Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“Video Games Were My First Safe Space”: Queer Gaming in the Animal Crossing New Horizons LGBTIQA+ Community

This article analyses LGBTIQA+ playing experiences of Animal Crossing New Horizons (ACNH). It first surveys LGBTIQA+ players of ACNH, with questions regarding ways of playing, identity, community, and fanfiction practices. It also analyses LGBTIQA+ ACNH YouTube videos, divided into three main categories: design, gaming, and fanfiction. The first category, design, is analyzed quantitatively. The second and third categories follow a qualitative analysis, grouping findings into seven subcategories: (a) decorating, (b) celebrating Pride, (c) counter-gaming, (d) weddings, (e) coming out, (f) self-determination and encouraging discourses, and (g) community building. Explorative results show that, although out-game LGBTIQA+ experiences are necessary for queer self-realization, the in-game experiences of our sample help non-cis-straight identities and communities. They also demonstrate that diversity and intersectionality are fundamental in the ACNH queer community sampled, and that LGBTIQA+ players perform queer counter-gaming: transforming the game's tools and affordances to encourage self-expression.
Membership inference attack on differentially private block coordinate descent

The extraordinary success of deep learning is made possible due to the availability of crowd-sourced large-scale training datasets. Mostly, these datasets contain personal and confidential information, thus, have great potential of being misused, raising privacy concerns. Consequently, privacy-preserving deep learning has become a primary research interest nowadays. One of the prominent approaches adopted to prevent the leakage of sensitive information about the training data is by implementing differential privacy during training for their differentially private training, which aims to preserve the privacy of deep learning models. Though these models are claimed to be a safeguard against privacy attacks targeting sensitive information, however, least amount of work is found in the literature to practically evaluate their capability by performing a sophisticated attack model on them. Recently, DP-BCD is proposed as an alternative to state-of-the-art DP-SGD, to preserve the privacy of deep-learning models, having low privacy cost and fast convergence speed with highly accurate prediction results. To check its practical capability, in this article, we analytically evaluate the impact of a sophisticated privacy attack called the membership inference attack against it in both black box as well as white box settings. More precisely, we inspect how much information can be inferred from a differentially private deep model’s training data. We evaluate our experiments on benchmark datasets using AUC, attacker advantage, precision, recall, and F1-score performance metrics. The experimental results exhibit that DP-BCD keeps its promise to preserve privacy against strong adversaries while providing acceptable model utility compared to state-of-the-art techniques.
An Air–Water Interfacial Area Based Variable Tortuosity Model for Unsaturated Sands

A new variable tortuosity definition is introduced that is based on the immiscible fluid (air–water) interfacial area. Unsaturated media tortuosity (τa) is defined as the ratio of aaw to aaw,o where aaw is the estimated air–water interfacial area in a real unsaturated medium (i.e., a soil sample), and aaw,o is the same variable for the corresponding, idealized capillary bundle. The air–water interfacial area for both real and idealized media is directly proportional to the area under their respective retention curves. With τ being the saturated tortuosity, we relate the variable tortuosity ratio (τ/τa) to the Seε term in Mualem's (ε = 0.5) and Burdine's (ε = 2) pore‐size distribution models. Thus, instead of using tortuosity and pore connectivity formulations, which have empirical exponents of either 0.5 or 2, the new model depends on a variable interfacial area for varying saturation and soil texture, as reflected in the measured retention data. We tested the new definition of tortuosity to predict unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, K, as a function of volumetric moisture content, θ, for 22 repacked Hanford sediments that are comprised of mostly coarse and fine sands but some also contain a sizeable fraction (as high as 27%) of fines (silt and clay). Replacing the Seε term in van Genuchten–Mualem (VGM) model by the tortuosity ratio τ/τa, and still using saturated hydraulic conductivity and moisture retention parameters as used in the conventional approach, we obtained τa‐based K(θ) predictions that are nearly identical to the conventional VGM model predictions. We also compared the τa‐based K(θ) predictions with the standard Brooks–Corey–Burdine (BCB) model predictions. In comparison to the VGM model predictions, τa‐based BCB K(θ) predictions appear to be less biased relative to the measured K for the coarse‐textured samples.
Wading bird foraging ecology in a disturbed mangrove estuary in northwest Ecuador : commercial shrimp ponds vs. natural mangrove mudflats

