Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endwall Loss and Mixing Analysis of a High Lift Low Pressure Turbine Cascade

A high lift LPT profile designated L2A is used as a test bed for studying the origin of endwall mixing loss and the role of vortical structures in loss development. It is shown analytically and experimentally that the mixing forces within the endwall wake can be decoupled into either mean flow or turbulent forces, and can be further classified as either reversible or irreversible. Among the irreversible forces, mean flow shear is negligible compared to turbulent shear, suggesting that turbulence dissipation is the dominant cause of loss generation. As a result, the mean flow components of the vortical structures do not generate significant mixing losses. Rather than mixing effects, the mean flow of the vortices cause the suction surface boundary layer to separate inside the passage, thereby generating the large low energy regions typical of endwall flows. Losses are generated as the low energy regions mix out. This vortex separation effect is demonstrated with an experiment using a profile fence and pressure surface modification near the endwall. The findings in this paper suggest that profile modifications near the endwall that suppress suction surface separation may provide loss reductions additive to those that weaken vortical structures, such as endwall contouring.
Health insurance, efficiency and equity: French debates

The French health care system is based on social insurance. It shares many features with Belgium’s health care system. Like Belgium, France has universal compulsory insurance with broad coverage, financed through income-related contributions and taxes. At the same time, the market for care is very liberal in both countries. In France, there is almost no rationing in care provision; patients can choose (and freely change) their GPs with no limitations. Despite a gate keeping system set up in 2004, direct access to specialists is not very restricted, because the corresponding penalty is rather small. Doctors are predominantly remunerated through fee-for-service, with the exception of physicians working in public hospitals, and those providing care services in schools or firms. A large proportion of hospital stays occurs in private-for-profit hospitals: one third of total stays and more than half of surgical stays.
Extremal Dependence in International Output Growth: Tales from the Tails

The statistical modelling of extreme values has recently received substantial attention in a broad spectrum of sciences. Given that in a wide variety of scenarios, one is mostly concerned with explaining tail events (say, an economic recession) than central ones, the need to rely on statistical methods well qualified for modelling extremes arises. Unfortunately, several classical tools regularly applied in the analysis of central events, are simply innapropriate for the analysis of extreme values. In particular, Pearson correlation is not a proper measure for assessing the level of agreement of two variables when one is concerned with tail events. This paper explores the comovement of the economic activity of several OECD countries during periods of large positive and negative growth (right and left tails, respectively). Extremal measures are here applied as means to assess the degree of cross-country tail dependence of output growth rates. Our main empirical findings are: (i) the comovement is much stronger in left tails than in right tails; (ii) asymptotic independence is claimed by the data; (iii) the dependence in the tails is considerably stronger than the one arising from a Gaussian dependence model. In addition, our results suggest that, among the typical determinants for explaining international output growth synchronization, only economic specialization similarity seems to play a role at extreme events.
Conditions for exponential ergodicity and bounds for the Deacy parameters of a birth-death process

This paper is concerned with two problems in connection with exponential ergodicity for birth-death processes on a semi-infinite lattice of integers. The first is to determine from the birth and death rates whether exponential ergodicity prevails. We give some necessary and some sufficient conditions which suffice to settle the question for most processes encountered in practice. In particular, a complete solution is obtained for processes where, from some finite state n onwards, the birth and death rates are rational functions of n. The second, more difficult, problem is to evaluate the decay parameter of an exponentially ergodic birth-death process. Our contribution to the solution of this problem consists of a number of upper and lower bounds. DUAL BIRTH-DEATH PROCESSES; ORTHOGONAL POLYNOMIALS; SPECTRAL REPRESENTATION; TRANSITION PROBABILITIES
Institutional Quality, Culture and Norms of Cooperation Experimental Evidence from Italy and Kosovo

We designed an experiment to identify the causal effects of institutional quality on norms of societal cooperation and to study the interaction of institutions and culture in sustaining economic exchange. The experiment consists of a market game played under different contract enforcement mechanisms, preceded and followed by a trust game. For the market game, all subjects participate in a baseline treatment in which agents can trade honestly, cheat, or opt out of trading, in the absence of any contract enforcement system. Then, subjects are randomly allocated to one of two institutional treatments: either a partial enforcement system where only those who buy protection receive justice, or an impartial enforcement system, which administers fair settlements. We obtained data from 346 subjects from Northern and Southern Italy and Kosovo. Our main result is that an impartial legal enforcement system in markets has a positive causal effect on social trust and trustworthiness. The mechanism is based on the varied experiences of cooperation under the different systems. This suggests that moral norms of cooperative behavior can result as a byproduct of impartial market institutions. Cultural origin, initial trust and trustworthiness influence opportunistic behavior in markets, but only in the absence of impartial institutions, suggesting that trust can act as a substitute for formal enforcement in the absence of the latter.
The Trade Impact of Enhanced Multimodal Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific Region

