Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gabor frames and the fractional Fourier transform

Ziel der vorliegenden Diplomarbeit ist, die Auswirkung der fraktionalen Fourier Transformantion auf Gabor Frames mit Gausscher Fensterfunktion zu untersuchen. Ausgehend von solch einem Gabor-System wird auf jedes Element eine Wurzel der Fourier Transformation angewandt. Die entstehenden Systeme kann man sich geometrisch als eine Familie rotierter Ellipsen vorstellen, die entlang eines Gitters in der Zeit-Frequenz Ebene positioniert sind. Es wird ersichtlich, wie sich die Anordnung dieser Ellipsen in den Frame-Schranken widerspiegelt. Nachdem in den Kapiteln 1 bis 3 die Grundlagen der Fourier- und Gabor Analyisis beschrieben werden, widmet sich Kapitel 4 der fraktionalen Fourier Transformation und ihrer Implementation. Hierzu wird ein etablierter Algorithmus (siehe [3]) mit einem in der NuHAG entwickelten Verfahren verglichen, fur das auch eine Konvergenzanalyse durchgefuhrt wird. Kapitel 5 beschreibt die Ergebnisse numerischer Experimente zu den oben genannten Systemen. Es zeigt sich, dass falls das resultierende System ein Gabor Frame ist, das Verhalten der Frameschranken leicht verstandlich, aber durchaus erstaunlich ist. Auyerdem werden einige Spezialfalle betrachtet, sowie jene Systeme, die durch eine zufallige Wahl der Rotationsparameter entstehen. In Kapitel 6 schlieslich finden sich Stabilitatsresultate fur die Frame-Schranken der untersuchten Systeme. Diese werden mit Hilfe der Theorie der Wiener- Amalgam Raumen bewiesen.
Post-harvest quality of ‘BRS Kampai’ peach submitted to different pruning times

The present study aimed to evaluate pruning time and refrigerated storage influence in ‘BRS Kampai’ peach cultivar. Fruits coming from plants that were pruned during winter (WP), summer (SP) and winter plus summer (WSP), which were stored in a refrigerated chamber for 0, 10, 20 and 30 days at 1 oC ± 0,5 °C and 90% ± 5% RH. Pruning only in the summer provided higher SS/TA ratio, higher firmness and red intensity in the fruit evaluated. At the end of 30 days, acidity reduction reached 20% compared to the initial value. In the same period, fruits showed 50% of the initial firmness. Matter loss during the storage period was described by a positive linear equation, with 12.0% loss at day 30, after removal from the chamber, and 17% loss after two days at room temperature. Under the conditions in which the experiment was conducted, it was concluded that summer pruning alone provides high SS/TA ratio, as well as increased red color in fruits. In addition, storage period increase causes chemical and physical changes in ‘BRS Kampai’ cultivar fruits. During the storage period, fruits kept acceptable firmness levels, even after 30 days of storage.
Developing site-specific nutrient criteria from empirical models

Abstract. Ecologically meaningful and scientifically defensible nutrient criteria are needed to protect the water quality of USA streams. Criteria based on our best understanding of naturally occurring nutrient concentrations would protect both water quality and aquatic biota. Previous approaches to predicting natural background nutrient concentrations have relied on some form of landscape categorization (e.g., nutrient ecoregions) to account for natural variability among water bodies. However, natural variation within these regions is so high that use of a single criterion can underprotect naturally occurring low-nutrient streams and overprotect naturally occurring high-nutrient steams. We developed Random Forest models to predict how baseflow concentrations of total P (TP) and total N (TN) vary among western USA streams in response to continuous spatial variation in nutrient sources, sinks, or other processes affecting nutrient concentrations. Both models were relatively accurate (root mean square errors <12% of the range of observations for independent validation sites) and made better predictions than previous models of natural nutrient concentrations. However, the models were not very precise (TP model: r2 = 0.46, TN model: r2 = 0.23). An analysis of the sources of variation showed that our models accounted for most of the spatial variation in nutrient concentrations, and much of the imprecision was caused by temporal or measurement variation. We applied 2 methods to determine upper prediction limits that incorporated model error and could be used as site-specific nutrient criteria. These site-specific candidate nutrient criteria better accounted for natural variation among sites than did criteria based on regional average conditions, would increase protection for streams with naturally low nutrient concentrations, and specified more attainable conditions for those streams with naturally higher nutrient concentrations.
Analysis of Family Structure Influence on Academic Performance Among Secondary School Students in Bungoma East Sub-County, Kenya

