Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Polarimetric Radar Approach to Identify Rain, Melting-Layer, and Snow Regions for Applying Corrections to Vertical Profiles of Reflectivity

Abstract This article describes polarimetric X-band radar-based quantitative precipitation estimations (QPE) under conditions of low freezing levels when, even at the lowest possible elevation angles, radar resolution volumes at longer ranges are in melting-layer or snow regions while it rains at the ground. A specifically adjusted vertical-profile-of-reflectivity (VPR) approach is introduced. The mean VPR is constructed based on the range–height indicator scans, and the effects of smoothing of brightband (BB) features with range are accounted for. A principal feature of the suggested QPE approach is the determination of the reflectivity BB boundaries and freezing-level heights on a beam-by-beam basis using the copolar correlation coefficient ρhv, which is routinely available from the X-band radar measurements. It is shown that this coefficient provides a robust discrimination among the regions of rain, melting hydrometeors, and snow. The freezing-level estimates made using ρhv were within 100–200 m from .
Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences The 6 April 2009 earthquake at L ’ Aquila : a preliminary analysis of magnetic field measurements

Several investigations reported the possible identification of anomalous geomagnetic field signals prior to earthquake occurrence. In the ULF frequency range, candidates for precursory signatures have been proposed in the increase in the noise background and polarization parameter (i.e. the ratio between the amplitude/power of the vertical component and that one of the horizontal component), in the changing characteristics of the slope of the power spectrum and fractal dimension, in the possible occurrence of short duration pulses. We conducted, with conventional techniques of data processing, a preliminary analysis of the magnetic field observations performed at L’Aquila during three months preceding the 6 April 2009 earthquake, focusing attention on the possible occurrence of features similar to those identified in previous events. Within the limits of this analysis, we do not find compelling evidence for any of the features which have been proposed as earthquake precursors: indeed, most of aspects of our observations (which, in some cases, appear consistent with previous findings) might be interpreted in terms of the general magnetospheric conditions and/or of different sources.
Study the Changes in Hematological Parameters as Diagnosis Toolin Acute Appendicitis

The present study was designed to study the changes inhematological parameters in acute appendicitis patients (AA). The target population of this study was 40 male individuals from Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital and positive control group composed of 20 colitis male patients, and a negative control group composed of 20 healthy male individuals with the same age range. The diagnosis was made by the consultant medical staff, which based on a history, symptoms, clinical examination and other investigation.Blood samples were collected from each patient and control then used for analysis of white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, neutrophil, mean platelet volume(MPV), anderythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The results demonstrate high significant difference in WBC, neutrophil, and ESR of AA patients compared with the control groups. There is no significant difference in lymphocyte of AA patients compared with control groups. A significant decrease in the MPV of AA patients compared with negative control group and no significant differences with positive group.
Interconnections Between Eurozone and US Booms and Busts Using a Bayesian Panel Markov-Switching VAR Model

Interconnections between Eurozone and United States booms and busts and among major Eurozone economies are analyzed using a Panel Markov-Switching VAR model. The model accommodates changes in low and high data frequencies and incorporates endogenous time-varying transition matrices of country-specific Markov chains. These country-specific Markov chains depend on their own past history and the history of other chains, thus allowing for interconnections between cycles, and an endogenous common Eurozone cycle is derived by aggregating the country-specific cycles. The model is estimated using a simulation based Bayesian approach in which an efficient multimove sampling algorithm is defined to draw time-varying Markov-switching chains. Using industrial production growth and credit spread data for all countries, several empirical results have emerged. Recession, slow growth and expansion are empirically identified as three regimes with slow growth becoming persistent in the Eurozone in recent years different from the US. The Eurozone and the US regimes appear not fully synchronized, with evidence of more recessions in the Eurozone. Second, turning point analysis indicates larger synchronization at the beginning of the Great Financial Crisis: this shock affects the US first, leading the Eurozone cycle, and spreads then rapidly among these economies. Third, amplification effects influence recession probabilities for Eurozone countries when shocks occur. The evidence is different for the US where this reinforcement does not exist. In recent years there are more imbalances among regimes in Eurozone countries. Fourth, a credit shock results in substantial negative industrial production growth for several months in Germany, Spain and the US. Our empirical results point towards the existence of a group of core countries: Germany, France and ∗We thank the co-editor Fabio Canova, three anonymous referees and conference and seminar participants at the: 68th European Meeting of the Econometric Society 2014, 5 CSDA International Conference on Computational and Financial Econometrics 2012, 5 Italian Congress of Econometrics and Empirical Economics 2013, European Seminar on Bayesian Econometrics 2012, 2 CAMP Workshop 2012 on “Business cycles, monetary policy and nonlinear relationships”, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice Workshop on “Modern Tools in Macro-Econometrics”, Aix Marseille University and Norges Bank. The views expressed in this paper are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of Norges Bank. Authors’ research is supported by funding from the European Union, Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement SYRTOSSH-2012-320270, by the Institut Europlace of Finance, “Systemic Risk grant”, the Global Risk Institute in Financial Services, the Louis Bachelier Institute, “Systemic Risk Research Initiative” , and by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) PRIN 2010-11 grant MISURA.
Optimization of metoprolol tartrate modified- release matrix tablet formulation using Eudragit NE as binder for metoprolol fluid bed granulation

