Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetic parameters of interstellar neutral helium - Review of results obtained during one solar cycle with the Ulysses/GAS-instrument

The GAS-instrument onboard the space probe Ulysses is designed to measure the local angular distribution of the flow of interstellar neutral He-atoms within ≈ 3 AU distance from the sun. It allows to infer the kinetic parameters (velocity vector, temperature and density) of these particles outside the heliosphere (“at infinity”). During three observational periods, 1990/1991, shortly after launch and during the two fast latitude scans of Ulysses, from 9/1994 to 8/1996 and from 9/2000 to 8/2002, more than 300 measurements of the distributions were obtained and analyzed in detail. Known issues that relate to the pointing accuracy of the detector and to the efficiency calibration along with their impact on the results are addressed in this paper. The average values, derived from these observations and their refined analysis, are the bulk speed ($v_{\rm He\infty}= 26.3$ ± 0.4 km s -1 ), the flow direction (ecliptic longitude $\lambda_{\infty} = 74.7^{\circ}$ ± $0.5^{\circ}$, ecliptic latitude $\beta_{\infty} = -5.2^{\circ}$ ± $0.2^{\circ}$) and temperature ($T_{\rm He\infty} = 6300~{\rm K}$ ± 340 K). From 1990 to 2002, covering a complete solar cycle, no significant temporal variations of these parameters were observed, nor variations with solar latitude. In contrast, in the density n He\infty , derived from the series of local observations along the Ulysses-orbit, substantial apparent variations were seen. After a first attempt to explain these by an inadequate energy calibration of the efficiency they are now interpreted as variations in the loss processes (predominantly photo-ionization), which the neutral gas experiences along its trajectory to the observer. While the temporal variations of the ionization rate were taken into account using the measured solar EUV irradiance (from CELIAS/SEM on SOHO), the residual latitudinal variation has been attributed to a dependence of the solar irradiance on latitude, which thus far has not been accessible to direct observations. As a result of a simple model that includes these effects a density $n_{\rm He\infty}= 0.015$ ± 0.003 cm -3 has been deduced, which is in good agreement with an independent result from pickup ion observations.
Application of a New Wavelet Threshold Method in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoir Seismic Data Denoising

Seismic data processing is an important aspect to improve the signal to noise ratio. The main work of this paper is to combine the characteristics of seismic data, using wavelet transform method, to eliminate and control such random noise, aiming to improve the signal to noise ratio and the technical methods used in large data systems, so that there can be better promotion and application. In recent years, prestack data denoising of all-digital three-dimensional seismic data is the key to data processing. Contrapose the characteristics of all-digital three-dimensional seismic data, and, on the basis of previous studies, a new threshold function is proposed. Comparing between conventional hard threshold and soft threshold, this function not only is easy to compute, but also has excellent mathematical properties and a clear physical meaning. The simulation results proved that this method can well remove the random noise. Using this threshold function in actual seismic processing of unconventional lithologic gas reservoir with low porosity, low permeability, low abundance, and strong heterogeneity, the results show that the denoising method can availably improve seismic processing effects and enhance the signal to noise ratio (SNR).
LANDSCAPE AND VACATION PREFERENCES OF URBAN DWELLERS IN BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA)

Landscape forms define different kinds of activities and influence tourists’ and visitors’ expectations. Knowledge of users’ typology is a fundamental aspect to be considered in sustainable tourism. In this study we analyze the public perception associated with preferences for landscape and tourist destination. Surveys were applied to users visiting five urban nature reserves in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. Experiential and experimental preferences for landscape features were classified in ten categories; vacation was discriminated in beach, mountain, city and rural destinations and both were contrasted with the profiles and education levels of respondents on the background of Argentina as a country with high landscape diversity. There were significant differences between education levels and landscape preferences for four features: variety, one element of the landscape, sensorial features and color; while age was significant for six landscape features: maintenance, one element of the landscape, variety, wilderness, admiration and sensorial features. Beach landscapes, followed by mountain landscapes, were the preferred destinations selected by all groups of respondents, except for the group of people with elementary school education who chose rural destinations as their second preference.
Impact of a High Penetration of Electric Vehicles and Photovoltaic Inverters on Power Quality in an Urban Residential Grid Part I – Unbalance

