Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating Private Equity Returns from Limited Partner Cash Flows

We introduce a methodology to estimate the historical time series of returns to investment in private equity. The approach requires only an unbalanced panel of cash contributions and distributions accruing to limited partners, and is robust to sparse data. We decompose private equity returns into a component due to traded factors and a time-varying private equity premium. We find strong cyclicality in the premium component that differs according to fund type. The time-series estimates allow us to directly test theories about private equity cyclicality, and we find evidence in favor of the Kaplan and Stromberg (2009) hypothesis that capital market segmentation helps to determine the private equity premium.
Genetic associations in the detection of QTLs for wheat spike‐related traits

The objective of this work was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of wheat genotypes, to detect significant and stable genetic associations, as well as to evaluate the efficiency of statistical models to identify chromosome regions responsible for the expression of spike‐related traits. Eight important spike characteristics were measured during five growing seasons in Serbia. A set of 30 microsatellite markers positioned near important agronomic loci was used to evaluate genetic diversity, resulting in a total of 349 alleles. The marker‐trait associations were analyzed using the general linear and mixed linear models. The results obtained for number of allelic variants per locus (11.5), average polymorphic information content value (0.68), and average gene diversity (0.722) showed that the exceptional level of polymorphism in the genotypes is the main requirement for association studies. The population structure estimated by model‐based clustering distributed the genotypes into six subpopulations according to log probability of data. Significant and stable associations were detected on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 2B, 2D, and 6D, which explained from 4.7 to 40.7% of total phenotypic variations. The general linear model identified a significantly larger number of marker‐trait associations (192) than the mixed linear model (76). The mixed linear model identified nine markers associated to six traits.
Thrust Evaluation of Small-Scale Magnetic Sail Spacecraft by Three-Dimensional Particle-in-Cell Simulation

A magnetic sail is a spacecraft propulsion system that generates an artificial magnetosphere to block solar wind particles and uses the imparted momentum to accelerate a spacecraft. In the present study, three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations were conducted on small-scale magnetospheres to investigate the thrust characteristics of small-scale magnetic sails. The results show that electron Larmor motion and charge separation become significant in small-scale magnetospheres, and that the thrust of the magnetic sail is affected by the cross-sectional area of the charge-separated plasma cavity. Empirical formulas for the thrust are obtained by changing spacecraft design and solar wind parameters. These equations show that the thrust of a small-scale magnetic sail is approximately proportional to magnetic moment, solar wind density, and solar wind velocity. The empirical formulas enable determination of the trajectory of the spacecraft and performance of a mission analysis.
The angular momentum of isolated white dwarfs

This is a very brief report on an ongoing program aimed at mapping the internal rotation profiles of stars through asteroseismology. Three years ago, we developed and applied successfully a new technique to the pulsating GW Vir white dwarf PG 1159−035, and were able to infer that it rotates very slowly and rigidly over some 99% of its mass. We applied the same approach to the three other GW Vir pulsators with available rotational splitting data, and found similar results. We discuss the implications of these findings on the question of the angular momentum of white dwarfs resulting from single star evolution.
Palaeomagnetism of Eocene Talerua Member lavas on Hareoen, West Greenland

The results of a paleomagnetic sampling carried out along two vertical profiles (altogether 19 lava flows, 126 samples) covering the entire stratigraphy of the Talerua Member lavas (similar to 39 Myr old) that outcrop on the island Hareoen are presented and represent some of the youngest volcanism in the West Greenland flood volcanic province. Rock magnetic experiments and microprobe analysis demonstrate that the dominant magnetic mineral in all Studied lavas is titanomagnetite that has experienced variable amounts of high temperature cleuteric oxidation as well as low temperature hydrothermal oxidation. Based on detailed demagnetization experiments, well-defined palaeomagnetic site-mean directions were isolated from all 19 lavas. The composite profile contains two magnetic polarity zones suggesting a maximum duration of Talerua Member volcanism of -1.4 Ma. After grouping flows having the same remanent magnetic field direction, 13 individual readings of the palaeomagnetic fields were obtained. The palaeomagnetic pole with coordinates 76.3 degrees N, 201.5 degrees E (A95=7.4 degrees, K=32.7, N=13) is in good accordance with paleomagnetic poles from other continents rotated back to Greenland using plate kinematic rotation poles. (Less)
Impact of Surface Flux Formulations and Geostrophic Forcing on Large-Eddy Simulations of Diurnal Atmospheric Boundary Layer Flow