This paper develops new measures of multimodal transport connectivity, and uses a gravity model to show that improving performance could lead to major trade gains for the Asia-Pacific region. By improving multimodal connectivity by 5%, APEC would increase exports by around 4%, or between 2% and 6% per member economy. In dollar terms, this equates to an impact gain of $500bn in total, or between $850m and $115bn per member economy. Economies that are open, highly integrated into world markets, and with strong connectivity baselines stand to gain the most. We also find that of the elements of multimodal transport connectivity, it is logistics services performance that generally has the strongest effect on trade.
FLAME-VORTEX INTERACTION IN A REACTING VORTEX RING

Direct numerical simulations are used to study the flame–vortex interaction in a laminar reacting vortex ring. The chemical reaction occurs by a one-step, Arrhenius-type reaction that mimics the combustion of typical hydrocarbon and air. The ring is generated by an axisymmetric jet that is impulsed to emit a cold fuel through a nozzle. The fuel enters a quiescent ambient at a much higher temperature. By adjusting the ratio of the ambient and fuel temperatures, the ignition either occurs during the formation or post-formation phase of the ring. When ignition occurs during the formation phase of the ring, the bulk of combustion is by a flame at the front of the vortex bubble. When ignition is delayed until after the formation phase, most of the reaction occurs inside the vortex ring. It is found that premixing the fuel and the oxidizer enhances the amount of product formation. The heat released from the reaction significantly affects production, redistribution, and diffusion of the vorticity throughout the .
UN Economic Commission for Europe Expert Group on Resource Classification DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Guidelines for Application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 for Uranium and Thorium Resources

As energy resources, uranium and thorium have a special place in “the current and future supply base of fossil energy and minerals”, which is the focus of UNFC-2009. For the foreseeable future, both uranium and thorium, and uranium in the immediate future, will make a critical contribution to energy security and low carbon energy production. These Guidelines will assist all those responsible for finding, classifying, quantifying, financing, permitting, mining, and processing these minerals such that they are fit to enter the nuclear fuel cycle.
Functional studies of genes involved in pathogenesis of aspirin-induced asthma

About one fifth of asthmatics have aspirin intolerance. There are several theories explaining pathogenesis of aspirininduced asthma (AIA). According to the cyclooxygenase theory, aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes leading to prostaglandins (PGs) biosynthesis inhibition. In turn, deficiency of PGE2 has been considered as a triggering factor, resulting in overproduction of proinflammatory leukotrienes and therefore resulting in typical clinical symptoms. Equally important hypothesis seems to be 15-hydroxyeicosatetranoic acid release and diminished production of anti-inflammatory lipoxins after aspirin challenge. In the literature, there is also a lot of data about genetic mechanisms suggesting various gene involvement. This review presents a profile of genes whose involvement in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma with aspirin hypersensitivity has been verified at the level of RNA and protein expression. Simultaneously, we have discussed several genes whose participation in the AIA is not completely understood due to the lack of functional studies.
Effect of environmental variables on epiphyton in a pampean lake with stable turbid- and clear-water states

In the present study, we examined the variation in composition and biomass of epi- phyton growing on the bulrush Schoenoplectus californicus in a pampean lake that passed through a turbid- and a clear-water period within an annual cycle. Monthly sampling was per- formed year-round at the center and periphery of a bulrush stand. We measured the physicochem- ical parameters in the water column using standardized field and laboratory methods. The epiphy- ton was sampled by sectioning bulrush stems into segments for pigment analysis, abundance measurements, and biovolume quantification. Two different types of communities were observed during the annual cycle. In the turbid-water period, epiphyton biomass and diversity remained low despite sufficient levels of phosphates. An abrupt increase in epiphyton biomass, along with structural changes in the community, occurred after an improvement in water transparency, sug- gesting that the epiphyton was strongly dependent on underwater light conditions. Differences in epiphyton composition and biomass between the center and the periphery of the bulrush stand were negligible. We conclude that the availability of colonizing surface is not a relevant driver for the colonization and growth of these epiphyton assemblages. The epiphyton in pampean lakes may remain stable and resilient for relatively long periods, even when confronted with envi - ronmental perturbations, and changes in these communities will only occur in relation to radical alterations in light and nutrient availability.
Two-Photon Polarization Spectroscopy of Atomic Cesium Using Circularly Polarized Light

