Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A refinement of coccolith separation methods: Measuring the sinking characters of coccoliths

Abstract. The sinking velocities of individual coccoliths are relevant for export of their CaCO 3 from the surface ocean, and for laboratory methods to separate coccoliths of different sizes and species for geochemical analysis. In the laboratory, the repeat settling/decanting method was the earliest method to separate coccolith from sediments for geochemical analyses, and is still widely used. However, in the absence of estimates of settling velocity for non-spherical coccoliths, previous implementations have depended mainly on time consuming empirical method development by trial and error. In this study, the sinking velocities of coccoliths belonging to different species were carefully measured in a series of settling experiments for the first time. Settling velocities of modern coccoliths range from 0.154 to 10.67 cm h −1 . We found that a quadratic relationship between coccolith length and sinking velocity fits well and coccolith sinking velocity can be estimated by measuring the coccolith length and using the length-velocity factor, ksv. We found a negligible difference in sinking velocities measured in different vessels. However, an appropriate choice of vessel must be made to avoid hindered settling in coccolith separations. The experimental data and theoretical calculations presented here will support and improve the repeat settling/decanting method.
Two-step Phase Retrieval Algorithm Using Single Intensity Measurement

Aiming at the problem that the single-intensity phase retrieval method has poor reconstruction quality and low probability of successful recovery, an improvedmethod is proposed in this paper. Ourmethod divides the phase retrieval into two steps: firstly, the GS algorithm is used to recover the amplitude in the spatial domain from the single-spread Fourier spectrum, and then the classical GS algorithm using two intensity measurements (one is recorded and the other is estimated from the first step) measurements is used to recover the phase. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by numerical experiments.
SCIAMACHY WFM-DOAS XCO 2 : comparison with CarbonTracker XCO 2 focusing on aerosols and thin clouds

Abstract. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important greenhouse gas whose atmospheric loading has been significantly increased by anthropogenic activity leading to global warming. Accurate measurements and models are needed in order to reliably predict our future climate. This, however, has challenging requirements. Errors in measurements and models need to be identified and minimised. In this context, we present a comparison between satellite-derived column-averaged dry air mole fractions of CO2, denoted XCO2, retrieved from SCIAMACHY/ENVISAT using the WFM-DOAS (weighting function modified differential optical absorption spectroscopy) algorithm, and output from NOAA's global CO2 modelling and assimilation system CarbonTracker. We investigate to what extent differences between these two data sets are influenced by systematic retrieval errors due to aerosols and unaccounted clouds. We analyse seven years of SCIAMACHY WFM-DOAS version 2.1 retrievals (WFMDv2.1) using CarbonTracker version 2010. We investigate to what extent the difference between SCIAMACHY and CarbonTracker XCO2 are temporally and spatially correlated with global aerosol and cloud data sets. For this purpose, we use a global aerosol data set generated within the European GEMS project, which is based on assimilated MODIS satellite data. For clouds, we use a data set derived from CALIOP/CALIPSO. We find significant correlations of the SCIAMACHY minus CarbonTracker XCO2 difference with thin clouds over the Southern Hemisphere. The maximum temporal correlation we find for Darwin, Australia (r2 = 54%). Large temporal correlations with thin clouds are also observed over other regions of the Southern Hemisphere (e.g. 43% for South America and 31% for South Africa). Over the Northern Hemisphere the temporal correlations are typically much lower. An exception is India, where large temporal correlations with clouds and aerosols have also been found. For all other regions the temporal correlations with aerosol are typically low. For the spatial correlations the picture is less clear. They are typically low for both aerosols and clouds, but depending on region and season, they may exceed 30% (the maximum value of 46% has been found for Darwin during September to November). Overall we find that the presence of thin clouds can potentially explain a significant fraction of the difference between SCIAMACHY WFMDv2.1 XCO2 and CarbonTracker over the Southern Hemisphere. Aerosols appear to be less of a problem. Our study indicates that the quality of the satellite derived XCO2 will significantly benefit from a reduction of scattering related retrieval errors at least for the Southern Hemisphere.
. Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning within Molecular Gastronomy Education: Does it Benefit Students?