The aim of this experimental work was to investigate the possibility of obtaining hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hydrophilic matrix extended-release dosage forms with metoprolol by using aqueous dispersions of Eudragit NE, as binders in fluid bed granulation. To evaluate the influence of formulation variables (levels of HPMC—Methocel K100 M and Surelease E7 19010) on drug release during a period of time of 12 hours, and on the kinetic release, a full factorial experimental design with two factors and three levels was used. The formulation factors were the granulation polymer concentration and the matrix-forming polymer concentration. The obtained results have shown that the percentage of the drug released during the 12 hours is influenced both by the Methocel ratio and the Eudragit NE ratio; increasing the ratios of Eudragit and Methocel leads to the decrease of the percentage of the released drug.The influence of Eudragit NE percentage is maximum at four and six hours, but the influence of Methocel K100 M concentration is almost the same at all sampling times; all studied formulations showed a kinetic release that fitted best with the Peppas model.
PALEOPRECIPITATION CHANGES BASED ON PALEOSOLS PROFILES OF THE MARÍLIA FORMATION (UPPER CRETACEOUS) IN THE EASTERN PORTION OF THE BAURU BASIN IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

The Marilia Formation is a Maastrichtian sequence of the Bauru Basin that crops out in the Southeastern Brazil. This formation consists of an illuvial deposits succession characterized by alternating sedimentary strata and paleosols. Pedogenic features related to climatic factors can be used as a tool for the interpretation of paleoenvironments. Through macro- and microscopic descriptions, mineralogical analysis and geochemical data, twenty paleosol sections were identified and characterized in the Marilia Formation. The characterization of C, Ck, Bt, Btk and Gley horizons and the geochemical data allowed the identification of paleoclimatic factors influencing the formation of paleosols. Changes in the formation processes of these paleosols were mainly triggered by moisture variations. Paleoprecipitation estimates (MAP) obtained from CIA-K values in Bt and Btk horizons indicate that the precipitation rates varied from 20 to 1000 mm/year. These contrasting climatic conditions caused the overlap of distinct paleosol profiles, suggesting oscillation between arid to semi-arid conditions. The results from this work contribute to a better understanding of the Upper Cretaceous paleoclimatic in the Southeastern Brazil.
Community Detection in Partial Correlation Network Models

Abstract We introduce a class of partial correlation network models with a community structure for large panels of time series. In the model, the series are partitioned into latent groups such that correlation is higher within groups than between them. We then propose an algorithm that allows one to detect the communities using the eigenvectors of the sample covariance matrix. We study the properties of the procedure and establish its consistency. The methodology is used to study real activity clustering in the United States.
Effect of Cartap Hydrochloride on Amylase and Cellulase Enzyme Activities in Agricultural Soil

The effect of Cartap hydrochloride on soil enzyme activities was carried out at different concentrations of pesticide on the activities like Amylase and Cellulase. Initial suppression of amylase activity in treated soil over the control was observed during incubation period and enzyme showed recovery with increasing incubation period. Cellulase activity varied during different days of incubation and recovery was observed from 14th day onwards in the soil samples treated with Cartap hydrochloride. Significant depression in glucose production was observed in Cartap hydrochloride treated soils over the control from the first day of treatment.
Effect of breed and age on beef carcass quality, fatness and fatty acid composition

Abstract. The aim of this research was to determine differences in beef carcass fatness and in the fatty acid composition of muscle and adipose tissue of three different breeds slaughtered at the age of 14 months and 19 months. The breed significantly affected the muscle fat content, carcass subcutaneous fat tissue thickness and fatty acid composition of the muscle and subcutaneous fat tissue. Different age at slaughter had no significant effect on analysed traits. The muscle tissue of the Herefords contained a higher (P
Distance limits to intermediate- and high-velocity clouds