A family is a fundamental unit in society. However, the structure of a family has been changing from the traditional family structure comprising of parents and their children to other forms of family structures that provides alternative dependence system. The emerging family structures may have an influence on academic performance in secondary schools’ as students depend on the family emotional and material support. This study examined the influence of family structure influence on students’ academic performance within Bungoma East Sub-County. The study objectives were to examine the Nuclear family structure influence on academic performance of students’ public secondary schools in Bungoma East Sub-County; to examine the Single parent family structure influence on academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Bungoma East Sub-County. This study was guided by Bronfenbronner’s principles of ecological theory of child on child development, a risk and protective model. Descriptive research design and mixed methodology was used to determine the extent to which variation in family structure and school setting influences students’ academic performance. A sample size of 323 respondents was used in the study and a response rate of 95.7% was achieved. The questionnaire and interview schedule provided data that was analysed and presented findings through frequency tables, pie-charts, bar charts and others. Inferential statistics was used to analyse and ascertain relationship between family structure and academic performance. A regression analysis between family structure background and academic performance was performed and a Pearson Correlation test done to reveal significant correlation between the variables. The findings of this study revealed that good performance of learner with nuclear family was due to economic support, family support, parental motivation and home study environment. Nuclear family background positively influenced academic performance of student and it significantly accounted 16.7% variance in student performance. Single parent family background attributed good performance of learners with small percentage as shown by 92(30%). Single parent family background negatively influenced academic performance of student and it significantly explained 1.6% variance in student performance. Policy makers should always take the subjective views of their wards into consideration in order to avert the problem of single parenthood, step parenthood and grandparenthood in the society. By doing so, the increase in nuclear family parenthood will provide socio-economic support and motivation needed for students to perform well in their academics. Boarding schools setup will reduce the parenting influence.
Hydrogeomorphic effects on bedload scour in bull char (Salvelinus confluentus) spawning habitat, western Washington, USA

We investigated the vulnerability of fall-spawned bull char (Salvelinus confluentus) embryos to redd scour during winter rain and rain-on-snow flood discharges in western Washington, USA. It was hypothesized that the magnitude of bedload scour at bull char redds is reduced by the provision and selection of stable refugia habitat controlled by local-, reach-, or subcatchment-scale variables such as hydraulic habitat unit and channel type. Bedload scour and channel change were measured using 96 scour monitors and 34 elevational transects in three catchments over 2 to 4 years. Scour to cited egg burial depths of bull char did not commence until discharge typically exceeded the 2-year recurrence interval. At a local scale, scour varied significantly among side channel, protected main channel, and unprotected main channel redd sites. Unprotected gravel patches in simplified channel types with moderate gradients were most susceptible to deep scour, especially if coupled with the transient supply and storage of .
Influence of geometrical and thermal parameters on the thermal component of a pin-on-disk system

Strong temperature gradients are often the cause of malfunctions taking place in mechanical systems which associate two rubbing solids. This work presents the thermal behaviour of a system consisting on a rotating disk in rubbing contact with a pin. Immersed in an environment characterized by a surface conductance hf and a temperature Tf , the disk is subjected to localised heat flux generated by the friction with the pin, eccentric with respect to the rotating axis of the disk. Several parameters intervene decisively on the local heat transfer and therefore on the temperature of the contact surface between the two solids in friction. In addition to the conductance, other parameters as the angular velocity of the disk, the frictional heat flux or the pin diameter and its offcenter with respect to the disk rotation axis, play a major role in the thermal exchange. The present work examines the influence of such parameters on the thermal solution. An analytical expression is proposed for the calculation of the 3D disk’s temperature. The presented thermal cartographies make possible to locate the zones of the system undergoing the greatest temperature gradients and thus the associated spots of mechanical rupture. Results are compared with other analytical solutions found in the specialized literature.
On the Foundations of Quantum Key Distribution - Reply to Renner and Beyond

