Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reachable sets for a class of nonlinear control systems with uncertain initial states

We consider the problem of estimating reachable sets of nonlinear dynamical control systems with uncertainty in initial states when we assume that we know only the bounding set for initial system positions and any additional statistical information is not available. We study the case when the system nonlinearity is generated by the combination of two types of functions in related differential equations, one of which is bilinear and the other one is quadratic. The problem may be reformulated as the problem of describing the motion of set-valued states in the state space under nonlinear dynamics with state velocities having bilinear-quadratic kind. Using results of the theory of trajectory tubes of control systems and techniques of differential inclusions theory we find set-valued estimates of related reachable sets of such nonlinear uncertain control system. The algorithms of constructing the ellipsoidal estimates for studied nonlinear systems are given.
Impacts of a Saline Lake and Its Salinity on Local Precipitation

1Key Laboratory of Land Surface Process and Climate Change in Cold and Arid Regions, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China 2Laboratory of Arid Climatic Changing and Reducing Disaster of Gansu Province, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
Observed and modeled drifters at a tidal inlet

Material transport and dispersion near the mouth of a tidal inlet (New River Inlet, NC) are investigated using GPS-tracked drifters and numerical models. For ebb tide releases, velocities are largest (>1 m s−1) in two approximately 30 m wide channels that bisect the 1–3 m deep ebb shoal. In the channels, drifter and subsurface current meter velocities are similar, consistent with strong vertical mixing and 2-D hydrodynamics. Drifters were preferentially entrained in the channelized jets where drifter cluster lateral spreading rates μin were small ( μin≈0.5 m2 s−1). At the seaward edge of the ebb shoal, jet velocities decrease linearly with distance (to ≤0.2 m s−1, about 1 km from shore), and cluster spreading rates are larger with μout≈3 m2 s−1. Although the models COAWST and NearCom generally reproduce the observed trajectory directions, certain observed drifter properties are poorly modeled. For example, modeled mean drifter velocities are smaller than observed, and upon exiting the inlet, observed drifters turn north more than modeled drifters. The model simulations do reproduce qualitatively the spreading rates observed in the inner inlet, the flow deceleration, and the increase in μout observed in the outer inlet. However, model spreading rates increase only to μout<1 m2 s−1. Smaller modeled than observed μout may result from using unstratified models. Noncoincident (in space) observations show evidence of a buoyant plume ( Δρ=1 kg m−3) in the outer inlet, likely affecting drifter lateral spreading. Generally, drifter-based model performance is good within the inlet channels where tidal currents are strongest, whereas model-data differences are significant farther offshore.
EFFECT OF TRIAZOLE FUNGICIDE ON BIOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES ACTIVITY IN OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS L.) PLANT UNDER DROUGHT STRESS

Abelmoschus esculentus L. was selected for present study under pot culture in Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) experiment, hexaconazole and tebuconazole are a triazole derivative, which have both fungicidal and plant growth regulator (PGR) properties and also protect plants from several types of abiotic stresses. The plants were subjected to 4 days interval drought stress and drought stress with hexaconazole (15mgl-1) and tebuconazole (10mgl-1). One-day-interval irrigation was kept as control. The plant samples were collected and separated into root, stem and leaf for estimating the amino acid (AA), proline (PRO) and glycine betaine (GB) contents and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Drought stress and triazole treatments increased AA, PRO and GB contents, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activities when compared to control. Triazole treatment modified biochemical content and antioxidant enzyme activity. From the result of this investigation it can be concluded that the application of triazole caused a partial recovery of the damaging effect of drought stress by its influence on antioxidant system. © 2013 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved
Phase-edge properties and complementizer omission

This paper deals with the diachrony of complementizer omission (C-omission) in some Italian clauses. C-omission is restricted to clauses with [-realis] mood in Old as well as in Modern Italian, and to some types of declarative clauses in Modern Florentine (Cocchi & Poletto, 2005). This phenomenon is instead much more pervasive in the Renaissance period (Wanner 1981, Scorretti 1991) and invests basically all types of subordinate clauses. The present study concentrates on C-omission in Renaissance Italian relative clauses, which is attested in both subject and non-subject extractions. There is a subject/non-subject asymmetry in the frequency of C-omission in relative clauses, which is claimed to result from the combination of an active vs. inactive distinction that characterizes both Old and Renaissance Italian, and the loss of V-to-C. The active vs. inactive distinction is attributed to the presence of a strong (*) feature on the low-phase head, v*, in both Old and Renaissance Italian, while the loss of (*) in CP determines the loss of V-to-C in Renaissance Italian only. The argument is corroborated by further comparative facts from Old Occitan and Old French, as well as by a contrast with Old Portuguese and Old Spanish.
State and specific growth estimation in heterologous protein production by Pichia pastoris

