Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Speed Low Power Plasmonic Mach-Zehnder Modulator with Small FootPrint

In this manuscript a compact high speed optical Mach-Zehnder modulator with very low energy consumption based on hybrid plasmonic waveguide is presented. Compared to dielectric waveguide-based structures, large propagation constant of optical modes in hybrid plasmonic waveguides reduces the propagation length required for attaining necessary phase shift for proper operation of Mach-Zehnder interferometer. On the other hand, strong light confinement in hybrid plasmonic waveguide facilitates realization of relatively short bends (with small bend radius) and compact Yjunctions which in turn reduces the overall footprint of modulator. Our simulations show theoretical modulation speed of more than 1 THz and very low energy consumption about 17 fJ/bit. In addition, the modulation depths as high as 25 dB are achievable by applying voltages between + 3 V and -3 V, in a push-pull configuration. Apart from electrodes, the overall footprint is about ~120 m which is, based on our knowledge, very smaller than that of common Mach-Zehnder modulators.
Corruption, EU Aid Inflows and Economic Growth in Ghana: Cointegration and Causality Analysis

This paper uses the Johansen cointegration technique to examine the causal relationship between aid inflows and economic growth for Ghana during the period 1970-2013. To better reflect causality, corruption (governance) and trade are included as control variables. In order to test for causality in the face of cointegration among variables, a vector error correction model (VECM) is used in place of vector autoregressive (VAR) model. This is complemented with Toda and Yamamoto’s test to point to causal direction. Appropriate stability test to account for structural breaks in the series is undertaken. Our estimation results suggest that GDP growth has one cointegrating vector relationship with governance, EU aid inflows and trade in both short and long runs. There is a long run unidirectional causal relationship from EU Aid inflows to GDP growth, and a short run unidirectional causality from trade to GDP. Governance was ineffective to power growth. The error correction terms are the source of causation in the long. The results indeed confirm popular conjecture that corruption in Ghana stifles development. Therefore government’s decision to launch a national anti-corruption plan in 2011 though long overdue, but is justifiable. However, such an attempt will only be effective if and only if a conscious effort is made by all stakeholders to work in hand in deepening good governance (reducing corruption) as a trajectory for promoting economic growth and to serve as inducement for a continue aid inflows from multilateral donors to sustain efforts at achieving the millennium development goals in Ghana.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in market age pigs on-farm, at slaughter and retail pork

This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in finishing pigs on-farm, at lairage and assess the likelihood of carriage at slaughter and retail levels. A crosssectional study targeting ten cohorts of commercial swine farms was conducted for carriage of MRSA. Paired nasal and peri-anal swab samples (n=24/farm) were collected from market age pigs on-farm and the same batch of pigs were followed and sampled at the lairage before slaughter and carcass swabs at post evisceration stage before chilling. Pork samples from the same batch of pigs were collected at retail market. We assessed phenotypic and genotypic relatedness from the various sources. Conventional cultural methods using oxacillin resistance screening agar was used. Antimicrobial resistance was tested to a panel of 21 antimicrobials. PCR was used to detect the presence of species-specific gene (nuc) and methicillin resistance marker gene (mecA). The genotypic relatedness of isolates was determined using the Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). One or more MRSA positive pigs were detected in five of the ten herds (50%). The prevalence of MRSA in pigs was higher at lairage and ranged from 0% to 54.2% per farm compared to that same batch of pigs on-farm (0% to 12.5%). The proportion of MRSA positive isolates recovered from nasal swab samples was relatively higher (4.8%) compared to peri-anal samples (2.7%). We detected MRSA in 1.6% (4/240) of the carcass swab and 3.7% (5/135%) of the retail pork samples. Genotypically similar isolates were detected from farm to the retail chain based on PFGE. Using MLST, ST398 was detected from farm, lairage and retail pork. In addition ST5, ST9, ST39 and ST72 were detected at different points of sampling.
Optimal Monetary Policy for Taiwan: A Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Framework

The objective of this paper is to investigate the monetary policy of Taiwan by using a micro-based dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with a banking sector. Because Taiwan's central bank has claimed to use the M2 aggregate growth rate as the monetary target since 1992, this study essentially centers on the welfare assessments of the optimized money growth rate rule and the alternative Taylor-type interest rate rule. We find that the money growth rate rule plays a better job in stabilization and is welfare dominating over the interest rate rule for all types of real shocks. Due to the liquidity effects that the monetary aggregate supplies for consumption, controlling the growth rate of the monetary aggregate can successfully reduce both the inflation and output volatilities. The welfare superiority of the monetary aggregate rule holds for alternative specifications of the model, including the frictionless credit market, the lower international capital mobility and lower nominal rigidity. The current monetary policy, estimated by Teo (2009), follows in a similar fashion to the optimized monetary policy that this study suggests, but has smaller effects in stabilizing the CPI inflation and exchange rates. Reinforcing its endeavors in inflation and exchange rate stabilization can be welfare improving.
Performance Evaluation of SWAT-CN and SWAT-WB Hydrological Models for Estimation of Runoff in the Didessa Watershed, Abbay Basin, Ethiopia

