Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Terasense WP03 radiation and sensor measurement lab workpackage

This paper explains the progress accomplished in the WP03 of the Terasense Project (TERAHERTZ TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSING APPLICATIONS) approved in the 2008 CONSOLIDERINGENIO program (project CSD2008-0068). The Radiation and Sensor Measurement Lab (RSMLab) is a laboratory based in the existing antenna measurement laboratories at UPM, UC3 and UNiOvi and the new capacities to extend the measurement range from the millimetre wave to the THz region. This laboratory is intended to be shared in more than one place and with more than one institution, in such a way that we could take advantage of other research financial sources and contributions from other institutions with interest in the same field of measurements. One important task will be the international links between the RSMLab and other European and international institutions dedicated to the antenna and sensor measurement in the same frequency range.
The effect of diesel fuel-Jatropha curcas oil methyl ester blend on the performance of a variable speed compression ignition engine

The increase in crude oil prices, the problems associated with long term availability of conventional hydrocarbon fuels for automotive engines, and the continuous emission of combustion pollutants into the environment are cause for concern. These challenges have necessitated the need to investigate the performance of Jatropha curcas oil methyl ester as diesel fuel extender in compression ignition engines. A test rig of 2.43 kW, 165 F single cylinder -four stroke variable speed direct injection engine, and incorporated with a 1.25kVA Honda E 1500 A.C dynamometer manufactured by Ningbo Tri-circle Power Machinery Company, China and Honda Company, Japan, was used to conduct the engine performance tests on samples of fossil diesel fuel (DF), and diesel fuel containing 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by volume of Jatropha curcas oil methyl ester (i.e. B5, B10, B15, and B20 DF-JME blends) respectively. At maximum engine speed of 2600rpm, the brake power and brake mean effective pressure generated by DF-JME blends are somewhat comparable to fossil DF, with B10 and B20 samples exhibiting least engine power by the order of 1.80% and 2.72%. In terms of fuel consumption, B5, B10, B15 and B20 DF-JME blends are 1.63%, 3.06%, 0.030% and 0.514% higher than fossil DF. However, the lower break thermal efficiency could be attributed to the slow progress of combustion, lower heating value and combustion temperature of the DF-JME fuel mixture. Hence, it could be concluded from this study that transesterified Jatropha curcas oil is suitable for use as diesel fuel extender in compression ignition engines. To this effect, a deliberate investment in biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil will conserve crude oil reserve and improve Nigeria's energy security.
Evolution of Adefovir-Resistant HBV Polymerase Gene Variants after Switching to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Monotherapy

Background Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), an acyclic nucleotide analogue was shown to be effective in many HBV-infected patients with resistance to adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). This observation is intriguing because in vitro studies show that HBV mutations selected by ADV confer cross-resistance to TDF. To assess the clinical relevance of this cross-resistance, we studied the evolution of HBV polymerase gene variants in patients with genotypic resistance against ADV (rtN236T and/or rtA181V/T) during TDF treatment. Methods In 10 HBV-monoinfected patients (9 male, mean age 47 ±11 [range 27–67] years, 6 hepatitis B e antigen- positive) with virological breakthrough during ADV treatment associated with the mutations rtN236T and/or rtA181T/V, HBV polymerase gene variants were studied during up to 24 months of consecutive monotherapy with TDF by population sequencing, line probe assay and clonal analysis. Results In all patients, switching to TDF resulted in a continuous reduction of HBV DNA from a median of 7.6 (4.6–9.4) log10 copies/ml to 3.3 (2–5) log10 copies/ml, remaining in 7 patients >400 copies/ml at 12 months. ADV-resistance mutations remained detectable throughout the whole observation period in most patients. Apart from an M204Q mutation in one sample, no new HBV polymerase gene mutations were found. In two patients with low level viraemia after 72 weeks of TDF, adding lamivudine led to a complete response within a few weeks. Conclusions ADV-resistant HBV variants may further become selected during TDF treatment, however they cause only a mild decrease in TDF susceptibility.
A Deflationary Account of Metaphor *

