Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CCN measurements during ACE-2 and their relationship to cloud microphysical properties

Measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration at 0.1% supersaturation were made onboard the CIRPAS Pelican over the northeast Atlantic during June and July, 1997, in the vicinity of Tenerife, Spain, as part of the second Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-2). The average CCN concentration (N ccn ) in the marine boundary layer for clean air masses was 27±8 and 42±14 cm’3 for cloudy and clear conditions, respectively, consistent with measurements made near the British Isles and close to Tasmania, Australia, during ACE-1 for similar conditions. A local CCN closure experiment was conducted. Measured N ccn is compared with predictions based on aerosol number size distributions and size-resolved chemical composition profiles determined from measurements and the literature. A sublinear relationship between measured and predicted N ccn ,N ccn ~N0.51 , was found. This result is consistent with some previous studies, but others have obtained results much closer to the expected 1 : 1 relationship between measured and predicted N ccn . A large variability between measured and predicted N ccn was also observed, leading to the conclusion that, for 95% of the data, the predictions agree with measurements to within a factor of 11. Relationships between belowcloud N ccn and aerosol accumulation mode concentration, and in-cloud cloud droplet number
New Routes to Recycle Scrap Tyres

Most means of transport need tyres as an essential component to work. Tyre composition is complex and is designed according to high technical standard requirements of adhesion, flexibility, forces and pressures, which are necessary for their functioning. However, tyres suffer from wear and have a limited lifetime due to its use. After their replacement, the unusable tyres are known as End of Life (EOL) tyres. The crosslinked chemical structure of the rubber, the high amount of stabilizers and other additives present in tyres formulations make them a non-biodegradable, nonenvironmentally friendly material. The growing environmental awareness linked to the development of new european and national regulations have instigated the research for recovering EOL tyres for other applications. A common industrial procedure prior to any form of recovery consists in grinding the tyre, in order to obtain a powder called ground tyre rubber (GTR). This powder has been proposed as a suitable reinforcement for composite materials as a way to reduce the amount of EOL tyres in added value applications. However, one of the main issues of working with GTR is its low compatibility with most of polymeric matrices used, mainly due to highly crosslinked rubber structure. Another drawback is related with the high particle size of GTR obtained by standard industrial grinding process (between 400 and 600 μm approximately) that results in brittle composite materials. Different methods have been already tested to compatibilize the polymer blends and to reduce GTR’s particle size, turning out to be too expensive procedures to provide an economically competitive material. In this chapter, several ways to blend GTR with commodity polymers were discussed. The proposed alternatives are based on the preparation of new composite materials using GTR as a reinforcement, thereby providing another way of adding value and reducing the stock of used tyres. For the development of the proposed GTR based composites, it will be necessary to improve adhesion between matrix and rubber reinforcement. In this regard, the following methods have been carried out, which was discussed in this chapter: 1) acid pre-treatment of GTR materials, 2) use of wetting additives and waxes into the mixture and 3) use of a ternary blend to prepare a thermoplastic elastomer. The effect of each proposed method on the mechanical and morphological properties of the GTR based composites was studied. Also, microstructural and chemical characterization of the composites was provided. Moreover, the materials have been optimized in order to
Developmental model for the pathogenesis of testicular carcinoma in situ: genetic and environmental aspects

