Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A RESONANT FEATURE NEAR THE PERSEUS ARM REVEALED BY RED CLUMP STARS

We investigate the extinction, together with the radial velocity (RV) dispersion and distribution of red clump stars in the anticenter direction using spectra obtained with Hectospec on the MMT. We find that extinction peaks at Galactocentric radii of about 9.5 and 12.5 kpc, right in front of the locations of the Perseus and Outer arms and in line with the relative position of dust and stars in external spiral galaxies. The RV dispersion peaks around 10 kpc, which coincides with the location of the Perseus arm, yields an estimated arm–interarm density contrast of 1.3–1.5, and is in agreement with previous studies. Finally, we discover that the RV distribution bifurcates around 10–11 kpc into two peaks at +27 km s−1 and −4 km s−1. This seems to be naturally explained by the presence of the outer Lindblad resonance of the Galactic bar, but further observations will be needed to understand if the corotation resonance of the spirals arms also plays a role.
Observational nuclear astrophysics: neutron-capture element abundances in old, metal-poor stars

The chemical abundances of metal-poor stars provide a great deal of information regarding the individual nucleosynthetic processes that created the observed elements and the overall process of chemical enrichment of the galaxy since the formation of the first stars. Here we review the abundance patterns of the neutron-capture elements (Z ⩾ 38) in those metal-poor stars and our current understanding of the conditions and sites of their production at early times. We also review the relative contributions of these different processes to the build-up of these elements within the galaxy over time, and outline outstanding questions and uncertainties that complicate the interpretation of the abundance patterns observed in metal-poor stars. It is anticipated that future observations of large samples of metal-poor stars will help discriminate between different proposed neutron-capture element production sites and better trace the chemical evolution of the galaxy.
of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society Title Bayesian Speech Production : Evidence from Latency and Hyperarticulation Permalink

Both response latency and phonetic variation reflect competition among alternatives during the speech production process. A review of the literature finds an apparent contradiction in the latency results. In some tasks where latency is measured, similarity between targets and competitors results in slower reaction times. In other tasks, similar competitors appear to facilitate production times relative to non-similar competitors (though a lack of any competition at all results in the shortest response latencies). With respect to phonetic realization, experiments suggest that high levels of competition induced by sufficiently similar competitors result in hyperarticulation of target utterances. We present a Bayesian model of speech production that formalizes the selection and planning of spoken forms as noisy-channel communication among different levels of processing. The model resolves the apparent contradiction found in the latency results, and establishes a novel connection between those results and observed patterns of hyperarticulation.
3D head scanner

The advent of cheap depth cameras such as Microsoft Kinect together with modern reconstruction algorithms implemented for the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) o ers the potential of many new exciting applications. In this thesis, a scanning booth equipped with three Kinect cameras is built, where a user can scan their head and upper body into a high-quality textured 3D model. This is done using a variant of the KinectFusion algorithm, adapted to work with multiple cameras. The system operates in real-time and the reconstructed model is presented within seconds.
Structural Banking Reforms

the financial crisis which began in 2007‐2008 exposed significant weaknesses in the financial system, at both the micro‐prudential and macro‐prudential levels. one of the unique features of this crisis relative to previous banking crises was the central role played by complex financial products – in this case involving exposures to US subprime real estate mortgage securitizations – whose risks were not well understood. the sale of these products to finan‐ cial institutions around the world in the years preceding the crisis meant that the boom and subsequent bust of one segment (subprime) of the real‐estate market in one country (the US) had a global impact.
The effect of inter-channel cross-correlation coefficient on perceived diffuseness

Reproducing diffuse sound fields such as reverberation, audience noise or rain using loudspeakers is an important part of creating surrounding and enveloping spatial audio. This paper presents the results of two listening tests that investigate how the inter-channel correlation between loudspeakers affects the perceived diffuseness. In the first experiment inter-channel cross-correlation coefficient (ICC) was varied for pink noise stimuli reproduced using 4 different loudspeaker layouts and at two listening positions. In a second experiment, 1/3 octave noise stimuli were investigated in a similar manner using variable ICC and two listening positions. The ICC was found to have a large effect on the perceived diffuseness in both experiments and for all frequency bands (125 Hz, 1 kHz and 8 kHz) where correlation between loudspeakers would reduce the perceived diffuseness. Although frequency was found to be a significant factor, the ICC and listener position had larger effects with although moving off-centre only reduced the perceived diffuseness when fewer loudspeakers were used. Off-centre appears more robust to small amounts of correlation between loudspeakers as the loudspeakers signals no longer arrived at the listener at the same time.
Graphene oxide incorporated collagen–fibrin biofilm as a wound dressing material

