Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supercontinuum generation in ZBLAN fibers—detailed comparison between measurement and simulation

We present a detailed comparison between modeling and experiments on supercontinuum (SC) generation in a commercial ZBLAN step-index fiber. Special emphasis is put on identifying accurate material parameters by incorporating measurements of the ZBLAN Raman gain, fiber dispersion, and loss. This identification of accurate parameters is of great importance to substantiate numerical simulations of SC generation in soft-glass fibers. Good agreement between measurement and simulation is obtained when pumping both in the normal and anomalous dispersion regimes.
History of Cell Culture

From the ancient Romans, through the Middle Ages, to the late of the nineteenth cen‐ tury, the Aristotelian doctrine of spontaneous generation was one of the most basic laws. Even the invention of the microscope and investigations of Leeuwenhoek and Hook did not disprove the Aritostelian doctrine. Finally, in the eighteenth century, the spontane‐ ous generation doctrine was laid by Louis Pasteur. Moreover, in the first decade of the eighteenth century, nucleus was observed in plant and animal tissues, and Virchow and other scientists presented the view that cells are formed via scission of preexisting cells. In the first decade of the twentieth century, Ross Harrison developed the first techniques of cell culture in vitro, and Burrows and Carrel improved Harrison's cell cultures. In mid‐twentieth century, the basic principles for plant and animal cell cultures in vitro were developed, and human diploid cell lines were established. On the basis of knowl‐ edge about the cell cycle and gene expression regulation, the first therapeutic proteins were produced using mammalian cell cultures. The end of twentieth century and early twenty‐first century brought the progress in 3‐D cell culture technology and created the possibility of the tissue engineering and the regenerative medicine development.
The Impacts of Sovereign Credit Ratings on Exchange Rates-Evidence from Eurozone Sovereign Debt Crisis

This paper examines the impacts of Eurozone sovereign credit rating announcements by three leading rating agencies on exchange rates from January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011. Firstly we report the mean and volatility of USD/EUR in response to Eurozone sovereign rating news. Secondly, thanks to the high integration in Europe, we extend our analysis to the movement of USD/SEK in order to see how non-Eurozone countries, such as Sweden, are affected by Eurozone sovereign rating news. Furthermore, we exclude the sovereign rating news concerning some small Eurozone countries during this period to observe any different results. We conclude that sovereign rating announcements greatly affect the volatility rather than the mean of USD/EUR. It is noteworthy that markets only react to the news of review concerning large economies and tend to ignore those about small economies. Markets will be adjusted when the real rating actions concerning small economies happen. In addition, Eurozone sovereign rating news only slightly influences the mean of USD/SEK, which implies non-Eurozone countries, such as Sweden, are somewhat indirectly affected by Eurozone sovereign debt crisis.
Indexes in demographic statistics: a methodology using nonstandard information for solving critical problems

A new methodology for solving different problems in population statistics (estimating under- and overcoverage of census, determining the population size and residency of persons, finding the partners and placing persons into living rooms) is presented. In all cases, so-called signs of life, demonstrating the activity of persons in different registers are taken as arguments or explanatory variables for models. The weights of models are calculated using training data, when the models are in use sequentially; then every year the weights are recalculated using the data of the previous year.
Instruction Methods for Solving Word Problems in Mathematics Education

The purpose of this paper is to report on three methodologies that I practise in business mathematics lectures. In business mathematics, a problem to find is more important than a problem to prove. Thus, my target is a problem to find. The first methodology is to solve a problem visually to the extent possible, not only using existing algebraic methods but also a visual method that includes mathematical software, such as Maple and Mathematica. In business mathematics today, problem solving using the visual approach is more important than that using the algebraic approach because business requires the speedy modeling of the target and prompt analysis of the model. Thus we can say that the visual solution skill is also required as digital literacy in the business mathematics field. Therefore, lecturers are recommended to take greater advantage of this new visual approach. The second methodology is to practise Polya’s famous heuristics, described in his book, “How to Solve It”. It is particularly important for students to first write down the given data and the unknown to understand a word problem. The third methodology is to have students construct rule databases in their heads to make a deduction. Using deduction, they can easily find the connection between the given data and the unknown to devise a solution plan. Based on my experience with deductive database system construction, I think that the procedures used in a deductive system can be applied to students’ solution procedures. In my lectures, I repeatedly teach students deductive patterns. Thinking patterns using these three methodologies are helpful in cultivating students’ ability to solve future problems by themselves.
Interactive comment on Atmos

