Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SCINTILLATING SCREEN APPLICATIONS IN BEAM DIAGNOSTICS

Scintillating screens are frequently used to detect ionizing particles and are of the great importance for transverse beam profile monitoring at nearly all particle accelerators. The monitor principle relies on the fact that a charged particle crossing the screen material will deposit a part of its energy which is converted into visible light. The resulting photon emission leads to a direct image of the two-dimensional beam distribution and can be measured with standard optical techniques. Simplicity and low cost make this kind of monitor very attractive. In the last years scintillating screen monitors were mainly deployed in hadron and low energy electron machines where the intensity of optical transition radiation (OTR) is rather low. The recent experience from modern LINACbased light sources shows that even for high energy electron beams standard OTR diagnostics might fail due to coherent effects, thus making the use of scintillators again very attractive. In this paper, a general introduction to the scintillation mechanism in inorganic media will be given. Practical demands and limitations, as well as a brief overview on actual applications at hadron and electron accelerators will be discussed as summary of the "Scintillating Screen Applications in Beam Diagnostics" workshop, recently held in Darmstadt [1].
Cross-national partisan effects on agenda stability

ABSTRACT Studies of policy attention find only mixed support for a partisan impact, instead showing that policy attention reacts more to world events. Yet, a rigorous examination of the ways in which change in the partisan composition of government matters for the distribution of policies across issues has yet to be completed in a cross-national framework. Combining data on policy output from the Comparative Agendas Project, the authors present a detailed investigation of parties’ effects on agenda stability in six advanced industrial democracies over time. The authors consider parties as dynamic organizations by arguing that parties’ organizational characteristics and goals interact with their electoral context to determine their impact on policy attention. The results show that parties’ influence on the policy agenda depends on economic conditions, the type of government, the government’s seat share, and the number of parties in the governing cabinet, particularly following a major transition in government.
Examining ownership of counterfeits: A Chinese perspective

Counterfeiting is one of the most significant economic phenomena in recent times (Bian & Moutinho, 2011). The International Anti Counterfeiting Coalition has estimated that counterfeiting is a $600 billion problem (Wilcox et al., 2009). Many research have suggested that by supporting counterfeits, consumers are helping to support criminal syndicates, terrorism, and illegal activities and contributes to unemployment (Lowe, 2006). Furthermore, the repercussions of counterfeiting are substantial for international and local luxury brands (Chow, 2000; Trainer 2002). The counterfeit industry has also directly affected the attractiveness for foreign investors to enter the market, as they are afraid of detrimental effects of counterfeiting on their brand equity.
A Study on Structural and Optical Properties of Nanostructure Mg x Zn 1x O Thin Films Using Pulsed Laser Deposition

For this paper, films have been grown under various deposition conditions in order to understand the effect of processing on the film properties and to specify the optimum condition, namely substrate at temperatures of 400C, oxygen pressure (2×10) mbar, laser fluence 400 mJ, and with different Mg doping (x=0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06), using double frequency Q-switching Nd:YAG laser beam (wavelength 532nm), repetition rate (1-6) Hz and the pulse duration of (10 ns), to deposit MgxZn1-xO films on glass substrates with thickness of about 200±10 nm for all MgxZn1-xO films at different deposition condition and the number of laser pulses was 100 pulses. The Xrays spectra revealed that the presence of diffraction peaks indicates that the polycrystalline of the films depended strongly on the Mg-content in the layers. All the grown films is (101) as predominant reflection. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images, the average grain size less than 50 nm. From the study of atomic force microscopy (AFM), we can determine the root mean square (RMS) surface roughness of Mg doped ZnO films. The optical properties were characterized by the transmittance and absorption spectroscopy at room temperature, measured in the range from (300 900) nm. For all the films, the average transmittance in the visible wavelength region λ = (400 800) nm is greater than (70%). The maximum value of the transmittance is greater than (95%) was obtained for these films. (Eg) values of MgxZn1-xO thin films are (3.37, 3.59, 3.82, and 4)eV corresponding to the Mg-content (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06) respectively. In other word, the optical band gap of MgxZn1-xO thin films become wider as Mg-content increases and can be precisely controlled between 3.37 and 4eV.
The long-term role of the home learning environment in shaping students’ academic attainment in secondary school

© Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between the characteristics of the home learning environment (HLE) and students' academic attainments in secondary school in England at age 14 and 16. Design/methodology/approach - This research study uses multilevel statistical models to investigate the strength and significance of relationships between various measures of the HLE at ages three, six, 11 and 14, and students' academic attainment in secondary school. Findings - Multilevel models show that early years HLE and specific dimensions of later HLE are positive predictors of students' later academic attainment at age 14 and 16, when the influence of various individual, family and neighbourhood characteristics are controlled. Originality/value - The paper presents unique findings on the role of the HLE in shaping students' academic success at secondary school, including a range of measures of the HLE obtained at different ages. The results show that the early years HLE measured at age three continues to show effects on later attainment, over and beyond the effects of later HLE and other significant influences such as family socio-economic status and parents' qualification levels.
Development of a transient promoter assay system for oil palm.

