Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of single‐mode optical rib waveguide in silicon carbide

Optical rib waveguide on a wide bandgap semiconductor—silicon carbide (SiC)—in single‐mode condition has been investigated. The effects of waveguide geometry including slab thickness and rib width and height on the waveguide performance were studied using effective index method. It was found that design can be optimized when the fundamental modes HE00 or EH00 propagate in the waveguide with very low loss, while the higher‐order modes like HE10, HE20 or EH10, EH20 are cutoff. The correction factor which affects single‐mode requirement was also examined with the values in both HE and EH modes proposed. The superior material properties of SiC, when combined with optimized design and performance, will lead to a promising waveguide device with great potential for applications such as optoelectronic IC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2636–2640, 2013
East Australian Cyclones and Air‐Sea Feedbacks

The importance of resolving mesoscale air‐sea interactions to represent cyclones impacting the East Coast of Australia, the so‐called East Coast Lows (ECLs), is investigated using the Australian Regional Coupled Model based on NEMO‐OASIS‐WRF (NOW) at 1/4° resolution. The fully coupled model is shown to be capable of reproducing correctly relevant features such as the seasonality, spatial distribution and intensity of ECLs while it partially resolves mesoscale processes, such as air‐sea feedbacks over ocean eddies and fronts. The mesoscale thermal feedback (TFB) and the current feedback (CFB) are shown to influence the intensity of northern ECLs (north of 30°S ), with the TFB modulating the pre‐storm sea surface temperature (SST) by shifting ECL locations eastwards and the CFB modulating the wind stress. By fully uncoupling the atmospheric model of NOW, the intensity of northern ECLs is increased due to the absence of the cold wake that provides a negative feedback to the cyclone. The number of ECLs might also be affected by the air‐sea feedbacks but large interannual variability hampers significant results with short‐term simulations. The TFB and CFB modify the climatology of SST (mean and variability) but no direct link is found between these changes and those noticed in ECL properties. These results show that the representation of ECLs, mainly north of 30°S , depend on how air‐sea feedbacks are simulated. This is particularly important for atmospheric downscaling of climate projections as small‐scale SST interactions and the effects of ocean currents are not accounted for.
Forward–Backward algorithms for stochastic Nash equilibrium seeking in restricted strongly and strictly monotone games

We study stochastic Nash equilibrium problems with expected valued cost functions whose pseudogradient satisfies restricted monotonicity properties which hold only with respect to the solution. We propose a forward-backward algorithm and prove its convergence under restricted strong monotonicity, restricted strict monotonicity and restricted cocoercivity of the pseudogradient mapping. To approximate the expected value, we use either a finite number of samples and a vanishing step size or an increasing number of samples with a constant step. Numerical simulations show that our proposed algorithm might be faster than the available algorithms.
Symptomatic Thoracic Intramedullary Arachnoid Cyst: “A Rare Entity” Report of Two Cases with Short Review of Literature

ABSTRACT Spinal arachnoid cysts are uncommon benign lesions of spine axis and most commonly present as compressive myelopathy. Intramedullary arachnoid cyst is uncommonly seen, hence, not much discussed in literature. Due to rarity of this entity, many questions are yet to be answered and should be addressed properly, particularly related to etiopathogenesis, accustomed course, behavior, differential diagnosis, and the best treatment modality. We report the clinicopathological profile of thoracic intramedullary arachnoid cysts in two adult patients, and present a detailed review of available literature on the spinal intramedullary arachnoid cyst. Most of the literature concerning with intramedullary arachnoid cysts are in the form of case reports from pediatrics population. As far to the best of our knowledge, only a few cases excluding our two were found in both pediatrics and adult population.
Improvement of the Quality of Brazilian Conilon through Wet Processing: A Sensorial Perspective