We present optical spectra of 403 stars and quasi-stellar objects in order to obtain distance limits towards intermediate- and high-velocity clouds (IHVCs), including new Fibre-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) observations plus archival ELODIE, FEROS, High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) and Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) data. The non-detection of Ca II K interstellar (IS) absorption at a velocity of −130 to −60 km s −1 towards HDE 248894 (d ∼ 3 kpc) and HDE 256725 (d ∼ 8 kpc) in data at signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) > 450 provides a new firm lower distance limit of 8 kpc for the anti-centre shell HVC. Similarly, the non-detection of Ca II K IS absorption towards HD 86248 at S/N ∼ 500 places a lower distance limit of 7.6 kpc for Complex EP, unsurprising since this feature is probably related to the Magellanic System. The lack of detection of Na I Da t S/N= 35 towards Mrk 595 puts an improved upper limit for the Na I column density of log (NNaD <) 10.95 cm −2 towards this part of the Cohen Stream where Ca II was detected by Wakker et al. Absorption at ∼− 40 km s −1 is detected in Na I D towards the Galactic star PG 0039+049 at S/N = 75, placing a firm upper distance limit of 1 kpc for the intermediate-velocity cloud
Manuscript Draft Manuscript Number: JCOMA-05-389R1 Title: Modelling damage and failure in carbon/epoxy Non Crimp Fabric composites including effects of fabric pre-shear

A numerical material model for intra-laminar failure prediction of biaxial Non Crimp Fabric composites is presented. The model combines the elasto-plastic continuum damage constitutive model proposed by Ladevèze with the intra-laminar matrix failure model of Puck, and improves the shear damage representation using an exponential damage function. The work focuses on numerical model development for damage and failure prediction and validation for both unsheared and sheared fabric composites which will result from draping of the fabric preform over a double curved geometry in order to manufacture complex shaped parts. An extensive test program has been conducted using flat composite coupons with differing degrees of fabric pre-shear in order to establish a database of material stiffness, strength, and in-plane matrix shear damage evolution prior to failure. This database is used to identify parameters for the proposed 'Ladevèze-Puck' damage and failure model. Final validation has been made by implementing the model in an explicit Finite Element code and performing a series of experimental and simulation analyses on transversely loaded circular composite discs having differing degrees of fabric pre-shear.
Import Competition and Employment in Japan: Plant Startup, Shutdown and Product Changes

This paper examines the relationship between import competition and employment during and after the recent Bubble period in Japan. Gross job flow data are combined with import data for 334 four‐digit manufacturing industries. The estimates demonstrate that various modes of employment adjustment respond differently to changes in import prices. Job creation/destruction associated with plant startups/shutdowns was significantly sens‐itive to import competition. Among plants continuously operating, job creation during the Bubble boom by plants that altered their product mix across industries was responsive to import price fluctuations, while job flows at plants that remained within the same industries were not.
Recent developments in elliptic partial differential equations of Monge-Ampere type

In conjunction with applications to optimal transportation and conformal geometry, there has been considerable research activity in recent years devoted to fully nonlinear, elliptic second order partial differential equations of a particular form, given by functions of the Hessian plus a lower order matrix function. Regularity is determined through the behaviour of this function with respect to the gradient variables. We present a selection of second derivative estimates and indicate briefly their application to optimal transportation and conformal deformation of Riemannian manifolds. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000). Primary 35J60, 35J65; Secondary 53A30.
Modules over infinite-dimensional algebras

Let A be an infinite-dimensional K-algebra, where K is a field and let be a basis for A. We explore when (the direct product indexed by of copies of the field K) can be made into an A-module in a natural way. We call a basis satisfying that property ‘amenable,’ and we explore when amenable bases yield isomorphic A-modules. For the latter purpose, we consider a relation, which we name congeniality, that guarantees that two different bases yield (naturally) isomorphic A-module structures on . While amenability depends on the algebra structure, congeniality of bases depends only on the vector space structure and is thus independent from the specific algebra structure chosen. Among other results, we show that every algebra of countable infinite dimension has at least one amenable basis. Most of our examples will be within the familiar settings of the algebra K[x] of polynomials with coefficients in K. We show that the relation of proper congeniality (when congeniality is not symmetric) yields several natural interesting questions; among these questions we highlight those related to a natural notion of simplicity of bases. We show that the algebra of polynomials with coefficients in K has at least as many truly distinct (so-called discordant) simple bases as there are elements in the base field K.
Factors in the Critical Thinking Disposition and Skills of Intensive Care Nurses

