Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observations of Particle Size and Phase in Tropical Cyclones: Implications for Mesoscale Modeling of Microphysical Processes

Abstract Mesoscale model simulations of tropical cyclones are sensitive to representations of microphysical processes, such as fall velocities of frozen hydrometeors. The majority of microphysical parameterizations are based on observations obtained in clouds not associated with tropical cyclones, and hence their suitability for use in simulations of tropical cyclones is not known. Here, representations of mass-weighted fall speed Vm for snow and graupel are examined to show that parameters describing the exponential size distributions and fall speeds of individual hydrometeors [through use of relations such as V(D) = aDb] are identically important for determining Vm. The a and b coefficients are determined by the composition and shape of snow and graupel particles; past modeling studies have not adequately considered the possible spread of a and b values. Step variations in these coefficients, associated with different fall velocity regimes, however, do not have a large impact on Vm for observed size dis.
Challenging the Scientific Foundations for an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is currently discussing the development of a Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) that would mirror the categories and criteria used to assess the conservation status of species. The suggested scientific foundations for the RLE are being considered by IUCN for adoption as the backbone of the RLE. We identify conceptual and operational weaknesses in the draft RLE approach, the categories, and criteria. While species are relatively well‐described units, there is no consistent means to classify ecosystems for assessing conservation status. The proposed RLE is framed mostly around certain features of ecosystems such as broad vegetation or habitat types, and do not consider major global change drivers such as climate change. We discuss technical difficulties with the proposed concept of ecosystem collapse and suggest it is not analogous to species extinction. We highlight the lack of scientific basis for the criteria and thresholds proposed by the RLE, and question the need to adopt the structure of the Red List of Species for an RLE. We suggest that the proposed RLE is open to ambiguous interpretations and uncertain outcomes, and that its practicality and benefit for conservation should be carefully evaluated before final approval.
First aid at school: teacher and staff training

Objective: to evaluate the knowledge of teachers and employees after first aid training. Methods: this is a near pretest and post-test experiment for 35 staff and teachers of a school, evaluated using validated instruments for knowledge and skill in two stages, before and after a course/training. Results: 97.1% (34) female professionals participated, 42.8% (15) reported having received some training and 71.4% (25) had already witnessed an emergency case. Before the training, an average score of 19.43 referring to skill and 2.91 points in knowledge was verified and after 174.57 points in skill and 9.17 in knowledge, a statistically significant difference by the Wilcoxon Signal Station Test (p<0.001). Conclusion: training is effective, with a significant increase in the percentage of correct answers after first aid training in the school environment.
Do endemic rattans have lower Genetic variability than their Co-generic and con-specific non-endemic rattans?

Comparisons between the population genetic variability of endemic and non-endemic species provide valuable information for the conservation of the endemic species. Comparisons between the endemic and non-endemic species are seldom carried out with con-generic and co-occurring species. In this study, we have compared three pairs of con-specific endemic and non-endemic rattan species at three locations in the Central Western Ghats, one of the global biodiversity hot-spots located in India. We have analyzed the demographic structure of these species across these three sites. We found that overall the endemic rattan species suffered from poor regeneration compared to their con-specific and con-generic non endemic rattan species. We also used molecular markers to analyze the genetic variability of these endemic and non-endemic rattan species. Our results suggest that, except in one species, the genetic variability of the endemic species was significantly lower than the con-specific non-endemic rattan species. These results indicate the lower genetic variability of the endemic species and have important implications in prioritizing species for conservation
METAPHORS IN THE ELDERLY : DOES VALENCE MATTER ? Problems with processing metaphorical language : Why is it supposed to occur in advanced age ?

metaphors by elderly people. These difficulties are usually associated with working memory and inhibitory control deficits observed in this age group, as these very functions play a crucial part in efficient metaphor processing. However, results of research on understanding metaphorical content by elderly people are inconclusive. The following article reviews studies showing that metaphor processing relies on a set of complex variables, which might explain the inconclusiveness of previous results. Though we acknowledge the role of interindividual factors (differences in cognitive functioning among the elderly), we focus on the properties of the metaphor stimuli themselves, especially those of conventionalization and valence, as they might influence the processing of verbal metaphors by people in older age groups.
The Direction of Innovation

Research on the efficiency of innovation markets is usually concerned on whether the level of R&D firm investment is socially optimal. Instead, this paper studies whether R&D resources are employed optimally across research areas. Under weak assumptions, we find that competitive equilibrium innovative efforts are biased excessively into high returns areas. This form of market inefficiency is an entirely novel result, and it would take place even if innovators’ profits coincided with the social value of innovations. The logic behind our result is simple: firms who engage in R&D races do not internalize the reduction in expected returns borne by competing innovators; and while this is true in all research lines, this negative externality is larger in high return R&D areas. We first demonstrate this finding in a simple, fundamental model. Then we embed our analysis in a canonical dynamic framework directly comparable with extant R&D models, and precisely identify the features of R&D competition that lead to the market failure we identify. ∗Economics Department, UCLA, Bunche Hall 9353, UCLA Box 951477, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1477, USA. †Economics Department, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7L, United Kingdom
The investigation of the relationship between discretionary accruals, growth, and future firm performance in listed firms at Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE)

