Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tunable Goos Hänchen shift at an isotropic fractal dielectric and uniaxial chiral interface

In this article, the reflection properties of the plane wave incident at isotropic fractal dielectricanisotropic chiral interface have been demonstrated. The properties of the reflected wave have been discussed explicitly as a function of field parameter Ω = { θi, ε, κ, ζ } . The Goos Hänchen Shift in the reflected wave from the said interface has also been predicted based on the stationary phase method. Furthermore, for the sake of tuning the Goos Hänchen Shift, the impact of field parameter Ω has also been scrutinized and agreement with the results already presented in literature has been obtained.
Effects of Spectral Truncation on General Circulation and Long-Range Prediction

Abstract Although atmospheric prediction models appear to yield results similar to observation, both their detailed predictive capability and their time-averaged forecasts depend on space truncation. Such dependence may be readily studied with a spectral model because of the ease of modifying truncation. A simple, two-level, quasi-geostrophic, forced general circulation model was represented in spectral form and nine cases of different truncation were integrated for the same forcing, starting with initial conditions generated from a state of rest. The truncations ranged from six to sixteen meridional waves, from five to ten degrees of freedom with latitude, and the models were integrated for about 60 days with finite-amplitude nonlinearity. Considering the kinetic energy in the vertical mean flow, and separating this energy into zonal and eddy, the results show that the general circulation may be predicted with as few as twelve planetary waves and eight latitudinal degrees of freedom, whereas detailed pre.
Economic Valuation of Forest Ecosystem for Watershed Services in Kelantan, Malaysia

Preserving forest watershed areas has become crucial in capturing and storing water, contributing enough water supply for domestic and non-domestic purposes such as agriculture, recreation, and energy generation. Unlike primary goods such as food and fuel, most ecosystem services like watersheds do not have market values, where the protection of these services is barely considered in economic decisions. The study aims to estimate the value of the economic benefit of the forest ecosystem for watershed services in Kelantan by using the willingness to pay (WTP). The simple random method has been employed to collect the data via face to face to interviews with 1043 households in Kelantan. The finding of this study estimated the economic value of Kelantan’s forest ecosystem for watershed services amounted to RM48 million annually, which could be worthwhile for protection or conservation fees. The public’s interest in contributing to the forest watershed services in Kelantan indicates that relevant stakeholders need more collaborative effort, including non-governmental organisations and federal and state governments, to conserve and preserve the forest ecosystem in Malaysia, specifically for watershed services.
The Role of Natural Resources Endowment in the African Economies’ Economic Growth-Capital Flows Nexus

This article examines the role of natural resource endowment in the economic growth-capital flows nexus in African economies. Utilizing the system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach and Westerlund regression approaches suitable for cointegration estimation of panel data, from 54 African countries over the time frame from 2012 to 2020. Considering the joint influence of natural resource and flows of capital on economic growth. We found that there is a resource threshold beyond which natural resources either amplify or mitigate the effects of capital flows on growth in the continent. For example, in order for capital flows to have a positive long-run influence on economic growth in African countries, natural resource rent levels must be at least 2.04 turning point (threshold). This means, the positive impact of capital flow on economic growth dependent on natural resources extractions in African countries. Finally, human capital has significant long-term spill-over impact on economic growth in African economies based on the results of Westerlund cointegration tests, and with a marginal effect of 9.67 threshold as obtained using system GMM. Thus, policymakers should focus on strategies and policies aimed at developing human capital in the continent to reduce the continent’s high level of reliance on natural resource extraction which will subsequently leads to protection of the environment from degradation.
Intraseasonal Variability of the Winter Circulation in the Southern Hemisphere Atmosphere

Abstract The intraseasonal variability of the Southern Hemisphere stratosphere and troposphere is studied using multilevel geopotential height data for nine winters (1979–87). The study uses empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of unfiltered data at five tropospheric and five stratospheric levels. The four leading EOFs at all tropospheric levels exhibit the patterns previously detected at 500 mb. Study of the corresponding principal components (PCs) at each level shows that the quasi-stationary anomalies associated with the leading EOFs are equivalent barotropic and exhibit no preference for early, middle or late winter. The five leading EOFs in the stratosphere fall into two classes. The first three EOFs at all levels form the first class. This class represents anomalies that are dominated by zonal wavenumber one (wave 1), exhibit strong westward tilt with height and travel slowly eastward or remain stationary. Most cases of large, persistent PC values for this class occur in early winter. The fo.
COMPUTING THE CONVEX ENVELOPE USING A NONLINEAR PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