Estimation of biomass, substrate, and specific growth rate (μ) by two nonlinear observers (nonlinear observer-based estimator—NLOBE, asymptotic observer with second-order dynamics tuning—AO-SODE) and a linear estimator (recursive least squares with variable forgetting factor—RLS-VFF) is presented. Heterologous protein production in Pichia pastoris PAOX1 (Mut+) and PFLD1-based systems is closely related to μ and has been addressed due to its high relevance in modern biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. μ was estimated by online gas analyses or substrate measurements, biomass, and substrate considering yield coefficients and mass balances. In simulation studies, NLOBE showed high sensitivity to tuning and initialization variables. Validation experiments demonstrated AO-SODE performs better than the RLS-VFF for moderate to rapid changes of μ and model parameters being known. If low changes on μ are presented, for instance, in substrate regulation, RLS-VFF comes up as the best option, because of its reduced requirements. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2966–2979, 2012
Formation of a transient front structure near reconnection point in 3‐D PIC simulations

Massively parallel numerical simulations of magnetic reconnection are presented in this study. Electromagnetic full‐particle implicit code iPIC3D is used to study the dynamics and 3‐D evolution of reconnection outflows. Such features as Hall magnetic field, inflow and outflow, and diffusion region formation are very similar to 2‐D particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations. In addition, it is well known that instabilities develop in the current flow direction or oblique directions. These modes could provide for anomalous resistivity and diffusive drag and can serve as additional proxies for magnetic reconnection. In our work, the unstable evolution of reconnection transient front structures is studied. Reconnection configuration in the absence of guide field is considered, and it is initialized with a localized perturbation aligned in the cross‐tail direction. Our study suggests that the instabilities lead to the development of finger‐like density structures on ion‐electron hybrid scales. These structures are characterized by a rapid increase of the magnetic field, normal to the current sheet (Bz). A small decrease in the magnetic field component parallel to the reconnection X line and the component perpendicular to the current sheet is observed in the region ahead of the front. The instabilities form due to fact that the density gradient inside the front region is opposite to the direction of the acceleration Lorentz force. Such density structures may possibly further develop into larger‐scale earthward flux transfer events during magnetotail reconnection. In addition, oscillations mainly in the magnetic and electric fields and the electron density are observed shortly before the arrival of the main front structure which is consistent with recent THEMIS observations.
Dynamical and Microphysical Evolution during Mixed-Phase Cloud Glaciation Simulated Using the Bulk Adaptive Habit Prediction Model

AbstractA bulk microphysics scheme predicting ice particle habit evolution has been implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Large-eddy simulations are analyzed to study the effects of ice habit and number concentration on the bulk ice and liquid masses, dynamics, and lifetime of Arctic mixed-phase boundary layer clouds. The microphysical and dynamical evolution simulated using the adaptive habit scheme is compared with that assuming spherical particles with a density of bulk ice or a reduced density and with mass–dimensional parameterizations. It is found that the adaptive habit method returns an increased (decreased) ice (liquid) mass as compared to spheres and provides a more accurate simulation as compared to dendrite mass–size relations.Using the adaptive habit method, simulations are then completed to understand the microphysical and dynamical interactions within a single-layer mixed-phase stratocumulus cloud observed during flight 31 of the Indirect and Semi-Direct Aerosol Campaig.
Foundation phase teachers’ use of manipulatives to teach number concepts: A critical analysis

Background: The poor performance of learners in mathematics has long been a matter of concern in South Africa. The Annual National Assessment (ANA) results reveal that the problem starts in the foundation phase with number concepts.Aim: This research sought to ascertain how foundation phase teachers used mathematical resources to teach number concepts as this may be one of the contributors to poor mathematics results.Setting: The purposively selected participants included five foundation phase teachers teaching Grades 1–3 at two schools in the Western Cape, in South Africa.Methods: The research was located within the interpretive qualitative research paradigm and used a case study approach. Data were collected through lesson observations and interviews and analysed through the lens of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory.Results: The findings of this study revealed that teaching for understanding was often compromised by teaching to enable learners to pass systemic assessments. Teachers are inclined to rote teaching with drill work in preparation for assessments such as the ANA and the systemic assessment. Consequently, manipulatives are not necessarily used optimally or opportunely.Conclusion: This study recommends that teachers should receive the necessary training to use and follow Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and also make an effort to follow the guidelines indicated in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement mathematics document in respect of how and when to use practical mathematical manipulatives.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are They All Equal? A Pharmacoepidemiological Study

