Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mixing state and compositional effects on CCN activity and droplet growth kinetics of size-resolved CCN in an urban environment

Abstract. Aerosol composition and mixing state near anthropogenic sources can be highly variable and can challenge predictions of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The impacts of chemical composition on CCN activation kinetics is also an important, but largely unknown, aspect of cloud droplet formation. Towards this, we present in-situ size-resolved CCN measurements carried out during the 2008 summertime August Mini Intensive Gas and Aerosol Study (AMIGAS) campaign in Atlanta, GA. Aerosol chemical composition was measured by two particle-into-liquid samplers measuring water-soluble inorganic ions and total water-soluble organic carbon. Size-resolved CCN data were collected using the Scanning Mobility CCN Analysis (SMCA) method and were used to obtain characteristic aerosol hygroscopicity distributions, whose breadth reflects the aerosol compositional variability and mixing state. Knowledge of aerosol mixing state is important for accurate predictions of CCN concentrations and that the influence of an externally-mixed, CCN-active aerosol fraction varies with size from 31% for particle diameters less than 40 nm to 93% for accumulation mode aerosol during the day. Assuming size-dependent aerosol mixing state and size-invariant chemical composition decreases the average CCN concentration overprediction (for all but one mixing state and chemical composition scenario considered) from over 190–240% to less than 20%. CCN activity is parameterized using a single hygroscopicity parameter, κ, which averages to 0.16 ± 0.07 for 80 nm particles and exhibits considerable variability (from 0.03 to 0.48) throughout the study period. Particles in the 60–100 nm range exhibited similar hygroscopicity, with a κ range for 60 nm between 0.06–0.076 (mean of 0.18 ± 0.09). Smaller particles (40 nm) had on average greater κ, with a range of 0.20–0.92 (mean of 0.3 ± 0.12). Analysis of the droplet activation kinetics of the aerosol sampled suggests that most of the CCN activate as rapidly as calibration aerosol, suggesting that aerosol composition exhibits a minor (if any) impact on CCN activation kinetics.
Integrating neurophysiologic relevance feedback in intent modeling for information retrieval

The use of implicit relevance feedback from neurophysiology could deliver effortless information retrieval. However, both computing neurophysiologic responses and retrieving documents are characterized by uncertainty because of noisy signals and incomplete or inconsistent representations of the data. We present the first‐of‐its‐kind, fully integrated information retrieval system that makes use of online implicit relevance feedback generated from brain activity as measured through electroencephalography (EEG), and eye movements. The findings of the evaluation experiment (N = 16) show that we are able to compute online neurophysiology‐based relevance feedback with performance significantly better than chance in complex data domains and realistic search tasks. We contribute by demonstrating how to integrate in interactive intent modeling this inherently noisy implicit relevance feedback combined with scarce explicit feedback. Although experimental measures of task performance did not allow us to demonstrate how the classification outcomes translated into search task performance, the experiment proved that our approach is able to generate relevance feedback from brain signals and eye movements in a realistic scenario, thus providing promising implications for future work in neuroadaptive information retrieval (IR).
A Mathematical Model for Verification of Iris Uniqueness

1Physics & Mathematical Engineering- Faculty of Engineering-Mansoura University-Egypt 2 Physics & Mathematical Engineering - Faculty of Engineering-Kafr El-Sheikh University-Egypt 3 Communication Engineering- Faculty of Engineering-Mansoura University-Egypt Summary Iris recognition is a method of biometric authentication that uses pattern-recognition techniques based on high-resolution images of the irises of an individual's eyes. Uniqueness is one of the most important salient features of iris systems. Most of iris systems assume that the pupil and outer iris contours to be pure circle. In this paper, we have found that the inner and outer contours of the human iris are not pure circles. In addition, we have proved that the mathematical formula describing the left side of an eye differs from that describing the right part of the same eye; of the same person.
The Motivational Patterns of Civil Servants

Motivation is believed to be one of the most important variables in contemporary human resource management, both in the private and the public sector. In this paper we try to give a review of different theories of work motivation. We also provide empirical testing for the hypotheses which can be derived from these theories. The data for these tests are based on two surveys concerning motivational factors in the Belgian public sector. These data have been collected by researchers at the Public Management Institute of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven over the past ten years.
Climate and socio-economic scenarios for global-scale climate change impacts assessments : characterising the SRES storylines

