Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis of Streamflow in the Yellow River Basin, China

Multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) can provide information about inner regularity, randomness and long-range correlation of time series, promoting the knowledge of their evolution regularity. The MFDFA are applied to detect long-range correlations and multifractal behavior of streamflow series at four hydrological stations (Toudaoguai, Longmen, Huangfu and Ganguyi) in the main channel and tributaries of the Yellow River. The results showed that there was one crossover point in the log−log curve of the fluctuation function Fq(s) versus s. The location for the crossover point is approximately one year, implying an unchanged annual periodicity within the streamflow variations. The annual periodical feature of streamflow was removed by using seasonal trend decomposition based on locally weighted regression (STL). All the decomposed streamflow series were characterized by long-term persistence in the study areas. Strong dependence of the generalized Hurst exponent h(q) on q exhibited multifractal behavior in streamflow time series at four stations in the Yellow River basin. The reduction of dependence of h(q) on q for shuffled time series showed that the multifractality of streamflow series was responsible for the correlation properties, as well as the probability density function of the streamflow series.
Studying social networks at scale: macroscopic anatomy of the twitter social graph

Twitter is one of the largest social networks using exclusively directed links among accounts. This makes the Twitter social graph much closer to the social graph supporting real life communications than, for instance, Facebook. Therefore, understanding the structure of the Twitter social graph is interesting not only for computer scientists, but also for researchers in other fields, such as sociologists. However, little is known about how the information propagation in Twitter is constrained by its inner structure. In this paper, we present an in-depth study of the macroscopic structure of the Twitter social graph unveiling the highways on which tweets propagate, the specific user activity associated with each component of this macroscopic structure, and the evolution of this macroscopic structure with time for the past 6 years. For this study, we crawled Twitter to retrieve all accounts and all social relationships (follow links) among accounts; the crawl completed in July 2012 with 505 million accounts interconnected by 23 billion links. Then, we present a methodology to unveil the macroscopic structure of the Twitter social graph. This macroscopic structure consists of 8 components defined by their connectivity characteristics. Each component group users with a specific usage of Twitter. For instance, we identified components gathering together spammers, or celebrities. Finally, we present a method to approximate the macroscopic structure of the Twitter social graph in the past, validate this method using old datasets, and discuss the evolution of the macroscopic structure of the Twitter social graph during the past 6 years.
Conscious Motivations of Adolescent Visual Artists and Creative Writers: Similarities and Differences

This exploratory study was designed to expand the field’s understanding of talented adolescent visual artists and creative writers and their conscious motivations for engaging in these creative activities. Accordingly, 233 talented high school visual arts (n = 151) and creative writing (n = 82) students were asked to rate the degree to which they believed their creative activities were motivated by each of a wide range of possible motivations. The students in both fields reported being very strongly motivated by the opportunities their activities provided them to use their imaginations, feel free, sense that they were being their “true” selves, regulate their emotions, capture moments in time, deepen their self-understanding, express themselves, improve their skills, and enhance their self-esteem. Some of these motivations correspond closely to those highlighted by theories of intrinsic motivation, competence motivation, and self-actualization, several are similar to those which have been reported by professional artists and writers, and some suggest that the students may have derived important psychological benefits from their creative activities. Theoretically plausible differences between the motivational profiles of the visual and creative writing students were identified and discussed.
WEIL–PETERSSON GEOMETRY ON MODULI SPACE OF POLARIZED CALABI–YAU MANIFOLDS

In this paper, we define and study the Weil–Petersson geometry. Under the framework of the Weil–Petersson geometry, we study the Weil–Petersson metric and the Hodge metric. Among the other results, we represent the Hodge metric in terms of the Weil–Petersson metric and the Ricci curvature of the Weil–Petersson metric for Calabi–Yau fourfold moduli. We also prove that the Hodge volume of the moduli space is finite. Finally, we proved that the curvature of the Hodge metric is bounded if the Hodge metric is complete and the dimension of the moduli space is 1. AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 53A30. Secondary 32C16
Testing the Paradox of Enrichment along a Land Use Gradient in a Multitrophic Aboveground and Belowground Community