Referee: This paper compares range-resolved extinction and backscatter coefficients derived using a „two stream‟ inversion to the same quantities derived using the well established Raman technique. The two stream method is applied to elastic backscatter lidar measurements made by a nadirpointing airborne lidar (AMALi) and a zenithpointing ground-based system (KARL). Because KARL is equipped with a Raman detection channel, KARL also provides the measurements used in the Raman retrievals. The idea of validating the two stream retrieval methods with simultaneous Raman measurements is a good one, and one that has not, to my knowledge, been previously presented in the peerreviewed literature. The authors do a good job of explaining the mechanics of the two stream technique, and (equally important) of discussing its applicability and limitations. However, there are several substantial obstacles that should prevent the paper from being published in its current form. Below I provide lists of both general and specific remarks that I hope the authors might consider in crafting a revised manuscript.
Discoursal Analysis of Rhetorical Structure of an Online Iraqi English Newspaper

Rhetorical structure is helpful in improving how the writers maintain cohesion in their writings. This study examines how the Iraqi writers maintain cohesion in the text by analyzing the various rhetorical moves in Azzaman, an online Iraqi newspaper. To this purpose, twelve opinion articles from Azzaman Iraqi newspaper, published from January 2013 to June 2013 were analyzed. The findings revealed a common rhetorical pattern: the introduction section, the intermediate section, and the coda section (conclusion stage). All these were frequently used, but the use of intermediate section (solution stage) and coda section (moral stage) were less frequently-used in comparison with the introduction section. The findings of this study reflect the way Iraqis write opinion articles in English newspapers, and generally show that the use of similar patterns in the rhetorical structure mirrors the writing of second language writers’ writing to convey information to second language readers.
A comparison of the occurence of dry eye between arthritic and non-arthritic subjects

Various studies have reported that dry eye is a common occurrence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis but not much has been done to determine its occurrence in other forms of arthritis. This study was designed to compare the symptoms of dry eye, tear film breakup time and tear production respectively in arthritic and non-arthritic subjects and also between rheumatoid arthritic patients and patients with other forms of arthritis. A total of 106 subjects within the age range of 41-90 years were included. Fifty-nine were non-arthritic with mean age and standard deviation (SD) of 58.2 ± 11.9 years, while 47 had arthritis with mean age and SD of 63.4 ± 13.3 years. Of the 47 arthritic patients 34 had osteoarthritis, 10 had rheumatoid arthritis, two had ankylosing spondylitis and one had gout. Subjects were evaluated using a McMonnies and Ho Dry Eye Questionnaire, invasive tear break-up-time test, Schirmer I test and fluorescein staining. The percentage of subjects with dry eyesymptoms in both the arthritic and non-arthritic groups was quite small ( 0.05), or tear quantity respectively (Unpaired t-test: p > 0.05) between both groups. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in symptoms of dry eye, tear break up time, or tear quantity respectively between rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis (Unpaired t-test: p > 0.05). In conclusion, the occurrence of dry eye is largely independent of the presence of arthritis even though arthritic subjects may be slightly more symptomatic and the presence of dry eye is independent of the form of arthritis. ( S Afr Optom 2013 72(1) 34-40)
Case of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Occurring in Combination withSleep Apnea Syndrome, Who Showed Improvement of Liver Function byContinuous Positive Airway Pressure

We present a case of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) occurring in combination with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in a 35-year-old man whose liver function improved on introduction of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The patient had been steadily gaining body weight since the age of 20, and liver dysfunction had been frequently highlighted during regular health checks. He had a history of snoring, nasal obstruction, and lethargy and was admitted to our hospital for evaluation and diagnosis of these symptoms. Following Polysomnography (PSG), he was diagnosed with SAS on the basis of an apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) score of 34.7/hour. Following CPAP treatment, his symptoms gradually improved and his AHI score reduced to 3.8/hour. However, despite CPAP contributed to the improvement of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) these levels remained elevated, and he showed sustained liver dysfunction. Therefore, we were consulted for evaluation and diagnosis of the sustained liver dysfunction. On admission, his body mass index (BMI) was 34.5 kg/m2 and abdominal Ultrasonography (US) and Computed Tomography (CT) indicated the presence of severe fatty liver. A liver biopsy was performed and the patient was diagnosed with NASH, grade 1/stage 2 and steatosis grade 3.
High angular resolution observations in the near infrared and modeling of the peculiar envelope of HD 62623

