Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive Deconvolution with Error Analysis (IDEA) in astronomical imaging: Application to aberrated HST images on SN 1987A, M 87 and 3C 66B

The regularized reconstruction algorithm Interactive Deconvolution with Error Analysis (IDEA) is presented. One of its main advantages is to control the error propagation and to provide an estimation of the quality of the deconvolved image. IDEA is compared with two popular probabilistic methods: Richardson-Lucy and Maximum Entropy. These three methods are applied to Hubble Space Telescope aberrated images: SN 1987A and the jets of M 87 and 3C 66B.
Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary Clays from Spain and New Zealand: Arsenic Anomaly and the Deccan Traps

High arsenic (As) contents have been reported in numerous Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (KPB) clays worldwide including that from Spain (at Caravaca and Agost) and N. Zealand (at Woodside Creek). The Deccan Traps (India) enormous volcanism is one of the interpretations which have been offered to explain this anomaly. This report shows that the estimated surface densities of As in the boundary clays in Spain and New Zealand strongly contradict that anomalous As was sourced by this volcanic event.
Attracting Neighbors: Soft Power Competition in East Asia

This article explores the dynamics of competition by means of soft power among two key regional states, China and Japan. It demonstrates that, in their embrace of regionalism, each has concentrated soft power on East Asian neighbors by competitively proposing regional visions that would best position it in the regional leadership stakes. China took the initiative, Japan responded quickly, and China is now striking back. This does not necessarily mean that the liberal claim that East Asia is "ripe for cooperation" is misplaced. Nor does it suggest that the realist claim of "ripe for rivalry" better represents the reality. Rather, this article argues that regional powers compete in order to attract neighbors. Since this contest involves embracing others, it is not necessarily a zero-sum game. This article evaluates the success, or lack thereof, of the two countries` efforts in order to learn what they imply for Korea.
Globalization in India: With special reference to the 1990s

The paper describes the process of economic integration in India and the benefits that the economy received from the same, especially in the era of 1990s. Internationalization of capital flows (represented by FDI inflows) and internationalization of trade flows (represented by trade openness) are used as the indicators for this study. The paper also explores the interface between FDI inflows and trade openness in the Indian economy during 1970 - 2008. The empirical investigation confirms that India’s performance on trade openness and foreign direct investment is very positive, especially during the 1990s. The Granger causality further confirms the presence of uni-directional causality from trade openness to FDI inflows. The paper finally suggests that, there is need of more economic integration to get more trade and FDI inflows in the Indian economy. Key words: Economic integration, trade, FDI, granger causality.
A model for catchment soil erosion management in humid agricultural environments

Intensive agricultural practices have critically contributed to the global increase in soil erosion and sediment fluxes. To reduce the impact of these practices, models able to represent the effect of changes in agricultural land‐use, farming and conservation practices are needed. Moreover, simulations spanning multi‐decadal periods can overcome the potentially confounding influence of climate variability on shorter‐term studies of impacts from agricultural change. Conceptual erosion models, such as the Morgan–Morgan–Finney (MMF) model, allow simulation of soil erosion rates and sediment fluxes over longer periods, while still retaining a general description of runoff and sediment generation processes. In addition, the modified‐MMF (MMMF) model offers improved representation of vegetation cover effects through measurable plant properties. However, as an annual model, the MMF model does not capture seasonal variability in climate, hydrology and land cover. Here, we propose a new model for humid environments based on the MMF model to address its limitations and improve its predictive ability, while retaining its simplicity and low computational and parameterization requirements. This includes monthly computation, representation of catchment hydrology based on delineation of saturated areas according to the topographic wetness index (TWI), and improved representation of ground and vegetation cover effects. The proposed model, MMF‐TWI, was applied in an agricultural catchment in the UK and performance compared to published data and MMMF simulation results. Land cover spatial and temporal variability, crop type as well as farming and conservation practices were found to have a significant influence on simulated sediment yields. Our findings demonstrate: (a) that MMF‐TWI model improves predictive ability compared to the MMMF model in humid environments, (b) the importance of capturing sub‐annual variability in climate, saturated areas and land cover, (c) the ability of MMF‐TWI model to represent impacts from farming and conservation practices, and (d) the potential for MMF‐TWI model to be applied as a soil erosion management tool. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidermal leaf characteristics and seasonal changes of net photosynthesis of five Populus

