Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impact of forest loss on shallow landslide sediment yield, Ijuez river catchment, Spanish Pyrenees

Abstract. The SHETRAN model for simulating the sediment yield arising from shallow landslides at the scale of a river catchment was applied to the 45-km2 Ijuez catchment in the central Spanish Pyrenees, to investigate the effect of loss of forest cover on landslide and debris flow incidence and on catchment sediment yield. The application demonstrated how such a model, with a large number of parameters to be evaluated, can be used even when directly measured data are not available: rainfall and discharge time series were generated by reference to other local records and data providing the basis for a soil map were obtained by a short field campaign. Uncertainty bounds for the outputs were determined as a function of the uncertainty in the values of key model parameters. For a four-year period and for the existing forested state of the catchment, a good ability to simulate the observed long term spatial distribution of debris flows (represented by a 45-year inventory) and to determine catchment sediment yield within the range of regional observations was demonstrated. The lower uncertainty bound on simulated landslide occurrence approximated the observed annual rate of landsliding and suggests that landslides provide a relatively minor proportion of the total sediment yield, at least in drier years. A scenario simulation in which the forest cover was replaced by grassland indicated an increase in landsliding but a decrease in the number of landslides which evolve into debris flows and, at least for drier years, a reduction in sediment delivery to the channel network.
This might be it

Discussions often end before the issues that started them have been resolved. For example, in the late sixties and early seventies, a hot topic in philosophical logic was the development of an adequate semantics for the language of modal predicate logic. However, the result of this discussion was not one single system that met with general agreement, but a collection of alternative systems, each defended most ably by its proponents. Although it would seem that the topic has lost much of its controversial status, this paper adds one more system to the existing stock. It offers a semantics for the language of modal predicate logic, which is new, not in the sense that it proposes a new ontology as an alternative to the possible world paradigm, but new because it characterizes the meaning of a sentence in terms of its information change potential rather than its truth conditions. What we hope to show is that this dynamic twist sheds new light on old
Induced sharp wave‐ripple complexes in the absence of synaptic inhibition in mouse hippocampal slices

The characteristic, behaviour‐related network oscillations of the mammalian hippocampus (θ, γ and ripples) are accompanied by strongly phase‐coupled action potentials in specific subsets of GABAergic interneurones. It has been suggested that the resulting phasic, repetitive inhibition shapes rhythmic coherent activity of the neuronal network. Here, we examined whether synaptic inhibition entrains ∼200 Hz network ripples by applying the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine to CA1 minislices of mouse hippocampus. Gabazine blocked spontaneously occurring sharp wave–ripple (SPW–R) activity. However, local application of KCl to the dendritic layer elicited excitatory sharp waves on which ∼200 Hz ripple oscillations were superimposed with equal temporal properties of native SPW–R. The activity also persisted in the additional presence of blockers of glutamatergic synaptic transmission. In contrast, synchrony was largely abolished after addition of gap junction blockers. Thus, GABAergic transmission appears to be involved in the generation of sharp waves but phasic inhibition is no prerequisite for the precise synchronization of hippocampal neurones during high‐frequency oscillations at ∼200 Hz. Gap junctions on the other hand seem to be necessary to orchestrate coordinated activity within the ripple frequency domain.
Image Caption Generation with Text-Conditional Semantic Attention

We propose a semantic attention mechanism for image caption generation, called text-conditional semantic attention, which allows the caption generator to automatically learn which parts of the image feature to focus on given previously generated text. To acquire text-related image features for our attention model, we also improve the guiding Long Short-Term Memory (gLSTM) structure by back-propagating the training loss though semantic guidance to fine-tune the CNN weights. In contrast to existing gLSTM methods, such as emb-gLSTM, our fine-tuned model enables guidance information to be more text-related. This also allows jointly learning of the image embedding, text embedding, semantic attention and language model with one simple network architecture in an end-to-end manner. We implement our model based on NeuralTalk2, an open-source image caption generator, and test it on MSCOCO dataset. We evaluate the proposed method with three metrics: BLEU, METEOR and CIDEr. The proposed methods outperform state-of-the-art methods.
Development of a Scale to Evaluate Virtual Learning Environment Satisfaction

