Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimum-Energy Wireless Real-Time Multicast by Joint Network Coding and Scheduling Optimization

For real-time multicast services over wireless multihop networks, to minimize the energy of transmissions with satisfying the requirements of a fixed data rate and high reliabilities, we construct a conflict graph based framework by joint optimizing network coding and scheduling. Then, we propose a primal-dual subgradient optimization algorithm by random sampling K maximal stable sets in a given conflict graph. This method transforms the NP-hard scheduling subproblem into a normal linear programming problem to obtain an approximate solution. The proposed algorithm only needs to adopt centralized technique for solving the linear programming problem while all of the other computations can be distributed. The simulation results show that, comparing with the existing algorithm, this algorithm can not only achieve about 20% performance gain, but also have better performance in terms of convergence and robustness.
Polydopamine-induced hydroxyapatite coating facilitates hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 implant osteogenesis: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Background Hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (HA/P66) has been clinically used for several years owing to its good biocompatibility and bioactivity. However, it has been found that the osseointegration process of the HA/P66 implant takes a large amount of time because of the small amount of HA on its surface. Methods To increase the amount of HA and aid faster osseointegration, we prepared a HA coating using a biomimetic process assisted by polydopamine (PDA) on the HA/P66 substrate. The surface properties of the substrate modified by PDA and HA were characterized, and the capacity of biomaterials for osteogenic induction was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Results The HA coating was successfully prepared on the HA/P66 substrate and verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The HA coating remained firmly attached to the underlying PDA-HA/P66 substrate even after strong ultrasound treatment for 1 h, and the calcium and phosphorus of the HA coating was continuously released in vitro in a slow manner. The formation of the HA coating on the PDA film greatly increased the hydrophilicity and surface roughness of HA/P66. In cell-based experiments, as compared with the HA/P66 substrate, the HA coating formation on the PDA film could facilitate the functions of C3H10T1/2 cells, including cell adhesion, proliferation, spreading, alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium nodule formation, and expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins. In addition, the HA/P66 scaffolds modified with PDA and HA coatings were implanted in rabbit femoral condyles. At 8 weeks after surgery, micro-computed tomography scanning (micro-CT) and hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining revealed that more new bones were formed around the HA/P66 scaffold that was modified with a PDA-assisted HA coating. Conclusion These results indicate that the preparation of a PDA-assisted HA coating by using a biomimetic process significantly improves the capacity of biomaterials for osteogenic induction.
Depth-selection patterns and diel vertical migration of Daphnia ambigua (Crustacea: Cladocera) in lake El Plateado

ABSTRACT Eutrophic temperate and sub-tropical lakes often exhibit a marked vertical structure during the warm season thatinvolves important spatial differences of physical, chemical and biological variables. Therefore, zooplankton isexposed to a highly heterogeneous environment in the vertical dimension. In this work, We analyze the depth-distribution of the cladoceran Daphnia ambigua in the eutrophic, monomictic lake El Plateado at midday and midnight,along with its relationship with the vertical distribution of water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration. Wealso attempt to define whether or not this population exhibits a diel vertical migration. The results show significantchanges in the day/night vertical distribution of D. ambigua during its growing season, with the exception of the lastdate. Also, the data revealed that average depth selected by D. ambigua becomes shallower with time, and the amplitudeof the vertical migration decreases throughout the season. During the period of lake stratification, temperature appearspositively correlated, and oxygen negatively correlated to the frequency of D. ambigua. It is suggested that oxygenconcentration plays a crucial role in modulating the vertical migration behavior of D. ambigua in lake El Plateado, whichhas important consequences for understanding the atypical pattern of population dynamics exhibited by this species.Key words: Chile, Daphnia, depth-selection, diel vertical migration, zooplankton.
The flow field of the upper hypoxic Eastern Tropical North Atlantic oxygen minimum zone

