Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current–voltage and spectral-response characteristics of surface-activated-bonding-based InGaP/GaAs/Si hybrid triple-junction cells

We measured the current–voltage (I–V) and spectral-response characteristics of InGaP/GaAs/Si hybrid triple-junction cells that were fabricated by using surface-activated bonding methods. We found by spectral response measurements that the current generated in the Si-based bottom cell was lower than those in the top and middle cells under the conditions of an air mass of 1.5G and one sun. Furthermore we observed a discrepancy between the short-circuit current, which was obtained by subtracting the estimated contribution of Si ledges surrounding InGaP/GaAs mesas to the I–V characteristics, and the results of spectral response measurements. One possible model for explaining the discrepancy was discussed on the basis of the electrical coupling scheme between subcells. The intrinsic conversion efficiency of a 5 × 5 mm2 triple-junction cell was crudely estimated to be ∼26% by compensating for the shadow loss as well as subtracting the contribution of Si ledges.
Enhancing PHY-Security of FD-Enabled NOMA Systems Using Jamming and User Selection: Performance Analysis and DNN Evaluation

In this article, we study the physical-layer security (PHY-security) improvement method for a downlink nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system in the presence of an active eavesdropper. To this end, we propose a full-duplex (FD)-enabled NOMA system and a promising scheme, called the minimal transmitter selection (MTS) scheme, to support secure transmission. Specifically, the cell-center and cell-edge users act simultaneously as both receivers and jammers to degrade the eavesdropper channel condition. Additionally, the proposed MTS scheme opportunistically selects the transmitter to minimize the maximum eavesdropper channel capacity. To estimate the secrecy performance of the proposed methods, we derive an approximated closed-form expression for secrecy outage probability (SOP) and build a deep neural network (DNN) model for SOP evaluation. Numerical results reveal that the proposed NOMA system and MTS scheme improve not only the SOP but also the secrecy sum throughput. Furthermore, the estimated SOP through the DNN model is shown to be tightly close to other approaches, i.e., the Monte-Carlo method and analytical expressions. The advantages and drawbacks of the proposed transmitter selection scheme are highlighted, along with insightful discussions.
Why Does the WTO Prohibit Export Subsidies but Allow Import Tariffs ? ∗

We apply the commitment theory (Maggi & Rodriguez-Clare, 1998) to explain why WTO member countries have agreed to prohibit export subsidies but allow non-zero import tariffs. We argue that the economic rents from export subsidies cannot be contained exclusively within lobby groups because new firms can enter the growing export sector and freely benefit from export subsidies without paying political contributions. In contrast, the free-rider problem does not exist in import-competing sectors because existing firms receive negative profits and are exiting the sectors. We show that a government would agree to allow import tariffs but completely prohibit export subsidies when (i) the government’s bargaining power is sufficiently large and (ii) the free-rider problems in its export sectors are severe.
The Influence of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) Adoption on Earnings Management (Empirical Studies on Food and Beverages Companies Listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange 2010-2013)

The purpose of the research is to give empirical evidence of the effect of the IFRS adaptation on earning management. The research objects are the food and beverage companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2010-2013. The main variables are IFRS and earnings management and other control variables i.e. size, financial leverage, market to book ratios, and equity. The data use multiple regression analysis and different t-test Paired Two Samples analysis. The results are that four controls variables, size and institutional investors have a positive influence on the earnings management. Financial leverage and market to book value indicate negative influence for earnings management. Partially, the IFRS adoption gives negative effects and insignificant for earnings management but simultaneously the IFRS adoption and control variable i.e. size, financial leverage, market-to-book ratios, and equity holdings by institutional investors influence positively and significantly for earnings managements. The result analysis t-test paired two samples test shows no significant differences between the level of earnings management level before and after the IFRS adoption. Based on this research, partially, IFRS adoption has no impact on earnings management.
A New Topical Eye Drop Containing LyeTxI-b, A Synthetic Peptide Designed from A Lycosa erithrognata Venom Toxin, Was Effective to Treat Resistant Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis is an ocular infection that can lead to severe visual disability. Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen of the eye. We recently demonstrated the strong antimicrobial activity of LyeTxI-b, a synthetic peptide derived from a Lycosa erithrognatha toxin. Herein, we evaluated a topical formulation (eye drops) containing LyeTxI-b to treat resistant bacterial keratitis. Keratitis was induced with intrastromal injection of 4 × 105 cells (4 µL) in New Zealand female white rabbits. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm viability were determined. LyeTxI-b ocular toxicity was evaluated through chorioallantoic membrane and Draize tests. One drop of the formulation (LyeTxI-b 28.9 µmol/L +0.5% CMC in 0.9% NaCl) was instilled into each eye four times a day, for a week. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy analysis, corneal histopathological studies and cellular infiltrate quantification through myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) detection were performed. LyeTxI-b was very effective in the treatment of keratitis, with no signs of ocular toxicity. Planktonic bacteria MIC was 3.6 µmol/L and LyeTxI-b treatment reduced biofilm viability in 90%. LyeTxI-b eliminated bacteria and reduced inflammatory cellular activity in the eyes. Healthy and treated animals showed similar NAG and MPO levels. LyeTxI-b is a potent new drug to treat resistant bacterial keratitis, showing effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Flowability of granular materials with industrial applications - An experimental approach