Theimpact ofsurfacefluxboundaryconditionsandgeostrophic forcingon multidayevolutionofflow in the atmospheric boundarylayer (ABL) was assessed using large-eddy simulations (LES). The LES investigations included several combinations of surface boundary conditions (temperature and heat flux) and geostrophic forcing (constant, time varying, time and height varying). The setup was based on ABL characteristics observedduringaselectedperiodoftheCooperativeAtmosphere‐SurfaceExchangeStudy—1999(CASES-99) campaign. The LES cases driven by a constant geostrophic wind achieved the best agreement with the CASES-99 observations specifically in terms of daytime surface fluxes and daytime and nighttime profiles. However, the nighttime fluxes were significantly overestimated. The LES cases with the surface temperature boundary condition and driven by a time- and height-varying geostrophic forcing showed improved agreement with the observed nighttime fluxes, but there was less agreement with other observations (e.g., daytime profiles). In terms of the surface boundary condition, the LES cases driven by either surface temperature or heat fluxes produced similar trends in terms of the daytime profiles and comparisons with data from soundings. However, in reproducing the fluxes and nighttime profiles, the agreement was better with imposed temperature because of its ability to interact dynamically with the air temperature field. Therefore, it is concludedthatsurfacetemperatureboundaryconditionisbettersuitedforsimulationsoftemporallyevolving ABL flow as in the diurnal evolution of the ABL.
Multi-Radio Mobile Device : Evaluation of Hybrid Node Between WiFi and LTE Networks

With the ubiquitous wireless network coverage, Machine-Type Communications (MTC) is emerging to enable data transfers using devices / sensors without need for human interaction. In this paper we introduce a comprehensive simulation scenario for modeling and analysis heterogeneous MTC. We demonstrate the most expected scenario of MTC communication using the IEEE 802.11 standard for direct communication between sensors and for transmitting data between individual sensor and Machine-Type Communication Gateway (MTCG). The MTCG represents the hybrid node serving as a bridge between two heterogeneous networks (WiFi and LTE). Following the idea of hybrid node, two active interfaces must be implemented on this node together with mechanism for handling the incoming traffic (from WiFi network) to LTE network. As a simulation tool, the Network Simulator 3 (NS-3) with implemented LTE/EPC Network Simulator (LENA) framework was used. The major contribution of this paper therefore lies in the implementation of logic for interconnection of two heterogeneous networks in simulation environment NS-3. Keywords—LTE, MTC Communication, MTCG, Network Simulator 3, WiFi.
Holocene palynology and palaeovegetation of tephra-bearing mires at Papamoa and Waihi Beach , western Bay of Plenty , North Island , New Zealand

