Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Looking at A 0535+26 at low luminosities with NuSTAR

We report on two NuSTAR observations of the HMXB A 0535+26 taken toward the end of its normal 2015 outburst at very low $3-50$ keV luminosities of ${\sim}1.4\times10^{36}$ erg/s and ${\sim}5\times10^{35}$ erg/s which are complemented by 9 Swift observations. The data clearly confirm indications seen in earlier data that the source's spectral shape softens as it becomes fainter. The smooth, exponential rollover at high energies present in the first observation evolves to a much more abrupt steepening of the spectrum at $20-30$ keV. The continuum evolution can be well described with emission from a magnetized accretion column, modeled using the compmag model modified by an additional Gaussian emission component for the fainter observation. Between the two observations, the optical depth changes from $0.75\pm0.04$ to $0.56^{+0.01}_{-0.04}$, the electron temperature remains constant, and there is an indication that the column decreases in radius. Since the energy resolved pulse profiles remain virtually unchanged in shape between the two observations, the emission properties of the accretion column, however, reflect the same accretion regime. This conclusion is also confirmed by our result that the energy of the cyclotron resonant scattering feature (CRSF) at ${\sim}45$ keV is independent of the luminosity, implying that the magnetic field in the region in which the observed radiation is produced is the same in both observations. Finally, we also constrain the evolution of the continuum parameters with rotational phase of the neutron star. The width of the CRSF could only be constrained for the brighter observation. Based on Monte-Carlo simulations of CRSF formation in single accretion columns, its pulse phase dependence supports a simplified fan beam emission pattern. The evolution of the CRSF width is very similar to that of the CRSF depth, which is in disagreement with expectations.
Estimating And Forecasting Demand For Broad Money In Iran Through Cointegration Analysis And Stochastic Simulation

This study estimates the demand for broad money in Iran through multivariate Cointegration analysis as proposed by Johansen and Juselius and tests the validity of the estimated model through forecasting money demand for several periods Using stochastic simulation technique. The study obtained one unique cointegrated long run relationship among the logarithmic forms of Broad Money, National Income, Exchange Rate, Price Index and Oil Prices. After identification of exogenous variables, system of equation was designed and estimated by OLS method. Model was solved by considering two scenarios: Baseline and Scenario1.In the Baseline the variables were considered endogenous and in the Scenario 1, Price Index and Oil Price were regarded as exogenous. This model was solved with stochastic simulation approach and give dynamic forecast of the variables. The results show that there is trivial difference between actual values and amount forecasted under Scenario1. On the other hand, forecasted amounts by Baseline scenario have relatively substantial deviations from the actual outcomes, though they do seem to follow the general trends in the data very well.
Autonomous Animated Robots

In this paper, we demonstrate an autonomous design of motion control of virtual creatures (called animated robots in this paper) and develop modeling software for animated robots. An animated robot can behave autonomously by using its own sensors and controllers on three-dimensional physically modeled environment. The developed software can enable us to execute the simulation of animated robots on physical environment at any time during the modeling process. In order to simulate more realistic world, an approximate fluid environment model with low computational costs is presented. It is shown that a combinatorial use of neural network implementation for controllers and the genetic algorithm (GA) or the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is effective for emerging more realistic autonomous behaviours of animated robots.
Fox and martens - are they really opportunistic feeders? A case of beetles and other arthropods occurrence in carnivores' diet

Wierzbowska I. , Skalski T. 2010. Fox and martens – are they really opportunistic feeders? A case of beetles and other arthropods occurrence in carnivores’ diet. Baltic J. Coleoptterol. , 10(2): 129 -139. The main goal of the investigation was to assess and compare insects’ abundance in diet of fox (Vulpes vulpes) and martens (Martes martes, Martes foina). The research was carried out in three national parks and in the city of Krakow, all located in the southern Poland. The collection of carnivores’ faeces took place between 2002 and 2007. The total number of samples was 517 for foxes and 747 for martens. 59 insects species were recognised in 19% of samples. Forward selection of canonical correspondence analysis revealed factors that were carnivore species, place of collection which both described 89% of variance of insect species environment relations. Martens as a variable seemed to be the most influential on the composition and relative abundance of all insect assemblages (Monte Carlo test F=3.94, P<0.001). Moreover, the place of collection was an important factor (Monte Carlo test F=3.03, P=0.002 and F=2.18, P=0.002, respectively for Krakow and the Tatra Mountains). Martens fed most often on nest insects species, whereas foxes chose large beetles. The diagram of canonical correspondence analysis confirmed that distribution of specific groups of arthropods depended on carnivore feeder as well as occupied habitat.
Linkages Between the Phenologies of Jack Pine (Pinus Banksiana) Foliage and Jack Pine Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