On the relevance-theoretic approach outlined in this paper, linguistic metaphors are not a natural kind, and ―metaphor‖ is not a theoretically important notion in the study of verbal communication. Metaphorical interpretations are arrived at in exactly the same way as literal, loose and hyperbolic interpretations: there is no mechanism specific to metaphors, and no interesting generalisation that applies only to them. In this paper, we defend this approach in detail by showing how the same inferential procedure applies to utterances at both ends of the literal-loose-metaphorical continuum, and how both literal and metaphorical utterances may create poetic
A Patent Race in a Real Options Setting: Investment Strategy, Valuation, CAPM Beta and Return Volatility

This paper studies financial properties of venture-capital backed start-ups through a continuous-time real-options patent-race model. Numerical analysis shows that patent races, relative to a joint monopoly, cause over-investment, value-dissipation, a higher CAPM beta, a higher return volatility and more negative return correlation when firms intensively compete. A firm's CAPM beta is a complicated non-linear function of its position relative to its competitor. The magnitude of annualized return volatilities of start-ups can be in excess of 100%. This high level of return volatility is mainly attributed to technological risks and is consistent with empirical findings by Cochrane [2004].
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Concept mapping and text writing as learning tools in problem-oriented learning

In two studies we investigated whether concept mapping or summary writing better support students while learning from authentic problems in the field of business. We interpret concept mapping and summary writing as elaboration tools aiming at helping students to understand new information, and to integrate it with prior knowledge. We hypothesize concept mapping to be superior to summary writing. Both studies had a pre-test and post-test design with two experimental groups (concept mapping and summary writing). In the first study, 26 students of a commercial high school (pre-university level) in their next to last year took part. In the second study 30 students aged 16-18 years from the pre-final year of pre-university education participated. Contrary to our expectations, in both studies the groups did not differ significantly in pre-test and post-test scores. However, the concept mapping condition seems to better support meaningful argumentation and elaboration of information.
Topology of polyhedral products over simplicial multiwedges

We prove that certain conditions on multigraded Betti numbers of a simplicial complex $K$ imply existence of a higher Massey product which contains a unique element (a strictly defined product) in the cohomology ring $H^{*}(\mathcal{Z}_K)$ of a moment-angle-complex $\mathcal{Z}_K$. Using the simplicial multiwedge construction, we find a family $\mathcal{F}$ of polyhedral products being smooth closed manifolds, such that for any $l, r\geq 2$ there exists an $l$-connected manifold $M\in\mathcal F$ with a nontrivial strictly defined $r$-fold Massey product in $H^{*}(M)$. Finally, we establish a combinatorial criterion for a simple graph $\Gamma$ to produce a rationally formal moment-angle manifold $\mathcal{Z}_P$ over a graph-associahedron $P=P_{\Gamma}$ and compute all the diffeomorphism types of formal moment-angle manifolds over graph-associahedra.
Real Exchange Rate and Human Capital in the Empirics of Economic Growth

This paper discusses the relative importance of transitional dynamics and steady state issues in growth. A new perspective is proposed about this debate, marked by different views. We argue that it is also important to consider the dynamics of economies, given the presence of low speed of convergence. We use the real exchange rate and take into account a model where all variables like GDP have the same dynamics. Moreover, we explicitly derive a role for human capital in growth regressions.
On Ill-Conditioned Linear Systems and Regularized GMRES Method

In this paper we consider solving ill-conditioned square linear systems with noisy right hand sides. To have meaningful solutions of such systems, we use Tikhonov regularization with the GMRES method in three different ways. Our computational experiments show that solving the noisy system by regularizing the least square problem inside the GMRES algorithm gives us meaningful solutions and is much faster than regularizing the original least square model itself or its least square problem within the GMRES method.
The Moderating Roles of Relationship Quality and Dependency in Retailers New Product Adoption Decisions

