Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EGMF Constraints from Simultaneous GeV-TeV Observations of Blazars

Attenuation of the TeV gamma-ray flux from distant blazars through pair production with extragalactic background light leads to the development of electromagnetic cascades and subsequent, lower energy, GeV secondary gamma-ray emission. Due to the deflection of VHE cascade electrons by extragalactic magnetic fields (EGMF), the spectral shape of this arriving cascade gamma-ray emission is dependent on the strength of the EGMF. Thus, the spectral shape of the GeV-TeV emission from blazars has the potential to probe the EGMF strength along the line of sight to the object. We investigate constraints on the EGMF derived from observations of blazars for which TeV observations simultaneous with those by the Fermi telescope were reported. We study the dependence of the EGMF bound on the hidden assumptions it rests upon. We select blazar objects for which simultaneous Fermi/LAT GeV and Veritas, MAGIC or HESS TeV emission have been published. We model the development of electromagnetic cascades along the gamma-ray beams from these sources using Monte Carlo simulations, including the calculation of the temporal delay incurred by cascade photons, relative to the light propagation time of direct gamma-rays from the source. Constraints on EGMF could be derived from the simultaneous GeV-TeV data on the blazars RGB J0710+591, 1ES 0229+200, and 1ES 1218+304. The measured source flux level in the GeV band is lower than the expected cascade component calculated under the assumption of zero EGMF. Assuming that the reason for the suppression of the cascade component is the extended nature of the cascade emission, we find that B>10^{-15} G (assuming EGMF correlation length of ~1 Mpc) is consistent with the data. Alternatively, the assumption that the suppression of the cascade emission is caused by the time delay of the cascade photons the data are consistent with B>10^{-17} G for the same correlation length.
Extraction and purification of Phycoerythrin from Anabaena variabilis (CCC421)

A simple protocol for purifying phycoerythrin (PE) from A. variabilis (CCC421) was developed in this study involving ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by a single step anion exchange chromatography using DEAE-Cellulose-11 and Acetate buffer. Precipitation with 65% ammonium sulfate resulted in 85.81% recovery of PE with a purity of 2.81 (OD562/OD280) while 62.5% PE was recovered after chromatographic separation with a purity of 4.95 (OD562/OD280). SDS-PAGE analysis of purified PE showed the presence of two subunits viz. α and β with molecular weight of 16 kDa and 18 kDa respectively. Absorption spectra of purified PE showed maximum absorption at a wavelength of 565 nm characteristic to C-PE I group of phycoerythrins.
Hurst's exponent behaviour, weak-form stock market efficiency and financial liberalization: the Tunisian case

In this paper, we test the weak-form stock market efficiency for the Tunisian stock market (TSE). Our empirical approach is founded on the analysis of the behaviour over time of the Hurst's exponent. Thus, we computed the Hurst's exponent using a “rolling sample” with a time window of 4 years. The sample data covers in daily frequency the period (January, 1997- October 2007). Since the classical R/S analysis is strongly affected by short-range dependencies both in the mean and the conditional variance of TSE daily volatility, daily stock returns were filtered using the traditional AR-GARCH(1,1) model. Our results for Hurst's and filtered Hurst's exponents behaviour analysis show a strong evidence of long-range dependence with persistent behaviour of the TSE. However, during the last two years, the filtered Hurst's exponent seems to exhibit a switching regime behaviour with alternating persistent and antipersistent behaviour but where it was somewhat close to 0.5. The nonparametric statistic approach results reveal that some TSE reforms including the launching of the Electronic quotation system on April, 1998, the fiscal regime for holdings, the security reinforcement laws, the legal protection of minority shareholder may play a role in understanding the Hurst's exponent behaviour over time
RAPD analysis of genetic variability in Pinus gerardiana Wall. in Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh)

RAPD analysis was carried out to determine the genetic diversity of Pinus gerardiana in Himachal Pradesh. Twentyfour genotypes of P. gerardiana growing at different locations in the distribution range of species were sampled randomly for analysis. Thirty random primers generated 413 fragments, of which 390 (94%) were polymorphic in nature. Eleven of the 24 individual genotypes were distinguished by unique bands specific to them. The similarity coefficient values suggested a wide genetic base of genotypes taken in the experiment. An UPGMA dendrogram based on similarity coefficient indices indicated that genotypes did not cluster according to their site of collection. This can be attributed to highly cross-pollinating nature of the species and small distributional range in the area.
Analysis of continental midcrustal strain localization induced by microfracturing and reaction‐softening