Optimization of the physical parameters was carried out to produce transient β-glucuronidase (GUS) and green fluorescence protein (GFP) activities in oil palm tissues (leaf, mesocarp and root) for promoter analysis. The optimum conditions for DNA delivery into mesocarp slices and root tissue were 1550 psi helium pressure, 9 cm distance from macrocarrier to the sample and using 1 µm gold particles as microcarrier to penetrate the tissues. For leaf explants, a lower pressure of 1350 psi sufficed with the same size gold particles and distance. The specificity of the Type 3 metallothionein-like gene (MT3-B) promoter was determined using the optimized system developed. The MT3-B promoter was cloned into an expression cassette (pBI221) containing GUS as the reporter gene with the removal of the existing Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter to form a pBI-4C vector. The original pBI221 plasmid containing the CaMV 35S promoter was used as a control. In our study, expression of the MT3-B promoter was only observed in the root tissue at a low level but not in the other tissues (mesocarp and leaf). In contrast, with the constitutive promoter (CaMV 35S), expression was observed in all the tissues tested. These results correlated with the expression profile obtained for the MT3-B gene using northern blot analysis.
Practice and Exploration on Teaching Reform of Engineering Project Management Course in Universities Based on BIM Simulation Technology

With the rapid development of information technology and global popularization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, the original teaching methods of engineering project management can no longer meet the needs of the times. Therefore, it is timely to propose innovative teaching reform programs. This article combines the new construction engineering technology with the Building Information Modeling (BIM) involving the visual simulation method, and introduces them into the teaching programs. The curriculum system design, curriculum content, the method of teaching, and the form of examination, etc., are determined mainly by analyzing the practice and application of BIM technology both at home and abroad, this analysis and practice is done in teaching reform, extensively making curriculum reform research and consulting expert opinions. These are in accordance with the current social reality and graduate employment direction. It explores the teaching reform methods of the course to achieve the purpose of making students understand and learn the course more intuitively and vividly and also to master project management theory and practical skills.
Preliminary Survey on Plants in Home Gardens in Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract This preliminary survey was carried out on home gardens in Pahang, Malaysia in order to gain better insights into the trends in plant utilization and species diversity among households in the state. The survey was carried out through observation of the home gardens and semi-structured interviews with their owners. A total of 93 species of plants were encountered in thirteen home gardens. Most of the species were food plants with Cocos nuciferaand Mangifera indicabeing the most common among the home gardens. The presence of medicinal plant Eurycoma longifoliain one the home gardens indicates that the species is being domesticated.
2-17516 p087-104 Nemdj

Brito, J. A. , R. Kaur, R. Cetintas, J. D. Stanley, M. L. Mendes, T. O. Powers, and D. W. Dickson. 2010. Meloidogyne spp. infecting ornamental plants in Florida. Nematropica 40:87-103. A total of 206 root samples were collected from ornamental plants growing in ornamental nurseries and various landscapes in Florida. Isozyme phenotypes, especially esterase (EST) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were the main methods used to identify the root-knot nematode species. When needed, the morphology of female perineal patterns, morphometric characters and mitochondrial DNA were used to aid in the identification. Six Meloidogyne spp. , M. arenaria , M. floridensis , M. graminis , M. incognita , M. javanica and M. mayaguensis were found infecting ornamental plants in Florida. As previously reported EST activity was of highest diagnostic value to identify Meloidogyne spp. found in this study; however, MDH was helpful to distinguish M. mayaguensis and M. graminis from the other root-knot nematode species identified. Five new EST phenotypes were detected associated with 17 unidentified root-knot nematode populations. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ornamental plants in the genera Dracena and Hibiscus , and Ligustrum and Washingtonia being host of M. floridensis and M. mayaguensis , respectively. New plant species host records for M. mayaguensis were Ajuga reptans , Amaranthus tricolor , Buddleja davidii , Caryopteris × clandonensis , Clerodendrum × ugandense , Hibiscus grandiflorus , Lagerstroemia indica , Penta lanceolata , Plectranthus scutellarioides , and Solandra maxima .
Differential Transcript Accumulation of Dhydrin and Beta-glucosidase Genes to Cold-induced Oxidative Stress in Chickpea