In the light of ongoing land use changes, it is important to understand how multitrophic communities perform at different land use intensities. The paradox of enrichment predicts that fertilization leads to destabilization and extinction of predator-prey systems. We tested this prediction for a land use intensity gradient from natural to highly fertilized agricultural ecosystems. We included multiple aboveground and belowground trophic levels and land use-dependent searching efficiencies of insects. To overcome logistic constraints of field experiments, we used a successfully validated simulation model to investigate plant responses to removal of herbivores and their enemies. Consistent with our predictions, instability measured by herbivore-induced plant mortality increased with increasing land use intensity. Simultaneously, the balance between herbivores and natural enemies turned increasingly towards herbivore dominance and natural enemy failure. Under natural conditions, there were more frequently significant effects of belowground herbivores and their natural enemies on plant performance, whereas there were more aboveground effects in agroecosystems. This result was partly due to the “boom-bust” behavior of the shoot herbivore population. Plant responses to herbivore or natural enemy removal were much more abrupt than the imposed smooth land use intensity gradient. This may be due to the presence of multiple trophic levels aboveground and belowground. Our model suggests that destabilization and extinction are more likely to occur in agroecosystems than in natural communities, but the shape of the relationship is nonlinear under the influence of multiple trophic interactions.
Adaptive Video Streaming through Estimation of Subjective Video Quality

Concerning video transmission on the Internet, we present a model for estimating the subjective quality from objective measurements at the transmission receivers and on the network. The model reflects the quality degradation subject to parameters like packet loss ratio and bit rate, and is calibrated using the prerecorded results from subjective quality assessments. Besides the model and the calibration, the main achievement of this paper is the model’s validation by implementation in a monitoring tool. It can be used by content and network providers to swiftly localise the causes of a poor quality of experience (QoE). It also can help content providers make decisions regarding the adjustment of vital parameters, such as encoding bit rate and error correction mechanisms. We show how the estimated subjective service quality can be applied for decision making in content delivery networks that consist of overlay networks and multi-access networks. Keywords—Quality of Experience; perceived quality; video streaming; assessment; adaptation
Penerapan Model Learning Cycle 5E untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Pada Materi Fluida Statis Kelas VIII

Penerapan model learning cycle 5E telah dilakukan pada siswa kelas VIII dengan materi fluida statis . Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan gambaran mengenai peningkatan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa setelah diterapkan model learning cycle 5E pada materi fluida statis. Bentuk desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah pre-experimental dengan one group pre-test post-test design . Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VIII di SMP Torsina Singkawang. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan sampling purposive yang berjumlah 23 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model learning cyle 5E dapat meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa yaitu pada indikator pemecahan masalah dengan skor N-gain sebesar 0,43 dengan kategori sedang, indikator membuat keputusan dengan skor N-gain sebesar 0,42 dengan kategori sedang, indikator penyelidikan percobaan dengan skor N-gain sebesar 0,33 dengan kategori sedang dan indikator menyimpulkan dengan skor N-gain sebesar 0,37 dengan kategori sedang.
Fast ELCA computation for keyword queries on XML data

Keyword search is integrated in many applications on account of the convenience to convey users' query intention. Recently, answering keyword queries on XML data has drawn the attention of web and database communities, because the success of this research will relieve users from learning complex XML query languages, such as XPath/XQuery, and/or knowing the underlying schema of the queried XML data. As a result, information in XML data can be discovered much easier. To model the result of answering keyword queries on XML data, many LCA (lowest common ancestor) based notions have been proposed. In this paper, we focus on ELCA (Exclusive LCA) semantics, which is first proposed by Guo et al. and afterwards named by Xu and Papakonstantinou. We propose an algorithm named Hash Count to find ELCAs efficiently. Our analysis shows the complexity of Hash Count algorithm is O(kd|S1|), where k is the number of keywords, d is the depth of the queried XML document and |S1| is the frequency of the rarest keyword. This complexity is the best result known so far. We also evaluate the algorithm on a real DBLP dataset, and compare it with the state-of-the-art algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate the advantage of Hash Count algorithm in practice.
Biodiversity and threatened species reporting by the top Fortune Global companies

The purpose of this paper is to explore the biodiversity and threatened species reporting of the top 150 Fortune Global companies. The paper has two main objectives: to explore the extent to which the top 150 Fortune Global companies disclose information about their biodiversity and species conservation practices, and to explore the effects of biodiversity partners and industry on companies’ biodiversity and threatened species reporting. ,The study’s sample is the top 150 Fortune Global companies. Each company’s fiscal year ending 2014 annual report, its 2014 sustainability report, and its company website were content analyzed for evidence of biodiversity and threatened species reporting. This content analysis is supplemented by a detailed analysis that focusses on the sample’s top five reporters, including a phone interview with a senior sustainability manager working at one of these companies. Finally, a regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between companies’ biodiversity and threatened species reporting and the presence/absence of biodiversity partners and a company’s industry F&C Asset Management industry category. ,The reporting on biodiversity and threatened species by the top 150 Fortune Global companies is quite limited. Few companies (less than 15) are providing any substantial reporting. It was further observed that even among the high scoring companies there is a lack of consistent reporting across all index items. A subsequent empirical examination of these companies’ disclosures on biodiversity and threatened species showed a statistically positive association between the amount of reporting and companies’ holding of biodiversity partnerships. It was also observed that firms categorized as red- and green-zone companies made more disclosures on biodiversity and threatened species than amber-zone companies. ,This is the first study to systematically analyze corporate disclosures related to threatened species and habitats. While some prior studies have included the concept of biodiversity when analyzing organizations’ environmental disclosures, they have done so by examining it as one general category out of many further categories for investigating organizations’ environmental reporting. In the present study, the focus is on the specific contents of biodiversity disclosures. As such, this study has the twin research objectives of seeking to illuminate the current state of biodiversity and threatened species reporting by the world’s largest multinationals and provide an appreciation for how certain organizational and industry variables serve to influence these reporting practices. These multiple insights offer companies, and potentially regulators, understanding about how to include (or extend) disclosures on biodiversity loss and species under threat of extinction.
Mutations in the 11-cis retinol dehydrogenase gene in Japanese patients with Fundus albipunctatus.