Introduction: According to the French health authorities’ guidelines relative to depression and anxiety disorder treatments, six Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are available for prescription as a first-line of treatment. The guidelines suggest equivalence between these treatment options, but studies diverge regarding efficacy and safety profiles. Moreover, conditions in clinical trials are strictly controlled and do not truly reflect real life utilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in efficacy and/or safety between these six selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in real conditions of use. Methods: Efficacy and safety were evaluated using a regional database of the French national health insurance. Patients who received a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for a new depressive disorder and who were compliant to the treatment for a period of at least 6 months were included. Events indicative of a lack of efficacy and/or safety during the 12-month follow-up period were identified in the database (i.e., a dose increase, a switch to another antidepressant drug or an association with another antidepressant drug). A Cox model was used to compare the frequency and the delay to onset of each type of indicative event for each selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Results: Out of 3542 patients included, 1081 (30.5%) experienced an indicative event. The Cox model showed differences in terms of efficacy and safety. Patients treated with paroxetine, sertraline or citalopram as a first antidepressant were more likely to present a therapeutic failure than those treated by escitalopram or fluoxetine. Conclusion: A Cox model identified differences between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in terms of efficacy and/or safety profile. Our study positioned Escitalopram as the most efficient and/or safe treatment option. This study strategy can viably be used to evaluate the real life usage and effects of other drugs, an essential part of post approval evaluation.
Effects of cutting and nitrogen deposition on biodiversity in Cantabrian heathlands

ABSTRACT Questions: Does the diversity of heathland vegetation change when subjected to experimental disturbances such as cutting and nitrogen fertilization? Do changes in the vegetation structure negatively affect the regeneration of the dominant species Calluna vulgaris? Is cutting an alternative method of conserving the diversity and maintaining the structure of heathlands in the Cantabrian Mountains? Location: Calluna vulgaris heathlands on the southern slopes of the Cantabrian Mountain range, NW Spain. Methods: A total of 60 plots were treated with different combinations of cutting and twice the estimated atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (56 kg-N·ha−1·yr−1). The changes in the cover values of the species present were monitored over a five year study period. The cover values were used to calculate abundance and species richness. Results: Fertilizing with nitrogen allows biodiversity to increase over time. However, the greatest biodiversity is associated with the cutting plus fertilization treatment, since cutting allows gaps to be opened that are easily colonized by pioneer annual species, while fertilization mainly favours an increase in the mean number of perennial herbs (graminoids and forbs). Increased perennial herb richness also corresponds to a rise in their cover values. The recovery of the dominant woody species in these communities, Calluna vulgaris, is not impeded by the increase in perennial herbs species' cover values. Conclusions: In the Calluna vulgaris heathlands studied, cutting plus fertilization allowed an increase in biodiversity over time. No displacement of the dominant woody species, Calluna vulgaris, is observed due to the presence of the perennial herbs. Cutting patches of heathland is recommended as a mechanism for maintaining high vegetation diversity, when grazing is not possible. Nomenclature: Tutin et al. (1964–1980).
Profiles of ectoenzymes in the Indian Ocean: phenomena of phosphatase activity in the mesopelagic zone

Phosphatase (P-ase) activity was determined together with other extracellular enzyme activities, bacterial abundance and production rates during the 2 SW Monsoon process studies of the German JGOFS Arabian Sea Program. Water samples were collected along the cruise tracks from the equator to the upwelling region at the shelf edge off Oman. Depth profiles of P-ase activity were strikingly different from those of the other enzymes. While values of aminopeptidase and β-glucosidase generally decreased below the euphotic zone, P-ase increased by factors of 1 to 7. The relation between peptidase- and P-ase activity was from 4 to 21 at the surface and from 3 to 5 at 800 m depth. Because P-ase production (dissolved and cell-bound) in deep waters is mainly dependent on bacteria, P-ase activities per bacterial cell were calculated: these were, on average, 37 times higher at 800 m than at the surface. We also observed a positive correlation of P-ase activity with phosphate concentrations in the depth profiles below the euphotic zone, while this relationship was much more variable in the mixed surface layer. These observations suggest that C-limited bacteria in the deep strata did not primarily focus on the phosphate generated by their P-ase activity but on the organic C compounds which were simultaneously produced and which could probably not be taken up prior to the hydrolytic detachment of phosphate. It is hypothesised that a considerable part of the measured P-ase activity was dissolved (though it might have originated from bacteria). These enzymes may be important for the slow, but steady regeneration of phosphate and organic C in mesopelagic waters.
Electron Density Response to Phonon Dynamics in MgB2: An Indicator of Superconducting Properties