A fully nonlinear partial differential equation for the convex envelope was recently introduced by the author. In this paper, the equation is discretized using a finite difference method. The resulting scheme yields an explicit local method to compute the convex envelope. The scheme is shown to converge. Computational results are presented for smooth and nonsmooth data. Extensions to higher dimensions and unstructured grids are discussed.
A linear stratified ocean model of the equatorial undercurrent

A linear stratified ocean model is used to study the wind-driven response of the equatorial ocean. The model is an extension of the Lighthill (1969) model that allows the diffusion of heat and momentum into the deeper ocean, and so can develop non-trivial steady solutions. To retain the ability to expand solutions into sums of vertical normal modes, mixing coefficients must be inversely proportional to the square of the back ground Väisälä frequency. The model is also similar to the earlier homogeneous ocean model of Stommel (i960). He extended Ekman dynamics to the equator by allowing his model to generate a barotropic pressure field. The present model differs in that the presence of stratification allows the generation of a baroclinic pressure field as well. The most important result of this paper is that linear theory can produce a realistic equatorial current structure. The model Undercurrent has a reasonable width and depth scale. There is westward flow both above and below the Undercurrent. The meridional circulation conforms to the ‘classical’ picture suggested by Cromwell (1953). Unlike the Stommel solution, the response here is less sensitive to variations of parameters. Ocean boundaries are not necessary for the existence of the Undercurrent but are necessary for the existence of the deeper Equatorial Intermediate Current. The radiation of equatorially trapped Rossby and Kelvin waves is essential to the development of a realistic Undercurrent. Because the system supports the existence of these waves, low-order vertical modes can very nearly adjust to Sverdrup balance (defined below), which in a bounded ocean and for winds without curl is a state of rest. As a result, higher-order vertical modes are much more visible in the total solution. This property accounts for the surface trapping and narrow width scale of the equatorial currents. The high-order modes tend to be in Yoshida balance (defined below) and generate the characteristic meridional circulation pattern associated with equatorial Ekman pumping.
Computational characterization of cutoff probe system for the measurement of electron density

The wave cutoff probe, a precise measurement method for measuring the electron density, was recently proposed. To characterize the cutoff probe system, in this paper, the microwave simulations of a cutoff probe system were performed at various configurations of the cutoff probe system. The influence of the cutoff probe spectrum stemming from numerous parametric elements such as the probe tip length, probe tip distance, probe tip plane orientation, chamber volume/geometry, and coaxial cable length is presented and discussed. This article is expected to provide qualitative and quantitative insight into cutoff probe systems and its optimization process.
Information acquisition and cognitive processes during strategic decision-making: Combining a policy-capturing study with eye-tracking data

Policy-capturing (PC) methodologies have been employed to study decision-making, and to assess how decision-makers use available information when asked to evaluate hypothetical situations. An important assumption of the PC techniques is that respondents develop cognitive models to help them efficiently process the many information cues provided while reviewing a large number of decision scenarios. With this study, we seek to analyze the process of answering a PC study. We do this by investigating the information acquisition and the cognitive processes behind policy-capturing, building on cognitive and attention research and exploiting the tools of eye-tracking. Additionally, we investigate the role of experience in mediating the relationship between the information processed and judgments in order to determine how the cognitive models of student samples differ from those of professionals. We find evidence of increasing efficiency as a function of practice when respondents undergo the PC experiment. We also detect a selective process on information acquisition; such selection is consistent with the respondents’ evaluation. While some differences are found in the information processing among the split sample of students and professionals, remarkable similarities are detected. Our study adds confidence to the assumption that respondents build cognitive models to handle the large amounts of information presented in PC experiments, and the defection of such models is not substantially affected by the applied sample.
Depressive symptoms and HIV risk behaviours among adolescents enrolled in the HPTN071 (PopART) trial in Zambia and South Africa

Background Mental health is a critical and neglected public health problem for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. In this paper we aim to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the association with HIV risk behaviours in adolescents aged 15–19 years in Zambia and SA. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey from August-November 2017 in seven control communities of HPTN 071 (PopART) trial (a community-randomised trial of universal HIV testing and treatment), enrolling approximately 1400 eligible adolescents. HIV-status was self-reported. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), with a positive screen if adolescents scored ≥12. We fitted a logistic regression model to identify correlates of depressive symptoms with subgroup analyses among those who self-reported ever having had sex, by gender and country. Results Out of 6997 households approached, 6057 (86.6%) were enumerated. 2546 adolescents were enumerated of whom 2120 (83.3%) consented to participate and were administered the SMFQ. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 584/2120 (27.6%) [95%CI: 25.7%-29.5%]. Adolescents in SA were less likely to experience depressive symptoms (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.63 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.79), p-value<0.0001). Female adolescents (AOR = 1.46 (95% CI: 1.19, 1.81), p-value<0.0001); those who reported ever having sex and being forced into sex (AOR = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.23), p-value<0.001) and AOR = 1.67 (95% CI: 0.99, 2.84); p-value = 0.057 respectively) were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Among 850 (40.1%) adolescents who self-reported to ever having had sex; those who used alcohol/drugs during their last sexual encounter were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (AOR = 2.18 (95% CI: 1.37, 3.47); p-value = 0.001), whereas those who reported using a condom were less likely to experience depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55, 1.00); p-value = 0.053). Conclusion The prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents ranged from 25–30% and was associated with increased HIV-risk behaviour.
Effects of subjective and objective task difficulties for feedback- related brain potentials in social situations: An electroencephalogram study