OF THE THESIS WADING BIRD FORAGING ECOLOGY IN A DISTURBED MANGROVE ESTUARY IN NORTHWEST ECUADOR: COMMERCIAL SHRIMP PONDS VS. NATURAL MANGROVE MUDFLATS by Michael David Cheek Florida International University, 2006 Miami, Florida Professor Thomas Philippi, Major Professor I compared wading bird foraging ecology in commercial shrimp ponds and natural mangrove mudflats in the Muisne River Estuary in northwest Ecuador. I estimated foraging habitat suitability by observing the foraging efficiency, diet, and behavior of great (Ardea alba) and snowy (Egretta thula) egrets, censusing birds, and measuring prey availability (i.e. prey density, standing crop, water depth, and diversity). Great egrets had greater foraging efficiency in shrimp ponds, while snowy egret foraging efficiency was greater on mudflats. Over 85% of prey items in snowy egret boluses were from shrimp ponds. Mean density, standing crop, length, and mass of prey items was significantly greater in shrimp ponds, but availability was limited by water depth and diversity. Great and snowy egrets utilized shrimp ponds as their primary foraging grounds, while all other diurnal wading bird species foraged primarily on mudflats, where the diversity of wading birds and their prey was greatest. I. LITERATURE REVIEW .
Electron plasma environment at comet Grigg‐Skjellerup: General observations and comparison with the environment at comet Halley

The three-dimensional electron spectrometer of the Reme plasma analyzer-complete positive ion, electron and ram negative ion measurements near comet Halley (RPA-COPERNIC) experiment aboard the Giotto spacecraft, although damaged during the comet Halley encounter in March 1986, has provided very new results during the encounter on July 10, 1992, with the weakly active comet Grigg-Skjellerup (G-S). The main characteristic features of the highly structured interaction region extending from ∼26,500 km inbound to ∼ 37,200 km outbound are: (1) a broad inbound “bow wave transition”, (2) a cometosheath characterized by strong oscillations of the electron fluxes with peak-to-valley ratios up to 20∶1; the levels of oscillations are much larger and generally more coherent than at comet Halley or at comet Giacobini-Zinner, despite the much lower neutral gas production rate, (3) a “mystery” region, identified by significant fluxes of hundreds of eV electrons, and a “mysterious” transition, about halfway between the bow wave transition/bow shock regions; they are observed as for comet Halley, confirming their large importance in the solar wind-comet interaction at 1 AU, (4) an inner region which coincides with the magnetic pileup region; at closest approach, the cold cometary electron fluxes display a prominent maximum, and (5) a sharp outbound bow shock and its possibily associated electron foreshock. These results are compared to the results obtained by the same instrument during the Giotto comet Halley fly-by. Despite the large difference in the size of the interaction regions (∼60,000 km for G-S, ∼2000,000 km for Halley) due to 2 orders of magnitude difference in cometary neutral gas production rate, there are striking similarities in the solar wind interactions with the two comets.
The semiochemical push‐and‐pull technique can reduce bark beetle damage in disturbed Norway spruce forests affected by the Vaia storm

In a 2‐year field study conducted in the South‐Eastern Alps following a large windthrow disturbance, we tested a large‐scale use of a semiochemical push‐and‐pull strategy to protect susceptible Norway spruce edge trees from the European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). Slot traps baited with aggregation pheromones (‘pull’) and three repellent semiochemicals (‘push’) were used in both years. In 2020, 26 windthrown areas were classified into three levels of infestation risk, and each was randomly assigned to one of three experimental protocols: eight push‐and‐pull sites; nine trap‐only sites and nine control sites. In 2021, the trials were repeated in 22 clear‐cuts of infested spruce forests, applying two protocols: 16 push–pull and 6 control sites. Fifty traps and 1500 repellent dispensers were used in 2020, and 26 traps and 1500 repellent dispensers were used in 2021. The push‐and‐pull technique performed well in post‐windthrow conditions (2020 trials), especially at high infestation risk, with significantly lower damage to forest edges when compared with untreated sites. The use of pheromone‐baited traps alone was not enough to avoid colonization of forest edges, especially in high‐risk sites. When the push‐and‐pull protocol was applied in clear‐cut areas (2021 trials), the technique was less effective and did not significantly reduce the number of infested trees along the forest edge. Possible interactions with climate conditions are also discussed.
MINIMUM UNDRAINED STRENGTH VERSUS STEADY-STATE STRENGTH OF SANDS

The general validity is explored of observations on two sands. The current understanding of the undrained behavior of sands is reviewed with emaphasis on the limiting conditions that control the modes of failure. Undrained trixial tests (CIU) on various sands are reanalyzed in terms of conditions leading to the LF and UF (upper and lower bounds of steady-state strength defined upper and lower lines in a void ratio-effective stress space) lines. An extension of the framework proposed by Castro (1969) is presented in a form that permits the differentiation between steady-state strength on the UF line and minimum strength on the LF line. The study has developed a conceptual framework for the prediction of undrained behavior of sands during monotonic loading. The undrained behavior of sands under monotonic loading can be characterized in terms of 5 regions in a state diagram (void ratio versus mean principal effective stress). Other study conclusions are listed.
A new method for predicting alcohol relapse in patients undergoing liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver failure: Barratt scale

