Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Online Peer Assisted Learning: Reporting on Practice.

Peer Assisted learning (PAL) in-class is well-established and flourishing in higher education across the globe; nevertheless, interest is growing in online versions and is reflected by a number of pilot schemes. These programs have responded to perceived and actual needs of students and institutions; they have explored the available software packages and have begun to create a bank of learning through academic publications, institutional reports, evaluations, and SINET listserv discussions. This paper examines existing online PAL practice from Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA, and focuses on synchronous modes. We discuss (a) the context, mode, and scope of online PAL, and (b) implementation considerations. Despite some “teething problems” of these pilots we are convinced by the early and so far limited explorations highlighted here that online PAL can make a significant contribution to learners in higher education by improving engagement through the flexibility afforded by the online space.
Poverty, inequality, and geographic targeting: Evidence from Small-Area Estimates in Mozambique

"Typical living standards surveys can provide a wealth of information about welfare levels, poverty, and other household and individual characteristics. However, these estimates are necessarily at a high level of aggregation, because such surveys usually include only a few thousand households, with coarse spatial stratification. Larger databases, such as national censuses, provide sufficient observations for more disaggregated analysis, but typically collect very little socioeconomic information. This paper combines data from the 1996–97 Mozambique National Household Survey of Living Conditions with the 1997 National Population and Housing Census to generate small-area (subdistrict) estimates of welfare, poverty, and inequality, with the associated standard errors. These small-area estimates are then used to explore several dimensions of poverty and inequality in Mozambique, particularly with regard to geographical targeting of antipoverty efforts. Reliably identifying and targeting the poor can be administratively costly, especially in rural Africa, where low population density and weak administrative capacity are common. Geographical targeting, or targeting poor areas, is sometimes proposed as a feasible alternative to targeting poor people, and poverty maps may serve as a valuable tool in this regard. Unfortunately, the notion of poor areas might not always be especially useful, as appears to be the case in Mozambique. The poverty maps do not reveal a particularly strong spatial concentration of poverty; the differences in poverty levels between areas tend to be subtle. This pattern is also observed in the decomposition of small-area inequality estimates, which shows that only about 20 percent of consumption inequality is accounted for by inequality between districts or between administrative posts. The picture that emerges of the poor living alongside the nonpoor indicates that targeting poor areas is likely to result in leakage to the nonpoor in that area, and considerable under-coverage of the significant numbers of poor households in areas that are less poor. ”" Authors' Abstract
Observations of nitryl chloride and modeling its source and effect on ozone in the planetary boundary layer of southern China

Nitryl chloride (ClNO2) plays potentially important roles in atmospheric chemistry, but its abundance and effect are not fully understood due to the small number of ambient observations of ClNO2 to date. In late autumn 2013, ClNO2 was measured with a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) at a mountain top (957 m above sea level) in Hong Kong. During 12 nights with continuous CIMS data, elevated mixing ratios of ClNO2 (>400 parts per trillion by volume) or its precursor N2O5 (>1000 pptv) were observed on six nights, with the highest ever reported ClNO2 (4.7 ppbv, 1 min average) and N2O5 (7.7 ppbv, 1 min average) in one case. Backward particle dispersion calculations driven by winds simulated with a mesoscale meteorological model show that the ClNO2/N2O5‐laden air at the high‐elevation site was due to transport of urban/industrial pollution north of the site. The highest ClNO2/N2O5 case was observed in a later period of the night and was characterized with extensively processed air and with the presence of nonoceanic chloride. A chemical box model with detailed chlorine chemistry was used to assess the possible impact of the ClNO2 in the well‐processed regional plume on next day ozone, as the air mass continued to downwind locations. The results show that the ClNO2 could enhance ozone by 5–16% at the ozone peak or 11–41% daytime ozone production in the following day. This study highlights varying importance of the ClNO2 chemistry in polluted environments and the need to consider this process in photochemical models for prediction of ground‐level ozone and haze.
Gravitational-wave cosmology across 29 decades in frequency

