Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling vertical transmission in vector-borne diseases with applications to Rift Valley fever

We present two ordinary differential equation models for Rift Valley fever (RVF) transmission in cattle and mosquitoes. We extend existing models for vector-borne diseases to include an asymptomatic host class and vertical transmission in vectors. We define the basic reproductive number, 0, and analyse the existence and stability of equilibrium points. We compute sensitivity indices of 0 and a reactivity index (that measures epidemicity) to parameters for baseline wet and dry season values. 0 is most sensitive to the mosquito biting and death rates. The reactivity index is most sensitive to the mosquito biting rate and the infectivity of hosts to vectors. Numerical simulations show that even with low equilibrium prevalence, increases in mosquito densities through higher rainfall, in the presence of vertical transmission, can result in large epidemics. This suggests that vertical transmission is an important factor in the size and persistence of RVF epidemics.
Evaluating the effect of temperature on microbial growth rate--the Ratkowsky and a Bělehrádek-type models.

The objective of this paper to conduct a parallel comparison of a new Bělehrádek-type growth rate (with an exponent of 1.5, or the Huang model), Ratkowsky square-root, and Ratkowsky square equations as secondary models for evaluating the effect of temperature on the growth of microorganisms. Growth rates of psychrotrophs and mesophiles were selected from the literature, and independently analyzed with the 3 models using nonlinear regression. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of growth rate (μ), estimated minimum temperature (T(min) ), approximate standard errors (SE) of T(min) , model mean square errors (MSE), accuracy factor (A(f) ), bias factor (B(f) ), relative residual errors (δ), Akaike information criterion (AICc), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Based on the estimated T(min) values, the Huang model distinctively classified the bacteria into 2 groups (psychrotrophs and mesophiles). No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed among the means of the μ values reported in the literature or estimated by the 3 models, suggesting that all 3 models were suitable for curve fitting. Nor was there any significant difference in MSE, SE, δ, A(f) , B(f) , AICc, and BIC. The T(min) values estimated by the Huang model were significantly higher than those estimated by the Ratkowsky models, but were in closer agreement with the biological minimum temperatures for both psychrotrophs and mesophiles. The T(min) values estimated by the Ratkowsky models systematically underestimated the minimum growth temperatures. In addition, statistical estimation showed that the mean exponent for the new Bělehrádek-type growth rate model may indeed be 1.5, further supporting the validity of the Huang model.
Improving AGC Performance of Coal-Fueled Thermal Generators Using Multi-MW Scale BESS: A Practical Application

With the increasing penetration of renewables in power system, frequency regulation is becoming a big challenge for conventional coal-fueled thermal generator units. To address this issue, more stringent criteria of automatic generation control (AGC) has been established by grid operators to regulate the generators. However, old-fashioned units can hardly meet the requirements and thus are subject to penalty. In this paper, an approach of using battery energy storage systems (BESS) for coordinated frequency regulation is proposed to improve the AGC performance of such generators. A demonstration project with a 2 MW BESS has been commissioned at Shijingshan Thermal Power Plant, Beijing. The basic principles, coordinated control strategy, technical performance as well as economic benefits have been presented and validated with field test results. As a pioneer of its kind in China, this project offers an excellent demo of utilizing BESS for improving AGC performance under the context of high renewable integration.
Plastic and evolutionary responses to climate change in fish

The physical and ecological ‘fingerprints’ of anthropogenic climate change over the past century are now well documented in many environments and taxa. We reviewed the evidence for phenotypic responses to recent climate change in fish. Changes in the timing of migration and reproduction, age at maturity, age at juvenile migration, growth, survival and fecundity were associated primarily with changes in temperature. Although these traits can evolve rapidly, only two studies attributed phenotypic changes formally to evolutionary mechanisms. The correlation‐based methods most frequently employed point largely to ‘fine‐grained’ population responses to environmental variability (i.e. rapid phenotypic changes relative to generation time), consistent with plastic mechanisms. Ultimately, many species will likely adapt to long‐term warming trends overlaid on natural climate oscillations. Considering the strong plasticity in all traits studied, we recommend development and expanded use of methods capable of detecting evolutionary change, such as the long term study of selection coefficients and temporal shifts in reaction norms, and increased attention to forecasting adaptive change in response to the synergistic interactions of the multiple selection pressures likely to be associated with climate change.
Russian Roulette and Risk-Taking Behavior: A Medical Examiner Study