We report new observations of the peculiar star HD 62623 obtained with aperture masking interferometry performed on the Keck I telescope at λ = 1.24, 1.65, 2.26 and 3.08 $\rm \mu m$. The envelope around this star appears partially resolved in the near infrared except at 1.65 $\rm \mu m$. Radiative transfer modeling of the dust shell of this star has been performed in spherical geometry. This modeling has two goals: it provides a framework for understanding the partially resolved object shown by the visibility curves, and it allows investigation of the envelope of HD 62623 by discrimination between proposed models. We show that reasonable fits to photometric observations can be obtained with a simple spherically symmetric silicate dust shell. Nevertheless, our high angular resolution measurements bring some important constraints on the modeling of the circumstellar environment of HD 62623. More realistic model involving the presence of a non spherically distributed dust envelope including the gas component in the circumstellar environment is required.
Developing Dynamic Capabilities for Bank Turnaround

This article explores the evolution of dynamic capabilities over the bank turnaround cycle from perspective of the resourcebased view of the firm. A longitudinal case study uncovered how National Commercial Bank Jamaica sensed threats, mobilized resources to seize opportunity, and transformed for corporate turnaround. The period of study was 1985 to 2011 using data from secondary sources and interviews of company personnel. Managerial cognition created biased perception of reality to delay strategic intervention. New leadership strengthened the bank’s business model by building intangible assets and leveraging external relationships. Employee training and incentives facilitated deployment of new knowledge and motivated organizational learning and innovation for corporate renewal.
Analysis and Applications of Uniplanar Compact Photonic Bandgap Structures

This paper reviews recent advancements in the research and development of Uniplanar Compact Photonic Bandgap (UCPBG) structures for microwave and millimeter-wave applications. These planar periodic structures are particularly attractive and have been intensively investigated due to their easy fabrication, low cost, and compatibility with standard planar circuit technology. In this paper, basic properties of UC-PBG will be studied such as the slowwave effect, distinct stopband and passband, leakage suppression of surface waves, and realization of a magnetic surface. Owing to the different features of UC-PBG, these structures have been applied to microwave circuits to improve microstrip filters and patch antennas, to perform harmonic tuning in power amplifiers, to suppress leakage in conductor-backed coplanar waveguide, to realize TEM waveguides, and to implement low-profile cavity-backed slot antennas.
The Purchasing-Power Parity Doctrine: A Reappraisal

5_HIE purchasing-power parity doctrine has had its ebbs and flows I over the years. Interest in the doctrine arose whenever existing exchange rates were considered unrealistic and the search began for the elusive concept of equilibrium rates. It was first invokedalthough in somewhat ambiguous terms -in the period of the Napoleonic wars,' it received its christening at the hands of Gustav Cassel during World War I,2 and it was resurrected after World War II.3 It has also had its critics, among others Taussig after World War J4 and Haberler after World War IJ,5 but it has managed to survive nevertheless. In recent years, new efforts have been made to clothe the purchasing-power parity doctrine in the garments of respectability, and a proposal has also been put forward to use this doctrine as a guide in establishing equilibrium exchange rates.6 At the same time, new
An analysis of the perceptions of graduate unemployment among graduates from a South African University

In South Africa unemployment remains one of the most persistent and contentious economic complexities. The situation is even more critical among young people, undermining both social security and the country’s long-term economic growth and development prospects. Although graduate unemployment specifically is not worrying, the fact is that many of South Africa’s graduates still struggle to get a job, even after graduation. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of graduates on factors influencing graduate unemployment. Using data collected from the alumni database of one of the universities in South Africa, the study made use of descriptive analysis and cross tabulations to explore the perceptions of the causes of graduate unemployment between employed and unemployed graduates. A chi-square test was used to further determine whether there are significant differences in the responses of employed and unemployed graduates. The need to understand what graduates perceive to be the reasons for graduate unemployment may clarify the exertion or absence thereof on their part in attempting to address their circumstance. The researcher does, however, consider the sample size as being insufficient to generalise the findings. Further research must aim to study a more representative sample
Performance improvement in computerized detection of cerebral aneurysms by retraining classifier using feedback data collected in routine reading environment