The vegetation history of two mires associated with Holocene dunes near the western Bay of Plenty coast, North Island, New Zealand, is deduced from pollen analysis of two cores. Correlation of airfall tephra layers in the peats, and radiocarbon dates, indicate that the mires at Papamoa and Waihi Beach are c. 4600 and c. 2900 conventional radiocarbon years old, respectively. Tephras used to constrain the chronology of the pollen record include Rotomahana (1886 AD), Kaharoa (700 yr B.P.), Taupo (Unit Y; 1850 yr B.P.), Whakaipo (Unit V; 2700 yr B.P.), Stent (Unit Q; 4000 yr B.P.), Hinemaiaia (Unit K; 4600 yr B.P.), and reworked Whakatane (c. 4800 yr B.P.) at Papamoa, and Kaharoa and Taupo at Waihi Beach. Peat accumulation rates at Papamoa from 4600 1850 yr B.P. range from 0.94 to 2.64 mm/yr (mean 1.37 mm/yr). At Waihi Beach, from 2900 yr B.P. present day, they range from 0.11 to 0.21 mm/yr (mean 0.20 mm/yr). Peat accumulation at both sites was slowest from 1850 to 700 yr B.P., suggesting a drier overall climate during this interval. At both sites, the earliest organic sediments, which are underlain by marine or estuarine sands, yield pollen spectra indicating salt marsh or estuarine environments. Coastal vegetation communities declined at both sites, as sea level gradually fell or the coast prograded, and were eventually superseded by a low moor bog at Papamoa, and a mesotrophic swamp forest at Waihi Beach. These differences, and the marked variation in peat accumulation rates, probably reflect local hydrology and are unlikely to have been climatically controlled. The main regional vegetation during this period was mixed northern conifer-angiosperm forest. Kauri (Agathis australis) formed a minor component of these forests, but populations of this tree have apparently not expanded during the late Holocene at these sites, which are near its present southern limit. Occasional shortlived forest disturbances are detectable in these records, in particular immediately following the deposition of Taupo Tephra. However, evidence for forest clearance during the human era is blurred by the downward dislocation of modern adventi ve pollen at these sites, preventing the clear differentiation of the Polynesian and European eras.
Simulation assisted design of inductors in power electronics systems

Inductors are main components in power electronics systems, e.g. switching mode power supplies used in grid-connected inverters for photovoltaic systems. Inductive components mainly contribute to losses, therefore there is a big potential to increase the overall efficiency. In addition to the electric requirements due to the system architecture, energy effciency and thermal behavior are the main aspects for an optimal inductor design. To achieve this it requires an accurate prediction of the occurring electromagnetical and thermal effects and their mutual interactions. The design procedure is a rather complex task and the result is highly dependent on the experience of the design engineer. To reduce the time to market and in order to standardize the design process, a computer aided design tool was developed. The aim is an accurately and fast prediction of the inductors physical behavior and the optimization of all significant design parameters.
Gauge- and Galilei-invariant Geometric Phases

Neither geometric phases nor differences in geometric phases are generally invariant under time-dependent unitary transformations (unlike differences in total phases), in particular under local gauge transformations and Galilei transformations. (This was pointed out originally by Aharonov and Anandan, and in the case of Galilei transformations has recently been shown explicitly by Sjoeqvist, Brown and Carlsen.) In this paper, I introduce a phase, related to the standard geometric phase, for which phase differences are both gauge- and Galilei-invariant, and, indeed, invariant under transformations to linearly accelerated coordinate systems. I discuss in what sense this phase can also be viewed as geometric, what its relation is to earlier proposals for making geometric phases invariant under gauge or Galilei transformations, and what is its classical analogue. I finally apply this invariant phase to Berry's derivation of the Aharonov-Bohm effect.
A comparison of the impacts of introduced signal crayfish and native noble crayfish in boreal lake ecosystems