Fatal Russian roulette refers to death following an act of extreme bravado in which the individual spins the cylinder of a revolver loaded with at least one cartridge, aims the muzzle at the head, and pulls the trigger. The majority of victims are men younger than 30 years who, in the presence of others, are under the influence of ethanol or other drugs. This is a 10-year (1993–2002) retrospective review of self-inflicted gunshot wounds of the head, among which we culled and paid special attention to cases of Russian roulette, at the Medical Examiners’ Offices in Kentucky. Of the 24 incidents of Russian roulette, the majority of victims were white (79.2%), and all were men between 14 and 47 years with a mean age of 24.8 years. Compared with other cephalic firearm suicides, the subjects engaging in Russian roulette were significantly more likely to have elevated blood levels (≥0.1%) of ethanol along with various drugs detected in urine. Although the presumed intent of the risky act is to survive, Russian roulette is deemed to be suicide, which is based on a comprehensive understanding of the inherently deliberate, volitional actions of the decedent.
A replicated experiment of pair-programming in a 2nd-year software development and design computer science course

This paper presents the results of a replicated pair programming experiment conducted at the University of Auckland (NZ) during the first semester of 2005. It involved 190 second year Computer Science students attending a software design and construction course. We replicated the experiment described in [18], investigating similar issues to those reported in [32] and employing a subset of the questionnaires used in [32]. Our results confirm the use of pair programming as an effective programming/design learning technique.
Nano-selenium and its nanomedicine applications: a critical review

Traditional supplements of selenium generally have a low degree of absorption and increased toxicity. Therefore, it is imperative to develop innovative systems as transporters of selenium compounds, which would raise the bioavailability of this element and allow its controlled release in the organism. Nanoscale selenium has attracted a great interest as a food additive especially in individuals with selenium deficiency, but also as a therapeutic agent without significant side effects in medicine. This review is focused on the incorporation of nanotechnological applications, in particular exploring the possibilities of a more effective way of administration, especially in selenium-deficient organisms. In addition, this review summarizes the survey of knowledge on selenium nanoparticles, their biological effects in the organism, advantages, absorption mechanisms, and nanotechnological applications for peroral administration.
Effect of CO2 Flow Rate and Carbonation Temperature in the Synthesis of Crystalline Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) from Limestone

The effect of CO2 flow rate and carbonation temperature were studied in the synthesis of PCC from limestone using carbonation method. The synthesis was started by dissolving CaO that was obtained from calcination of limestone into HNO3 6M. The solution was then added with ammonia solution and then streamed with CO2 until pH 8 with flow rates of 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; and 2.0 L/min. The optimum flow rate obtained from this stage was then applied in the carbonation process with temperatures of 50, 80, 100, 150, 200, and 250 °C. The results showed that low flow rate give reasonably high yield but the yields obtained in every flow rate used in this work has insignificant difference based on F-test. The optimum flow rate used for the synthesis of PCC in the next stage was 0.5 L/min with a yield of 62.95%. Different carbonation temperature influences the polymorphs and crystallinity of the synthesized PCC. The synthesized PCC was analyzed by FT-IT, powder-XRD, SEM-EDX, and PSA. FT-IR analysis showed stretching vibrations of C–O at 1419, 1479, and 1384 cm-1 which correspond to calcite, vaterite, and aragonite respectively. Powder-XRD and SEM-EDX confirms that at the carbonation temperature of 50 °C, calcite and vaterite were formed, while at the carbonation temperature of 80 °C, mixture of calcite-vaterite-aragonite were obtained. Higher carbonation temperature changes the vaterite and aragonite polymorphs into calcite, and the best crystallinity was obtained at 250 °C. PSA analysis showed that the particle diameter of the synthesized PCC was about 3.58 to 38.14 µm.
Foam-Scattering Effects on Microwave Emission From Foam-Covered Ocean Surface

In this letter, we investigate volume-scattering effects on microwave emission from a foam-covered ocean surface by a comparative study of emissivities and polarization indexes of a numerical radiative transfer model and an incoherent emission model. The matrix doubling method is applied in the numerical model, which fully accounts for the multiple scattering in the foam layer and at the interfaces. The incoherent emission model considers incoherent interactions between air–foam and foam–seawater interfaces but ignores the volume scattering in the foam layer. Model analyses show that foam volume scattering affects both the magnitude and polarization index of emission from the foam-covered ocean surface. Foam volume scattering reduces the rate of increase in emissivity with increasing foam water fraction. Results also show that polarization index is more sensitive to volume scattering at a large observation angle and at a low foam water fraction. Comparison between model predictions and experimental measurements accentuate the need to account for foam-scattering effects in interpreting emission measurements from the foam-covered ocean surface.
The Microetching Effect on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Metal Brackets