Designing bulk material handling equipment requires a thorough understanding of the mechanical behaviour of powders and grains. Experimental characterization of granular materials is introduced focusing on flowability. A new prototype is presented which performs granular column collapse tests. The device consists of a channel whose design accounts for test inspection using visualization techniques and load measurements. A reservoir is attached where packing state of the granular material can be adjusted before run-off to simulate actual handling conditions by fluidisation and deaeration of the pile. Bulk materials on the market, with a wide range of particle sizes, can be tested with the prototype and the results used for classification in terms of flowability to improve industrial equipment selection processes.
Hold your horses: Differences in EEG correlates of inhibition in cancelling and stopping an action

Behavioral adaptation to changing contextual contingencies often requires the rapid inhibition of planned or ongoing actions. Inhibitory control has been mostly studied using the stop-signal paradigm, which conceptualizes action inhibition as the outcome of a race between independent GO and STOP processes. Inhibition is predominantly considered to be independent of action type, yet it is questionable whether this conceptualization can apply to stopping an ongoing action. To test the claimed generality of action inhibition, we investigated behavioral stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) and scalp electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in two inhibition contexts: Using variants of the stop-signal task, we asked participants to cancel a prepared-discrete action or to stop an ongoing-rhythmic action in reaction to a STOP signal. The behavioral analysis revealed that the discrete and rhythmic SSRTs were not correlated. The EEG analysis showed that the STOP signal evoked frontocentral activity in the time and frequency domains (Delta/Theta range) in a task-specific manner: The P3 onset latency was the best correlate of discrete SSRT whereas N2/P3 peak-to-peak amplitude was the best correlate of rhythmic SSRT. These findings do not support a conceptualization of inhibition as action-independent but rather suggest that the differential engagement of both components of the N2/P3-complex as a function of action type pertains to functionally independent inhibition subprocesses.
Characteristics of S&P 500 companies with captive insurance subsidiaries

This study examines the overall characteristics of large-cap Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 companies that own captive insurance subsidiaries to manage and fund their retained risks. Understanding why firms choose risk retention over risk transfer is important because it offers an example of how firms make choices for risk management strategies. Using a panel data set from 2000 to 2016, the logistic regression results provide evidence that larger firms are more likely to form a captive insurance company as an alternative method of risk financing. Of relevance to the use of captives is the finding that firms with captives maintain lower cash reserves than their counterparts. This partly reveals the strategic use of capital by the parent company that allocates a portion of internal funds to its captive insurer for operation and coverage. Finally, nonfinancial companies with smaller proportions of intangible assets and capital expenditures are associated with captive utilization. The use of captives is related to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)- listed status, particularly for firms that formed captives before 2000.
Long non ‐ coding RNA H 19 promotes the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells via MAPK signaling pathway

Long non‐coding RNA H19 has been identified to be dysregulated in a number of tumor types, and is closely associated with cancer progression. RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is an important intracellular signaling transduction pathway. Activation of the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway is one of the most frequent carcinogenic events in human cancer. However, the mechanism of H19 in promoting the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, and the association between H19 and RAS-MAPK signaling pathway is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the function of H19 on CRC metastasis and invasion, and assess the association between H19 and the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway. The migration and invasion of CRC cells were analyzed using Transwell migration and invasion assays. To elucidate the association between H19 and the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway and determine the expression level of active RAS in CRC cells, Ras activity assay and Western blotting were performed. It was indicated that the overexpression of H19 was able to increase the migration and invasion of CRC cells and this may be mediated by the regulation of RAS activation. Therefore, H19 may promote metastasis and invasion in colorectal cancer by activating the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway.
Improving the Efficacy and Efficiency of the Environmental Management System in the Romanian Powerplants on Coal – the Condition of the Environmental Performance

