Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coincident ion acceleration and electron extraction for space propulsion using the self-bias formed on a set of RF biased grids bounding a plasma source

We propose an alternative method to accelerate ions in classical gridded ion thrusters and ion sources such that co-extracted electrons from the source may provide beam space charge neutralization. In this way there is no need for an additional electron neutralizer. The method consists of applying RF voltage to a two-grid acceleration system via a blocking capacitor. Due to the unequal effective area of the two grids in contact with the plasma, a dc self-bias is formed, rectifying the applied RF voltage. As a result, ions are continuously accelerated within the grid system while electrons are emitted in brief instants within the RF period when the RF space charge sheath collapses. This paper presents the first experimental results and a proof-of-principle. Experiments are carried out using the Neptune thruster prototype which is a gridded Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) source operated at 4 MHz, attached to a larger beam propagation chamber. The RF power supply is used both for the ICP discharge (plasma generation) and powering the acceleration grids via a capacitor for ion acceleration and electron extraction without any dc power supplies. The ion and electron energies, particle flux and densities are measured using retarding field energy analyzers (RFEA), Langmuir probes and a large beam target. The system operates in Argon and N2. The dc self-bias is found to be generated within the gridded extraction system in all the range of operating conditions. Broad quasi-neutral ion-electron beams are measured in the downstream chamber with energies up to 400 eV. The beams from the RF acceleration method are compared with classical dc acceleration with an additional external electron neutralizer. It is found that the two acceleration techniques provide similar performance, but the ion energy distribution function from RF acceleration is broader, while the floating potential of the beam is lower than for the dc accelerated beam.
Avoiding Discrimination with Counterfactual Distributions

When a classification model is used to make predictions on individuals, it may be undesirable or illegal for the performance of the model to change with respect to a sensitive attribute (e.g., race or gender). In this paper, we describe a distributional paradigm to evaluate and mitigate such disparities in model performance. Given a black-box classifier that performs unevenly across groups, we consider a counterfactual distribution of input variables that will eliminate the performance gap. We characterize properties of counterfactual distributions for common fairness criteria. We then present an information-theoretic approach to efficiently recover counterfactual distributions for a black-box classifier given a sample of points from its target population. We describe how counterfactual distributions can be used to avoid discrimination between protected groups by (i) identifying proxy variables to omit in training and (ii) building a preprocessor that can mitigate discrimination. We validate these use cases and illustrate their benefits through experiments on real-world datasets.
Growth, carbon‐isotope discrimination, and drought‐associated mortality across a Pinus ponderosa elevational transect

Drought‐ and insect‐associated tree mortality at low‐elevation ecotones is a widespread phenomenon but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. Enhanced growth sensitivity to climate is widely observed among trees that die, indicating that a predisposing physiological mechanism(s) underlies tree mortality. We tested three, linked hypotheses regarding mortality using a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) elevation transect that experienced low‐elevation mortality following prolonged drought. The hypotheses were: (1) mortality was associated with greater growth sensitivity to climate, (2) mortality was associated with greater sensitivity of gas exchange to climate, and (3) growth and gas exchange were correlated. Support for all three hypotheses would indicate that mortality results at least in part from gas exchange constraints. We assessed growth using basal area increment normalized by tree basal area [basal area increment (BAI)/basal area (BA)] to account for differences in tree size. Whole‐crown gas exchange was indexed via estimates of the CO2 partial pressure difference between leaf and atmosphere (pa−pc) derived from tree ring carbon isotope ratios (δ13C), corrected for temporal trends in atmospheric CO2 and δ13C and elevation trends in pressure. Trees that survived the drought exhibited strong correlations among and between BAI, BAI/BA, pa−pc, and climate. In contrast, trees that died exhibited greater growth sensitivity to climate than trees that survived, no sensitivity of pa−pc to climate, and a steep relationship between pa−pc and BAI/BA. The pa−pc results are consistent with predictions from a theoretical hydraulic model, suggesting trees that died had a limited buffer between mean water availability during their lifespan and water availability during drought – i.e., chronic water stress. It appears that chronic water stress predisposed low‐elevation trees to mortality during drought via constrained gas exchange. Continued intensification of drought in mid‐latitude regions may drive increased mortality and ecotone shifts in temperate forests and woodlands.
Intelligent Complex Networks.