Functionalized graphene oxide offers many advantages as a biomaterial in various biomedical applications. In the present study, graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated in the collagen–fibrin composite film (CFGO) and used as wound dressing material in both in vitro and in vivo studies. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using NIH 3T3 cells revealed that CFGO film is biocompatible. CFGO was also used as a wound dressing material on the experimental wounds of rats. Histopathological, biochemical and hematology studies have shown that the CFGO treated wounds healed faster than control and CF treated wounds. Based on the results, CFGO can be used as a wound dressing material in small and large animals.
The causal relationship between the flow of domestic credit and changes in net foreign reserves in Lesotho (1980-2000)

The management of external balance has been the major problem of most of the non-oil less developing countries in the last three decades. The empirical literature on this subject has shown that the major cause of balance of payments disequilibrium in the LDCs was the adverse developments in the international economy which included the deterioration in the terms of trade associated with OPEC oil price hikes and high interest rates, increased protectionism and recession in the developed world. However, the IMF has been o f the view that overly expansionary domestic demand policies that created excess demand for imports have been the common cause o f payments deficits This has led to its recommendation of the monetary approach to balance of payments in the LDCs. This study tests the applicability of the monetary approach to balance of payments in Lesotho by concentrating on the casual relationship between the flow o f domestic credit and changes in net foreign reserves. The results show that there was a unidirectional causality between the flow of domestic credit and changes in net foreign reserves in the 1980-2000 period, running from net domestic credit to reserves. The findings are in support of the monetary approach to balance of payments. It therefore follows that given a stable demand for money in Lesotho, the balance of payments disequilibrium can be corrected, at least partly, by appropriate financial programming and monetary targeting. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background In the last three decades following severe deficits in the balance of payments experienced by the majority of non-oil less developed countries, much thought has been given to the adaptation of monetary theory to monetary management, honing techniques of analysis and building up a substantial body of empirical knowledge in the field. The studies neither reject nor accept the monetary approach to the balance of payments. Despite these, however, the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries have increasingly adopted this approach in financial programming especially in the design and implementation of stabilization programmes pursued under the auspices of the International Monetary Fund. Much o f the controversy has been in the prime causes of BOP problems, especially in the developing countries. It is generally agreed in the literature that a major cause of BOP disequilibrium in the LDCs has been the adverse developments in the international economy beyond the control of domestic policy makers. Such developments included deterioration in the terms of trade associated with OPEC oil price hikes and high interest rates, increased protectionism and recessions in western industrial countries (Mwega and Ngola, 1988). In the Southern African region, Lesotho and Zambia were the countries most affected bv these external shocks. The shocks cost each of the two countries an external income equivalent to 0.8% of GDP in the 1980-1990 period (Kusi. 1995). However, the IMF has been of the view that overly expansionary domestic demand policies that created excess
EFFECTS OF L 1 AND L 2 GLOSSES ON INCIDENTAL VOCABULARY LEARNING OF EFL PREP STUDENTS

The role of vocabulary in foreign language learning is crucially important. Along with other techniques, using glosses is a popular vocabulary technique in language learning. The present study focused on text based glosses which is a type of various glosses. This study investigated L1 and L2 gloss effects on incidental vocabulary learning through reading. 44 intermediate level prep EFL learners participated in the study which was conducted at a private University in Konya, Turkey. The students were divided into two groups: L1 gloss and L2 gloss. The students were provided with different texts and a gloss type specially designed for their own group (either L1 or L2 gloss). The students took a pre-test, a post-test, and a delayed post-test. The delayed post-test was taken 3 weeks after the post-test. The scores were gathered from these tests and the data was analyzed using independent samples and paired (dependent) samples T-tests. The students’ scores from production and recognition tests were compared. The results of many comparisons revealed significant differences in favor of L1 gloss group. However, no significant difference was found for L2 gloss group’s scores in paired samples T-test analysis. Findings suggest that using glosses for incidental vocabulary learning is useful for students.
D ec 2 01 7 Locally distinguishable bipartite orthogonal quantum states in a d ⊗ n system

Xiaoqian Zhang, Jian Weng1,∗ Zhichao Zhang, Xiaochun Li, Weiqi Luo, and Xiaoqing Tan 1 Department of Computer Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China. 2 Department of Mathematics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China and 3 State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing 100876, China (Dated: October 5, 2018)
- Heimonen Unemployment benefits , job search activity and mental health – discouraging or buffering effects ?