Recent advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) have resulted in improvements in the delivery of education. It is a well-known fact that learning technologies currently have a pivotal role in education. Amongst them, Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are widely used in education. The role of VLEs in improving quality and interaction in education as well as enabling better achievement through the use of a wealth of activities in teaching and learning is widely reported in the literature. However, there is a gap regarding the development of measurement instruments, especially in the Turkish context. Therefore, this study reports the development of a scale to evaluate students’ satisfaction with respect to the use of VLEs in educational settings to address this gap. The dimensions of the scale are contribution (CONT), satisfaction (SAT), and communication (COM), and the scale is formed of 13 items. The sample consists of students enrolled in the Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies, studying on blended and face-to-face learning programs. First, the reliability of the instrument was calculated by Cronbach Alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability correlation coefficient. The Cronbach Alpha coefficients were found to be 0.87, 0.83, and 0.81 for CONT, SAT, and COM sub-dimensions respectively. The overall reliability of the scale was 0.92. EFA and CFA were conducted on the data collected from two different sample groups (206 and 186 students for EFA and CFA respectively) for the validity analyses of the scale. Results confirm that the scale is valid and reliable. While the t-test analysis shows no significant difference between gender groups, ANOVA revealed significant differences when year of study is considered.
Eddy subduction in a model of the subtropical gyre

Abstract Subduction is the process by which fluid transfers from the mixed layer to the interior of the ocean. South of the Gulf Stream extension, 18° mode water is formed in a region of high subduction rates. In this region there is high mesoscale eddy activity. In the present study the role of eddies in modifying the large-scale subduction into mode water is investigated. An eddy-resolving isopycnic ocean model with mixed layer physics included and coupled to an atmospheric anomaly model is used for this purpose. The geometry and forcing of the model are idealized. Annual mean subduction rates into mode water up to 200 m yr−1 are found south of the Gulf Stream extension. The eddy contribution to the annual subduction is estimated by comparing the annual mean subduction rates, obtained from monthly mean quantities, with the total subduction rates (i.e., eddy plus mean contributions). The latter are determined by integrating the detrainment rates over the period when fluid is irreversibly detrained. Eddy .
CAD At The Design-manufacturing Interface

Owing to rapid changes of IC technologies, traditionaldesign rule checking is becoming inadequate to assure satisfactorylevels of IC manufacturability. This paper describes a newcomputer supported design analysis environment that improvesthe efficiency of manufacturability assessment of new products.This environment, called MAPEX 2, is described in the paperalong with some of its key procedures and algorithms. Illustrationsof MAPEX 2 applications and performance figures are provided as well.
Age- and Disease-Dependent HERV-W Envelope Allelic Variation in Brain: Association with Neuroimmune Gene Expression

Background The glycoprotein, Syncytin-1, is encoded by a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-W env gene and is capable of inducing neuroinflammation. The specific allele(s) responsible for Syncytin-1 expression in the brain is uncertain. Herein, HERV-W env diversity together with Syncytin-1 abundance and host immune gene profiles were examined in the nervous system using a multiplatform approach. Results HERV-W env sequences were encoded by multiple chromosomal encoding loci in primary human neurons compared with less chromosomal diversity in astrocytes and microglia (p<0.05). HERV-W env RNA sequences cloned from brains of patients with systemic or neurologic diseases were principally derived from chromosomal locus 7q21.2. Within the same specimens, HERV-W env transcript levels were correlated with the expression of multiple proinflammatory genes (p<0.05). Deep sequencing of brain transcriptomes disclosed the env transcripts to be the most abundant HERV-W transcripts, showing greater expression in fetal compared with healthy adult brain specimens. Syncytin-1's expression in healthy brain specimens was derived from multiple encoding loci and linked to distinct immune and developmental gene profiles. Conclusions Syncytin-1 expression in the brain during disease was associated with neuroinflammation and was principally encoded by a full length provirus. The present studies also highlighted the diversity in HERV gene expression within the brain and reinforce the potential contributions of HERV expression to neuroinflammatory diseases.
An Effective Method for Detecting Gene Conversion Events in Whole Genomes

Gene conversion events are often overlooked in analyses of genome evolution. In a conversion event, an interval of DNA sequence (not necessarily containing a gene) overwrites a highly similar sequence. The event creates relationships among genomic intervals that can confound attempts to identify orthologs and to transfer functional annotation between genomes. Here we examine 1,616,329 paralogous pairs of mouse genomic intervals, and detect conversion events in about 7.5% of them. Properties of the putative gene conversions are analyzed, such as the lengths of the paralogous pairs and the spacing between their sources and targets. Our approach is illustrated using conversion events in primate CCL gene clusters. Source code for our program is included in the 3SEQ_2D package, which is freely available at www.bx. psu.edu/miller_lab/ .
Scenario and modelling uncertainty in global mean temperature change derived from emission-driven global climate models