Abstract. A subsurface low oxygen zone is located in the eastern tropical North Atlantic Ocean (ETNA) in the upper ocean with the core of the hypoxic (O2 ≦60 µmol kg−1) oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) at 400 to 500 m depth. The subsurface circulation in the OMZ region is derived from observations and data assimilation results. Measurements in the ETNA of velocity, oxygen and of a tracer (CF3SF5) that was released in April 2008 at ∼ 8° N, 23° W (at ∼ 330 m depth) in November–December 2008, in November–December 2009 and October–November 2010 show the circulation in the upper part of the OMZ with spreading to the east in the North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) region and northwestward around the Guinea Dome. Three floats equipped with oxygen sensors deployed at ∼ 8° N, 23° W with parking depths at 330, 350 and 400 m depths were used to estimate velocity along the float trajectory at the surface and at the parking depth. At the 350 m park depth north of 9° N a cyclonic northwestward flow across the OMZ was observed. The northward drift of a float into the upper OMZ and a stronger cyclonic flow around the Guinea Dome seem to be connected to a strong Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM) event in 2009. A near-surface cyclonic circulation cell east of the Cape Verde Islands reaches down into the OMZ layer. The circulation of the upper OMZ mirrors the near-surface circulation. Oxygen measurements from the cruises used here, as well as from other recent cruises up to the year 2014, confirm the continuous deoxygenation trend in the upper OMZ since the 1960s near the Guinea Dome. The three floats deployed with the tracer show spreading paths consistent with the overall observed tracer spreading. Oxygen sensors on the floats remained well calibrated for more than 20 months, and so the oxygen profiles can be used to investigate mesoscale eddy signatures. Mesoscale eddies may modify the oxygen distribution in OMZs. However, in general eddies are less energetic in the ETNA south of the Cape Verde Islands compared to similar latitudes in the eastern tropical South Pacific.
Examining the Boundary-Spanning Behaviors of Community-Based Adult EducatorsAn Empirical Examination

Community-based adult educators span multiple boundaries, balancing needs of learners, groups, organizations, and institutions. This study contributes not only to the theoretical framework of boundary spanning, but also supports the practice of these adult educators in negotiating a challenging environment. The public sector’s use of networked governance reflects a similar orientation of adult education organizations and institutions using partnerships, collaborations and community engagement to accomplish their missions (Cooper, 2003; Goldsmith & Eggers, 2004). Unique individuals at the nexus of these organizations and institutions serve as boundary spanners in these partnerships (Ring & Van De Ven, 1994). The study’s significance contributes to the theoretical understanding of boundary spanners within community engagement and networked governance. By advancing the scholarship of community-located adult educators, we will better comprehend the challenges these educators face. This includes a challenging environment while negotiating organizational policies and missions with demonstrated community needs in an ever increasingly networked world. Studying these phenomena will illuminate the specificity and complexity of these
Overcon dence, Information Di usion, and Mispricing Persistence∗

Short-sale constrained past-winners and losers both underperform strongly in the rst year post-formation, earning market-adjusted returns of −13%, and −17%, respectively. However, constrained winners continue to underperform for the following four years, earning a cumulative market-adjusted return of −40% (t = −6.31), while past-losers earn 6% (t = 0.56). This persistence di erential cannot be explained by existing models or by simple extensions of existing models. We propose a dynamic heterogeneous agents model featuring overcon dence and slow information di usion, which is able to explain this asymmetry in mispricing persistence among short-sale constrained stocks, and to match value and momentum e ects for unconstrained stocks.
Seasonal patterns and consistency of extreme precipitation trends in Europe, December 1950 to February 2008

Seasonal trends in extreme precipitation indices were investigated for 30 yr moving periods between December 1950 and February 2008. To update the 2008 to 2015 data, supplementary calculations were performed for >120 meteorological stations. A linear regression of the least squares method was used to calculate trend magnitudes. Trend significance was tested using the Mann-Kendall method. Changes in short-term trend frequency and temporal coherence were assessed. Extreme precipitation was defined as a daily amount exceeding the 95th percentile, calculated separately for each month and station using daily totals ≥1 mm. The spatial pattern of extreme precipitation trends varied by season. Significant extreme precipitation trends were rare, constituting approximately 25 to 30% of all analysed trends, and were seldom temporally coherent. Most of these significant trends were upward, except in summer, when a nearly equal frequency of positive and negative trends was found. Increases in the frequency and the total were a characteristic feature of extreme precipitation changes, particularly in winter. Seasonal variations in the spatial patterns of extreme precipitation trends may have resulted from seasonal changes in the prominence of the driving factors of precipitation. In spring, upward trends in Central and Western Europe were twice as frequent as the downward trends found primarily in Southern Europe. In summer, the percentages of significant downward trends in Western Europe and upward trends in Eastern Europe were similar. In autumn, a coherent decrease in extreme precipitation was clear in Central Europe. The spatial distribution of trend directions was the most consistent in winter.
AC 263,222 absorption and fate in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)

