Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competing growth processes induced by next-nearest-neighbor interactions: Effects on meandering wavelength and stiffness

In this paper we explore the meandering instability of vicinal steps with a kinetic Monte Carlo simulations (kMC) model including the attractive next-nearest neighbor (NNN) interactions. kMC simulations show that increase of the NNN interaction strength leads to considerable reduction of the meandering wavelength and to weaker dependence of the wavelength on the deposition rate F. The dependences of the meandering wavelength on the temperature and the deposition rate obtained with simulations are in good quantitative agreement with the experimental result on the meandering instability of Cu (0 2 24) [T. Maritain et al., Phys. Rev. B 64, 165401 (2001)]. The effective step stiffness is found to depend not only on the strength of NNN interactions and the Ehrlich-Schwoebel barrier, but also on F. We argue that attractive NNN interactions intensify the incorporation of adatoms at step-edges and enhance step roughening. Competition between NNN and NN interactions results in a ‘new form’ of meandering instability which we call “roughening-limited” growth, rather than attachment-detachment limited growth that governs the Bales-Zangwill (BZ) instability. The computed effective wavelength and the effective stiffness behave as: q eff F − ~ λ and p eff F − ~ ~ β , respectively, with / 2 q p ≈ .
Behavioural responses of killer whales to whale-watching : opportunistic observations and experimental approaches

Johnstone Strait provides important summer habitat for British Columbia's northern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). The site is also an active whale-watching area. A voluntary code of conduct recommends that boaters do not approach whales closer than 100 m to address perceived, rather than demonstrated, effects of boat traffic on killer whales. The purpose of my study was to test the relevance of this guideline. Relationships between boat traffic and whale behaviour were studied in 1995 and 1996 by shore-based theodolite tracking of 25 identifiable focal animals from the population of 209 whales. Individual killer whales were repeatedly tracked in the absence of boats and during approaches by a 5.2 m motorboat that paralleled each whale at 100 m. In addition, whales were tracked opportunistically, when no effort was made to manipulate boat traffic. Dive times, swim speeds, and surface active behaviours such as breaching and spyhopping were recorded. Male killer whales swam significantly faster than females. Whales responded to experimental approaches by adopting a less predictable path than observed during the preceding, no-boat period, although males and females employed subtly different avoidance tactics. Females responded by swimming faster and increasing the angle between successive dives, whereas males maintained their speed and chose a smooth, but less direct, path. Canonical correlations between whale behaviour and vessel proximity are consistent with these conclusions, which suggests that weakening whale-watching guidelines, or not enforcing them, would result in higher levels of disturbance. High variability in whale behaviour underscores the importance of experimental studies when assessing behavioural impacts of human activity on killer whales. Table of contents Abstract Table of contents List of tables List of figures Acknowledgements Introduction Methods Study area Selection of focal animals Tracking i. Tracking whales ii. Tracking boats iii. Track types 1. Control 2. Treatment 3. Opportunistic Data compilation i. Calculating predictor variables 1. Temporal and biological variables 2. Traffic variables ii. Calculating response variables Data analysis i. Gender and age effects ii. Experimental approaches iii. Opportunistic observations
The Portrayal of Sexual Intercourse on Television: How, Who, and With What Consequence?

This study examines televised portrayals of sexual intercourse. Programs (N = 152) representing the overall television landscape are assessed for the presentation of intercourse acts, the characters who engage in them, and their consequences. Results indicate that 16% of characters involved in sexual intercourse acts on television are teenagers or young adults. Female participants are more attractive and more likely to be victims of sexual crimes than male characters. Consequences of sexual intercourse portrayed are mostly emotional in nature and tend to be more positive than negative in valence. Positive consequences tend to be transient whereas negative consequences are presented as more enduring and emotionally impactful. Though HBO includes the greatest number of shows with sexual intercourse acts, few differences across channels are observed in the presentation of sexual intercourse, indicating a fairly uniform portrayal. Findings are discussed in light of theory, past content analyses, and implications for viewer effects.
Genetic analysis of bread-making quality in wheat and spelt.

