Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct Band Gap Germanium for Si-compatible Lasing

For several decades, an astonishing progress has been seen in the development of integrated circuits used in electronic devices. This progress was based on the miniaturization of electronic components fabricated in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. However, at current and future length scales, the metal interconnects constitute a bottleneck for a further increase in computing power. This bottleneck can be resolved by replacing the electrical interconnects by optical data transmission. To do so, an efficient monolithic laser source is required. Direct band gap III-V lasers offer excellent efficiencies, but it is a great challenge to integrate these on the CMOS platform. Many teams worldwide are working on overcoming the serious material incompatibilities between III-V materials and the group IV material silicon (Si). A much more attractive solution is to employ a material that intrinsically complies with Si technology such as germanium (Ge), which is nowadays already in use in silicon foundries. However, at first glance it seems unpractical to make a laser from Ge due to the unfortunate alignment of the electronic bands which form an indirect band gap. Nonetheless, it has been known since a long time that this band alignment can be modified by increasing the unit cell of the crystal or by alloying Ge with Sn. Doing either way, it is expected that the radiative recombination efficiency increases and the bands align in a direct configuration, just like the bands for III-V laser materials. In this thesis, the optical properties of these two classes of so-called direct band gap group IV materials are investigated. To achieve the necessary unit cell deformation, tensile-strained Ge microbridges are used. These systems have been developed for this very purpose at the Paul Scherrer Institute over the last few years. A part of this development is reported in the thesis work of Dr. Martin J. Süess. For the second approach, GeSn alloys are investigated at the Paul Scherrer Institute in close collaboration with the Forschungszentrum Jülich, where the epitaxy of the alloys was developed. This collaborative work led to the demonstration of an optically pumped group IV laser. Together with the material development, this achievement has already been summarized in the thesis of Dr. Stephan Wirths. The aim of this work is to gain insight into the physics of such direct band gap group IV semiconductors on the route towards an efficient CMOS light source and, thus, covers both systems. In the first part of this dissertation, model calculations are presented to quantify the advantageous effects of uniaxial tensile stress on the properties of Ge in terms of electron distribution and optical gain. The experimental investigation of these advantageous effects is given in the second part of this thesis, which deals with the fabrication and
Characterization of Liquid Impinging Jet Injector Sprays for Bi-Propellant Space Propulsion: Comparison of PDI and High-Magnification Shadowgraphy

Impinging jet sprays are investigated in the reference case of like-doublet injector, for application to bi-propellant combustion. Green propellants are considered, namely ethanol as a fuel and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer, that is well represented by water. This study reports original comparisons between standard spray characterization (PDI) and high-magnification shadowgraphy of the spray (2.5 x 3.2 mm, 2.5 μm per pixel) based on short laser backlight illumination (5 ns). Shadowgraphy images describe accurately the inner spray structure and provide the size and velocity of droplets. This diagnostic is used to analyse the influence of jet momentum (driven by injection pressure) on impinging jet atomization, as well as the evolution of spray topology, drop size distribution and average diameter along the spray centreline. The application of shadowgraphy to the dense region of water and ethanol sprays shows the different atomization behaviour of these two fluids with respect to their surface tension. Elliptical droplets are characterized inside the spray, which confirms the interest of a direct visualization of droplets in such dense sprays.
Nutrients and toxic contaminants in shallow groundwater along Lake Simcoe urban shorelines

Abstract Poor water quality associated with eutrophication, attributed largely to phosphorus loading, and toxic contaminants has impaired Lake Simcoe’s ecological health. We investigated the potential influence of urban groundwater contamination on lake water quality using a screening approach. In 2010, shallow groundwater (25–120 cm below the lake bed) was collected at 10–15 m spacing along 2 sections of shoreline (about 1 km each) in Barrie, Ontario. Occurrences of elevated groundwater nutrients were widespread, with 24% of samples having soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations >0.1 mg L−1 (hypereutrophic water and ≥10 times lake water SRP). Groundwater nitrate or ammonium concentrations were above that of the lake along most of the shoreline sections. Along the north and south shores, 37 and 65%, respectively, of the samples had at least one contaminant over its Canadian aquatic life toxicity guideline, while 11 and 17%, respectively, had 2 or more over guidelines. Exceedances detected at multiple locations included ammonium, nitrate, chloride, chlorinated solvent and petroleum compounds, cadmium, and selenium. In 2011, samples were collected at the same depth range as in 2010 and, additionally, at 5 cm depth (benthic zone) at 22 locations along these same sections. Concentrations of the key contaminants were mostly similar between the 2 sampling depths, suggesting the 2010 results are generally applicable to benthic organism toxicity and nutrient loading to the sediment interface, although fluxes were not determined. Concentrations of SRP, ammonium, and various other contaminants were likely controlled by groundwater redox conditions. Potential sources of key contaminants are also discussed.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF NIGERIAN LISTED FIRMS: FURTHER EVIDENCE

