Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple tunnelings in d-dimensions : a quantum particle in a hierarchical potential

We study the properties of the Schrodinger equation in d dimensions for a class of potentials, introduced in an earlier paper, exhibiting a geometrical hierarchical structure. The main feature of such models is that for low energy the particle can move to infinity only by tunneling through a sequence of barriers of increasing length. The qualitative properties of these models may be similar to those arising in periodic potentials perturbed over different scales. The main result which holds for the whole class of potentials is that quantum evolution is very slow and can be characterized by: r 2 (t)≤C(ln t)β where r(t) is the distance traveled by a wave packet of sufficiently low energy initially localized near the origin. By imposing symmetries compatible with the hierarchical structure we obtain the remarkable result that r 2 (t)≥C'(lnt)β ' at least for a sequence of increasing times, i.e. the motion is actually characterized by a logarithmic growth. For these symmetric cases the spectral properties of the Hamiltonian are studied in detail in the low energy region and we show that the spectrum is not discrete but of zero Lebesgue measure. Finally we add an arbitrarily weak random perturbation and we show that in all cases r 2 (t)≤const with probability one On etudie les proprietes de l'equation de Schrodinger a d dimensions pour une classe de potentiels hierarchiques. La caracteristique principale de ces modeles est le fait que la particule peut se deplacer vers l'infini seulement par effet tunnel a travers des barrieres de longueur croissante. D'un point de vue qualitatif, ces modeles peuvent simuler les proprietes de potentiels periodiques perturbes a des echelles differentes. Le resultat principal, valable pour tous les potentiels consideres, est la lenteur de l'evolution quantique qui peut etre caracterisee par r 2 (t)≤C(logt)β ou r(t) est la distance traversee par un paquet d'ondes d'energie suffisamment basse et initialement localisee pres de l'origine. Si on impose des symetries compatibles avec la structure hierarchique, on obtient le resultat r 2 (t)≥C'(logt)β pour une suite de temps croissant vers l'infini. Cela signifie que le mouvement est en effet caracterise par une croissance logarithmique. Dans les cas symetriques, on analyse en detail les proprietes spectrales de l'hamiltonien dans la region de basse energie et on trouve que le spectre n'est pas discret mais a une mesure de Lebesgue egale a zero. Si on ajoute une perturbation stochastique arbitrairement faible, on trouve que pour tous les potentiels consideres r 2 (t)≤Cte avec probabilite un
Focus on pneumococcal vaccines and nasopharyngeal carriage

The vaccination is the only available tool to prevent disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this review emphasis was given on pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and S. pneumoniae nasopharyngeal carriage, as nasopharynx colonization precede invasive disease. To optimize the development of future conjugate vaccines and to evaluate their efficacy, it is necessary to understand the serogroup specific epidemiology of pneumococci and their associated disease types. Continuous monitoring of S. pneumoniae serotypes is essential since it has been shown that the incidence of types responsible for invasive disease can change over time. The extended protection increases the cost effectiveness of PCV and should clearly encourage its use in poorly resourced countries. However, the accumulated experience also shows that the herd immunity, due to PCV, is partly offset by replacement of the vaccine serotypes by other, nonvaccine serotypes. Owing to the general reduced virulence of the latter, this has only had a modest effect on disease, but the possibility of more virulent nonvaccine serotypes arising cannot be ignored and should be the focus of continued surveillance
In vitro scavenging capacity of Organic Silicium (oral anti-aging) against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species can cause oxidative damage to biomolecules, eventually leading to many chronic diseases, aging, and other degenerative diseases in humans. In this context, Exsynutriment® is an oral anti-aging supplement based on organic silicium, which, according to the company, promotes the renovation of the conjunctive tissue, restructuring the skin sustainment fibers. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the redox properties of Exsynutriment® . It was evaluated in vitro redox tests as TRAP/TAR (non-enzymatic antioxidant potential), TBARS (lipoperoxidation), hydroxyl (OH - ) and nitric oxide ( . NO . ) scavenging and SOD-like and CAT-like activity. The TRAP/TAR was determined using a method based on the chemiluminescence induced by the peroxyl radical generation initiated by AAPH. The Exsynutriment ® solution in the concentration 1 mg/mL showed a significant reduction in the effectiveness of CL induced by AAPH. Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) assay was employed to measure the antioxidant capacity of Exsynutriment® in lipids incubated with AAPH and 2-deoxyribose degradation assay was employed to assesses the hydroxyl scavenging activity. Both the assays all doses tested had no effect against lipoperoxidation and did not reduce deoxyribose oxidative damage. However, nitric oxide radical generated from sodium nitroprusside was inhibited by all concentrations tested. The capacity of Exsynutriment® to interact with and/or scavenge/quench H 2 O 2 and superoxide radicals in vitro was evaluated, respectively, by the catalase-like and the superoxide dismutase-like reaction assays. Our results did not show a significant variation to CAT and SOD-like activity. Results of the study showed no significant variation in such trials. Through the results we conclude that the organic silicium used as oral anti-aging showed antioxidant activity in vitro tests TRAP / TAR and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, suggesting that future studies may elucidate chemical mechanisms.
The Challenge of Reducing Food Carbon Footprint in a Developing Country