Bread-making quality in wheat and spelt reflects the combination of several, mostly quantitatively inherited parameters. The aim was to find molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) for quality parameters. Zeleny sedimentation values (Zel), protein (Prot), kernel hardness (KH) and 1000-kernel weight (TKW) of 226 F5 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between wheat and spelt were assessed in diAerent environments. The dough properties of 204 RILs were assessed with an alveograph. Based on a genetic map of 187 loci, nine QTL were found for Zel and Prot, explaining 47% and 51% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. Fifty-four per cent of the variance was explained by 10 QTL for KH and eight for TKW. For the alveograph parameters 10 QTL were found for baking strength, nine for tenacity, seven for configuration ratio, and four for elasticity index and extensibility. The phenotypic variance explained ranged from 25% to 48%. The population mean of the dough parameters was shifted towards the spelt parent. It is concluded that non-additive eAects are crucial in the expression of high bread-making quality of wheat. The consequences for wheat and spelt breeding programmes are discussed. Quality parameters, as with many economically relevant traits are characterized by a continuous distribution, which suggests that they are influenced by several genes. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis allows quantitatively inherited traits to be resolved into their individual genetic components. The number
Control of carnivore overpopulation (Egyptian Mongoose and red fox) : study case in the council of Azambuja (Portugal)

The presence of predators in a habitat is considered a stabilizing force in the population of herbivores, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem. However, the predator’s overpopulation causes a drastic reduction of primary consumers, exceeding the capacity of the ecosystem and endangering the entire food chain. To solve that situation, density control actions are being implemented by man, for balance maintenance purposes or to prevent damages. Often, in the council of Azambuja, there are carried out these actions, by Hunting Associations to control the carnivore population in forest areas, in particular the egyption mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), for their allegedly effect on the lagomorphs population decline. The objective of this study was to describe the capture process end-to-end: how the authorization is required, how is it done in the field, how the fiscalization is made and the results on the biodiversity. The methodology used was the record of the process, interview of the people responsible in field for these actions, and consultation with the national authorities involved. It was verified that the national services which controls these actions (National Institute for Nature Conservation and Forestry) and responsible for the evaluation of the licenses requests, issued these ones to a local hunting association, without any previous study of those two species population’s densities or maximum carrying capacity of the environment for them. There’s no effective supervision of the implementation of this action in the field. It was also clear that hunters use these actions, not to guarantee the ecosystem balance, but to eliminate predators in order to increase the lagomorph’s population for the hunting season. So a process that first established the ecosystem’s balance can and may do exactly the opposite.
Urban Regeneration and New Partnerships among Public Institutions, Local Entrepreneurs and Communities

The paper aims at investigating how different approaches in the interaction among public institutions, (local) entrepreneurs and communities lead to better perform effective urban regeneration processes. At this aim, purposely selected urban regeneration programs undertaken in some neighbourhoods of Boston are discussed against a conceptual frame drawn from the civic economics theory, trying to unveil the potential of innovative forms of multiple actors’ partnerships acting together to achieve urban regeneration goals. The paper demonstrates how both a conceptual shift of the role of private investors in partnerships for urban regeneration, capable to incorporate traditionally public- led goals into private duties, and a conceptual shift of public and private partnerships mechanisms, capable to incorporate not exclusively market-oriented values but also the value of reciprocity, can led to achieve: a) territorial concentration, obtained through place-based, community- based organisations enacting also central policies; b) continuity over time, obtained through the overlapping actions of multiple- stakeholders organisations covering different goals and areas that complement each other.
Aerospace engineering: Investigating student perceptions and industry realities

Aerospace students have different reasons for choosing their university program. Knowing their perceptions of the aerospace industry and their expectations in their future career can assist in determining the best teaching styles and program structures. A survey was conducted among aerospace students at RMIT University involving all four year levels in the Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) program. The results indicate that there is a mismatch between what the university tries to teach and what students actually learn. Students felt that they have been taught more about technical and analytical skills but less about business practices and ethics/social issues even though these were underlined by both academics and industry.
Responsible Practices for Minimizing and Monitoring Environmental Impacts of Marine Seismic Surveys with an Emphasis on Marine Mammals

Marine seismic surveys, which use loud, primarily low-frequency sound to penetrate the sea floor, are known to disturb and could harm marine life. The use of these surveys for conventional and alternative offshore energy development as well as research is expanding. Given their proliferation and potential for negative environmental impact, there is a growing need for systematic planning and operational standards to eliminate or at least minimize impacts, especially when surveys occur in sensitive areas. Mitigating immediate impacts is obviously critical, but monitoring for short- as well as longterm effects and impacts is also needed. Regulatory requirements for both mitigation and monitoring vary widely from one country or jurisdiction to another. Historically, most have focused on acute effects but share a common objective of minimizing potential adverse impacts. Specific examples in different areas are given to illustrate general approaches for predicting, minimizing, and measuring impacts for operations in essentially any marine environment. The critical elements of a robust mitigation and monitoring plan for responsibly conducting marine seismic surveys include obtaining baseline ecological data; substantial advance planning, communication, and critical review; integrated acoustic and visual monitoring during operations; and systematic analysis of results to inform future planning and mitigation.
Safety and Efficacy of Angio-Seal Closure in Antegrade Superficial Femoral Artery Access

