Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Politics of COVID-19: The Political Logic of China’s Zero-COVID Policy

Abstract From the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan in late 2019 until December 2022, China implemented stringent infection prevention and control measures known as the Zero-COVID policy. Western observers and some Chinese intellectuals have questioned this rigid policy, but few studies offer a comprehensive overview of the political reasonings behind it. This article positions the Zero-COVID policy in a broader historical context of the Chinese Communist Party’s regime maintenance, revolutionary legacies, and political mobilisation. It analyses the political reasonings behind this policy from three dimensions: system, actors, and approach, and provides accounts of the politics of the pandemic. The results reveal that the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party was caught in a dilemma. The Zero-COVID policy is used to bolster legitimacy of the regime; however, it also set traps in which the Chinese government risked losing the public’s trust. The negative outcomes of the policy were underestimated by the Chinese leadership, which believed in its ability to balance the cost and benefit of this policy for the sake of maintenance of its rule. The politics of COVID-19 mirrors China’s authoritarian politics in general.
On the Similarity Functions A, B and C of the Planetary Boundary Layer

Abstract The similarity functions A, B and C are computed based on the various scales previously proposed for wind, temperature and height in the planetary boundary layer. The vertically averaged geostrophic wind recently proposed by Arya and Wyngaard is found to be a better choice as a wind scale for the Wangara experiment than a local wind at a specified height. A similar conclusion is drawn for the temperature scale. As for the height scale the similarity functions A, B and C scaled by the height of the surface inversion layer during the nighttime resulted in relatively less scatter than those scaled by u*/|f|. Nomograms for the geostrophic drag and the beat transfer coefficients are presented by utilizing the approximate expressions for A, B and C deduced from the Wangara data. Agreement between the values predicted and those deduced from the data appears to support the appropriateness of the present choice of the scales originally suggested by Arya and Wyngaard.
Long‐Term Variation of Dust Devils in East Asia During 1959–2021

Dust devils play an important role in dust transport by carrying it from the surface into the atmosphere, especially in summer. However, information on how dust devils changed in the past decades and what caused these changes remains lacking. Based on thermodynamic criteria and ERA5 reanalysis data set, this study investigated the long‐term variation of favorable conditions for dust devil occurrence in East Asia over the past 63 years and defined it as potential dust devil and dusty plume (PDDP) occurrence in hours. Annual mean frequency of PDDP in East Asia was approximately 217.2 hr from 1959 to 2021. An overall downward trend in PDDP frequency has been found over 63 years in East Asia among which strong PDDPs drop significantly at the fastest rate while the weak ones dropped insignificantly. Moreover, PDDP frequency in the Gobi Desert increased but they decreased in the Taklimakan Desert. The monthly variation of PDDP shows a single‐peak structure with a tendency for the peak to move from June to July. For the diurnal changes, PDDP mainly occurred between 10:00 and 16:00 at local time (LT), with over 60% of them happening between 12:00 LT and 14:00 LT. We also found a negative correlation between precipitation and PDDP occurrence. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of favorable conditions for dust devil occurrence in East Asia over the past decades, which is of great importance to further evaluate its impact on climate, environment as well as ecosystem.
Budapest-Marseille-Wuppertal Collaboration

Ordinary matter is described by six fundamental parameters: three couplings (gravitational, electromagnetic and strong) and three masses: the electron’s (me) and those of the up (mu) and down (md) quarks. An additional mass enters through quantum fluctuations: the strange quark mass (ms). The three couplings and me are known with an accuracy of better than a few per mil. Despite their importance, mu, md (their average mud) and ms are far less accurately known. Here we determine them with a precision below 2% by performing ab initio lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) calculations, in which all systematics are controlled. We use pion and quark masses down to (and even below) their physical values, lattice sizes of up to 6 fm, and five lattice spacings to extrapolate to continuum spacetime. All necessary renormalizations are performed nonperturbatively.
True color transfer for dual band image fusion