This study contributes to the retail adoption literature by explicitly focusing on the role of both profit-related and relationship variables in explaining new product adoption decisions by retailers, instead of considering either one of these groups of variables in isolation as has been done by previous retail adoption studies. Moreover, it specifically addresses how both relationship quality and a retailer’s dependence on the manufacturer moderate the effect of profit drivers. Using a sample of 392 new product adoption decisions by four Dutch retailers, the authors estimate a random effects logit model to explain adoption decisions. The results show significant positive main effects of gross margin, consumer support, product uniqueness, relationship quality and the retailer’s dependency on the manufacturer on the adoption decision. Moreover, the authors find that improved relationship quality tends to reduce the importance of both gross margin and consumer support in the adoption decision process, but surprisingly leads to a stronger impact of trade support. The moderating effect of the retailer’s dependence on the manufacturer also differs between profit drivers, such that it decreases the positive impact of gross margin, consumer support and product uniqueness, and it increases the negative effect of store brand cannibalization.
miR‐34a Inhibits Lung Fibrosis by Inducing Lung Fibroblast Senescence

&NA; Cellular senescence has been implicated in diverse pathologies. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the role of this process in tissue fibrosis. Although dysregulation of microRNAs is a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis, it is unclear whether microRNAs function by regulating cellular senescence in the disease. In this study, we found that miR‐34a demonstrated greater expression in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and in mice with experimental pulmonary fibrosis, with its primary localization in lung fibroblasts. More importantly, miR‐34a was up‐regulated significantly in both human and mouse lung myofibroblasts. We found that mice with miR‐34a ablation developed more severe pulmonary fibrosis than did wild‐type animals after fibrotic lung injury. Mechanistically, we found that miR‐34a induced a senescent phenotype in lung fibroblasts because this microRNA increased senescence‐associated &bgr;‐galactosidase activity, enhanced expression of senescence markers, and decreased cell proliferative capacities. Consistently, we found that primary lung fibroblasts from fibrotic lungs of miR‐34a‐deficient mice had a diminished senescent phenotype and enhanced resistance to apoptosis as compared with those from wild‐type animals. We also identified multiple miR‐34a targets that likely mediated its activities in inducing senescence in lung fibroblasts. In conclusion, our data suggest that miR‐34a functions through a negative feedback mechanism to restrain fibrotic response in the lungs by promoting senescence of pulmonary fibroblasts.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEAT MOVEMENT AND BOAT ACCELERATION DURING SCULLING

Fluctuations in boat velocity during rowing should be minimised in achieving the shortest possible time for the 2000m race. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the movement of the major body segments of a rower and the acceleration of the boat. Seat position, seat velocity, boat acceleration, and oar angle were measured for one rower for three stroke rates for at least ten consecutive strokes. Seat position was used to approximate the position of the centre of mass of the trunk and thighs. Maximum seat velocity increased with stroke rate. Differences in acceleration of the boat could be related to changes in the slope of the seat velocity curve.
Compressive Sampling for PPM and FSK Modulated Signals

Efficiency of the Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs) has always been an issue of concern, especially, when it comes to sampling wide band signals which require extremely high sampling rates. As the systems with wide band signals are gaining the front position in digital communications, the need to find ways to reduce the sampling rates of ADCs but still maintaining exact reconstruction, is becoming ever more resurgent. In this thesis we present the utilization of a newly discovered technique to reduce the sampling rates much below the Nyquist rates. We explore the combination of Compressive Sampling (CS) with Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) and Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation schemes. CS has been suggested for 'sparse signals'. Sparsity helps represent the signal in much less dimensions. We evaluate the suitability of this technique for PPM and FSK modulated signals in multipath fading environments so as to reduce the complexity at the receiver side. We detect the signals without having to first estimate the channel. We present scenarios where we can achieve the most from the combination of CS and PPM/FSK. We extend this frame work to Ultra Wide Band (UWB) applications. We also give theoretical expressions for the error probabilities of our signal models. The real challenge, with regard to using CS, is to reconstruct the signal from its reduced dimensions. In this respect, we have opted for the Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) algorithm for most of the cases, nonetheless, we elaborate on other available reconstruction methods as well.
An application of the theory of island ­biogeography to fish speciation on seamounts