Quantum fluctuations of the gravitational field in the early Universe, amplified by inflation, produce a primordial gravitational-wave background across a broad frequency band. We derive constraints on the spectrum of this gravitational radiation, and hence on theories of the early Universe, by combining experiments that cover 29 orders of magnitude in frequency. These include Planck observations of cosmic microwave background temperature and polarization power spectra and lensing, together with baryon acoustic oscillations and big bang nucleosynthesis measurements, as well as new pulsar timing array and ground-based interferometer limits. While individual experiments constrain the gravitational-wave energy density in specific frequency bands, the combination of experiments allows us to constrain cosmological parameters, including the inflationary spectral index n_t and the tensor-to-scalar ratio r. Results from individual experiments include the most stringent nanohertz limit of the primordial background to date from the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array, Ω_(GW)(f) < 2.3 × 10^(−10). Observations of the cosmic microwave background alone limit the gravitational-wave spectral index at 95% confidence to n_t ≲ 5 for a tensor-to-scalar ratio of r = 0.11. However, the combination of all the above experiments limits n_t < 0.36. Future Advanced LIGO observations are expected to further constrain n_t < 0.34 by 2020. When cosmic microwave background experiments detect a nonzero r, our results will imply even more stringent constraints on n_t and, hence, theories of the early Universe.
Results for Greenland halibut, American plaice and Atlantic cod of the Spanish survey in NAFO Div. 3NO for the period 1997-2012

Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides), American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) indices from the bottom trawl survey that Spain carries out in Spring since 1995 in div. 3NO of the NAFO Regulatory Area are presented. Mean catch per town, biomass, length and age distributions for the three species are presented since 1997, year in which the survey extended the depth strata. In 2001, the R/V Vizconde de Eza replaced the C/V Playa de Menduina in the execution of the survey. We present the transformed to the R/V Vizconde de Eza series for the period 1997-2000, and the original obtained data for the period 2002-2009. In 2001, there are data from the two vessels. Greenland halibut biomass and abundance estimates present a decreasing trend since 1999, cut in year 2007 with a slight increase and a high increase since 2008, reaching in 2009 the highest value in the series. In last years it can be seen a presence of juveniles, mainly in 2004, but the greatest lengths have failed, although in 2009 there is a quite good presence of individuals of ages 6-7 and in 2010 between 5-7. For American plaice we can see an increasing trend along the whole period, reaching a maximum of biomass and number in 2006, following by the 2008 indices, cut in 2009 with a decrease in the indices, remains in a lower value than in the year 2003 following with a slight increase in 2010. The greatest recruitment in the presented series occurred in 2004 and we can follow their mode along the years, reaching its maximum in 2008. For Atlantic cod we can see a general decreasing in the biomass between 2002 and 2005, and an increasing since then, especially in 2006 and, higher, in 2009 and 2010, although this values is mainly due to a few hauls with high catches. In 2007 the biomass decreased, but the level is over the value in the period 2002-2005. For this species, an increase in the recruitment can be seen in 2004 and 2005, and from 2007 the youngest length classes are much over the rest of the length classes. With the 2006 cohort the series reaches the maximum number of its historical values at four years in 2010. Material and Methods Since 1995, Spain carries out a Spring-Summer survey in the NAFO Regulatory Area of Div. 3NO on board the C/V Playa de Menduina with a net trawl type Pedreira. In 2001, this vessel was replaced by the R/V Vizconde de Eza, using a trawl net type Campelen. To know more details about the technical specifications of the surveys, see Walsh et al., 2001 and Gonzalez Troncoso et al., 2004. The catch of each haul was sorted and weighted into species and a sample of each species was taken in order to measure the length distribution. For Greenland halibut, American plaice and Atlantic cod each individual of the sample was measured to the total length to the nearest lower cm. We present the indices for the period 1997-2010. In 1995 and 1996 only the less deep strata were surveyed, so these years are not representative for these species, thus they are not included in the analysis.
DIFFRACTION DIAGRAMS FOR DIRECTIONAL RANDOM WAVES