Absorption, translocation, and metabolism of AC 263,222 by leafy spurge were studied over 8 d. Based on the amount of herbicide applied and recovered from the leaf surfaces, 40% of applied AC 263,222 was absorbed by leafy spurge 2 d after treatment (DAT), with no further absorption observed by 8 DAT. Eight DAT, 19% of applied [14C]-AC 263,222 had translocated to below-ground plant parts while 4% was exuded from the roots into the sand media. AC 263,222 was not metabolized 2 DAT in the crown, root, and root buds, but 42% was metabolized in the treated leaves. Only 17% of recovered [14C] was AC 263,222 in treated leaves 8 DAT (83% metabolized), while AC 263,222 accounted for 70% of recovered [14C] in the root and root buds. HPLC analysis indicated that the balance of [14C] was associated with a single, polar metabolite. Total recovery of [14C] was 88% at 8 DAT.
Implementation of Six Sigma Projects in Fortune 500 Companies

Six Sigma was introduced as a quality management tool at Motorola in the 1980s. Since then, leading U.S. companies have gained significant financial and non-financial benefits/results from the implementation of Six Sigma projects. Despite Six Sigma popularity, some companies have failed to gain quantifiable net financial benefits/results from Six Sigma implementation. In the process of Six Sigma implementation, vital components are critical factors and key ingredients for the success of Six Sigma projects because if these vital components do not exist, Six Sigma projects have little chance of success. Thus, this paper identifies most influencing and least influencing vital components. The results are generated from a survey conducted in U.S. Fortune 500 companies employing descriptive statistics. Based on the data analysis, “leadership commitment to Six Sigma” was the most influencing vital component and “overall, training on Six Sigma to reduce employee turnover” was the least influencing vital component.
Spillover Effects Across Environmental Programs: The Case of Hazardous Waste Regulation in Michigan

This paper investigates the compliance behavior of firms that are simultaneously regulated by multiple environmental programs. Three possible relationships among compliances with multiple programs are considered: complementarity, substitution and independence. These relationships reflect the spillover effects across environmental programs. A theoretical model of firm decision making is developed to show the possibilities of these relationships. The theoretical results are tested using data on facilities in Michigan that are regulated by hazardous waste (Reservation and Conservation Recovery Act, RCRA) and air programs (Clean Air Act, CAA). Results show evidence of positive cross-program effects. Inspections under CAA have positive and significant effects on facility compliance with RCRA. In addition, facilities subject to other environmental programs such as Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) or water regulation (Clean Water Act, CWA) also show better compliance status. With the presence of positive effects across environmental programs coordination is required among regulators to achieve the optimal monitoring and enforcement strategies.
Antifertility Activity Of Acqueous Extract Of Phyllanthus Niruri In Male Albino Rats

The effects of aqueous extract of P.niruri on epididymal sperm characteristics, fructose and testosterone levels in male albino rats were investigated. The treatment of the extract for 14days resulted in appreciable decrease in the fructose level of the seminal fluid, sperm motility, sperm count, and sperm viability of the treated groups (p<.05) when compared with the control. These decreases were dose dependent. Testosterone levels were lower in the treated animals as compared to the control but not significantly different. These findings suggest that the aqueous crude extract of phyllanthus niruri has antifertility activity. However, the observation of progressive weakness and reduction in agility across the group may be as a result of a parameter that did not form part of this research.
Risk Factors for Recidivistic Arson in Adult Offenders

This article reviews the current literature on known risk factors for recidivistic arson, with a particular focus on factors that could be used to differentiate serial from “one-off” arson offenders. The relevance of risk factors for general reoffending to recidivistic arson is discussed, including the role of criminal history, mental illness, and sociodemographic factors. The specific roles of offence-related affect, cognitions, and the offender's interest in fire are considered, with recommendations for how theories from other areas of forensic psychology, such as the sex offender assessment and treatment literature, might be applied to the issue of deliberate fire-setting. Finally, protective factors are briefly discussed and the need for a structured risk assessment tool for deliberate firsetters is canvassed. Given that research into risk and recidivism in fire-setting is underdeveloped, suggestions are made throughout the review for the focus of future research into risk factors for serial arson.
Consequences of Rural Biomass Extraction for Bird Communities in an Indian Tropical Dry Forest and the Role of Vegetation Structure