Because of the inappropriate choose of reference image,double band( midwave infrared and visible) color fusion image based on the color transfer method has low contrast,decreasing image edge details and the infrared target is not prominent. We present a new algorithm based on the Laplacian Pyramid,and the contrast could be adjusted anywhere. We use the Laplacian reconstructed image as the luminance component of the YUV image fusion constructure,the differential image of visible image and infrared image as the U component,and the infrared image as the V component. In the color transfer formula,the adjustable scaling factor is brought in to adjust the contrast of fusion image. Experiments show that by using the improved method,the color fusion image retains meaningful details. The infrared target is prominent and the fusion image has similar color distribution with the reference image. We evaluate the quality of fusion image by using objective methods,and the result shows that evaluation indexes such as the mean,variance,entropy,average gradient and spatial frequency are improved.
Positive solutions for nonlinear nonhomogeneous parametric equations

We consider a nonlinear parametric Dirichlet problem driven by a nonhomogeneous differential operator which includes as special cases the $p$-Laplacian, the $(p,q)$-Laplacian and the generalized $p$-mean curvature operator. Using variational methods, we prove a bifurcation-type theorem describing the dependence of positive solutions on the parameter.
Comparing Solution Methods for a Basic RBC Model

This short article compares different solution methods for a basic RBC model (Hansen, 1985). We solve and simulate the model using two main algorithms: the methods of perturbation and projection, respectively. One novelty is that we offer a type of the hybrid method: we compute easily a second-order approximation to decision rules and use that approximation as an initial guess for finding Chebyshev polynomials. We also find that the second-order perturbation method is most competitive in terms of accuracy for standard RBC model.
Variability in nutrient composition of the edible long‐horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) in Uganda and its potential in alleviating food insecurity

Abstract Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigonidae) is a highly nutritious and luxurious insect delicacy that is consumed as a food source in many African countries. However, the nutrient profile of R. differens in different geographical regions have received limited research interest. Here, we provide comprehensive evidence of geographical impact on the nutrient profile of R. differens and its potential to meet the recommended dietary intake of the population. Our results demonstrated that proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and flavonoid contents of R. differens collected from five districts in Uganda varied considerably. The crude protein (28–45%), crude fat (41–54%), and energy (582–644 Kj/100 g) contents of R. differens exceed that reported from animal origins. The highest crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate contents of R. differens were recorded in Kabale, Masaka, and Kampala, respectively. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified with linoleic acid (omega‐6 fatty acid) being the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in R. differens from Kabale, Masaka, and Mbarara. All essential amino acids were recorded in R. differens, particularly histidine with values exceeding the daily requirement for adults. Mineral and vitamin content differed significantly across the five districts. The highest quantity of flavonoids was recorded in R. differens from Hoima (484 mg/100 g). Our findings revealed that R. differens could be considered as functional food ingredients capable of supplying essential macro‐ and micronutrients that are critical in curbing the rising food insecurity and malnutrition in the regions.
Graphene Channel Electron-Multiplying Charge-Coupled Pixel

This work presents an in-situ readout of the transient photoresponse of a graphene-oxide-semiconductor heterostructure by utilizing graphene’s field-effect coupling with the silicon photogate. The reported device which acts as a graphene charge-coupled device (GCCD) pixel is set into pre-avalanche condition by dynamic sinusoidal biasing and then exposed with pulsed illumination. The initial photo-ionized charge packet experiences pre-integration carrier multiplication, boosting the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) before interacting with the surface traps and defects. The maximum multiplication factor of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathrm {\sim }8.5$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and responsivity of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathrm {350 A/W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> are achieved. Arrhenius plots show the viability of operating the device at room temperature as thermal charge contribution is negligible. Moreover, a detailed discussion on reduced power consumption for such a sinusoidal charge-coupled device (CCD) drive concept is also incorporated. The presented technique paves the way for futuristic sinusoidally-driven graphene-silicon-based electron-multiplying CCDs with low-power surveillance and adaptive optics applications.
Attribute-Based Proxy Re-Encryption With Direct Revocation Mechanism for Data Sharing in Clouds

