Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of the self-steepening effect on soliton spectral tunneling in PCF with three zero dispersion wavelengths

This work presents a numerical investigation of the self-steepening (SS) effect on the soliton spectral tunneling (SST) effect in a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with three zero dispersion wavelengths. Interestingly, the spectral range and flatness can be flexibly tuned by adjusting the SS value. When the SS coefficient increases, the energy between solitons and dispersion waves is redistributed, and the red-shifted soliton forms earlier in the region of long wavelength anomalous dispersion. As a consequence, the SST becomes more obvious. The findings of this work provide interesting insights in regard to the impact of the SST effect on tailored supercontinuum generation.
Taking travel journalism seriously: Suggestions for scientific inquiry into a neglected genre

The practice of travel journalism is still largely neglected as a field of inquiry for communication and journalism scholars, despite the fact that news media are increasingly focussing on softer news. Lifestyle sections of newspapers, for example, have been growing in size over the past few decades, and given corresponding cutbacks in international news reporting, particularly travel journalism is now playing a growing role in the representation of ‘the Other’. While this need for research into the field has been identified before, very little actual investigation of travel journalism has been forthcoming. This paper reviews the current state of research by reviewing what studies have been conducted into the production, content and reception of travel journalism. It argues that while there does now exist a very small number of studies, these have often been conducted in isolation and with significant limitations, and much remains to be done to sufficiently explore this sub-field of journalism. By analysing what we do know about travel journalism, the paper suggests a number of possibilities in each area on how we can advance this knowledge. Above all, it contends that dated prejudices against the field have to be put to the side, and the practice of travel journalism needs to be taken seriously in order to do its growing importance justice. ; ;
Mobbing behaviour: reciprocity‐based co‐operation in breeding Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca

Recent non-experimental evidence suggests that reciprocal altruism may be more common in nature than was previously thought. Here we present experimental evidence for mobbing behaviour as reciprocal altruism in breeding Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca , a small migratory passerine. Pied Flycatchers attended mobs initiated by their co-operating neighbours. However, they did not join in mobbing initiated by their conspecific neighbours when not assisted in the test an hour before. The results suggest that birds followed a ‘tit-for-tatlike’ strategy and that responses of neighbouring Flycatchers may be related to reciprocal
Ultrafast nonlinear optics in gas-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fibers [Invited]

We review the use of hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) in the field of ultrafast gas-based nonlinear optics, including recent experiments, numerical modeling, and a discussion of future prospects. Concentrating on broadband guiding kagome-style hollow-core PCF, we describe its potential for moving conventional nonlinear fiber optics both into extreme regimes—such as few-cycle pulse compression and efficient deep ultraviolet wavelength generation—and into regimes hitherto inaccessible, such as single-mode guidance in a photoionized plasma and high-harmonic generation in fiber.
Use of Noninvasive Cerclage in Combination of Micronized Progesterone in Miscarriage Of Multifetal Pregnancy

We represent the results of the combined method of treatment and prevention of miscarriage in women with a multiple pregnancy and a high risk of the threat of termination the pregnancy because of using the obstetric unloading pessaries, combined with micronized progesterone. The efficiency of this method of treatment is evidenced by the rapid elimination of clinical symptoms of threatened abortion, accelerating the regression of ultrasound markers, reducing the number of complications in of pregnant women and reducing the time of their stay in hospital.Goal: To evaluate the effectiveness of the handling the obstetric pessary in combination with micronized progesterone at women with multifetal pregnancy and a high risk of miscarriage.Materials and methods. We analyzed 120 cases of multifetal pregnancies with signs of miscarriage within the terms from 16 to 28 weeks. The first group of the examined women was: 40 pregnant women with twins and signs of miscarriage, who in the scheme of treatment and prophylactic measures were offered to use the unloading obstetric pessaries in combination with continuous therapy by natural micronized progesterone until 36 weeks of pregnancy. The second group included 40 pregnant women with twins, who were laid seam on the cervix because of istmicocervical insufficiency and were applied short-term courses of therapy by gestagens. The control group comprised 40 pregnant women with twins at the age of 16-28 weeks of pregnancy who were conducted the therapy about the threat of miscarriage according to the current clinical protocols (Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 624). It was carried out the analysis of the course of pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and the state of neonatal adaptation in the surveyed groups.Results of the research and their discussion. In the first group, urgent childbirth occurred in 34 (85%) cases, in group II in 29 (72.5%) cases, in control group – in 25 (62.5%) cases. Cesarean delivery was performed in 7 (17.5%) patients of group I pregnant women, in 9 (22.5%) of group II patients and in 11 (27.5%) in the pregnant group. When studying the state of neonatal adaptation of newborns in the examined groups, the following results were obtained. The average weight of the newborns in group I was 3245 ±280 g, in group II 2865 ±365 g, in the control group - 2975 ±325 g (p>0.05). The evaluation of the state of newborns on the Apgar scale, respectively at the 1st and 5th minutes, was respectively: in newborns of the I group, 7.5 ± 1.4 and 8.4 ± 1.3 points, in group II - 7.3 ± 1.6 and 8.2 ± 1.1 points, in the control group – 7.2 ± 1.6 and 8.6 ± 1.2 (р 1-р 2> 0.05). Conclusions. Comprehensive prophylaxis of non-pregnancy in multiple pregnancies, combining the use of a traumatic cardiac cervix with the help of unloading obstetric pussies with progesterone preparations, allows prolonging pregnancy, preventing the development of prematurity, contributes to the improvement of perinatal indicators.
Multi robot fastSLAM