Conilon coffee represents almost 20% of all coffee production in the Brazilian territory; however, it is inexpressive in relation to the sensory quality when compared to Arabica coffee. It is noteworthy that the coffee from the species Coffea canephora PIERRE has a denser sensorial profile, is less sweet, less acidic and with strong pronunciation of the body at the time of tasting. This study has unprecedentedly applied the use of starter cultures (yeast) to optimize and modify the metabolic pathways and consequently the sensorial quality perceived by Q-graders. The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with five replicates, in the 3 × 4 factorial scheme, with three fermentation times—24, 48 and 72 hours and four wet processing tests—Washed, Yeast fermentation, Fully washed without yeast and Fully washed with yeast. The sensorial results indicate a new perspective for the application of wet processing with starter cultures for Conilon coffee. They indicate gains in sensory scale, opening a new phase of studies on spontaneous and induced fermentation for Conilon coffee in Brazil and worldwide.
Pengaruh Mekanisme Corporate Governance terhadap Kinerja Perusahaan Manufaktur yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2010 - 2012

Abstrak Penerapan untuk tata kelola perusahaan yang baik (Good Corporate Governnce) dapat diartikan sebagai suatu proses yang digunakan oleh perusahaan untuk meningkatkan kualitas kinerja keuangan perusahaan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh Good Corporate Governance terhadap kinerja keuangan perusahaan (ROE) yang diproksikan dengan kepemilikan institusional, kepemilikan manajerial, ukuran dewan komisaris, proporsi dewan komisaris independen, dan komite audit di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Sampel penelitian ditentukan dengan metode purposive sampling dan periode penelitian selama 2010-2012 sehingga diperoleh sampel sebanyak 20 perusahaan. Jenis data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder yang diperoleh dari www.idx. co.id. Hasil penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa (1) secara simultan kepemilikan institusional, kepemilikan manajerial, ukuran dewan komisaris, proporsi dewan komisaris independen, dan komite audit meberikan pengaruh positif terhadap kinerja perusahaan, (2) kepemilikan institusional memberikan pengaruh positif terhadap kinerja perusahaan, (3) kepemilikan manajerial memberikan pengaruh negatif terhadap kinerja perusahaan, (4) ukuran dewan komisaris memberikan pengaruh negatif terhadap kinerja perusahaan, (5) proporsi dewan komisaris independen memberikan pengaruh positif terhadap kinerja perusahaan, (6) dan komite audit memberikan pengaruh positif terhadap kinerja perusahaan.
Why Do Better Loss Functions Lead to Less Transferable Features?

Previous work has proposed many new loss functions and regularizers that improve test accuracy on image classification tasks. However, it is not clear whether these loss functions learn better representations for downstream tasks. This paper studies how the choice of training objective affects the transferability of the hidden representations of convolutional neural networks trained on ImageNet. We show that many objectives lead to statistically significant improvements in ImageNet accuracy over vanilla softmax cross-entropy, but the resulting fixed feature extractors transfer substantially worse to downstream tasks, and the choice of loss has little effect when networks are fully fine-tuned on the new tasks. Using centered kernel alignment to measure similarity between hidden representations of networks, we find that differences among loss functions are apparent only in the last few layers of the network. We delve deeper into representations of the penultimate layer, finding that different objectives and hyperparameter combinations lead to dramatically different levels of class separation. Representations with higher class separation obtain higher accuracy on the original task, but their features are less useful for downstream tasks. Our results suggest there exists a trade-off between learning invariant features for the original task and features relevant for transfer tasks.
Uncertainty and the Value of Information in Risk Prediction Modeling

