Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlling plasma distributions as driving forces for ion migration during fs laser writing

The properties of structures written inside dielectrics with high repetition rate femtosecond lasers are known to depend strongly on the complex interplay of a large number of writing parameters. Recently, ion migration within the laser-excited volume has been identified as a powerful mechanism for changing the local element distribution and producing efficient optical waveguides. In this work it is shown that the transient plasma distribution induced during laser irradiation is a reliable monitor for predicting the final refractive index distribution of the waveguide caused by ion migration. By performing in situ plasma emission microscopy during the writing process inside a La-phosphate glass it is found that the long axis of the plasma distribution determines the axis of ion migration, being responsible for the local refractive index increase. This observation is also valid when strong positive or negative spherical aberration is induced, greatly deforming the focal volume and inverting the index profile. Even subtle changes in the writing conditions, such as an inversion of the writing direction (quill writing effect), show up in the form of a modified plasma distribution, which manifests as a modified index distribution. Finally, it is shown that the superior control over the waveguide properties employing the slit shaping technique is caused by the more confined plasma distribution produced. The underlying reasons for this unexpected result are discussed in terms of non-linear propagation and heat accumulation.
Energy use pattern of paddy production systems in khuzestan province, Iran

Energy use patterns and the contribution of energy input vary among farming systems. The optimal use of improved farm machinery coupled with the optimal use of other recommended sources permit an increase in paddy yield up to potential levels. In order to determine the effect of production systems on energy use efficiency focusing on mechanization for paddy production in Khuzestan province, a survey was conducted in the fourth largest rice producing region of Iran. The data were collected by interviewing the farmers using a questionnaire through two-staged cluster sampling of 295 households from these two regions covered farm operations over the period 2009-2010. The surveyed households were grouped into five categories based on the method of crop planting and drainage conditions. The energy input of paddy production systems ranged from 55,000 to 180,000 mega joules per hectare. This high amount of energy applied to paddy production in Khuzestan province is mainly due to the high amount of energy consumed by pumping water. This critical operation led to energy ratios below one for systems recognized as more mechanized. Energy consumption through diesel and electricity which was used for irrigation purposes and machinery operations was the maximum (up to 93%). The second highest energy input source was chemical fertilizer which consumed 4 to 57% of the total energy input. An operation-wise energy use analysis revealed that harvesting and tillage operations are important consumers of energy in paddy production. The rice crop showed a low energy ratio and energy productivity, indicating an energy-expensive crop under the conditions prevailing in the province. Article history:
Potential of equatorial Atlantic variability to enhance El Niño prediction

Extraordinarily strong El Niño events, such as those of 1982/1983 and 1997/1998, have been poorly predicted by operational seasonal forecasts made before boreal spring, despite significant advances in understanding, improved models, and enhanced observational networks. The Equatorial Atlantic Zonal Mode—a phenomenon similar to El Niño but much weaker and peaking in boreal summer—impacts winds over the Pacific, and hence affects El Niño, and also potentially its predictability. Here we use a climate model to perform a suite of seasonal predictions with and without sea surface temperature (SST) in the Atlantic restored to observations. We show for the first time that knowledge of equatorial Atlantic SST significantly improves the prediction across boreal spring of major El Niño events and also weaker variability. This is because Atlantic SST acts to modulate El Niño variability, rather than triggering events. Our results suggest that better prediction of major El Niño events might be achieved through model improvement in the equatorial Atlantic.
BELL PEPPER CULTIVATION WITH BRINE FROM BRACKISH WATER DESALINATION

In desalination process, besides the potable water, highly salty and pollutant water (brine) is generated, which can be used for producing crops since it is carefully monitored. In order to test this hypothesis, bell pepper plants, cv. ‘Margarita’, were grown in coconut fiber substrate under greenhouse and were irrigated with nutrient solutions prepared with tap water, brine from desalination plant, and its dilution with tap water at 75, 50 and 25%, giving a range of electrical conductivities of the nutrient solution (ECs) of 2.6, 3.1, 6.6, 10.0 and 12.2 dS m-1 after the dilutions and fertilizers addition. Completely randomized blocks design was used with 5 treatments (salinity levels of the nutrient solutions) and six replications. Leaf area, number of marketable fruit, total and marketable yield were reduced with ECs increase. The marketable yield of bell pepper ‘Margarita’ reduced 6.3% for each unitary increase of ECs above 2.6 dS m-1 (threshold salinity) and the results suggest that in hydroponic system, the reduction of marketable yield with increasing ECs is promoted by reduction of the number of fruits per plant instead of a reduction of fruit mean weight.
Age and Growth of the Areolate Grouper Epinephelus areolatus from the Gulf of Suez