Objective: Arterial access for endovascular revascularization in patients with debilitating peripheral arterial disease is commonly achieved through retrograde common femoral artery (CFA) approach. However, retrograde access presents multiple technical challenges, including long distance from the access site to the target lesion, and mechanical disadvantage of working over the aortic bifurcation and often tortuous iliac vessels. Antegrade CFA access avoids these challenges but has been fraught with its own difficulties, particularly in obese patients. Antegrade superficial femoral artery (SFA) access provides the same mechanical advantages while avoiding the difficulties of antegrade CFA access, but a vascular closure device is required due to distance from the femoral head. This single-center study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the Angio-Seal device (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN) in SFA punctures. Materials and Methods: From May 2011 to January 2015, 140 antegrade SFA punctures were performed on 110 limbs in 88 patients for endovascular revascularization, all with ultrasound guidance. Complications and patient data including age, sex, body mass index, Fontaine stage, sheath size, and intraoperative heparin doses were analyzed. Results: In 140 antegrade SFA punctures, there were 11 access-related complications (7.9%). The majority were hematomas or pseudoaneurysms requiring nominal or no therapy. There were 3 major complications: Two delayed access stenoses ultimately resulted in toe amputations and one hemorrhage required extended hospitalization and transfusion. Patient data analysis showed a statistically significantly increased complication rate in females (20.7%) versus males (4.5%) (p = 0.0105). Conclusions: Antegrade SFA access with Angio-Seal closure is safe and effective. An increased complication rate in females warrants cautious post-procedural follow-up.
Is the Development of WIG Index Determined by Certain Macroeconomic and Financial Factors

The aim of this paper is to present an analysis whether certain financial ratios can have a significant impact on the development of a stock exchange index. In particular the benchmark stock exchange index is considered, as well as, the selected ratios are considered as the average ones for the whole economy. Quarterly data between 2005 and 2015 were analyzed for the Warsaw Stock Exchange (Poland).
Brownian inventory models with convex holding cost, Part 2: Discount-optimal controls

We consider an inventory system in which inventory level fluctuates as a Brownian motion in the absence of control. The inventory continuously accumulates cost at a rate that is a general convex function of the inventory level, which can be negative when there is a backlog. At any time, the inventory level can be adjusted by a positive or negative amount, which incurs a fixed positive cost and a proportional cost. The challenge is to find an adjustment policy that balances the inventory cost and adjustment cost to minimize the expected total discounted cost. We provide a tutorial on using a three-step lower-bound approach to solving the optimal control problem under a discounted cost criterion. In addition, we prove that a four-parameter control band policy is optimal among all feasible policies. A key step is the constructive proof of the existence of a unique solution to the free boundary problem. The proof leads naturally to an algorithm to compute the four parameters of the optimal control band policy.
Improved Partial Least Squares Regression Recommendation Algorithm

This paper aims to improve the performance of partial least squares regression, and then, improve efficiency of its implementation. In this paper we provide a novel derivation based on optimization for the partial least squares (PLS) algorithm. The derivation shows that only one of either the X- or the Y- matrix needs to be deflated during the sequential process of computing latent factors. And then, based on this derivation, an improved recursive exponentially weighted PLS regression algorithm was proposed. And the improved algorithm is obviously superior to traditional PLS regression algorithm on performance. Index Terms - partial least squares (PLS), kernel algorithm, algorithms improvement, recursive exponentially weighted algorithms Research in science and engineering often involves using some variables (commonly known as factors or prediction variables) which are easy-to-measure and/or controllable to explain, regulate, or predict other variables (commonly known as dependent variables or response variables). Given having many variables and ill-understood relationships, researchers tend to select appropriate variables to construct a good predictive model. However, a large part of the information contained in the data gets lost in the process of data collection. Interactions and correlations between factors are omitted, although they are of great important for the solution of problems. When the factors are few in number, are not significantly redundant(collinear), and have a well-understood relationship to the responses, methods based on Least-squares regression, such as multiple linear regression(MLR), principle component analysis(PCA),canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and so on, can be a good way to turn data into information. However, if any of these three conditions was broken down, these methods mentioned above can be inefficient or inappropriate. The damaging effects of multiple
Radically Relational: Using Textiles As A Platform To Develop Methods For Embodied Design Processes