The present work addresses the issue of using complex networks as artificial intelligence mechanisms. More specifically, we consider the situation in which puzzles, represented as complex networks of varied types, are to be assembled by complex network processing engines of diverse structures. The puzzle pieces are initially distributed on a set of nodes chosen according to different criteria, including degree and eigenvector centrality. The pieces are then repeatedly copied to the neighboring nodes. The provision of buffering of different sizes are also investigated. Several interesting results are identified, including the fact that BA-based assembling engines tend to provide the fastest solutions. It is also found that the distribution of pieces according to the eigenvector centrality almost invariably leads to the best performance. Another result is that using the buffer sizes proportional to the degree of the respective nodes tend to improve the performance.
TORN ANKLE LIGAMENTS IN ELITE HANDBALL

Knowledge of the biomechanics of the foot and ankle joints is essential for understanding related handball injuries. The ankle joint (talocrural articulation) is comprised of the distal ends of the tibia and fibula, which form the mortise, and the superior aspect of the talar dome1. As a hinge joint, the ankle provides 20° of dorsiflexion (DF) and 50° of plantarflexion (PF)2, with stabilisation mediated by lateral, medial and superior ligament complexes. The superior articular surface of the talus (trochlea) is narrower posteriorly, which creates a looser fit within the mortise during plantarflexion1. This decreased stability could help explain why the most common injury in handball involves a plantarflexion mechanism. Inferiorly, the talus articulates with the calcaneus to form the subtalar joint. It is at this site that the majority of foot inversion and eversion occurs in elite handball players. The transverse tarsal joint separates the hindfoot from the midfoot. Movement of this joint depends on the relative alignment of its two articulations: the talonavicular and calcaneo-cuboid. During foot eversion, these two joints are aligned in parallel to allow supple motion and to aid in shock absorption during the heel-strike phase of the gait cycle. With foot inversion, the joints are non-parallel, creating the stiff transverse tarsal joint necessary for push-off1,2. This article will mainly discuss the surgical considerations of ankle instability in handball players, essentially focusing on mechanical ankle instability.
Effects of Copper Sulfate and Arginine Supplements on Performance and Carcass Traits in Broiler Chickens Fed with Canola Meal Based Diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of copper (Cu) sulfate (0, 125 and 250 mg/kg), arginine (Arg) supplements (0, 0.1 and 0.2%) and glucosinolate content on performance and carcass traits in broiler chickens fed with canola meal based diet. During a three-week experimental period (22-42 d), 405 male broilers were used in completely randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial experiment. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly affected (P<0.05) by 250 mg/kg copper treatment. Canola meal treatments with Cu (P<0.01) and addition of 0.2% Arg (P<0.05) significantly increased the proportion of breast muscle. Also, the relative thigh weight was significantly affected by 250 mg/kg copper treatment and 0.2% arginine supplementation (P<0.05). The 0.2% Arg supplementation significantly decreased the proportion of abdominal fat (P<0.01), lung weight (P<0.05) and conversely increased the proportion of duodenum (P<0.05) and jejunum (P<0.01). Cecal relative weight was the lowest (P<0.05) in broilers fed diets based on canola meal treated with 250 mg/kg Cu. In conclusion, the results of this study show that treatments of canola meal with copper sulfate could alleviate adverse effects of glucosinolate on broilers performance. Moreover, these findings suggest that addition of 0.2% Arg able to change energy partitioning toward protein deposition and reduced abdominal fat pads.
Managing Requirements Knowledge using Architectural Knowledge Management Approaches

The software architecture community has recently witnessed a paradigm shift towards managing architectural knowledge (AK), and consolidated research results have been achieved. Within the lifecycle of software development, requirements engineering (RE) and architecting are two closely related activities, and so are their associated knowledge. In this paper, we target specific RE problems and present knowledgebased approaches to tackle them by integrating concrete results from the AK community. This work can subsequently stimulate further research in knowledge-based RE, which may in turn feed its results back into software architecture. Keywords-knowledge management; requirements knowledge; architectural knowledge; requirements engineering
Information loss and entropy production during dissipative processes in a macroscopic system kicked out of the equilibrium

In macroscopic systems behavior is usually reproducible and fluctuations, which are deviations from the typically observed mean values, are small. But almost all inverse problems in the physical and biological sciences are ill-posed and these fluctuations are highly 'amplified'. Using stochastic thermodynamics we describe a system in equilibrium kicked to a state far from equilibrium and the following dissipative process back to equilibrium. From the observed value at a certain time after the kick the magnitude of the kick should be estimated, which is such an ill-posed inverse problem and fluctuations get relevant. For the model system of a kicked Brownian particle the time-dependent probability distribution, the information loss about the magnitude of the kick described by the Kullback-Leibler divergence, and the entropy production derived from the observed mean values are given. The equality of information loss caused by fluctuations and mean entropy production is shown for general kicked dissipative processes from stochastic thermodynamics following the derivation of the Jarzynski and Crooks equalities. The information-theoretical interpretation of the Kullback-Leibler divergence (Chernoff-Stein Lemma) allows us to describe the influence of the fluctuations without knowing their distributions just from the mean value equations and thus to derive very applicable results, e.g., by giving thermodynamic limits of spatial resolution for imaging.
An analysis of finite parameter learning in linguistic spaces