A field study conducted in 2001 and 2002 in the Michigan Upper Peninsula investigated seasonal associations between the development of jack pine, Pinus banksiana Lamb. , and larvae of the jack pine budworm Choristoneura pinus Freeman (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). There was almost no active relationship between post-diapause emerging second instars and elongation of vegetative shoots. Early instars were not closely synchronized with the flushing of current-year needle fascicles, which is required to optimize larval feeding. However, there were close feeding and shelter relationships between early instars and year-2 pollen cone development. Associations with, and larval damage to, year-2 seed cones were dependent upon larval population size and posed only minimal and periodic threats to jack pine seed production. As a consequence, early instar jack pine budworm relied almost exclusively on pollen cones for survival. Third to fifth instars vacated pollen cones as soon as they became desiccated. Only then did these larvae start close associations with vegetative shoots. First, they excised partially emerged needles at their base, and when the needle-pairs completely escaped their fascicle sheath, the larvae fed routinely on the complete needle lamina. Late instars, pupae and adults were associated with previous years’ and current-year foliage without any apparent bias. This study has shown that it might be more practical to time insecticide strategies, which are intended to manage jack pine budworm larvae, to the tree’s phenology rather than jack pine budworm larval indices. ____________________
Worker productivity and ventilation rate in a call center: Analyses of time-series data for a group of registered nurses

We investigated the relationship of ventilation rates with the performance of advice nurses working in a call center. Ventilation rates were manipulated; temperatures, humidities, and CO{sub 2} concentrations were monitored; and worker performance data, with 30-minute resolution, were collected. Multivariate linear regression was used to investigate the association of worker performance with indoor minus outdoor CO{sub 2} concentration (which increases with decreasing ventilation rate per worker) and with building ventilation rate. Results suggest that the effect of ventilation rate on worker performance in this call center was very small (probably less than 1%) or nil, over most of the range of ventilation rate (roughly 12 L s{sup -1} to 48 L s{sup -1} per person). However, there is some evidence of worker performance improvements of 2% or more when the indoor CO{sub 2} concentration exceeded the outdoor concentration by less than 75 ppm.
Hybrid AC or DC Micro grid Control Using Decentralized control for Power Management

This paper proposes a hybrid ac/dc micro grid to reduce theprocesses of multiple dc–ac–dc or ac–dc–ac conversions in anindividual ac or dc grid. The hybrid grid consists of both ac and dcnetworks connected together by multi-bidirectional converters. Theproposed model is in such a way that the reliability of power can bemaintained during the whole day. This is obtained by connecting aPEM Fuel cell stack in parallel with the PV system. The proposedhybrid grid can operate in grid-tied or autonomous mode. Thecoordination control algorithms are proposed for smooth powertransfer between ac and dc links and for stable system operationunder various generation and load conditions. Uncertainty incharacteristics of wind speed, solar irradiation level, ambienttemperature, and load are also considered in system control and operation. A small hybrid grid has been modeled and simulatedusing the Simulink in the MATLAB. The simulation results show that the system can maintain stable operation under the proposedcoordination control schemes when the grid is switched from oneoperating condition to another.
Fabrication of light extraction efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes with 3D aspherical microlens by using dry etching process

organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can enable a greater artificial contrast ratio and viewing angle compared to liquid crystal display (LCD) because OLED pixels directly emit light. The re is a shortcoming that the internal quantum efficiency can reach values close to 100%, but about 80% light disperses because of the difference among the refractive indices of the substrate, anode, indium tin oxide (ITO) film, and air. In this paper, three dimensions aspherical microlens arrays (3D A-MLAs) with substrate modifications are developed to simulate the optical luminous field by using FRED software. This study modified parameters of 3D A-MLAs such as the diameter, fill-factor, aspect ratio, dry etching parameters, and electroforming rates of microlens to improve the extraction efficiency of the OLED. In dry etching, not only the aspectratio with better extraction rate can be obtained by reactive ion etching (RIE) dry etching, but also an undercutting phenomenon can be avoided. The dimensions of 3D A-MLAs can be accurately controlled in the electroforming process used to make a nickel-cobalt (Ni-Co) metal mold to achieve the designed dimensions. According to the measured results, the average luminance efficacy of the OLEDs with 3D A-MLAs can be enhanced.
Loss and Damage, Caused by Cyclones Sidr, Aila and Mahasen: Coping Strategies, Adaptation and the Role of Microfinance