Cloud computing, which provides adequate storage and computation capability, has been a prevalent information infrastructure. Secure data sharing is a basic demand when data was outsourced to a cloud server. Attribute-based proxy re-encryption has been a promising approach that allows secure encrypted data sharing on clouds. With attribute-based proxy re-encryption, a delegator can designate a set of shared users through issuing a re-encryption key which will be used by the cloud server to transform the delegator's encrypted data to the shared users’. However, the existing attribute-based proxy re-encryption schemes lack a mechanism of revoking users from the sharing set which is critical for data sharing systems. Therefore, in this article, we propose a concrete attribute-based proxy re-encryption with direct revocation mechanism (ABPRE-DR) for encrypted data sharing that enables the cloud server to directly revoke users from the original sharing set involved in the re-encryption key. We implemented the new schemes and evaluated its performance. The experimental results show that the proposed ABPRE-DR scheme is efficient and practical.
Farnesoid X receptor is inhibited after ileum transposition in diabetic rats: its hypoglycemic effect

Background: Aim to investigate bile acid profile changes and the Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) status after ileotransposition (IT), and reveal its possible hypoglycemic mechanism. Methods: Twenty male diabetic rats were randomly assigned into the IT group and the sham IT (SH) group. Bile acid profiles were measured using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Glucose metabolism was monitored after oral administration of FXR inhibitor and agonist. And the expression of key FXR target genes were measured. Results: The levels of β-muricholic acid (P = 0.047), tauro-α-muricholic acid and tauro-β-muricholic acid (P < 0.001) in plasma in the IT group were higher than those in the SH group, and the levels of taurocholic acid (P = 0.049) and turoursodeoxycholic acid (P = 0.030) were lower than those in the SH group. After inhibition of intestinal FXR, the glucose metabolism in the SH group was improved. When FXR agonist was given, the blood glucose level was increased in both groups. After sacrifice, the levels of glycoursodeoxycholic acid, tauro-α-muricholic acid and tauro-β-muricholic acid in liver and ileum tissues were higher than those in the SH group (P < 0.05), the level of α- muricholic acid (P < 0.001) in liver tissues were lower than that in the SH group. Moreover, the expression of CYP7A1 mRNA (P < 0.001) and FGF15 mRNA (P = 0.001) in the IT group was significantly higher, and the expression of PEPCK mRNA (P = 0.004), SREPB1c mRNA (P = 0.005) and SRB1 mRNA (P = 0.001) were significantly lower than that in the SH group. Conclusions: We demonstrate a remarkable heterogeneity of BA profiles after IT, FXR activation might has a detrimental effect on glucose metabolism.
Did Picasso know about Einstein

On the wall of Arthur I Miller's office at University College London is a graph drawn by Charles Joseph Minard that illustrates Napoleon's advance into Russia in 1812. Starting at the Polish–Russian border, the graph shows the losses suffered by Napoleon's army as it marched towards Moscow, and then retreated in the bitterly cold winter. It captures, Miller estimates, six or seven "dimensions" – time, space and temperature among others – on a 2D surface. The graph also illustrates Miller's own interests in the interactions between physics and art, the visual representation of ideas and, one might even argue, his own journey from mainstream physics to the interface between science, history and art.
Analysis of Multiple Capture-Recapture Data Using Band-Recovery Methods

Une facon simple d'analyser les donnees de captures-recaptures est de n'utiliser que la premiere et la derniere capture en appliquant les methodes de reconstitution de bandes de Brownie et coll. On presente la perte d'efficacite de cette approche par rapport a la methode de Jolly-Seber et a l'extension de celle-ci quand les parametres dependent de l'âge. Application a des donnees fossiles
Boosted Multi-Task Learning for Inter-District Collaborative Load Forecasting