Background Because of the finite size of the development sample, predicted probabilities from a risk prediction model are inevitably uncertain. We apply value-of-information methodology to evaluate the decision-theoretic implications of prediction uncertainty. Methods Adopting a Bayesian perspective, we extend the definition of the expected value of perfect information (EVPI) from decision analysis to net benefit calculations in risk prediction. In the context of model development, EVPI is the expected gain in net benefit by using the correct predictions as opposed to predictions from a proposed model. We suggest bootstrap methods for sampling from the posterior distribution of predictions for EVPI calculation using Monte Carlo simulations. We used subsets of data of various sizes from a clinical trial for predicting mortality after myocardial infarction to show how EVPI changes with sample size. Results With a sample size of 1000 and at the prespecified threshold of 2% on predicted risks, the gains in net benefit using the proposed and the correct models were 0.0006 and 0.0011, respectively, resulting in an EVPI of 0.0005 and a relative EVPI of 87%. EVPI was zero only at unrealistically high thresholds (>85%). As expected, EVPI declined with larger samples. We summarize an algorithm for incorporating EVPI calculations into the commonly used bootstrap method for optimism correction. Conclusion The development EVPI can be used to decide whether a model can advance to validation, whether it should be abandoned, or whether a larger development sample is needed. Value-of-information methods can be applied to explore decision-theoretic consequences of uncertainty in risk prediction and can complement inferential methods in predictive analytics. R code for implementing this method is provided.
Analysis of the Dynamic Decomposition of Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Tocopherols in Commercial Oils During Deep Frying

Abstract The decomposition of unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols in 10 commercial edible oils during deep frying was investigated. The dominant tocopherol in oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was γ-tocopherol, except for natural perilla oil (δ-tocopherol dominant), and the main tocopherol in oleic acid-rich oils was α-tocopherol. The PUFA-rich oils had higher tocopherol contents than the oleic acid-rich oils. Both the reduction rate of total unsaturated fatty acid (TUFA) and total tocopherol (TToc) were linear with frying time (t). The decomposition rate of TToc is faster than that of TUFA since the slope values obtained from fitting equations (Y = k t) kTToc (1.520–14.483) were obviously larger than for kTUFA (0.155–0.270). By establishing a dynamic decomposition index, unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherol in oils showed dynamic decomposition over multiple frying cycles. The obtained results showed that decomposition characteristics of oils are related to their fatty acid compositions.
Comparison of analysis and experiment for gearbox noise

Abstract : Low-contact-ratio spur gears were tested in the NASA gear-noise rig to study the noise radiated from the top of the gearbox. Experimental results were compared with a NASA acoustics code to validate the code for predicting transmission noise. The analytical code is based on the boundary element method (BEM) which models the gearbox top as a plate in an infinite baffle. Narrow-band vibration spectra measured at 63 nodes on the gearbox top were used to produce input data for the BEM model. The BEM code predicted the total sound power based on this measured vibration. The measured sound power was obtained from an acoustic intensity scan taken near the surface of the gearbox at the same 63 nodes used for vibration measurements. Analytical and experimental results were compared at four different speeds for sound power at each of the narrow-band frequencies over the range of 400 to 3200 Hz. Results are also compared for the sound power level at meshing frequency plus three sideband pairs and at selected gearbox resonant frequencies. The difference between predicted and measured sound power is typically less than 3 dB with the predicted value generally less than the measured value. Gear noise; Acoustic intensity; Vibration; Boundary element method; Sound power.
Effect of bioclimatic area and season on phenolics and antioxidant activities of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to determine the phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of rosemary collected from three different bioclimatic stages of Tunisia during four seasons. Ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of rosemary leaves were isolated by Soxhlet and the contents of total polyphenols, total flavonoids and total condensed tannins of rosemary extracts were determined by spectrophotometric method. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis allowed the quantification of the main phenolic compounds, namely rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. Antioxidant assays were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging, 2,2ʹ-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, β-carotene bleaching, iron reducing power and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. There was a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and phenolic content depending on bioclimatic and season effects.
Macrofungal diversity in an isolated and fragmented Mediterranean Forest ecosystem