After a decade-long evolution, the use of coal for energy production is growing again. Carbon is still an important source of energy in Europe, covering about one-fourth of electricity production. There are plans to open around 50 new coal-fired power plants. But the continued use of coal has a price, we pay all, mainly with our health can be affected by excessive environmental pollution Today more and more emphasis on the concept of „green economy” that should be reflected in improving people’s lives through effective management of environmental issues and reducing environmental risks Thus, through the present paper we aim to highlight those aspects that would allow the improvement of the environmental performance of coal-fired power plants in Romania by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Environmental Management System (EMS) as a component of the Integrated Management System along with the Quality, Health and Safety Management System . We start from the premise that the development and implementation of an effective and efficient environmental management system (EMS) becomes a priority for all companies in the field , especially since their activities based on coal burning , are considered among the most polluting.
Joonas Tuhkuri Forecasting Unemployment with Google Searches

Data on Google searches help predict the unemployment rate in the U.S. But the predictive power of Google searches is limited to short-term predictions, the value of Google data for forecasting purposes is episodic, and the improvements in forecasting accuracy are only modest. The results, obtained by (pseudo) out-of-sample forecast comparison, are robust to a state-level fixed effects model and to different search terms. Joint analysis by cross-correlation function and Granger non-causality tests verifies that Google searches anticipate the unemployment rate. The results illustrate both the potentials and limitations of using big data to predict economic
Fast, laterally smooth inversion of airborne time-domain electromagnetic data

We present a fully developed, fast approximate method for 1D inversion of time-domain electromagnetic data. The method is applied to a helicopterborne transient electromagnetic data set from the Toolibin Lake area of Western Australia using the lateral parameter correlation method to ensure lateral smoothness of the inverted models. The method is based on fast approximate forward computation of transient electromagnetic step responses and their derivatives with respect to the model parameters of a 1D model. The inversion is carried out with multi-layer models in an iterative, constrained least-squares inversion formulation including explicit formulation of the model regularization through a model covariance matrix. The method is 50 times faster than conventional inversion for a layered earth model and produces model sections of concatenated 1D models and contoured maps of mean conductivity in depth intervals almost indistinguishable from those of conventional inversion. To ensure lateral smoothness of the model sections and to avoid spurious artefacts in the mean conductivity maps, the inversion is integrated with the lateral parameter correlation method. In this way, well determined parameters are allowed to influence the more poorly determined parameters in the survey area. Applied to the Toolibin data set, the inversion produces model sections and conductivity maps that reveal the distribution of conductivity in the area and thereby the distribution of salinity. This information is crucial for any remediation effort aimed at alleviating the salinization problems.
Nanometer resolution mask lithography with matter waves

Mask based pattern generation with photolithography is a crucial step in microchip production. The next generation Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) lithography instruments with a wavelength of 13.5 nm is currently under development. In principle this allows patterning down to a few nm resolution in a single exposure. However, there are many technical challenges due to the very high energy of the photons among others. Lithography with metastable atoms has been suggested as a cost effective, less complex alternative to EUV lithography. The big advantage of atom lithography is that the kinetic energy of an atom is much smaller than that of a photon for a given wavelength. However up till now no method has been available for making masks for atom lithography that can produce arbitrary, high resolution patterns. Here we present a solution to this problem. We show that it is possible to make masks based on binary holography that can generate arbitrary patterns down to a few nm resolution using a state of the art metastable helium source. We compare the flux of this source with that of an established EUV source (ASML, NXE:3100) and show that patterns can potentially be produced at comparable speeds. Finally we present an extension of the grid based holography method for a grid of hexagonally shaped subcells. Our method can be used with any wave beam, including other matter wave beams such as helium ions or electrons.
Analysis of Disintegration of Agar Gel Particles with Different Textures using Gastric Digestion Simulator

This study investigates the ef fect of the texture of agar gel as a model solid food on gastric digestion using a human Gastric Digestion Simulator (GDS). The GDS, which simulates gastric peristalsis, can investigate physical digestion phenomena such as disintegration of solid foods. Agar gels with different fracture stresses (56 to 219 kPa) and constant fracture stain (29%) were prepared by var ying the agar concentration (1.5 to 4.5 wt%). Direct obser vation demonstrated that agar gel particles initially cut to a 5.0 mm cube gradually reduced in size and broke down into random shapes during simulated gastric peristalsis. The size distribution of the agar gel particles after the digestion experiment was analyzed using the sieving method. The fraction larger than 2.36 mm, which corresponds to the pylorus size, decreased with time: the wet weight ratio of that fraction to the total amount of agar gel particles was 18.0% at 180 min in the case of 1.5 wt% agar gel. The agar gel concentration did not affect the size distribution after 180 min, which shows that fracture strain plays a more important role in agar gel digestion. Our results provide useful information about the relationship between solid food texture and gastric digestion.
A Review of Management Earning and Real Transaction Manipulations Pre and Post IFRS Adoption in Nigeria