This paper describes the way in which the socio-economic projections in the SRES scenarios were applied in a global-scale assessment of the impacts of climate change on food security, water stresses, coastal flood risk and wetland loss, exposure to malaria risk and terrestrial ecosystems. There are two key issues: (i) downscaling from the world-region level of the original scenarios to the scale of analysis (0.5 0.5 ), and (ii) elaborating the SRES narrative storylines to quantify other indicators affecting the impact of climate change. National estimates of population and GDP were derived by assuming that each country changed at the regional rate, and population was downscaled to the 0.5 0.5 scale assuming that everywhere in a country changed at the same rate. SRES scenarios for future cropland extent were applied to current baseline data, assuming everywhere within a region changed at the same rate. The narrative storylines were used to construct scenarios of future adaptation to the coastal flood risk and malaria risk. The paper compares the SRES scenarios with other global-scale scenarios, and identifies sources of uncertainty. It concludes by recommending three refinements to the use of the SRES scenarios in global and regional-scale impact assessment: (i) improved disaggregation to finer spatial resolutions, using both ‘‘downscaled narrative storylines’’ and new technical procedures, (ii) explicit consideration of uncertainty in the population, GDP and land cover characterisations of each storyline, and (iii) use of a wider range of future socio-economic scenarios than provided by SRES if the aim of an impact assessment is to estimate the range of possible future impacts. r 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Analysis of CSI 300 Stock Index Futures Price Trend Based on ARIMA Model

Stock index futures has become the major tools for investors to avoid risk or make speculative arbitrage. However, the leverage of stock index futures is large. If they cannot make a correct judgment on the trend of stock index futures, the loss will be great. This paper is based on this background and engages in intensive study. Using traditional and modern econometric methods respectively, the CSI 300 index futures were fitted. In addition, RMSE (root mean square error) was used to find the optimal model. After finding the model, we can put the trading strategy forward. Introduction For the stock market, we usually use fundamental analysis, technical analysis and other methods for investment analysis. But for stock index futures, we cannot get its rich basic information. In the past times, some scholars used M-GARCH model to analyze the information concluding in the futures market [1] (Lien D, Shrestha K., 2009). And some scholars studied the relationship between the growth of economic and stock price [2] (Fama, 1992). Besides, some scholars predicted stock index futures using regression model based on SVM [3] (Tong S, Koller D., 2002). But not many of them studied CSI 300 stock index futures using different time series analysis methods and margin debt for comparison. Here, the paper will use different kinds of time series analysis methods and SVM to analyze the future trend of CSI 300 stock index futures. After the analysis, we can put the trading strategy forward. The paper’s possible innovation point: Firstly, the paper does not take the daily closing price series of CSI 300 stock index futures as the sample set. It selects the recent IF1703 daily closing price sequence as the sample set with highlighting the timeliness and practicality. Secondly, as for the methods, through comparing traditional and modern methods, the paper will get a better fitting model. After that, the paper can put forward an investment strategy. Thirdly, there is not many related researches on predicting CSI 300 stock index futures combining margin debt. Margin debt’s leverage does play a great role in the stock market. So the paper will make a further study using margin debt.
Stabilization of Timoshenko Beam by Means of Pointwise Controls

We intend to conduct a fairly complete study on Timoshenko beams with pointwise feedback controls and seek to obtain information about the eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, Riesz-Basis-Property, spectrum-determined-growth-condition, energy decay rate and various stabilities for the beams. One major difficulty of the present problem is the non-simplicity of the eigenvalues. In fact, we shall indicate in this paper situations where the multiplicity of the eigenvalues is at least two. We build all the above-mentioned results from an effective asymptotic analysis on both the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions, and conclude with the Riesz-Basis-Property and the spectrum-determined-growth-condition. Finally, these results are used to examine the stability effects on the system by the location of the pointwise control relative to the length of the whole beam.
LOSS OF LOAD EXPECTATION ASSESSMENT IN DEREGULATED POWER SYSTEMS USING MONTE CARLO SIMULATION AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS

Deregulation policy has caused some changes in the concepts of power systems reliability assessment and enhancement. In this paper, generation reliability is considered, and a method for its assessment using intelligent systems is proposed. Also, because of power market and generators’ forced outages stochastic behavior, Monte Carlo Simulation is used for reliability evaluation. Generation reliability merely focuses on interaction between generation complex and load. Therefore, in this research, based on market type and its concentration, reserve margin, and various future times, a Neuro-Fuzzy system is proposed for evaluation of generation reliability which is valid and usable for all kinds of power pool markets. Finally, the proposed method is assessed on IEEE-Reliability Test System with satisfactory results. It will be shown that if market becomes more concentrated or price elasticity of demand increases, reliability will improve.
Iodine-125 seed implantation and allogenic natural killer cell immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: a case report

For advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, liver transplantation (LT) is an optimal treatment with limitation of high risk of tumor recurrence related to the immunosuppressive chemotherapy as usually recommended. In this study, a 29-year-old man suffered from HCC recurrence after LT. He underwent radiotherapy (total dose: 45 Gy) but had no significant response. Then, he received iodine-125 seed implantation combined with allogenic natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy. Liver function, immune function, circulating tumor cell counts and computed tomography scans were evaluated to determine the clinical effect. We found that this combined treatment produced enhanced immune function of the patient and reduction in tumor size. This is the first report of an efficacy and safety study about clinical regimen comprising allogenic NK cell immunotherapy combined with iodine-125 seed implantation for the treatment of HCC recurrence after LT.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER, LEARNING, AND COSPECIALIZED COMPLEMENTARY ASSETS: THE ROLE OF FIRM CAPABILITIES IN THE MARKETS FOR TECHNOLOGY

We examine the classic decision faced by technology suppliers and buyers in the markets for technology: whether to compete in the product markets or cooperate through technology licensing. Prior research has indicated various factors that affect this choice, including the transaction costs of licensing, the strength of intellectual property protection rights, and the costs of acquiring complementary assets necessary to commercialize new technologies. We advance this literature by integrating into the analysis the effect of firm capabilities in transferring and absorbing knowledge and the conditioning role of cospecialized complementary assets. In particular, using a stylized bargaining model we hypothesize that the supplier’s knowledge transfer capability stimulates licensing. However, the importance of this capability decreases when licensing to industries where the typical buyer has strong absorptive capacity. Knowledge transfer capabilities are instead critical when licensing to industries where R&D and downstream activities are cospecialized. We find empirical supports for these predictions using an unbalanced panel data set with information on the licensing strategies of the population of U.S. “serial innovators,” e.g. firms with less than 500 employees and a sustained innovative activity, as evidenced by their patent holdings.
Non-destructive bioluminescence detection system for monitoring defense gene expression in tobacco BY-2 cells

Using tobacco BY-2 cells transformed with a promoter-luciferase gene fusion, we developed a non-destructive and sensitive in vivo assay system for monitoring defense gene expression in higher plant cells. A promoter fragment of a tobacco salicylic acid (SA) inducible pathogenesis-related gene, PR-1a isolated from the genomic DNA of tobacco BY-2 cells, was fused to the luciferase reporter gene and introduced into plant cells by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. To detect the PR-1a promoter expression as a luciferase activity, transformed cells were mixed with luciferin solution and the bioluminescence levels were monitored in vivo using a conventional luminometer. Because the PR-1a promoter expression levels of the BY-2 cells are relatively high, the induction of the luciferase activities by the treatment with SA was barely detectable under log phase growth conditions. However, we could observe concentration dependent induction of the luciferase activities following SA application under stationary phase. Treatment with benzo (1,2,3) thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester (BTH) and methyl-2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA) also resulted in a drastic increase in luciferase activities of transgenic cells in a dose dependent manner. On the other hand, treatment with an inactive SA analog 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) showed no influence on luciferase activities. The sensitivity of the assay system was higher than the previously reported techniques for the detection of induction by SA or BTH. These results indicate that this rapid, inexpensive and versatile assay system would be useful for the identification and characterization of chemicals capable of inducing defense gene expression in higher plant cells.
Posttraumatic Symptoms and Posttraumatic Growth of Israeli �ire��hters , at �neMonth followin� the �armel �ire Disaster

�ild�re disasters are potentially traumatic events which directly and indirectly affect both citi�ens and �rst responders. e study of posttraumatic growth is scarcely found in the context of �re�ghters andonly few studies have addressed this construct. In the current study, posttraumatic symptoms and posttraumatic growth were investigated among Israeli �re�ghters (NN N NN), approximately one month aer the Carmel Fire Disaster. Eight �re�ghters (12.3%) were found to be above the cut-off score for probable PTSD, with intrusion symptoms as the most frequent �nding compared to avoidance and hyper-arousal symptoms. Posttraumatic growth (PTG) was evident to a small but considerable degree; noticeable changes were found regarding personal strength and appreciation of life. Results also revealed signi�cant linear and quadratic relationships between PTSD and PTG. Results are discussed in light of past research on psychological responses among �re�ghters and �rst responders.
Muslim Girls’ Experiences in non-Muslim Schools of Brisbane

Living conditions of Muslims have changed in the Western world. Many studies have found that after the incidents of September 11, 2001, Muslims all over the world, especially in the Western world have had to deal with the backlash of these events. Australia has not been isolated from this backlash. In this paper I explore the lives of 10 young Muslim girls who are 13-19 years of age and going to non-Muslim schools of Brisbane to find out their school experiences. In this paper I explore the school experiences of young Muslim girls to find out that at what extent these girls are struggling to negotiate their personalities while living in a non-Islamic society. Furthermore, the paper will highlight the issues of racism that has been faced by Muslim students in some of the Brisbane schools on the daily basis.
Capabilities and Implementation of Inbound Open Innovation Evidence from LMT Firms in Technologically Less Advanced Countries