Age and growth of the associated coral reef grouper, Epinephelus areolatus, were estimated for samples collected from the artisanal fishery in the Gulf of Suez during November 2013 and October 2014. Otoliths of 597 specimens ranged in length from 11.2 to 50.5 cm were used in age determination. The otoliths showed alternating opaque (light) and translucent zones when seen by reflected light against a dark background, a translu¬cent zone plus the opaque zone immediately around it formed an annulus. According to the otolith examination, the maximum life span of E areolatus was eight years with mean lengths of 16.9, 24, 29.9, 35.7, 39.7, 43.4, 46.6 and 49.7 cm for the age groups from one to eight respectively. Individuals belong to age group two constituted the bulk of the catch with more than 60% of the population. The results showed that the E. areolatus is a relatively slow growing species and the values of the von Bertalanffy growth function was estimated as K = 0.154, L∞ = 66.55 cm (LT) and t0 = −0.91 years. The estimated growth performance index is 2.83. The length weight relationship was estimated as a = 0.0135 and b = 2.9947, r2 =0.981 indicating an isometric growth of the weight relative to the length.
Are Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Related to Physical Symptoms? A Prospective Study of Patients with Advanced Chronic Disease

Access to increasingly sophisticated medical care over the last century has improved the prevention and treatment of many diseases that had previously been fatal, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, acute and chronic renal failure, some cancers, and myocardial infarction. Despite these important curative advances, insufficient emphasis was initially placed on the importance of relieving symptoms and providing continuing support to patients with limited prognosis of survival. A response to this deficiency was the emergence, in the sixties, of Hospice and Palliative Care movements, which sought to improve the quality of care of terminally ill patients and their families (Saunders, 2004).
On the size distribution of Atlantic tropical cyclones

The size of a tropical cyclone is known to vary considerably across storms, though little is understood about the environmental and internal factors that modulate it. Making use of newly available extended tropical cyclone records that include information about storm structure, we examine the size distribution of Atlantic tropical cyclones, using as a metric the radius of vanishing storm winds normalized by the theoretical upper bound given by the ratio of the potential intensity to the Coriolis parameter. We find that the distribution of this normalized outer radius is closely log‐normal.
Probiotics in the Management of Diseases: A Review

In recent years, there has been an increase in the application of probiotics for the treatment of some diseases and to alleviate the symptoms of many others. Diseases and ailments such as diarrhea, pouchitis, cancer, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, and a host of others have experienced an increase in the use of certain probiotics bacteria to combat them. The complete mechanisms of action of probiotics in disease management and enhancement of the health of the host remain largely unknown, but the major activity thus appear to be via modulation of immune responses (immunomodulations) and colonization competitive shielding off of pathogens. This paper is set to review some of the various ailments for which probiotics have been used. With an upsurge in the use of probiotics, also comes an increase in skeptism on the safety of their use for medical purpose, the safety concerns that may obstruct effective usage and thus judicious application of probiotics in disease management warrants further investigations.
Identifying Spatial Efficiency–Equity Trade-offs in Territorial Development Policies: Evidence from Uganda

Abstract We contribute to the debate on the spatial allocation of infrastructure investments by examining where these investments generate the highest economic return (‘spatial efficiency’), and identifying trade-offs when infrastructure coverage is made more equitable across regions (‘spatial equity’). We estimate models of firm location choice in Uganda, drawing on insights from the new economic geography literature. The main findings show that manufacturing firms gain from being in areas that offer a diverse mix of economic activities. Public infrastructure investments in other locations are likely to attract fewer private investors, and will pose a spatial efficiency–equity trade-off.
Numerical Method of Simulation of Material Influences in Mr Tomography

Abstract—Generally all Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques are affected by magnetic and electric properties of measured materials, resulting in errors in MR image. Using numerical simulation we can solve the effect of changes in homogeneity of static and RF magnetic fields caused by specimen made from conductive and/or magnetic material in MR tomograph. This paper deals with numerical simulation of material susceptibility influence to magnetic field.
Addressing and unravelling the emerging HPWS research problems

High-performance work system’s (HPWS) configuration is fraught with inconsistencies, and there are vague processes (black box) in-between the inputs (HPWS) and the output (performance). In addressing these issues, this research proposed that configuration of HPWS is many-sided, and it can be context-specific.Also, this study proposed a conceptual model which indicates that HPWS and performance are related via mediating mechanism(s) which will unpack the so-called “black box” in HRM research field. Using far-reaching literature survey, this paper presented a logic-based and empirically-based conceptual discussion to address and disentangle the identified HPWS research problems.The findings of this research stressed that configurations of HPWS are many-sided involving universalist approach, contingency approach, configuration approach, theory building process, etc.There are different ways of bundling up the HPWPs to achieve organizational outcomes. Using a blend of some approaches, this paper proposed a synergistic configuration of HPWS architectures for SMEs.It is hoped that the study will help in showing the stakeholders the process of enhancing SMEs’ performance via employee-oriented high-performance work system. However, the proposed model can be empirically solidified further via collection and analysis of relevant data.
The effects of lead and nickel ions on total proteins and metallothioneins synthesis in mice liver