This work, in an agency framework, adds to the few literatures on Nigeria by examining the impact of corporate governance on firm financial performance. Using a sample of 64 listed non-financial firms for the period 2002 to 2006, the study is able to capture the impact of the New Code of Corporate Governance released in 2003 on previous findings. Introductory investigations on the Nigerian capital market operations and regulations depict low, but improving, states. Empirically, Panel regression estimates show that board size, audit committee independence and ownership concentration aid performance. Higher independent directors and directors’ portion of shares unexpectedly dampen performance, while firms vesting both the roles of CEOs and chairs in the same individual perform better.
International Integration, Common Exposure and Systemic Risk in the Banking Sector: An Empirical Investigation

This paper analyzes the impact of ongoing financial integration and increase in crossborder activities on banks’ common exposure to shocks and on banking sector systemic risk. For that, we study the evolution of correlations between large international banks’ asset-to-debt ratios over 1993-2006 and compute a systemic risk index for the same period. We find that banks’ common exposure to shocks has significantly decreased until 2000 and rapidly increased afterwards. Systemic risk follows a totally different pattern. No trend emerges and, instead, we observe two peaks: one in 1998 (LTCM and Russian crisis) and one in 2002-2003 (stock market downturn). These findings suggest that, contrary to a widespread belief, higher correlations between banks do not necessarily induce higher systemic risk. We then provide evidence that systemic risk is mainly driven by banks’ individual risk-taking rather than by their common exposure to risks.
Managerial Execution in Public Administration: Practices of Managers When Implementing Strategic Objectives

This paper analyzes the dimensions underlying the management practices of public managers when they are implementing their organizational objectives. This study also shows, in relation to our conceptual framework of the five dimensions of strategy execution, the necessary behaviours and attitudes that public managers ought to deploy in performing their missions of public benefit. To that end we conducted a factor analysis, subsequent to a survey of service managers in public administration, which allowed to assess and to emphasize the significance of each of the five dimensions of strategy execution. Methodology A survey questionnaire was administered to 367 public managers in the scope of the five dimensions of performance drivers. We use the PCA method to assess the relationship between the dimensions of strategy execution and management practices in public administration regarding the implementation of their organizational objectives. Findings The study found seven main conclusions concerning the sample of public managers surveyed. These findings are:
Cash Versus In-Kind Transfers: Comparative Differences and Individual Best Practices to Benefit Recipient Communities

This research paper seeks to compare cash and in-kind transfers in the context of foreign poverty aid to determine which transfer style is most beneficial and to evaluate long-term best practices of each kind to more positively benefit the recipient communities. It does this by comparing arguments for and against each transfer model. The first argument discusses the differences in distribution costs between the two models. The second compares the cash transfer’s strong concept of choice with in-kind transfer’s typical style of controlled consumption of goods. The second argument discusses the timing and impact of targeting communities in connection to each transfer style. Finally, the last argument discusses the contrasting macroeconomic impact each style has on local markets. Cash transfers are predetermined cash donations given either as a lump sum or in periodic transfers. Conversely, in-kind transfers are direct transfers of physical goods distributed to households. This paper maintains that both transfer styles have the capability of being beneficial if they are planned and executed with extensive knowledge of the unique local community, its needs, the economic and social effects of each transfer style, and a purposeful design aimed at long-term growth and empowerment of communities.
Pakistan's productivity performance and TFP trends 1980-2015: Cause for real concern

This paper reviews Pakistan’s productivity performance over the last 35 years (1980–2015) and identifies factors that help explain the declining trend in labor productivity and total factor productivity (TFP),both of which could have served as major drivers of productivity growth – as happened in East Asia and more recently in India. A key finding is that the maximum TFP gains and their contribution to economic growth are realized during periods of high-output growth. The lack of sustained growth and low and declining levels of investment appear to be the most important causes of the low contribution of TFP to productivity growth, which has now reached levels that should be of major concern to policymakers vis-a-vis Pakistan’s growth prospects. Using the endogenous growth model, we examine the contribution of physical capital, human capital and TFP to labor productivity. The results suggest that, over these35 years, the contribution of physical capital and education remains modest and there has been a declining trend in TFP growth. This shows that Pakistan’s economy has not taken full advantage of the favorable technological developments and rapid globalization of the period. We also question the view expressed in recent studies that Pakistan’s growth has been driven primarily by factor inputs, namely labor and capital, and not by TFP growth. The paper argues to the contrary that it is the lack of investment in and growth of the stock of capital embodying the most recent knowledge and technology that has inhibited TFP growth post-1990. Finally, there is an urgent need for further research to understand the dynamics of growth in services and to raise TFP in this sector as India has done post-1990.
The Effect of Birth Type and Sex of Lambs on Fiber Diameter

