Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Repeated exposure reduces the response to impulsive noise in European seabass

Human activities have changed the acoustic environment of many terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems around the globe. Mounting evidence indicates that the resulting anthropogenic noise can impact the behaviour and physiology of at least some species in a range of taxa. However, the majority of experimental studies have considered only immediate responses to single, relatively short‐term noise events. Repeated exposure to noise could lead to a heightened or lessened response. Here, we conduct two long‐term (12 week), laboratory‐based exposure experiments with European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to examine how an initial impact of different sound types potentially changes over time. Naïve fish showed elevated ventilation rates, indicating heightened stress, in response to impulsive additional noise (playbacks of recordings of pile‐driving and seismic surveys), but not to a more continuous additional noise source (playbacks of recordings of ship passes). However, fish exposed to playbacks of pile‐driving or seismic noise for 12 weeks no longer responded with an elevated ventilation rate to the same noise type. Fish exposed long‐term to playback of pile‐driving noise also no longer responded to short‐term playback of seismic noise. The lessened response after repeated exposure, likely driven by increased tolerance or a change in hearing threshold, helps explain why fish that experienced 12 weeks of impulsive noise showed no differences in stress, growth or mortality compared to those reared with exposure to ambient‐noise playback. Considering how responses to anthropogenic noise change with repeated exposure is important both when assessing likely fitness consequences and the need for mitigation measures.
Kinematic α-effect in isotropic turbulence simulations

Using numerical simulations at moderate magnetic Reynolds numbers up to 220, it is shown that in the kinematic regime, isotropic helical turbulence leads to an α-effect and a turbulent diffusivity whose values are independent of the magnetic Reynolds number, Rm, provided Rm exceeds unity. These turbulent coefficients are also consistent with expectations from the first-order smoothing approximation. For small values of Rm, α and turbulent diffusivity are proportional to Rm. Over finite time-intervals, meaningful values of α and turbulent diffusivity can be obtained even when there is small-scale dynamo action that produces strong magnetic fluctuations. This suggests that the fields generated by the small-scale dynamo do not make a correlated contribution to the mean electromotive force.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Extraction Techniques and Solvents for the Assay of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity of Hashemi Rice Bran

Secondary metabolite contents (total phenolic, flavonoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol) and antioxidant activities of Hashemi rice bran extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted and traditional solvent (ethanol and 50:50 (v/v) ethanol-water) extraction techniques were compared. Phenolic and, flavonoid compounds were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and method validation was performed. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the different extraction techniques upon comparison of phytochemical contents and antioxidant activities. The extracts obtained using the ethanol-water (50:50 v/v) ultrasonic technique showed the highest amounts of total phenolics (288.40 mg/100 g dry material (DM)), total flavonoids (156.20 mg/100 g DM), and total tocotrienols (56.23 mg/100 g DM), and the highest antioxidant activity (84.21% 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 65.27% β-carotene-linoleic bleaching and 82.20% nitric oxide scavenging activity). Secondary metabolite contents and antioxidant activities of the rice bran extracts varied depending of the extraction method used, and according to their effectiveness, these were organized in a decreasing order as follows: ethanol-water (50:50 v/v) ultrasonic, ethanol-water (50:50 v/v) maceration, ethanol ultrasonic and ethanol maceration methods. Ferulic, gallic and chlorogenic acids were the most abundant phenolic compounds in rice bran extracts. The phytochemical constituents of Hashemi rice bran and its antioxidant properties provides insights into its potential application to promote health.
Is synchronised NIPPV more effective than NIPPV and NCPAP in treating apnoea of prematurity (AOP)? A randomised cross-over trial

Background Apnoea, desaturations and bradycardias are common problems in preterm infants which can be treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). It is unclear whether synchronised NIPPV (SNIPPV) would be even more effective. Objective To assess the effects of flow-SNIPPV, NIPPV and NCPAP on the rate of desaturations and bradycardias in preterm infants and, secondarily, to evaluate their influence on pattern of breathing and gas exchange. Patients and methods Nineteen infants (mean gestational age at study 30 weeks, 9 boys) with apnoeic spells were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial with a cross-over design. They received flow-SNIPPV, NIPPV and NCPAP for 4 h each. All modes were provided by a nasal conventional ventilator able to provide synchronisation by a pneumotachograph. The primary outcome was the event rate of desaturations (≤80% arterial oxygen saturation) and bradycardias (≤80 bpm) per hour, obtained from cardiorespiratory recordings. The incidence of central apnoeas (≥10 s) as well as baseline heart rate, FiO2, SpO2, transcutaneous blood gases and respiratory rate were also evaluated. Results The median event rate per hour during flow-SNIPPV, NIPPV and NCPAP was 2.9, 6.1 and 5.9, respectively (p<0.001 and 0.009, compared with flow-SNIPPV). Central apnoeas per hour were 2.4, 6.3 and 5.4, respectively (p=0.001, for both compared with flow-SNIPPV), while no differences in any other parameter studied were recorded. Conclusions Flow-SNIPPV seems more effective than NIPPV and NCPAP in reducing the incidence of desaturations, bradycardias and central apnoea episodes in preterm infants.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizing Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation

Surveying threatened and invasive species to obtain accurate population estimates is an important but challenging task that requires a considerable investment in time and resources. Estimates using existing ground-based monitoring techniques, such as camera traps and surveys performed on foot, are known to be resource intensive, potentially inaccurate and imprecise, and difficult to validate. Recent developments in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), artificial intelligence and miniaturized thermal imaging systems represent a new opportunity for wildlife experts to inexpensively survey relatively large areas. The system presented in this paper includes thermal image acquisition as well as a video processing pipeline to perform object detection, classification and tracking of wildlife in forest or open areas. The system is tested on thermal video data from ground based and test flight footage, and is found to be able to detect all the target wildlife located in the surveyed area. The system is flexible in that the user can readily define the types of objects to classify and the object characteristics that should be considered during classification.
Optimality aspects of centers of gravity algorithm for statistical circuit design

The yield optimization problem is very hard to solve because it involves the maximization of an integral in a multidimensional space. To date, several yield optimizations based on Monte Carlo estimation have been proposed. The centers of gravity (CG) algorithm was originally developed on a heuristic basis. However, its implementation is very simple and it gives satisfactory results in practical problems. In the literature, a gradient-view interpretation and justification of the algorithm were given for Gaussian parameters distribution. In the same spirit, an extent of gradient justification of this method in the case of uniform parameters distribution is presented here.
Relationship marketing and university-industry linkages: A conceptual framework

Relationship marketing (RM) is a prolific area of current marketing theory development. While RM principles are relevant to a range of business-to-consumer and business-to-business contexts, their theoretical foundations have principally emerged in reference to the private sector. By contrast, this exploratory study examines RM opportunities between entities operating in different sectors, namely university and industry in Australia. Using a qualitative approach, findings led to the development of a conceptual framework of university-industry relationships, integrating variables of organizational environment difference, relationship and value. Overall, this exploratory study broadens RM theory and application to relationships involving parties from fundamentally different organizational environments and suggest opportunities for the implementation of RM in this context. The article concludes with recommendations for academics and practitioners and provides several directions for future research.
Rapid Global Expansion of Invertebrate Fisheries: Trends, Drivers, and Ecosystem Effects

Background Worldwide, finfish fisheries are receiving increasing assessment and regulation, slowly leading to more sustainable exploitation and rebuilding. In their wake, invertebrate fisheries are rapidly expanding with little scientific scrutiny despite increasing socio-economic importance. Methods and Findings We provide the first global evaluation of the trends, drivers, and population and ecosystem consequences of invertebrate fisheries based on a global catch database in combination with taxa-specific reviews. We also develop new methodologies to quantify temporal and spatial trends in resource status and fishery development. Since 1950, global invertebrate catches have increased 6-fold with 1.5 times more countries fishing and double the taxa reported. By 2004, 34% of invertebrate fisheries were over-exploited, collapsed, or closed. New fisheries have developed increasingly rapidly, with a decrease of 6 years (3 years) in time to peak from the 1950s to 1990s. Moreover, some fisheries have expanded further and further away from their driving market, encompassing a global fishery by the 1990s. 71% of taxa (53% of catches) are harvested with habitat-destructive gear, and many provide important ecosystem functions including habitat, filtration, and grazing. Conclusions Our findings suggest that invertebrate species, which form an important component of the basis of marine food webs, are increasingly exploited with limited stock and ecosystem-impact assessments, and enhanced management attention is needed to avoid negative consequences for ocean ecosystems and human well-being.
Predictive value of XRCC1 and XRCC3 gene polymorphisms for risk of ovarian cancer death after chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE To investigate any association between XRCC1 and XRCC3 polymorphisms and outcome of platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. METHODS With a prospective study design was cases were consecutively collected from January 2005 to January 2007. All 310 included patients were followed-up until the end of January 2010. Genotyping of XRCC1 and XRCC3 polymorphisms was conducted by TaqMan Gene Expression assays. RESULTS A total of 191 patients died during follow-up. Our study showed a lower survival rate in XRCC1 399 Arg/Arg genotype than Gln/ Gln, with a significant increased risk of death (HR=1.69, 95%CI=1.07-2.78). Similarly, those carrying XRCC3 Thr/ Thr genotype had a increased risk as compare to the Met/Met genotype, with a HR (95% CI) of 1.90 (1.12-3.41). There was no significant association between XRCC1 Arg194Trp and XRCC1Arg280His gene polymorphisms and ovarian cancer death. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that polymorphisms in DNA repair genes have roles in the susceptibility and survival of ovarian cancer patients.
Local adaptation of the ectoparasite Ixodes uriae to its seabird host