TWO-PHOTON POLARIZATION SPECTROSCOPY OF ATOMIC CESIUM USING CIRCULARLY POLARIZED LIGHT. by Dave S. Fisher Measurements of collisional depolarization cross sections play an important role in gaining valuable information about the interaction between inert and rare-gas atoms. A key element in understanding collisional dynamics is the detailed analysis of the polarization of the emitted photons. In order to investigate the collisional cross section of the excited J=1/2 cesium atoms, by collisions with the ground level argon atoms, experimental measurements were made studying circular polarization spectra. Orientation in the J=1/2 level was optically induced by circularly polarized light with a positive helicity. A two-photon double-resonance (6s S1/2→6p P1/2→ 10s S1/2) condition was achieved using nanosecond pulsed dye lasers, and the intensity of the cascade fluorescence was monitored in the presence of argon atoms ranging from 10−4 torr to 100 torr. TWO-PHOTON POLARIZATION SPECTROSCOPY OF ATOMIC CESIUM USING CIRCULARLY POLARIZED LIGHT
Title Usability of selenium fortified Chlorella diet for rotifer resting eggproduction and hatching

Our previous study elucidated that commercial Chlorella vulgaris induces the resting egg production of the euryhaline rotifer Brachionus plicatilis sensu stricto caused by selenium (Se) fortification. This study confirmed production efficiency and hatchability of resting eggs with the commercial Se-fortified C. vulgaris. The aforementioned parameters were compared to those with Tetraselmis tetrathele (control) which is an optimal diet for resting egg production and hatching. The rotifers pre-cultured with Nannochloropsis oculata, and the produced resting eggs were employed to test diet effects. The hatching rate of collected resting eggs was estimated and then hatchlings were used for next generation culture. For the resting egg production with two different diets, T. tetrathele induced significantly higher productivity in the first generation, while no differences were observed in the second generations between two diets T. tetrathele and C. vulgaris. The resting eggs with N. oculata showed 6.0% of hatching rate, whereas it notably increased with two tested diets. The highest hatching rate was observed with C. vulgaris feeding (74.0-81.0%) through the all tested generations. The obtained results exhibit the possibility of C. vulgaris feeding for the mass production of rotifer resting eggs.
Output Regulation of Equilibrium Independent Passive Systems Master Project Applied Mathematics

In this thesis we discuss the problem of output regulation of nonlinear systems with respect to an equilibrium of the system. We present conditions on the interconnection of a plant and a controller under which output regulation is achieved, using a passivity-based approach. In particular, we use the notion of equilibrium independent passivity, which was defined by Hines et al. in [7]. We review this concept and find general classes of equilibrium independent passive systems, to gain insight in the type of systems that has this property. Based on these classes, we provide general forms of controllers that achieve output regulation.
Clinical Profile of Diabetic Nephropathy and Correlation With Intrarenal Resistivity Index by Duplex Ultrasonography

Background: To study the clinical profile of Diabetic nephropathy and the correlation of intrarenal resistivity index with parameters of renal dysfunction like Glomerular filtration rate, Serum Creatinine, micro and macroalbuminuria. Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study carried out over a period of 2 years. Patients of type 2 Diabetes as per WHO criteria who had nephropathy were included. A Detailed history was taken and clinical examination was done. Urine routine and microscopic examination and biochemical investigations were done. Patients were subjected to ultrasound of kidneys and renal doppler. Results: A total of 160 patients of type 2 diabetes with diabetic nephropathy were studied. They were divided into two groups based on intrarenal resistivity index (IRI) by duplex ultrasonography as Group I: Patients with IRI ? 0.70 (n = 72) and Group II: Patients with IRI > 0.70 (n = 88). Mean age in group I was 50.42 ± 4.89 and in group II was 60.34 ± 7.92 (P = 0.000). Mean duration of diabetes mellitus in group I was 4.57 ± 3.65 years and 11.25 ± 6.97 years in group II. Mean systolic BP in group II was 144.09 ± 16.79 mmHg whereas in group I it was 128.47 ± 13.07 mmHg, 80.55% in group I were in the early stage of nephropathy whereas 69.32% patients of group II were in established stage of nephropathy. On multivariate analysis, factors which independently affected IRI were age, Hypertension, Complications - Coronary artery disease and retinopathy, Macroalbuminuria, Decreased creatinine clearance. Conclusions: Intrarenal resistivity index as assessed by duplex ultrasonography is a non-invasive parameter that can be correlated with the clinical profile and biochemical parameters of renal dysfunction type II diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy. doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.4021/wjnu41w
Perceived Role of Marketing Communication Strategies on Students’ Enrollment in Private Secondary Schools in Mbale Municipality, Mbale District

