Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of groundwater discharge into Florida Bay

Natural chemical tracers of groundwater discharge (222Rn and CH4) were surveyed to evaluate possible patterns of groundwater interactions with surface water in Florida Bay. Radon and methane concentrations in water samples collected from wells, solution holes, canals, and Florida Bay showed a significant correlation, despite the fact that these two trace gases have independent sources. Groundwater flux was also measured directly via seepage meters in several Florida Bay locations. Natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes measured on attached algae and seagrass showed the greatest 15N enrichment near the Keys. Collectively, our results suggested greater groundwater flow along the bay side of the Florida Keys. Nutrient flux estimates, based on interstitial nutrient concentrations and groundwater flux measurements, suggested that groundwater in the eastern part of Florida Bay may provide as much nitrogen (110 ± 60 mmol N m−2 yr−1) and phosphate (0.21 ± 0.11 mmol PO43− m−2 yr−1) as surface freshwater sources from the Everglades (i.e., Taylor Slough and C‐111). However, the inputs are clearly not uniform, and areas near solution holes or tidal springs may have a substantially greater nutrient flux into surface waters then these estimates.
SurvExpress: An Online Biomarker Validation Tool and Database for Cancer Gene Expression Data Using Survival Analysis

Validation of multi-gene biomarkers for clinical outcomes is one of the most important issues for cancer prognosis. An important source of information for virtual validation is the high number of available cancer datasets. Nevertheless, assessing the prognostic performance of a gene expression signature along datasets is a difficult task for Biologists and Physicians and also time-consuming for Statisticians and Bioinformaticians. Therefore, to facilitate performance comparisons and validations of survival biomarkers for cancer outcomes, we developed SurvExpress, a cancer-wide gene expression database with clinical outcomes and a web-based tool that provides survival analysis and risk assessment of cancer datasets. The main input of SurvExpress is only the biomarker gene list. We generated a cancer database collecting more than 20,000 samples and 130 datasets with censored clinical information covering tumors over 20 tissues. We implemented a web interface to perform biomarker validation and comparisons in this database, where a multivariate survival analysis can be accomplished in about one minute. We show the utility and simplicity of SurvExpress in two biomarker applications for breast and lung cancer. Compared to other tools, SurvExpress is the largest, most versatile, and quickest free tool available. SurvExpress web can be accessed in http://bioinformatica.mty. itesm.mx/SurvExpress (a tutorial is included). The website was implemented in JSP, JavaScript, MySQL, and R.
Nominalization and Alternations in Biomedical Language

Background This paper presents data on alternations in the argument structure of common domain-specific verbs and their associated verbal nominalizations in the PennBioIE corpus. Alternation is the term in theoretical linguistics for variations in the surface syntactic form of verbs, e.g. the different forms of stimulate in FSH stimulates follicular development and follicular development is stimulated by FSH. The data is used to assess the implications of alternations for biomedical text mining systems and to test the fit of the sublanguage model to biomedical texts. Methodology/Principal Findings We examined 1,872 tokens of the ten most common domain-specific verbs or their zero-related nouns in the PennBioIE corpus and labelled them for the presence or absence of three alternations. We then annotated the arguments of 746 tokens of the nominalizations related to these verbs and counted alternations related to the presence or absence of arguments and to the syntactic position of non-absent arguments. We found that alternations are quite common both for verbs and for nominalizations. We also found a previously undescribed alternation involving an adjectival present participle. Conclusions/Significance We found that even in this semantically restricted domain, alternations are quite common, and alternations involving nominalizations are exceptionally diverse. Nonetheless, the sublanguage model applies to biomedical language. We also report on a previously undescribed alternation involving an adjectival present participle.
Codon usage bias and tRNA over-expression in Buchnera aphidicola after aromatic amino acid nutritional stress on its host Acyrthosiphon pisum

Codon usage bias and relative abundances of tRNA isoacceptors were analysed in the obligate intracellular symbiotic bacterium, Buchnera aphidicola from the aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, using a dedicated 35mer oligonucleotide microarray. Buchnera is archetypal of organisms living with minimal metabolic requirements and presents a reduced genome with high-evolutionary rate. Codonusage in Buchnera has been overcome by the high mutational bias towards AT bases. However, several lines of evidence for codon usage selection are given here. A significant correlation was found between tRNA relative abundances and codon composition of Buchnera genes. A significant codon usage bias was found for the choice of rare codons in Buchnera: C-ending codons are preferred in highly expressed genes, whereas G-ending codons are avoided. This bias is not explained by GC skew in the bacteria and might correspond to a selection for perfect matching between codon–anticodon pairs for some essential amino acids in Buchnera proteins. Nutritional stress applied to the aphid host induced a significant overexpression of most of the tRNA isoacceptors in bacteria. Although, molecular regulation of the tRNA operons in Buchnera was not investigated, a correlation between relative expression levels and organization in transcription unit was found in the genome of Buchnera.
An Agent-Based Approach for Evaluating Basic Design Options of Management Accounting Systems