In this study, accumulation of H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA) (as cold-induced oxidative stress indicators), the transcript levels of dehydrin and beta-glucosidase genes (involved in metabolic responses) was evaluated in chickpea cv. Jam, using qRT-PCR during control, cold acclimation (CA), cold stress (CS), recovery, and freezing phases. Results showed the existence of wide range of genetic capacity in the cultivar to increase cold tolerance when environmental conditions change. Significant increase in H2O2 and MDA content during CA phase indicated that seedlings perceived cold signaling that resulted in remarkable increase in the transcript levels of dehydrin and beta-glucosidase genes as part of defense responses of plants. Balancing the expression of these genes and oxidative stress indicators showed the interplay between two major defense and injury pathways. During freezing phase, the higher transcript levels of these genes in acclimated plants compared to non-acclimated plants showed a more active role for plant cells. An incapability of defense machine in non-acclimated plants was a limiting factor determining the low potential of chickpea plants to freezing phase. It was suggested that adjustment and metabolic alterations like dehydrin and beta-glucosidase genes, especially after CA phase and, thereby, decrease in oxidative stress indicators, could be a reason for relative cold tolerance in chickpea
Impact of transported background ozone inflow on summertime air quality in a California ozone exceedance area

Abstract. Ozone sondes launched from Trinidad Head, California provide a measure of background O3 transported ashore, and allow an evaluation of the impact of this transport on air quality in California's Northern Sacramento Valley. A strong summertime vertical O3 gradient and correlation analysis indicate that O3-rich air from above the marine boundary layer is transported to the surface. Surface O3 is found to increase proportionally to the transported background. At the surface site experiencing the highest O3 concentrations, the mean maximum daily 8-h average (MDA8) O3 on exceedance days (i.e. those days when MDA8 O3 exceeds 75 ppbv) is 20 ppbv higher than on non-exceedance days. The transported background O3, as measured 22 h earlier by the Trinidad Head sondes, accounts for more than half (11 ppbv) of this difference. This finding contrasts with conclusions from model calculations that indicate the US policy relevant O3 background is generally 15–35 ppbv, and that it is lower, rather than higher, during pollution episodes. The present work indicates that O3 transported on hemispheric scales substantially impacts air quality in some areas of the US.
New approach to improve the performance of fringe pattern profilometry using multiple triangular patterns for the measurement of objects in motion

Abstract. Fringe pattern profilometry using triangular patterns and intensity ratios is a robust and computationally efficient method in three-dimensional shape measurement technique. However, similar to other multiple-shot techniques, the object must be kept static during the process of measurement, which is a challenging requirement for the case of fast-moving objects. Errors will be introduced if the traditional multiple-shot techniques are used directly in the measurement of a moving object. A new method is proposed to address this issue. First, the movement of the object is measured in real time and described by the rotation matrix and translation vector. Then, the expressions are derived for the fringe patterns under the influence of the two-dimensional movement of the object, based on which the normalized fringe patterns from the object without movement are estimated. Finally, the object is reconstructed using the existing intensity ratio algorithm incorporating the fringe patterns estimated, leading to improved measurement accuracy. The performance of the proposed method is verified by experiments.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and colonization stimulant in cotton and maize

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation with different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi native to Cerrado, associated with the application of colonization stimulant (7-hydroxy, 4’-methoxy-isoflavone) at the initial growth of cotton and maize plants in a greenhouse. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design and 7x2 factorial scheme, with five species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and combined inoculation (uniting all species in equal proportion) and native fungi, in the presence and absence of colonization stimulant in maize and cotton crops. Shoots dry matter (SDM), roots dry matter (RDM), mycorrhizal colonization and accumulation of calcium, zinc and phosphorus in the SDM were evaluated at flowering. Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the use of colonization stimulant at low density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi propagules was beneficial to plant development. Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi demonstrated different effects for the various parameters evaluated in cotton and maize, and the application of colonization stimulant promoted higher mycorrhizal colonization and initial growth in cotton, when associated with native AMF, and in corn, when associated with inoculation with Dentiscutata heterogama, Gigaspora margarita and Rhizophagus clarus.
Modeling of periodic great earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault: Effects of nonlinear crustal rheology