Background and Aim Alcohol-induced liver disease has become one of the major causes of chronic liver disease worldwide with the increasing use of alcohol in society. The most important step in treatment is cessation of alcohol consumption. In patients with advanced liver disease, the most effective treatment is liver transplantation. Careful evaluation of patients with alcoholic liver disease before transplantation can help identify those at high risk of relapsing. Materials and Methods Of a total of 42 patients who underwent liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver failure in our hospital between 2011 and 2022, 26 surviving patients were included in the study. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, MELD score, history of alcohol consumption, alcohol treatment, post-transplant prognosis and survival were analyzed. The Barratt Impulsivity Scale-11 Short Form (BIS-11 SF) was applied to the surviving patients for impulsivity analysis to predict the possibility of relapse. Results Of the 26 patients who were included in the study, all were male. The mean age at transplantation was 53 (31–71) years. Mean MELD score was 22.31 (9–36). 12 patients (46.2%) received living donor liver transplantation and 14 patients (53.8%) received cadaveric liver transplantation. 25 patients (96.2%) had no post-transplant dependence, while 1 patient (3.8%) had post-transplant dependence. 5 patients (19.2%) continued to consume alcohol after transplantation. Conclusion In our study, we observed that patients with high motor impulsivity tendency according to BSI-11 SF had alcohol relapse. We believe that revising this scale with more detailed questions for alcohol-dependent liver patients and applying it to patients before transplantation will be effective in better selection for transplantation and guiding patients to appropriate therapy and thus preventing relapse after transplantation.
Desertification problems in the Yangtze River source area, China

Desertification in the source area of Yangtze River is discussed in the paper. Under the conditions of the cold climate and permafrost, the freeze–thaw processes have significant effects on the different kinds of desertification. The classification, distribution, development, formation and control measurements of desertification in the source area are in particular compared with other desertified regions in east China. Furthermore, suggestions for desertification research and control in the source area are put forward. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turning our GAISE toward Departments of Psychology

Psychology is a popular major with thousands of graduates yearly. This major usually requires courses in statistics. Recently, statistics educators focused on the quality of the introductory statistics course, produced the GAISE College Report with a set of recommendations for the course. Although these educators recognized that the introductory course is a family of courses across the disciplines, it is unclear how familiar psychology departments are with GAISE. This paper provides information on this issue by describing statistics education in the psychology departments of the member institutions of the GLCA. The content and structure of the research methods and statistics courses required for the psychology major were examined, with special emphasis placed on GAISE. The findings point to the need for a bridge between statistics educators and psychologists who teach statistics.
Prevalence of Side Effects of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine: A Multicenter Experience From Pakistan

Introduction The most efficient method of combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic would be to use effective, safe, and proven vaccines; however, their widespread use has been hampered partly by concerns over possible adverse effects. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine side effects among participants. Methods This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted using a non-probability sampling technique. The duration of the study was nine months, from February 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022. The study included 900 participants who provided informed consent and had received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Demographic characteristics of participants, such as gender, age, comorbidities, AstraZeneca vaccine with both doses along with booster dose, previous exposure to COVID-19 infection, and the prevalence of any local and systemic side effects following the first and second doses of vaccine, were documented. Results The study findings showed that of the 900 participants, 414 (46.0%) were males and 486 (54.0%) were females; their mean age was 40.72 ± 13.47 years. Among them, 198 (22.0%) had hypertension and 144 (16.0%) had diabetes mellitus. Following the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported side effect in 594 (66.0%) participants. Moreover, swelling at the injection site was the most commonly reported side effect in 522 (58.0%) participants after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. The level of satisfaction showed that the majority of the 648 participants (72.0%) were satisfied with their vaccination. Conclusion This study concluded that pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported side effect, followed by swelling and fever after the first dose of the vaccine. Following the second dose of the vaccine, adverse effects included headache, swelling, and burning at the injection site.
Giant calcite‐cemented concretions, Dakota Formation, central Kansas, USA