Since the creation of Molecular Gastronomy (MG) as a scientific discipline in 1988 a variety of higher education modules and programmes in that discipline have developed around the world. At the Dublin Institute of Technology, MG has been taught using an interdisciplinary approach since the academic year 2012/2013. A Culinary Science lecturer and a Culinary Arts lecturer work in synergy and teach an interdisciplinary group of Food Science (FS) and Culinary Arts (CA) students. The students’ work is assessed, in each academic year, using summative methods i.e. written exam and a project assignment. In the academic year 2016/2017 the assignment reports were, for the first time, jointly written by a member from each student group. The exam results in that academic year were compared and the discussion sections of the assignment reports were analysed for word frequencies. An open-ended questionnaire was also given to the students (n = 28) to get their opinions about the structure and organisation of the MG module. There was no significant difference in the total (exam + assignment) results of the FS and CA students (p ≥ 0.05). An analysis of results for the module, pre-interdisciplinary vs. interdisciplinary, shows that the CA students benefited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from having FS students in the group whereas there was no significant difference in the FS results when there were CA students in the group (p ≥ 0.05). Almost all the FS students commented that they enjoyed the practical application of MG. Each student said that having an interdisciplinary teaching team added depth and made the module more complete. Results showed that when writing the discussion sections of the assignment report, it would be more beneficial for a CA student to write the discussion section together with a FS student. In conclusion interdisciplinary teaching and learning within Molecular Gastronomy education is beneficial for Culinary Arts and Food Science student participants.
Biasing Temporal Judgments in Rats, Pigeons, and Humans

Author(s): Daniels, Carter W; Fox, Adam E; Kyonka, Elizabeth G. E. ; Sanabria, Federico | Abstract: Models of interval timing typically include a response threshold to account for temporal production. The present study sought to evaluate the dependent concurrent fixed-interval fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement as a tool for selectively isolating the response threshold in rats, pigeons, and humans. In this task, reinforcement is available either at one location after a short delay or at another location at a longer delay. Because the reinforced location is not signaled, subjects normally respond on the first location and, if reinforcement is not delivered, then switch to the second location. The latency to switch between locations served as the primary dependent measure. After training rats, pigeons, and humans with equal reinforcement magnitudes in the short and long delays, the magnitude of reinforcement was increased threefold on the long-delay location. Consistent with model predictions, this biasing procedure decreased estimates of the response threshold of rats and pigeons, but also reduced temporal control in these species and increased response-threshold estimates in humans. Human and pigeon performance also suggested a magnitude-induced increase in the speed of the internal clock. Collectively, these results suggest that differences in reinforcement magnitude between response alternatives appear to modulate the response threshold, but not selectively, and may provide guidance for better isolating response-threshold effects in humans.
Estimating prevalence of injecting drug users and associated heroin‐related death rates in England by using regional data and incorporating prior information

Injecting drug users (IDUs) have a direct social and economic effect yet can typically be regarded as a hidden population within a community. We estimate the size of the IDU population across the nine different Government Office regions of England in 2005–2006 by using capture–recapture methods with age (ranging from 15 to 64 years) and gender as covariate information. We consider a Bayesian model averaging approach using log‐linear models, where we can include explicit prior information within the analysis in relation to the total IDU population (elicited from the number of drug‐related deaths and injectors’ drug‐related death rates). Estimation at the regional level allows for regional heterogeneity with these regional estimates aggregated to obtain a posterior mean estimate for the number of England's IDUs of 195840 with 95% credible interval (181700, 210480). There is significant variation in the estimated regional prevalence of current IDUs per million of population aged 15–64 years, and in injecting drug‐related death rates across the gender × age cross‐classifications. The propensity of an IDU to be seen by at least one source also exhibits strong regional variability with London having the lowest propensity of being observed (posterior mean probability 0.21) and the South West the highest propensity (posterior mean 0.46).
Evaluation of Open Innovation with R&D Alliances for Breakthrough Technologies in the Energy Sector

In the energy industry, a time of dynamic innovation and uncertainties drives R&D incumbents to extend their technology screening process to the early technology lifecycle. Many early breakthrough technology innovations stem from academia and are developed by academic spin-offs. In these situations an incumbent’s future technology organization (FTO), focused on open innovation, needs to expand its evaluation and development capabilities towards R&D alliances with academic technology spin-offs. In the light of the open innovation and real option frameworks this study analyzes R&D projects using the real options analysis (ROA) and discusses the critical decision of whether to develop technology internally or externally. It explores R&D alliances between academic spin-offs and a large power industry player and investigates the concept and role of a FTO in the open innovation process. A model will be introduced to operationalize the FTO concept and practically evaluate the risk of open innovation with R&D alliances for breakthrough technologies. Contrary to the common view that risks increase when open innovation is applied along with external development of a breakthrough technology in R&D alliances, the present study shows that the risks and uncertainties can be mitigated and controlled when applying ROA and the FTO model.
A Comparative Study of Item Difficulty Hierarchy of Self-Reported Activity Measure Versus Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks

The purposes of this study were: 1) to show the item difficulty hierarchy of walking/moving construct of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Activity Measure (ICF-AM), 2) to evaluate the item-level psychometrics for model fit, 3) to describe the relevant physical activity defined by level of activity intensity expressed as Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks (MET), and 4) to explore what extent the empirical activity hierarchy of the ICF-AM is linked to the conceptual model based on the level of energy expenditure described as MET. One hundred and eight participants with lower extremity impairments were examined for the present study. A newly created activity measure, the ICF-AM using an item response theory (IRT) model and computer adaptive testing (CAT) method, has a construct on walking/moving construct. Based on the ICF category of walking and moving, the instrument comprised items corresponding to: walking short distances, walking long distances, walking on different surfaces, walking around objects, climbing, and running. The item difficulty hierarchy was created using Winstep software for 20 items. The Rasch analyses (1-parameter IRT model) were performed on participants with lower extremity injuries who completed the paper and pencil version of walking/moving construct of the ICF-AM. The classification of physical activity can also be performed by the use of METs that is often preferred to determine the level of physical activity. The empirical item hierarchy of walking, climbing, running activities of the ICF-AM instrument was similar to the conceptual activity hierarchy based on the METs. The empirically derived item difficulty hierarchy of the ICF-AM may be useful in developing MET-based activity measure questionnaires. In addition to convenience of applying items to questionnaires, implications of the finding could lead to the use of CAT method without sacrificing the objectivity of physiologic measures.
THE PROMISE OF PRIVATIZATION: FINANCIAL AND OPERATING EFFICIENCY IN MALAWI MANUFACTURING

This study evaluates the impact of privatization on financial performance and operating efficiency of six privatized enterprises, three state-owned enterprises and six private enterprises competing in three oligopolistic manufacturing industries in which privatization took place between 1984 and 1991 using panel data between 1970 and 1997. In our empirical analysis, we find no significant evidence that privatization in Malawi is associated with high profitability, high sales efficiency, low output, low employment. The evidence in favour of high net income efficiency in the post-privatization period is weak, but we find significant evidence that investment intensity declined in the postprivatization period. However, the regression analysis of determinants of profitability and operating efficiency shows that privatization increases the profitability and net income efficiency but reduces labour productivity, although we cannot ignore the role of state ownership, import competition, capital intensity and structural adjustment programs in influencing performance outcomes. We also find that privatization has significant industry effects, suggesting that studies that ignore the behaviour of competing enterprises in oligopolistic industries understate the impact of privatization.
Does Negative Information Always Hurt Meat Demand? An Examination of Avian Influenza Information Impacts on U.S.

Consumers’ consumption patterns could be affected by food safety information, however, it is more important to consider where the food safety issue occurs. If the food safety issue happens in other countries, in other words, it outbreaks out of the target market, negative information may be beneficial; in contrast, if the food safety issue occurs within the market, results may consistent with previous studies. Based on this assumption, this paper reinvestigates the impacts of AI media coverage and BSE cases on the demand of meat in U.S. market. Estimated results provide supports for our assumption, i.e., AI information has positive effect on poultry and turkey demands in short term, and BSE affect beef demand negatively.
Developing Test Methods for the Evaluation of Scooter Performance in Winter Conditions

Electric mobility scooters are increasing in popularity and are used extensively by individuals with mobility impairments to conduct activities of daily living. Scientific literature on the safety and efficacy of scooters in winter conditions is sparse and the current technical standards for scooters do not mandate testing in these conditions. This study paves the way for more rigorous standard testing by: 1) Describing a novel, motion-capture based method to quantify the tractive performance of scooters; 2) Describing methods to create a wide variety of simulated winter conditions; 3) Presenting pilot-test results of a scooter driven in these winter conditions. The outcomes of this study are significant because it is the first study to evaluate the performance of a scooter in winter conditions. Furthermore, it constitutes the first phase of a broader initiative to develop a rigorous, new winter test method for scooters and drive improvements in safety, performance and design.
Diffusion of Franchising as an Innovation of Managerial Organization by Enar

Enar Ruiz Conde (corresponding author) is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Departamento de Economı́a Financiera, Contabilidad y Marketing, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig, 03080 Alicante, Spain, Phone: +34-965-90-3611, Fax: +34-965-90-3621, E-Mail: eruiz@ua.es Peter S. H. Leeflang is the Frank M. Bass Professor of Marketing, Faculty of Economics, University of Groningen, PO Box 800, NL-9700 AV Groningen, The Netherlands, Phone: +31-50-363-3686, Fax: +31-50-363-7337, E-Mail: p.s. h.leeflang@eco.rug. nl. He is also affiliated with the Department of Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Diffusion of Franchising as an Innovation of Managerial Organization
Internal dynamics of Abell 2254: a merging galaxy cluster with a clumpy, diffuse radio emission