The modern welfare state forms an important buffer against individual market risks; however this buffer has now become less effective. Changes are being made in labour market policies generally by restricting access to unemployment benefits and by linking benefits to job search activity. Nevertheless, the effects of these changes are in many cases inconsistent and minor. Do unemployment benefits have an impact on job search patterns and are they associated in some way with the risks of mental health problems?
Neck-Shoulder Main Musculature is the Major Cervical Compression Producers during Single-Hand Lifting

Objective: Cervical spine injuries have been associated with work tasks requiring heavy arm and shoulder exertions. Current biomechanical models established to estimate compressive forces acting on the cervical spine do not include the contributions of the muscles surrounding the neck in supporting the shoulder and arm during these exertions. This paper presents a biomechanical analysis of compressive force as a result of single-hand lifting. Method: It was hypothesized that contraction of the three main shared muscles are the major producers of the cervical compression. To test this hypothesis, bilateral Electromyography data of major shared musculature (upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapula) and posture data were collected from twenty subjects preforming lifting of five different weights from twenty different locations produced by the interaction of varying heights, reach distance, and angles simulating the work done by assembly line workers. All lifting tasks were done by the right hand. Analysis of the moment produced by these muscles forces and the head’s mass at the C4/C5 cervical spine intervertebral disc were performed to investigate moment balance. A coordinate system was set on segment at the C4-C5 disc center and the moment was calculated around two axes; the X, which divides the segment into front and back, and around Y, which divides the segment into right and left. Results: A t-test of the summation of moments around each axis was performed and results showed that the moment was balanced. Conclusion: A balance in moment indicates that the shared muscles considered are the major producers of cervical compression during single hand lifting. These findings also demonstrate that any attempt to develop a biomechanical modeling to estimate the cervical compression must include the contribution of hand lifting activities
Metacognitive Control: Children's Short-Term Versus Long-Term Study Strategies

First graders were tested on 2 tasks investigating metacognitive control abilities. In Experiment 1, after studying and making judgments of learning (JOLs) on word-synonym pairs, they could either mass or space each pair's restudy trials. If they chose to mass study, then the pair was presented again immediately. If they chose to space study, then the pair was presented again after a delay, testing a long-term control strategy. Results showed that children's JOLs did not influence study strategy. Furthermore, in general, children chose to mass more often than to space. In Experiment 2, after studying and making JOLs on word-synonym pairs, they could either read the entire pair again or they could generate the target by attempting to retrieve the target synonym when shown only the word. Unlike Experiment 1, both read and generate decisions were carried out in the short term. Also unlike Experiment 1, Experiment 2's results showed that the higher the child's JOL, the more likely they chose generation strategies—showing evidence for short-term metacognitively controlled strategies.
GA-Optimized Compact Broadband CRLH Band-Pass Filter Using Stub-Inserted Interdigital Coupled Lines

The design of a new compact band-pass filter is proposed, which is based on the microstrip composite right- and left-handed transmission-line (CRLH-TL) structure. Particularly, the interdigital coupled (IDC) lines of the CRLH geometry are proposed to be parted by inserting open stubs to meet the specifications on the passband. In addition, there is another pair of stubs to complete the design in a limited space. These are considered in the TL-based analysis and the design parameters are calculated by genetic algorithm optimization. The measurement is shown to be acceptable and agreeable with the circuit and electromagnetic field simulations. In addition, the zerothorder resonance (ZOR) phenomenon is verified.
Best practices for cross-platform virtual reality development

Virtual Reality (VR) simulations have become a major component of the US Military and commercial training. VR is an attractive training method because it is readily available at a lower cost than traditional training methods. This has led to a staggering increase in demand for VR technology and research. To meet this demand, game engines such as Unity3D and Unreal have made substantial efforts to support various forms of VR, including the HTC Vive, smartphone-enabled devices like the GearVR, and with appropriate plugins, even fully-immersive Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVETM) systems. Because of this hardware diversity, there is a need to develop VR applications that can operate on several systems, also known as cross-platform development. The goal in developing applications for all these types of systems is to create a consistent user experience across the devices. It is challenging to maintain this consistent user experience, because many VR devices have fundamental differences. Research has begun to explore ways of developing one application for multiple system. The Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC) developed a VR football “Game Day” simulation that was deployed to three devices: CAVETM, Oculus Rift HMD and a mobile HMD. Development of this application presented many learning opportunities regarding cross-platform development. There is no single approach to achieving consistency across VR systems, but the authors hope to disseminate these best practices in cross-platform VR development through the game day application example. This research will help the US Military develop applications to be deployed across many VR systems.
Implementation of Trapped Personnel Detection and Evacuation Guidance in Indoor Fire Scene Based on Quadrotor UAV