In this study, the relationship between two types of feedback task difficulties and feedback-related brain potentials, such as feedback-related negativity (FRN), reward positivity (RewP), and P300, was investigated in social situations where participants performed a task simultaneously by a pair. The electroencephalogram activity was measured while participants answered four-choice questions with their partners. Participants were informed about the general accuracy rate of the question (objective task difficulty) before responding to the questionnaire. The feedback outcome was definitely correct when the participants had the knowledge to answer the questions correctly. Therefore, the subjective task difficulty depended on the knowledge of the participant and differed from the objective task difficulty. In the task, the participants selected the choice they deemed correct. Before checking the answers, participants responded to the preceding question’s subjective task difficulty. As one of the social factors, the task consisted of two types of conditions: one, in which one’s response affected partner’s reward, and another, in which it did not. The second social factor was the order of feedback outcomes; in our experiment, these outcomes were presented sequentially to pairs of participants. The effects of subjective and objective task difficulties and social factors on feedback-related brain potentials were comprehensively analyzed. The study showed that subjective task difficulty sensitively modulated the amplitude of gain-related P300, suggesting that it is sensitive to modulation in the allocation of attentional resources to own feedback outcome. The objective task difficulty sensitively modulated the amplitude of RewP after receiving the partner’s incorrect feedback outcome. RewP was more sensitive to positive affective valence, such as feelings of superiority over the partner, than to task-dependent rewards received by the participants themselves. In contrast, FRN was more negative in the joint condition than in the individual condition, suggesting sensitivity to social responsibility felt by participants toward their partners.
Cocktail party training induces increased speech intelligibility and decreased cortical activity in bilateral inferior frontal gyri. A functional near-infrared study

The human brain networks responsible for selectively listening to a voice amid other talkers remain to be clarified. The present study aimed to investigate relationships between cortical activity and performance in a speech-in-speech task, before (Experiment I) and after training-induced improvements (Experiment II). In Experiment I, 74 participants performed a speech-in-speech task while their cortical activity was measured using a functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device. One target talker and one masker talker were simultaneously presented at three different target-to-masker ratios (TMRs): adverse, intermediate and favorable. Behavioral results show that performance may increase monotonically with TMR in some participants and failed to decrease, or even improved, in the adverse-TMR condition for others. On the neural level, an extensive brain network including the frontal (left prefrontal cortex, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral inferior frontal gyri) and temporal (bilateral auditory cortex) regions was more solicited by the intermediate condition than the two others. Additionally, bilateral frontal gyri and left auditory cortex activities were found to be positively correlated with behavioral performance in the adverse-TMR condition. In Experiment II, 27 participants, whose performance was the poorest in the adverse-TMR condition of Experiment I, were trained to improve performance in that condition. Results show significant performance improvements along with decreased activity in bilateral inferior frontal gyri, the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the left inferior parietal cortex and the right auditory cortex in the adverse-TMR condition after training. Arguably, lower neural activity reflects higher efficiency in processing masker inhibition after speech-in-speech training. As speech-in-noise tasks also imply frontal and temporal regions, we suggest that regardless of the type of masking (speech or noise) the complexity of the task will prompt the implication of a similar brain network. Furthermore, the initial significant cognitive recruitment will be reduced following a training leading to an economy of cognitive resources.
Anxiety state impact on recovery of runners with lower extremity injuries