In addition to reproductive rates and generation times, local parasite adaptation is predicted to be associated with relative host/parasite migration rates, parasite virulence and local resource levels. We tested for local parasite adaptation in a spatially structured natural host-parasite system with fluctuating host resources. Using a cross-fostering design replicated over 2 years, we exchanged chicks of the Black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) between subpopulations of its ectoparasite, the tick Ixodes uriae. We found evidence that ticks were adapted to their local hosts; ticks had higher success (capacity to continue to the next life stage) and shorter engorgement times on sympatric birds than on allopatric birds. However, infestation levels were similar between the resident and non-resident chicks in a nest, implying that ticks are unable to distinguish between good and bad hosts and that selection acts during tick engorgement. Hosts appeared to be locally maladapted to their parasites; growth rates tended to be lower for sympatric birds in the presence of parasites. However, we found no effect of host group on the T-cell immune response of chicks. Overall, the results seemed to depend on the environmental quality. When resources were low, local maladaptation was expressed in the host, but adaptation was not shown by the parasite. In the higher quality year, evidence for local parasite adaptation was found, but the host seemed to be able to compensate for the pathogenic effects of ticks. This suggests that virulence (pathogenic effect on host) and the reciprocal effects of the interaction can fluctuate depending on host environmental conditions.
Supplementary Methods

Nano-graphene oxide (nGO) configuration setup. To generate an nGO system suitable for simulation, coordinate and CHARMM topology files for a 5 nm × 5 nm bare graphene sheet were first created using VMD's Nanotube Builder plugin 1. In rough accordance to the Lerf-Klinowski model 2 of graphene oxide, hydroxyl, carboxyl, and epoxide groups were added to the faces and edges of the graphene sheet such that approximately 7% of aromatic carbons were oxidized. Carboxyl groups were added in relative excess to the edges of the nanosheet, which should be more susceptible to over-oxidation in physical systems. PEG conjugation to nGO. Extended polyethylene glycol chain configurations were generated manually, using the RCSB PDB entry for PEG as a reference for monomer and methylated terminus coordinates. Each chain consisted of 15 ethylene glycol monomers, a methylated terminus, and an amide linkage to the GO nanosheet, resulting in an approximate molecular weight of 762 amu/polymer. This particular polymer length was chosen in approximate correspondence to experimental parameters (MW 2000), truncated somewhat to facilitate tractability in simulations. To complete the nGO-PEG systems, six carboxyl groups (one on each edge and face) were replaced with the amide linkages on each polymer, covalently attaching the PEG chains to the GO nanosheet under consideration. Force field parameterization. Parameters for PEG monomers and termini were extracted directly from the CHARMM ether force field 3. In a manner consistent with past work 4 , parameters for carboxyl, hydroxyl, and epoxide groups and PEG amide linkages were adapted from similar motifs already existing within the CHARMM27 force field 5. Specifically, hydroxyl group parameters were based on those of the serine side chain, carboxyl group parameters were drawn from the alanine terminus, epoxide parameters were pulled from the ether force field, and amide linkage parameters were derived from alanine-alanine peptide bond parameters. Limited sets of bond, angle, and dihedral parameters specifically related to graphene/functional group bonds (present in no existing force field, to our knowledge) were defined according to basic chemical principles; such parameters are largely overridden by constraints applied in our simulations, as discussed below. Charges on each oxidized graphene carbon were adjusted to achieve neutrality where needed. Free nGO-PEG simulations. To study nGO-PEG in the absence of a membrane, the nGO-PEG system described above (featuring extended PEG chains) was solvated in a 20 × 20 × 10 nm box of TIP3P molecules and ionized with 0.15 M sodium and …
Tight Bounds for Influence in Diffusion Networks and Application to Bond Percolation and Epidemiology

In this paper, we derive theoretical bounds for the long-term influence of a node in an Independent Cascade Model (ICM). We relate these bounds to the spectral radius of a particular matrix and show that the behavior is sub-critical when this spectral radius is lower than $1$. More specifically, we point out that, in general networks, the sub-critical regime behaves in $O(\sqrt{n})$ where $n$ is the size of the network, and that this upper bound is met for star-shaped networks. We apply our results to epidemiology and percolation on arbitrary networks, and derive a bound for the critical value beyond which a giant connected component arises. Finally, we show empirically the tightness of our bounds for a large family of networks.
Malapropisms Detection and Correction using a Paronyms Dictionary, a Search Engine and Wordnet