Abstract Agricultural transformation has led to scarcity and fragmentation of Mediterranean forests with unknown effects on the fungal diversity they harbour. La Orbada forest is an isolated holm-oak forest in the province of Salamanca, in western Iberian Peninsula. This forest is threatened by various factors, mainly: habitat fragmentation, the possible barrier effects caused by geographical isolation and pressure from humans and livestock. In order to assess the state of conservation of the ecosystem’s macrofungal community and its ecological integrity, the fruitbodies of epigeous macromycetes were studied over a five-year time series (2009–2013). One hundred and eighty-nine species were identified, dominating Basidiomycetes (Tricholomataceae, Cortinariaceae and Russulaceae families). We also analysed: (i) the seasonal and annual behaviour of each species, ii) distribution of taxa according to their mode of nutrition, iii) the similarity of biodiversity between various plots inside the forest and with other ecosystems dominated by Quercus species. The data obtained indicate a greater fungal diversity than in other Mediterranean ecosystems and a good degree of conservation, with no signs of barrier or forest edge effects. One plot has been identified as a macrofungal biodiversity hotspot. The main factors threatening the area have been analysed and conservation measures proposed.
Who Assists Irregular Migrants in Poland and at What Cost? A Court Files’ Analysis of Convictions of Facilitating Unauthorised Stay of Migrants

The aim of the article is to present one of the facets of the state’s approach towards irregular migration, namely identification of and reaction of the law enforcement and judiciary to the offence of facilitating or enabling unauthorised stay of another person and gaining personal or material profits from it (introduced to the Polish legislation in 2004). Based on the analysis of court files of 243 criminal cases, we indicate forms of facilitation of unauthorised stay (with predominance of document frauds) and analyse the features of the constitutive elements of the offence, i.e. facilitators, persons whose stay is enabled, and profits. We conclude that among convicted facilitators there are those whose intensions were far from enabling the stay of another person and actual facilitators often remained unidentified. We also point to doubtful court decisions, in particular those regarding undetermined profits and recipients or recipients sentenced as facilitators. Thus, we prove that despite the declared prioritisation of irregular migration as a problem to be tackled in Poland, the practice of the law enforcement agents and the courts reveals a determination to achieve easy targets, following known paths, as well as abandoning areas that require more attention and possibly also efforts.
Nutritional implications of dietary patterns in Mali

Mali’s population is experiencing lifestyle and dietary changes that are driven in part by urbanisation and income growth. Utilising two large-scale datasets, we bring new empirical evidence regarding whether Malians are shifting toward highly processed foods, meals purchased away from home, and sugary foods. We find that on-farm production represents only 25% of the food consumed by rural households during the hungry season, and 36% after harvest. Processed food shares are greater in urban (60%) than in rural areas (48%), and considerably higher overall than those reported for Eastern and Southern Africa, but with a lower portion of highly processed foods and negligible shares of meals consumed outside the home. Average household dietary diversity scores are higher in urban than in rural areas. Women’s and household diet diversity varies by season in both locations. About half of farm women interviewed did not meet minimum adequate dietary diversity during the lean season.
Self-induced waves in a conduit with corrugated walls. II. Experiments with air in corrugated and finned tubes

Metal bellows were found to produce a pure note when air was passed through them over a small range of velocity. An axial rod, restricting the stream to a narrow annular cross-section, was usually essential for speech, and sound was produced also by a narrow stream between the bellows and an external pipe. More powerful notes were obtained when the bellows inside the pipe were replaced by helically finned tubes. The pressure distribution in this arrangement was examined. The phase velocity of the waves inside the pipe was much less than the velocity of sound, and this effect is explained by applying the theory of wave propagation in periodic structures. The ratio of the average frequency, at which an air particle passed the protuberances, to the frequency of the sound emitted was usually about 1·6.
Machine Learning for Marketing Decision Support