The study of language acquisition involves determining how children learn the linguistic phenomena of their first language. This thesis analyzes the Triggering Learning Algorithm, which describes how children set the parameters which define the linguistic variation seen in the syntax of natural language. This thesis describes enhancements to an implementation of this algorithm and the results found from the implementation. This implementation allows for more careful study of the algorithm and of its known problems. It allows us to examine in more depth the solutions which have been proposed for these problems. The results show that the theory correctly predicts some principles expected to be true of language acquisition. However, many of the proposed principles are shown to make incorrect predictions about the learnability of certain kinds of languages. This thesis discusses a second potential solution and ways in which it can be tested as well as other ways to test the predictions of the theory. Thesis Supervisor: Robert C. Berwick Title: Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
Effects of an Herbal Medicine on Relieving Disability and Pain due to Chronic Low Back Pain ( LBP )

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common health problems in the world population which has a significant effect on quality of life. Mentha longifolia which is known for its various therapeutic effects such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory, has been used as an herbal treatment in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). Regarding the unpleasant side effects of current available medications, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of M. longifolia on relieving pain and disability symptoms in patients suffering from LBP.
Neuronale Kontrolle bei chronisch entzündlichen und obstruktiven Lungenerkrankungen wie Asthma bronchiale und COPD

Airway nerves have the capacity to control airway functions via neuronal reflexes and through neuromediators and neuropeptides. Neuronal mechanisms are known to play a key role in the initiation and modulation of airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Therefore, the nerve fibres may contribute to airway narrowing in asthma and COPD. In addition to the traditional transmitters such as norepinephrine in postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibres and acetylcholine in parasympathetic nerve fibres, a large number of neuropeptides have been identified to have different pharmacological effects on the muscle tone of the vessels and bronchi, mucus secretion and immune cells. Meanwhile, a broad range of stimuli including capsaicin, bradykinin, hyperosmolar saline, tobacco smoke, allergens, ozone, inflammatory mediators and even cold, dry air have been shown to activate sensory nerve fibres to release neuropeptides such as the tachykinins substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) to mediate neurogenic inflammation. Different aspects of the neurogenic inflammation have been well studied in animal models of chronic airway inflammation and anticholinergic agents such as ipratropium bromide (Atrovent (®)) and tiotropium bromide (Spiriva (®)) have been proved to be important when used as bronchodilators for the treatment of obstructive airway diseases such as COPD. However, little is known about the role of neurogenic airway inflammation in human diseases. In this review, we address the current knowledge of the airway sensory nerves in human asthma and COPD.
Effect of fluctuations on mean-field dynamos

We discuss the effect of different types of fluctuations on dynamos generated in the limit of scale separation. We first recall that the magnetic field observed in the VKS (von Karman flow of liquid sodium) experiment is not the one that would be generated by the mean flow alone and that smaller scale turbulent fluctuations therefore play an important role. We then consider how velocity fluctuations affect the dynamo threshold in the framework of mean-field magnetohydrodynamics. We show that the detrimental effect of turbulent fluctuations observed with many flows disappears in the case of helical flows with scale separation. We also find that fluctuations of the electrical conductivity of the fluid, for instance related to temperature fluctuations in convective flows, provide an efficient mechanism for dynamo action. Finally, we conclude by describing an experimental configuration that could be used to test the validity of mean-field magnetohydrodynamics in strongly turbulent flows.
CT Perfusion Imaging Predicts One-Month Outcome in Patients with Acute Spontaneous Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage *

Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between perihematomal perfusion parameters in acute spontaneous hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage patients and recent outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the perfusion parameters of the perihematomal brain tissue and the recent prognosis of patients with acute spontaneous hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (shICH) using CT perfusion (CTP) imaging. Methods: Twenty-six patients with clinical and CT diagnosed supratentorial shICH received CTP scanning within 8 - 19 h after symptom onset. At the maximum levels of the hematoma, cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and mean transit time (MTT) of perihematomal area (isodense within 1cm rim of perilesion area on plain CT) and contralateral mirrored hemisphere were measured, and rCBF, rCBV, rMTT were calculated (ipsilateral/contralateral). The one-month follow-up in accordance with daily living table (Barthel index, BI) by telephone was recorded. Results: The CBV, CBF, and MTT values of perihematoma area were (1.61 ± 1.53) ml·100 g-1, (16.48 ± 12.58) ml·100 g-1·min-1, and (9.12 ± 2.57) s, respectively. (For more information,please refer to the PDF)
The effect of feed additives, wheat variety and feed form on laying hen performance.