Carcinoma in situ testis (CIS), also known as intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN), is a pre-invasive precursor of testicular germ cell tumours, the commonest cancer type of male adolescents and young adults. In this review, evidence supporting the hypothesis of developmental origin of testicular germ cell cancer is summarized, and the current concepts regarding aetiology and pathogenesis of this disease are critically discussed. Comparative studies of cell surface proteins (e.g. PLAP and KIT), some of the germ cell-specific markers (e.g. MAGEA4, VASA, TSPY and NY-ESO-1), supported by studies of regulatory elements of the cell cycle (e.g. p53, CHK2 and p19-INK4d) demonstrated a close similarity of CIS to primordial germ cells and gonocytes, consistent with the pre-meiotic origin of CIS. Recent gene expression profiling studies showed that CIS cells closely resemble embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The abundance of factors associated with pluripotency (NANOG and OCT-3/4) and undifferentiated state (AP-2g) may explain the remarkable pluripotency of germ cell neoplasms, which are capable of differentiating to various somatic tissue components of teratomas. Impaired gonadal development resulting in the arrest of gonocyte differentiation and retention of its embryonic features, associated with an increasing genomic instability, is the most probable model for the pathogenesis of CIS. Genomic amplification of certain chromosomal regions, e.g. 12p, may facilitate survival of CIS and further invasive progression. Genetic studies, have so far not identified gene polymorphisms predisposing to the most common non-familial testicular cancer, but this research has only recently begun. Association of CIS with other disorders, such as congenital genital malformations and some forms of impaired spermatogenesis, all rising in incidence in a synchronous manner, led to the hypothesis that CIS might be a manifestation of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). The aetiology of TDS including testicular cancer remains to be elucidated, but epidemiological trends suggest a primary role for environmental factors, probably combined with genetic susceptibility.
Foreign Aid and Domestic Taxation: Multiple Sources, One Conclusion

There are influential studies that argue that foreign aid displaces domestic tax revenue when it is given in the form of grants. These claims are based on data that are deeply problematic: several different sources are amalgamated into one dataset, with no apparent checks on compatibility. In this article, a variety of econometric strategies are used to overcome these issues of data quality. The resulting weight of evidence points to a modest but positive effect on the part of foreign aid generally on domestic tax revenue. Fears over a negative effect for aid grants appear unwarranted, and are accounted for by the inappropriate use of data or endogeneity issues.
A BAYESIAN APPROACH TO LOCATING THE RED GIANT BRANCH TIP MAGNITUDE. I.

We present a new approach for identifying the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) which, as we show, works robustly even on sparsely populated targets. Moreover, the approach is highly adaptable to the available data for the stellar population under study, with prior information readily incorporable into the algorithm. The uncertainty in the derived distances is also made tangible and easily calculable from posterior probability distributions. We provide an outline of the development of the algorithm and present the results of tests designed to characterize its capabilities and limitations. We then apply the new algorithm to three M31 satellites: Andromeda I, Andromeda II, and the fainter Andromeda XXIII, using data from the Pan-Andromeda Archaeological Survey (PAndAS), and derive their distances as 731(+ 5) + 18(− 4) − 17 kpc, 634(+ 2) + 15(− 2) − 14 kpc, and 733(+ 13) + 23(− 11) − 22 kpc, respectively, where the errors appearing in parentheses are the components intrinsic to the method, while the larger values give the errors after accounting for additional sources of error. These results agree well with the best distance determinations in the literature and provide the smallest uncertainties to date. This paper is an introduction to the workings and capabilities of our new approach in its basic form, while a follow-up paper shall make full use of the method's ability to incorporate priors and use the resulting algorithm to systematically obtain distances to all of M31's satellites identifiable in the PAndAS survey area.
The Information Revolution, Security, and International Relations: (IR)relevant Theory?

The purpose of this article is twofold: to analyze the impact of the information revolution on security and to clarify what existing international relations theory can say about this challenge. These pertinent questions are initially addressed by a critical review of past research. This review shows that the concern for security issues is largely confined to a specialist literature on information warfare and cyber-security, while neither the general literature on information society nor security studies pay any serious attention to information-technology-related security issues. The specialist literature is mostly policy oriented, and only very rarely informed by theory, whether from the international relations discipline or any other field. In this article, three general international relations “schools” (realism, liberalism, and constructivism) are scrutinized with regard to what they can say about security in the digital age. It is argued that the liberal focus on pluralism, interdependence, and globalization, the constructivist emphasis on language, symbols, and images (including “virtuality”), and some elements of realist strategic studies (on information warfare) contribute to an understanding of digital-age security. Finally, it is suggested that pragmatism might help to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and overcome the dualistic, contending nature of international relations theories.
ELEMENT: A NEW NONCONFORMING FINITE ELEMENT FOR CONVECTION-DIFFUSION PROBLEMS∗