Robotic mapping has been an active research area in robotics for last two decades. An accurate map is a mandatory requirement for a robot to work autonomously. In addition the robot requires to know its position with respect to a given map and this is solved through robot localization. The problem of solving both map building and robot localization is addressed by simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). A large volume of literature is available to solve the SLAM problem using a single robot. A robot will take a series of sensor readings about an unexplored area and then continues to build the map while knowing its position reference to partially built map. However, when an area becomes larger multi-robot SLAM is more efficient and also has the advantage of sharing the computational burden among several robots. Solving SLAM problem using multiple robot is important when there is large terrain to map and perhaps it will beyond the capability of single robot. Even if it is within the capability of single robot, such a deployment will not be cost and time effective. Therefore this research focuses on developing a multi-robot SLAM filter based on Fast SLAM algorithm. -- Single Pioneer 3AT robot was deployed to collect odometry and sensor readings. Grid based fastSLAM algorithm is implemented on MATLAB program code for offline processing and successfully generated the map of the environment. The data set obtained from single robot was divided into two data sets and they were treated as if they were obtained from two different robots. Single robot grid based fastSLAM algorithm was applied to both of the data sets and obtained two maps. Two maps were merged using Hough transform based map merging technique. Maps obtained from single robot SLAM and multi-robot SLAM is compared and multi-robot SLAM algorithm provides maps as same accuracy as single robot SLAM.
MODEL OF PRODUCT DESIGN INTEGRATION WITH THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL NETWORK

Abstract. The effect of social networking on business marketing strategies becomes inevitable. Taking a step backward, we seek to combine and analyze such effects on new product development and then propose a model for designing product deployment through social networks. We construct a share of choice problem (Kohli and Krishnamurti, 1987), which is a combinatorial optimization problem used generally as one method to analyze conjoint analysis data by marketers to identify products with the largest market share and show how to combine social network effects in a share of choice problem. Keywords: Social Networks, Genetic Algorithm, Marketing.
Feeding Habits and Habitat Use in Bothrops pubescens (Viperidae, Crotalinae) from Southern Brazil

Abstract Bothrops pubescens is a member of the neuwiedi complex that occurs in southern Brazil and Uruguay. We studied the ecology of B. pubescens from a field site (at Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil) and based on preserved specimens from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. In Santa Maria, individuals were collected during visual encounter surveys (VES), in pitfall traps with drift fences and during incidental encounters. Most snakes found in the field were on the ground, mainly on leaf litter, in mosaics of light and shadow or in completely shaded areas. In disturbed areas, snakes were usually associated with country houses and agricultural fields. Snakes were found much more frequently in forests and forest edges than in open habitats. The diet of B. pubescens comprised small mammals (56.2% of individual prey found), anurans (21.2%), lizards (7.5%), snakes (7.5%), birds (5.0%), and centipedes (2.5%). Prey predator mass ratios ranged from 0.002–0.627, and larger snakes tended to consume larger prey. Bothrops pubescens seems to be able to survive in disturbed areas, mainly those close to forests, and this ability may be facilitated by its generalized feeding habits.
Industrial Park as Instrument of Local Economic Development