Two wheat varieties (Tanker and Riband) were evaluated with four additives in two feed forms (whole wheat and crumbs) resulting in 16 treatments. The diets were formulated to contain 600g/kg wheat. Additives included; Avizyme 1310 (0.375g/kg), Biomos (2g/kg) and an organic acid blend (4g/kg). The experiment utilised 96 individually caged hens over a period of eight weeks with six hens per treatment. Dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined over the period. Egg production and weights were recorded on a daily basis. Birds were slaughtered and samples of the ileal digesta taken for in vivo viscosity measurement. Results were analysed using Analysis of Variance, Genstat 6.
On the large-time behaviour of the solution of a stochastic differential equation driven by a Poisson point process

Abstract We study a stochastic differential equation driven by a Poisson point process, which models the continuous change in a population's environment, as well as the stochastic fixation of beneficial mutations that might compensate for this change. The fixation probability of a given mutation increases as the phenotypic lag X t between the population and the optimum grows larger, and successful mutations are assumed to fix instantaneously (leading to an adaptive jump). Our main result is that the process is transient (i.e. converges to -∞, so that continued adaptation is impossible) if the rate of environmental change v exceeds a parameter m, which can be interpreted as the rate of adaptation in case every beneficial mutation becomes fixed with probability 1. If v < m, the process is Harris recurrent and possesses a unique invariant probability measure, while in the limiting case m = v, Harris recurrence with an infinite invariant measure or transience depends upon additional technical conditions. We show how our results can be extended to a class of time varying rates of environmental change.
Bundling Governance: Finance Versus Institutions in Private Investment Promotion

Abstract Purpose – The study extends the debate on finance versus institutions in the promotion of investment documented by Acemoglu and Johnson (2005), Ali (2013) and Asongu (2014). We assess the effects of various components of governance on private investment, notably: political, economic and institutional governances. Financial indicators of depth, allocation efficiency, activity and size are used. Design/methodology/approach – An endogeneity robust dynamic system GMM estimation technique is employed. Principal component analysis is also employed to reduce the dimensions of governance variables. The empirical evidence is based on 53 African countries for the period 1996-2010. Findings – The findings provide support for the quality of governance as a better determinant of private investment than financial intermediary development. Moreover, the evidence of finance and governance as substitutes in their impact on investment implies that good governance fuels private investment and this positive impact is stronger in nations with less developed financial systems. This finding is consistent with Ali (2013) and contrary to the results of Asongu (2014c). Practical implication – Policy measures for fighting involuntary and voluntary surplus liquidities are discussed. The paper provides additional support for the need of strengthening governance institutions to promote investment on the one hand and fighting financial allocation inefficiency by mitigating surplus liquidity issues on the other hand. Originality/value – The paper extends the debate on the substitution of finance and institutions in the promotion of private investment.
Total Factor Productivity and Monetary Policy: Evidence from Conditional Volatility

This paper empirically assesses whether monetary policy affects real economic activity through its affect on the aggregate supply side of the macroeconomy. Analysts typically argue that monetary policy either does not affect the real economy, the classical dichotomy, or only affects the real economy in the short run through aggregate demand %G–%@ new Keynesian or new classical theories. Real business cycle theorists try to explain the business cycle with supply-side productivity shocks. We provide some preliminary evidence about how monetary policy affects the aggregate supply side of the macroeconomy through its affect on total factor productivity, an important measure of supply-side performance. The results show that monetary policy exerts a positive and statistically significant effect on the supply-side of the macroeconomy. Moreover, the findings buttress the importance of countercyclical monetary policy as well as support the adoption of an optimal money supply rule. Our results also prove consistent with the effective role of monetary policy in the Great Moderation as well as the more recent rise in productivity growth.
Biomaterials Used As Bone Graft subtitutes

The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy should not be limited to the establishment and maintenance of periodontal health. The potential for regeneration of the hard and soft periodontal tissues lost to disease should be considered. Of all the bone grafting materials being developed, the demineralized freeze dried bone allograft (DFDBA) has been used as a substitute for bone graft for more than four decades. The basis for the use of any bone grafting material is to induce bone formation. In this article various biomaterials used are reviewed.