Aims: To evaluate and to compare the shear bond strength of new brackets, new microetched brackets and debond microetcher clean brackets when bond to virgin and previously bond teeth. Materials and methods: Thirty human premolars were randomly assigned into three groups, 10 teeth for each. Group V1 (virgin teeth bonded by new brackets), group V2 (virgin teeth bonded by new microeched brackets), and group V3 (virgin teeth bonded by debonded micretched cleaned brackets). All groups tested for shear bond strength. After that all teeth cleaned from composite and randomly assigned again into three groups, 10 teeth for each group. Group P1 (previously bonded teeth rebonded by new brackets), group P2 (previously bonded teeth rebonded by new microetched brackets), and group P3 (previously bonded teeth rebonded by debonded microetched clean brackets) and again all groups tested for shear bond strength. Results: There are no significant differences between virgin teeth groups and previously bonded teeth when clean previously bonded teeth from old adhesive as descried in this study however the previously bonded teeth groups showed the lower mean value than virgin teeth. New microetched and debonded micretched brackets groups showed significantly higher value in comparing with new bracket groups while there were no significant differences between new micretched and debonded microetched groups with greater mean value for new micretched groups. Conclusion: Bracket recycled by microetching using 50–μm aluminum oxide particle was appears to be very effective method for bracket accidental debonded and Previously bonded teeth had shear bond strengths comparable to virgin teeth(new bonded) when adhesive remnant removed by . Keyword: Microetch, shear bonding strength, orthodontic brackets. Sabah HH. The Microetching Effect on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Metal Brackets. Al– Rafidain Dent J. 2011; 11(1):37-44 Received: 15/7/2009 Sent to Referees: 16/7/2009 Accepted for Publication: 30/9/2009 www.rafidaindentj. net Al – Rafidain Dent J Vol. 11, No1, 2011 The Microetching Effect on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Metal Brackets. ISSN: 1812–1217
Real-time Reliability Prediction for a Dynamic System Based on the Hidden Degradation Process Identification

This paper introduces a real-time reliability prediction method for a dynamic system which suffers from a hidden degradation process. The hidden degradation process is firstly identified by use of particle filtering based on measurable outputs of the considered dynamic system. Then the system's reliability is predicted according to the model of the degradation path. We analyze the identification algorithm mathematically, and validate the effectiveness of this method through computer simulations of a three-vessel water tank. This real-time reliability prediction method is beneficial to the dynamic system's condition monitoring, and may be further helpful to make a proper predictive maintenance policy for the system.
What About the Leader? Crossover of Emotional Exhaustion and Work Engagement From Followers to Leaders

Although a growing body of research links leadership behavior to follower health, comparatively little is known about the health effects of being in the lead. This longitudinal study of 315 team members and 67 leaders examined the crossover of emotional exhaustion and work engagement from followers to leaders. Leader emotional self-efficacy was tested as a moderator in the crossover process. Multiple regression analyses revealed that followers’ work engagement was positively related to leaders’ work engagement eight months later, controlling for followers’ tenure with the leader, leader gender, autonomy, workload, and work engagement at Time 1. Leaders’ emotional self-efficacy did not moderate the crossover of work engagement. Followers’ emotional exhaustion was not directly related to leaders’ emotional exhaustion over time. We did find a significant interaction effect for follower emotional exhaustion and leader emotional self-efficacy. This study is the first to show that crossover of emotional exhaustion and work engagement can unfold over time from team members to leaders. Main theoretical implications lie in the finding that—in line with job demands-resources theory—followers’ psychological states can pose a demand or resource for leaders, and influence their well-being. For practitioners, our results offer valuable insights regarding the design of organizational health interventions as well as leadership development measures.
Facebook in Venezuela: Understanding Solidarity Economies in Low-Trust Environments

Since 2014, Venezuela has experienced severe economic crisis, including scarcity of basic necessities such as food and medicine. This has resulted in over-priced goods, scams, and other forms of economic abuse. We present an investigation of Venezuelans' efforts to form an alternative, Solidarity Economy (SE) through Facebook Groups. In these groups, individuals can barter for items at fair prices. We highlight group practices and design features of Facebook Groups which support solidarity or anti-solidarity behaviors. We conclude by leveraging design principles for online communities presented by Kollock to present strategies to design more effective SEs in environments of low trust.
A Practical Approach to Genetic Hypokalemia

Mutations in genes encoding ion channels, transporters, exchangers, and pumps in human tissues have been increasingly reported to cause hypokalemia. Assessment of history and blood pressure as well as the K+ excretion rate and blood acid-base status can help differentiate between acquired and inherited causes of hypokalemia. Familial periodic paralysis, Andersen's syndrome, congenital chloride-losing diarrhea, and cystic fibrosis are genetic causes of hypokalemia with low urine K+ excretion. With respect to a high rate of K+ excretion associated with faster Na+ disorders (mineralocorticoid excess states), glucoricoid-remediable aldosteronism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to either 11β-hydroxylase and 17α-hydroxylase deficiencies in the adrenal gland, and Liddle's syndrome and apparent mineralocorticoid excess in the kidney form the genetic causes. Among slow Cl- disorders (normal blood pressure, low extracellular fluid volume), Bartter's and Gitelman's syndrome are most common with hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Renal tubular acidosis caused by mutations in the basolateral Na+/HCO3- cotransporter (NBC1) in the proximal tubules, apical H+-ATPase pump, and basolateral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger (anion exchanger 1, AE1) in the distal tubules and carbonic anhydroase II in both are genetic causes with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Further work on genetic causes of hypokalemia will not only provide a much better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, but also set the stage for development of novel therapies in the future.
Coupling volume-excluding compartment-based models of diffusion at different scales: Voronoi and pseudo-compartment approaches