Abstract. We compare future changes in global mean temperature in response to different future scenarios which, for the first time, arise from emission-driven rather than concentration-driven perturbed parameter ensemble of a global climate model (GCM). These new GCM simulations sample uncertainties in atmospheric feedbacks, land carbon cycle, ocean physics and aerosol sulphur cycle processes. We find broader ranges of projected temperature responses arising when considering emission rather than concentration-driven simulations (with 10–90th percentile ranges of 1.7 K for the aggressive mitigation scenario, up to 3.9 K for the high-end, business as usual scenario). A small minority of simulations resulting from combinations of strong atmospheric feedbacks and carbon cycle responses show temperature increases in excess of 9 K (RCP8.5) and even under aggressive mitigation (RCP2.6) temperatures in excess of 4 K. While the simulations point to much larger temperature ranges for emission-driven experiments, they do not change existing expectations (based on previous concentration-driven experiments) on the timescales over which different sources of uncertainty are important. The new simulations sample a range of future atmospheric concentrations for each emission scenario. Both in the case of SRES A1B and the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), the concentration scenarios used to drive GCM ensembles, lies towards the lower end of our simulated distribution. This design decision (a legacy of previous assessments) is likely to lead concentration-driven experiments to under-sample strong feedback responses in future projections. Our ensemble of emission-driven simulations span the global temperature response of the CMIP5 emission-driven simulations, except at the low end. Combinations of low climate sensitivity and low carbon cycle feedbacks lead to a number of CMIP5 responses to lie below our ensemble range. The ensemble simulates a number of high-end responses which lie above the CMIP5 carbon cycle range. These high-end simulations can be linked to sampling a number of stronger carbon cycle feedbacks and to sampling climate sensitivities above 4.5 K. This latter aspect highlights the priority in identifying real-world climate-sensitivity constraints which, if achieved, would lead to reductions on the upper bound of projected global mean temperature change. The ensembles of simulations presented here provides a framework to explore relationships between present-day observables and future changes, while the large spread of future-projected changes highlights the ongoing need for such work.
A model of Internet standards adoption: the case of IPv6

Abstract. The Internet presents a unique environment in which to study adoption. This is because of its composition of autonomous entities that are otherwise strongly interrelated. Our model of Internet standards adoption (ISA) combines diffusion of innovation and economics of adoption literature to present an integrative model. This model proposes that the adoption of Internet‐based standards is dependent upon two dimensions: the usefulness of the features to the potential adopter, and the conduciveness of the environment to adoption of the standard. This model accounts for not only the traditional dichotomous view of adoption, but also includes the notion of ‘partial adoption’, where both old and new standards can coexist for extended periods of time. As a demonstration, we apply the ISA model to the next generation Internet protocol Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). Despite its ostensible superiority, IPv6 has not been widely adopted. In this paper we discuss the reasons why this might be the case. Our analysis also draws wider conclusions about the adoption of Internet standards: in particular, the importance of transitional technologies between the old and new standards and the need for co‐ordinated government polices which encourage adoption. Our analysis also indicates that geopolitical boundaries may have a considerable impact on the adoption of Internet standards.
Group Decision Making Under Stress

Understanding the processes by which task groups function is a major concern of social psychologists who study small groups. Equally important to the applied group researcher is the understanding of how group processes are altered by the external environment. Research suggests that organizations respond to stress with a centralization of authority so that decision making becomes concentrated in the higher levels of an organizational hierarchy. In this study, this hypothesis was extended to the small-group level of analysis, and the effects of stress on group status and decision making were examined. Experimental results clarify and delimit the centralization-of-authority hypothesis: Rather than centralizing authority and decision making under stress, group leaders and group members become more receptive to information provided by others. Implications for group decision making are discussed.
Effects of active learning environments supported with self- and peer assessment on pre-service teachers’ pedagogical and self-efficacy beliefs

ABSTRACT A constructivist approach has been adopted in Turkey as a result of the primary curriculum that was implemented in the 2005–2006 academic year. This approach, which emphasizes students’ activeness in the learning process and the importance of alternative assessment approaches, is changing perceptions of learning. It has therefore become necessary to provide best practices for active learning and alternative assessment approaches, such as self-assessment and peer assessment, for pre-service teachers during their education. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of self- and peer assessment on primary pre-service teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and the self-efficacy of alternative assessment in active learning environments. A quasi-experimental (pre-test/post-test) research design with a control group was used in this research study. This study provides the first empirical evidence of the effects of active learning practices supported by alternative assessment methods on pre-service teachers’ professional development. The findings of this research contribute to the debate on effective teacher education.
Effect of Visual Cues on the Resolution of Perceptual Ambiguity in Parkinson’s Disease and Normal Aging