Conventional wave diffraction diagrams often yield erroneous estimation of wave heights behind breakwaters in the sea, because they are prepared for monochromatic waves while actual waves in the sea are random with directional spectral characteristics. A proposal is made for the standard form of directional wave spectrum on the basis of Mitsuyasu's formula for directional spreading function. A new set of diffraction diagrams have been constructed for random waves with the proposed directional spectrum. Problems of multi-diffraction and multi-reflection within a harbour can also be solved with serial applications of random wave diffraction. INTRODUCTION Since the proof by Penny and Price [1] that the diffraction of water waves by breakwaters can be analyzed with Sommerfeld's solution, wave heights behind breakwaters have been estimated with the aid of several diffraction diagrams [2^6]. The phenomenon of wave diffraction is a typical problem for which the solution of velocity potential can be applied with accuracy. Published as well as unpublished laboratory investigations have provided the proof of the validity of wave diffraction theory. Disagreement between the theory and experiment if any is usually attributed to inaccuracy in laboratory measurements. The only exception is the appearance of secondary waves around the tip of a breakwater owing to an excessive gradient of wave energy density there [7]. Such a success of theory, however, should be accepted with a caution when the theory is applied for sea waves characterized with irregularity. Most of diffraction diagrams currently available are those prepared for monochromatic waves with a single period from a single direction. The irregularity of sea waves especially of directional spreading produces the pattern of wave diffraction quite different from conventional diffraction diagrams. An experimental study by Mobarek and Wiegel [8] seems to be the first in demonstrating the application of directional wave spectrum to diffraction problems, though they did not present general diffraction diagrams for engieers' usage. Being aware of these facts, Nagai [9,10] constructed diffraction diagrams for sea waves in 1972, which have been utilized by harbour engineers in Japan. Figure 1 is one of his diagrams, which shows the diffraction diagram for sinusoidal (monochromatic) waves in the left half and that for spectral waves in the right half for the opening width
A revision of the gobiid genus Bryaninops (Pisces), with a description of six new species

The tropical Indo-Pacific gobiid genus Bryaninops Smith is reviewed and the genus Tenacigobius Larson and Hoese included as a synonym. These small fishes are commensal chiefly on gorgonians and antipatharians. The three previously-known species, Bryaninops erylhrops (Jordan and Seale), B. ridens Smith and B. yongei (Cohen and Davis), are redescribed and figured. Six new species are described: B. amplus, B. clianneae, B. isis, B. loki, B. nalans and B. tigris. These species may be distinguished from each other by a combination of characters including extent of gill opening, pectoral ray counts, scalation, teeth , colour pattern, invertebrate associate specificity and proportions of head and body. A key to the species is included.
Contagion of the Eurozone Debt Crisis

This paper examines the contagion of the eurozone debt crisis to developed and emerging stock markets around the world. Using the VAR methodology, and changes in sovereign bond yields and stock returns of the crisis countries as proxies for the eurozone debt crisis, this paper finds strong and pervasive evidence of negative contagion from the crisis countries to other stock markets. Consistent with risk-on risk-off hypothesis, changes in sovereign bond yields of crisis countries impact stock returns positively during normal times and negatively during the crisis, providing strong evidence of negative contagion. The impact of equity returns of crisis countries on other equity markets is large and positive during normal times and less positive during the crisis, suggesting evidence of negative contagion and decoupling of stock markets during the crisis. The Asian markets do not show pervasive evidence of contagion from the eurozone crisis.
Lebensqualität bei Patienten mit Rosacea und Rhinophym