[1] Low-angle extensional shear zones, which often characterize the brittle–ductile transition of the continental crust, are seen here to result from strain localization. The potentially destabilizing deformation mechanism is assumed to be the progressive transformation of fractured coarse feldspar grains into white mica as observed in the East Tenda Shear Zone, Alpine Corsica. The coupling between microfracturing and feldspar-to-mica reaction is coeval with strain localization that occurred in that field case at a depth close to 15 km. This reaction is proposed as the main destabilizing factor responsible for the onset of localization, with feldspar having a stationary dislocation creep flow stress larger than mica. To test this hypothesis, a rheological model is constructed based on the field observations for a mixture of three phases—mica, quartz and feldspar—deforming at a common strain rate. The phase concentrations change with time according to the feldspar-to-mica reaction, which takes place only if feldspar grains are fractured, a condition detected with the Mohr–Coulomb criterion. The tendency for the strain to localize is assessed by numerical means for the structure composed of an upper crust gliding rigidly over the lower crust, which sustains an overall simple shear. The onset of strain localization is defined by an increase of at least two orders of magnitude in strain rate over part of the lower crust. The upper crust gliding velocity has to be increased by at least a factor of 5 for localization to occur. The time lapse for this velocity change determines the depth of the shear zone (15–17 km). The kinetics of the metamorphic reaction and the final amount of white mica control its width (1–4 km). The time of the shear zone formation is less than half a million years.
Blue to Yellow Photoluminescence Emission and Photocatalytic Activity of Nitrogen Doping in TiO2 Powders

The defects caused by doping are important for understanding the increased photocatalytic activities of TiO2:N in organic reactions and in the evaluation of OH radical production after doping. TiO2:N was therefore synthesized using a modified polymeric method and N doping was performed by calcination with urea. The resulting powders were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy (PL). N doping did not alter the morphology of the nanoparticles, and the anatase phase predominated, with the retention of the rutile phase. The band gap values, superficial areas, and crystallite sizes of the powders decreased after doping. The PL results showed an additional energy level in the TiO2:N band gap structure as a result of TiO2 lattice defects caused by doping. At low N contents, the powders showed continuous emissions from the blue region to the yellow region and a high N content shifted the PL emissions to the red region. These results suggest that the use of these powders could increase the efficiencies of solar cells and water-splitting processes. The photocatalytic activity of the powders under UVC illumination was confirmed for different organic dye molecules. The OH radical production did not change extensively after doping, as shown by experiments with terephthalic acid, and higher photocatalytic efficiencies in Rhodamine-B degradation under UVC illumination were achieved using the doped samples.
UNUSUAL HOLOCENE SERPULID-TUFA BIOHERMS, ENRIQUILLO VALLEY, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: MORPHOLOGIES AND PALEOENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

ABSTRACT During the early Holocene, rising waters of the Caribbean Sea flooded the Enriquillo Valley of southwestern Dominican Republic. A fringing coral reef developed and flourished along the margins of the Enriquillo Seaway for several millennia, until the seaway became restricted due to a combination of slowed sea-level rise, tectonic uplift, and increased sedimentation. Following changes in salinity and death of the coral reef by about 5 ka, meter-scale bioherms composed of the tubes of opportunistic, aggregating serpulid worms and associated with carbonate tufa that precipitated from the ancient lake or declining seaway waters formed along the steep walls of the valley over a period of 1,000 years or more. Paleoenvironmental conditions likely conducive to formation of these unusual bioherms include: non-normal marine salinity, warm and restricted waters, periods of stable water level, high Ca2+ and CO32− influx, and moderate wave action. Although apparently rare elsewhere in the rock record, occurrences of serpulid-tufa bioherms provide useful constraints on paleoenvironmental settings. In previous literature, variations in terminology used to describe both tufa and serpulid-tufa bioherms have hindered intersite comparisons. Herein, serpulid-tufa bioherm structures are described at macro-, meso-, and microscales, and the varied bioherm macromorphologies are classified as individual, clustered, terraced, and patch types. These form descriptions are compared with previously published classifications of similar structures; the goal is to facilitate development of a comprehensive and universal classification of serpulid-tufa bioherms to further understand their formation and paleoenvironmental significance.
Comparison of Life Quality for Men in Monogamy and Polygamy Families

The present research consists of comparing Quality of Life for the men in monogamy and polygamy families at Sistan & Baluchestan. Its statistical population includes all the married men in families at Sistan & Baluchestan. And from among the cities in this province, Saravan city was selected randomly. And 50 monogamous men and 50 polygamous men (2 wives) were selected with the method of “Snow shot ". The research method is causal and comparative and for analyzing data, the method of descriptive statistics (frequency, percent, average, and standard deviation) and inferential were used. The tool for collecting data is BREF questionnaire for Life Quality. And the results of the research indicate that Life Quality for monogamous men is more than polygamous men in 3 sub-scales of psychological health, social health, and environmental health, but there is no significant difference in sub-scale of physical health. Keywords : Monogamous Men, Polygamous Men, Life Quality, Family, Marriage
The Economic Incidence of Social Security Contributions: A Discontinuity Approach with Linked Employer-Employee Data