This paper presents a solution to trapped personnel detection and evacuation guidance in indoor fire scene based on quadrotor UAV. Our approach purely relies on UAV's own monocular camera as the main sensor, and therefore UAV can search and rescue in unknown, GPS-denied fire environments. In this paper, an effective method was proposed, which separated the mission into two parts: one was trapped personnel detection by using face detection algorithm, the other one was evacuation guidance, which was actually scale-aware navigation and path planning by using visual SLAM system. Costly computations were carried out on an external laptop that communicated with the quadrotor over wireless. The solution can be used directly with a Parrot AR.Drone quadrotor.
The Socio-Economic Impact of Internet of Things towards Smart Cities

The dynamic, rapidly changing and technology rich digital environment enables the provision of added value applications that exploited a multitude of devices contributing service and information. With the dawn of the Internet of Things (IoT) from the internet as a web service, large numbers of devices (objects) and environment are also becoming smarter and are in the position to interact with one another than ever before. IoT has gained substantial attention over the preceding decades, with the intentions of connecting Billions of sensors to the internet, in order to effectively and efficiently utilise them resourceful for smart cities. [1].
Coral reef cascades and the indirect effects of predator removal by exploitation

Fisheries exploitation provides the opportunity to examine the ecosystem-scale biodiversity consequences of predator removal. We document predatory reef fish densities, coral-eating starfish densities and coral reef structure along a 13-island gradient of subsistence exploitation in Fiji. Along the fishing intensity gradient, predator densities declined by 61% and starfish densities increased by three orders of magnitude. Reefbuilding corals and coralline algae declined by 35% and were replaced by non-reef building taxa (mainly filamentous algae), as a result of starfish predation. Starfish populations exhibited thresholds and Allee-type dynamics: population growth was negative under light fishing intensities and high predator densities, and positive on islands with higher fishing intensities and low predator densities. These results suggest the depletion of functionally important consumer species by exploitation can indirectly influence coral reef ecosystem structure and function at the scale of islands.
Development of High -Z Sensors for Pixel Array Detectors

Hybrid pixel detectors using silicon sensors have been successfully applied to experiments with X-rays, such as protein crystallography at synchrotrons. However, silicon has poor quantum efficiency at higher X-ray energies. To apply this hybrid pixel technology to experiments with harder X-rays, for example in materials science and medical imaging, it is necessary to use alternative semiconductors with higher atomic numbers (“high-Z semiconductors”). Currently, there are a few promising options. Cadmium Telluride offers high quantum efficiency at energies of 100keV and above, and the area and uniformity of the material available is improving. Gallium Arsenide is already available in large, uniform wafers, and new compensation techniques are being developed to overcome problems with its high trap concentration. Germanium is already available in large wafers of very high quality; however, it must be cooled during operation, and pixellation and bump-bonding techniques need to be developed for this material. In collaboration with Canberra, DESY is developing germanium pixel detectors using the Medipix3 readout chip. DESY is also developing large-area Medipix3 detector modules, which will be compatible with a variety of high-Z materials and silicon.
Control of slowly-varying linear systems

State feedback control of slowly varying linear continuous-time and discrete-time systems with bounded coefficient matrices is studied in terms of the frozen-time approach. This study centers on pointwise stabilizable systems. These are systems for which there exists a state feedback gain matrix placing the frozen-time closed-loop eigenvalues to the left of a line Re s=- gamma >
A Retrospective Chart Study of a Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss Approach to Pediatric Obesity: Initial Results from the BOUNCE Program

Background: Childhood obesity rates in the United States have tripled over the past three decades, with roughly a third of children and adolescents currently falling in weight range that would qualify them for a diagnosis of overweight or obesity. The current standard treatment of childhood obesity is lifestyle modification, including diet and exercise, but data suggest that more comprehensive and aggressive approach may be necessary to achieve such success. Findings: A chart review of the first 50 pediatric subjects enrolled in a comprehensive medical weight loss program (BOUNCE) was conducted to establish the initial efficacy of the approach. Participants lost a mean of 14.75 pounds over a mean of 7.53 months of participation. Program drop-outs lost the least weight (mean loss=9.74 lbs. and 1.93 BMI points), with larger improvements observed in current participants (mean loss=18.79 lbs and 3.56 BMI points) and program completers (mean loss=25.83 lbs and 5.13 BMI points). The differences between these groups were significant in terms of BMI (p=0.021). Time in program and greater age at the start of program were significant predictors in linear models of the outcomes. Conclusions: Comprehensive medical weight loss approaches appear to be effective at reducing weight and BMI in a pediatric population, with greater effects seen in older (adolescent) patients. As an alternative to more restricted medical approaches as well as to more invasive and riskier bariatric surgical procedures in pediatric patients, comprehensive medical approaches to weight loss warrant further development and study