Watershed models are powerful tools for simulating the effect of watershed processes and management on soil and water resources. The Soil Water Assessment Tool is a watershed model widely used to predict water quantity and quality under varying land use and water use regimes. The objectives of this research were to test the performance evaluation of the SWAT-CN and SWAT-WB models for prediction of Runoff in the Didessa watershed. To determine the respective amounts of infiltration and surface runoff, SWAT uses the popular Curve Number method. Water balance models generally take the runoff generation processes in the assumption of saturation excess and in curve number method runoff generation processes in the assumption of infiltration excess. In order to use SWAT in monsoonal climates, the CN routine to predict runoff was substitute with a simple water balance routine in the code base. The calibrated and validated, SWAT-CN and SWAT-WB models performed well for simulation of monthly stream flow. Statistical model performance measures, coefficient of determination of 0.71 & 0.77 , the Nash–Sutcliffe simulation efficiency of 0.66 & 0.68, Index of volumetric fit of 0.96 & 0.88 and Percent bias -3.79 & -13.46, for calibration and 0.70 & 0.77, 0.68 & 0.69, 1.06 & 0.88 and 6.32 & 13.58 respectively for validation, both model indicated good performance of the model simulation on monthly time step. These results suggest that both SWAT can successful model saturation-excess and infiltration excess technique for runoff generation processes in the Didessa watershed. The calibrated model can be used for further analysis of the effect of climate and land use change as well as other different management scenarios on stream flow and soil erosion. Keywords: Runoff; SWAT-CN; SWAT-WB; Didessa watershed
Heterotic Patterns of IITA and CIMMYT Early‐Maturing Yellow Maize Inbreds under Contrasting Environments

1321 Promotion and wide adoption of early-maturing cultivars developed by IITA and partners have signifi cantly contributed to the rapid spread of maize into the savannas of WA, making it the most important cereal crop aft er rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, production in the savanna agro-ecology is severely constrained by low-N and recurrent drought. Drought and low-N stresses constitute the most important factors frequently limiting maize production, food security, and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (Banziger et al., 2006). Edmeades et al. (1995) reported an annual maize yield loss of 15% from drought stress in the savanna of West and central Africa (WCA) and indicated that localized losses might be much higher in the marginal areas where the annual rainfall is below 500 mm and soils are sandy or shallow. However, the grain yield losses could be higher if drought occurs at the fl owering and grain-fi lling periods (NeSmith and Ritchie, 1992). Estimated yield losses from low-N stress alone vary from 10 to 50% (Wolfe et al., 1988) in WA and are attributable to inadequate or no application of inorganic fertilizer by farmers and rapid mineralization of organic matter in the soil (McCown et al., 1992; Banziger and Lafi tte, 1997). In addition to drought and low-N stresses, infestation by a parasitic weed, Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth is a major constraint to maize production in the savannas of WA. In the farmer’s fi eld, drought, Striga infestation, and soil nutrient defi ciency can occur simultaneously, with a devastating combined eff ect (Cechin and Press, 1993; Kim and Adetimirin, 1997; Badu-Apraku et al., 2011b). Th erefore, maize varieties targeted to the Striga-prone areas of WCA must also be resistant or at least tolerant to drought and low-N. Heterotic Patterns of IITA and CIMMYT Early-Maturing Yellow Maize Inbreds under Contrasting Environments
Plasma electrons above Saturn's main rings: CAPS observations

We present observations of thermal (∼0.6–100eV) electrons observed near Saturn's main rings during Cassini's Saturn Orbit Insertion (SOI) on 1 July 2004. We find that the intensity of electrons is broadly anticorrelated with the ring optical depth at the magnetic footprint of the field line joining the spacecraft to the rings. We see enhancements corresponding to the Cassini division and Encke gap. We suggest that some of the electrons are generated by photoemission from ring particle surfaces on the illuminated side of the rings, the far side from the spacecraft. Structure in the energy spectrum over the Cassini division and A‐ring may be related to photoelectron emission followed by acceleration, or, more likely, due to photoelectron production in the ring atmosphere or ionosphere.
Rigidness in Applying Scrum by an Enterprise – Influenced by Muscle Memory