PURPOSE To detect mutations in the RDH5 gene encoding 11-cis retinol dehydrogenase in patients from Japan with fundus albipunctatus. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction and direct genomic sequencing techniques were used to detect mutations of the RDH5 coding exons (exons 2-5) in two unrelated patients with fundus albipunctatus. Selected alleles that altered the coding region or intron splice sites were evaluated further through segregation analysis in the families of the index cases. RESULTS Two novel RDH5 mutations were identified. One of these was a missense mutation Val264Gly in exon 5, and the other was an in-frame insertion of 3 bp in exon 5. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that mutations in RDH5 are the primary cause of fundus albipunctatus.
Reduction of the Hurwitz space of metacyclic covers

We compute the stable reduction of some Galois covers of the projective line branched at three points. These covers are constructed using Hurwitz spaces parameterizing metacyclic covers. The reduction is determined by a hypergeometric differential equation. This generalizes the result of Deligne- Rapoport on the reduction of the modular curve X(p).
Obstructive Left Colon Cancer Should Be Managed by Using a Subtotal Colectomy Instead of Colonic Stenting

Purpose This study compared a subtotal colectomy to self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) insertion as a bridge to surgery for patients with left colon-cancer obstruction. Methods Ninety-four consecutive patients with left colon-cancer obstruction underwent an emergency subtotal colectomy or elective SEMS insertion between January 2007 and August 2014. Using prospectively collected data, we performed a retrospective comparative analysis on an intention-to-treat basis. Results A subtotal colectomy and SEMS insertion were attempted in 24 and 70 patients, respectively. SEMS insertion technically failed in 5 patients (7.1%). The mean age and rate of obstruction in the descending colon were higher in the subtotal colectomy group than the SEMS group. Sex, underlying disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and pathological stage showed no statistical difference. Laparoscopic surgery was performed more frequently in patients in the SEMS group (62 of 70, 88.6%) than in patients in the subtotal colectomy group (4 of 24, 16.7%). The overall rate of postoperative morbidity was higher in the SEMS group. No Clavien-Dindo grade III or IV complications occurred in the subtotal colectomy group, but 2 patients (2.9%) died from septic complications in the SEMS group. One patient (4.2%) in the subtotal colectomy group had synchronous cancer. The total hospital stay was shorter in the subtotal colectomy group. The median number of bowel movements in the subtotal colectomy group was twice per day at postoperative 3–6 months. Conclusion A subtotal colectomy for patients with obstructive left-colon cancer is a clinically and oncologically safer, 1-stage, surgical strategy compared to SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery.
Fas–Fas Ligand: Checkpoint of T Cell Functions in Multiple Sclerosis

Fas and Fas Ligand (FasL) are two molecules involved in the regulation of cell death. Their interaction leads to apoptosis of thymocytes that fail to rearrange correctly their T cell receptor (TCR) genes and of those that recognize self-antigens, a process called negative selection; moreover, Fas–FasL interaction leads to activation-induced cell death, a form of apoptosis induced by repeated TCR stimulation, responsible for the peripheral deletion of activated T cells. Both control mechanisms are particularly relevant in the context of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), where T cells exert an immune response against self-antigens. This concept is well demonstrated by the development of autoimmune diseases in mice and humans with defects in Fas or FasL. In recent years, several new aspects of T cell functions in MS have been elucidated, such as the pathogenic role of T helper (Th) 17 cells and the protective role of T regulatory (Treg) cells. Thus, in this review, we summarize the role of the Fas–FasL pathway, with particular focus on its involvement in MS. We then discuss recent advances concerning the role of Fas–FasL in regulating Th17 and Treg cells’ functions, in the context of MS.
Modelling and Extracting the Build-Time Software Architecture View