This paper presents a measurement-based assessment of the impact of a high penetration of plug-in electric vehicles with on-board charger (EVC) and photovoltaic inverters (PVI) on Power Quality in a public low voltage (LV) network. The paper consists of two parts. This first part is focused on the impact on unbalance, the second part is related to harmonics. The results are based on extensive measurements in an urban residential grid with almost 100 households (HH), 43 PVIs and 36 EVCs. The impact of PVI and EVC on unbalance at different levels of aggregation is described in detail. At first the individual impact of a single PVI and EVC is discussed for different operating conditions. In particular, a sunny day, a cloudy day and hours during the night are used for PVI, while periods of charging and periods of no charging are considered for EVC. Next sections analyse the interaction between PVI, EVC and residual load at household level as well as the overall impact of PVIs and EVCs in the low voltage grid. The analysis considers current unbalance and voltage unbalance.
Minimize Impact or Maximize Benefit: The Role of Objective Function in Approximately Optimizing Sensor Placement for Municipal Water Distribution Networks

We consider the design of a sensor network to serve as an early warning system against a potential suite of contamination incidents. Given any measure for evaluating the quality of a sensor placement, there are two ways to model the objective. One is to minimize the impact or damage to the network, the other is to maximize the reduction in impact compared to the network without sensors. These objectives are the same when the problem is solved optimally. But when given equally-good approximation algorithms for each of this pair of complementary objectives, either one might be a better choice. The choice generally depends upon the quality of the approximation algorithms, the impact when there are no sensors, and the number of sensors available. We examine when each objective is better than the other by examining multiple real world networks. When assuming perfect sensors, minimizing impact is frequently superior for virulent contaminants. But when there are long response delays, or it is very difficult to reduce impact, maximizing impact reduction may be better.
African farmers’ market organizations and global value chains: competitiveness versus inclusiveness

Abstract This conceptual paper discusses the challenges smallholder producer cooperatives in developing countries face while trying to access agricultural global value chains. We assess the problem of competitiveness related to lack of commitment and improper selection. Prioritization of open membership over selection is generally taken for granted in the policy debate on farmers’ market organizations (FMOs). We argue that open membership may work in community-driven organizations, however, it becomes a major threat for entrepreneurial FMOs. Inclusion facilitates free riding, which forms a barrier for investments of members. This is one of the major reasons why so many of these organizations are so much resource constrained, i.e. are not able to compete in the market without external support. FMOs should take targeting and selection serious if entrepreneurial activities are intended. Otherwise, they miss the opportunity to create a committed member base willing to invest in a potentially competitive organization.
WAVES, BEATS AND EXPECTANCY

In speech, “beats” are found at rapid onsets or at strong increases of low-frequency components of voicing (typically 200-800 Hz). These sites correspond to well-documented foci of perceptual attention (e.g., P-centres). Given the precise coordinated action they require, they probably necessitate exceptional articulatory coordination. The on- and offsets of the repeated short sentences with characteristic durations in studies by Port and colleagues were marked by strong beats, and in studies on continuous French and English sentences, strong beat positions were places where timing agreement between speakers was greater than in weak beat positions. Beats thus enjoy privileged status in the phonetic chain. In this study, a mechanism for the emergence of beats is proposed. Examples from physics (e.g., pendulum, sine tones, or water waves) indicate that beats are produced by interferential patterns between similar events, creating mutually reinforced wave forms (“beats”) alternating with weakened wave forms (“off-beats” or “antibeats”). In biological “coordinative structures”, similar task requirements can also create interferential events that translate into beat, e.g. the need to coordinate the horse’s anterior and posterior body portions for a canter. In speech, it can be argued that strong voice onsets coincide with a neurological anticipation of such onsets, which is likely to lead to the creation of beat reinforcement. Weakening would be predicted for rapid subsequent events. The notion of beat patterns operating within coordinate structures promises a number of useful hypotheses for the temporal structuring of gestures in speech.
Preparation and Characterization of Graphene Oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) films with two-dimensional structure were successfully prepared via the modified Hummer method. It is proven that redox method is a promising way to synthesize GO films on a large scale. Comprehensive characterizations of the properties of GO films were conducted. TEM and DFM analyses showed that GO sheets prepared in this study had single and double lamellar layer structure and a thickness of 2~3 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was selected to measure the crystal structure of GO sheet. Fourier-transform infrared spectra analyzer (FT-IR) was used to certify the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups in GO films. The tests of UV-VIS spectrometer and TGA analyzer indicated that GO sheet possessed excellent optical response and outstanding thermal stability. Elemental analyzer (EA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) analyzed the components synthetic material. Simultaneously, chemical structure of GO sheet was described in this study. Discussion and references for further research on graphene are provided.
PLASTIC BAGS - THREAT TO ENVIRONMENT AND CATTLE HEALTH: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM GONDAR CITY OF ETHIOPIA

