Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of Laser Distribution to Mitigate the Space-Charge Effect for Improving the Performance of a THz Coherent Undulator Radiation Source

A THz coherent undulator radiation (THz-CUR) source has been developed at the Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University. A photocathode Radio-Frequency (RF) gun and a bunch compressor chicane are used for generating short-bunch electron beams. When the electron beam energy is low, the space-charge effect strongly degrades the beam quality, such as the bunch length and the energy spread at the high bunch charge condition at around 160 pC, and results in the reduction of the highest frequency and the maximum radiated power of the THz-CUR. To mitigate the space charge effect, we have investigated the dependence of the electron beam quality on the laser distribution in transverse and longitudinal directions by using a numerical simulation code, General Particle Tracer GPT. The manipulation of the laser distribution has potential for improving the performance of the THz-CUR source. The electron bunch was effectively compressed with the chicane magnet when the laser transverse distribution was the truncated Gaussian profile, illuminating a cathode. Moreover, the compressed electron bunch was shortened by enlarging the laser pulse width. Consequently, an enhancement of the radiated power of the THz-CUR has been indicated.
Magnons in a Quasicrystal: Propagation, Extinction, and Localization of Spin Waves in Fibonacci Structures

Magnonic quasicrystals exceed the possibilities of spin wave (SW) manipulation offered by regular magnonic crystals, because of their more complex SW spectra with fractal characteristics. Here, we report the direct x-ray microscopic observation of propagating SWs in a magnonic quasicrystal, consisting of dipolarly coupled permalloy nanowires arranged in a one-dimensional Fibonacci sequence. SWs from the first and second band as well as evanescent waves from the band gap between them are imaged. Moreover, additional mini-band gaps in the spectrum are demonstrated, directly indicating an influence of the quasiperiodicity of the system. The experimental results are interpreted using numerical calculations and we deduce a simple model to estimate the frequency position of the magnonic gaps in quasiperiodic structures. The demonstrated features of SW spectra in one-dimensional magnonic quasicrystals allows utilizing this class of metamaterials for magnonics and makes them an ideal basis for future applications.
Bank Stability and Competition: Evidence from Albanian Banking Market

This paper analyses the inter-temporal competition – stability nexus after the global financial crises. For this reason, the empirical estimation approach follows a five – step procedure. First, we utilise quarterly macroeconomic and balance sheet and income statement data for 16 banks operating in the Albanian banking sector over the period 2008 – 2015. Second, we calculate a new composite index as a measure of bank stability conditions, which includes a wide set of information rather than focusing only on one aspect of risk. Then, we construct a proxy for bank competition such as the Boone indicator. Empirical estimations are based on the General Method of Moments approach. A set of robustness checks include also the use of other alternative proxy of competition such as the Lerner index and the efficient-adjusted Lerner index, profit elasticity and the Herfindahl index. Empirical results strongly support the “competition – stability” view after the global financial crises - that higher degree of competition boosts further bank stability conditions. Results further indicate that greater concentration has also a negative impact on bank stability. Results imply also that bank stability is positively linked with macroeconomic conditions and capital ratio and inverse with operational efficiency. Finally, we do not find a non-linear relationship between competition and stability.
An Adaptive Load-balancer for Task-scheduling in FastFlow

Balancing the computational load of multiple concurrent tasks on heterogeneous architectures is one of the critical requirements for efficient usage of such systems. Load-imbalance is inherently present if the computation load is distributed nonuniformly across various tasks or if execution time for the same kind of tasks varies from one class of processing element to the other. Load-imbalance may however also arise from causes that are beyond the control of the user, as for instance operating system jitter, over-subscription of the available workers, interference and resource contention by concurrent tasks, etc. Writing a balanced parallel application requires careful analysis of the problem and good understating of various hardware architectures of the computing nodes. FastFlow is a C++ library that offers high-level parallel pattern abstractions on the user side, and lowers those onto efficiently implemented architecture specific skeletons. The default FastFlow scheduler, however, assigns tasks to workers in a round-robin fashion and is thus not well suited to handle load-imbalance. In this paper, we present an adaptive loadbalancing task scheduler for FastFlow, a model for the expected relative performance of our adaptive scheduler over the default round-robin scheduler, and finally evaluate the quality of the implementation with low-level as well as two specific application benchmarks. We find that the adaptive load-balancer does not introduce additional overheads if load-imbalances are not present, and that our scheme is particularly efficient in mitigating the effect of thread over-subscription. Finally, we show that the proposed scheduler can lead to substantial performance gain for real industrial applications. Keywords–task scheduling; load balancing; heterogenous architecture; NUMA; FastFlow.
Characterization of photon counting detectors for x-ray diffraction (XRD) applications