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of lead and nickel ions on total proteins and metallothioneins synthesis in mice liver. Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal used in a wide variety of consumer products and occupational settings. Nickel (Ni) is a ubiquitous metal element found in a wide variety of compounds. The protein synthesis is the process by which biological cells generate new proteins. Metallothioneins (MTs) are a group of small proteins found in the cytosol of cells, particularly of liver, kidney, and intestine. Experiments were done on 4–6 weeks old white laboratory outbreed mice weighing 20–25 g. Concentration of protein was determined by Lowry method. MTs were assayed in mice liver according to Peixoto method. There are no statistically significant changes in lead group after 14 days experiment. After 14 days of injections of NiCl 2 solution, marked amino acid actuation to new synthesized protein has increased by 57%, in mice liver treated with Pb(CH 3 COO) 2 MTs content was increased by 57% compared with control. In mice liver treated with NiCl 2 MTs content was increased by 55% compared with control. There is no statistically significant effect of lead on protein synthesis in mice liver. According to the data, injections of NiCl2 solution marked amino acid actuation to new synthesized proteins has increased. The obtained data showed that in mice liver treated with NiCl 2 and Pb(CH 3 COO) 2 solutions MTs content was increased.
Experience Value, Satisfaction and Loyalty of International Tourists in Shanghai: A PLS-SEM Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to explore loyalty and satisfaction of international tourists visiting Shanghai with tourism services through five experience value dimensions: functional value, price value, emotional value, social value and novelty value. A questionnaire was used to gather data from 166 international tourists visiting Shanghai during September-October, 2016. The measures were taken and adapted from William & Soutar (2009), and Prebensen & Rosengren (2016). Data was analyzed using SPSS 24 and SmartPlS 3.2. The results confirm a direct and significant relationship between experience value and its five dimensions. Although all the dimensions of experience value had a significant indirect effect on satisfaction and loyalty, the study showed that international tourists in Shanghai worry more about the emotional, social, and novelty value a service can offer rather than the price or functional value.
The Macroeconomic Effects of Uncertainty Shocks in India - Gli effetti macroeconomici degli shock di incertezza in India

The macroeconomic response to uncertainty for India is studied in a structural model that decomposes uncertainty into negative and positive contributions. The results show that uncertainty shocks reduce industrial production, lead to an exchange rate depreciation, lowers prices and increases interest rates. Conversely, a reduction in uncertainty (or an increase in negative uncertainty) increases industrial production, reduces prices, leads to an exchange rate appreciation and slightly increases interest rates. The results, however, reveal that the response to uncertainty is insignificant – this implies that the short run duration and sign could be different. - La risposta macroeconomica all’incertezza in India e esaminata con un modello strutturale che scompone l’incertezza in contributi positivi e contributi negativi. I risultati mostrano che gli shock d’incertezza riducono la produzione industriale, portano ad un deprezzamento del cambio, abbassano il livello dei prezzi e fanno aumentano i tassi d’interesse. Al contrario, una riduzione dell’incertezza (o un aumento dell’incertezza negativa) fa aumentare la produzione industriale, riduce i prezzi, porta ad un aumento del tasso di cambio e incrementa leggermente i tassi d’interesse. In ogni caso i risultati rivelano che la risposta all’incertezza non risulta significativa – il che implica che la sua durata nel breve periodo ed il segno possono essere differenti.
A systematic component of the jump-risk premium in an AJD model

We develop an affine jump diffusion (AJD) model with the jump-risk premium being determined by both idiosyncratic and systematic sources of risk. While we maintain the classical affine setting of the model, we add a finite set of new state variables that affect the paths of the primitive, under both the actual and the risk-neutral measure, by being related to the primitive’s jump process. Those new variables are assumed to be commom to all the primitives. We present simulations to ensure that the model generates the volatility smile and compute the “discounted conditional characteristic function” transform that permits the pricing of a wide range of derivatives.
Observations and trends on the intra- annual variation of the fish assemblages on two artificial reefs in Algarve coastal waters (southern Portugal)