Seamounts can be considered as islands in the deep. For many species, depth is just as much a barrier to dispersal as is the water between oceanic islands. This leads to the hypothesis that seamounts could be places where speciation readily occurs. Recent advances in the theory of island biogeography have allowed some detailed predictions about the degree of endemism and the diver- sity of species on oceanic islands. We have adapted this theory to seamounts, as underwater equiva- lents of islands. Three elements of this theory were tested as an illustration of what could be done, using published data on the diversity of reef-dwelling and benthic fish species found along the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain in the Pacific. Poor sampling makes it impossible at present to test the hypothesis that endemism is a humped function of seamount age. The data agrees with a fur- ther prediction that the total number of species is a humped function of seamount age. Finally, the prediction that fish diversity should be a function of seamount age and area is unsupported. We pro- pose that the theory we have attempted to test could serve as a guide to what fish diversity might be expected from further sampling work.
Aspects of population dynamics of Pseudotolithus typus (Bleeker, 1863) with management implications within the coastal waters of Liberia

This research article seeks to provide information about some aspects of population dynamics of P. typus in the Liberia coastal waters for strategic management and sustainability. A total of 1,822 specimens of P. typus were collected for six months from April to September 2013. The length frequency data was analyzed using FiSAT II and yield software. The asymptotic length, growth rate, growth performance index and the theoretical age at birth were estimated as: L∞ = 84 cm SL, K = 0.04 yr –1, ø = 2.451 and to = -0.276 yr –1 respectively, with the maximum age (tmax) at 74.75 years. Total instantaneous mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate (M) and fishing mortality rate (F) were 0.26 yr –1, 0.16 yr –1 and 0.10 yr –1. Exploitation rate (Ecurrent) and maximum exploitation rate (Emax) were estimated as 0.40 and 0.671 respectively. Growth overfishing existed in P. typus fishery, length at first maturity (Lm50= 56 cm) was higher than length at first capture (Lc50= 28.48 cm). The recruitment pattern was continuous with two major recruitment pulses. Visual Population Analysis results showed that midlength 45 cm experienced the highest fishing mortality. The fishing regime of P. typus fell in the eumetric stage based on the quadrant rule. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) was 6,621.54 tonnes. From the results growth overfishing was identified within P. typus fishery within Liberian waters dovetailed with absence of recruitment overfishing. P. typus was underexploited, requiring management interventions to increase exploitation sustainably.
I-131 Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy of Neuroectodermal Tumors

I-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is a noradrenaline analogue and acts as an adrenergic neuron blocker. It is commonly used in the radionuclide treatment of neu-roectodermal-derived tumors (Stage III–IV neuroblastoma, inoperable pheochromocy- toma, paraganglioma and carcinoid tumor, metastatic or recurrent medullary thyroid cancer). These are rare tumors and clinical data about therapeutic options accumulate slowly. I-131 MIBG has a well-known role in the salvage therapy of these tumors; how-ever, recent data suggest that it may also be beneficial to use as the first-line method. Here, we define characteristics of the radiopharmaceutical, mention cautions during administration and discuss clinical applications of I-131 MIBG therapy of the neuroec- todermal tumors.
Velocity and acceleration computations by single-dimensional Kalman filter with adaptive noise variance