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) and normal aging have been associated with changes in visual perception, including reliance on external cues to guide behavior. This raises the question of the extent to which these groups use visual cues when disambiguating information. Twenty-seven individuals with PD, 23 normal control adults (NC), and 20 younger adults (YA) were presented a Necker cube in which one face was highlighted by thickening the lines defining the face. The hypothesis was that the visual cues would help PD and NC to exert better control over bistable perception. There were three conditions, including passive viewing and two volitional-control conditions (hold one percept in front; and switch: speed up the alternation between the two). In the Hold condition, the cue was either consistent or inconsistent with task instructions. Mean dominance durations (time spent on each percept) under passive viewing were comparable in PD and NC, and shorter in YA. PD and YA increased dominance durations in the Hold cue-consistent condition relative to NC, meaning that appropriate cues helped PD but not NC hold one perceptual interpretation. By contrast, in the Switch condition, NC and YA decreased dominance durations relative to PD, meaning that the use of cues helped NC but not PD in expediting the switch between percepts. Provision of low-level cues has effects on volitional control in PD that are different from in normal aging, and only under task-specific conditions does the use of such cues facilitate the resolution of perceptual ambiguity. (JINS, 2015, 21, 146–155)
Does atraumatic restorative treatment reduce dental anxiety in children? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Dental anxiety is one of the major problems affecting children, which impairs the rendering of dental care, leading to impaired quality of life. It often leads to occupational stress in dental personnel and conflict between parents/caregivers. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials done in children, to synthesize evidence of the effectiveness of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in reducing dental anxiety in children compared to conventional restorative treatments. The databases searched included PubMed, Google Scholar and The Cochrane Oral Health Group′s Trials Register. Eligible studies reporting dental anxiety by a variety of psychometric scales were tabulated. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. Among 416 studies retrieved through literature search, six studies matched the inclusion criteria. Due to lack of data, only three studies were included for meta-analysis using RevMan software (Review Manager, Version 5.3;The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, 2014). The pooled meta-analysis data, (standardized mean difference − 2.12 [95% confidence interval: −4.52, 0.27]) failed to show any difference between ART group and the conventional treatment group. In conclusion, ART was not more beneficial in reducing dental anxiety among pediatric dental patients. The findings are relevant in the field of clinical practice in dentistry in the management of the anxious pediatric dental patient.
Transverse energy from minijets in ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions: A Next-to-leading order analysis

We compute in next-to-leading order (NLO) perturbative QCD the amount of transverse energy produced into a rapidity region $\Delta Y$ of a nuclear collision from partons created in the few-GeV subcollisions. The NLO formulation assumes collinear factorization and is based on the subtraction method. We first study the results as a function of the minimum transverse momentum scale and define and determine the associated $K$-factors. The dependence of the NLO results on the scale choice and on the size of $\Delta Y$ is also studied. The calculations are performed for GRV94 and CTEQ5 sets of parton distributions. Also the effect of nuclear shadowing to the NLO results is investigated. The main results are that the NLO results are stable relative to the leading-order (LO) ones even in the few-GeV domain and that there exists a new kinematical region not present in the LO, which is responsible for the magnitude of the $K$-factors. The dependence on the size of $\Delta Y$ is found to be practically linear within two central units of rapidity, and the scale dependence present at RHIC energies is seen to vanish at the LHC energies. Finally, the effect of NLO corrections to the determination of transverse energies and multiplicities in nuclear collisions is discussed within the framework of parton saturation.
Accounting for asset impairment: a test for IFRS compliance across Europe

The Centre for Financial Analysis and Reporting Research (CeFARR) at Cass Business School develops user-relevant research in the areas of financial reporting and analysis for the valuation of securities. The Centre relies on the Cass Finance faculty and seeks to develop co-operations with external academics, regulators and practitioners. Research areas of interest to the Centre include, but are not limited to, accounting measurement and recognition policies, financial reporting quality, financial fraud, financial disclosure and transparency, accounting-based valuation and risk measurement, auditor independence and audit quality, quantitative accounting models for investment management and linguistic and other analyses of narrative financial disclosures. innovative, relevant and forward-looking education, consultancy and research. Located in the heart of one of the world's leading financial centres, Cass is the business school for the City of London. Our MBA, specialist Masters and undergraduate degree programmes have a global reputation for excellence, and the School supports nearly 100 PhD students. Cass offers the widest portfolio of specialist Masters programmes in Europe. It also has the largest faculties of Finance and Actuarial Science and Insurance in the region. It is ranked in the top 10 UK business schools for business, management and finance research and 90% of the research output is internationally significant. Cass is a place where students, academics, industry experts, business leaders and policy makers can enrich each other's thinking.