This paper investigates the effectiveness of reducing errors in management accounting systems with respect to organizational performance. In particular, different basic design options of management accounting systems of how to improve the information base by measurements of actual values are analyzed in different organizational contexts. The paper applies an agent-based simulation based on the idea of NK fitness landscapes. The results provide broad, but no universal support for conventional wisdom that lower inaccuracies of accounting information lead to more effective adaptation processes. Furthermore, results indicate that the effectiveness of improving the management accounting system subtly interferes with the complexity of the interactions within the organization and the coordination mode applied.
Exploration de l’expérience de la maternité chez des jeunes femmes haïtiennes issues du milieu rural : enjeux économiques, culturels et affectifs

Notre étude constitue un volet, ciblant les nouvelles mères, d’un projet qui vise à implanter un réseau de services communautaires en santé mentale dans la ville de Grand-Gôave en Haïti. Ces services sont dispensés par des aidants naturels sur place, dont le travail est supervisé à distance par des professionnels en santé mentale montréalais. Ce type de partenariat maximise les différences culturelles, ce qui se traduit par des divergences entre les perceptions de la problématique et de l’intervention à offrir, ainsi que par une complexification de l’implantation et de l’évaluation des services. Selon un modèle de recherche-action qualitative et par le biais de deux études de cas, de deux groupes de discussion ainsi que d’observations menées sur place, notre étude visait à mieux comprendre ce qui caractérise la trajectoire, la problématique ainsi que les besoins des utilisatrices et à voir ce que les services peuvent leur apporter, en particulier en matière de prévention de la violence familiale. D’après notre analyse thématique, ces nouvelles mères seraient exposées à de nombreux facteurs de risque socioculturels de grossesses accidentelles, en particulier le patriarcat, des tabous culturels et spirituels, une éducation sexuelle limitée ainsi qu’un accès réduit à l’avortement. De plus, leur expérience de la maternité serait caractérisée par l’absence de soutien ainsi que par des sentiments négatifs et un lien mère-enfant ambivalent, qui constituent des facteurs de risque de violence parentale. Nous proposons d’ajuster les interventions afin de soutenir le vécu maternel de ces jeunes femmes, en agissant tant au niveau individuel que social, et en soutenant les motivations spirituelles et culturelles à la maternité déjà présentes chez celles-ci afin de les utiliser comme levier à la résilience.
Singular Poisson Reduction of Cotangent Bundles

We consider the Poisson reduced space (T Q)/K , where the action of the com pact Lie group K on the configuration manifold Q is of single orbit type and is cotangent lifted to T Q. Realizing (T Q)/K as a Weinstein space we deter mine the induced Poisson structure and its symplectic leaves. We thus extend the Weinstein construction for principal fiber bundles to the case of surjective Riemannian submersions Q Q/K which are of single orbit type.
Modeling of multipath propagation components caused by trees and forests

The further development of multipath mitigation methods for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) depends on the knowledge of the wave propagation circumstances present in various scenarios. The modeling of the multipath propagation properties for land-mobile users play a vital role in modern GNSS receiver algorithm development. This paper proposes a model for the simulation of a vehicle traveling through a rural environment. The canopies of trees and forests cause a strikingly time-variant channel impulse response (CIR). The proposed approach models individual multipath components and the resulting small-scale fading of forests in terms of infinitesimal point scatterers which are spread out in a cuboidal canopy volume. The output of the proposed model is compared with channel sounding measurements.
Early career teachers’ self-efficacy: A longitudinal study from Australia

Abstract Although Bandura had proposed that self-efficacy once established is relatively stable, it remains a topic of debate, as empirical evidence has shown different patterns of changes in self-efficacy across different career stages. The current study presents longitudinal data from 74 beginning school teachers in Victoria, Australia to discern changes during their first five years. Their increase in self-efficacy is discussed with reference to existing (primarily cross-sectional) studies, and policy implications for supporting early career teachers.
Models for Value-added Investigations of Teaching Styles Data