The velocity and acceleration estimations by first-order and second-order differentiation of the position data from optical incremental encoder for servo motors have serious errors. Single-dimensional Kalman filter (SDKF) is proposed to estimate velocity with less complexity. Based on velocity and its variation, a polynomial expression multiplied by exponential is established to compute in real time the adaptive noise variance approximately, which can be applied to the Kalman filter. Regarding SDKF-filtered velocity as reference input, phase-locked loop (PLL) structure is employed to estimate acceleration, which adopts integral operation instead of differentiation. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the estimated velocity and acceleration by the proposed methods have more precision and less noise than that by differentiation method. Streszczenie. Analizowano bląd określania szybkości i przyśpieszenia na podstawie danych o pozycji otrzymanych z optycznego enkodera. Zaproponowano wykorzystanie filtru Kalmana do określania predkości. Do określania przyśpieszenia wykorzystano uklad PLL. Uzyskano poprawe dokladnocci i zmniejszenie szumow. (Wyznaczanie szybkości i przyśpieszenia z wykorzystaniem filtru Kalman z adaptacyjną wariancją szumow)
Modeling and Control of a Fixed Wing TiltRotor Tri-Copter

Modeling and Control of a Fixed Wing Tilt-Rotor Tri-Copter Alexander Summers Chair of the Supervisory Committee: PhD Kristi Morgansen Aeronautics and Astronautics The following thesis considers modeling and control of a fixed wing tilt-rotor tri-copter. An emphasis of the conceptual design is made toward payload transport. Aerodynamic panel code and CAD design provide the base aerodynamic, geometric, mass, and inertia properties. A set of non-linear dynamics are created considering gravity, aerodynamics in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and forward flight, and propulsion applied to a three degree of freedom system. A transition strategy, that removes trajectory planning by means of scheduled inputs, is theorized. Three discrete controllers, utilizing separate control techniques, are applied to ensure stability in the aerodynamic regions of VTOL, transition, and forward flight. The controller techniques include linear quadratic regulation, full state integral action, gain scheduling, and proportional integral derivative (PID) flight control. Simulation of the model control system is completed for flight from forward to backward transition with mass and center of gravity variation.
Developing a fuzzy risk assessment model for guaranteed maximum price and target cost contracts in South Australia

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a fuzzy risk assessment model for construction projects procured with target cost contracts and guaranteed maximum price contracts (TCC/GMP) using the fuzzy synthetic evaluation method, based on an empirical questionnaire survey with relevant industrial practitioners in South Australia. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 34 major risk factors inherent with TCC/GMP contracts were identified through an extensive literature review and a series of structured interviews. A questionnaire survey was then launched to solicit the opinions of industrial practitioners on risk assessment of such risk factors. Findings – The most important 14 key risk factors after the computation of normalised values were selected for undertaking fuzzy evaluation analysis. Five key risk groups (KRGs) were then generated in descending order of importance as: physical risks, lack of experience of contracting parties throughout TCC/GMP procurement process, design risks, contractual risks and de.
ON THE ACTIVE REGION BRIGHT GRAINS OBSERVED IN THE TRANSITION REGION IMAGING CHANNELS OF IRIS

The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) provides spectroscopy and narrow band slit-jaw (SJI) imaging of the solar chromosphere and transition region at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. Combined with high-resolution context spectral imaging of the photosphere and chromosphere as provided by the Swedish 1 m Solar Telescope (SST), we can now effectively trace dynamic phenomena through large parts of the solar atmosphere in both space and time. IRIS SJI 1400 images from active regions, which primarily sample the transition region with the Si iv 1394 and 1403 Å lines, reveal ubiquitous bright “grains” which are short-lived (two to five minute) bright roundish small patches of sizes 0. ″5–1. ″7 that generally move limbward with velocities up to about 30 km s−1. In this paper, we show that many bright grains are the result of chromospheric shocks impacting the transition region. These shocks are associated with dynamic fibrils (DFs), most commonly observed in Hα. We find that the grains show the strongest emission in the ascending phase of the DF, that the emission is strongest toward the top of the DF, and that the grains correspond to a blueshift and broadening of the Si iv lines. We note that the SJI 1400 grains can also be observed in the SJI 1330 channel which is dominated by C ii lines. Our observations show that a significant part of the active region transition region dynamics is driven from the chromosphere below rather than from coronal activity above. We conclude that the shocks that drive DFs also play an important role in the heating of the upper chromosphere and lower transition region.