This paper presents a method for the automatic detection and correction of malapropism errors found in documents using the WordNet lexical database, a search engine (Google) and a paronyms dictionary. The malapropisms detection is based on the evaluation of the cohesion of the local context using the search engine, while the correction is done using the whole text cohesion evaluated in terms of lexical chains built using the linguistic ontology. The correction candidates, which are taken from the paronyms dictionary, are evaluated versus the local and the whole text cohesion in order to find the best candidate that is chosen for replacement. The testing methods of the application are presented, along with the obtained results.
Improved throughput scaling in wireless ad hoc networks with infrastructure

We analyze the benefits of infrastructure support in improving the throughput scaling in networks of n randomly located wireless nodes. The infrastructure uses multi-antenna base stations (BSs), in which the number of BSs and the number of antennas at each BS can scale at arbtrary rates relative to n. We introduce two multi-antenna BS-based routing protocols and analyze their throughput scaling laws. Two conventional schemes not using BSs are also shown for comparison. In dense networks, we show that the BS-based routing schemes do not improve the throughput scaling. In contrast, in extended networks, we show what our BS-based routing schemes can, under certain network conditions, improve the throughput scaling significantly.
The Predictive and Incremental Validity of Psychological Empowerment Dimensions on Teachers′ Career Commitment beyond Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness

Abstract This study examined the predictive and additive effects of psychological empowerment dimensions on teachers′ career commitment over and above the satisfaction of basic work needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness. Two hundred and twelve teachers, selected through a stratified random sampling technique took part in the survey. The Career Commitment Measure, Basic Needs Satisfaction at Work Scale, and Psychological Empowerment Instrument were used to collect data which were analyzed using Moderated Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis. Findings indicated that psychological needs satisfaction had predictive effect on teachers′ career commitment (R2 = .233; p < .001). Psychological empowerment had both predictive and incremental effects on teachers′ career commitment (R2 = .286; ΔR2 = .053; p < .001), accounting for a significant add-on effect of 5.3 percent of the variance in teachers′ career commitment over the effect of autonomy, competence and relatedness. Empowering teachers psychologically has both predictive and add-on effects on teachers′ career commitment beyond the contribution of autonomy, competence and relatedness. Recommendations were made for research and practice.
The Functional Role of the Periphery in Emotional Language Comprehension

Language can impact emotion, even when it makes no reference to emotion states. For example, reading sentences with positive meanings (“The water park is refreshing on the hot summer day”) induces patterns of facial feedback congruent with the sentence emotionality (smiling), whereas sentences with negative meanings induce a frown. Moreover, blocking facial afference with botox selectively slows comprehension of emotional sentences. Therefore, theories of cognition should account for emotion-language interactions above the level of explicit emotion words, and the role of peripheral feedback in comprehension. For this special issue exploring frontiers in the role of the body and environment in cognition, we propose a theory in which facial feedback provides a context-sensitive constraint on the simulation of actions described in language. Paralleling the role of emotions in real-world behavior, our account proposes that (1) facial expressions accompany sudden shifts in wellbeing as described in language; (2) facial expressions modulate emotional action systems during reading; and (3) emotional action systems prepare the reader for an effective simulation of the ensuing language content. To inform the theory and guide future research, we outline a framework based on internal models for motor control. To support the theory, we assemble evidence from diverse areas of research. Taking a functional view of emotion, we tie the theory to behavioral and neural evidence for a role of facial feedback in cognition. Our theoretical framework provides a detailed account that can guide future research on the role of emotional feedback in language processing, and on interactions of language and emotion. It also highlights the bodily periphery as relevant to theories of embodied cognition.
International Conference on Parallel Processing LOCALITY AND LOOP SCHEDULING O N NUMA MULTIPROCESSORS

% > I + (, Abstract cessing the central queue and then progrmively use smaller chunks in order to maintain good load balAm important issue in the parallel execution of /oops ance. These scheduling algorithms are dmcribed in is how fo partiiion and schedule Ihe loops onto Ihe detail in Section 2. available processors. While most existing dynamic scheduIing algorithms manage load imbalances well, they fail to take local~iy info account and therefore All of the loop scheduling algorithms listed above assume a shared memory architecture with uniform perfom poorly on parallel systems wsih non-ernifom memory access (UM A ) costs, and hence need not take memory access tomes. In thrs paper, we propose data locality into consideration. However, many of a new loop schedulsng algorithm, Localzdy-based Dynamtc Schedulang (LDS), that exploits locality, and the more modern, especially scalable, shared memory multiprocessors have non-uniform memory access dgnamrcally balances the load (NUMA) cost; r.e. , the cost of accessing memory in