Photon counting detectors with energy resolving capabilities have the potential to improve computed tomography (CT) imaging and x-ray diffraction (XRD) systems. In order to better understand the use of these detectors in the CT and XRD application spaces, we have experimentally investigated the detector performance of two newly-released photon counting detectors: the Redlen LDA detector and the Kromek D-Matrix v2 detector. Detector performance involves a complicated interplay of semiconductor physics and readout electronics, and the outcome can depend crucially on the properties of the incoming X-rays—specifically the flux and spectral content. Although the LDA and D-Matrix v2 detectors differ in many ways, particularly in the manner in which they collect spectroscopic information, both are of interest for CT and XRD modalities. We report on our analysis of the detector performance, including the noise statistics, detector quantum efficiency, response linearity, and energy resolution of the detectors as well as discuss how our findings influence the use of these detectors in diffraction and transmission measurements.
Volatility Modeling and its Impact on Risk premium in Emerging markets

-This study examines different volatility models to capture the stock market volatility in two emerging markets Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Further the relationship between volatility and risk premium in both markets are analyzed to test the risk return trade off in those markets. GARCH, EGARCH and TGARCH models are used to capture the volatility and GARCH-M model is used to analyze the risk return relationship. In both markets it is observed that volatility clustering, leverage effect and nonlinear effect are significant by considering daily ASPI return observations from 2004 to 2013. Relationship between volatility and risk premium is not significant according to the GARCH-M model.
Impact of Flipped Classroom Approach on Students’ Learning in Post-Pandemic: A Survey Research on Public Sector Schools

This research focuses on the increasing dependency on flipped classrooms with the merger of distance teaching and learning instead of face-to-face classrooms during the pandemic, which impacted student’s performance and learning post-pandemic. The primary purpose of this research study was to identify support, motivation, participation, collaboration, assessment, and feedback gained through the use of flipped classrooms with the merger of distance teaching instead of a physical classroom in the pandemic situations and the challenges faced by teachers in using flipped classroom. The main intention is to analyze flipped classroom effectiveness as an emerging concept in a pandemic situation. In this research, a methodology is recommended step by step below in the methodology section—a quantitative research method used to collect accurate and reliable results. A survey research method was used in this study. The populations of 90–73 respondents among higher secondary grade students of the public school in Sukkur were selected for data collection. For managing the data, SPSS statistics software was used. In inferential statistics, an independent-samples t-test was used for the analysis of data. The results were analyzed based on gender mean score. The significant findings from this study suggested that the flipped classroom is a practical learning approach that enhances student engagement, performance, and learning in the class. It is summed up that a large number of students favoured the flipped classroom approach over traditional pedagogy. This study will help to further integrate this approach into higher levels of institutions by keeping in mind its effectiveness and hindrances in Pakistan.
MAGNETIZATION OF MESOSCOPIC SUPERCONDUCTING DISKS

Solutions of Ginzburg-Landau equations coupled with three-dimensional Maxwell equations reveal an intriguing magnetic response of small superconducting particles, qualitatively different from the two-dimensional approximation but in agreement with recent experiments. Depending on the radius and thickness, first or second order transitions are found for the normal to superconducting state. For a sufficiently large radius of the disk, several transitions in the superconducting phase are obtained which correspond to different angular momentum giant vortex states. The incorporation of the finite thickness in the calculation is crucial in order to obtain agreement with the position and the size of these jumps, and the line shape and magnitude of the magnetization curves.
The Performance of Private Equity-backed IPOs and the Effect of M&A-activity - A European Study

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to investigate how private equity backed IPOs perform once they go public. That is, to investigate whether or not these private equity firms have created highly competitive, high performance portfolio companies and to see if the portfolio companies are able to retain those qualities even after going public. These results are then to be compared with previous research done on the general IPO and its short- and long-term performance. It also sets out to measure what effect M&A-activity during the fund holding period may have on the fund companies after being exited onto the public market. METHODOLOGY The performance of the private equity-backed IPOs has been measured as the abnormal return using two methods, cumulative abnormal returns and buy-and-hold abnormal returns. Two types of benchmarks have been used, S&P Europe 350 as well as an industry-specific version of that index. LITERATURE REVIEW Theories used in this study are based partially on previous research on the private equity industry as well as general IPO theory, such as long-term underperformance and the “hot issue” anomaly. Some M&A-theory has also been used to explain the effects of M&Aactivity, with regards to e.g. indigestion. EMPIRICAL FOUNDATION This quantitative study is based on a raw sample of 318 private equity-backed IPOs in Europe during the period 1994 2007. These IPOs outperformed both its industry peers as well as the market with 18.02% and 14.75%, respectively, on a three-year basis. CONCLUSIONS Private equity-backed IPOs perform abnormal returns, both shortand long-term. This goes against previous research on the general IPO, which outperforms the market short-term and underperforms long-term. However, it is in line with previous research on reversed LBOs.
Comparisons between Bioelectrical Impedance Variables, Functional Tests and Blood Markers Based on BMI in Older Women and Their Association with Phase Angle

