage of slow-roll inflation. We find a high degree of universality since most common backgrounds like fast-roll evolution, matter or radiation-dominance give rise to a power loss at large angular scales and a peak together with an oscillatory behaviour at scales around the value of the Hubble parameter at the beginning of slow-roll inflation. Depending on the value of the equation of state parameter, different pre-inflationary epochs lead instead to an enhancement of power at low ℓ, and so seem disfavoured by recent observational hints for a lack of CMB power at ℓ≲ 40. We also comment on the importance of initial conditions and the possibility to have multiple pre-inflationary stages.
Connexins in mammalian heart function

In heart, the propagation of electrical activity is mediated by intercellular channels, referred to as junctional channels, aggregated into gap junctions and localised between myocytes. These channels consist of structurally related transmembrane proteins, the connexins, three of which (CX43, CX40 and CX45) have been shown to be associated with the myocytes of mammalian heart; a fourth, CX37, was detected exclusively in endothelial cells. In this paper, we review the recent data dealing with the topographical heterogeneity of expression of these connexins in the different cardiac tissues and the unique conductance properties of the channels they form, and attempt to assess the role played by each connexin and the consequences of their multiplicity in the propagation of action potentials.
Gender and nutrition

Addressing gender in nutrition is critical; addressing gender inequalities can result in larger improvements in malnutrition than if gender inequalities are not tackled. Without addressing the core issue of gender (e.g. decision making, access to resources, power), we may not make as much progress as is needed to improve nutrition. Addressing gender can help put and end to intergenerational malnutrition (2, 3). Hence, as part of TAN’s work, it is essential to integrate a gender lens in the work. This short document provides key messages for discussion with the SUN Focal Point and other key stakeholders.
The reproducibility of the station pullthrough technique for measuring lower oesophageal sphincter pressure

The results are presented of two studies of the station pullthrough technique for lower oesophageal manometry. The first part of the work is an assessment of the reproducibility of this technique using both an infused tube system and a system of subminiature, intraluminal strain gauge transducers. The second part of this report describes a study into the effect that the position of the recording hole on the probe may have in relation to the measured pressure for the lower oesophageal sphincter.
Constrained-covisibility marginalization for efficient on-board stereo SLAM

When targeting embedded applications such as on-board visual localization for small Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), available hardware generally becomes a limiting factor. For this reason, the usual strategy is to rely on pure motion integration and/or restricting the size of the map, i.e. performing visual odometry. Moreover, if monocular vision is employed, due to the additional computational cost of stereo vision, this requires dealing with the problem of unknown scale. In this work we discuss how the cost of the tracking task can be reduced without limiting the size of the global map. To do so, the notion of covisibility is strongly used which allows choosing a fixed and optimal set of points to be tracked. Moreover, this work delves into the concept of parallel tracking and mapping and presents some finer parallelization opportunities. Finally, we show how these strategies improve the computational times of a stereo visual SLAM framework called S-PTAM running on-board an embedded computer, close to camera frame-rates and with negligible precision loss.
Temporal Variation in Forest Bird Survey Data from Tutuila Island, American Samoa

Avian census data from tropical Pacific islands often are limited to brief, one-time surveys. These efforts yield information about species' presence and distribution but reveal little about variation in abundance through time. This variation may be important for refining and optimizing survey methods and, in turn, assessing habitat preferences, population status, activity patterns, or the impact of disturbance on the abundance and distribution of island birds. The objective of this study was to determine if intra- or interannual patterns exist in the recorded abundance of resident land birds. Forest birds on Tutuila Island, American Samoa, were surveyed each month from 1992 to 1996 at 35 stations on six transects distributed around the island. We used multiple regression techniques to determine that seasonal patterns in detected abundance exist in several species, most notably the Purple-capped Fruit-dove, Ptilinopus porphyraceus, and the Wattled Honeyeater, Foulehaio carunculata. Intraannual patterns may be associated with seasonally variable vocalizations or with concentrations of birds at particular resources. Interannual trends in abundance were not islandwide for any native species during the study period; they were localized and as such may be attributable to small-scale changes in habitat rather than to overall changes in population size. The results of this study, especially that the abundance of nonmigratory island birds is seasonally variable, reinforce the importance of year-round monitoring in the study and conservation of Pacific birds.
Selectins and Neutroph i l Traffic : Marg inat ion and Streptococcus Pneumoniae-induced E m i g r a t i o n in Murine Lungs By