Large software systems often have complex subparts that engage in subtle relationships with the underlying technologies from which they are built. Consequently, many such systems have complex and interesting architectural properties that can only be understood in the context of the various phases of system construction. We consider that modelling and extracting build-time architectural views of such systems are key to the software comprehension process. In this paper, we explore the notion of build-time architectural views and their relationship to well-known taxonomies of software architecture views. We present a simple notation for modelling build-time views, we present three detailed examples of systems with interesting build-time view, and we introduce a related architectural style — the “code robot”. Finally, we discuss some of our recent work in the design of a toolkit for extracting and modelling build-time architectural views.
Mechanism of Friction and Wear in MoS2 and ZDDP/F-PTFE Greases under Spectrum Loading Conditions

Two different greases formulated using MoS2 and a combination of ZDDP and functionalized PTFE (F-PTFE) were examined under spectrum loading conditions where loads, frequency, and duration of the steps were treated as variables. Combination of ZDDP and F-PTFE were synergistic resulting in a significant reduction in the wear and friction under spectrum loading condition. Decreasing the time step during the ramp up and ramp down cycles resulted in larger wear for the grease containing MoS2 particles in comparison to ZDDP/F-PTFE in grease. The tribofilm formed on the surface was analyzed using various characterization techniques like SEM, EDS, and Stereo Optical Microscopy. Tribofilms from MoS2 additives had extensive amounts of abrasive and adhesive wear and showed the formation of MoS2 on the surface on the other hand the tribofilms from ZDDP/F-PTFE had smaller amounts of severe wear and exhibited patchy tribofilms of Zn-phosphates as well as sulfides of Zn and Fe.
SPECIFICITY OF THE REACTION BETWEEN RHEUMATOID FACTORS AND GAMMA GLOBULIN

Rheumatoid factors in the sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis appear to be specifically directed against genetically determined "antigens" in human γ-globulin. At least eight rheumatoid factors of differing specificity exist; usually several are present in combination in the same serum. The different rheumatoid factors can be readily detected through their pattern of reactivity with anti-Rh antibodies from different individuals. Rheumatoid factors in diseases other than rheumatoid arthritis were found to have a more restricted specificity, contrasted to the broader reactivity of the factors in most rheumatoid arthritis sera. A specificity similar to that for incomplete antibodies was not demonstrated for the reaction of rheumatoid factors with aggregated γ-globulin or with γ-globulin to form the "22S complex. " In certain instances, using the anti-Rh system, rheumatoid factors were found to react poorly with the patient's own γ-globulin, compared to that of other individuals of different genetic γ-globulin types. These results, as well as additional indirect evidence, indicate that the rheumatoid factors can possess isospecificity. However, a certain degree of autospecificity was also found which was most clearly evident through complex formation with the patients own γ-globulin and in the reaction with aggregates. The relevance of these findings to possible isoantibody as well as autoantibody concepts is discussed.
Experimental validation of Interference Alignment techniques using a multiuser MIMO testbed

Hardware platforms and testbeds are an essential tool to evaluate, in realistic scenarios, the performance of wireless communications systems. In this work we present a multiuser Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) testbed made up of 6 nodes, each one with 4 antennas, which allows us to evaluate Interference Alignment (IA) techniques in indoor scenarios. We specifically study the performance of IA for the 3-user interference channel in the 5GHz band. Our analysis identifies the main practical issues that potentially degrade the IA performance such as channel estimation errors or collinearity between the desired signal and interference subspaces.
A Comparison Study of Live Instruction versus Interactive Television for Teaching MSW Students Critical Thinking Skills

Objective The acquisition of critical thinking skills over one semester by distant and campus social work students enrolled in a graduate-level policy course were compared. Method The scores of pretests and posttests of 62 master's of social work students were analyzed using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test. Results Both groups significantly increased their critical thinking skills with no significant differences found between the two groups. Conclusion Distance education using interactive television was found to be equivalent to face-to-face instruction with regard to acquisition of critical thinking skills.
Spontaneous Belief Attribution in Younger Siblings of Children on the Autism Spectrum

The recent development in the measurements of spontaneous mental state understanding, employing eye-movements instead of verbal responses, has opened new opportunities for understanding the developmental origin of “mind-reading” impairments frequently described in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Our main aim was to characterize the relationship between mental state understanding and the broader autism phenotype, early in childhood. An eye-tracker was used to capture anticipatory looking as a measure of false beliefs attribution in 3-year-old children with a family history of autism (at-risk participants, n = 47) and controls (control participants, n = 39). Unlike controls, the at-risk group, independent of their clinical outcome (ASD, broader autism phenotype or typically developing), performed at chance. Performance was not related to children’s verbal or general IQ, nor was it explained by children “missing out” on crucial information, as shown by an analysis of visual scanning during the task. We conclude that difficulties with using mental state understanding for action prediction may be an endophenotype of autism spectrum disorders.