This paper proposes a boosted multi-task learning framework for inter-district collaborative load forecasting. The proposed framework involves two subsequent stages: in the first stage, districts would collaborate under a seamlessly-integrated federated learning scheme to capture the global load pattern; in the second stage, districts would withdraw and perform local training to capture the local load patterns. The probabilistic Gradient-Boosted Regression Tree (GBRT) is applied as the bottom-level machine learning algorithm, which would allow for an easy and intuitive embodiment of the generalized multi-task learning framework. We further propose two candidate district withdrawal mechanisms to connect the two stages: the simultaneous withdrawal, which prioritizes prediction accuracy, and the dynamic withdrawal, which prioritizes training efficiency and district incentivization. The follow-up performance analyses and the case study on 11 districts of the Zhuhai city confirm the superiority of the proposed framework and district withdrawal mechanisms.
Aerodynamic analysis on unsteady characteristics of a ducted fan hovering in ceiling effect

Ducted fans have been widely used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various operations due to the high efficiency, low noise and high safety. Proximity effects caused by the confined environment, including the ceiling effect (CE), bring significant interference to the aerodynamic performance of ducted fans, which serves as a main challenge to stability. In this study, the computational fluid dynamic simulation with the sliding mesh technique and the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) method is conducted to evaluate the ceiling effect. Time-averaged simulation results show that the ceiling effect results in the increase of both rotor thrust and duct thrust. Transient simulation results show that there is a critical distance of 0.4 rotor radius. The ceiling effect leads to little fluctuation in thrust for distances greater than 0.4 rotor radius, but substantial unsteadiness in the flow field for distances less than 0.4 rotor radius. The unsteady movement of vortex structures results in thrust fluctuations with frequencies typically lower than the blade passing frequency of 200 Hz. The fluctuation accounts for up to 40% of the total thrust. The results are essential to the flight controller design and UAV path planning for enhancement of flight stability in ceiling effect.
Manifestation Of The Finite Vortex—lift, Thrust And Drag

Force production in fluids is effectively achieved by the generation of large, unsteady vortices. The underlying mechanisms are analyzed, new phenomena are described, and the so-called finite vortex model (FVM) is applied to both engineering and nature. First, some fundamentals are given: the characteristic pressure and velocity distributions in ideal vortices; the mathematical idea of the potential vortex (lifting line theory, etc.); the so-called natural vortex, its motion with 2D/3D applications in nature. Second, focus is on the ‘edge flow mechanism’, the finite vortex concept and the ‘Mantelströmung’ (circulation). Inspiration to this physical model came from observation of swimming and flying in nature. Vortex formation and growth are newly discussed, and a mechanism is proposed, which establishes the Kutta condition: The transverse flow around an edge causes flow separation, an initial deflection of the shear layer due to viscous effects; then a strong suction from high local velocities emerges. Apparently the near-field effects of the amplified vortex roll-up dominate. So it is sufficient to consider the dynamics of a finite size vortex, interacting with the structure. The resulting FVM analyses with periodically unsteady flow patterns, force generation and power requirements correlate well with flapping experiments and Navier–Stokes results. In a third part the size of the finite vortices and their detachment frequencies are correlated and quantified. New physical interpretations are given for steady/unsteady as well as high/low Re number flows and boundary layer effects. Several examples use approximations from the conservation of mass and momentum: detachment and repetitive formation of ‘starting vortices’ from an accelerating airfoil (AF); lift force from an inclined, fixed AF (plate) in a steady flow; thrust/lift forces from an oscillating AF (plate) with periodically unsteady vortex formation. Next the FVM is applied to swimming (caudal fin fish propulsion) and flying in nature. Thrust, swimming speed, etc. can be simulated in agreement with pitching AF tests over a wide range of frequencies/amplitudes (shark, dolphin). Thrust from pure flapping wings is interpreted with a ‘gyroscopic effect’ from the vortex cylinder (bird flight). Conclusions concerning the key role of vortex formation/control for thrust/lift and drag in nature as well as in engineering are presented. FVM capabilities and limits are summarized, and future work is suggested. www.witpress. com, ISSN 1755-8336 (on-line) WIT Transactions on State of the Art in Science and Engineering, Vol 3, © 2006 WIT Press doi:10.2495/1-84564-001-2/4a 248 Flow Phenomena in Nature
Drilling predation on Early Jurassic bivalves and behavioral patterns of the presumed gastropod predator—evidence from Pliensbachian soft-bottom deposits of northern Germany