In this research, an analysis on the relationship between Accruals, Sale Growth and future performance in Listed Firms at TSE was conducted. The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between Accruals and future firm performance in the companies with high Sale Growth and low Sale Growth. In order to measure the Accruals, the modified model of Jones and to measure the future performance, two ratios of Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Stock(R) were used. In this research, four variables of company size, financial leverage, profitability and management efficiency which were expected to have impact on relationship between independent and dependent variables were controlled. The sample under consideration is 122 companies active in Tehran Stock Exchange. The time scope of research includes a five-year period based on financial statements for 2007 to 2011 of the companies under consideration. In order to test hypothesizes, the Pearson Correlation test, Spearman and Multi-variable Linear Regression test were used. The results of research indicate the lack of presence a significant relationship between the Accruals with Return on Assets and Return on Stock in the companies with a high Sale Growth and in companies with a low Sale Growth.
Review of fungal chitosan: past, present and perspectives in Brazil

Fungal chitosan is a polymer that has been discussed and studied since 1859 in the world with great advances occurring over the years. Due to its global importance, this review aims to expose the history of the production and application of fungal chitosan in Brazil. Data collection was done at the Scielo, Sciencedirect and Pubmed databases, considering the period of the last 50 years. The inclusion criteria were articles on pure or associated chitosan and, in particular, fungal chitosan produced or applied by Brazilian research groups. At the end of the review, it was noticed a fungal chitosan very studied in different continents, and in Brazil is still used in specific and small groups. With the present work, it is expected that the diffusion of the studies will be accelerated and that potential research groups for fungal chitosan may grow through interaction with the existing ones.
Change Detection Using Data Stacking and Decision Tree Techniques in Puer-Simao Counties of Yunnan Province, China

Classification performing expert system Decision Tree and Ctree model were used to assess the land use cover change (LULCC). The Classification was done in Excel CTree program and the land cover change analyzing in ENVI software tools. Tree based Classification Model consisted of four steps (i) input the data, (ii) model processing, (iii) Analyzing of tree built and (iv) rules generation. The logic contained in the decision rules derived by that program was used to build a decision tree classifier with ENVI"s interactive decision tree tool. The premise of a rule-based modeling approach is that distinct land cover types are associated with different ranges of environmental and spectral gradients, and that "rules" can be drawn from spectral and ancillary modeling layers to correctly identify the spatial distribution of land cover classes. Rules are normally expressed in the form of one or more "IF condition THEN action" statements. All the three classification dates achieved high overall accuracies of 94, 97 and 92% for 1999, 2002 and 2005 respectively. The integration of Ctree program and Decision Tree was a good opportunity in land use land cover change detection in Puer-Simao counties, it can be implemented in others similar studies. (Diallo Y, Diarra ST, Sagara B, Wen X, Xu Y, Bokhari, A A, Hu G. Change Detection Using Data Stacking and Decision Tree Techniques in Puer-Simao Counties of Yunnan Province, China. Researcher 2015;7(3):1-12). (ISSN: 1553-9865). http://www.sciencepub. net/researcher. 1
DFT-based Repetitive Control of a Series Active Filter Integrated with a 12-pulse Diode Rectifier

This paper considers the transient performance and stability of a recurrent DFT-based control method for a series active filter integrated with a 12-pulse diode rectifier. The control method targets specific harmonics and/or the negative sequence fundamental component of the supply current and is intended for use with non-sinusoidal/unbalanced supply voltages. The proposed control method is based on DFTs instead of the dq-method and a simple approach is used to account small frequency variations found in practical power systems.
Effect of promotional strategies of pharmaceutical companies on doctors' prescription pattern in South East Nigeria.