We consider a nonconforming streamline diffusion finite element method for solving convection-diffusion problems. The loss of the Galerkin orthogonality of the streamline diffusion method when applied to nonconforming finite element approximations results in an additional error term which cannot be estimated uniformly with respect to the perturbation parameter for the standard piecewise linear or rotated bilinear elements. Therefore, starting from the Crouzeix–Raviart element, we construct a modified nonconforming first order finite element space on shape regular triangular meshes satisfying a patch test of higher order. A rigorous error analysis of this Pmod 1 element applied to a streamline diffusion discretization is given. The numerical tests show the robustness and the high accuracy of the new method.
On QoE-Oriented Cloud Service Orchestration for Application Providers

New virtualization technologies allow Infrastructure Providers (InPs) to lease their resources to Application Service Providers (ASPs) for highly scalable delivery of cloud services to end-users. However, existing literature lacks knowledge on Quality of Experience (QoE)-oriented cloud service orchestration algorithms that can guide ASPs on how to plan their budget to enhance satisfactory QoE delivery to end-users. In contrast to the InP’s cloud service orchestration, the ASP’s orchestration should not rely on expensive infrastructure control mechanisms such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), or require aprioriknowledge on the number of services to be instantiated and their anticipated placement location within InP’s infrastructure. In this paper, we address this issue of delivering satisfactory user QoE by synergistically optimizing both ASP’s management and data planes. The optimization within the ASP management planefirst maximizes Service Level Objective (SLO) coverage of users when application services are being deployed, and are not yet operational. The optimization of the ASP data plane then enhances satisfactory user QoE delivery when applications services are operational with real user access. Our evaluation of QoE-oriented algorithms using realistic numerical simulations, real-world cloud testbed experiments with actual users and ASP case studies show notably improved performance over existing cloud service orchestration solutions.
Private Investment Fund Regulation - Theory and Empirical Evidence from 1998 to 2016

Private investment fund regulation in the United States evolved substantially in the last two decades. Tracing the main regulatory developments, this article summarizes the author’s theoretical and empirical findings on the effects of changes in private investment fund regulation from 2006 to 2016, assessing the regulatory implications of the failure of Long-Term Capital Management L.P. in 1998 and the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010. More recent trends include the emerging confluence of private investment funds and mutual funds as well as private investment funds’ use of blockchain technology and smart contracts.
Amplitude and frequency variations of oscillation modes in the pulsating DB white dwarf star KIC 08626021 The likely signature of nonlinear resonant mode coupling