This prospective cohort study examined the impact of high anxiety levels on psychological state and gait performance during recovery in runners with lower body injuries. Recreational runners diagnosed with lower body injuries who had reduced running volume (N = 41) were stratified into groups using State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores: high anxiety (H-Anx; STAI ≥40 points) and low anxiety (L-Anx; STAI <40 points). Runners were followed through rehabilitation to return-to-run using monthly surveys. Main outcome measures included kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, TSK-11), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Positive and negative scores), Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS), running recovery (University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index [UWRI]) and CDC Healthy Days modules for general health, days of anxiety/tension, disrupted sleep and work/usual activities. Running biomechanics were assessed at baseline and the final visit using 3D motion capture and a force-plated treadmill. The time to return-to-running for was 5.0±3.1 and 7.9±4.1 months for L-Anx and H-Anx, respectively and participants who withdrew (n = 15) did so at 7.7±6.2 months. L-Anx maintained low anxiety and H-Anx reduced anxiety from baseline to final visit (STAI = 31.5 to 28.4 points, 50.4 to 37.8 points, respectively), whereas the withdrawn runners remained clinically anxious at their final survey (41.5 to 40.3 points; p < .05). Group by time interactions were found for PANAS positive, LEFS UWRI, general health scores, and days feeling worry, tension and anxiety (all p < .05). Final running performance in L-Anx compared to H-Anx was most improved with cadence (8.6% vs 3.5%; p = .044), impact loading rate [-1.9% vs +8.9%] and lower body stiffness [+14.1% vs +3.2%; all p < . 05). High anxiety may identify runners who will experience a longer recovery process, health-related functional disruptions, and less optimization of gait biomechanics during rehabilitation after a lower extremity injury.
Direct double photoionization of the valence shell of Be

The hyperspherical R-matrix method with semiclassical outgoing waves is used to study the direct double photoionization (DPI) of the valence shell of the lightest alkaline earth-metal Be. The absolute fully integrated, singly, doubly, and triply differential cross sections obtained are compared with the single set of measurements available and with recent calculations based on the convergent close coupling and time-dependent close coupling methods. The level of agreement between all these data is very encouraging. A comparison is also made between the DPI of He and the direct DPI of the valence shell of Be. It confirms that the electron-electron correlations are stronger in the valence 2s shell of Be than in the 1s shell of He, thus contributing to a desirable clarification.
Interpretation of pre-morbid cardiac 3T MRI findings in overweight and hypertensive young adults

In young adults, overweight and hypertension possibly already trigger cardiac remodeling as seen in mature adults, potentially overlapping non-ischemic cardiomyopathy findings. To this end, in young overweight and hypertensive adults, we aimed to investigate changes in left ventricular mass (LVM) and cardiac volumes, and the impact of different body scales for indexation. We also aimed to explore the presence of myocardial fibrosis, fat and edema, and changes in cellular mass with extracellular volume (ECV), T1 and T2 tissue characteristics. We prospectively recruited 126 asymptomatic subjects (51% male) aged 27–41 years for 3T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: 40 controls, 40 overweight, 17 hypertensive and 29 hypertensive overweight. Myocyte mass was calculated as (100%–ECV) * height2.7-indexed LVM. Absolute LVM was significantly increased in overweight, hypertensive and hypertensive overweight groups (104 ± 23, 109 ± 27, 112 ± 26 g) versus controls (87 ± 21 g), with similar volumes. Body surface area (BSA) indexation resulted in LVM normalization in overweights (48 ± 8 g/m2) versus controls (47 ± 9 g/m2), but not in hypertensives (55 ± 9 g/m2) and hypertensive overweights (52 ± 9 g/m2). BSA-indexation overly decreased volumes in overweight versus normal-weight (LV end-diastolic volume; 80 ± 14 versus 92 ± 13 ml/m2), where height2.7-indexation did not. All risk groups had lower ECV (23 ± 2%, 23 ± 2%, 23 ± 3%) than controls (25 ± 2%) (P = 0.006, P = 0.113, P = 0.039), indicating increased myocyte mass (16.9 ± 2.7, 16.5 ± 2.3, 18.1 ± 3.5 versus 14.0 ± 2.9 g/m2.7). Native T1 values were similar. Lower T2 values in the hypertensive overweight group related to heart rate. In conclusion, BSA-indexation masks hypertrophy and causes volume overcorrection in overweight subjects compared to controls, height2.7-indexation therefore seems advisable.
Stochastic Monotonicity and Stationary Distributions for Dynamic Economies

The existence and stability of invariant distributions for stochastically monotone processes is studied. The Knaster-Tarski fixed point theorem is applied to establish existence of fixed points of mappings on compact sets of measures that are increasing with respect to a stochastic ordering. Global convergence of a monotone Markov process to its unique invariant distribution is established.under an easily verified assumption. Topkis's theory of supermodular functions is applied to stochastic dynamic optimization, providing conditions under which optimal stationary decisions are monotone functions of the state and induce a monotone Markov process. Applications of these results to investment theory, stochastic growth and industry equilibrium dynamics are given. Copyright 1992 by The Econometric Society.