In a recent note (arXiv:1209.2423) Renner claims that the criticisms of Hirota and Yuen on the security foundation of quantum key distribution arose from a logical mistake. In this paper it is shown that Renner misrepresents the claims of Yuen and also Hirota while adopting one main theorem of Yuen in lieu of his own previous error. This leads to his incoherent position which ignores quantitative security criterion levels that undermine the current security claims, a main point of the Yuen and Hirota criticisms. This security criterion issue has never been properly addressed in the literature and is here fully discussed, as are several common misconceptions on QKD security. Other foundational issues are touched upon to bring out further the present precarious state of quantum key distribution security proofs.
Experimental assessment of the sensitivity of an estuarine phytoplankton fall bloom to acidification and warming

Abstract. We investigated the combined effect of ocean acidification and warming on the dynamics of the phytoplankton fall bloom in the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary (LSLE), Canada. Twelve 2600 L mesocosms were set to initially cover a wide range of pHT (pH on the total proton scale) from 8.0 to 7.2 corresponding to a range of pCO2 from 440 to 2900 µatm, and two temperatures (in situ and +5 ∘C). The 13-day experiment captured the development and decline of a nanophytoplankton bloom dominated by the chain-forming diatom Skeletonema costatum. During the development phase of the bloom, increasing pCO2 influenced neither the magnitude nor the net growth rate of the nanophytoplankton bloom, whereas increasing the temperature by 5 ∘C stimulated the chlorophyll a (Chl a) growth rate and maximal particulate primary production (PP) by 76 % and 63 %, respectively. During the declining phase of the bloom, warming accelerated the loss of diatom cells, paralleled by a gradual decrease in the abundance of photosynthetic picoeukaryotes and a bloom of picocyanobacteria. Increasing pCO2 and warming did not influence the abundance of picoeukaryotes, while picocyanobacteria abundance was reduced by the increase in pCO2 when combined with warming in the latter phase of the experiment. Over the full duration of the experiment, the time-integrated net primary production was not significantly affected by the pCO2 treatments or warming. Overall, our results suggest that warming, rather than acidification, is more likely to alter phytoplankton autumnal bloom development in the LSLE in the decades to come. Future studies examining a broader gradient of temperatures should be conducted over a larger seasonal window in order to better constrain the potential effect of warming on the development of blooms in the LSLE and its impact on the fate of primary production.
Deep-sea scavenging amphipod assemblages from the submarine canyons of the Western Iberian Peninsula

Abstract. Submarine canyons have often been identified as hotspots of secondary production with the potential to house distinct faunal assemblages and idiosyncratic ecosystems. Within these deep-sea habitats, assemblages of scavenging fauna play a vital role in reintroducing organic matter from large food falls into the wider deep-sea food chain. Free-fall baited traps were set at different depths within three submarine canyons on the Iberian Margin. Amphipods from the traps were identified to species level and counted. Scavenging amphipod assemblages were compared at different depths within each canyon and between individual canyon systems. Using data from literature, abyssal plain assemblages were compared to submarine canyon assemblages. Samples from canyons were found to contain common abyssal plain species but in greater than expected abundances. It is proposed that this is a result of the high organic carbon input into canyon systems owing to their interception of sediment from the continental shelf and input from associated estuarine systems. Community composition differed significantly between the submarine canyons and abyssal plains. The cause of this difference cannot be attributed to one environmental variable due to the numerous inherent differences between canyons and abyssal plains.
The long-term relationship between plant diversity and total plant biomass depends on the mechanism maintaining diversity