We estimate economic incidence of social security contributions (SSC) on the basis of cross-sectional earnings distributions. The approach exploits discontinuities in earnings distributions at kinks in the budget set which are informative about tax incidence. Contrary to most research on SSC incidence, it does not rely on policy reforms, panel data, or hours information. When the location of kinks does not change significantly, estimates represent equilibrium incidence and are less affected by short-run adjustment frictions than results based on policy reforms. We refine the framework proposed by Alvaredo and Saez (2007), discuss identifying assumptions and related problems in empirical applications. We also suggest parametric and non- parametric estimators. The approach is applied to earnings caps of SSC in Germany where the marginal SSC rate drops to zero. The linked employer-employee data used provide precise measures of gross and net earnings. Utilizing two separate earnings distributions improves identification in the presence of measurement error. We find substantial negative discontinuities at most earnings caps of SSC in the distribution of observed net earnings. Together with smooth gross earnings distributions around the caps this provides consistent empirical evidence that legal and economic incidence of SSC coincide.
Can organisational ambidexterity kill innovation? A case for non-expected utility decision making

The academic construction of ambidexterity articulated around notions such as exploration, exploitation (J. March 1991) has been flourishing over the years with a strong background in organisational theory to explain levels of performance and innovation. However, they have also made a call for in-depth studies to understand managerial capabilities such as decision-making (Birkinshaw & Gupta 2013; O'Reilly & Tushman 2013; Benner & Tushman 2015) supporting the tension of competing objectives. In this paper, we show that organisational ambidexterity can kill innovation as the underlying decision theories are not fully supporting the nature of decision required in regimes such as contextual ambidexterity (Gibson & Birkinshaw 2004). Two case studies from the aircraft cabin equipment industry are presented and analysed at the project management level with descriptors from organisational ambidexterity and decision-making. We propose to consider unconventional decision theories, taking into account non-expected utilities such as potential regret of imagined prospects, as a means to support management tools enabling ambidexterity at the decisional and contextual levels. First, we show that common decision models based on expected utility encoded in management tools mobilised for contextual ambidexterity can fail to support innovation. Second, we propose that a non-expected utility, such as potential regret of imagined prospects, serves the management of competing exploration/exploitation objectives. Third, the case studies help contouring a management tool extending observed attempts to sustain or extend contextual ambidexterity through unconventional decision-making.
Relationship between herbaceous biomass and 1‐km2 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) NDVI in Kruger National Park, South Africa

The relationship between multi‐year (1989–2003), herbaceous biomass and 1‐km2 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa is considered. The objectives were: (1) to analyse the underlying relationship between NDVI summed for the growth season (ΣNDVI) and herbaceous biomass in field sites (n = 533) through time and (2) to investigate the possibility of producing reliable herbaceous biomass maps for each growth season from the satellite ΣNDVI observations. Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Thematic Mapper (TM) data were used to identify highly heterogeneous field sites and exclude them from the analyses. The average R 2 for the ΣNDVI–biomass relationship at individual sites was 0.42. The growth season mean biomass and ΣNDVI of most landscape groups were strongly correlated with rainfall and each other. Although measured tree cover and MODIS estimates of tree cover did not have a detectable effect on the ΣNDVI–biomass relationship, other observations suggest that tree cover should not be ignored. The ΣNDVI was successful at estimating inter‐annual variations in the biomass at single sites, but on an annual basis the relationship derived from all the sites was not strong enough (average R 2 = 0.36) to produce reliable growth season biomass maps. This was mainly attributed to the fact that the biomass data were sampled from very small field sites that were not fully representative of 1‐km2 AVHRR pixels. Supplementary field surveys that sample a larger area for each field site (e.g. 1 km2 or larger) should account for the variability in biomass and may improve the strength of ΣNDVI–biomass relationships observed in a single growth season.
The (Un)Compromise Effect