We analyze the cycle of great earthquakes along the San Andreas fault with a finite element numerical model of deformation in a crust with a nonlinear viscoelastic rheology. The viscous component of deformation has an effective viscosity that depends exponentially on the inverse absolute temperature and nonlinearly on the shear stress; the elastic deformation is linear. Crustal thickness and temperature are constrained by seismic and heat flow data for California. The models are for anti plane strain in a 25-km-thick crustal layer having a very long, vertical strike-slip fault; the crustal block extends 250 km to either side of the fault. During the earthquake cycle that lasts 160 years, a constant plate velocity νp/2 = 17.5 mm yr−1 is applied to the base of the crust and to the vertical end of the crustal block 250 km away from the fault. The upper half of the fault is locked during the interseismic period, while its lower half slips at the constant plate velocity. The locked part of the fault is moved abruptly 2.8 m every 160 years to simulate great earthquakes. The results are sensitive to crustal rheology. Models with quartzite-like rheology display profound transient stages in the velocity, displacement, and stress fields. The predicted transient zone extends about 3–4 times the crustal thickness on each side of the fault, significantly wider than the zone of deformation in elastic models. Models with diabase-like rheology behave similarly to elastic models and exhibit no transient stages. The model predictions are compared with geodetic observations of fault-parallel velocities in northern and central California and local rates of shear strain along the San Andreas fault. The observations are best fit by models which are 10–100 times less viscous than a quartzite-like rheology. Since the lower crust in California is composed of intermediate to mafic rocks, the present result suggests that the in situ viscosity of the crustal rock is orders of magnitude less the rock viscosity determined in the laboratory.
The Mediterranean as a slowly nascent ocean

The strict similarity of some Mediterranean tectonic situations – arcs, trenches, Wadati-Benioff zones, volcanic and seismic activities – to the East Asia ones, which are commonly interpreted as produced by plate convergence, provides many clues that are at variance with the hypothesized Africa-Eurasia convergence. Evidences for rifting prevail over those for compression and, many tectonic situations previously interpreted as due to plate convergence, are associated with rifting. This leads to interpret the actual Mediterranean as a phase – perhaps the last – of the slow opening of a nascent ocean. The proposal is put forward – mostly based on regional seismic tomography evidence – that wedges of mantle material are extruded toward the surface, coming from a widespread high velocity anomaly trapped in the transition zone. This new interpretation of the high velocity bodies revealed in the transition zone and along the Mediterranean Wadati-Benioff zones could be extended to circum-Pacific arc-trench zones in order to explain all the global and regional scale observations as due to a prevailing tensional regime. Because the Mediterranean region has always had little latitudinal extension on an expanding Earth, it is possible in this view, to identify also the Paleo Tethys and Neo Tethys as Mediterranean phases of opening. These have added to the Proterozoic nuclei the Variscan and Alpine terranes respectively. These phases and their orogens have to be considered extensional phases. In this sense, as the ongoing process of opening has a Proterozoic or older origin, it is possible to speak of the Mediterranean as a slowly nascent ocean, but paradoxically of a very old ocean. In a simplified three-step map of the paleogeographical evolution of the opening Mediterranean Basin from Early Cretaceous to Recent, the drifting of each fragment (Balearic archipelago, Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, North and South Calabria) is accompanied by increasing Africa-Europe separation.
Intelligent Reduction in Signaling Load of Location Management in Mobile Data Networks

Massive increase in the mobile data traffic volume has recently resulted in a big interest towards the distributed mobility management solutions that aim to address the limitations and drawbacks of centralized mobility management. Location management is an important requirement in a distributed mobility management environment. To provide seamless Internet data services to a mobile node, the location of a mobile node is stored and periodically updated on a location server through a location update message that is sent by the mobile node. In this paper, we propose an intelligent approach of setting the period of sending location update messages on the basis of a mobile node’s patterns of data sessions and IP handovers. We use a machine learning approach on the location server. The results show that our approach significantly reduces the signaling load of the location management and the overall reduction is more than 50%.
The Impact of Sampling and Network Topology on the Estimation of Social Intercorrelations

With the growing popularity of online social networks, it is becoming more important for marketing researchers to understand and measure social intercorrelations among consumers. The authors show that the estimation of consumers' social intercorrelations can be significantly affected by the sampling method used in the study and the topology of the social network. Through a series of simulation studies using a spatial model, the authors find that the magnitude of social intercorrelations in consumer networks tends to be underestimated if samples of the networks are used (rather than using the entire population of the network). The authors further demonstrate that sampling methods that better preserve the network structure perform best in recovering the social intercorrelations. However, this advantage decreases in networks characterized by the scale-free power-law distribution for the number of connections of each member. The authors discuss the insights they glean from these findings and propose a method to obtain unbiased estimation of the magnitude of social intercorrelations.