This paper considers models of educational data where a value- added analysis is required. These models are multilevel in nature and contain endogenous regressors. Multivariate models are considered so as to simulta- neously model results from different subject areas. Path models and factor models are considered as types of model that can be used to overcome the problem of endogeneity. Estimation methods available in MLwiN and EQS are used. The use of a factor model with EQS is shown to give estimates of the effects of teaching styles that have smaller standard errors than any other method studied.
The Relationship between Insufficient Sleep and Self-Rated Health in a Nationally Representative Sample

Reduced sleep has been found to be associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality. Self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to be a predictor of CVD and mortality. However, study of the association between insufficient sleep and SRH is limited. We examined participants >18 years of age (n = 377, 160) from a representative, cross-sectional survey (2008 BRFSS). Self-reported insufficient sleep in the previous 30 days was categorized into six groups. The outcome was poor SRH. We calculated odds ratios ((OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of increasing categories of insufficient rest/sleep, taking zero days of insufficient sleep as the referent category. We found a positive association between increasing categories of insufficient sleep and poor SRH, independent of relevant covariates. In the multivariable-adjusted model, compared to 0 days insufficient sleep, the OR (95% CI) of poor SRH was 1.03 (0.97–1.10) for 1–6 days, 1.45 (1.34–1.57) for 7–13 days, 2.12 (1.97–2.27) for 14–20 days, 2.32 (2.09–2.58) for 21–29 days, and and 2.71 (2.53–2.90) for 30 days of insufficient sleep in the prior 30 days (P-trend <0.0001). In a nationally representative sample, increasing categories of insufficient sleep were associated with poor SRH.
Reading and doing arithmetic nonconsciously

The modal view in the cognitive and neural sciences holds that consciousness is necessary for abstract, symbolic, and rule-following computations. Hence, semantic processing of multiple-word expressions, and performing of abstract mathematical computations, are widely believed to require consciousness. We report a series of experiments in which we show that multiple-word verbal expressions can be processed outside conscious awareness and that multistep, effortful arithmetic equations can be solved unconsciously. All experiments used Continuous Flash Suppression to render stimuli invisible for relatively long durations (up to 2,000 ms). Where appropriate, unawareness was verified using both objective and subjective measures. The results show that novel word combinations, in the form of expressions that contain semantic violations, become conscious before expressions that do not contain semantic violations, that the more negative a verbal expression is, the more quickly it becomes conscious, and that subliminal arithmetic equations prime their results. These findings call for a significant update of our view of conscious and unconscious processes.
Optimized frequency compensation topology for low-power three-stage OTAs

A power-efficient frequency compensation topology for three-stage transconductance amplifiers is presented in this paper. Stability analysis and design equations are carried out based on the small-signal model. Unlike many recently reported solutions, the proposed architecture do not rely upon parasitic and/or pole-zero cancellation, thus providing a more robust design. As an example, the proposed technique was used to design a three-stage amplifier in a standard CMOS 65-nm technology. The amplifier achieves a 2-MHz gain-bandwidth product when driving a 1-nF capacitance by consuming only 82 μW from a 2.5-V supply. Simulation results are found in good agreement with theoretical analysis and show an improvement in both small-signal and large-signal amplifier performance over previously reported solutions.
Dissipation: the phase-space perspective.

We show, through a refinement of the work theorem, that the average dissipation, upon perturbing a Hamiltonian system arbitrarily far out of equilibrium in a transition between two canonical equilibrium states, is exactly given by =W-DeltaF=kTD(rho||rho[over ])=kT, where rho and rho[over ] are the phase-space density of the system measured at the same intermediate but otherwise arbitrary point in time, for the forward and backward process. D(rho||rho[over ]) is the relative entropy of rho versus rho[over ]. This result also implies general inequalities, which are significantly more accurate than the second law and include, as a special case, the celebrated Landauer principle on the dissipation involved in irreversible computations.
Comparison of testosterone fractions in Framingham Heart Study subjects and Japanese subjects Comparison of testosterone fractions