Numerous processes across both the physical and biological sciences are driven by diffusion. Partial differential equations are a popular tool for modelling such phenomena deterministically, but it is often necessary to use stochastic models to accurately capture the behaviour of a system, especially when the number of diffusing particles is low. The stochastic models we consider in this paper are ‘compartment-based’: the domain is discretized into compartments, and particles can jump between these compartments. Volume-excluding effects (crowding) can be incorporated by blocking movement with some probability. Recent work has established the connection between fine- and coarse-grained models incorporating volume exclusion, but only for uniform lattices. In this paper, we consider non-uniform, hybrid lattices that incorporate both fine- and coarse-grained regions, and present two different approaches to describe the interface of the regions. We test both techniques in a range of scenarios to establish their accuracy, benchmarking against fine-grained models, and show that the hybrid models developed in this paper can be significantly faster to simulate than the fine-grained models in certain situations and are at least as fast otherwise.
A Mixed Hierarchical Attention Based Encoder-Decoder Approach for Standard Table Summarization

Structured data summarization involves generation of natural language summaries from structured input data. In this work, we consider summarizing structured data occurring in the form of tables as they are prevalent across a wide variety of domains. We formulate the standard table summarization problem, which deals with tables conforming to a single predefined schema. To this end, we propose a mixed hierarchical attention based encoder-decoder model which is able to leverage the structure in addition to the content of the tables. Our experiments on the publicly available weathergov dataset show around 18 BLEU (around 30%) improvement over the current state-of-the-art.
Oak seedling survival and growth along resource gradients in Mediterranean forests: implications for regeneration in current and future environmental scenarios

Understanding seedling performance across resource gradients is crucial for defining the regeneration niche of plant species under current environmental conditions and for predicting potential changes under a global change scenario. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to determine how seedling survival and growth of two evergreen and two deciduous Quercus species vary along gradients of light and soil properties in two Mediterranean forests with contrasting soils and climatic conditions. Half the seedlings were subjected to an irrigation treatment during the first year to quantify the effects on performance of an alteration in the summer drought intensity. Linear and non-linear models were parameterized and compared to identify major resources controlling seedling performance. We found both site-specific and general patterns of regeneration. Strong site-specificity was found in the identity of the best predictors of seedling survival: survival decreased linearly with increasing light (i.e. increasing desiccation risk) in the drier site, whereas it decreased logistically with increasing spring soil water content (i.e. increasing waterlogging risk) in the wetter site. We found strong empirical support for multiple resource limitation at the drier site, the response to light being modulated by the availability of soil resources (water and P). Evidence for regeneration niche partitioning among Quercus species was only found at the wetter site. However, at both sites Quercus species shared the same response to summer drought alleviation through water addition: increased first-year survival but not final survival (i.e. after two years). This suggests that extremely dry summers (i.e. the second summer in the experiment) can cancel out the positive effects of previous wetter summers. Therefore, an increase in the intensity and frequency of summer drought with climate change might cause a double negative impact on Quercus regeneration, due to a general reduction in survival probability and the annulment of the positive effects of (infrequent) ‘wet’ years. Overall, results presented in this study are a major step towards the development of a mechanistic model of Mediterranean forest dynamics that incorporates the idiosyncrasies and generalities of tree regeneration in these systems, and that allow simulation and prediction of the ecological consequences of resource level alterations due to global change.
The Inverse Conductivity Problem with an Imperfectly Known Boundary

We consider the inverse conductivity problem in a strictly convex domain whose boundary is not known. Usually the numerical reconstruction from the measured current and voltage data is done assuming that the domain has a known fixed geometry. However, in practical applications the geometry of the domain is usually not known. This introduces an error, and effectively changes the problem into an anisotropic one. The main result of this paper is a uniqueness result characterizing the isotropic conductivities on convex domains in terms of measurements done on a different domain, which we call the model domain, up to an affine isometry. As data for the inverse problem, we assume the Robin-to-Neumann map and the contact impedance function on the boundary of the model domain to be given. Also, we present a minimization algorithm based on the use of Cotton–York tensor, which finds the push forward of the isotropic conductivity to our model domain and also finds the boundary of the original domain up to an affine .