AIM: Drug promotions use multifaceted approaches incorporating hospital and office detailing by marketing representatives. Very few studies exist on their influence on doctors’ prescription pattern in Nigeria. We examined the scope and effects of marketing strategies on the prescription habits of doctors in Enugu, South East Nigeria. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study; 210 self-administered structured questionnaires were distributed among doctors in six major hospitals in Enugu. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ethics Committee, Enugu. RESULTS: There was 88% response rate, with more males than females (M:F= 2.2: 1). Most were residents-in-training/ house officers (69%) while consultants were 7.1% of the group. Stickers, drug presentations/ launches and personal souvenirs were most commonly employed marketing strategies. Most doctors (60%) attending a drug presentation felt influenced. While 87.5% appreciated the benefits of marketing strategies, about 70% would consider patients’ socioeconomic status before prescribing. Continuing medical education and stiff competition were reasons adduced for the marketing strategies. CONCLUSION: Pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria adopt varied strategies to influence doctors’ prescriptions. Often this aim is achieved. The practice is accepted by most who nevertheless will consider other factors when deciding on what to prescribe.
Review of Wave Transformation and Cross-Shore Sediment Transport Processes in Surf Zones

An attempt is made to assemble and synthesize recent publications which may contribute to the improvement of our quantitative capabilities for predicting shoreline changes due to the cross-shore sediment transport in the surf and swash zones on beaches. This review is essentially limited to the cross-shore hydrodynamics of incident wind waves and surf beat motions as well as the cross-shore sediment transport and resulting beach profile evolution.
Impact of matching network on the capacity of compact MIMO systems

MIMO is an undisputed breakthrough in advanced wireless technology, as it offers potentially linear increase in information-theoretic capacity with the number of antennas. However, the implementation of MIMO in compact terminals is a relatively uncharted topic, due to challenging problems with high antenna correlation and mismatch loss, both of which greatly reduces the expected MIMO gains. In this paper, we investigate the remedial impact of matching networks on the capacity degradation in such systems with respect to both uniform 2D angular power spectrum and measured wideband outdoor-toindoor channels. We find that the optimum narrowband multiport-matching network can perform poorly in the wideband case. For a modest 2.3% fractional bandwidth, the narrowband and wideband capacities (per unit bandwidth) can differ by as much as 60%. The multipath richness of the propagation scenario is also shown to have an important effect on the benefits that can be derived from more sophisticated matching networks which take into account mutual coupling in their designs. (Less)
Assessment of Heavy Metals Level in Soil and Vegetables Grown in Peri-Urban Farms around Osun State and the Associated Human Health Risk

Farming around urban centres (peri-urban farming) is a major source of fresh crop produce, notably vegetables. However, the limitation of land resources and the associated high level of soil contamination from domestic and industrial pollutants are major concerns for the safety of food materials from peri-urban farms. Thus, this study investigated heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) concentration in soil and vegetable samples (Amaranthus hybridus and Corchorus olitorius) collected from selected peri-urban farms with a view to providing information on the human health risks associated with consumption of peri-urban vegetables.This study showed that the concentration of investigated heavy metals in the soils of peri-urban farms were within the background range for farming set by FAO/WHO (2002) and EU (2006) while appreciable level of these metals were observed in vegetable samples. Arsenic concentration was below detection limit in all samples. Amaranthus showed higher retention capacity for the assayed heavy metals except Cu. Transfer Factor values showed metal uptake by vegetables in the order Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu. The estimated daily intake showed that the highest consumption of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were from Amaranthus. The Health risk index showed high values for Cd and Pb but low values for Cu and Zn for both Amaranthus and Corchorus. The results obtained in this study regarding the hazard index indicate that vegetables grown in selected peri-urban farms are not safe for consumption.
Effects of non-grey radiative transfer on 3D simulations of solar magneto-convection

We compare 3D simulations of photospheric magneto-convection which include a multigroup modelling of the non-grey radiative transfer with simulations based on a grey radiative transfer using the Rosseland mean opacity. While the simulation properties in the solar surface layers around τRoss = 1 are very similar both cases, pronounced differences occur both in the temperature structure of magnetic field concentrations in the upper photosphere and in the appearance of strong magnetic fields in brightness maps. The results show that a non-grey treatment of the radiative transfer is mandatory if magneto- convective simulations are to be compared with observational results by calculating synthetic spectra of temperature-sensitive lines originating in the middle and upper photosphere.
In-silico Evaluation of Rare Codons and their Positions in the Structure of ATP8b1 Gene

Background: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestases (PFIC) are a spectrum of autosomal progressive liver diseases developing to end-stage liver disease. ATP8B1 deficiency caused by mutations in ATP8B1 gene encoding a P-type ATPase leads to PFIC1. The gene for PFIC1 has been mapped on a 19-cM region of 18q21-q22, and a gene defect in ATP8B1 can cause deregulations in bile salt transporters through decreased expression and/or activity of FXR. Point mutations are the most common, with the majority being missense or nonsense mutations. In addition, approximately 15% of disease-causing ATP8B1 mutations are annotated as splicing disrupting alteration given that they are located at exon-intron borders. Objective: Here, we describe the hidden layer of computational biology information of rare codons in ATP8B1, which can help us for drug design. Methods: Some rare codons in different locations of ATP8b1 gene were identified using several web servers and by in-silico modelling of ATP8b1 in Phyre2 and I-TASSER server, some rare codons were evaluated. Results: Some of these rare codons were located at special positions which seem to have a critical role in proper folding of ATP8b1 protein. Structural analysis showed that some of rare codons are related to mutations in ATP8B1 that are responsible for PFIC1 disease, which may have a critical role in ensuring the correct folding. Conclusion: Investigation of such hidden information can enhance our understanding of ATP8b1 folding. Moreover, studies of these rare codons help us to clarify their role in rational design of new and effective drugs.
Length‐specific growth rates in freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae): extreme longevity or generalized growth cessation?

