Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DESERT PAVEMENTS AND SOILS ON BASALTIC PYROCLASTIC DEPOSITS AT LATHROP WELLS AND RED CONE VOLCANOES, SOUTHERN NEVADA

Formation of desert pavement and accretionary soils are intimately linked in arid environments such as the Mojave Desert. Well-sorted fallout scoria lapilli at Lathrop Wells (75-80 ky) and Red Cone ({approx}1 Ma) volcanoes (southern Nevada) formed an excellent starting material for pavement, allowing infiltration of eolian silt and fine sand that first clogs the pore space of underlying tephra and then aggrades and develops vesicular A (Av) horizons. Variations in original pyroclast sizes provide insight into minimum and maximum clast sizes that promote pavement and soil formation: pavement becomes ineffective when clasts can saltate under the strongest winds, while clasts larger than coarse lapilli are unable to form an interlocking pavement that promotes silt accumulation (necessary for Av development). Contrary to predictions that all pavements above altitudes of {approx}400 m would have been ''reset'' in their development after late Pleistocene vegetation advances (about 15 ka), the soils and pavements show clear differences in maturity between the two volcanoes. This indicates that either the pavement soils develop slowly over many 10,000's of years and then are very stable, or that, if they are disrupted by vegetation advances, subsequent pavements are reestablished with successively more mature characteristics.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Challenge Balancing for Personalised Game Spaces

In this paper we propose an approach for personalising the space in which a game is played (i.e., levels) – to the end of tailoring the experienced challenge to the individual user during actual play of the game. Our approach specifically considers two design challenges, namely implicit user feedback and high risk of user abandonment. We contribute an approach that acknowledges that for effective online game personalisation, one needs to (1) offline learn a policy that is appropriate in expectation across users – to be used for initialising the online game, (2) offline learn a mapping from gameplay observations to the player experience – to be used for guiding the online game personalisation, and (3) rapidly converge to an appropriate policy for the individual user in online gameplay – employing the learned feedback model and a straightforward model of user abandonment. User studies that validate the approach to online game personalisation in the actual video game INFINITE MARIO BROS. indicate that it provides an effective basis for automatically balancing the game’s challenge level to the individual human player.
Yield curve, time varying term premia, and business cycle fluctuations

Using data for U.S. and Canada, we find evidence of the time-varying nature of risk premia, which are obtained as difference between long term interest rates and their expected values. We then apply Kalman filtering to extract the conditional variance of term premia prediction errors; our results highlight that this variable is informative beyond term premia and spreads, and it significantly improves upon prediction capability of standard models. In particular, the conditional variance of term premia, reflecting the high volatility of financial markets, anticipates movements in the output growth. Empirical evidence supports the inverse correlation between term premia and business cycle fluctuations. Data suggest that a deterioration of financial markets conditions, as captured by the increased volatility of term premia, anticipates a decline in the output growth. Therefore, term premia conditional volatility has an adverse effect on the economy.
Antero-Posterior vs. Lateral Vestibular Input Processing in Human Visual Cortex

Visuo-vestibular integration is crucial for locomotion, yet the cortical mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. We combined binaural monopolar galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to characterize the cortical networks activated during antero-posterior and lateral stimulations in humans. We focused on functional areas that selectively respond to egomotion-consistent optic flow patterns: the human middle temporal complex (hMT+), V6, the ventral intraparietal (VIP) area, the cingulate sulcus visual (CSv) area and the posterior insular cortex (PIC). Areas hMT+, CSv, and PIC were equivalently responsive during lateral and antero-posterior GVS while areas VIP and V6 were highly activated during antero-posterior GVS, but remained silent during lateral GVS. Using psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses, we confirmed that a cortical network including areas V6 and VIP is engaged during antero-posterior GVS. Our results suggest that V6 and VIP play a specific role in processing multisensory signals specific to locomotion during navigation.
Earth Dam Monitoring in the Soil Take Care Project

The Cartagena-La Unión mountain range was the focus of an intense mining activity between early XIX and late XX centuries. Most of Spanish national production of lead and zinc was extracted from its mines. During the ore concentration process, contaminated wastes containing heavy metal minerals, cyanides and sulfates were produced and deposited in earth dams. The Spanish National Institute of Geology and Mining had catalogued 75 earth dams in the councils of Cartagena and La Unión. These deposits pose a potential risk for the environment and nearby populations. Without suitable and precautionary measures, contaminated particles can be transported far away due to the wind action and runoff water, and may be incorporated to the food chain. This risk is increase due to the fact that it is a seismically active area, and breakage of these dams can lead to the dumping of thousands of tons of contaminated wastes. The SOIL TAKE CARE Project is an international project co financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Sudoe Cooperation Programme. It aims to improve the management and rehabilitation of contaminated soils in South-Western Europe that includes Spain, Portugal and south of France. The University of Oviedo takes part of that Project by the instrumentation and monitoring of two of those earth dams. Among the work realized so far highlights the perforation of two boreholes and the installation of several sensors. It aims a double objective: to analyze the erosion and infiltration capacity of rainfall into the dams and to detect possible symptoms of slope instability. Although the investigation is still in course, preliminary results shows fast rainfall infiltration into the superficial soil layers, being discharge curves much more extended. This water retention capacity, coupled with the existence of impermeable layers into the dams, could lead to a complete saturation of superficial soil layers and trigger slope instability processes.
91 : 2 Directed Hamiltonicity and Out-Branchings via Generalized Laplacians 1