Science and technology are growing fast both in case of software and hardware. Due this changes are inevitable in every aspect of development and manufacturing. When software development is considered new methods and technologies are being introduced for developing software products. This is due to constant change from the side of customer to developer. Because of this new process models are developed to meet the requirements of both customers and developers. Based on the requirements from customers to developers every enterprise has to go for change. Once a process model is adopted the whole enterprise mainly developers has to adjust to new culture. This work discuss on the problems faced by developers when they start using new model because they are habituated to old and experience process models. In this work, muscle memory of developers carried from traditional models to new process model with respect to Scrum and the impact on them is discussed and consequence on product development. The advantages of Scrum when the hurdles are controlled are also discussed. Keyword-Muscle memory, Software developers, Enterprise, Scrum, Waterfall model
Contextual Action Recognition using Tube Convolutional Neural Network (T-CNN)

Deep learning has been shown to accomplish exceed expectations loaned comes about for picture characterization and protest identification. In any case, the effect of Deep learning on video examination has been constrained because of multifaceted nature of video information and absence of a documentations. Past convolutional neural systems (CNN) based video activity identification approaches ordinarily comprise of two noteworthy advances: outline level activity proposition age and relationship of recommendations crosswise over edges. Additionally, the greater part of these techniques utilize two-stream CNN system to han-dle spatial and fleeting element independently. In this paper, we propose a conclusion to-end Deep learning system called Tube Con-volutional Neural Network (T-CNN) for activity identification in recordings. The proposed design is a bound together profound net-work that can perceive and confine activity in light of 3D convolution highlights. A video is first isolated into measure up to length cuts and next for each clasp an arrangement of tube expert posals are produced in light of 3D Convolutional Network (ConvNet) highlights. At last, the tube proposition of contrast ent cuts are connected together utilizing system stream and spatio-transient activity identification is performed utilizing these connected video recommendations. Broad analyses on a few video datasets show the unrivaled execution of T-CNN for grouping and restricting activities in both trimmed and untrimmed recordings contrasted with condition of human expressions.
Do Green Lifestyle Consumers Appreciate Low Involvement Green Products

Environmentally friendly, or green products, have become very popular and it is estimated that consumers will spend $500 billion on green products this year (Weeks 2008). Thus, many manufacturers in various industries have adopted eco-friendly practices that affect not only the production process but also the resulting product (Kivimaa and Kautto 2010; Zhu et al. 2010). In most cases, green products target consumers who lead green lifestyles (Divine and Lepisto 2005; do Paco and Raposo 2010). However, not all green products might be valued equally by consumers. It is reasonable to assume that high involvement green products might be valued by consumers with green lifestyles. Will low involvement green products be of value to consumers with a green lifestyle as well? Will green attributes be important to consumers with green lifestyles when choosing a low involvement product?
Aerodynamic assessment of potential rudder force augmentation due to circulation control based on a VTP rudder design for a STOL aircraft

The scope of the paper is to assess the potential of using circulation control at the vertical tail plane in order to increase the maximum rudder side force. Therefore, a numerical study on the rudder design is carried out, consisting of a 2D sensitivity study, an estimation of the 3D forces and moments via lifting line method, and a verification by 3D Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations. Compared to the baseline rudder, the lifting line method yields a 138% increase of the rudder yawing moment due to the use of circulation control. 3D RANS simulations verify the lifting line results. The deviation between yawing moments from the RANS computations and the lifting line method is less than 11%.
Contact with Nature and Children's Wellbeing in Educational Settings

Problem statement: The study explores the role of the spatial-physical features of the environment for the functioning of educational institutions. Previous research in the field of environmental psychology showed how physical characteristics of learning environments might be linked to positive or negative outcomes in terms of learning attitudes and behaviors. In particular, there is consistent empirical evidence showing that contact with natural settings promotes psychological restoration, leading to the recovery of direct attention and stress reduction. The present study aims at investigating the impact of the experience of contact with external green spaces during school time upon children’s capacity of focusing direct attention on a specific task during structured activity with educators and upon the quality of children’s social interaction with peers and adult educators. Approach: A total of 16 children (age range 18-36 months) attending a recently opened childcare center in Rome, Italy participated in the study. The physical features of the internal and external spaces of the educational institutions were assessed via on-site observations. Systematic observations of the children were performed, in different spaces of the educational setting and in different moments of the school day. In particular, children’s performance in a visual-spatial task requiring direct attention and children social behavior (using a checklist of social interaction and emotional behavior) were assessed by a paper-and-pencil observation grid on a six-step scale. Results: The research suggests that contact with external green open spaces during school time is significantly associated with better performances in structured tasks requiring direct attention and to positive social behaviors. The frequency of educators’ direct interventions is smaller after the children’s contact with external green open spaces. Conclusion/Recommendations: These findings can contribute to gaining a better understanding of the restoration processes occurring in different typologies of educational settings and suggest the importance of providing these environments, such as childcare centers, with adequate external green spaces, in order to allow children to have opportunities for systematic psychological restoration during school time.
D-Glucose Acts via SGLTI to Increase NHE 3 in Mouse Jejunal Brush Border by a NHERF 2-Dependent Process