Reducing the contribution to the greenhouse gases through modification of lifestyles has been the recent focus of geoengineering and climate change discussion. However, many developing countries still have to face the challenge of ensuring food security, and increasing energy availability. This study is an expository review of the impact of food production and peoples’ attitudes to food in the face of climate change. The main objective of the study was to examine the sources and dimensions of food carbon footprints, with a focus on Nigeria, and with the view of making recommendations for reduction of greenhouse gasses from food sources. The study argued the need for infrastructural and welfare improvement, and rural development to channel the focus of the people towards environmental preservation and sustenance.
A CHANDRA X-RAY SURVEY OF EJECTA IN THE CASSIOPEIA A SUPERNOVA REMNANT

We present a survey of the X-ray-emitting ejecta in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant (SNR) based on an extensive analysis of over 6000 spectral regions extracted on 2. ″5–10″ angular scales using the Chandra 1 Ms observation. We interpret these results in the context of hydrodynamical models for the evolution of the remnant. The distributions of fitted temperature and ionization age, and the implied mass coordinates, are highly peaked and suggest that the ejecta were subjected to multiple secondary shocks following reverse shock interaction with ejecta inhomogeneities. Based on the fitted emission measure and element abundances, and an estimate of the emitting volume, we derive masses for the X-ray-emitting ejecta and also show the distribution of the mass of various elements over the remnant. An upper limit to the total shocked Fe mass visible in X-rays appears to be roughly 0.13 M☉, which accounts for nearly all of the mass expected in Fe ejecta. We find two populations of Fe ejecta, that associated with normal Si burning and that possibly associated with α-rich freezeout, with a mass ratio of approximately 2:1. Essentially all of the observed Fe (both components) lies well outside the central regions of the SNR, possibly having been ejected by hydrodynamic instabilities during the explosion. We discuss this and its implications for the neutron star kick.
Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods : Does it Really Provide Consumer Choice ?

More than fifteen countries have implemented labeling requirements for genetically modified (GM) foods, including unlikely candidates such as Russia. This trend will soon include many other countries. The first GM labeling requirements for food products were introduced by the European Union (EU) in 1997 (Regulation EC No 258/97) as an application of the precautionary principle. The EU recently revised its rules on GM labeling to include feed and most food products derived from GM crops (even if there are no detectable GM genes in the final product) and lowered the threshold level for adventitious presence of GM material. The EU officially recognizes that approved GM foods are as safe as conventional foods, and mandatory labeling is justified solely by the desire to provide informed consumer choice: We are allowing GM food onto the market but on our terms so people can make a full and informed choice (EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne, quoted in GM laws to pave way for lifting of EU approvals ban, 2003). In this paper we offer an explanation as to why mandatory labeling has not served its stated goal of providing consumer choice.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS FOR MICROELECTRONICS AND FURTHER CHALLENGES

Institute of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Arhimedova 3, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia Research Center for Environment and Materials, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Krste Misirkov 2, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72 Tzarigradsko Chaussee blvd., 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
Translating across Disciplines: On Coding Interior Architecture Theory to Advance Complex Indoor Environment Quality

While indoor environment quality (IEQ) measurement is an established process, it omits the pleasure of interior environments, possibly due to its perceived subjectivity in the context of objective productivity and profitability. Given the significant commercial interior design industry, which engages with the complexity of indoor habitation, there exists an opportunity to expand the scope of IEQ appraisal through inclusion of the interior architecture discipline as an IEQ stakeholder. This theoretical paper reframes existing building appraisal as convergent methods that are contingent on the discipline and audience, and proposes a sequential mixed methods research process that allows subjective and objective research methods integration. Drawing on the interior architecture discipline, and its holistic ‘interiority’, a content analysis of selected theoretical texts identifies candidate quality components for future development and use in environment quality measurement. The intention of this process is to translate across the interior architecture and architectural science disciplines by coding interior architecture perspectives into possible measurable variables. These broader candidate variables would likely be more inclusive of the lived experience and agency of occupants of interior spaces. Furthermore, they offer the possibility for extended complex indoor environment quality data for future use in advanced statistics.
A method to determine collection efficiency of particles by swipe sampling