The roles of selectins in the pulmonary margination and emigration of neutrophils were investigated by using mice genetically deficient in both Eand P-selectins (E/P mutants) and/or by intravenous injections of fucoidin (inhibiting both Land P-selectins). E/P mutants were neutrophilic (14.7 + 4.9 • 106 vs. 0.8 + 0.1 • 10 ~' neutrophils/ml). This neutrophilia was associated with increased margmation ofneutrophils within pulmonary capillaries (39.7 -_+ 9.4 vs. 4.6 --+ 1.1 neutrophil profiles per 100 red blood cell profiles) but no change in margination within noncapillary pulmonary microvessels. After intratracheal instillation of Streptococcus pneumonia< lungs o f E / P nmtants displayed increased neutrophil emigration (564 --+ 92 vs. 116 --19 neutrophils per 100 alveolar profiles), edema (5.3 + 1.5 vs. 1.5 • 0.4 ~l/g body weight), and histologic evidence of lung injury compared with those in wild-type (WT). Fucoidin treatment did not affect neutrophil emigration during streptococcal pneumonia in W T or E/P mice. During pneumonia, the number of white blood ceils (WBC) tethered to or spread upon the noncapillary vessel endothelium increased in both WT and E/P lungs. These are the first data demonstrating that neutrophil margination in uninfected pulmonary capillaries does not require Eand P-selectins; that streptococcal pneumonia induces an Eand P-selectin-independent increase in WBC interactions with noncapillary endothelium; and that migration of neutrophils to alveoli can occur despite deficiency or inhibition of all of the known selectins.
Interaction between chemicals and melanin.

Various drugs and other chemicals, such as organic amines, metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc., are bound to melanin and retained in pigmented tissues for long periods. The physiological significance of the binding is not evident, but it has been suggested that the melanin protects the pigmented cells and adjacent tissues by adsorbing potentially harmful substances, which then are slowly released in nontoxic concentrations. Long-term exposure, on the other hand, may build up high levels of noxious chemicals, stored on the melanin, which ultimately may cause degeneration in the melanin-containing cells, and secondary lesions in surrounding tissues. In the eye, e.g., and in the inner ear, the pigmented cells are located close to the receptor cells, and melanin binding may be an important factor in the development of some ocular and inner ear lesions. In the brain, neuromelanin is present in nerve cells in the extrapyramidal system, and the melanin affinity of certain neurotoxic agents may be involved in the development of parkinsonism, and possibly tardive dyskinesia. In recent years, various carcinogenic compounds have been found to accumulate selectively in the pigment cells of experimental animals, and there are many indications of a connection between the melanin affinity of these agents and the induction of malignant melanoma.
Students' perspectives on problem-based learning in a transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program

Doctor of physical therapy (DPT) graduates are expected to be competent in professional behaviors, communication, critical inquiry, clinical decision making, and evidence-based practice. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of students enrolled in a single, problem- based learning (PBL) course within a conventional lecture-based transitional DPT (tDPT) program. Students wrote weekly entries in a reflective journal. Three investigators identified significant statements in the journal entries, clustered the statements, and developed themes. Five themes were identified: 1) accessing and applying information, 2) value of giving and receiving feedback, 3) value of and commitment to the group, 4) awareness and appreciation of the PBL process, and 5) personal and professional growth. A single PBL course within a tDPT conventional curriculum was well accepted by students in this study. Students appreciated the benefits of learning in a group, and gained knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with characteristics desired of DPT graduates.
CONSUMERS' ADOPTION OF ELECTRONIC TICKETING: AN APPLICATION IN THE AIR TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN TUNISIA