Ercoli, Fabio A comparison of the impacts of introduced signal crayfish and native noble crayfish in boreal lake ecosystems Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2014, 34 p. (Jyväskylä Studies in Biological and Environmental Science ISSN 1456-9701; 293) ISBN 978-951-39-5924-1 (nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-5925-8 (PDF) Yhteenveto: Vieraslaji täpläravun ja alkuperäisen jokiravun ekologisten vaikutusten vertailu boreaalisissa järvissä Diss. The North American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana) has been widely introduced in Europe where the species outcompetes the native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus L.) and threatens native communities. There is still controversy over whether o r n o t the two crayfish species occupy similar ecological roles in lake ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of signal and noble crayfish on lake littoral communities at the whole-lake scale. The study was conducted in the central part of Finland where 8 lakes containing signal crayfish, 8 lakes containing noble crayfish and 8 lakes without any crayfish were selected. In addition, three different sites (with no-crayfish, w i t h crayfish established, and w i t h crayfish newly introduced) were chosen in the large Lake Päijänne, where the temporal effects of signal crayfish on littoral communities were investigated over 5 years. Stable isotope results indicated that signal crayfish exhibited a wider trophic niche width than noble crayfish at species level, b u t n o t at the level of within-lake populations. Moreover, the two species appeared to exploit approximately the same food sources in the same proportions. The results indicate that the two species affected macroinvertebrate abundance, species richness and community composition, similarly in the littoral habitat, but differently in the sublittoral habitats, where the invasive species exhibited stronger negative impacts than the native species. The t e m p o r a l effects on the littoral macroinvertebrate community appeared fairly stable. However, the presence of s i g n a l crayfish was associated with a generally decreased macroinvertebrate species richness as well as snail abundance and richness. Results suggest that impacts of crayfish on lake communities are habitatand species-specific. The results improve understanding of the potential ecological effects of signal and noble crayfish, and contribute to the scientific basis for their management.
Requirements for a monitoring sensor system to protect patients from vital threat

Introduction. Insufficient frequency of measurements of vital signs causes too late detection of clinical deterioration which can lead to vital threat. The purpose of the monitoring sensor system is to prevent clinical deterioration by monitoring patients after high-risk gastrointestinal surgery and detecting complications early. The objective of the study is to determine requirements for a monitoring sensor system which is able to detect complications early to prevent vital threat. Methods. This study was mainly done by research in literature. Next to this, nurses and doctors were interviewed and an experiment was done. Results. In the majority of complications after colon resection and esophagectomy, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature change at first and the most. It is still unclear how the vital parameters change during the development of the complications. The experiments showed that activity highly influences the vital parameters and that there is a wide variation between persons. Conclusion. Before the monitoring sensor system can be developed and used in the hospital, the system needs all the requirements that were found. This study can be used as an overview for the development of a monitoring sensor system to prevent vital threat.
a Multi-Resolution Fusion Model Incorporating Color and Elevation for Semantic Segmentation

Abstract. In recent years, the developments for Fully Convolutional Networks (FCN) have led to great improvements for semantic segmentation in various applications including fused remote sensing data. There is, however, a lack of an in-depth study inside FCN models which would lead to an understanding of the contribution of individual layers to specific classes and their sensitivity to different types of input data. In this paper, we address this problem and propose a fusion model incorporating infrared imagery and Digital Surface Models (DSM) for semantic segmentation. The goal is to utilize heterogeneous data more accurately and effectively in a single model instead of to assemble multiple models. First, the contribution and sensitivity of layers concerning the given classes are quantified by means of their recall in FCN. The contribution of different modalities on the pixel-wise prediction is then analyzed based on visualization. Finally, an optimized scheme for the fusion of layers with color and elevation information into a single FCN model is derived based on the analysis. Experiments are performed on the ISPRS Vaihingen 2D Semantic Labeling dataset. Comprehensive evaluations demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach.
Drying and Deposition of Picolitre Droplets of Colloidal Suspensions in Binary Solvent Mixtures

Picolitre droplets of colloidal suspensions in a mixture of two solvents are emitted by a drop-on-demand ink jet print head onto coated and uncoated glass substrates. The evaporation rate and internal flows inside the drying droplets are investigated and the deposit pattern formed is related to the drying dynamics. High-speed imaging of the droplet profile from the side al- lows the droplet diameter, height, contact angle and volume to be measured during evaporation. The internal flows throughout dry- ing are visualized by following tracer particles within the fluid with an inverted microscope. The resulting deposits at higher solid content are imaged by scanning electron microscopy in or- der to relate the morphology and fine structure to the internal flows within the droplet. The evaporation of binary solvent mixtures can cause a gra- dient in the surface tension at the liquid-air interface, resulting in a Marangoni flow. The ratio of solvent composition and the surface tension of the more volatile solvent relative to the less volatile solvent is varied, to manipulate the direction and mag- nitude of any introduced Marangoni flow. Pure solvent droplets are compared to mixed binary solvent systems, to determine the importance of Marangoni flows on the morphology of the final deposit.
Single Crystal CaS:Eu and SrS:Eu Luminescent Particles Obtained by Solvothermal Synthesis