We are motivated by a tantalizing open question in exact algorithms: can we detect whether an n-vertex directed graph G has a Hamiltonian cycle in time significantly less than 2? We present new randomized algorithms that improve upon several previous works: 1. We show that for any constant 0 < λ < 1 and prime p we can count the Hamiltonian cycles modulo pb(1−λ) n 3p c in expected time less than c for a constant c < 2 that depends only on p and λ. Such an algorithm was previously known only for the case of counting modulo two [Björklund and Husfeldt, FOCS 2013]. 2. We show that we can detect a Hamiltonian cycle in O∗(3n−α(G)) time and polynomial space, where α(G) is the size of the maximum independent set in G. In particular, this yields an O∗(3n/2) time algorithm for bipartite directed graphs, which is faster than the exponential-space algorithm in [Cygan et al., STOC 2013]. Our algorithms are based on the algebraic combinatorics of “incidence assignments” that we can capture through evaluation of determinants of Laplacian-like matrices, inspired by the Matrix–Tree Theorem for directed graphs. In addition to the novel algorithms for directed Hamiltonicity, we use the Matrix–Tree Theorem to derive simple algebraic algorithms for detecting out-branchings. Specifically, we give an O∗(2k)-time randomized algorithm for detecting out-branchings with at least k internal vertices, improving upon the algorithms of [Zehavi, ESA 2015] and [Björklund et al., ICALP 2015]. We also present an algebraic algorithm for the directed k-Leaf problem, based on a non-standard monomial detection problem. 1998 ACM Subject Classification F.2. 2 Nonnumerical Algorithms and Problems, G.2. 1 Combinatorics, G.2. 2 Graph Theory
Therapeutic role of metformin and troglitazone to prevent cancer risk in diabetic patients: evidences from experimental studies

Abstract Objectives It is evident from literature that individual with diabetes mellitus is more prone to develop cancer as compared to non-diabetic one. We aimed to highlight the risk factors that trigger the tumor formation in diabetic individuals and collect evidences regarding the preventive role of anti-diabetics in cancer. Content A comprehensive literature was searched in English language using electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, Scopus and Embase. Summary and outlook Antidiabetic drugs notably metformin and troglitazone, exhibit anticancer effects. Metformin targets energy sensor pathway i. e. , AMPK/mTOR which is controlled by LKB1. Whereas. troglitazone activates PPARϒ that modulate the transcription of insulin responsive gene which is essential for lipid and glucose metabolism. Adipocytes are highly expressed with PPARɣ which induce differentiation and regulate adipogenesis. Ligand-driven expression of PPARɣ in myoblast and fibroblast cell lines produces adipocyte differentiation in breast cancer. Prostate cancer that expresses PPARɣ may be suppressed by troglitazone and retinoid which inhibit their proliferation and initiate differentiation. The findings summarized here show that metformin and troglitazone may have the ability to inhibit the cancer cell proliferation via involvement of molecular pathways. This therapeutic intervention will help to control the progression of cancer in diabetic patients.
The Effect of separated Expansion Chamber Parameters on Exhaust Pressure Oscillations in Single Cylinder Motorcycle Engine

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of separated exhaust expansion chamber parameters on pressure oscillations in spark-ignited internal combustion (IC) gasoline engines. It is known that exhaust expansion chambers are becoming increasingly more popular among both – original equipment (OE) and aftermarket equipment (AE) exhaust system manufacturers for performance-oriented motorcycles equipped with mainly single cylinder engines, but the companies are reluctant to reveal any detailed principles of operation of the mentioned expansion chambers. The subject of this research is the type of expansion chamber (separate) as used on performance-oriented motorcycles, particularly its’ effect on exhaust pressure pulsations as different chamber volumes, locations and passage sizes are tested. Time-dependent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was carried out in Solidworks Flow Simulation environment on a simplified exhaust header pipe model imitating engine operation at full load and steady speed. Honda CRF450R motorcycle engine was used as the example and fully defined using a 1D engine performance calculator software to determine the combustion chamber pressure and exhaust valve lift at any given crankshaft position. Volume flow rate of exhaust gasses at the header pipe inlet was calculated based on engine parameters and operating speed. The average pressure values with respect to physical time were measured and graphed across the header pipe inlet cross-section. Eight different header pipe and exhaust expansion chamber combinations were modelled, tested, and results compared at low, medium and high engine speeds. It was found that the presence of exhaust expansion chamber tends to dampen the amplitude and decrease the frequency of pressure oscillations generated at the opening of the exhaust valve(s). Observations show that the addition of an expansion chamber as per design of performance-oriented motorcycles helps to decrease the negative effect of engine tuning while also dampening the positive effect.
Comparative Analysis of Dividend Payouts by National and International Dividend Companies for the Period 2013-2019