This position paper builds on textiles as a metaphor to explore the experiential knowledge observed through embodied design processes. In order to build understanding, we have tailored our tools and methods to support our explorations so far. As literature shows articulating our sensory experiences with materials is a challenging task. In order to support our investigations, in this paper we present a reflection on our diverse approaches to introduce tools that support us in interrogating how designers relate with materials, particularly textiles, and use their sensorial body to experience them during the creative process. We build on our previous research that identified relevant embodied process to textile selection, and reflect on how we have explored how sensing technology can augment and empower each of these phases, to support the design process. We conclude by discussing the learning outcomes from introducing such tools, in order to reflect on the future of our research.
Safety of Multiple Intrathecal Administrations of Cultured Human Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Patients with Neurological Disorders Including Parkinsonâ€™s Disease

Although autologous adipose stem cells have much therapeutic potential for incurable diseases, safety concerns have been constantly raised for clinical use. An intrathecal injection of the stem cells to improve therapeutic efficiency in central nervous system diseases is also reluctant due to concerns of adverse reaction. To investigate the safety of multiple intrathecal administrations of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAdMSCs), adverse reactions were analyzed by questionnaire survey and blood chemistry examination in 70 patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases who received hAdMSCs multiple times in China and Japan, retrospectively. As results, multiple IT administrations of cultured autologous hAdMSCs were safe, although mild back pain at the injection site in 4 patients and headache, dizziness, fever and asleep legs in other 4 patients. Adverse reactions were disappeared completely without specific treatment within a day. There were no serious adverse reactions during the cell treatment period. No remarkable atypical clinical change was observed in the blood analysis before and after the cell administrations. This study demonstrates that multiple IT administrations of hAdMSCs are safe for clinical use.
Method for Predicting fT for Carbon Nanotube FETs

A method based on a generic small-signal equivalent circuit for field-effect transistors is proposed for predicting the unity–current–gain frequency for carbon-nanotube devices. The key to the useful implementation of the method is the rigorous estimation of the values for the components of the equivalent circuit. This is achieved by numerical differentiation of the charges and currents resulting from self-consistent solutions to the equations of Schrödinger and Poisson. Sample results are presented, which show that can have a very unusual dependence on the gate–source bias voltage. This behavior is due mainly to the voltage dependence of the transconductance and capacitance in the presence of quasi-bound states in the nanotube.
A Study of r- and u-Magnitude Dependence in the Spatial Orientation of Spin Vectors of SDSS Galaxies having redshift 0.10 < z < 0.11

We present a study of spin vector orientations of 44749 r and u-magnitude SDSS (Sloan Digital Sky Survey) galaxies having redshift 0.10 to 0.11. The r and u-magnitudes are observed through 616.5 nm and 354.3 nm CCD (charge coupled device) filter attached to SDSS telescope located at New Mexico, USA. We have converted two dimensional data to three dimensional galaxy rotation axes. Our aim is to find out non-random effects in the spatial orientation of galaxies. In addition, we wanted to check r and u-magnitude dependence in the spatial orientation. The expected isotropy distribution curves are obtained by removing the selection effects and performing a random simulation method. In general, spin vector orientations of galaxies is found to be random, supporting Hierarchy model of galaxy formation. A local anisotropy is observed in few samples suggesting a gravitational tidal interaction between neighbor galaxies, a merging process in which the angular momentum vector distort the original alignment of evolution of rotational supported system to the randomized system. The Himalayan Physics Year 5, Vol. 5, Kartik 2071 (Nov 2014) Page: 1-11
Object Tracking by Corrected Background-Weighted Histogram Mean Shift with Sum of Gradient Mode

With a focus on complex environments, the present paper describes a new algorithm in scale changed object tracking through color feature. Mean shift (MS) iterative procedure is the best color-based algorithm to find the location of an object. The algorithm performance is not acceptable once tracking scale changed objects in complex environments. In this paper, the main aim is to improve the MS method, using corrected background-weighted histogram (CBWH) algorithm to reduce the interference of background in target localization. To fit the object scale change, the sum of gradient mode (SGM) is employed. The experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to the traditional mean shift tracking in the following aspects: 1) it provides consistent object tracking throughout the video; 2) it is not influenced by the tracked objects scale changes; 3) it is less prone to the background clutter.
Analysis of the Stationarity of East Asian Currencies Using Unit Root Test and Cointegration Test

This paper investigates the stationarity of East Asian currencies by using a unit root test and cointegration test. We examine whether the Asian monetary unit (AMU) deviation indicators adjusted by the Balassa-Samuelson effect are stationary over the short term by carrying out a unit root test and assess whether cointegration relationships exist over the long term by carrying out a cointegration test. Based on an empirical analysis of 502 combinations, we find that only one combination (the Japanese yen and the Singapore dollar) shows a significant result. Based on our results, it is clear that exchange rate fluctuations among East Asian currencies respond to each other asymmetrically and that the issue of exchange rate misalignment needs to be dealt with immediately.