A methodology was developed to evaluate particle collection efficiencies from swipe sampling of trace residues. Swipe sampling is used for many applications where trace residues must be collected, including the evaluation of radioactive particle contamination and the analysis of explosives and contraband at screening checkpoints using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Collection efficiencies were evaluated for micrometer-sized polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres with respect to the particle size and mode of deposition, collection trap, surface type and swiping force. Test surfaces containing particles were prepared under controlled conditions and swiped with a reproducible technique that allows for the evaluation of frictional forces. Collection efficiencies were determined by optical imaging and particle counting. Of the two IMS collection traps studied, the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) trap has significantly lower collection efficiencies. This is likely to be due to a combination of texture and composition. The larger (42 µm diameter) particles are collected more efficiently than the smaller (9 µm diameter) particles. Particles in a matrix similar to latent fingerprints are collected more efficiently than dry particles. Applying greater force during swiping does not greatly improve collection efficiencies. This fact, coupled with the observation that many particles are detached but not collected, implies that improvements in collection efficiency are dependent on improvements in adhesion of the particles to the collection surface, rather than larger forces to detach the particles.
Evaluation of information provided to patients' relatives in an ambulatory pediatrics unit of a tertiary-care hospital

There is a high degree of misinformation given to the relatives of patients treated in the Ambulatory Pediatrics Unit at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez. The factors that contribute to this problem are diverse. Therefore, the practice implications as inadequacies in physician/patient communication lead to poor knowledge about a patient's illness and treatment. Attempts to improve the delivery of information may improve patient satisfaction and treatment compliance. The aim of this study was to quantify the percentage of patients' relatives who know the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the patient's principal illness. Methods: Using a face-validated questionnaire designed by the investigators, we inquired into the extent of information about the illness and treatment given to the relatives of patients attending the Ambulatory Pediatrics Unit at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez. Results: Only 81, 75, and 68% of the participants were able to name the patient's illness, the affected organ, and the prognosis, respectively. The therapeutic drugs were correctly named by 85% of the participants. Only 72% of the relatives of patients who previously underwent surgery knew the name of the surgical procedure and 66% were able to briefly describe the procedure. Conclusions: This study shows that communication between parents and pediatricians is limited. The implementation of new measures adapted to the individual case of each institution can contribute to improve the situation
Introducing Facetometrics:A New Keyword-Based Measure for Locating Research Areas of a Subject

This paper has introduced a technique to find out research areas in a subject by the analysis of keywords assigned to articles. Keywords assigned to 1227 research papers published between 2004 and 2013 in a specific subject area "Hawking radiation" have been collected and analyzed. The research articles were retrieved from Web of Science using the search term "Hawking Radiation". The assigned keywords occurred with different frequencies. The keywords formed the clusters of words. The names given to the clusters were in accordance with the names of the most frequently occurring word in a keyword clusters. The clusters have been classed into three groups by size, i.e. small cluster, medium cluster and large cluster. As fairly large number of keywords formed large clusters, it has been assumed that the potential facets are represented by such clusters. Three basic parameters associated with the keyword clusters were identified, viz. no. of keywords in a cluster, frequency of occurrence and occupancy. Four indicators, viz., stability index, integrated visibility index, momentary visibility index and potency index have been defined on the basis of these three parameters and their fluctuations over the study period have been noticed. These indicators hold different values for different clusters and facets. The value ranges of these are categorized in five groups, viz. very high, high, medium, low and very low. Each indicator describes a particular aspect of a facet. These indicators may be used to measure various aspects of facets.
The macroeconomics of public sector deficits : a synthesis

Fiscal deficits have been at the forefront of macroeconomic adjustment in the 1980s, both in developing and developed countries. Fiscal deficits were blamed in good part for the assortment of ills that beset developing countries in the 1980s: over-indebtedness leading to the debt crisis beginning in 1982, high inflation, and poor investment and growth performance. This paper will examine the evidence for the macroeconomic effects of fiscal deficits, using the results of a set of ten case studies done for the Bank research project,"The Macroeconomics of Public Sector Deficits. "The ten cases were Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco, Mexico, Pakistan, Thailand and Zimbabwe. The authors first present a summary of the stylized facts on fiscal adjustment. Then the results are presented of the decomposition of the deficit in the case studies. The results of the case studies are then used to relate deficits to macro economic imbalances: first by analyzing the relationship of deficits to private consumption and investment; and second by examining the relationship of deficits to external imbalances. While macroeconomic imbalances are clearly interrelated, the authors assume the effects of such an interrelationship are small and use a sequence of partial equilibrium analysis of each type of imbalance.
A Critical Review of Economic Evaluations of Trastuzumab in the Treatment of Early Stage HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