Climate change results recurrent natural disasters which cause an enormous loss in the household as well as in the community levels. This study is designed to meet two major objectives. Firstly, assessment of the household level loss and damage incurred from super cyclones Sidr and Aila and tropical storm Mahasen in three districts namely Khulna, Patuakhali and Satkhira. Secondly, coping strategies adopted by the affected households in the post-cyclone situation and the role of microfinance in the process of adaptation. The itinerary of the catastrophic cyclone Sidr and storm Mahsen includes Patuakhali district, whereas super cyclone Aila has gone through the districts Khulna and Satkhira. As expected, highest proportions of households of these areas were affected by the respective cyclones and storm and their total amount of loss and damage was higher compared to others. The average size of loss and damage studied in terms of loss of assets, from direct income, reconstruction expenses or increased expenditure are also evident to be larger by the itinerary of the disasters. However, the amount of loss and damage in all forms and average size per households resulted from Aila was substantially higher than that resulted from Sidr and Mahasen. In focusing the second major objective, the adopted coping strategies are broadly classified as current income or savings, sale of assets, informal loan and government support. It is evident from the bivariate analysis that more of the program households choose current income or savings for adaptation purpose than their counterpart. Conversely, the percentage of households taken loan from informal market among control households was higher than that of program group households. In most of the cases higher percentage of program households received government support than control households. The variation in the percentage of households adopted different coping strategies over household characteristics is observed. Endogenous switching regression models with full sample and samples with counterfactual evaluate that the expected amount of coping from current income or savings was significantly higher for program group households than their counterpart in three cyclone cases and on the contrary, informal loan was significantly lower than that of control group households in the cases of Sidr and Aila, but reverse in case of Mahsen. The model of government support is only convergent for the case of Sidr and evident that the expected amount received by the affected households was lower for the program households. But, due to insufficient number of households the models for sale of assets do not converge. This study recommends some interventions to the households in climate vulnerable areas, further study to identify why more inclination towards informal loan to cope in the aftermath, a way to implement a comprehensive strategy and make justification on detailed assessment of loss and damage.
In vitro anthelmintic activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus and its phytochemical, proximate and elemental contents

The in vitro egg hatch assay was used to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus against gastrointestinal strongyles of sheep at dilutions of 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, the phytochemical, proximate and elemental contents of the extract were also determined using standard methods. The extract produced dose dependent (60.6, 84 and 97%) inhibition of egg hatch when compared to water control culture (0%). At the concentration of 100 mg/ml, the efficacy of the extract was comparable to 30 mg/ml of levamisole (96.8) but less than 25 mg/ml of albendazole (99.8%). Phytochemical analysis indicates presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides in the extract while the concentration of zinc, copper and manganese were low, iron and magnesium were moderate and calcium was high. The crude protein content (17%) was also comparable to many browse plants of Northern Nigeria. These results suggest that the leaf extract of this plant possesses anthelmintic activity in vitro and contain some pharmacologically active compounds. Key words: In vitro, anthelmintic, Anogeissus leiocarpus, leaf, phytochemical.
In vivo study of lung physiology with dynamic synchrotron-based tomographic microscopy

Lungs represent the integrative part of the mammalian respiratory system, without which no molecular processes would be possible. However, lung failure still represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide while the connection between macroscopic observations and the processes taking place at the microscopic and functional scale are still largely unexplored. In particular, in the study of lung inflation and deflation issues, little is known about the structural alterations taking place in the gas-exchange area at the alveolar and acinar scale. While the need for high-resolution imaging techniques remains fundamental in lung research, third-generation synchrotrons have established themselves as valuable experimental machines, providing fast acquisitions in the order of sub-seconds, high resolutions at the micrometer scale and highly coherent X-rays. However, their large capabilities in high-resolution imaging have not been fully explored yet in the field of lung physiology. The underlying thesis is devoted to the development and realization of in vivo tomographic X-ray microscopy for the study of lung physiology at the micrometer scale. The aim of conceiving a fully performant in vivo endstation with its first successful application to micrometer-scale tomography is achieved by a wide combination of different aspects such as the development of the necessary beamline instrumentation (hardware, controls software), dosimetry considerations, novel approaches towards image processing and quantitative data analysis as well as a systematic optimization of various experimental parameters. A first realization of a prospective heartbeat-triggered acquisition scheme for performing in vivo lung tomography at the micrometer scale is reported and first indicative biological results are presented. In particular, a series of different aspects are reported which indicate that lungs exhibit highly heterogeneous inflation patterns reaching down to the micrometer scale.
Analysis of vulnerability and resilience to climate change induced shocks in North Shewa, Ethiopia