The relationship between plant diversity and total plant biomass is of great current interest in ecology. Niche differences among plants are widely thought to promote both plant coexistence, and higher biomass in more diverse polycultures. Using simple mechanistic models, I demonstrate that not all niche differences among plants are equally likely to promote high total biomass in polyculture. In particular, transgressive overyielding (when a polyculture of plants outperforms any monoculture) occurs for a wide range of parameter values when plants coexist in polyculture due to differences in resource use. Transgressive overyielding occurs only for a limited set of parameter values when specialist herbivores mediate plant coexistence, and is impossible when generalist herbivores mediate coexistence. Niche differences among plants promote high biomass in polyculture only when plants coexist in polyculture at the expense of other trophic levels - that is, by converting into biomass resources that would otherwise be bound in herbivores, or exist in a free state. A major challenge for future work will be to identify the joint consequences of different coexistence mechanisms for plant diversity and ecosystem performance.
Involvement of MEK, ERK, PKC and GSK3B in Maintaining the Mitotic Spindle

The MAPK pathway has been implicated in various functions related to cell cycle regulation. MAPKK (MEK) is part of this pathway and the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) is its known downstream target. Glycogen synthase kinase 3B (GSK3B) and protein kinase C (PKC) also have been implicated in cell cycle regulation due to their association with the centrosomes along with MEK and ERK. In the current study, we tested the effects of inhibiting MEK on the activities of ERK, GSK3B, PKC, and ? -tubulin. Two types of MEK inhibitors were used, a siRNA inhibitor and U0126. The effects of MEK inhibition were tested by immunocytochemistry and confocal analysis, western blotting, RT-PCR analysis and study of cell numbers in M-phase stages. Results from this study indicate that inhibition of MEKdid not inhibit GSK3B and PKC enrichment at the centrosomes. However, the mitotic spindle showed a reduction in the pixel intensity of microtubules and also a reduction in the number of cells in each of the M-phase stages. A peptide activation inhibitor of ERK was used next. Our results indicated a further decrease in mitotic spindle microtubules than what was seen with the MEK inhibitors and an absence of cells in most of the M-phase stages. GSK3B and PKC enrichment were however not inhibited at the centrosomes. Taken together, the kinases GSK3B and PKC may not function as a part of the MAPK pathway to regulate the mitotic spindle.
Influence of age and sex on pacing during Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman and Ironman triathlons: Part B

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of biological sex and age on the pacing strategies adopted by non-drafting top triathletes during the cycle and run disciplines of a Sprint, Olympic, half-Ironman and Ironman triathlon. Split times of the top 20% non-elite males (n=468) and females (n=146) were determined using official race transponders and a video capture system for pre-determined sections of the cycle and run disciplines of four triathlon distances. Indices of pacing were calculated to compare between sexes and age-groups. Results of this study indicated that different pacing strategies were adopted between athletes of different age and sex over the various triathlon disciplines and distances. Females were more aggressive during the initial stages of the cycling discipline across all distances (sprint - 2.1% p=0.024; Olympic - 1.6%, p=0.011; half-Ironman- 1.5%, p<0.001; Ironman - 1.7%, p<0.001 higher relative to mean) compare with males. Younger athletes (20-29 y) tend to begin the run faster (2.0 to 3.0% faster than other age-groups, p<0.029) during the sprint, Olympic and half-Ironman triathlons. These results indicate that different pacing strategies are adopted by non-drafting top athletes of different age and sex. Optimal pacing strategies may differ between sex and ages; therefore individuals may need to trial different strategies to develop their own optimal pacing profile for triathlon events of varying distances.
The Diffusion of Information and Behavior in Social Networks: Renewable Energy Technology Adoption in Rural China; Working Paper No. 6, Department of Economics, University of Verona