Electron density differences resulting from atom displacement patterns aligned with phonon modes in MgB2 have been calculated using density functional theory (DFT). The extent of phonon anomalies, identified as indicators of the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, under a range of conditions in AlB2-type structures, reduce as boron atoms are displaced from their equilibrium positions along E2g mode directions. The Fermi energy for displacements along the directions of the E2g phonon mode accounts for changes in the covalent B-B bond electronic charge density. We applied differential atom displacements to show that the shifted σ band structure associated with the light effective mass became tangential to the Fermi level and that the Fermi surface undergoes a topological transition at a critical relative displacement of ~0.6% of the boron atoms from equilibrium. The difference in Fermi energies at this critical displacement and at the equilibrium position correspond to the superconducting energy gap. The net volume between tubular σ surfaces in reciprocal space correlated with the depth of the phonon anomaly and, by inference, it is a key to an understanding of superconductivity. This ab initioapproach offers a phenomenological understanding of the factors that determine Tc based on knowledge of the crystal structure.
Evaluation of Histopathological studies of Achyranthes aspera in mice, Swiss albino

: Medicinal plants are of great importance to the health of individuals and communities in general. The medicinal value of plants lies in some chemical substances that produce a definite physiological action on the human body. Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae) is an indigenous medicinal plant of Asia, South America, and Africa. It is commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of fever, especially malarial fever, dysentery, asthma, hypertension and diabetes.This paper explains evidence based-information regarding the histopathological activity of ethanol extract of Achyranthes aspera with alloxanised mice. A control group of mice with a number of six for each treatment were maintained. Mice were exposed to alloxan and then the alloxanised mice were administered with different extracts of A.aspera at a sublethal concentration of 12.5g/kg for a period of 30 days. After the exposure period the various tissues namely liver, spleen and muscle were taken from mice maintained as control, alloxanised mice and the lone effect of various extracts (hexane, butanol, ethanol, chloroform and water) of A.aspera on the alloxanised mice were processed for histological studies.Among the various extracts namely hexane, butanol, ethanol, chloroform and water in the extraction of A.aspera, the ethanol extract exhibited a protective effect on the histology of liver, spleen and muscle of alloxanised mice. The hepatoprotective nature of ethanol extract of A.aspera as evidenced through the histological studies can be substantiated with the findings of marked restoration in the level of liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP in alloxanised mice after administering with plant extract in the present study.
Reciprocatory magnetic reconnection in a coronal bright point

Context. Coronal bright points (CBPs) are small-scale and long-duration brightenings in the lower solar corona. They are often explained in terms of magnetic reconnection. Aims. We aim to study the sub-structures of a CBP and clarify the relationship among the brightenings of different patches inside the CBP. Methods. The event was observed by the X-ray Telescope (XRT) aboard the Hinode spacecraft on 2009 August 22−23. Results. The CBP showed repetitive brightenings (or CBP flashes). Dur ing each of the two successive CBP flashes, i.e., weak and strong flashes which are se parated by∼2 hr, the XRT images revealed that the CBP was composed of two chambers, i.e., patches A and B. During the weak flash, patch A brightened first, and patch B brightened ∼2 min later. During the transition, the right leg of a large-scale coronal loop drifted from the righ t side of the CBP to the left side. During the strong flash, patch B brightened first, and patch A b rightened∼2 min later. During the transition, the right leg of the large-scale coronal loo p drifted from the left side of the CBP to the right side. In each flash, the rapid change of the connecti vity of the large-scale coronal loop is strongly suggestive of the interchange reconnection. Conclusions. For the first time we found reciprocatory reconnection in the CBP, i.e., reconnected loops in the outflow region of the first reconnection process s erve as the inflow of the second reconnection process.
Spatial patterns of vegetation with underlying soil properties prevailing along drain side areas in Islamabad City.

Present study was conducted in Islamabad one of the rapidly growing city of Pakistan the and aimed to identify vegetation communities prevailing along drain sides and their relationship to the underlying soil properties. A total of 186 quadrats were recorded which covered the whole stretch of drains passing throughout the city. A total of 18 edaphic properties were determined in acid extractable surface soils of each quadrat. Two way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) identified two major communities (Broussonetia-Populus and Panicum-Conyzanthes community types). Amongst weeds, species such as Cynodon dactylon, Malvestrum coromendilianum and Parthenium hysterophorus were more frequent. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) identified environmental gradients to vegetation distribution. First ordination axis demonstrated hierarchical vegetation gradient shift of species from trees to herbs due to transformation of land from open to constructed land whereas, second axis highlighted the influence of invasive species. The distribution pattern of vegetation influenced by soil physico-chemical properties was demonstrated by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) which explained a total of 11.25% variance. The results conclude that human disturbance has affected environmentally designed vegetation patterns. It is therefore necessary to take into account trends like human influence, land abandonment and land use for the maintenance and conservation of vegetation.