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of sex and birth type of lambs on fibre diameter of them and their dams in early lactation period and find the relationships between fibre diameter and milk parameters. In this study, 33 Karayaka lambs and 28 their dams were used. Fibre diameter was significantly higher for singles compared with twins at weaning (p<0.05). Fibre diameter did not differ between male and female lambs at first week and weaning. There was a significant positive correlation (r=0.38; p<0.05) between fibre diameter of lambs and milk fat in the study. However there were no correlations between fibre diameter of lambs and other milk constituents (protein and urea). We could not find any relationship between milk components and fibre diameter of dams.
Genetic Properties of Some Economic Traits in Isfahan Native Fowl Using Bayesian and REML Methods

The objective of the present study was to estimate heritability values for some performance and egg quality traits of native fowl in Isfahan breeding center using REML and Bayesian approaches. The records were about 51521 and 975 for performance and egg quality traits, respectively. At the first step, variance components were estimated for body weight at hatch (BW0), body weight at 8 weeks of age (BW8), weight at sexual maturity (WSM), egg yolk weight (YW), egg Haugh unit and eggshell thickness, via REML approach using ASREML software. At the second step, the same traits were analyzed via Bayesian approach using Gibbs3f90 software. In both approaches six different animal models were applied and the best model was determined using likelihood ratio test (LRT) and deviance information criterion (DIC) for REML and Bayesian approaches, respectively. Heritability estimates for BW0, WSM and ST were the same in both approaches. For BW0, LRT and DIC indexes confirmed that the model consisting maternal genetic, permanent environmental and direct genetic effects was significantly better than other models. For WSM, a model consisting of maternal permanent environmental effect in addition to direct genetic effect was the best. For shell thickness, the basic model consisting direct genetic effect was the best. The results for BW8, YW and Haugh unit, were different between the two approaches. The reason behind this tiny differences was that the convergence could not be achieved for some models in REML approach and thus for these traits the Bayesian approach estimated the variance components more accurately. The results indicated that ignoring maternal effects, overestimates the direct genetic variance and heritability for most of the traits. Also, the Bayesian-based software could take more variance components into account.
Organizational Citizenship Behaviors in Higher Education: Examining the Relationships between Behaviors and Performance Outcomes for Individuals and Institutions.

Organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) have been described as employee behaviors that are not required by job descriptions, are not formally rewarded, and contribute positively to the organization. Previous research has shown that OCBs are related to both individual and organizational performance. Given the importance of OCBs to individual and organizational effectiveness, the purpose for conducting the study was to describe OCBs in the higher education context, describe the relationships between OCBs and various aspects of faculty and staff performance, and explore the extent to which institutional leaders should be concerned with the OCBs of both faculty and professional staff. The study utilized a survey research design to gather information about OCBs in higher education. Both faculty and staff were selected from eight institutions according to the institution’s performance in research funding and graduation rates. The findings suggested that staff may exhibit higher levels of OCB than faculty, that faculty OCBs were correlated with the number of presentations given, student contact hours, and service on committees, and that staff OCBs were correlated with satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity. Further, differences in OCB levels existed between high-performing staff and low-performing faculty as well as staff in low-performing institutions when compared with staff in high-performing institutions and faculty in low-performing institutions. The results are important for institutional leaders for understanding the employment relationship for both faculty and staff as well as the relationship between OCBs and performance of both individuals and institutions. This dissertation is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council. Dissertation Director: _______________________________________ Dr. Michael T. Miller Dissertation Committee: _______________________________________
Agrobacterium Tumefaciens Nitrogen Fixation System Expresses in Sinorhizobium meliloti (=Rhizobium meliloti)

Kanvinde and Sastry (Appl. and Environ. Microbiol. 56:2087-2092, 1990) had previously demonstrated that A. tumefaciens has all the physiological characters of a diazotroph. Genetic evidence indicates that the genes responsible for the reaction are located on the chromosome between his and trp but nearer to the former. Using this information two recombinant plasmids were isolated: (a) a stable R68.45-prime, pSRK9, bearing his + Nif + trp + of A. tumefaciens and (b) pHN20, a recombinant cosmid (with a his + Nif + insert, about 30 kb) selected from a gene bank. Both these plasmids have been shown to be able to express clearly and facilitate nitrogen fixation in S. meliloti nif K - and to some extant in nif H - backgrounds; the plasmids acted synergistically with the wild type itself as was evidenced by increased
Optimization, purification and characterization of recombinant L-asparaginase II in Escherichia coli

