Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Curves on K3 surfaces and modular forms

We study the virtual geometry of the moduli spaces of curves and sheaves on K3 surfaces in primitive classes. Equivalences relating the reduced Gromov–Witten invariants of K3 surfaces to characteristic numbers of stable pairs moduli spaces are proved. As a consequence, we prove the Katz–Klemm–Vafa conjecture evaluating λg integrals (in all genera) in terms of explicit modular forms. Indeed, all K3 invariants in primitive classes are shown to be governed by modular forms. The method of proof is by degeneration to elliptically fibred rational surfaces. New formulas relating reduced virtual classes on K3 surfaces to standard virtual classes after degeneration are needed for both maps and sheaves. We also prove a Gromov–Witten/Pairs correspondence for toric 3‐folds. Our approach uses a result of Kiem and Li to produce reduced classes. In Appendix A, we answer a number of questions about the relationship between the Kiem–Li approach, traditional virtual cycles, and symmetric obstruction theories. The interplay between the boundary geometry of the moduli spaces of curves, K3 surfaces, and modular forms is explored in Appendix B by Pixton.
Cognitive Function and Emotional Status of Middle-aged Chinese Hypertensive Patients Without Detectable White Matter Brain Lesions or Lacunar Infarctions

Abstract : Essential hypertension (EH) is associated with cognitive deficits, and higher blood pressure levels have been related to lower levels of cognitive function. Executive functions, speed of processing, memory and attention are especially impacted. Hypertension may affect cognitive function because of pathological physiological changes in the brain (e.g., white matter lesions and/or lacunar infarctions) or behavioral/emotional alterations associated with hypertension (e.g., stress, anxiety, and depression). (1) Rule out white matter lesions and lacunar infarctions as necessary causes of cognitive deficits in EH; (2) Examine the role of anxiety and depression as a potential mechanism for the relationship between EH and cognitive function; and (3) Determine socio-demographic and medical moderators of this relationship in individuals without structural brain changes. Ninety five Chinese with EH and 95 age- and education-matched normotensive controls were recruited into the study. All participants had a medical history interview and physical exam, completed Zung's Anxiety and Depression Surveys, and completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a computerized neuropsychological battery. All participants had an MRI scan of the brain. For the present study, individuals with white matter lesions or lacunar infarctions were excluded from analysis. The remaining sample consisted of 46 hypertensives and 66 controls. Multivariate analyses, controlling for medical/risk factor differences between hypertensive and normotensive groups, revealed no relationship between EH and cognitive function nor EH and emotional status. Two-factor ANOVAs revealed significant EH x Gender interactions for digit discrimination response time (p<0.01) and the MMSE (p<0.05). The present findings suggest that gender moderates the influence of hypertension on cognitive function in the absence of structural brain changes.
Estimation of earnings- and schooling choice relations : a likelihood approach

In this paper we develop a full information maximum likelihood method for the estimation of a joint model for the choice of length of schooling and the corresponding earnings equation. The model for schooling is assumed to be an ordered probit model, whereas the earnings equation is allowed to be very general with explanatory variables that are flexible transformations of schooling and experience. The coefficients associated with length of schooling and experience are allowed to be random and all the random terms of the model may be correlated. Under normality assumptions, we show that the joint probability distribution for schooling and earnings can be expressed on a closed form that is tractable for empirical analysis.
Monitoring succession from space: A case study from the North Carolina Piedmont

ABSTRACT Question: Is the successional transition from pine to hardwood, which has been inferred from chronosequence plots in previous studies, validated through a time line of satellite imagery? Location: Durham, North Carolina, USA. Methods: We examined successional trends in a time-series of winter-summer pairs of Thematic Mapper imagery from 1986 to 2000. We calculated the normalized difference of vegetation index (NDVI) for winter and summer, as well as the difference between summer and winter NDVI (i.e., summer increment NDVI). A set of approximately 50 forest stands of known age and phenology were used to interpret patterns in winter and summer increment NDVI over successional time, and a continuum was found to exist between pine-dominance and hardwood-dominance. We fitted a series of linear regressions that modeled the change in winter and summer increment NDVI as a function of initial winter and summer increment NDVI, and additional explanatory variables. Results: All regressions were highly significant (P < 0.0001, R2 = ca. 0.3). Predicted dynamics are in accord with successional theory, with pixels moving from evergreen dominance to deciduous dominance along a line of fairly constant summer NDVI. A large disturbance event that occurred over the course of this study, Hurricane Fran, appeared to slow rates of succession in the short term (1–3 years), but increase the rate of conversion to hardwoods over longer time spans. Conclusions: We conclude that temporal sequences of remote sensing images provide an excellent opportunity for broad-scale monitoring of successional processes, and that continuous metrics of that change are essential to accurate monitoring.
NUTRIENT AND β17‐ESTRADIOL LOSS IN RUNOFF WATER FROM POULTRY LITTERS 1