observe the impact of plastic bags usage on environment and cattle health. Paper packaging is vanishing slowly in the city and limited to small shops only. Open dumping of plastic bags containing wastes is observed commonly near road side, open plots, river side, in drains and public places however, it is prohibited under Ethiopian law. Winds carry bags to distant areas sometimes found entangled on the trees and shrubs create nuisance. During rainy season, the blockage of drains and overflowing of water was observed in some areas of the city. During study period, out of 711 rumenotomies done, in 111 (15.61%) and 600 (84.39%) animals, emergency rumenotomy and elective rumenotomy was performed, respectively. The quantity of the foreign bodies (FB’s) collected from the rumen was ranging from 0.75 to 2.0 kg in 28 animals (3.94%); 2.0 to 5.0 kg in 116 animals (16.32%); 5.0 to 9.0 kg in 217 animals (30.52%) and above 9.0 kg in 350 animals (49.23%). Due to absence of plastic recycling unit in the Gondar city or in nearby areas, there is no practice of collecting and selling these products to junk dealers. Use of reusable bags made of cloths, jute and other natural fibers must be encouraged. In order to save the life of animals, residents should not pack and throw the food items in plastic bags. The cattle owners may be advised not to allow their cattle to freely wander in streets especially in the cities. They should see that the grazing lands are not polluted with the polythene and other wastes. Awareness may be created on careless disposal of plastic bags and as well as the periodical cleaning of these wastes in the grazing area.
Detection of transient generalized and mutual phase synchronization by clustering and application to single brain signals

The present work introduces an analysis framework for the detection of metastable signal segments in multivariate time series. It is shown that in case of linear data these segments represent transient generalized synchronization, while metastable segments in circular data reflect transient mutual phase synchronization. We propose a single segmentation approach for both types of data considering the space-time structure of the data. Applications to both event-related potentials and single evoked potentials obtained from an auditory oddball experiment reveal the lack of the component P300 in an experimental condition, indicates attention effects in component N100 and shows dramatic latency jitters in single trials. A comparison of the proposed method to a conventional index of mutual phase synchronization demonstrates the superiority of considering space-time data structures.
Proposal for development of a national microwave brightness-temperature standard

We review the advantages of a national standard for microwave brightness temperature and outline our proposed approach toward developing such a standard. The proposal is a combined standard that would comprise both a standard radiometer, traceable to primary noise standards, and a fully characterized standard target. We also review our recent work on development of a standard radiometer and on characterization of calibration targets.
COATTAILS AND MIXED ELECTORAL SYSTEMS: EVIDENCE FROM TAIWAN'S 2016 ELECTION

Abstract To what extent do presidential candidates influence voting in mixed member legislative elections? A sizable literature addresses presidential–legislative coattail effects in the American context, with less attention given to this interaction in non-Western democracies. Nor is the role of past voting behavior adequately assessed in the literature. Taiwan's historic 2016 election allows for an analysis of the extent in which the popularity of presidential candidates influences coattail voting in the more complex electoral environment of two-vote mixed legislative systems. Evidence finds that, controlling for partisanship and previous voting behavior, voters who supported a presidential candidate were more likely to also support the party's legislative candidates, although this influence is stronger in regards to Democratic Progressive Party's Tsai Ing-wen.
Learning-by-Doing in a Highly Skilled Profession When Stakes are High: Evidence from Advanced Cancer Surgery

Although learning-by-doing is believed to be an important source of productivity growth, there is limited evidence that production volume affects productivity in a causal sense. We document evidence of learning-by-doing in a highly skilled profession where stakes are high; advanced cancer surgery. For this purpose, we introduce a novel instrument that exploits the closure and opening of entire cancer clinics which have given rise to sharp and exogenous changes in the cancer surgical volumes at Swedish public sector hospitals. Using detailed register data on more than 100,000 episodes of advanced cancer surgery, our results suggest positive effects of surgery volumes on survival. In addition, we provide evidence on the mechanisms through which these improvements occur. We also show that the results are not driven by changes in patient composition or by other changes at the hospital level.
High-speed photography of supercavitation and multiphase flows in water entry

The supercavitation in water entry and associated multiphase flows were studied using a high-speed camera and single-shot optical device. The formation, growth and collapse of supercavities induced by underwater high-speed projectiles were revealed. The unsteady fluid dynamic processes of the splash, surface deformation, supercavity twisting, down jet in the cavity, etc. were also studied. Both axisymmetrical and three-dimensional supercavities were found in the experiment. The shape of the axisymmetrical supercavity has been comparied with Logvinovich’s model. The three-dimensional supercavity is caused by the trajectory deflection of the underwater projectile, which is also related unsteadiness and turbulence of the flow field. When the supercavity is twisted, a grain-like cavitating bubble is formed after the upper and lower pinch-offs. It is newly found that during the surface closure (surface seal), the down-jet is generated simultaneously with the formation of upwards splash dome.
Pointer Logic Dealing with Uncertain Equality of Pointers