Eleven years after Trastuzumab was approved for use in the treatment of early stage human epidermal growth factor receptor positive breast cancer (HER2+) its clinical benefit has been demonstrated in short and long term follow up studies. The cost-effectiveness of the therapy in this context remains the subject of debate with a wide range of Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) reported in the literature. While several reviews of the literature have been undertaken these have not provided a critical analysis of the factors that might underlie this heterogeneity. In this review we provide a critical overview of the literature and discuss potential sources of heterogeneity in reported ICERs. We identify gaps in the current literature and provide a rationale for filling these gaps.
Insights from the Health OER Inter-Institutional Project

Open educational resources (OER) are gaining ascendancy in education, particularly in higher education. Logic suggests that the potential benefits of OER are likely to be greatest in resource-poor contexts such as Africa. However, little is known about the feasibility and sustainability of their use in African institutions. In the Health OER Inter-Institutional Project, OER Africa and the University of Michigan collaborated with medical schools in Ghana and South Africa to help develop OER and tools for facilitating the integration of these into the existing curricula. The article draws upon data from the various evaluations of this project as a basis for generating understandings on initiating and sustaining OER in African contexts.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF A CIRCULATOR USING YIG THIN FILM WITH A COPLANAR STRUCTURE

This paper deals with the field of passive microwave components. Coming from the requirements of mobile communication devices, miniaturization of microwave components is needed. The DIOM laboratory is using the RF sputtering to realize magnetic thin films. The use of these magnetic thin films for a circulator design enables to develop a new manufacturing technique compatible with the miniaturization of these devices. These components are devoted to future wireless applications in the 8–12 GHz frequency range. The advantages of these components lie in using YIG thin film and in the fact that accesses to the device are coplanar waveguide (CPW). The CPW structure has a signal line and a ground in the same plane. Therefore, the circulator with a CPW structure will be easily fabricated using low cost lithography. Moreover, connections with other devices will be easier.
Successfully Turning Around a Failing E-procurement Project: Lessons from a UK Borough Council

This paper presents a case study that examines the challenges faced by a British Metropolitan Borough Council in developing and implementing an electronic procurement system. The case illustrates how the project escalated, and the risks associated with that escalation. It also provides the sequence of actions/decisions associated with de-escalation, and explains how the project was eventually turned around. The study identifies the importance of de-escalation triggers, and discusses four de-escalation triggers that emerge from this case.
Homogenization of stratified elastic media with high contrast

We determine the asymptotic behavior of the solutions to the linear elastodynamic equations in a stratified medium comprising an alternation of possibly very stiff layers with much softer ones, when the thickness of the layers tends to zero. The limit equations may depend on higher order terms, characterizing bending effects. A part of this work is set in the context of non-periodic homogenization and an extension to stochastic homogenization is presented.
Wind Resource Assessment for Highway Luminaire Applications

Highway luminaries are a key element to ensure transportation safety during the night. Previous studies revealed that over fifty percent of crashes occurred during the evening even though, in general, there are fewer vehicles-miles during the evening. These results made clear the importance of luminaries in highways, but these luminaries could raise energy cost. Recognizing the high demand of energy caused by highway luminaries and the need for new technologies, this project investigates the potential use of wind turbines in highways to harness the wind energy generated by the motion of a passing vehicle to lower the cost of energy in public illumination. The investigation was conducted through two experiments, a Single-Vehicle Testing and a Multiple-Vehicle Testing. As shown in the results, the measured maximum wind velocities due to the passing of cars (without considering high natural wind speeds) was insufficient to provide the required energy for highway luminaires.
Connectivism: Concepts and Principles for emerging Learning Networks

As social technologies continue to expand in influence, they are reshaping not only the learners’ needs, but also the theories and principles of learning processes design: learning models that have served previous generations are replaced for greater relevance to present’s needs. Connectivism views learning as a network creation process, and look at how we might provide 'learning ecologies' to meet the learners’ needs. The main connectivist concepts and principles will be further discuss in this paper, allowing us to examine the extent they can instruct designers to create and foster effective learning ecologies.
POLÍTICA PÚBLICA DE INCENTIVO AS COMMODITIES: UMA ANÁLISE DA PRODUÇÃO À VENDA NA EXPORTAÇÃO

Neste artigo, pretende-se discutir as politicas publicas de incentivo as operacoes de c ommodities no Brasil. O objetivo e proporcionar uma visao sobre o que motiva a criacao de politicas de incentivo a producao agricola e quais os seus resultados para a sociedade. As referencias documentais e bibliograficas utilizadas revelam que a intervencao estatal nao esta sendo realizada de forma a compensar a sociedade e tem gerado problemas economicos, sociais e ambientais. E necessario promover reflexoes interdisciplinares no processo de discussao social dessas politicas, de forma a respeitar os direitos da sociedade, manter a producao e preservar o meio ambiente.