Context. The signatures of nonlinear effects affecting stellar oscillations are difficult to observe from ground observatories because of the lack of continuous high-precision photometric data spanning extended enough time baselines. The unprecedented photometric quality and coverage provided by the Kepler spacecraft offers new opportunities to search for these phenomena. Aims. We use the Kepler data accumulated on the pulsating DB white dwarf KIC 08626021 to explore in detail the stability of its oscillation modes, searching, in particular, for evidence of nonlinear behaviors. Methods. We analyze nearly two years of uninterrupted short-cadence data, concentrating on identified triplets that are caused by stellar rotation and that show intriguing behaviors during the course of the observations. Results. We find clear signatures of nonlinear effects that could be attributed to resonant mode coupling mechanisms. These couplings occur between the components of the triplets and can induce different types of behaviors. We first notice that a structure at 3681 μHz, identified as a triplet in previous published studies, is in fact forming a doublet, with the third component being an independent mode. We find that a triplet at 4310 μHz and this doublet at 3681 μHz (most likely the two visible components of an incomplete triplet) have clear periodic frequency and amplitude modulations, which are typical of the so-called intermediate regime of the resonance, with timescales consistent with theoretical expectations. Another triplet at 5073 μHz is likely in a narrow transitory regime in which the amplitudes are modulated while the frequencies are locked. Using nonadiabatic pulsation calculations, based on a model representative of KIC 08626021 to evaluate the linear growth rates of the modes in the triplets, we also provide quantitative information that could be useful for future comparisons with numerical solutions of the amplitude equations. Conclusions. The observed modulations are the clearest hints of nonlinear resonant couplings occurring in white dwarf stars identified so far. These should resonate as a warning to projects that aim at measuring the evolutionary cooling rate of KIC 08626021, and of white dwarf stars in general. Nonlinear modulations of the frequencies can potentially jeopardize any attempt to measure such rates reliably, unless they can be corrected beforehand. These results should motivate further theoretical work to develop the nonlinear stellar pulsation theory.
High-precision photometry by telescope defocusing - IV. Confirmation of the huge radius of WASP-17 b

We present photometric observations of four transits in the WASP-17 planetary system, obtained using telescope defocusing techniques and with scatters reaching 0.5? mmag per point. Our revised orbital period is 4.0 +/- 0.6? s longer than previous measurements, a difference of 6.6s, and does not support the published detections of orbital eccentricity in this system. We model the light curves using the jktebop code and calculate the physical properties of the system by recourse to five sets of theoretical stellar model predictions. The resulting planetary radius, Rb = 1.932 +/- 0.052 +/- 0.010? RJup (statistical and systematic errors, respectively), provides confirmation that WASP-17? b is the largest planet currently known. All 14 planets with radii measured to be greater than 1.6? RJup are found around comparatively hot (Teff > 5900? K) and massive (MA > 1.15? M? ) stars. Chromospheric activity indicators are available for eight of these stars, and all imply a low activity level. The planets have small or zero orbital eccentricities, so tidal effects struggle to explain their large radii. The observed dearth of large planets around small stars may be natural but could also be due to observational biases against deep transits, if these are mistakenly labelled as false positives and so not followed up.
Use of nuclear microsatellite loci for evaluating genetic diversity among selected populations of Abies alba Mill. in the Czech Republic

The simple sequence repeats (SSR) method of DNA analysis was used to determine genetic diversity within and among silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) populations. Total genomic DNA was extracted from 250 Abies alba adult individuals collected from 8 important populations growing in different parts of the Czech Republic. Samples were screened using eight selected polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers. PCR products were separated by capillary electrophoresis. Identified genetic loci were verified as reliable and polymorphic and were used for comparative genetic analyses of silver fir populations. The genotypic data from the adult trees implies genetic differences among the studied populations. The populations’ genetic diversity expressed as Shannon’s information index values was highest in the JD06 population from Hochwald. The lowest genetic diversity was in the JD02 population from Velké Polčané, Morávka. The longest genetic distance appeared between the JD02 (Velké Polčané, Morávka) and JD07 (Hojsova Stráž) populations. The closest genetic distance was between the JD01 (Babín) and JD03 (Vodslivy) populations.
Investigation on the Mechanism of Erosion Control of Ipomoea carneaJacq. (Kafi Kancila / Kashe- Kwari) in Gombe State, Nigeria

