Bar-Ilan University

About: Bar-Ilan University is a education organization based out in Ramat Gan, Israel. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 12835 authors who have published 34964 publications receiving 995648 citations. The organization is also known as: Bar Ilan University & BIU.

Payments and banking with mobile personal devices

Abstract: Mobile devices enable secure, convenient authorization of e-banking, retail payment, brokerage, and other types of transactions.

Long-term persistence and multifractality of precipitation and river runoff records

Abstract: [1] We discuss and compare the multifractal temporal scaling properties of precipitation and river discharge records on large timescales. To detect long-term correlations and multifractal behavior in the presence of trends, we apply recently developed methods (detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and multifractal DFA) that can systematically detect nonstationarities and overcome trends in the data at all timescales. We find that above some crossover time that usually is several weeks, the daily runoffs are characterized by an asymptotic scaling exponent that indicates a slow power law decay of the runoff autocorrelation function and varies from river to river in a wide range. Below the crossovers, pronounced short-term correlations occur. In contrast, most of the precipitation series show scaling behavior corresponding to a rapid decay of the autocorrelation function. For the multifractal characterization of the data we determine the generalized Hurst exponents and fit them by three operational models. While the fits based on the universal multifractal model describe well the scaling behavior of the positive moments in nearly all runoff and precipitation records, positive as well as negative moments are consistent with two-parameter fits from a modified version of the multiplicative cascade model for all runoff records and most of the precipitation records. For some precipitation records with weak multifractality, however, a simple bifractal characterization gives the best fit of the data.

Skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Care) accelerates autonomic and neurobehavioural maturation in preterm infants.

Abstract: The effects of mother–infant skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Care; KC) on autonomic functioning, state regulation, and neurobehavioural status was examined in 70 preterm infants, half of whom received KC over 24.31 days (SD 7.24) for a total of 29.76 hours (SD 12.86). Infants were matched for sex (19 males and 16 females in each group); birthweight (KC, 1229.95g [SD 320.21]; controls, 1232.17g [SD 322.15]); gestational age (GA) (KC, 30.28 weeks [SD 2.54]; controls, 30.19 weeks [SD 2.65]); medical risk; and family demographics. Vagal tone was calculated from 10 minutes of heart rate before KC and again at 37 weeks' GA. Infant state was observed in 10-second epochs during four consecutive hours before KC and again at 37 weeks' GA. Neurobehavioural status was assessed at 37 weeks' GA with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Infants receiving KC showed a more rapid maturation of vagal tone between 32 and 37 weeks' GA (p=0.029). More rapid improvement in state organization was observed in KC infants, in terms of longer periods of quiet sleep (p=0.016) and alert wakefulness (p=0.013) and shorter periods of active sleep (p=0.023). Neurodevelopmental profile was more mature for KC infants, particularly habituation (p=0.032) and orientation (p=0.007). Results underscore the role of early skin-to-skin contact in the maturation of the autonomic and circadian systems in preterm infants.

K α 1 , 2 and K β 1 , 3 x-ray emission lines of the 3 d transition metals

Abstract: The $K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1,2}$ and $K{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{1,3}$ emission spectra of the $3d$ transition metals Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu were measured, employing a single-crystal diffractometer optimized for minimal instrumental broadening. The high-accuracy diffractometer, and the interferometrically calibrated silicon crystal employed ensure absolute wavelengths in the metric scale to a sub-part-per-million accuracy. An accurate analytic representation of each line, obtained by a fit to a minimal set of Lorentzians, is presented. The absolute energies, linewidths, and indices of asymmetry, derived from the data, agree well with previous measurements. So do also the intensity ratios $K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}/K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$ and $K{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{1,3}/K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1,2},$ which are, however, slightly, but consistently, higher than previous values. Possible origins for the observed $Z$-dependent trends are discussed.