Aim: The aim of this study is to define and evaluate factors related to the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) of intensive care unit nurses working at Adnan Menderes University. Methodology: The population of the study consisted of 60 nurses studying and at working at university hospitals. The sample size consisted of 40 nurses who volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected from January to March 2012. The Socio-demographic Features Data Form and the CCTDI were used as data collection tools. This inventory was developed based on the results of the Delphi Report in which critical thinking and disposition toward critical thinking were conceptualized by a group of critical thinking experts. The original CCTDI includes 75 items loaded on seven constructs. These are inquisitiveness, open-mindedness, systematicity, analyticity, truth-seeking, critical thinking self-confidence, and maturity. The SPSS 15.0 package software was used in the evaluation of data, which employed numbers, percentage estimations, arithmetic means, the Kruskal-Wallis Test, the t test and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: When total score means are examined, it is seen that the mean score obtained by the nurses was 190,90 ± 20,23. The CCTDI score means of the nurses taken into the scope of the study reveal that the mean score on the “truth-seeking” subscale was 21,50 ± 5,62; the mean score on the “Open-mindedness” subscale was 36.95 ± 7.32; the mean score on the “systematicity” subscale was 19,32 ± 3,56; the mean score on the “Self-confidence” subscale was 27,75 ± 6,02; the mean score on the “Inquisitiveness” subscale was 34,47 ± 6,00. It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the CCDTI scale mean scores and the nurses’ ages, years of study, income levels, and education levels (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study found the nurses’ critical thinking dispositions to be at a low level. To ensure the development of a critical thinking disposition in nursing, educational opportunities must be provided inside and outside the institution.
Histamine Contents in Tuna Loins (Thunnus sp.) Produced in Côte d’Ivoire and its Relation with Bacterial Load

The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of histamine and its relation with the bacterial load in tuna loins of four tuna species from two production sites in Côte d’Ivoire. Histamine concentration was measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). pH, humidity and histamine content ranged from 6.4 to 6.8, 67.98% to 71.19% and 13.34 to 28.19 mg/kg respectively. Aerobic plate count, total coliform, fecal coliform, Escherichia coli and anaerobic sulphite reducers in all samples ranged from 4.35 to 6.29 log CFU/g, 1.41 to 3.21 log CFU/g, 0 to 3.04 log CFU/g, 0 to 2.80 log cfu/g and 0 to 1.94 log CFU/g respectively. The means concentrations of histamine varied not depending on the industries (Industry A and B) and on the tuna species (Skipjack, Longfin, Yellowfin and Bigeye). These concentrations were lower than the maximum permissible values in European and Ivoirian regulation. Data of the co-inertia analysis revealed that aerobic plate count, fecal coliforms and anaerobic sulphite reducers were correlated with the formation of histamine in tuna loins
Explicating a Mechanism for Conceptual Learning: Elaborating the Construct of Reflective Abstraction

We articulate and explicate a mechanism for mathematics conceptual learning that can serve as a basis for the design of mathematics lessons. The mechanism, reflec- tion on activity-effect relationships, addresses the learning paradox (Pascual-Leone, 1976), a paradox that derives from careful attention to the construct of assimilation (Piaget, 1970). The mechanism is an elaboration of Piaget's (2001) reflective abstrac- tion and is potentially useful for addressing some of the more intractable problems in teaching mathematics. Implications of the mechanism for lesson design are discussed and exemplified.
Effect of Processing on Antioxidant Activity of Conventional Mango ( Mangifera indica )

Conventional mango (Mangifera indica) seed was analyzed for the antioxidant activity of its kernel, singly or in combination with testa and, before and after defatting. Two in-vitro assay techniques namely, 2,2diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) were employed for the assessment. Results of the processed samples were compared with that of reference vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid). The powdery undefatted kernel with testa (mkt) showed the highest radical scavenging potential and the defatted kernel without testa (dmk), the least. Undefatted kernel without testa (mk) ranked next to mkt sample but with 2fold loss in antioxidant activity. However, the activity level of mk sample was comparable to that of reference vitamin C in DPPH assay. Equivalent 2-fold loss in activity was observed when mk sample was defatted (dmk), and 3 folds when mkt was defatted (dmkt). The results revealed that the processing operations of removing testa and/or defatting, and the choice of solvent for defatting (absolute ethanol in this study), had profound effect (p < 0.05) on antioxidant capacity of mango seed. While the processed forms could find useful application as preservatives in food systems, raw mango seed is a recommendable source of antimicrobial agents.
Spin-orbit interaction in InSb nanowires

We use magnetoconductance measurements in dual-gated InSb nanowire devices, together with a theoretical analysis of weak antilocalization, to accurately extract spin-orbit strength. In particular, we show that magnetoconductance in our three-dimensional wires is very different compared to wires in two-dimensional electron gases. We obtain a large Rashba spin-orbit strength of 0.5–1eVA corresponding to a spin-orbit energy of 0.25–1meV. These values underline the potential of InSb nanowires in the study of Majorana fermions in hybrid semiconductor-superconductor devices.
Pricing European and Discretely Monitored Exotic Options under the Lévy Process Framework

In this article we consider both European and discretely monitored exotic options (Bermudan and discrete barrier) in a market where the underlying asset follows a geometric Levy process. First, we briefly introduce this extended framework. Then, using the variance gamma model, we show how to price European options and demonstrate the application of the recursive quadrature method to Bermudan and discrete barrier options.