This study examines the applicability of inbound open innovation, and the effect of capabilities on implementation of inbound open innovation in low-and medium-low technology (LMT) firms in technologically less advanced countries. Based on the resource based view, this study postulates positive causation form capabilities and implementation of inbound open innovation. Particularly, the effect of customer and competitor orientation is assessed. Also, the uncertainty in the business environment changes the firms’ strategies thus; a moderating effect of technology turbulence is posited. The proposed hypotheses are tested empirically using cross-sectional survey data collected from 272 LMT firms in Sri Lanka. The results suggest that LMT firms implement inbound open innovation at a moderate level. The results from the hierarchical regression models indicate positive and significant effect from the customer and competitor orientation. Also, the results partially confirm the moderating effect. The effect of competitor orientation is higher in a technologically turbulent environment but, there is no moderating effect on customer orientation. Accordingly, this study empirically confirms the validity of open innovation across the firms and countries irrespective of their technology, and research and development intensity. Further, findings suggest that LMT firms that adapt inbound open innovation should be cautious on capabilities and environment turbulence. Finally, this study provides implication for the managers and suggestions for future research.
COMPARISON OF THE GROWTH OF LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS AND BIFIDOBACTERIUM BIFIDUM SPECIES IN MEDIA SUPPLEMENTED WITH SELECTED SACCHARIDES INCLUDING PREBIOTICS

The performed investigations evaluated the growth dynamics of Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 20079, Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 20242, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 20082, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 20215, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 20239, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 20456 in media supplemented with various saccharides, including prebiotic preparations. The addition of saccharides to the medium exerted a sig- nificant influence not only on the number of bacterial cells but also on their acid-creating capability. Glucose, lactose and saccharose turned out to be the easiest available saccha- rides for all the bacterial strains tested. In the media supplemented with these sugars the highest numbers of bacterial cells were determined. At the shortage of mono- and disac- charides, all strains of the bacteria tested were capable of utilising the prebiotic prepara- tions as sources of carbon and energy in the media. The amount and isomeric forms of lactic acid produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 20079 and Bifidobacterium bifi- dum DSM 20239 were determined. Both strains meet the requirements adopted by the WHO and produce more than 70% lactic acid L(+) in the media with the addition of vari- ous saccharides. Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 20079 was found to produce signifi- cantly higher amount of lactic acid in different media.
MULTI-LEVEL BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION FOR AUTOMATIC ENHANCEMENT OF HIGH RESOLUTION DSMS

In this article a multi-level approach is proposed for reconstruction-based improvement of high resolution Digital Surface Models (DSMs). The concept of Levels of Detail (LOD) defined by CityGML standard has been considered as basis for abstraction levels of building roof structures. Here, the LOD1 and LOD2 which are related to prismatic and parametric roof shapes are reconstructed. Besides proposing a new approach for automatic LOD1 and LOD2 generation from high resolution DSMs, the algorithm contains two generalization levels namely horizontal and vertical. Both generalization levels are applied to prismatic model of buildings. The horizontal generalization allows controlling the approximation level of building footprints which is similar to cartographic generalization concept of the urban maps. In vertical generalization, the prismatic model is formed using an individual building height and continuous to included all flat structures locating in different height levels. The concept of LOD1 generation is based on approximation of the building footprints into rectangular or non-rectangular polygons. For a rectangular building containing one main orientation a method based on Minimum Bounding Rectangle (MBR) in employed. In contrast, a Combined Minimum Bounding Rectangle (CMBR) approach is proposed for regularization of non-rectilinear polygons, i.e. buildings without perpendicular edge directions. Both MBRand CMBR-based approaches are iteratively employed on building segments to reduce the original building footprints to a minimum number of nodes with maximum similarity to original shapes. A model driven approach based on the analysis of the 3D points of DSMs in a 2D projection plane is proposed for LOD2 generation. Accordingly, a building block is divided into smaller parts according to the direction and number of existing ridge lines. The 3D model is derived for each building part and finally, a complete parametric model is formed by merging all the 3D models of the individual parts and adjusting the nodes after the merging step. In order to provide an enhanced DSM, a surface model is provided for each building by interpolation of the internal points of the generated models. All interpolated models are situated on a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of corresponding area to shape the enhanced DSM. Proposed DSM enhancement approach has been tested on a dataset from Munich central area. The original DSM is created using robust stereo matching of Worldview-2 stereo images. A quantitative assessment of the new DSM by comparing the heights of the ridges and eaves shows a standard deviation of better than 50cm.