SUMMARY 1. North American lacustrine freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) are one of the world’s most imperilled groups of organisms. Knowledge of their age structure and longevity is needed for the understanding and management of mussels. Current methods for age estimation in freshwater mussels are insufficient and may have resulted in an erroneous view of the ages of lacustrine freshwater mussels. 2. We collected growth data through mark-recapture in Minnesota and Rhode Island, U.S.A. , examining four lentic populations of three of the most common species of freshwater mussels, Elliptio complanata, Lampsilis siliquoidea, and Pyganodon grandis. Using an inversion of the von Bertalanffy growth equation, we estimated age at length from length-specific growth relationships. 3. In some populations, lacustrine mussels may be much older than previously predicted. Ages predicted from actual growth rates suggest that individuals in some populations frequently reach ages in excess of a century, placing unionid mussels among the Earth’s longest-lived animals. Alternatively, if growth has only recently slowed in these populations, generalized growth cessation may be occurring over a broad distributional range of some common North American lacustrine mussels.
Not all prepayment penalties are created equal

The study was an examination of prepayment and default of subprime mortgages in Cleveland, Ohio during the subprime mortgage boom. Using borrower-, loan-, and mortgagemarket characteristic variables, the varying factors that impacted the likelihood of default and prepayment were identified in models that segregated mortgages according to their purpose for origination. Multinomial logit models of financially-motivated refinance, home purchase, and consumption-smoothing refinance loans found that the change in home value and loan age were the most significant factors associated with loan outcome regardless of the purpose for the loan. However, loan purpose had implications on loan outcome by influencing the signs of the coefficients of various loan- and borrower-characteristic variables across the purpose groups. It was found that the presence of prepayment penalties increased the log-likelihood of prepayment in home purchase loans, decreased it in consumption-smoothing refinances and was not significant in financially-motivated refinances. It was concluded that when the purpose for the loan is known, whether to lower monthly payments, to extract equity, or to purchase a home, there are implications for how different features will impact the loan’s termination or survival potential.
Association Between Caffeine with Cyp450 1a2 And Il-6 Levels in Acehnese Who Suffer from Coronary Heart Disease

Coffee, a main source of caffeine, has controversial effects on cardiovascular health. We evaluated the association of caffeine levels with the levels of Cytochrome P450 Subfamily 1A2 (CYP1A2) and interleukine-6 (IL-6) in Acehnese coffee drinker with coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to who do not consumed coffee (non-coffee drinkers). Fourty eight Acehnese male with CHD consisted of 24 coffee drinkers and 24 non-coffee drinkers participated in this case-control study which was conducted in Cardiology Division of Internal Medicine and Heart Catheterization Laboratorium of dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh. Afternoon blood samples were collected to determine the levels of caffeine, CYP1A2 and IL-6. Data obtained were analyzed for the differences and its correlations. Plasma levels of caffeine and IL-6 in coffee drinkers were significantly higher compared to that in noncoffee drinkers. Although CYP1A2 levels in coffee drinkers appeared to be higher compared to that non-coffee drinkers, but it was not statistically significant (p=0,06). There was a significant correlation between the levels of caffeine with the levels of IL-6 (r=0.36; p=0.01), but there was no significant correlation between the levels of caffeine with the levels of CYP1A2 (r=0.23; p=0.12). The present study demonstrated that the levels of caffeine and IL-6 differ based on coffee consumer habit, not for CYP1A2 levels. It is only a significant association between the levels of caffeine with the levels of IL-6.
PROXIMITY REWARD INDUCTION

Intelligent creatures acquire complex skills by exploiting previously learned skills and learning to transition between them. To empower machines with this ability, we propose transition policies which effectively connect primitive skills to perform sequential tasks without handcrafted rewards. To effectively train our transition policies, we introduce proximity predictors which induce rewards gauging proximity to suitable initial states for the next skill. The proposed method is evaluated on a diverse set of experiments for continuous control in both bipedal locomotion and robotic arm manipulation tasks in MuJoCo. We demonstrate that transition policies enable us to effectively learn complex tasks and the induced reward computed using the proximity predictor improves training efficiency. Videos of policies learned by our algorithm and baselines can be found at https://sites.google. com/view/transitions-iclr2019.