Introduction: The performance of computer-assisted detection (CAD) software depends on the quality and quantity of the dataset used for supervised learning. To realize the continuous clinical use and performance improvement of CAD software, it is necessary to continuously collect data for supervised learning in practical use and to improve CAD software by retraining with the collected data. In this study, we investigated the performance improvement of cerebral aneurysm detection software based on retraining the classifier through a simulation-based study. Methods: We collected data for retraining during the practical use of our cerebral aneurysm detection software and retrained the classifier for false positive (FP) reduction using the collected data. The effect on improving the performance was compared by changing the number of training cases and the training algorithms. Results: The performance was improved significantly ( p < .05) by retraining using additional training cases. In contrast, there were no statistical differences in the performance upon retraining among the four training algorithms for boosting. The sensitivity at 3 FPs/case was improved from 81.5% to 89.5% by retraining with additional training cases. Conclusions: The performance of the software was effectively improved by adding training cases rather than by changing the training algorithm.
Dietary overview of Pelophylax perezi from Monegros rice fields (northeast Spain)

Amphibians are sensitive indicators of habitat degradation. Understanding their dietary patterns in altered landscapes is fundamental to understanding the effects of habitat loss worldwide. A stomach content analysis was conducted on Pelophylax perezi, an endemic anuran heavily colonizing rice fields in Monegros, an arid region in northeast Spain. The taxonomic range of prey consumed by this species was compared with prey availability and dietary changes were evaluated among frog size groups. Small adult insects (dipterans, coleopterans, ants and heteropterans) were the main diet, indicating an active foraging mode. Frogs showed no preference for any prey taxa. Larger frogs consumed a higher volume of food, but relatively fewer prey than smaller individuals. A large niche breadth was recorded for all groups. Food partitioning was lowest between distant size groups. Maximum prey size was significantly related to morphological constraints such as frog size and mouth width. Bigger frogs preyed on larger items while also foraging on smaller ones, indicating no prey size selection. Overall, P. perezi had a generalist feeding pattern dictated mainly by prey availability. These food habits may help the species to persist in the agricultural landscape of this arid region.
Dynamic loading of electric machines during testing

An energy-efficient and simple method of testing electric motors in a dynamic mode is considered. When testing an electrical machine, the rotor is driven into a reciprocating rotary motion. The source of power of the power converter, which controls the electric machine, is a supercapacitor. When the electric machine is accelerated, electric energy is consumed from the supercapacitor, when the machine brakes the kinetic energy of the moving masses is converted into electrical energy, which accumulates in the supercapacitor. The energy loss during the operation of the electromechanical system in the dynamic mode is compensated by recharging the supercapacitor using a controlled rectifier connected to the power supply network.
Future Land-Use Land-Cover Scenarios for the Flint River Watershed in Northern Alabama Using the Prescott Spatial Growth Model

A changing mosaic of natural vegetation and human land uses has evolved within and around the Flint River Watershed (FRW) in Alabama and Tennessee over the past several decades. To determine the cause of change and linkage between human activities and environmental change can prove problematic. Subsequently, there is a need to produce projections of future environments based on planning instruments and socio-economic parameters. Scenarios of potential future land use land cover (LULC) change are required in order to better manage potential impacts on many environmental issues. This study creates future scenarios for the year 2030 from baseline land use of 2001, relative to three projected land use scenarios which include differences related to conservation, planning, and development. The future growth scenarios were created using the ArcGIS tool, Prescott Spatial Growth Model (PSGM). The model allows users to build different future growth scenarios based on socio-economic projections such as population, employment and other controlling factors. The simulation results indicate that LULC changes associated with future urbanization can increase by ~23% - 43% within the FRW, which will lead to significant environmental issues if not managed properly. The overall analysis and model results demonstrate the ability of future growth scenarios to explore and evaluate options for a future environment. Spatial modeling and analysis tools, such as PSGM, provide a powerful approach to evaluate potential impacts of LULC change in the future and should be used to manage urbanization in areas with more intense development.
On the modelling and controller design for the outpouring phase of the pouring process

The present work contributes towards modeling and control of the outpouring phase of a pouring process, where the liquid container is carried by a robotic manipulator. The dynamics of the liquid motion are approximated by the well-known pendulum-type model, where the length and the mass of the pendulum vary with time due to liquid outpouring. The dynamics of the liquid transfer structure, including the carrying manipulator, the container and the liquid, are approximated by the dynamics of a robotic structure that incorporates virtual prismatic joints and corresponding weightless links to represent variations of the liquid level and corresponding variations of the pendulum length within the tank. The performance of a two stage control design scheme on the control of liquid outpouring and the suppression of liquid sloshing during the outpouring phase of the pouring process is studied for the derived model using simulation results. The designed scheme combines a partial inverse dynamics controller with a PID controller, tuned with the use of a "metaheuristic" search algorithm. Both controllers have been designed for a nominal model, ignoring the loss of liquid's mass due to outpouring.