The aim of the present study was to compare electrical bioimpedance variables, blood markers and functional tests based on Body Mass Index (BMI) in older women. Associations between Phase Angle (PhA) with functional tests and blood markers were also analyzed. A total of 46 independent elderly people participated in the study, and they were divided into four groups according to BMI values: Group 1 (G1, BMI < 25 kg/m2); Group 2 (G2, BMI > 25–30 kg/m2); Group 3 (G3, BMI > 30–35 kg/m2); Group 4 (G4, BMI > 35 kg/m2). In addition to the weight and height used to calculate the BMI, the following body composition variables were collected: fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW) and PhA (50 kHz) through InBody S10 equipment. Functional capacity was assessed using the Fullerton battery of tests: arm-curl; chair-stand; 6 min walking test (6MWT); time up-and-go test (TUG); standing on one leg (SOOL) and take 10 foot-lines (10FL). The main results showed differences between groups in the tests: 6MWT, SOOL and 10FL between G1 vs. G3 and G2 vs. G3 (p < 0.05); ACT, AIC and AEC between G1 vs. G4 (p < 0.05); FM among all groups (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found between PhA and the agility test in G1 (r = −0.848; p = 0.008) and G4 (r = −0.909; p = 0.005); PhA and chair-stand in G3 (r = 0.527; p = 0.044); PhA and forearm flexion in G3 (r = 0.641; p = 0.010) and G4 (r = 0.943; p = 0.001); PhA and 6MWT in G4 (r = 0.771; p = 0.042). This study found that there is a clear trend towards better functional capacities with better parameters of body composition. Although there were no differences between groups in PhA, associations were found between different functional tests with PhA, which reveals the importance of this variable as a marker of health status.
Reef fish communities in the central Red Sea show evidence of asymmetrical fishing 1 pressure 2 3 4

24 In order to assess human impacts and develop rational restoration goals on corals reefs, 25 baseline estimates of fish communities are required. In Saudi Arabian waters of the Red 26 Sea, widespread and unregulated fishing is thought to have been ongoing for decades, but 27 there is little direct evidence of the impact on reef communities. To contextualize this 28 human influence, reef-associated fish assemblages on offshore reefs in Saudi Arabia and 29 Sudan in the central Red Sea were investigated. These reefs have comparable benthic 30 environments, experience similar oceanographic influences, and are separated only by < 31 300 km, offering an ideal comparison to help identify potential anthropogenic impacts 32 such as fishing pressure. This is the first study to assess reef fish biomass in both these 33 regions, providing important baselines estimates. We found that biomass of top predators 34 on offshore Sudanese reefs was on average almost three times that measured on 35 comparable reefs in Saudi Arabia. Biomass values from some of the most remote reefs 36 surveyed in Sudan’s far southern region even approach those previously reported in the 37 Northwest Hawaiian Islands, northern Line Islands, Pitcairn Islands, and other isolated 38 Pacific islands and atolls. The findings suggest fishing pressure has significantly altered 39 the fish community structure of Saudi Arabian Red Sea reefs, most conspicuously in the 40 form of top predator removal. The results point towards the urgent need for enhanced 41 regulation and enforcement of fishing practices in Saudi Arabia while simultaneously 42 making a strong case for protection in the form of no-take marine protected areas to 43 maintain preservation of the relatively intact southern Sudanese Red Sea. 44 45 46
Automatic Classification and Tagging of Blog Articles with the Aim of Supporting Caregivers of Depressed Family Members

People who are close to and help depressed patients, as well as peripheral nurses, could be supported by performing information retrieval to eliminate or mitigate stress. It is difficult to find the information using existing keyword searches because the information caregivers need is specifically that about others in a situation similar to caregivers. To solve this problem, we introduce the structure of viewpoint, situation, and intention and take into account the context in which the structure occurs. The structure is represented using the tags generated by Conditional Random Fields (CRF). The context is represented using the labels recognized by Support Vector Machine (SVM). By 10-fold cross-validation of learning data, we evaluated a prototype system and have obtained a precision rate of 54.2 % for the context classification by SVN and 45.3% for the tag assignment by CRF. In the future, it is necessary to improve the accuracy of the context classification and tag assignment to achieve a dedicated search. Keywords—depression, classification, family caregiver, tagging, SVM, CRF.
Change in elementary school students’ misconceptions on material systems after a theoretical-practical instruction