AbstractThis chapter aims to identify the factors in decision making for accepting e-ticketing by Tunisian individuals. Based on constructs from the technology acceptance model, a model is developed for studying consumers' acceptance towards e-ticketing system of a national air travel company. The travelers' intention to purchase e-tickets is chosen as dependent variable in the model. The several variables in the model are then identified and operationalized according to previous research. Data were collected among air travel potential customers in Tunisia through survey, and are analyzed using regression analysis. The findings are discussed with regard to limitations of the study and managerial insights are addressed.
im-Computer-Assisted Pelvic Surgery An In Vitro Study of Two Registration Protocols

287 An in vitro study was done to test the accuracy and functionality of computer-assisted surgery in pelvic orthopaedic surgery. The study was done on two fresh hips from one cadaver. In each hip, 10 titanium marker screws were inserted through standard pelvic osteotomy incisions. After a computed tomography scan was obtained the data were introduced into the navigation system. For the accuracy measurements the location of the center of the spherical heads of the marker screws was determined relative to a reference base attached to the pelvis using a special pointer that corresponded to the spherical head of the screws. A randomized trial was done with two surgeons to test the accuracy of two different anatomy-based registration protocols. The deviation between the virtual position of the marker screws in the pelvis, calculated by the computer after each anatomy based registration, and the real position were compared for each registration. Accuracy is not only related to the distance of the computed tomography slices and the necessary computed tomography field of view but also depends on the location of the point on the pelvis.
Under-reporting of alcohol and substance use versus other psychiatric symptoms in individuals living with HIV

Abstract Substance use is known to negatively impact outcomes in patients living with HIV by decreasing adherence to and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapies. Alcohol and other drug abuse and dependence are widespread among HIV-positive individuals, though reported rates vary greatly by study, suggesting the possibility of under-reporting. The extent to which patients minimize symptoms and the factors that influence reporting remain to be determined. The present study sought to gauge the degree to which substance use is under-reported in a primary care HIV clinic by evaluating the influence of anonymity versus confidentiality of self-report on endorsement rates. Patients (n = 55) currently receiving medical treatment completed a confidential questionnaire assessing the presence of alcohol abuse, other drug misuse, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Another group of 55 patients completed a comparable survey, but did so anonymously. The two groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics, but self-report of substance use differed depending on how symptoms were assessed, with anonymous questionnaires yielding significantly (p<0.05) higher rates, compared to confidential surveys. Under-reporting appeared specific to alcohol and substance use, with no statistically significant differences between anonymous and confidential surveys in the proportion of patients endorsing symptoms of GAD. The fact that the screener specifically designed to identify patients in need of further evaluation produced lower rates of reported alcohol and drug use suggests that more work is needed to identify appropriate tools for accurately assessing substance use in HIV-positive patients so that adequate referrals and services can be offered to those in need.
Spatiotemporal organization of simple-cell receptive fields in the cat's striate cortex. I. General characteristics and postnatal development.