Adopting renewable energy technologies has been seen as a promising way to reduce CO2 emissions and deforestation. This paper investigates how social networks may affect renewable energy technology adoption. We distinguish two channels through which social networks may play a role: (i) the diffusion of information; and (ii) the diffusion of behavior. Most empirical studies fail to quantitatively separate the diffusion of information and behavior in social networks. We conduct a survey on biogas technology adopting in rural China to identify individuals’ egocentric information networks. We find that both the diffusion of information and behavior drive farmers’ technology adoption. Farmers with larger egocentric information networks and a larger fraction of known adopters are more likely to adopt the biogas technology. In addition, we collect data on several attributes of alters to explore the composition of social networks. We find heterogeneous social network effects across different types of alters. Alters who have close relationships with egos such as friends and relatives or that are trusted by egos affect egos’ adoption through the diffusion of information, while less trusted alters such as government officials affect egos’ adoption through their adoption behavior.
Damage and Development of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Fruits of Two Pear Cultivars

Anastrepha fraterculus is the main horticultural pest for food crops in southern Brazil. This study aimed to identify the damage caused by this species, evaluate its development, and correlate its infestation rate with physical and chemical characteristics of Packhams and Williams pear fruit cultivars at five different stages of development. In the field, cages were installed on branches of the pear plants in which two couples of A. fraterculus were released for a period of 48 hours. The damage resulting from oviposition was evaluated at fifteen-day intervals from the day the insects were released until harvest. The evaluation of damage consisted of visual observation of decayed and deformed fruits and the presence of larvae. In the laboratory, two couples were individualized with one fruit in a 750 mL pot for 48 hours. The evaluations consisted of counting the number of living third-instar larvae, pupae and adults. The physical and chemical analyses consisted of the determination of fruit peel and pulp texture, color, soluble solid content and transversal diameter. The incidence of the fruit fly on Packhams and Williams fruits occurred when fruits measured 54.9 and 52.8 mm respectively. The development of A. fraterculus in pear fruits of both cultivars is related mainly to fruit peel and pulp hardness.
Chemical Composition and Its Relationship to In vitro Gas Production of Several Tannin Containing Trees and Shrub Leaves

The aim of this experiment was to determine the chemical composition of six commonly utilized fodder trees and shrub species in Turkey, namely Glycrrhiza glabra L, Arbutus andrachne, Carpinus betilus, Juniperus communis, Quercus libari L and Pistica lentiscus and its relationship with gas production and estimated parameters when incubated with rumen fluid in vitro. There were significant (p<0.001) differences between leaves in terms of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total condensed tannin (TCT), bound condensed tannin (BCT) and soluble condensed tannin (SCT). Crude protein contents ranged from 5.74% (Juniperus communis) to 12.59% (Glycrrhiza glabra L). Acid detergent fiber contents ranged from 25.14% (Glycrrhiza glabra L) to 39.23% (Juniperus communis). Total condensed tannin (TCT) contents of leaves ranged from 4.34% (Quercus libari L) to 20.34% (Juniperus communis). Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and total condensed tannin contents of leaves were negatively correlated with gas productions and some estimated parameters. Potential gas productions (A) of Glycrrhiza glabra L, Arbutus andrachne, Quercus libari L and Pistica lentiscus were significantly (p<0.001) higher than those of Carpinus betilus and Juniperus communis whereas gas production rate (µ24) of Pistica lentiscus was significantly (p<0.001) higher than the others. Time (h) to produce 50% of total gas pool size (T50) of Juniperus communis was significantly (p<0.001) lower than that of Carpinus betilus whereas time (h) to produce 90% of total gas pool size (T90) of Juniperus communis was significantly lower than the others except for Pistica lentiscus. The metabolizable energy (ME) contents of leaves ranged from 8.86 to 10.39 MJ kg -1 DM. The results obtained in this study suggested that browse species had a significant effect on chemical composition, gas production and estimated parameters of leaves. Leaves from Glycrrhiza glabra L with a considerable amount of CP had a high rank value in terms of ME. Therefore leaves from Glycrrhiza glabra L may have a high potential value for small ruminant animals in terms of rumen and whole digestibility. Leaves from other species studied require protein supplementation when they are the only feed consumed by ruminant animals. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 2 : 203-208)