Context. The mechanisms giving rise to diffuse radio emission in galaxy clusters and, in particular, their connection with cluster mergers are still being debated. Aims. We explore the internal dynamics of Abell 2254, which has been shown to host a very clumpy and irregular radio halo. Methods. Our analysis is mainly based on redshift data for 128 galaxies acquired at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. We combined galaxy velocities and positions to select 110 cluster galaxies and analyze its internal dynamics. We also used new (g � ,r � ,i � ) photometric data acquired at the Isaac Newton Telescope, and (V, i � ) photometric data available in the Subaru Archive. X-ray data from the XMM-Newton Science Archive were analyzed to study the hot gas component. Results. We estimate the cluster redshiftz� = 0.177, a high line-of-sight (LOS) velocity dispersion, σV ∼ 1350 km s −1 , and the X-ray temperature kT ∼ 6.4 keV. Both our optical and X-ray analyses reveal complex dynamical activity. The analysis of the 2D galaxy distribution reveals the presence of two density peaks, one to the east and the other to the west (E and W peaks). Using the full 3D information we detect a high-velocity (ΔVrf,LOS ∼ 3000 km s −1 ), low-mass (σV ∼ 200-500 km s −1 ) group at the position of the 2D E peak. For the main system we compute a velocity dispersion σV ∼ 1000-1200 km s −1 . In the assumption of a bimodal system we estimate a mass Msys = 1.5-2.9 ×10 15 h −1 70 M� . The X-ray morphological analysis, which is based on power ratios, centroid shifts, and concentration parameter, confirms that Abell 2254 is a dynamically disturbed cluster. The X-ray isophotes are elongated in the east direction, in agreement with a merger in the post core-crossing phase. A simple bimodal model finds that data are consistent with a bound, outgoing subcluster observed a few fractions of Gyr after the core crossing. However, both optical and X-ray analyses suggest that the main system is, in turn, a nonrelaxed structure, indicating north-south as a possible direction for a past accretion. Conclusions. We conclude that Abell 2254, for its mass and merging structure, fits well among the typical clusters with radio halos. We briefly discuss how the particular irregularity of the radio halo might be linked to the complexity of the Abell 2254 structure.
Biosynthesis and Compartmentalization of Po, Apolipoprotein A-I, and Lipids in the Myelinating Sciatic Nerve Chick

Myelin deposition in developing chick sciatic nerve is associated with rapid synthesis of lipids, the major myelin protein Po and apo A-I, a major constituent of plasma lipoproteins. In order to understand possible roles of apo A-I in myelin assembly the synthesis and appearance of Po, apo A-I and lipids was studied in an intracellular fraction, an intralamellar fraction thought to be related to, or derived from, myelin and compact myelin from rapidly myelinating sciatic nerve of 1 day chicks. Incorporation with methionine or pulse-chase experiments indicated that initial synthesis of Po occurs in the intracellular fraction followed by movement to the intralamellar fraction and myelin. Incorporation of labelled oleate into phospholipids suggested that initial synthesis occurs in the intracellular and intralamellar fractions with slow movement to myelin. Incorporation of labelled galactose into cerebrosides suggested that initial synthesis occurs partially in myelin with slow loss from this fraction to the intralamellar fraction. However, incorporation of methionine into apo A-I indicated that initial synthesis occurred in the intracellular fraction with some transfer to the intralamellar fraction and secretion of a major portion into the incubation medium. It is concluded that the subcellular distribution of nascent apo A-I is not well coordinated with the distribution of other nascent constituents of the myelin membrane. The accumulation of nascent Po, phospholipids and cerebrosides in the intralamellar fraction compared to compact myelin suggests that this fraction may play a role as a precursor membrane or as a storage site for assembly of myelin constituents into compact myelin.
Evolving neural networks for static single-position automated trading

This paper presents an approach to single-position, intraday automated trading based on a neurogenetic algorithm. An artificial neural network is evolved to provide trading signals to a simple automated trading agent. The neural network uses open, high, low, and close quotes of the selected financial instrument from the previous day, as well as a selection of the most popular technical indicators, to decide whether to take a single long or short position at market open. The position is then closed as soon as a given profit target is met or at market close. Experimental results indicate that, despite its simplicity, both in terms of input data and in terms of trading strategy, such an approach to automated trading may yield significant returns.