In 1990 two artificial reefs were deployed in southern Portuguese coastal waters, off Faro (FPR) and Olhao (OPR) respectively. In order to investigate the fish assemblages and their intra-annual variability, the two artificial reefs were monitored monthly by means of visual censuses from March 1994 to February 1995. Due to the complexity of the reefs, three strata were considered for fish counts. The two artificial reefs showed similar patterns in terms of residence status and spatial occupation. Most species recorded are characteristic of the infralittoral, the Sparidae family being the most represented. OPR, which is located closer to the main openings of the Ria Formosa lagoon, showed higher mean values than FPR in terms of: fish density (2.01±0.74 fish/m 3 )), fish biomass (123.6±77.4 g/m 3 ) and number of species (7.5). The effect of the juvenile fish migrations from the lagoon to the coastal waters was more evident at OPR. FPR showed a greater intra-annual variation of the ecological indexes than OPR. The results show that artificial reefs that are equal in terms of complexity and size may aggregate different fish assemblages as a result of their isolation and the influence of both hydrological features (e.g. water temperature) and endogenous biological processes in the area (e.g. proximity of nursery grounds).
Consumption Volatility, Marketization, and Expenditure in an Emerging Market Economy

In response to income fluctuations, households smooth consumption by substituting between market expenditure and time inputs. This paper provides evidence of this substitution in the context of food consumption over transitory and permanent income fluctuations in Mexico. Household time investments drive a wedge between consumption and expenditure, amplifying measured expenditure volatility. Volatility decompositions for Mexico and the United States suggest that the extent of bias in expenditure-based measures induced by changes in marketization is relatively larger in the Mexican setting. These findings imply that volatility comparisons between commodities or across countries are misleading when consumption measures ignore home production. (JEL D12, D91, E21, E32, O11, O12)
Selling Money on Ebay: A Field Study of Surplus Division

Abstract We study the division of trade surplus in a natural field experiment on German eBay. Acting as a seller, we offer Amazon gift cards with face values between 5 and 500 Euro. eBay users, the subjects of our experiment, make price offers according to the Buy-it-Now or Best Offer trading protocol. Using a novel decomposition method, we infer the trade surplus from the data and find that on average the buyers offer one quarter of the surplus to the seller. Additionally, we document: (i) insignificant effects of stake size; (ii) poor use of strategically relevant public information; and (iii) differences between East and West German subjects.
Genotype by Environment Interaction of Soybean (Glycine Max L. Merrill) For Yield and Yield Components in the Savanna

Genotype-by-environment interaction was exploited using ten genotypes in four locations covering Northern and Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone in Nigeria. In each of the locations the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications for two years 2013 and 2014 during the rainy season.GGE (genotype main effect (G) and genotype by environment (GE) interaction) bi-plot graphical tool was used to analyze the multi-environment trials (MET) data. The partitioning of the GE interaction showed that PC1 and PC2 accounted for 59.2% and 26.2% of the GGE sum of squares respectively. This also explained a total of 85.4% of the GEI variation. Two mega-environments were characterized with genotypes TGX 1904-6F, TGX 1935-3F, TGX 1440-1E and TGX 1984-22F falling into them. TGX 1448-2E and TGX 1895-35F appeared to be overall best genotypes combining high stability and yield though they did not fall into mega-environment could be recommended for use in breeding programmes.
PHOTODEGRADATION OF ATRAZINE BY ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS

Background: Atrazine is one of the most widely used triazine herbicides which has been used for controlling broadleaf and grassy weeds for many years. Its widespread use in water has caused environmental concern because of frequent detection of atrazine in aquatic systems where this herbicide has been spilled. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the herbicide removal efficiency at the optimal conditions. Methods: The effect of different parameters including pH at three different levels (3-11), the initial concentration of atrazine at three different levels (0.1-10 mg/L), and reaction time at five different levels (0-120 min) on the removal of atrazine in the aqueous phase using ultraviolet radiation (1020 μw/cm2) was investigated. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16). Results: The results demonstrated that atrazine removal rate increased by increasing pH, initial atrazine concentration, and reaction time. The maximum rate of atrazine removal (99.2%) at optimal condition occurred in pH=11, atrazine concentration=10 mg/L at 30 min. Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be concluded that the UV-A process is an effective and commodious method for reducing atrazine in polluted water resources.
Change We can Believe in? Reviewing Studies on the Conservation Impact of Popular Participation in Forest Management

This article presents a review of methods in 60 empirical studies on forest conservation impact of popular participation in forest management. The review illustrates a high degree of variance in methods among the studies, and shows that a majority of the studies could benefit from a stronger focus on one or more of the following three areas: (i) the empirical verification and characterisation of popular participation as it exists on the ground, (ii) the indicators of impact and the method used to assess them, and (iii) the disentanglement of the effect of popular participation from other developments in the study area that may impact on forest condition. The variation in methods inhibits comparisons and meta-analyses, as well as questions the basis on which policy recommendations on popular participation in forest management are made. Based on the review, we provide recommendations for future evaluations of the conservation impact of popular participation in forest management.