This article analyzes the vulnerability and resilience levels of farm households in North Shewa, Ethiopia, using a survey of 452 households. Agro ecological based classification was done to analyze vulnerability to climate change induced shocks. Integrated vulnerability analysis approach was employed to develop indexes for socioeconomic and biophysical indicators. The indicators have been classified into adaptive capacity, exposure and sensitivity to climate change impact. Then Principal Component Analysis was used to compute vulnerability index of each agro ecological zone. The result shows that farmers living in the highland areas were very much vulnerable to natural shocks compared to those living in the lowland area. In order to identify and analyse the determinants of resilience to climate change impacts, ordered probit model was used. Households were classified into three categories based on the time they take to bounce back after natural shocks. The model outputs indicate that farmers with better investment on natural resource management, access to market, better social network, access to credit, preparedness, saving liquid assets, access to irrigation and better level of education exhibited greater level of resilience during and after climate change induced shocks.
Physical Models for Resistive Switching Devices

We present a classification and description of the principal resistive switching and transport mechanisms in chalcogonides materials. We classify the model according to how many material dimensions are involved in the resistive switching mechanism. In this way, we describe the phase change model (3D), the interface modulation model (2D) and models where the switching mechanism depends on the formation of a conduction filament (1D). Among the conduction filament models, we include the thermochemical oxygen diffusion mechanism, the oxidation/reduction mechanism and the quantum point effect.
Design and Analysis of Control Charts for Standard Deviation with Estimated Parameters

This paper concerns the design and analysis of the standard deviation control chart with estimated limits. We consider an extensive range of statistics to estimate the in-control standard deviation (Phase I) and design the control chart for real-time process monitoring (Phase II) by determining the factors for the control limits. The Phase II performance of the design schemes is assessed when the Phase I data are uncontaminated and normally distributed as well as when the Phase I data are contaminated. We propose a robust estimation method based on the mean absolute deviation from the median supplemented with a simple screening method. It turns out that this approach is efficient under normality and performs substantially better than the traditional estimators and several robust proposals when contaminations are present.
Selected Personality Traits and Intent to Leave: A Field Study in Insurance Corporations

This study attempted to examine the effect of two selected personality traits on intent to leave. A theoretical framework was proposed to suggest link among the two variables and a questionnaire was distributed to collect data from employees in insurance corporations in Jordan. Of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 331 valid responses were received, resulting in a 66.2% response rate. The results revealed that both conscientiousness and extraversion were negatively related to intent to leave. As for the results of the demographic factors, the study showed that there were significant differences in intent to leave based on gender and age, while there were no significant differences due to marital status. Finally, this study suggested that management should adopt appropriate strategies and enhance human resource practices that lead to positive personality traits which lead to increased retention of employees.
Distribution of nutrients and chlorophyll-a in the aegean sea

The distributions of inorganic nutrients and phytoplankton chlorophyll-a were investigated in relation to the hydrography of the Aegean Sea. The data were collected during cruises in May and October 1992, February, May and October 1993 and July 1994, in the framework of a National Marine Measurement and Monitoring Programme for the Aegean Sea. Concentrations of nitrate +nitrite+ammonia nitrogen and phosphate phosphorus were lower than those previously reported for the Black Sea; generally lowest at the surface, they increased with depth. The highest nutrient values were in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, and may have resulted from water originating from the Black Sea. Both phosphates and silicates increased with depth to maxima of 0.16 and 4.7 mu M, respectively. The concentration of chlorophyll-a ranged from 0.03 to 0.70 mg m(-3). Elemental ratios (N/P and Si/P) were calculated to be 13.6 - 36.8 and 14.0 - 48.0, respectively.
Antioxidative and β cell regeneration effect of Capparis aphylla stem extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible effects of C. aphylla on pancreatic cells and antioxidant enzymes in experimental streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats. The single oral administration of methanol extract (300mg/kg b.wt) and active fraction (30mg/kg b.wt) from stem part of C. aphylla significantly (p<0.01) reduced blood glucose levels after 3h in diabetic rats. The treatment also resulted in a remarkable reduction in glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver, heart and kidney of diabetic rats. The extract exerted rapid protective effects against lipid peroxidation by scavenging of free radicals thereby reducing the risk of diabetic complications. The results clearly suggested that C. aphylla stem extract treatment might effectively normalize the impaired pancreatic cells and antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetes. Therefore, findings supported the traditional use of C. aphylla in the treatment of diabetes.