The paper examined the accounting quality in the financial statement, concerning earnings management practices by managers. The financial statements provide critical information that is useful to various groups, investors, standard setters, shareholders and government. The practices of various methods of earnings management are classified into accounting-based and market- based earnings management. The study classified the earnings management techniques in various ways that affect the quality of financial statements in the pre and post-IFRS adoption. The introduction of IFRS and its accompanying standards in the area of earnings management might imply real improvements in the financial statements about the quality. The earnings management techniques include the following: earnings management towards a target, earnings smoothing, discretionary accruals, accruals quality, and timely loss recognition as against other proxies of accounting quality. These are opportunities managers have to get quality Financial Statements that accomplish their intentions. The essence is that they use them to achieve their objectives either getting the desired level of profit or not recording losses for the business. The review results are that in the pre-IFRS the earnings management in use was the accrual-based earnings technique in which managers adjust assumptions and estimates the accounting system. In the post-IFRS, managers revert to real transactions based earnings management which involves the timing and structuring actual business activities to achieve a desired financial reporting result (for example, the timing of the sale of equipment that will result in a gain in a quarter in which extra earnings are needed, delaying major repairs, advertising, research, and development expenses write–off, and foregoing capital projects that positive net present value).
Bayesian Cluster Characterization and Classification for Direct
Numerically Simulated Turbulence Features

Nicholas V. Scott, Jack McCarthy, Tian-Jian Hsu Riverside Research, Open Innovation Center, Dayton Research Center 2640 Hibiscus Way, Beavercreek, Ohio, 45431, USA nscott@riversideresearch.org; jack.mccarthy@duke.edu Duke University, Department of Statistical Science 214 Old Chemistry, Box 90251, Durham, NC, 27708, USA thsu@udel.edu University of Delaware, Center for Applied Coastal Research 259 Academy Street, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
Molecular beam epitaxy of N-polar InGaN

We report on the growth of N-polar InxGa1−xN by N2 plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Ga-polar and N-polar InGaN films were grown at different growth temperatures and the composition was estimated by photoluminescence (PL) measurements. A growth model that incorporates the incoming and desorbing atomic fluxes is proposed to explain the compositional dependence of InGaN on the flux of incoming atomic species and growth temperature. The growth model is found to be in agreement with the experimental data. The peak PL intensity for N-face samples is found to exhibit a two order of magnitude increase for a 100 °C increase in growth temperature. Besides, at 600 nm, the N-face sample shows more than 100 times higher PL intensity than Ga-face sample at comparable wavelengths indicating its superior optical quality. The understanding of growth kinetics of InGaN presented here will guide the growth of N-polar InGaN in a wide range of growth temperatures.
About the Causes of the Koror Bridge Collapse

This paper has been prepared from basic works published, mainly, after 2008 when the collapse investigation was made available. The main contributions of the paper are: a proper model for the deflections at mid-span of the bridge, the state of stress in elastic and post elastic stage for same phases of behavior, the stage of cracked of the top of cantilever beams, the repair effect on the structure of Koror Bridge, the probabilistic evaluation. The present study is based on well known and simple engineer tools: the one-dimensional beam-type was analyzed.
Japanese Economic Stagnation: Causes and Global Implications

Despite Japan’s prominence in global finance and trade through the 1980s its global role has appeared to diminish with its recent stagnation and the rise of China. This paper reviews the claimed sources of Japan’s stagnation, including productivity and labour slowdowns, monetary policy in the aftermath of the Plaza Accord and the surge in China’s growth. Their independent effects are quantified using a multi-region global dynamic model. The productivity slowdown emerges strongest though its exogeneity is questioned. The resulting losses are shown to have been severe for the Japanese but mild in other regions, disguised by the rise of China.
The Effects of Visibility on Fear of Crime in Schools′ Interior Environments

In any given environment, visibility is a critical element that affects fear of crime. This study provides empirical evidence of the effects of visibility on fear of crime within elementary schools using a quantitative analysis. Spots in which children felt fear were identified, and their characteristics were analyzed according to the four visibility dimensions of: visual connectivity and visual integration, each with and without visible distance restrictions. One finding was that fear of crime was high in the areas where visibility was either extremely low or extremely high, resulting in a relationship that can be expressed as a U-shaped graph. In addition, fear of crime was associated with visibility in relation to human behaviors as well as built environments. Finally, the visibility distance was also found to be an important element affecting fear of crime.