Single crystal CaS:Eu and SrS:Eu luminescent particles were synthesized via a solvothermal route at relatively low temperature (200°C). The as-obtained suspensions were strongly photoluminescent (PL), pointing at good Eu incorporation. The phosphors showed a broad PL emission band with an emission peak at 663 and 623 nm for CaS:Eu and SrS:Eu, respectively. The synthesis method meets the growing interest in small monodisperse particles. The composition and morphology of the particles was evaluated with transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray and electron backscatter diffraction, particles were found to be mostly monocrystalline. X-ray diffraction showed a cubic structure with space group Fm3m. To control the growth of the crystallites, thioglycerol was added as capping agent, narrowing the size distribution and facilitating the growth of the single crystals.
Smashing Tissue Extraction and GC Analysis of Active Fatty Acids from Oil Cake of Perilla Seeds

Objective To optimize the extraction technology of perilla seeds oil from the oil cake of perilla seeds (OCPS) by using the contents of active fatty acids as evaluation standard. Methods The fatty acids were extracted from OCPS, the residue of perilla seeds after cold-press, by smashing tissue extraction (STE), the new technology selected through comparing with classical leaching extraction (LE), Soxhlet extraction (SE), ultrasonic extraction (UE), and supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction (SFE). For optimized condition of STE, orthogonal test was designed and completed. The contents of five fatty acids in extracted oil and OCPS were determined by GC. Results The optimized extraction parameters were smashing for 1.5 min under extraction power of 150 W and 1:6 of the material/solvent ratio. The contents of five fatty acids in the oils extracted by five techniques from OCPS and determined by GC were as follows: α-linolenic acid (41.12%-51.81%), linoleic acid (15.38%-16.43%), oleic acid (18.93%-27.28%), stearic acid (2.56%-4.01%), and palmitic acid (7.38%-10.77%). Conclusion The results show that STE is the most efficient technology with the highest yield (LE: 0.57%; SE: 1.03%; UE: 0.61%; SFE: 0.80%; STE: 1.17%) and shortest time (LE: 720 min; SE: 360 min; UE: 30 min; SFE: 120 min; STE: 1.5 min) among five tested extraction technologies. It is first reported using STE to extract herbal oil enriched with active fatty acids.
Multi-Objective Optimization Using LS-OPT

Summary: Most engineering optimization problems have more than one objective. Often t hese objectives conflict such that no single solution can be considered optimum with respect to all objectives. Then , the optimum to this problem is a set of solutions known as Pareto optimal set. Traditionally, multi-objective optimization problems are solved by converting the problem into a single-objective optimization problem via, a weighted-sum strategy (combine multiple objectives using designer-specified weights) or introducing constraints on all-but-one objectives ( e-constraint strategy). The advantages and disadvantages of such methods are well-documented. However, the most prominent drawback of these methods is that the solution to each optimization problem results into a single optimum without any information about the trade-offs among different objectives. In last few years, there have been significant efforts in developing methods to simultaneously identify many Pareto optimal solutions. Multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) have been among the most suc cessful methods for identifying Pareto optimal fronts. Nevertheless, the applications of such methods for real-world problems, particularly in the area of automobile crash analysis, have been limited. We present one such effort in this area. We implement and utilize a popular MOEA, elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). The implementation is validated with three benchmark analytical problems and then a simplified multi-disciplinary car crash worthiness optimization problem that aims to simultaneously minimize HIC and intrusion while constraining the torsional mode frequency was solved.