Background & Aims—Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) reduce diarrhea-associated mortality by unclear mechanisms. Sodium absorption is mediated by the Na+/H+ hydrogen exchanger NHE3 and is increased by Na+-glucose co-transport in vitro, but the mechanisms of this process are only partially understood and its in vivo relevance has not been determined. Methods—Intracellular pH was measured in jejunal enterocytes of wild-type mice and mice with disrupted Na+/H+ exchange regulatory co-factor 2 (NHERF2−/− mice) by multi-photon microscopy. Diarrhea was induced by cholera toxin. Caco-2BBe cells that express NHE3 and the sodium/glucose cotransporter (SGLT)1 were studied by fluorometery, before and after siRNAmediated knockdown of NHERF1 or NHERF2. NHE3 distribution was assessed by cell-surface biotinylation and confocal microscopy. Brush border mobility was determined by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and confocal microscopy. Results—The non-metabolized SGLT1 substrate α-methyl-D-Glu (α-MD-G) activated jejunal NHE3; this process required Akt and NHERF2. α-MD-G normalized NHE3 activity after cholera toxin-induced diarrhea. α-MD-G–stimulated jejunal NHE3 activity was: defective in NHERF2−/− mice and cells with NHERF2 knockdown, but occurred normally with NHERF1 knockdown; associated with increased NHE3 surface expression in Caco-2 cells, which was also NHERF2dependent; associated with dissociation of NHE3 from NHERF2 and an increase in the NHE3 Address for correspondence: Mark Donowitz and Rong Lin, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, 925 Ross Research Building, Baltimore, MD 21205. Phone: 410-955-9675; fax: 410-955-9677. mdonowit@jhmi.edu. +Current address: GI Division, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongi Medical School, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, China Author Contributions: RL designed and performed all studies. Others assisted in: RM, ZL, OK multiphoton microscopy. BC FRAP studies. RS, TC and MC gradient centrifugation studies. BH, HJ, US, JT and MD supervision and discussions of the strategies and writing of manuscript. No author has a conflict of interest. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. NIH Public Access
First Report on the Root Knot Nematodes Meloidogyne spp. of Sweetpotatoes in Sorong Regency, West Papua- Indonesia

Sweet potatoes with abnormal tubers were found in Salawati District, Sorong Regency, West Papua Province. Surveys in the period of April to September 2014 found the disease symptoms include tubers fail to grow and turn into a hard roots, smaller size tubers and number of tubers per hill decreased. Length of infected tubers were 3 to 8 cm (compare to healthy tubers 15 to 18 cm), overgrown roots and developed knot on the tubers surface and roots surrounded by necrotic areas. Staining method and root disection were succesfully found Meloidogyne spp. adult females inside the sweet potato roots and tubers. Two species of root knot nematodes that were M. incognita and M. javanica were identified based on morphology of female perineal pattern. Using PCR technique, two specific primers of Meloidogyne species MI-F / MI-R and Fjav / Rjav were successfully amplifed 999 bp and 720 bp DNA fragments which were related to M. incognita and M. javanica, respectively. -----------------------------------------------------------------------* Corresponding author. Phone: +6282197530338 E-mail address: umibptphpabar@gmail.com.
Exploring Variation Properties of Departure Time Choice Behavior by Using Multilevel Analysis Approach

The variation properties of departure time choice behavior are examined by activity type with the use of a continuous 6-week travel survey collected in the cities of Karlsruhe and Halle, Germany, in 1999. The total variation in departure time choice is divided into five variation components: spatial variation, temporal variation at the aggregate level, interhousehold variation, interindividual variation, and intraindividual variation. These variations are first quantitatively analyzed by using a multilevel modeling approach without considering the influences of explanatory variables. Then, on the basis of the clarified variations patterns, how much of the variations can be captured by explanatory variables is examined. It is confirmed that different activities show quite different variations, and of the variations the intraindividual variation accounts for the largest percentage of the total variation. Model estimation results further underscore the need for simultaneously dealing with unobserved macrolevel variations, especially interindividual, interhousehold, and spatial variations, as well as the intraindividual variation, even when the explanatory variables are included in the model. Such quantitative assessment of various types of variations based on a multilevel modeling approach provides a useful guide for the specification of behavior models and deepens the knowledge of behavioral variability by going beyond the traditional paradigm, which focuses on a limited set of variations.