Abstract. Drilling predation is a common reason for mortality of benthic mollusks but did not become common until the late Mesozoic. The scarcity of drill holes in the early Mesozoic fossil record limits our understanding of the evolution of drilling behavior and its role on shaping early Mesozoic marine communities. Here, we use drilling traces on several bivalve taxa from the Lower Jurassic (Pliensbachian) marine soft-bottom deposits in northern Germany to explore behavioral patterns of the predator (e.g., site selectivity, change in site-selective behavior with age). Although none of the known drilling gastropod groups existed in the Pliensbachian, including the studied localities, the drill-hole morphology suggests that the predator was probably a gastropod. The ecology and identity of the target prey changes from a diverse array of epifaunal to infaunal taxa in older deposits to focus on a single, large, deep infaunal taxon, Gresslya intermedia, in younger deposits, suggesting a potential trend in prey selectivity over time. Spatial point pattern analysis of traces (SPPAT) reveals an aggregated pattern of drill holes on Gresslya, suggesting strong selectivity in drill-hole location. Drilling on a single large infaunal taxon and site selectivity are common patterns also inferred previously from the drilled deep infaunal Eothyasira from the Pliensbachian of southern Germany. In addition to the scarcity of predators, the highly specialized behavior of the early drilling predators, including strong prey selectivity in terms of prey identity and life habit, can partly explain the rarity of the early Mesozoic drill holes.
Discrete Crossed product C*-algebras

Classification of C*-algebras has been an active area of research in mathematics for at least half a century. In this thesis, we consider classification results related to the class of crossed product C*-algebras. We investigate the ideal structure of the reduced crossed product C*-algebra and in particular we determine sufficient − and in some cases also necessary − conditions for A to separate the ideals in A⋊rG. When A separates the ideals in A⋊rG, then there is a one-to-one correspondence between the ideals in A ⋊r G and the invariant ideals in A. We extend the concept of topological freeness and present a generalization of the Rokhlin property. Exactness properties of the underlying dynamical systems turns out to be crucial in these investigations. When imposing properties that ensure A separates the ideals in A ⋊r G we are able to show that the crossed product A⋊r G is purely infinite if and only if the non-zero positive elements in A are properly infinite viewed as elements in A⋊r G − in the case A is separable and has the ideal properly. As an application of this result we show that for a particular class of crossed products, where a discrete group G acts in a particular way on the Cantor set X, the C*-algebra C(X) ⋊r G is purely infinite if and only if it is traceless.
Microbial gut dysbiosis induced by xenobiotics in model organisms and the relevance of experimental criteria: a minireview

Abstract The gut microbiota is a dynamic ecosystem involved in multiple physiological processes that affect host health. Several factors affect intestinal microbial communities including dietary exposure to xenobiotics, which is highly concerning due to their widespread distribution. Current knowledge of this topic comes from culture-dependent methods, 16S rRNA amplicon fingerprinting, and metagenomics, but a standardised procedures framework remains lacking. This minireview integrates 45 studies from a systematic search using terms related to gut microbiota and its disruption. Only publications encompassing dietary-oral exposure and experimental gut microbiota assessments were included. The results were divided and described according to the biological model used and the disruption observed in the gut microbiota. An overall dysbiotic effect was unclear due to the variety of contaminants and hosts evaluated and the experimental gaps between publications. More standardised experimental designs, including WGS and physiological tests, are needed to establish how a particular xenobiotic can alter the gut microbiota and how the results can be extrapolated.