Net photosynthesis (PN) and leaf epidermal characteristics of five poplars; 72-31 ( Populus alba x Populus glandulosa ), Eco28 ( Populus euramericana ), Suwon ( Populus koreana x Populus nigra var. italica ), Dorskamp (Populus deltoides x P. nigra ), and 62-2 ( P. nigra x Populus maximowiczii ) were investigated to come up with parameters for comparison. The poplars, 72-31, Suwon and Dorskamp had a significant P N decreasing from May through September. A wide significant variation in the stomata size and density of the genotypes were observed. Especially, Dorskamp and 62-2 had significantly lower number of stomata than Eco-28, 72-31 and Suwon had, but significantly larger stomata length than Suwon and 72-31 had. In addition, 72-31 had trichomes in the abaxial surface, which may be one of the phytoremediation characteristics of this clone compared to other clones.
Source of randomness 1 Source of randomness 2 Source of randomness 3 Source of randomness 4 Output buffer Time multiplexer

A true random number generator (TRNG) with time multiplexed metastability-based sources of randomness, presented in this paper, is capable of generating random bit sequences formed from noise present in the electronic circuit. An incorporated time multiplexer interleaves digitized random signals coming from sources of randomness and increases output data rate. The proposed TRNGwas fabricated in a STMicroelectronics 130 nmbulkCMOS technology on an area of 0.029mm2. The quality of all random bit sequences has been verified by the FIPS and NIST statistical test suites. The fabricated TRNG generates random bit sequences up to the data rate of 20Mb/s without any corrective mechanisms at power consumption of 72.48 μW. The changing environmental conditions do not influence the quality of random bit sequences.
The professional discourse as context

Since the emergence of new, web based technologies the perspective of how museums implement their role as educational institutions has changed considerably. The new technologies provided tools that contributed to an advanced implementation of the principles of the New Museology idea. This idea, conceived in the 1970s, i.e. in a pre-internet era, asks for a more active social role of museums implying a more active involvement of communities of interest (Van Mensch & Meijer-van Mensch 2011).
Certification of the Amount-of-Substance Fraction of HbA0 versus the Sum of all Hb Isoforms forming the glycated or non-glycated Hexapeptide of the -chain in haemoglobin isolated from whole Blood, IRMM/IFCC-467

This report describes the preparation, homogeneity, stability and certification studies as well as the purity evaluation of highly purified HbA1c (IRMM/IFCC-466) from human blood. HbA1c is defined as the stable adduct from glucose and the Nterminal amino group of the β-chain of haemoglobin A0 that is beta-N-(1-deoxyfructos-1-yl) haemoglobin [1]. A description of the analytical methods used in each of these studies is included. All relevant data from the homogeneity and stability studies as well as those for the characterisation measurements are presented. The certified value is: Certified value Amount-of-substance fraction [mmol/mol] Uncertainty [mmol/mol] HbA1c/(HbA1c + HbA0) 934 22 1) The certified value was calculated as the average of the results for the amount-of-substance fraction of HbA0 versus HbA0 plus HbA1c of three accepted datasets and converted into amount-of-substance fraction HbA1c (1000 mmol/mol – HbA0 mmol/mol). Measurements were carried out using the IFCC reference measurement procedure [2] and further confirmed by other methods. The certified value, expressed as mmol HbA1c per mol HbA1c plus HbA0, is traceable to the SI. 2) The certified uncertainty is the expanded uncertainty estimated in accordance with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), ISO, 1995. It is expressed with a coverage factor (k = 2), corresponding to a level of confidence of about 95 %. 3) HbA1c is defined as the beta-N-(1-deoxyfructos-1-yl) haemoglobin. HbA0 is defined as the non-glycated haemoglobin. The impurity consisting of HbA0 in IRMM/IFCC-466 was found to be 66 mmol/mol ± 22 mmol/mol (expressed as mmol HbA0 per mol HbA1c plus HbA0). The total haemoglobin mass fraction in the material was also determined and the corresponding value (26.2 ± 0.9 mg Hb/g of solution) is provided as additional material information. The intended use of this certified reference material is the calibration of the IFCC reference measurement procedure and other analogous methods based on the quantification of the N-terminal hexapeptide that includes the stable glycation. The commutability of the material with routine in vitro diagnostic devices has not been assessed. Thus, prior to be used as calibrant for routine in vitro diagnostic devices, the commutability of IRMM/IFCC-466 should be investigated by the user. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national. LA N A 2795 EN C
Reflectionless potentials for difference Schrödinger equations

As a part of the program ‘discrete quantum mechanics’, we present general reflectionless potentials for difference Schrödinger equations with pure imaginary shifts. By combining contiguous integer wave number reflectionless potentials, we construct the discrete analogues of the h ( h + 1 ) / cosh 2 x ? > potential with the integer h, which belong to the recently constructed families of solvable dynamics having the q-ultraspherical polynomials with ∣ q ∣ = 1 ? > as the main part of the eigenfunctions. For the general ( h ∈ R > 0 ? > ) scattering theory for these potentials, we need the connection formulas for the basic hypergeometric function 2 φ 1 a , b c ∣ q ; z ? > with ∣ q ∣ = 1 ? > , which is not known. The connection formulas are expected to contain the quantum dilogarithm functions as the ∣ q ∣ = 1 ? > counterparts of the q-gamma functions. We propose a conjecture of the connection formula of the 2 φ 1 ? > function with ∣ q ∣ = 1 ? > . Based on the conjecture, we derive the transmission and reflection amplitudes, which have all the desirable properties. They provide a strong support to the conjectured connection formula.
ISG hybrid powertrain: a rule-based driver model incorporating look-ahead information