A pointer logic is designed for a C-like programming language PointerC.The pointer logic is an extension of Hoare logic,and it uses the idea of precise alias analysis in pointer program verification to support safety verification of programs in which equality of pointers is well-regulated.This paper presents an extension to the pointer logic by introducing a set of uncertain-equality pointer access path sets,so as to reason in the extended pointer logic about properties of programs which manipulate data structures like directed graph in which equality of pointers is uncertain.
NUMERICALLY PREDICTED INDIRECT SIGNATURES OF TERRESTRIAL PLANET FORMATION

The intermediate phases of planet formation are not directly observable due to lack of emission from planetesimals. Planet formation is, however, a dynamically active process resulting in collisions between the evolving planetesimals and the production of dust. Thus, indirect observation of planet formation may indeed be possible in the near future. In this paper we present synthetic observations based on numerical N-body simulations of the intermediate phase of planet formation including a state-of-the-art collision model, EDACM, which allows multiple collision outcomes, such as accretion, erosion, and bouncing events. We show that the formation of planetary embryos may be indirectly observable by a fully functioning ALMA telescope if the surface area involved in planetesimal evolution is sufficiently large and/or the amount of dust produced in the collisions is sufficiently high in mass.
Derivation and Validation of a Risk Index to Predict All-Cause Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with severe complications have higher risk of mortality. An easy-to-use risk index to quantify the risk of mortality would help clinicians identify patients who might benefit from more intensive therapy. The study aims to develop a risk index to predict all-cause mortality for a cohort of T2DM patients seen at primary care clinics in Singapore. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 28 patient-level variables were extracted from an automated clinical and administrative registry for T2DM who had at least 2 visits to the same National Healthcare Group Polyclinic in 2007. Demographic characteristics, inpatient and outpatient diagnoses, laboratory results and prescription were included. Mortality data were provided by the Ministry of Health. We used a split-sample design to derive and validate an index to predict the risk of death within 2 years of the index attendance. The c-statistic was used to assess model discrimination. Results: Out of the 59,747 patients in the study, 2,977 (5%) patients died during the 2-year follow up. Age (“A”); diabetes-related complications (Diabetes Complication Severity Index) (“C”); and cancer history (“C”) were found to independently predict all-cause mortality (from which the mnemonic “ACC” was derived). The ACC risk index ranged from 0 to 20 with expected risk of mortality of 0.3% to 80.6%. The discriminatory accuracy of the ACC risk index for the validation data is excellent (c-statistic 0.83, 95% CI 0.82 - 0.84). Conclusion: A simple risk index for all-cause mortality was successfully developed, and validated using routinely collected registry data. The risk index can be used to stratify T2 DM patients into varying risk of mortality. Further external validation of the risk index is needed before using it in a clinical setting. doi:10.4021/jem67w
Inferring choice criteria with mixture IRT models: A demonstration using ad hoc and goal-derived categories

Whether it pertains to the foods to buy when one is on a diet, the items to take along to the beach on one’s day off or (perish the thought) the belongings to save from one’s burning house, choice is ubiquitous. We aim to determine from choices the criteria individuals use when they select objects from among a set of candidates. In order to do so we employ a mixture IRT (item-response theory) model that capitalizes on the insights that objects are chosen more often the better they meet the choice criteria and that the use of different criteria is reflected in inter-individual selection differences. The model is found to account for the inter-individual selection differences for 10 ad hoc and goal-derived categories. Its parameters can be related to selection criteria that are frequently thought of in the context of these categories. These results suggest that mixture IRT models allow one to infer from mere choice behavior the criteria individuals used to select/discard objects. Potential applications of mixture IRT models in other judgment and decision making contexts are discussed.
A discrete universality Theorem for periodic Hurwitz zeta-functions

Abstract In 1975, Sergei Mikhailovich Voronin discovered the universality of the Riemann zetafunction ζ(s), s = σ + it , on the approximation of a wide class of analytic functions by shifts ζ(s+ iτ), τ ∈ R. Later, it turned out that also some other zeta-functions are universal in the Voronin sense. If τ takes values from a certain descrete set, then the universality is called discrete. In the present paper, the discrete universality of periodic Hurwitz zeta-functions is considered. The periodic Hurwitz zeta-function ζ(s, α; a) is defined by the series with terms am(m + α) −s, where 0 < α ≤ 1 is a fixed number, and a = {am} is a periodic sequence of complex numbers. It is proved that a wide class of analytic functions can be approximated by shifts ζ(s+ihk1 log2 k, α; a) with k = 2, 3, . , where h > 0 and 0 < β1 < 1, β2 > 0 are fixed numbers, and the set {log(m+α) : m = 0, 1, 2} is linearly independent over the field of rational numbers. It is obtained that the set of such k has a positive lower density. For the proof, properties of uniformly distributed modulo 1 sequences of real numbers are applied.