ABSTRACT: A main water quality concern is accelerated eutrophication of fresh waters from nonpoint source pollution, particularly nutrient transport in surface runoff from agricultural areas and confined animal feeding operations. This study examined nutrient and β17‐estradiol concentrations in runoff from small plots where six poultry litters were applied at a rate of about 67 kg/ha of total phosphorus (TP). The six poultry litter treatments included pelleted compost, pelleted litter, raw litter, alum (treated) litter, pelleted alum litter, and normal litter (no alum). Four replicates of the six poultry litter treatments and a control (plots without poultry litter application) were used in this study. Rainfall simulations at intensity of 50 mm/hr were conducted immediately following poultry litter application to the plots and again 30 days later. Composite runoff samples were analyzed for soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), ammonia (NH4), nitrate (NO3), TP, total nitrogen (TN) and β17‐estradiol concentrations. In general, poultry litter applications increased nutrient and β17‐estradiol concentrations in runoff water. Ammonia and P concentrations in runoff water from the first simulation were correlated to application rates of water extractable NH4 (R2= 0.70) and P (R2= 0.68) in the manure. Results suggest that alum applications to poultry litter in houses in between flocks is an effective best management practice for reducing phosphorus (P) and β17‐estradiol concentrations in runoff and that pelleted poultry litters may increase the potential for P and β17‐estradiol loss in runoff water. Inferences regarding pelleted poultry litters should be viewed cautiously, because the environmental consequence of pelleting poultry litters needs additional investigation.
RG flow from ϕ[superscript 4] theory to the 2D Ising model

We study 1+1 dimensional φ4 theory using the recently proposed method of conformal truncation. Starting in the UV CFT of free field theory, we construct a complete basis of states with definite conformal Casimir, C. We use these states to express the Hamiltonian of the full interacting theory in lightcone quantization. After truncating to states with C ≤ Cmax, we numerically diagonalize the Hamiltonian at strong coupling and study the resulting IR dynamics. We compute non-perturbative spectral densities of several local operators, which are equivalent to real-time, infinite-volume correlation functions. These spectral densities, which include the Zamolodchikov C-function along the full RG flow, are calculable at any value of the coupling. Near criticality, our numerical results reproduce correlation functions in the 2D Ising model.
Latitudinal variation in patterns of colonisation of cryptic calcareous marine organisms

Few studies of fouling communities have directly compared colonisation patterns over wide geographical scales in similar community types. In this study, the recruitment and early growth of calcareous cryptic fouling organisms were examined on settlement panels at 2 tropical and 2 subtropical locations at varying distances from the mainland in eastern Australia. Species diversity and cover on the settlement panels after 6 mo were higher at the subtropical inshore site than at any of the offshore or tropical sites. Classification of the sites by multivariate cluster analysis and ordination showed clear distinctions between inshore and offshore sites, while sites separated by approximately 14' of latitude were less clearly distinguished. lnshore/offshore vanation in the physical environment, especially turbidity and eutrophication, and the effects of longshore currents in the regions are possible explanations for these patterns. There was a significantly higher weight of calcified material at the subtropical inshore site than at the other 3 sites, attributable to higher cover of both bryozoans and barnacles; these taxa are likely to make a sign~ficant contribution to community calcification rates in subtropical coral communities. Competition for space with encrusting species is proposed as a potential mechanism limiting coral recruitment in coastal subtropical eastern Australia.
Nordic economic policies in the 1970s and 1980s

Although the Nordic countries are small, open economies, they were able to benefit considerably from the expansion of the world economy during the “Golden Age” of the 1950s and 1960s. They achieved industrial diversification and consolidated welfare-state reforms. Throughout this period, several economic policy routines were institutionalized. These routines may be analyzed as parts of a specific economic policy model, determined by the economic structure and the pattern of political mobilization. It seems more fruitful to distinguish five such models rather than to use the generalizing notion of a “Scandinavian model. ” In the 1970s, the world economic crisis posed new challenges for the Nordic countries. In the first phase of the crisis, economic policies continued to operate in accordance with the established routines. But structural problems, new patterns of political mobilization, and new forms of external pressure forced governments to shift towards austerity policies in the late 1970s. The extent and the specificities of these shifts are compared and the degree to which the economic policy models have changed assessed. Such an analysis is a first step to answer some crucial questions now facing the Nordic countries: Was their flexible adjustment merely the result of favorable conditions during the 1960s—or is it a permanent trait? Are they now trapped between large industrial nations and dynamic newly industrializingcountries? If so, what will be the fate of their advanced welfare sectors?
Hypoxia and the Development of Endothermic Capacity in Chickens (Gallus Gallus)