According to European regulations, if the amount of regenerative braking is determined by the travel of the brake pedal, more stringent standards must be applied, otherwise it may adversely affect the existing vehicle safety system. The use of engine or vehicle speed to derive regenerative braking is one way to avoid strict design standards, but this introduces discontinuity in powertrain torque when the driver releases the acceleration pedal or applies the brake pedal. This is shown to cause oscillations in the pedal input and powertrain torque when a conventional driver model is adopted. Look-ahead information, together with other predicted vehicle states, are adopted to control the vehicle speed, in particular, during deceleration, and to improve the driver model so that oscillations can be avoided. The improved driver model makes analysis and validation of the control strategy for an integrated starter generator (ISG) hybrid powertrain possible.
Targeting speeders on Perth roads

Speeding on the road is not only a concern for developed countries, i.e. USA, Europe and Australia, but continuing to be of alarming concern for many countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This paper's aim is to focus on highlighting speeder characteristics on a busy 40 km/h urban road with high pedestrian movement. Thus, authorities decided to drop the limit on that road to 40 km/h from 60 km/h and introduced an electronic variable sign as an engineering measure. Speeding data from the WA (Western Australian) Police were utilised to examine the factors that may contribute to speeding. These data were applied to compute the logit from the independent variables such as age, gender, time of day. Detection types were either ‘on the spot’ type where infringement notices are delivered on site to offenders, or ‘roadside’ type where notices are posted to offenders. Four speeding levels were recognised (low, medium, high and excessive) and employed as dependent variables. The low level speeding was considered as a reference category. All the above variables were modelled using multinomial logistic regression. A stepwise procedure included all the selected independent factors. Results showed that the likelihood of detected speeding does decrease with age and it also showed that this is a slightly stronger indicator for more dangerous speeding. Thus, younger drivers were slightly likely to drive with high speed. Age ranged between 17-83 years. Female drivers were less likely to be detected speeding than male drivers. As for the time of detection, it seems that drivers were prone to be detected during afternoon time more than morning time. This was consistent with road crashes between 2007- 2011 road crash data on the same study road. Significantly, it was found that after the period of the installation of the electronic 40 km/h electronic flashing signs, drivers were less likely to speed compared to before the installation adding to the model. The period of testing the signs benefits in reducing speeding may be short and may need more time to determine. Further to the above, the model needs to be simulated for further testing.
Artemisia species in vitro cultures for production of biologically active secondary metabolites

An overview of recent studies conducted with the use of various plant tissues, organ culture and plant regeneration of Artemisia species is presented in this paper. Species that belong to this genus contain important secondary metabolites of diverse structure and biological activity. Owing to their valuable pharmacological properties, Artemisia species have been the object of various biotechnological studies. Different in vitro methods of Artemisia sp. culture are key to the production of these valuable compounds – especially sesquiterpene lactones – artemisinin and arglabin – used as natural drugs.
Assessment of Site Specific Mutational Effect on Transcription Initiation at Escherichia coli Promoter

Problem statement: It is widely accepted thought that the weak promoters control the RNA synthesis and play regulatory role in complex genetic networks in bacterial system. An experiment had been designed to address whether mutations in the -16/-17 region affect the rate of transcription at an activator-independent promoter in E. coli or not? Approach: The aim of this study was to determine whether mutations in the -16/-17 region affect the rate of expression at an activator-dependent promoter in JM109 strain of E. coli. Primers were constructed to amplify the mutant promoter genes through PCR. The amplified PCR product was checked and then inserted into the MCS region of pAA128 plasmid. Further the plasmid vector was transformed into JM109 strain of E. coli and then cloned the selected transformats. Finally, the plasmid from each mutant colony was then sequenced using the protocol supplied with the Amersham Pharmacia Biotech T7 sequencing Kit. The JM109 cultures for which the sequences were determined, then assayed for β-galactosidase activity to assess the rate of gene expression from the altered promoters. Results: The present investigation revealed that the extended-10 promoter region has a substantial effect on the rate of transcription at weak promoter sequence and also bearing little resemblance to the consensus sequence recognized by RNA. The expression of the genetically engineered plasmid proved that the 2 bps (-16 and -17 base pair) found adjacently upstream of the extended-10 promoter have an effect on the level of transcription. This was achieved by site specific base substitutions into the weak promoter of a modified lac operon lacking any activator or repressor binding sites. The results from gene expression assays of several mutants showed a distinct preference for either GG or TT located adjacently upstream of the extended promoter element. Thus the present study emphasized that extended promoter region also played a key role in regulation transcription initiation in JM109 strain of E. coli. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the site specific changed in the extended promoter regions, particularly the-17/-16 base pairs had greater influence in the transcription initiation in E. coli. Thus the promoter engineering study will definitely pave the way to do both, on or off the genetic switches in bacterial system according to our needs to produce high protein of interest or decrease or block the expression of a particular unwanted protein.
Genetic Diversity in Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) Germplasm using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Markers