The compromise effect—i.e., the preference for the middle option—is an established bias in behavioral economics, but has not been experimentally validated in the field. In the current study I test the compromise effect in a natural context, and whether this bias can be used to stimulate active choice—the (un)compromise effect. In a mail fund raiser for a large US hospital, I evaluate their baseline ask string [$10, $50, $100, $ ] to an extended version [$10, $50, $100, $250, $500, $ ]. In line with the compromise effect, the extended ask string increases the average amount given and the share of donors giving $100, which is now the middle option. Importantly, however, and in line with a model of contextual inference, revealing the middle option is not necessary for the effect to arise. The (un)compromise ask string [$10, $500, $ ] generates the same average amount given and same share giving $100, as the extended ask string—the only difference being that 90 percent of donors, instead of 30 percent, use the open-ask alternative. Hence, by only providing informative end points of a distribution, organizations can benefit from the compromise effect and at the same time promote individuality by stimulating active choice. I discuss theoretical and practical implications of the results.
Catalog of fine-structured electron velocity distribution functions – Part 1: Antiparallel magnetic-field reconnection (Geospace Environmental Modeling case)

Abstract. To understand the essential physics needed to reproduce magnetic reconnection events in 2.5-D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we revisit the Geospace Environmental Modeling (GEM) setup. We set up a 2-D Harris current sheet (that also specifies the initial conditions) to evolve the reconnection of antiparallel magnetic fields. In contrast to the GEM setup, we use a much smaller initial perturbation to trigger the reconnection and evolve it more self-consistently. From PIC simulation data with high-quality particle statistics, we study a symmetric reconnection site, including separatrix layers, as well as the inflow and the outflow regions. The velocity distribution functions (VDFs) of electrons have a fine structure and vary strongly depending on their location within the reconnection setup. The goal is to start cataloging multidimensional fine-structured electron velocity distributions showing different reconnection processes in the Earth's magnetotail under various conditions. This will enable a direct comparison with observations from, e.g., the NASA Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) mission, to identify reconnection-related events. We find regions with strong non-gyrotropy also near the separatrix layer and provide a refined criterion to identify an electron diffusion region in the magnetotail. The good statistical significance of this work for relatively small analysis areas reveals the gradual changes within the fine structure of electron VDFs depending on their sampling site.
A GENERALIZATION OF THE GINZBURG LANDAU THEORY TO p-WAVE SUPERCONDUCTORS

We succeed in building up a straightforward theoretical model for spin-triplet p-wave superconductors, by introducing a second-order parameter and a nonlinear interaction between the two mean fields in the Ginzburg–Landau theory. Such interaction breaks the isotropy of the original medium and allows pairs of electrons to arrange into S = 1 Cooper pairs. The present model predicts a thermodynamical and magnetic behavior analogous to that observed in conventional s-wave superconductors.
The Impact of New Economic Information on the Volatility Of Short-Term Interest Rates

The sharp rise in the volatility of interest rates since late 1979 is widely recognized. One factor contributing to the increase in volatility may have been the Federal Reserve's change in its monetary-control procedures on October 6, 1979. Until then, the Federal Reserve focused on the control of short-term interest rates in an effort to achieve monetary growth objectives. Since late 1979, however, it has focused on the availability of reserves to financial institutions. ' As a consequence, short-term interest rates have been allowed to vary over a wider range than they were before. It is not surprising, then, that short-run movements in interest rates have been more pronounced. A previous article in this Review examined the effect of the change in the Federal Reserve's operating procedures on interest-rate
Nurturing democratic virtues : educators' practices

It is widely accepted that certain values and their associated virtues are desirable in citizens of a democracy. Schools in South Africa and elsewhere are expected to play a part in the development of appropriate values, although the precise form of their influence is frequently not clarified. The development of values and virtues is the central theme of moral development, a process linked by some psychologists to cognitive development. Although cognitive competence cannot guarantee virtue, it is generally recognized that insightful moral judgement and action are facilitated by certain cognitive dispositions and skills, and that values and habits of thoughtfulness are interdependent. Research indicates that educators are aware of a responsibility to nurture morality but suggests a number of concerns related to their capacity and to their understanding of their role. The study reported here is a quantitative survey of the priorities of a sample of 350 Western Cape educators regarding the dispositions (both cognitive and moral) they consider to be important to nurture in the classroom and the extent to which they attempt to do so. Educators rated all 25 dispositions as at least of some importance, the four most highly rated being goal-setting and planning, reliability, punctuality, and persistence. Despite the high priority accorded to certain dispositions the percentage of educators who claimed to assign effort to their active nurturance was never more than 31%, and educators did not seem to prioritize cognitive dispositions. Gender, professional experience and phase of education were each found to influence priorities and practices. Finally, educators maintained that they assigned effort to nurturing many characteristics in addition to those listed on the questionnaire, of which respect (21%) and self-respect (14%), were mentioned most frequently. These findings have implications for the engagement of educators in values education.