Objectives : To determine testosterone fractions in Japanese men and to compare the values as stratified by age with those of Framingham Heart Study (FHS) subjects. Methods : We enrolled 498 healthy Japanese men. Total testosterone (msTT) was assayed by LC-MS/MS, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was assayed by immunoassay and free testosterone (cFT) was calculated by a lab at the Boston Medical Center. Analog FT (aFT) and total testosterone (iaTT) were determined by immunoassay. We compared msTT and cFT values in the Japanese subjects with values in the American FHS generation 3 cohort. Results : The mean serum msTT, SHBG and cFT values were 439.4±167 ng/dL, 65.34±30.61 nmol/L and 58.75±20.0 ng/dL, respectively. The correlation coefficients with age for msTT, SHBG and cFT were 0.0010, 0.5041and -0.496, respectively. There were no age-related changes in msTT values in healthy men (P=0.981), while SHBG and cFT levels showed similar age-related changes (P<0.0001). Serum aFT levels (8.24±12.9 pg/mL) showed age-related changes (P<0.0001) regardless of iaTT levels (P=0.828). Serum iaTT values (486.1±1162.5 ng/dL) correlated with serum msTT values (r=0.740 95%CI, 0.6965 to 0.7781, P<0.0001). Similarly, aFT and cFT values showed a highly significant correlation (r=0.706 95%CI, 0.6587 to 0.7473, P<0.0001). The aFT values were approximately 10% of the cFT values. Conclusions : In contrast to the FHS cohort, TT values were not associated with advancing age in this Japanese cohort and cannot be used to diagnose late-onset hypogonadism in Japan. The aFT value is a suitable biochemical determinant for diagnosing late-onset hypogonadism syndrome.
Software Product Lines from Customer to Code

The process of establishing a software product line and instantiating products from it is motivated, not only by technical reasons, but also by business reasons. The customer perspective reveals the importance of the basic function of the products and helps us distinguish between product lines and product families. One single feature is never the only difference between two products, but instead we can identify products on different feature levels. When designing the product we identify that it is important to separate between conceptual components of the domain and factual components that are part of the solution. Product lines must eventually lead to implementation and source code. In order to achieve this, a wide range of implementation techniques is available. Which combination of tech-niques that is the most appropriate is very much dependent on if the product is part of a product line or a product family, and how the factual component relate to the other factual components. Hence, to be successful in developing software product lines requires the application of knowledge about both the customer and the code.
Profile of Green Consumers in Romania in Light of Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities

Sustainability and responsible consumption are now the policies of companies interested in preserving a good reputation. If in the past, sustainability was an issue present only in the corporate social responsibility campaigns developed by companies; nowadays, this aspect has become a key element that has been proven to influence the purchasing behavior of consumers. The existence of policies and strategies in the area of sustainability does not necessarily mean their being put into practice as long as people, who make these objectives attainable, are not aware of them. The present paper aims to explore the green consumption of Romanian consumers, which would indicate whether the concern for environmental problems is then translated into an appropriate behavior; in other words, whether “words become facts”. At the same time, this paper analyzes the extent to which the “green trend” has gained popularity in Romania, how involved the Romanian consumers are with environmental issues and the behaviors they adopt in order to mitigate the impact on the ecosystem. However, there are differences between individual opinions on green consumption and the actual behavior adopted in trying to ameliorate this issue.
Threat or challenge? Teacher beliefs about gifted students and their relationship to teacher motivation

ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationship between teachers’ beliefs about gifted students’ characteristics compared to students with average-ability and the teachers’ motivation (i.e., enthusiasm, self-efficacy). We investigated pre-service teachers’ beliefs and motivational orientations as substantial components of their professional competencies and aimed to make an empirical contribution to the discussion on the professionalization of teachers in gifted education. We expected that beliefs about the gifted would be in line with the disharmony hypothesis assuming they were intellectually strong, but deficient in non-cognitive domains. German (n = 375) and Australian (n = 315) pre-service teachers participated in a between-subjects experimental design that used student vignettes varying in ability and gender. Repeated-measures ANOVAs showed that besides a high intellect, pre-service teachers from both countries associated maladjustment with giftedness and showed lower self-efficacy for teaching the gifted. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that high intelligence ratings when paired with high maladjustment ratings were associated with lower teacher motivation. This result is of high practical relevance as perceived self-efficacy relates to actual teaching behavior in a classroom. Implications for teacher education in gifted education are discussed.
Childbearing Dynamics of Couples in a Universalistic Welfare State: The Role of Labor-Market Status, Country of Origin, and Gender

This article studies childbearing dynamics by labor-market status of co-residing parents in Sweden. We apply event-history techniques to longitudinal register data on the life histories of foreign-born mothers from ten different countries and the partners to these women, as well as to a sample of Swedish-born mothers and their partners. The context is a universalistic welfare state geared towards gender and social equality where formal social rights are largely independent of a person’s civil status, citizenship, and country of origin. We investigate the extent to which the associations of parents’ labor-market status with childbearing in Sweden differ between women and men and by country of origin. We find that the patterns of association are fairly similar on both of these individual dimensions. As measured by the way the labor-market activity of parents is related to their subsequent childbearing, we find evidence of equality by gender and at least some evidence of integration of immigrants into the dynamics of Swedish society.