Students get to Elementary School with a series of misconceptions which are not necessarily in agreement with the scientific knowledge. Misconceptions result from the student’s attempts to understand their previous experiences resulting from their interaction with their environment and they must be taken into account in educational practice to design appropriate instructional strategies that will impulse their evolution into more scientific-academic concepts. This research aims to detect the initial knowledge that twenty-one fifth grade Elementary Education students (ages ranged: 10-11 years old) have about material composition. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to determine initial misconceptions. Based on the students’ answers, important misconceptions were identified, and an appropriate instructional strategy was design to foster the students’ conceptual change about the studied topic. A post-task questionnaire conducted after the instruction revealed the suitability of the proposed instructional design.
Automating Bin Packing: A Layer Building Matheuristics for Cost Effective Logistics

In this paper, we address the problem of automating the definition of feasible pallets configurations. This issue is crucial for the competitiveness of logistic companies and is still one of the most difficult problems in internal logistics. In fact, it requires the fast solution of a three-dimensional Bin Packing Problem (3D-BPP) with additional logistic specifications that are fundamental in real applications. To this aim, we propose a matheuristics that, given a set of items, provides feasible pallets configurations that satisfy the practical requirements of items’ grouping by logistic features, load bearing, stability, height homogeneity, overhang as well as weight limits, and robotized layer picking. The proposed matheuristics combines a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation of the 3D-Single Bin-Size BPP (3D-SBSBPP) and a layer building heuristics. In particular, the feasible pallets configurations are obtained by sequentially solving two MILP sub-problems: the first, given the set of items to be packed, aims at minimizing the unused space in each layer and thus the number of layers; the latter aims at minimizing the number of shipping bins given the set of layers obtained from the first problem. The approach is extensively tested and compared with existing approaches. For its validation we use both realistic data-sets drawn from the literature and real data-sets, obtained from an Italian logistics leader. The resulting outcomes show the effectiveness of the method in providing high-quality bin configurations in short computational times. Note to Practitioners—This work is motivated by the intention of facilitating the transition from Logistics 3.0 to Logistics 4.0 by providing an effective tool to automate bin packing, suitable for automated warehouses. On the one hand, the proposed technique provides stable and compact bin configurations in less than half a minute per bin on average, despite the high computational complexity of the 3D-SBSBPP. On the other hand, the approach allows to consider compatibility constraints for the items (e.g., final customer and category of the items), and the use of robotized layer picking in automated warehouses. In effect, layers composed by only one type of items (i.e., monoitem layers) can be directly picked and placed on the pallet by a robotic arm without the intervention of any operator. Consequently, the adoption of this approach in warehouses could drastically improve the efficiency of the packing process.
Genetic Variation of PD-L1 Gene Affects its Expression and Is Related to Clinical Outcome in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Objective This study aims to investigate the effect of polymorphisms of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on the risk and patient’s outcomes of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods Totally, 568 patients and 532 healthy women were included. Three polymorphisms in the PD-L1 gene, rs2297136, rs4143815 and rs4742098, were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction/ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR). Survival analysis was performed in 234 patients (received primary debulking surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy). Results Patients with the rs2297136 AG + GG genotypes had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio (HR)=1.44, 95% CI=1.03-2.01) and overall survival (OS) (HR=1.55, 95% CI=1.06-2.27) than those with the AA genotype. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of PD-L1 in EOC tissues with the rs2297136 AG + GG genotypes were remarkably higher than those with the AA genotype (P=0.032 and P=0.047, respectively). Survival analysis showed that high expression of PD-L1 mRNA was remarkably associated with worse 10-year PFS (HR=1.55, 95% CI=1.28-1.88) and OS (HR=1.51, 95% CI=1.00-2.28) in EOC patients. Conclusions The rs2297136 may not only effectively influence the expression of PD-L1, but also is significantly associated with EOC patients’ outcomes.
COLOR CONVERSION AND WATER SHED SEGMENTATION FOR RGB IMAGES

In this paper we describes the conversion preserves feature discriminability and reasonable color ordering, while respecting the original lightness of colors, by simple optimization of a nonlinear global mapping. Experimental results show that our method produces convincing results for a variety of color images. The required luminance adjustments are small and always lie within 1% of the mean luminance. Since all adapting lights are of the same luminance, zero luminance adjustments (dashed lines) are predicted for the asymmetric color matches under the hypothesis that adaptation is confined to the L-2M, the S - (L + M) and the L + 2M.The recovery of shape from texture under perspective projection. This is made possible by imposing a notion of homogeneity for the original texture, according it which the deformation gradient is equal to the velocity of the texture gradient equation this work studies a method called Normalized Cut and proposes an image segmentation strategy utilizing two ways to convert images into graphs: Pixel affinity and watershed transform.