Adult chickens employ endothermy – internal generation of heat that maintains a constant body temperature (Tb). Prior to hatching, chicken embryos are ectothermic - controlling Tb by external heat sources. Upon hatching, the hatchling transitions from an ectotherm to an endotherm that has been shown to be delayed by hypoxia. In this study, whole animal oxygen consumption () and liver, heart, and skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity (CSA) and were measured during this transition to endothermy in chickens incubated in normoxia and hypoxia (15% O2). The only significant differences in occurred in 48 hour old hatchlings where was lower in normoxic hatchlings. There were no differences in CS activity between age and incubation oxygen levels. Additionally, preliminary 2-D protein gels of embryo and hatchling liver show changes in the proteome upon hatching. Results suggest that hypoxia had no significant effect on CSA and a minimal effect on .
Forecasting Regional to Global Plant Migration in Response to Climate Change

Abstract The rate of future climate change is likely to exceed the migration rates of most plant species. The replacement of dominant species by locally rare species may require decades, and extinctions may occur when plant species cannot migrate fast enough to escape the consequences of climate change. Such lags may impair ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and clean water production. Thus, to assess global change, simulation of plant migration and local vegetation change by dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) is critical, yet fraught with challenges. Global vegetation models cannot simulate all species, necessitating their aggregation into plant functional types (PFTs). Yet most PFTs encompass the full spectrum of migration rates. Migration processes span scales of time and space far beyond what can be confidently simulated in DGVMs. Theories about climate change and migration are limited by inadequate data for key processes at short and long time scales and at small and large spatial scales. These theories must be enhanced to incorporate species-level migration and succession processes into a more comprehensive definition of PFTs.
AN ASSESSMENT OF INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM ON PUPILS ’ ENROLLMENT , ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NJOMBE DISTRICT

This study investigated the influence the School Feeding Program (SFP) on pupils’ enrolment, attendance and academic performance in primary schools in Njombe districtTanzania. It employed the following three specific objectives: To examine the levels of enrolment before and after the commencement of the school feeding program, to assess the influence of school feeding program on pupils’ attendance and to determine the influence of school feeding program on pupils’ academic performance. The study was supported by literature from other research studies done on school feeding program and very few from other subject areas. The study employed mixed research approach and adopted descriptive design in order to achieve the aim of the study. Data were collected from six primary schools in Njombe district. It involved a sample of 55 respondents including one District Education Officer (DEO), six head teachers, 12 teachers, 12 chairpersons of school committees, 12 parents and 12 pupils. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Data collection methods were documentary reviews, questionnaires and interviews. The study findings showed that school feeding program has increased pupils’ enrolment, attendance and academic performance. Few schools have been not stable in terms of pupils’ enrolment, attendance and academic performance due to parents’ negative attitudes towards education, lack of teaching and learning materials, long distance to and from schools, poverty of parents, shortage of teachers, overcrowded classes, political issues and pupils who were orphans. The study recommends that the government through Ministry of Prime Minister’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government should improve the infrastructure of the schools by cooperating with other educational stakeholders and encouraging parents to support SFPs by contributing contributions like money and food.
Correlated spin-down rates and radio emission in PSR B1859+07

We study the spin-down changes of PSR B1859$+$07 over a period of more than 28 years of radio observation. We identify that the time derivative of the rotational frequency ($\nu$) varies quasi-periodically with a period of $\sim$350 days, switching mainly between two spin-down states. The profile shape of the pulsar is correlated with the $\dot \nu$ variation, producing two slightly different profile shapes corresponding to high- and low-$\dot \nu$ states. In addition to these two normal emission states, we confirm the occasional flare-state of the pulsar, in which the emission appears early in spin phase compared to that of the common normal emission. The profile of the flare-state is significantly different from that of the two normal emission states. The correlation analysis further shows that the flare-state is not directly linked with the $\dot \nu$ changes. With a simple emission beam model, we estimate the emission altitude of the normal emission to be 240~km, and explain the origin of the flare-state as an emission height variation from the leading edge of the beam. We also argue that the emission of these states can be explained with a partially active beam model. In this scenario, the trailing portion of the radio beam is usually active and the normal emission is produced. The flare-state occurs when the leading edge of the beam becomes active while the trailing part is being blocked. This model estimates a fixed emission altitude of 360~km. However, the cause of the flare-state (i.e. the emission height variation, or the time-dependent activity across the radio beam) is not easily explained.
Source Apportionment and Macro Tracer: Integration of Independent Methods for Quantification of Woody Biomass Burning Contribution to PM10