Studies were conducted to investigate the mechanism of erosion control of Ipomoea carnea within Gombe State; Nigeria with the aim of investigating what features enabled the plant to successfully control erosion. Six sites were randomly selected within the metropolis taking consideration of presence of gullies and presence of the plant. Macro-morphological parameters of growth were then taken for each site. The morphology of the roots and stems of the plant were also observed and studied. Data on macro-morphological measurements obtained were subjected to Analysis of variance. The result showed that Site 6 (GRA) had the highest growth parameters while Site 1(GSU) recorded the lowest. The result of the root and stem morphology revealed that the plant produces horizontal branches which rapidly root along the downward side in contact with the ground, and give rise to many erect side branches. At the tip of the horizontal branch a secondary shrub (ramet) develops. The laid-down branch becomes a functional stolon, which persists and keeps mother and daughter plant connected. Individual plants thus easily expand in each direction with in-line offspring, covering several square meters. Decumbent branches also root in the soil before growing upwards establishing new plants separately from the main plant. It was therefore concluded that this mechanism of extension which contributes mostly to vegetative regeneration of the plant can be used for rapid propagation of the plant in the gullies hence it is a recommended plant for erosion control in Gombe State, Nigeria.
Future Change of Northern Hemisphere Summer Tropical-Extratropical Teleconnection in CMIP5 Models

Two dominant global-scale teleconnections in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) extratropics during boreal summer season (June‐August) have been identified: the western North Pacific‐North America (WPNA) and circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) patterns. These teleconnection patterns are of critical importance for the NH summer seasonal climate prediction. Here, how these teleconnections will change under anthropogenic global warming is investigated using representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) experiments by 20 coupled models that participated in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The six best models are selected based on their performance in simulation of the two teleconnection patterns and climatological means and variances of atmospheric circulation, precipitation, and sea surface temperature. The selected models capture the CGT and its relationship with the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) reasonably well. The models can also capture the WPNA circulation pattern but with striking deficiencies in reproducing its associated rainfall anomalies due to poor simulation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon rainfall. The following changes are anticipatedin thelatterhalf of twenty-first centuryundertheRCP4.5scenario:1)significant weakening of year-to-year variability of the upper-level circulation due to increased atmospheric stability, although the moderate increase in convective heating over the tropics may act to strengthen the variability; 2) intensification of the WPNA pattern and major spectral peaks, particularly over the eastern Pacific‐North America and North Atlantic‐Europe sectors, which is attributed to the strengthening of its relationship with the preceding mature phase of El Ni~ Oscillation (ENSO); and 3) weakening of the CGT due to atmospheric stabilization and decreasing relationship with ISM as well as weakening of the ISM‐ ENSO relationship.
LABORATORY STUDIES ON THE FORMATION OF FORMIC ACID (HCOOH) IN INTERSTELLAR AND COMETARY ICES

Mixtures of water (H2O) and carbon monoxide (CO) ices were irradiated at 10 K with energetic electrons to simulate the energy transfer processes that occur in the track of galactic cosmic-ray particles penetrating interstellar ices. We identified formic acid (HCOOH) through new absorption bands in the infrared spectra at 1690 and 1224 cm−1 (5.92 and 8.17 μm, respectively). During the subsequent warm-up of the irradiated samples, formic acid is evident from the mass spectrometer signal at the mass-to-charge ratio, m/z = 46 (HCOOH+) as the ice sublimates. The detection of formic acid was confirmed using isotopically labeled water-d2 with carbon monoxide, leading to formic acid-d2 (DCOOD). The temporal fits of the reactants, reaction intermediates, and products elucidate two reaction pathways to formic acid in carbon monoxide–water ices. The reaction is induced by unimolecular decomposition of water forming atomic hydrogen (H) and the hydroxyl radical (OH). The dominating pathway to formic acid (HCOOH) was found to involve addition of suprathermal hydrogen atoms to carbon monoxide forming the formyl radical (HCO); the latter recombined with neighboring hydroxyl radicals to yield formic acid (HCOOH). To a lesser extent, hydroxyl radicals react with carbon monoxide to yield the hydroxyformyl radical (HOCO), which recombined with atomic hydrogen to produce formic acid. Similar processes are expected to produce formic acid within interstellar ices, cometary ices, and icy satellites, thus providing alternative processes for the generation of formic acid whose abundance in hot cores such as Sgr-B2 cannot be accounted for solely by gas-phase chemistry.