There is limited information on the ecological effects of anthropo­genic disturbance caused by extractive activities such as grazing and fire­wood collection. A study was carried out in Sariska Tiger Reserve in India, to investigate the effects of disturbance on forest bird communities. Vegetation structural parameters including canopy cover, tree basal area and average height of trees were significantly lower in disturbed sites in comparison to undisturbed sites. However, other attributes of tree structure and the features of the understorey and herbaceous layer were unaffected by the disturbance regime. There was no significant difference in the number of recorded species and bird abundance between 'disturbed' (extracted) and 'undisturbed' (non­extracted) sites. However, bird species diversity was significantly lower in disturbed sites. Bird species composition also differed significantly between disturbed and undisturbed sites and was associated with disturbance indica­tors. Bird species composition was also significantly related to six different structural variables. Abundance of twelve of forty-eight (25%) bird species (that were abundant enough to be analysed), showed significant associations with disturbance indicators as well as one or more of structural variables. Of these, four bird species showed selection for disturbed habitats while eight se­lected undisturbed habitats over disturbed. Most of the bird species choosing undisturbed over disturbed habitats were insectivores. Both the disturbance index and the vegetation structure had significant effects on bird composition even when the other was controlled for. Our study indicates that forest re­source extraction can have significant effects on bird species composition of tropical dry forests through alteration of vegetation structure.
The Impact of International Trade Flows on the Growth of Brazilian States

The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of Brazil’s trade openness on regional inequalities by estimating the effect of international trade flows on growth of Brazilian states, depending on their income level. For this purpose, we run dynamic growth regressions, using the system GMM estimator, on a panel data set including 26 Brazilian states for the 1989 - 2002 period. Growth rates of Brazilian states are regressed on control variables and on Brazilian states’ trade openness variables. All variables vary across both states and year. The results indicate that trade openness benefits more the Brazilian states with higher levels of per capita income, thereby tending to increase regional inequalities in Brazil. Besides, we find that trade openness advantages more the states with a good level of human capital as well as the industrialized states rather than the states whose main activity is agriculture. The problem that this study reveals is that international trade seems to provide additional advantages to already well developed Brazilian states while one of the priorities of the Brazilian federal government is to achieve a better territorial balance in Brazil. _________________________________ Ce travail a pour objectif d’estimer l’impact des flux de commerce international sur la croissance des Etats bresiliens. A l’aide de l’estimateur GMM, le taux de croissance des Etats bresiliens est regresse sur divers determinants de la croissance et sur leur taux d’ouverture commerciale. La base de donnees en panel contient les 26 Etats bresiliens sur la periode 1989 - 2002. Les estimations de l’equation de croissance montrent que les flux de commerce international des Etats favorisent davantage la croissance des Etats riches que celle des Etats les moins developpes. Nous montrons egalement qu’il existe au Bresil une convergence conditionnelle. Les Etats pauvres ont un taux de croissance plus eleve que les Etats riches mais il semble que leurs etats stationnaires soient tres differents les uns des autres, ce qui nous amene a penser que les inegalites regionales resteront importantes dans l’avenir.
Accurate Measurement of Nonlinear Optical Coefficients of 6H Silicon Carbide by Rotational Maker-Fringe Technique

1Department of Materials Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan Phone:+81-3-5841-7093 E-mail: m-abe@castle.t. u-tokyo.ac. jp 2Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Communication Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan 3Department of Electronic Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto Daigaku Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8101, Japan
No-till banana planting on crop residue mulch: effect on soil quality and crop functioning.

Introduction . In the French West Indies, farmers generally consider that periodical soil tillage is necessary to increase soil porosity and maintain high yield. However, in the non-tilled perennial banana plantations of the highlands, the soil exhibits better physical and biological properties than in the conventional banana plantations. To determine if tillage before banana planting is necessary for proper banana crop functioning and to assess the effect of tillage on soil quality, banana planting after conventional tillage was compared with no-till banana planting on crop residue mulch on an experimental plot. Materials and methods . Soil quality was assessed through indicators such as porosity, organic status, microbial biomass and structure of nematode communities. Crop functioning was assessed through plant growth, root distribution, and soil water and nitrogen availability. Results . We found that tillage reduced soil microbial biomass and the number of nematode functional guilds. Tillage had only a short-term effect on soil porosity and did not allow deeper extension of the root system. Although soil organic nitrogen mineralization was higher with conventional tillage, banana nitrogen nutrition was not better, probably because the high nitrogen fertilization offset the variations in availability of nitrogen from organic origin. We found that banana growth was better with no-till treatment. This could be explained by less drying out of soil due to the crop residue mulch left on the soil surface with no-till treatment. Conclusion . Relative to conventional tillage, no-till banana planting improved soil quality and crop performance.