During the last few years, the rise in woody biomass burning (BB) for household heating has caused an increase in PM mass concentrations, particularly for the fine fraction, in Europe, as reported by the European Environmental Agency. Estimating the contribution from biomass combustion to airborne particulate matter is therefore an important issue in air quality governance, due to its potential health and environmental impacts. Wood burning’s contribution to PM10 was estimated in winter at a rural site in southern Italy by means of two independent methods: source apportionment analysis with Positive Matrix Factorization (BBPMF) and the macro tracer approach, based on levoglucosan concentrations (BBLevo). PM10 and PM2.5 samples were collected every 24 h and every 8 h, respectively, and analyzed to determine the organic and elemental carbon, levoglucosan, inorganic ions and elements. The results obtained via these methods showed good agreement (r = 0.85), with a linear correlation slope of about 1, and provide a reliable assessment of the BB contribution. Woody biomass combustion contributed significantly to the PM10 (on average, slightly less than 30% of the total mass) during winter. The combination of the independent methods proposed here may be used as a methodology for refining the BB contribution to air pollution.
Molecular gas content in obscured AGN at z > 1

Aims. The standard active galactic nuclei (AGN)-galaxy co-evolutionary scenario predicts a phase of deeply “buried” supermassive black hole growth coexisting with a starburst (SB) before feedback phenomena deplete the cold molecular gas reservoir of the galaxy and an optically luminous quasar (QSO) is revealed (called the SB-QSO evolutionary sequence). The aim of this work is to measure the cold gas reservoir of three highly obscured QSOs to test if their gas fraction is similar to that of submillimetre galaxies (SMGs), as expected by some models, and to place these measurements in the context of the SB-QSO framework. Methods. We target CO(1-0) transition in BzK4892, a Compton thick (CT) QSO at z = 2.6, CO(1-0) in BzK8608 and CO(2-1) in CDF153, two highly obscured (NH ≈ 6 × 1023 cm−2) QSOs at z = 2.5 and z = 1.5, respectively. For these targets, we place 3σ upper limits on the CO lines, with L′CO < (1.5 ÷ 2.8)×1010 K km s−1 pc2. We also compare the molecular gas conditions of our targets with those of other systems at z > 1, considering normal star-forming galaxies and SMGs, and unobscured and obscured AGN from the literature. For the AGN samples, we provide an updated and almost complete collection of targets with CO follow-up at z > 1. Results. BzK4892 displays a high star formation efficiency (SFE = LIR/L′CO > 410 L⊙/(K km s−1 pc2 )) and a gas fraction fgas = Mgas/(Mstar + Mgas)< 10%. Less stringent constraints are derived for the other two targets (fgas < 0.5 and SFE > 10 L⊙/(K km s−1 pc2 )). From the comparison with the literature data we found that, on average, i) obscured AGN at z > 1 are associated with higher SFE and lower fgas with respect to normal star-forming galaxies and SMGs; ii) mildly and highly obscured active galaxies have comparable gas fractions; iii) the SFE of CT and obscured AGN are similar to those of unobscured AGN. Conclusions. Within the SB-QSO framework, these findings could be consistent with a scenario where feedback can impact the host galaxy already from the early phases of the SB-QSO evolutionary sequence.
The transition towards finance-dominated capitalism: French Regulation School, Social Structures of Accumulation and post-Keynesian approaches compared

This chapter provides a comparative overview of some important literature on financial, economic and social systems with an eye towards explaining the tendencies towards financedominated capitalism or ‘financialization’, broadly understood as ‘the increasing role of financial motives, financial markets, financial actors and financial institutions in the operation of the domestic and international economies’ (Epstein 2005a, p. 3). The chapter focuses on important strands of the literature, the French Regulation School, the Social Structures of Accumulation approach, mainly generated in the USA, and the contributions by several postKeynesian authors, with a focus on the longrun views contained in Hyman Minsky’s work, in particular. What these approaches have in common is the notion that capitalist development is embedded in social institutions and that there is a kind of interdependence between the set of institutions and economic development, each feeding back on the other. Therefore, in each of these approaches different stages of development, or different regimes, of modern capitalism can be distinguished, and some insights into the dynamics of these regimes can be obtained. These approaches are therefore particularly suited to provide the theoretical background for the examination of financialization tendencies, which have dominated modern capitalism to different degrees in different countries, roughly starting in the late 1970s or early 1980s in the USA and the UK and later