Abstract The author of the article outlined the results of the research on the taxonomy and the specificity of the transfer of profits to shareholders of dividend companies which are components of the WIG, DAX, CAC40 and S&P 500 indexes for the period 2013-2019.The purpose of the article is a critical assessment of the systematic distribution of dividends by domestic and international companies, taking into account the rate of dividend growth, the cumulated rate of dividends and the average rate of return on investments in shares of these companies. The studies carried out included 120 companies listed on the Polish, German, French and American markets (30 companies in each country), which in the period 2013-2019 paid dividends and at the end of 2019 had the highest capitalization in a given index. Then the author analysed for each market only those issuers who paid the dividends without interruption during the period considered (continuously for 7 years).
Web based shopping: The evolution and the global implications: An exploratory analysis from a consumer behavioural viewpoint

The World Wide Web can change human behaviour and human interactions to a very large extent. Web based shopping behaviour is one major example to point out the trends in this direction. This study is of a very exploratory nature and it intends to establish the differences between several web-based shoppers from different parts of the world. Several critical factors associated with online shopping behaviour will be explored. A cross cultural data set will be collected and an illustrative description of the shoppers will be provided. As a final step the cross cultural differences between several shoppers will be explored. One question which will run as a theme through out the course of this paper is, o³¦Will the traditional consumer behaviour theory and research be altered by the advent of web based shopping? o³¦
Influence of substrate temperature on the structural and optical properties of crystalline ZnO films obtained by pulsed spray pyrolysis

In this work, we report on the structural and optical properties of ZnO films deposited by pulsed spray pyrolysis at relatively low temperatures, compatible with a large variety of substrates and processing technologies. Crystalline ZnO films were deposited onto glass substrates using zinc acetate dihydrate dissolved in distilled water with concentration of 0.2 M. The temperature of the substrate was varied in the range Ts = 473–673 K with ΔТ = 50 K. Effect of Ts were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive x‐ray, and optical spectroscopies. Also, the influence of Ts on the grain size, phase composition, texture quality, coherent scattering domain size, crystal lattice parameters, chemical composition, transmission coefficient, and the bang gap of the ZnO films were studied. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that films were polycrystalline with hexagonal phase and showed as preferential orientation (101) at Ts < 573 K and (100) and (002) at Ts > 573 K. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements showed that the substrate temperature has a strong effect on morphology of the films. Energy dispersive analysis revealed that ZnO films consisted of the non‐stoichiometric compounds. Optical measurements showed ZnO films to be highly transparent in the visible region, and optical band gap is shifting from 3.18 eV to 3.30 eV. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Tailor-made Data Quality Approach for Higher Educational Data

Abstract Purpose This paper relates the definition of data quality procedures for knowledge organizations such as Higher Education Institutions. The main purpose is to present the flexible approach developed for monitoring the data quality of the European Tertiary Education Register (ETER) database, illustrating its functioning and highlighting the main challenges that still have to be faced in this domain. Design/methodology/approach The proposed data quality methodology is based on two kinds of checks, one to assess the consistency of cross-sectional data and the other to evaluate the stability of multiannual data. This methodology has an operational and empirical orientation. This means that the proposed checks do not assume any theoretical distribution for the determination of the threshold parameters that identify potential outliers, inconsistencies, and errors in the data. Findings We show that the proposed cross-sectional checks and multiannual checks are helpful to identify outliers, extreme observations and to detect ontological inconsistencies not described in the available meta-data. For this reason, they may be a useful complement to integrate the processing of the available information. Research limitations The coverage of the study is limited to European Higher Education Institutions. The cross-sectional and multiannual checks are not yet completely integrated. Practical implications The consideration of the quality of the available data and information is important to enhance data quality-aware empirical investigations, highlighting problems, and areas where to invest for improving the coverage and interoperability of data in future data collection initiatives. Originality/value The data-driven quality checks proposed in this paper may be useful as a reference for building and monitoring the data quality of new databases or of existing databases available for other countries or systems characterized by high heterogeneity and complexity of the units of analysis without relying on pre-specified theoretical distributions.
Insulin receptor Thr 1160 phosphorylation mediates lipid-induced hepatic insulin resistance