We studied optimal L-asparaginase sequence from GenBank accession number X12746 encoding for L-asparaginase from Erwinia chrysanthemi NCPPB1125. The expression level of recombinant L-asparaginase was determined as 78% of the total proteins. The purified L-asparaginase had a molecular mass of 37 kDa with specific activity of 312.8 U/mg. Kinetic parameters, Km, Vmax, Kcat and Kcat/Km of purified enzyme were found to be 0.5 mM, 500 U/mg, 14.9  103 s-1, and 29.9  103 mM-1s-1, respectively. Temperature and pH optimum were observed at 45oC and pH 7.5, respectively. The enzyme exhibited about 20 and 60% retention of activity following 100 min incubation at 55 or 40°C, respectively. The activity of enzyme was inhibited by EDTA, Hg2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and enhanced by Mg2+. Detergents (Tween 20, Tween 80, Triton X-100, and Triton X-114) decreased enzyme activity. DTT and DMSO at appropriate concentrations enhanced enzyme activity. In vitro anti-cancer activity was performed using different tumor cell lines. Concentration of recombinant L-asparaginase at 50 µg/ml inhibited 45.32, 48.22, 53.68, 51.22% with HL-60, P388, P3X63Ag8, SP2/0-Ag14 cell lines. Recombinant L-asparaginase was expressed successfully in Escherichia coli with high expression level, had a high specific activity and antiproliferative effect on several tumor cell lines. Key words: Characterization, Erwinia chrysanthemi, L-asparaginase, purification, tumor cell line.
Quantifying the daily economic impact of extreme space weather due to failure in electricity transmission infrastructure

Extreme space weather due to coronal mass ejections has the potential to cause considerable disruption to the global economy by damaging the transformers required to operate electricity transmission infrastructure. However, expert opinion is split between the potential outcome being one of a temporary regional blackout and of a more prolonged event. The temporary blackout scenario proposed by some is expected to last the length of the disturbance, with normal operations resuming after a couple of days. On the other hand, others have predicted widespread equipment damage with blackout scenarios lasting months. In this paper we explore the potential costs associated with failure in the electricity transmission infrastructure in the U.S. due to extreme space weather, focusing on daily economic loss. This provides insight into the direct and indirect economic consequences of how an extreme space weather event may affect domestic production, as well as other nations, via supply chain linkages. By exploring the sensitivity of the blackout zone, we show that on average the direct economic cost incurred from disruption to electricity represents only 49% of the total potential macroeconomic cost. Therefore, if indirect supply chain costs are not considered when undertaking cost‐benefit analysis of space weather forecasting and mitigation investment, the total potential macroeconomic cost is not correctly represented. The paper contributes to our understanding of the economic impact of space weather, as well as making a number of key methodological contributions relevant for future work. Further economic impact assessment of this threat must consider multiday, multiregional events.
Compression-dependency of soft tissue bioimpedance for in-vivo and in-vitro tissue testing

Abstract The present study determines the effect of compression over bioimpedance of healthy soft tissue (in-vitro and in-vivo). Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a promising tissue characterization and tumor detection technique that uses tissue impedance or admittance to characterize tissue and identify tissue properties as well as cell structure. Variation in EIS measurements while applying pressure suggests that compression tends to affect soft tissue bioimpedance. Moreover, the displacements in tissue caused by applied compression may provide useful information about the structure and state of the tissue. Thus combining the changes to the electrical properties of tissue resulted by applied compression, with the changes in tissue displacements caused by applied compression, and consequently measuring the effect that electrical and mechanical properties have on each other, can be useful to identify tissue structure. In this study, multifrequency bioimpedance measurements were performed on in-vitro and in-vivo soft tissue at different pressure levels. Increasing compression on the in-vitro tissue results in an increase in both extracellular resistance and membrane capacitance while it causes a reduction in the intracellular resistance. However, as the compression over the in-vivo samples increases, the intracellular and extracellular resistance increase and the membrane capacitance decreases. The in-vivo measurements on human body are also tested on contra-lateral tissue sites and similar tissue impedance variation trends are observed in the contra-lateral sites of human body. The evidence from these tests suggests the possibility of using this EIS-Pressure combined measurement method to improve tumor detection in soft tissue. Based upon the observations, the authors envision developing an advanced model based upon the Cole model, which is dependent on tissue displacements.