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) commonly known as Rajanigandha is native of Mexico and belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. Among the bulbous flowering crops, it occupies a prime position due to its highly fragrant waxy flowers which can be used in various ways. It is commercially cultivated for cut flowers, loose flowers and also for extraction of its high valued natural flower oil. The flowers remain fresh for quite a long time and stand distance transportation.
Scaling-up of new generation of 3D flexible organic solar cells

OF THE THESIS Scaling-Up of New Generation of 3D Flexible Organic Solar Cells by Kadir Toksoy Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering San Diego State University, 2012 In this research, we investigate the fundamental sciences and challenges that need to be addressed in scaling up the production of Organic Solar Cell (OSC) from cleanroom environment to large-scale production. The major focuses of the study, therefore, are the determination of optimized conditions and processes for depositing the photoactive layer, anodic layer, and metal cathodic layer. Along with, this research investigates and solves the engineering and production-scale problems associated with the prototyping system. These consist of improved airbrush system, a new inert gas supply, new masking system for patterned deposition, a syringe pump for controlled flow rate of photoactive and anodic material, and a new digital pressure regulator system.
An Experimental Examination of Labor Supply and Work Intensities

Estimated negative substitution effects on work hours question the empirical validity of the classical labor supply model. Estimates are reconciled by allowing a dual choice of hours and effort for piecerate workers. In such a model, these negative substitution effects result from substituting on‐ and off‐the‐job leisure. We test our model using controlled experimentation on human subjects. These experiments, while not naturally occurring environments, represent real economic choices and can generate data unavailable elsewhere (e.g., effort data). The results support our model, and they have implications both for labor management and for empirical research focusing only on the hours choice.
How Social Well-being Is Affected by Digital Inequalities

Digital inequalities have real consequences for individuals’ everyday lives—this basic assumption drives digital inequality research. Recent efforts have focused on tangible benefits of online engagement, yet subjective quality of life measures also matter as Internet outcomes. This article contributes to closing this gap. First, it theoretically introduces subjective social well-being—the appraisal of one’s functioning in society—as a consequence of digital participation, potential, and perception differences. Second, it tests the dependence of social well-being on these three dimensions using structural equation modeling with nationally representative survey data. Results reveal that the perception of digital belongingness directly increases social well-being, and Internet skills as digital potential do so indirectly. The net effect of digital participation is insignificant. These findings lead to recommendations for policies targeting digital inequalities and future research directions.
The FIRE infrared spectrometer at Magellan: construction and commissioning

We describe the construction and commissioning of FIRE, a new 0.8-2. 5μm echelle spectrometer for the Magellan/ Baade 6.5 meter telescope. FIRE delivers continuous spectra over its full bandpass with nominal spectral resolution R = 6000. Additionally it offers a longslit mode dispersed by the prisms alone, covering the full z to K bands at R ~ 350. FIRE was installed at Magellan in March 2010 and is now performing shared-risk science observations. It is delivering sharp image quality and its throughput is sufficient to allow early observations of high redshift quasars and faint brown dwarfs. This paper outlines several of the new or unique design choices we employed in FIRE's construction, as well as early returns from its on-sky performance.
Earnings Management as an Explanation of the Equity Issue Puzzle in the Spanish Market

The poor stock price performance of firms that raise capital through seasoned equity offerings is one of the recent puzzles in financial literature. In this study we investigate whether pre-issue earnings management can explain these results for rights issues in Spain. Consistent with this explanation, we notice that firms' issuing rights make use of discretionary accruals to report higher earnings prior to the offering. Most interestingly, the decrease in discretionary accruals the years following the offering explains the underperformance in stock returns.
CHARACTERISATION OF SMALL CELLS NETWORKS DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT UPON MACRO-CELULLAR NETWORKS

This paper investigates the effect of small cells networks deployment in a typical traditional macro-cellular mobile communications network. The main deployment options are presented and their impact is shown for the case of a typical residential environment. Through simulation and modeling the effect of small cells deployment is studied mainly at the macrocell users site, considering different options for the characteristic radio parameters and deployment density of the small cells. The results show which are the feasible implementation options for the small cells within macrocells, and give essential guidelines for operators when deciding to introduce small cells .