Die Digitalisierung der Wirtschaft macht das Customer Targeting zu einer wichtigen Schnittmenge von Marketing und Wirtschaftsinformatik. Marketingtreibende konnen auf Basis von soziodemografischen und Verhaltensdaten gezielt einzelne Kunden mit personalisierten Botschaften ansprechen. Diese Arbeit erweitert die Perspektive der Forschung im Bereich der modellbasierten Vorhersage von Kundenverhalten durch 1) die Entwicklung und Validierung neuer Methoden des maschinellen Lernens, die explizit darauf ausgelegt sind, die Profitabilitat des Customer Targeting im Direktmarketing und im Kundenbindungsmanagement zu optimieren, und 2) die Untersuchung der Datenerfassung mit Ziel des Customer Targeting aus Unternehmens- und Kundensicht. Die Arbeit entwickelt Methoden welche den vollen Umfang von E-Commerce-Daten nutzbar machen und die Rahmenbedingungen der Marketingentscheidung wahrend der Modellbildung berucksichtigen. Die zugrundeliegenden Modelle des maschinellen Lernens skalieren auf hochdimensionale Kundendaten und ermoglichen die Anwendung in der Praxis. Die vorgeschlagenen Methoden basieren zudem auf dem Verstandnis des Customer Targeting als einem Problem der Identifikation von Kausalzusammenhangen. Die Modellschatzung sind fur die Umsetzung profitoptimierter Zielkampagnen unter komplexen Kostenstrukturen ausgelegt. Die Arbeit adressiert weiterhin die Quantifizierung des Einsparpotenzials effizienter Versuchsplanung bei der Datensammlung und der monetaren Kosten der Umsetzung des Prinzips der Datensparsamkeit. Eine Analyse der Datensammlungspraktiken im E-Mail-Direktmarketing zeigt zudem, dass eine Uberwachung des Leseverhaltens in der Marketingkommunikation von E-Commerce-Unternehmen ohne explizite Kundenzustimmung weit verbreitet ist. Diese Erkenntnis bildet die Grundlage fur ein auf maschinellem Lernen basierendes System zur Erkennung und Loschung von Tracking-Elementen in E-Mails. %%%%The digitization of the economy has fundamentally changed the way in which companies interact with customers and made customer targeting a key intersection of marketing and information systems. Building models of customer behavior at scale requires development of tools at the intersection of data management and statistical knowledge discovery. This dissertation widens the scope of research on predictive modeling by focusing on the intersections of model building with data collection and decision support. Its goals are 1) to develop and validate new machine learning methods explicitly designed to optimize customer targeting decisions in direct marketing and customer retention management and 2) to study the implications of data collection for customer targeting from the perspective of the company and its customers. First, the thesis proposes methods that utilize the richness of e-commerce data, reduce the cost of data collection through efficient experiment design and address the targeting decision setting during model building. The underlying state-of-the-art machine learning models scale to high-dimensional customer data and can…
ADSORPTION OF URANIUM FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY DRY AND CHEMICAL MODIFIED WATER HYACINTH ROOTS

Adsorption of uranium using dried roots of water hyacinth plant (E. crassipesas) has been investigated. The plants were collected from Ismailia canal, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. And pretreated with different activating agents as organic or metallic acids, using fixed concentration from each activator (5%). The adsorption were examined as a function of initial uranium concentration, contact time, pH, temperature, volume, dose of roots and size. Citric acid has advantage and the optimum condition was 94% about pH of 5.
Wideband and high-gain one-patch microstrip antenna coupled with H-shaped aperture

The design, fabrication, and experimental implementation of the one-patch microstrip antenna coupled with an H-shaped aperture are presented. The presented antenna has a wide bandwidth, high gain, and low cross-polarisation levels with only one-patch. The measured bandwidth of this antenna is 56.2% for the voltage standing wave ratio /spl les/2.0. The cross-polarisation level is below -18.2 dB at the E-plane and below -25.7 dB at the H-plane. The maximum gain at 2.05 GHz is 10.4 dBi and the 3 dB gain bandwidth with a centre frequency at 2.17 GHz is 24%.