The study examined the effect of marketing communication strategies on students’ enrollment in private secondary schools in Mbale municipality, Mbale district. The hypotheses of the study were; (a) external marketing communication strategies have no statistically significant effect on students’ enrollment in private secondary schools in Mbale municipality, (b) internal marketing communication strategies have no statistically significant effect on students’ enrollment in private secondary schools in Mbale municipality, and (c) relationship marketing communication strategies have no statistically significant effect on students’ enrollment in private secondary schools in Mbale municipality. A correlation research design was adopted for the study, with a population of 290 from which a sample of 165 was selected. A closed ended questionnaire was used for data collection, with both descriptive statistics and inferential used for data analyses. The study discovered significant effects between external marketing communication strategies on students’ enrollment (r = .490, N= 158, p<.05, β =.490), internal marketing communication strategies on students’ enrollment (r = .493, N =158, p< .05, β =.493), and relationship marketing communication strategies on students’ enrollment (r = .594, N =158, p<.05, β =.594). This implies that a unit change in external, internal and relationship marketing communication strategies leads to a 49.0%; 49.3% and 59.4% change in students’ enrollment respectively. The study concludes that external, internal and relationship marketing communication strategies have a statistically significant effect on students’ enrollment in private secondary schools in Mbale Municipality. Due to a higher effect relationship marketing communication strategies should be given priority when undertaking marketing in private secondary schools in Mbale Municipality, Mbale District. Keywords: Marketing communication strategies, students’ enrollment, private secondary schools, Mbale municipality
Social behaviour in captive reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata): Analysis of enclosure use and social interactions between giraffes housed at Whipsnade Zoo

Wild giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) herds have been described as random associations of individuals, but recent research has suggested that giraffe do form social bonds and have a complex social structure. The aims of this investigation were to determine whether a group of three captive giraffe associated randomly or patterned their behaviour and proximity in a way that suggests social relationships. Also to analyse how the giraffe use their enclosure in order for the zoo to develop the enrichment program to encourage the giraffe to use the enclosure more equally. Index of association and maintenance of proximity were used to analyse the social interactions. SPI and Chi Squared (goodness of fit) tests were used to determine the enclosure usage. Mother- son pairs and pairs with large age differences between members interacted and associated most often. Areas of the enclosure such as the inside, concrete area, and sand area were used more than expected; on the other hand areas such as grass areas were used less than expected; this is because these areas contain no resources. The social structure of this captive group is influenced by social relationships between individuals, especially mother and son. It is suggested that the social behaviour between wild individuals should be examined more closely in order to improve the welfare of giraffes in captivity. Key words: Giraffe; Social; Association; Relationships; Home range; Bond; Captivity; Enclosure use
Profit Efficiency with Kourosh and Arash Model

This article illustrates how Kourosh and Arash Model (KAM) is able to measure profit-efficiency of Decision Making Units (DMUs) in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The advantages of KAM in comparison with the current profit efficiency DEA models proposed by Cooper et al. (2007) and Coelli et al. (2005) are also illustrated with a clear example.
Labor market returns to early childhood stimulation : a 20-year follow-up to the Jamaica study

This brief summarizes the results of a gender impact evaluation study, entitled Labor market returns to early childhood stimulation : a 20-year follow-up to the Jamaica study, conducted during the time period between 1986-1987 in Jamaica. The study observed that large effects on earnings of a randomized intervention that gave stimulation to stunted toddlers living in poverty. The intervention was a one-hour weekly visit from a community health worker over a 2-year period that taught and encouraged mothers to interact and play with their children in ways that would develop their children's cognitive and socio-emotional skills. The stimulation at an early age led to an increase in earnings of 50 percent for all workers and 63 percent for workers in full time permanent jobs. The treatment group caught up with a matched non-stunted comparison group. Overall there is no clear difference in outcomes between the genders. However, cognitive skills were significantly improved for men, but not women and internalizing and externalizing behaviors significantly improved for only females. Funding for the study derived from Strategic Impact Evaluation Fund, the American Bar Foundation, The Pritzker Children's Initiative, NICHD, the Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Global Working Group, Institute for New Economic Thinking, European Research Council.