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), but whether NAFLD plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of T2D is uncertain. One proposed mechanism linking NAFLD to hepatic insulin resistance involves diacylglycerol-mediated (DAG-mediated) activation of protein kinase C-e (PKCe) and the consequent inhibition of insulin receptor (INSR) kinase activity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PKCe inhibition of INSR kinase activity is unknown. Here, we used mass spectrometry to identify the phosphorylation site Thr1160 as a PKCe substrate in the functionally critical INSR kinase activation loop. We hypothesized that Thr1160 phosphorylation impairs INSR kinase activity by destabilizing the active configuration of the INSR kinase, and our results confirmed this prediction by demonstrating severely impaired INSR kinase activity in phosphomimetic T1160E mutants. Conversely, the INSR T1160A mutant was not inhibited by PKCe in vitro. Furthermore, mice with a threonine-to-alanine mutation at the homologous residue Thr1150 (InsrT1150A mice) were protected from high fat diet–induced hepatic insulin resistance. InsrT1150A mice also displayed increased insulin signaling, suppression of hepatic glucose production, and increased hepatic glycogen synthesis compared with WT controls during hyperinsulinemic clamp studies. These data reveal a critical pathophysiological role for INSR Thr1160 phosphorylation and provide further mechanistic links between PKCe and INSR in mediating NAFLD-induced hepatic insulin resistance. Research Article Hepatology Metabolism
Are Religious Believers Irrational: A Direct Test from an Efficient Market Hypothesis

Abstract The current literature does not offer a quantitative test of the irrational behaviour of people, especially taking a proxy for irrationality with reference to an economic activity. This paper examines the role of religious believers in carrying out economic activities. The form of stock market efficiency has been taken as a proxy for testing the null hypothesis that religious believers are irrational on average. The findings suggest that equity markets in religious countries are inefficient at ‘weak form’ level. This provides prima facie evidence for the hypothesis that religious believers are irrational on average. As such, the equity price changes of these stock markets can be forecast on the basis of past patterns. Poor income level and education are the main causes for developing irrationality. As these irrationalities cost economies, the policymakers should design and implement more robust policies and guidelines for poverty alleviation and the enrichment of education at country level.
Erich Fromm's Views on Psychoanalytic “Technique”

Paper presented at the Symposium „Erich Fromm: Vita e Opera“, that took place on May, 12. -15, 1988 in Locarno. An English translation was published under the title „Erich Fromm’s Views on Psychoanalytic ‘Technique’“ in Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Vol. 25, No. 2 (April 1989). A German translation was published under the title „Erich Fromms Ansichten zur psychoanalytischen 'Technik',“ in: Wissenschaft vom Menschen Science of Man. Jahrbuch der Internationalen ErichFromm-Gesellschaft, Munster (LIT Verlag), Vol. 1 (1990), pp. 85-107. A modiefied italian version was published unter the title „Le idee di Erich Fromm sulla ‘tecnica’ psicoanalitica“ in Psicoterapia e scienza umane, Volume 23, No. 3 (1989). Publication of the original paper in: Fromm Forum (English edition), Tubingen (Selbstverlag), No. 11 (2007), pp. 5-13.
Pore-scale gas–water flow in rock: Visualization experiment and simulation

Abstract The characteristics of pore-scale two-phase flow are of significance to the effective development of oil and gas resources, and visualization has gradually become one of the hot spots in the research of pore-scale two-phase flow. Based on the pore structure of rock, this research proposed a microscopic glass etching displacement experiment and a Navier–Stokes equation based finite element simulation to study the pore-scale gas–water two-phase flow. Then, this research conducted the proposed methods on the type I, type II and type III tight sandstone reservoirs in the Penglaizhen Formation of western Sichuan Basin, China. Results show that the outcomes of both the microscopic glass etching displacement experiment and the finite element simulation are by and large consistent. The water distributed in the large pores is displaced, and the trapped water mainly exists in the area induced by flow around high-permeability pores, perpendicular pores and disconnected ends of pores. The microscopic glass etching displacement experiment is conducive to better observing the phenomenon of a viscous finger-like breakthrough and air jumps in migration flows in narrow throats, while the finite element simulation has the advantages of cost effectiveness, easy operation and strong experimental reproducibility.
Patient Care Approach Using Nursing Theories - Comparative Analysis of Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory and Henderson’s Model

Abstract Nursing theories have been developed to provide guidance in clinical practice, so their knowledge by nurses is mandatory in order to provide advanced nursing care. This paper presents the relationships between the concepts and major assumptions of Henderson’s model and Orem’s theory and then their comparative analysis. Both, Henderson’s model and Orem’s theory of self-care deficit have a major impact, internationally, in education and research, but also in nursing practice, as a result of which their knowledge can open a new perspective on care, especially in countries where they are not well enough known.