Rosacea and rhinophyma are frequent inflammatory skin diseases. Until now there has been no investigation on the impact of these inflammatory diseases on the quality of life. During one year 33 patients with rosacea and 13 with rhinophyma were examined. All patients were either hospitalized in the department of dermatology or treated as outpatients in a private practice in Mannheim between 1.1. 1995 and 31.12. 1999. Quality of life was assessed using the German version of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). An increased DLQI-score points to a decrease in quality of life. All but three patients participated in this study. DLQI total scores ranged from 7 ± 4.9 (n = 21) for patients with papulo-pustular rosacea, 4 ± 2.8 (n = 7) for patients with erythema to 5.6 ± 3.6 for patients with rhinophyma. In 3 patients no data on the DLQI could be obtained. For the first time quality of life has been investigated in patients with rosacea and rhinophyma. The strongest impairment of quality of life could be found for patients with the papulo-pustular form of rosacea. These results point to a possible future role of the DLQI as outcome criteria in clinical trials of these diseases.
Lake Bonneville - Constraints on lithospheric thickness and upper mantle viscosity from isostatic warping of Bonneville, Provo, and Gilbert stage shorelines

The deformed shorelines of the late Pleistocene Lake Bonneville provide an excellent opportunity to analyze the response of the Earth to surface loads of relatively short wavelengths (≤ 400 km) and short duration (≤ 30 kyr). Recently revised estimates of the lake loading history and an expanded compilation of shoreline elevations for the Bonneville (∼1550 m), Provo (∼1440 m), and Gilbert (∼1300 m) shorelines have prompted us to reexamine the deflection. The earth model we use is identical with that employed by Nakiboglu and Lambeck, and consists of an elastic plate overlying a Maxwell viscoelastic channel and a rigid base. Our calculation differs from that of Nakiboglu and Lambeck in two respects: we used a significantly more detailed load model, and we compared our results with observations from three distinct shorelines. The lake elevation history spans 32 kyr in 18 piecewise linear segments. The water load is computed at each time step from a digital terrain model (4×4 km cell size) and a specified lake elevation. We find that the use of three separate shorelines significantly reduces the acceptable region of parameter space: the effective elastic lithospheric thickness is (23 ± 2) km, the mantle viscosity is (1.2 ± 0.2) 1020 Pa s, and the depth to a significant viscosity increase is no less than 300 km, though it might be much more. Examination of the residual deflections (differences between observed and computed shoreline elevations) reveals a regional tilt down to the NE of ∼6 10−5, which we attribute to collapse of the peripheral bulge produced by the Laurentide ice sheet.
The Impact of the Sovereign Debt Crisis on the Activity of Italian Banks

We examine the implications of the sovereign debt tensions on the Italian credit market by estimating the effect of the 10-year BTP-Bund spread on a wide array of bank interest rates, categories of loans and income statement variables. We exploit the heterogeneity between large and small intermediaries to assess to what extent the transmission of sovereign risk differed in relation with different banks’ balance-sheet characteristics and business strategies. Regarding the cost of funding, we find that changes in the BTP-Bund spread have a sizeable effect on the interest rates on term deposits and newly issued bonds but virtually no effect on overnight deposits. Furthermore, the sovereign spread significantly affects the cost of credit for firms and households and exerts a negative effect on loan growth. All these results are magnified when considering alone the five largest banks, which are typically less capitalized, have a larger funding gap and incidence of bad loans and rely more on non-traditional banking activities. Sovereign tensions also affect the main items of banks’ income statement.
Pseudotachylyte controversy: Fact or friction?

High-speed slip experiments performed on Westerly granite using friction welding apparatus reveal that comminution is an essential precursor to melting by friction. Observations of slip surfaces via analytical scanning electron microscopy (SEM) document the following sequence of events occurring in 2 s with increasing velocity (up to 2 m/s): fracture; progressive comminution; surface melting of mineral fragments; fragment-to-fragment adhesion; and, finally, production of a fragment-laden, melt-supported suspension. Explosive dehydration and melting of the epidote-group mineral allanite indicates that temperatures of at least 1000 °C were realized at the interface. This is corroborated by calculation of the temperature rise for the known operating conditions. Contrary to earlier proposals, these results show that comminution and frictional melting are complementary and not mutually exclusive processes. Depending on the velocity–shear stress–displacement relations prevailing during frictional slip, rocks produced in seismogenic zones can be predominantly comminuted wall rock or fragment-melt mixes (pseudotachylytes).
Preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio predicts survival in primary hepatitis B virus-positive hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection

Background Both inflammation and immunity are associated with the development of malignancy. The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has been confirmed as a prognostic factor for several malignant diseases. The purpose of our study was to analyze prognostic significance of preoperative LMR in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection. Patients and methods A total of 253 patients with primary HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent a curative operation were enrolled in this retrospective study. The relationship between preoperative LMR and survival outcomes was analyzed through Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results Patients with a high LMR had a significantly higher mean overall survival than those with a low LMR (67 months vs 55 months, P=0.023), and high LMR remained significant for longer survival in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.147; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.085–0.253; P=0.021). Furthermore, patients with a high LMR also had a higher median recurrence-free survival than those with a low LMR in univariate analyses (60 months vs 48 months, P=0.026) and multivariate analyses (hazard ratio, 0.317; 95% CI: 0.042–1.023; P=0.032). However, the survival benefit was limited to patients with advanced cancer. Conclusion LMR was confirmed as an independent prognostic biomarker for primary HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.
Flow structure and resistance over subaquaeous high‐ and low‐angle dunes

A prominent control on the flow over subaqueous dunes is the slope of the downstream leeside. While previous work has focused on steep (~30°), asymmetric dunes with permanent flow separation, little is known about dunes with lower lee slope angles for which flow separation is absent or intermittent. Here we present a laboratory investigation where we systematically varied the dune lee slope, holding other geometric parameters and flow hydraulics constant, to explore effects on the turbulent flow field and flow resistance. Three sets of fixed dunes (lee slopes of 10°, 20°, and 30°) were separately installed in a 15 m long and 1 m wide flume and subjected to 0.20 m deep flow. Measurements consisted of high‐frequency, vertical profiles collected with a Laser Doppler Velocimeter. We show that the temporal and spatial occurrence of flow separation decreases with dune lee slope. Velocity gradients in the dune leeside depict a free shear layer downstream of the 30° dunes and a weaker shear layer closer to the bed for the 20° and 10° dunes. The decrease in velocity gradients leads to lower magnitude of turbulence production for gentle lee slopes. Aperiodic, strong ejection events dominate the shear layer but decrease in strength and frequency for low‐angle dunes. Flow resistance of dunes decreases with lee slope; the transition being nonlinear. Over the 10°, 20°, and 30° dunes, shear stress is 8%, 33%, and 90% greater than a flat bed, respectively. Our results demonstrate that dune lee slope plays an important but often ignored role in flow resistance.
Validation of the Balance Board TM for Clinical Evaluation of Balance Through Different Conditions

The quantitative assessment of balance still needs to be performed in a laboratory equipped with force plates because there is, currently, no other validated tool available. The Wii Balance BoardTM (WBB) could be used as a portable, easy-to-use and inexpensive tool to assess balance. Before being used in clinics such kind of tool must go through an important validation process. In clinics not only the total displacement of Center of Pressure (CP) is relevant but other parameters can be derived from CP. The aim of this study was to validate the use of the WBB, compared to FP, in different balance testing conditions (standing and sitting) for multiple parameters derived from CP displacement (CP velocities, area of 95 % prediction ellipse, dispersion of CP from the mean position.). Fifteen subjects participated in this study and performed a combination of single and double legs standing balance tests and a sitting balance test. Bland and Altman plots, paired-sample T-Tests and Pearson’s coefficient correlations were computed. For the nine studied parameters excellent correlations were found for each different task (mean correlation = 0.97). Unlike previous work on the WBB these excellent results were obtained without using any calibration procedure. Therefore, the WBB could be used in clinics to assess balance through different conditions.