Giant spheroidal concretions (cannonball concretions; some nearly 6 m in diameter) in fluvial channel‐fill sandstones at two localities of the Dakota Sandstone formed by import of cement constituents at a burial depth of <1 km. During cannonball concretion growth a self‐organizational process restricted concretions to a relatively few but widely spaced, and locally, evenly spaced, sites. Other forms of calcite cements at these localities are cement patches in the form of intergrown grape‐size concretions (grapestone), and, locally, pervasive cement. An early episode of invasion by thermogenically generated H2S, which reacted with iron oxides on detrital grains, generated scattered pyrite crystals and decimetre‐scale spheroidal pyrite concretions. Intergranular volumes (IGV) in the concretions range from 36% to 27%. The absence of a trend in IGV and of carbon and oxygen‐isotope ratios from cannonball centres to margins indicates that these concretions did not cement progressively outwards from the centre. Rather, the modern spheres represent the spatial extent of nucleation sites that were not otherwise organized within that volume. Carbon and oxygen‐isotope values for concretion calcites plot along a swath between depleted values of δ18C of −36‰ and δ18O of −13‰ and enriched values of −4‰ and −6‰, respectively. Four groups of calcites are evident on the basis of trace‐element content and suggest that the calcite precipitated across a range of oxidation conditions that do not correlate strongly with the isotopic compositions. Although fluvial overbank sandstones have some pedogenic calcite, the channel sandstones have at most a trace of pedogenic calcite and carbonate rock fragments, so that the bulk of cement components were imported to the sandstones. Carbon and calcium sources for calcite cement include marine limestone, carbonate shells, and anhydrite in addition to HCO derived from oxidized methane, most likely derived from beds underlying or laterally in communication with Dakota sandstones. HCO in ascending formation waters, released during compaction, mixed with meteoric water whose temperature and composition varied with time, to generate the 7‰ range in δ18Ocalcite values measured.
The benthic boundary layer and sediment transport

The major problems facing scientists studying marine boundary layer fluid mechanics in 1979 concerned the specific mechanismic operating in the regions of the top and the bottom of the boundary layer. At the top, the mechanisms of fluid escapement from the boundary layer and mixing into the ocean interior could only be postulated. Approximations of diffusivity across the top of the layer were being debated, the values of which were more articles of faith than physically validated estimates (cf. Armi, 1979; Garrett, 1979). At the bottom, the intermittent generation of stress (cf. Gordon, 1975; Heathershaw and Simpson, 1979) was held responsible for the wide variability observed in the drag coefficient, and the thickness of the viscous sub-layer was claimed to be greater than that traditionally found from laboratory studies (Caldwell and Chriss, 1979).
Rapid incision of a small, coarse and steep fan‐delta in response to base‐level fall: the case of Nahal Qedem, the Dead Sea, Israel

The Dead Sea has been continuously dropping 0·4–1·0 m yr−1 since the middle of the 20th century and thus provides a unique field laboratory for studying in real time the response of drainage systems to a non‐tectonic base‐level fall. The aim of this work is to study the short‐term ongoing erosive response to a rapid base‐level drop in a small, steep‐fronted, erodible fan‐delta setting. The work explores the controls of the steep Qedem fan‐delta, guided by its clinoform structure, on its incision.
Integrating local and scientific knowledge for adaptation to land degradation: Kalahari rangeland management options

Despite numerous assessments of the sensitivity and resilience of drylands to degradation, there has been little research into the way affected communities innovate and adapt in response to land degradation. This paper shows how local and scientific knowledge can be combined to identify rangeland management strategies to reduce or adapt to land degradation. To achieve this, we have developed and applied a four‐stage social learning approach based on stakeholder participation in three degradation ‘hotspots’ in communal rangelands of the Kalahari, Botswana. This approach aims to collate, evaluate and apply both scientific and local knowledge on rangeland degradation and management options. First, current practice and possible management options were identified from the literature. Second, a series of semi‐structured interviews with rangeland users identified local knowledge of strategies to reduce and adapt to land degradation. Third, these options were discussed and evaluated with rangeland stakeholders in focus groups held across each study region. Finally, the outputs from these focus groups were used to produce rangeland assessment guides for each region that provided management options agreed to be locally relevant by both researchers and local stakeholders. The study found that the majority of strategies reported in the literature were not suitable for use by pastoralists in the Kalahari. However, many of the strategies suggested by stakeholders could only be applied effectively under common property regimes, giving impetus to the growing literature encouraging institutional reform to strengthen common property management regimes. The research stimulated a social learning process that combined knowledge from local stakeholders (both pastoralists and extension workers) with the scientific knowledge of researchers to provide a range of management options that could help land managers reduce or adapt to land degradation. By combining participatory research with insights from scientific literature in this way, more relevant results were provided than either approach could have achieved alone. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulated Links between Deforestation and Extreme Cold Events in South America

AbstractMany modeling studies have indicated that deforestation will increase the average annual temperature in the Amazon. However, few studies have investigated the potential for deforestation to change the frequency and intensity of extreme events. This problem is addressed here using a variable-resolution GCM. The characteristic length scale (CLS) of the model’s grid mesh over South America is 25 km, comparable to that used by limited-area models. For computational efficiency, the CLS increases to 200 km over the rest of the world. It is found that deforestation induces large changes in the frequency of wintertime extreme cold events. Large increases in cold event frequency and intensity occur in the western Amazon and, surprisingly, in parts of southern South America, far from the actual deforested area. One possible mechanism for these remote effects involves changes in the position of the subtropical jet, caused by temperature changes in the Amazon. Increased understanding of these potential change.