1. Most studies of cortical neurons have focused on the spatial structure of receptive fields. For a more complete functional description of these neurons, it is necessary to consider receptive-field structure in the joint domain of space and time. We have studied the spatiotemporal receptive-field structure of 233 simple cells recorded from the striate cortex of adult cats and kittens at 4 and 8 wk postnatal. The dual goal of this study is to provide a detailed quantitative description of spatiotemporal receptive-field structure and to compare the developmental time courses of spatial and temporal response properties. 2. Spatiotemporal receptive-field profiles have been measured with the use of a reverse correlation method, in which we compute the cross-correlation between a neuron's response and a random sequence of small, briefly presented bright and dark stimuli. The receptive-field profiles of some simple cells are space-time separable, meaning that spatial and temporal response characteristics can be dissociated. Other cells have receptive-field profiles that are space-time inseparable. In these cases, a particular spatial location cannot be designated, unambiguously, as belonging to either an on or off subregion. However, separate on and off subregions may be clearly distinguished in the joint space-time domain. These subregions are generally tilted along an oblique axis. 3. Our observations show that spatial and temporal aspects of receptive-field structure mature with clearly different time courses. By 4 wk postnatal, the spatial symmetry and periodicity of simple-cell receptive fields have reached maturity. The spatial extent (or size) of these receptive fields is adult-like by 8 wk postnatal. In contrast, the response latency and time duration of spatiotemporal receptive fields do not mature until well beyond 8 wk postnatal. 4. By applying Fourier analysis to spatiotemporal receptive-field profiles, we have examined the postnatal development of spatial and temporal selectivity in the frequency domain. By 8 wk postnatal, spatial frequency tuning has clearly reached maturity. On the contrary, temporal frequency selectivity remains markedly immature at 8 wk. We have also examined the joint distribution of optimal spatial and temporal frequencies. From 4 wk postnatal until 8 wk postnatal, the range of optimal spatial frequencies increases substantially, whereas the range of optimal temporal frequencies remains largely unchanged. From 8 wk postnatal until adulthood, there is a large increase in optimal temporal frequencies for cells tuned to low spatial frequencies. For cells tuned to high spatial frequencies, the distribution of optimal temporal frequencies does not change much beyond 8 wk postnatal. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Introducing Tax Education in Non-Accounting Curriculum in Higher Education: Survey Evidence

This study aims i) to assess the quest for tax education among working adults that pursuing off-campus non-accounting program, ii) to analyze the level of tax knowledge among the working adults, iii) to elicit the relevant tax topics to be taught should tax education be integrated into non-accounting curriculum in higher education. We surveyed 450 working adults pursuing off-campus non-accounting program in one Malaysian public university. 190 usable responses were received. The survey found 64% of the respondents were keen to learn taxation, and only 23.7% of the respondents possessed high level of tax knowledge. The topics that they desired to learn the most are basic tax principles, personal taxation, tax planning for individuals and taxation for small business and company. The findings suggest that as we moved into the era of self-assessment tax system, it is imperative for the accounting academics and the education authorities to seriously consider introducing tax education in non-accounting curriculum in higher education.
Novel flow cytometric screening method for bacterial contamination of red blood cells: a proof‐of‐principle evaluation

Platelet concentrates (PCs) are the major source of transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection but the significantly higher number of transfused red blood cells (RBCs) has resulted in a similar occurrence of possible transfusion‐associated bacterial infections as those of recipients transfused with platelets. The aim of this study was adaption of the BactiFlow (BF) flow cytometric rapid PC screening method for the detection of bacterial contamination in RBCs.
Assortment Optimization under the Paired Combinatorial Logit Model

When retailers decide which assortment of products to offer, they can make use of a choice model that describes how customers choose and substitute among the products. The key is to use a choice model that faithfully captures the choice process of customers, while making sure that the corresponding problem of finding the revenue-maximizing assortment remains tractable. In “Assortment Optimization Under the Paired Combinatorial Logit Model,” Zhang, Rusmevichientong, and Topaloglu consider the paired combinatorial logit model to capture the choice process of customers. This choice model uses a utility maximization framework to capture the customer choices, and the utilities of the products can have a rather general correlation structure. The authors demonstrate that one can construct algorithms with performance guarantees to solve the assortment optimization problem under this choice model.
Relationship between Financial Strategies and Agribusiness Performance A Case of Nyeri County in Kenya

This project aimed at determining the relationship between financial strategies and agribusiness performance. The researcher placed emphasis on emerging livestock value chains of, indigenous improved chicken, rabbits, dairy goats and fish (trout, tilapia & cut/mud fish). To achieve the set objectives the researcher used a few selected financial and non-financial indicators to measure agribusiness performance. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of financial strategies (access to finance, source of finance and financing period) on the performance of agribusinesses. The results of the study revealed a strong relationship between favorable loan interests had a strong positive relationship and performance of agribusiness. Access to long term financial products also had a strong positive relationship with performance, indicating that an increase in easy access to long germ financial products increases the performance of agribusiness. The researcher thus concluded that livestock agribusiness owners must focus their efforts on financial strategies for improved performance. Thus the researcher recommended financial strategies for better livestock agribusiness performance.