This chapter is focused on numerous issues with respect to establishment, operation and sustainable development of an industrial park. The reason for choosing this topic lies within a realistic assumption that light industrial development may be a generator of economic development in Serbia. On the other hand, decentralization is, undoubtedly, one of significant processes which have affected the state and therefore it is inevitable to focus on local government as an entity which is more than ever responsible for its development. Given local government's legal position and financial capacity, the cooperation between local government and private capital in the form of public-private partnerships has been examined as a particularly interesting form with potential. The chapter is built on the fact that industrial parks are of multidisciplinary character (involving economy, technical-urban planning, demography, sociology, politics, etc.), and in that sense it analyses in detail numerous factors of impact in the quest for an optimal solution with positive economic and financial outcomes for founders and positive impact on the population and environment. Relevant legislation is rather complex and immature. It covers several areas: laws which regulate the use of land, planning and construction as well as those which regulate business establishment and operations and investment climate and policies for attracting domestic and foreign direct investments (strategies, tax and other incentives, competitiveness, environmental protection, etc.).
Examination of the interrelationships of behavior, dominance status, and ovarian activity in captive Asian and African elephants

Ovarian inactivity has been identified in captive African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants and is thought to be mediated in part by social influences. Thus, a survey was conducted to determine how behavior and dominance status relate to each other and to ovarian cyclicity. For both Asian and African elephants, dominance status was positively correlated with relative size, age, temperament, disciplinary nature, and willingness to share novel objects. Relative size and temperament were also related to disciplinary nature toward herdmates. Behavior toward keepers was a good indicator of the willingness of elephants to follow commands, whereas sharing novel objects was positively correlated with object curiosity. Finally, dominance status, temperament, and disciplinary nature were all correlated with willingness to share. Comparisons of ovarian cyclicity status with behavior rankings were conducted only for African elephants because of the low number of noncycling Asian elephants surveyed. Overall, social status appeared to be the best predictor of ovarian activity in African elephants. Noncycling African elephant females ranked higher in the dominance hierarchy and gave more discipline to herdmates than cycling cohorts. It remains to be determined whether these are cause or effect relationships, but clearly it is important to understand how physical and social attributes impact physiological processes, such as reproduction. Captive management now needs to focus on optimizing social and environmental conditions to maximize reproductive potential in elephants. Zoo Biol 23:431–448, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Proposal to Teach Software Development Using Gaming Technique

The world today has witnessed the evolution imposes on researchers in the field of education to review the methods and strategies of teaching, since the teaching and learning system is not a collection of information and knowledge that stuffed in mind. It is a development of cognitive performance and modes of thinking in addition to the use of innovative ways and methods to help the student to adapt to its environment and to solve the problems that he/ she faces to make learning meaningful. One of the recent trends is the use of educational teaching games. Games increase the motivation of the learner and ensure the interaction with educational material which, in turn, offers fun and enjoyable manner in order to achieve the desired objectives. This paper attempts to address the need to utilize gaming to improve learning in active ways and to raise level of the learning process in an interactive environment for the students and the teachers. To evaluate the proposed solution, this paper used survey research methodology and the results are highly encouraging by the professionals working in academia.
Passivative Effect of Polyethyleneglycol and Carboxylmethly Cellulose as Capping Agents on Particle Size of ZnS Nanoparticles

ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized using wet chemical co-precipitation method. During synthesis, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and carboxylmethly cellulose (CMC) molecule were used as capping agents. The effect of the capping materials was analyzed for their effectiveness in limiting the growth of ZnS nanoparticles. The prepared ZnS nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-rays (EDX). The estimated crystal sizes from XRD are 3.92 nm and 3.89 nm for ZnS/PEG and ZnS/CMC nanosize semiconductors respectively. The effect of capping agent on the energy band gap of the capped ZnS nanoparticles were blue shifted at 0.16 eV and 0.28 eV for ZnS/PEG and ZnS/CMC respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the interaction of the capping agents with ZnS. Key words: ZnS nanoparticles, capping agent, polyethylene glycol, precipitation and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
Credit Risk Management Practices of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the current practices of credit risk management by commercial banks in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to evaluate the extent to which commercial banks use credit risk management practices and techniques in dealing with different types of risk; to assess the factors that influence effectiveness of Credit Risk Management practices used by commercial banks; and to examine the internal performance measures of bank lending used by commercial banks. Methodology: To undertake the study, a descriptive research design was used. The population consisted of all the commercial banks in Kenya. The sampling frame was obtained from the Central Bank of Kenya and included 45 elements. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 33 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the banks. The data pertaining to background of the respondents was analyzed using content analysis while data pertaining to objectives of the study was analyzed using descriptive statistics; mean median and the mode. Correlations were undertaken. The data was presented using frequency tables, charts and bar graphs. Correlations, the statistical technique that can show whether and how strongly pairs of variables are related, was used to ascertain the relationships between factors influencing effectiveness of CRM and the internal performance measures. Findings and Discussions: The study discloses that commercial banks in Kenya make use of credit risk management practices that include; thorough loan appraisal, asking for collateral and checking the credit history of the borrowers. Additionally, the bankers use covenants, credit rationing, loan securitization, and loan syndication as risk management defensives. The factors that influence effectiveness of credit risk management systems used by commercial banks in Kenya include establishment of a credit policy that clearly outline the scope and allocation of bank credit facilities, maintenance a credit administration system that with adequate controls over credit; top management support; communication of credit guidelines to every officer in the credit department, screening of potential borrowers, employing well trained staff, constant review of the borrowers’ liquidity and the use of supportive technology in credit analysis. The internal performance measures of bank lending used by commercial banks in Kenya include the Basel II criteria and bank profitability, including return on equity, return on assets and return on investment. Other indices are the developed benchmarks that include cost per each completed loan, cost per thousand dollars of loans, non-interest revenue from each loan, loans per employee. Keywords: Commercial Bank; Agency Theory ; Information Asymmetry ; Credit Risk Management; Risk; Moral Hazard and Adverse Selection
Genetic improvement, sustainable production and scalable small microenterprise of Jatropha as a biodiesel feedstock.

There is widespread interest in Jatropha curcas L. as a renewable source of biodiesel and a potential replacement for petroleum-based transportation fuels. As an oil-bearing feedstock it displays rapid growth and high seed yield across soils of varying fertility. Unfortunately, despite current optimism there exists little information on the agronomic management of this genus as a feedstock for biodiesel. Therefore, this article reviews research on Jatropha as a biofuels feedstock and explores the fast adaptation of Jatropha across India through a “lab-to-market” approach. An integrated approach to understanding the long-term viability of using Jatropha as a bioenergy crop is assessed. A variety of issues are discussed to understand and survey research that has been done on Jatropha and its applications in developing countries where it is being implemented. These issues include understanding the fundamentals of the biology, ecology, propagation, and cultivation of Jatropha, especially focusing on the thrust in developing countries to use wastelands and reclaimed lands for growing Jatropha as a bioenergy crop. This article also provides a status report with regard to germplasm collections and genomic resources for future accelerated crop improvement. A viable argument is made in favor of developing pilot energy farm enterprise clusters, which seems to be the best option for small farms in developing parts of the world. This thematic approach is discussed in detail under a “sun-to-satellite” regional model in which farmers can be engaged as stakeholders and participate in the decision making process. The potential impact of fossil-fuel replacement by Jatropha on climate change is also discussed.
Structural equation modelling of building quality constructs as a predictor of satisfaction in subsidised low-income housing

Residents’ satisfaction with the building quality and housing condition features has received an increasing recognition as a significant factor which influences the occupants’ satisfaction with their housing units. This paper reports the use of Structural Equation Modelling technique to test the influence of building quality features as a predictor of residents’ satisfaction. The study was conducted amongst South Africa housing practitioners’ and the low-income housing occupants’. Data used in the study were obtained from a Delphi and field questionnaire study. Primary data were collected by a face-to-face administered questionnaire survey conducted among 751 low-income housing residents’ in three metropolitan and one district municipality in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Data gathered via the questionnaire survey were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) which was used to assess the factorial structure of the constructs. Using Structural Equation Modelling software - EQS version 6.2, the factorial structure, reliability and validity of building quality features indicator variables were investigated. The statistical results support the research hypothesised positive relationship that building quality feature has a direct influence in predicting residents’ satisfaction with their houses. Also, the influence of building quality feature on residents’ satisfaction was statistically significant. Further SEM analysis revealed that the Rho and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of internal consistency were over 0.70 criterions for acceptability, and the constructs shows a good mode fit to the sample data. The Zstatistics analysis also revealed that the constructs have direct influence in determining low-income residents’ satisfaction with their houses. The result advocates a practical consideration of these construct in future development of subsidised low-income housing in South Africa.