Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural language models : Dealing with large vocabularies

This work investigates practical methods to ease training and improve performances of neural language models with large vocabularies. The main limitation of neural language models is their expensive computational cost: it depends on the size of the vocabulary, with which it grows linearly. Despite several training tricks, the most straightforward way to limit computation time is to limit the vocabulary size, which is not a satisfactory solution for numerous tasks. Most of the existing methods used to train large-vocabulary language models revolve around avoiding the computation of the partition function, ensuring that output scores are normalized into a probability distribution. Here, we focus on sampling-based approaches, including importance sampling and noise contrastive estimation. These methods allow an approximate computation of the partition function. After examining the mechanism of self-normalization in noise-contrastive estimation, we first propose to improve its efficiency with solutions that are adapted to the inner workings of the method and experimentally show that they considerably ease training. Our second contribution is to expand on a generalization of several sampling based objectives as Bregman divergences, in order to experiment with new objectives. We use Beta divergences to derive a set of objectives from which noise contrastive estimation is a particular case. Finally, we aim at improving performances on full vocabulary language models, by augmenting output words representation with subwords. We experiment on a Czech dataset and show that using character-based representations besides word embeddings for output representations gives better results. We also show that reducing the size of the output look-up table improves results even more.
Estimation of effective population size from data on linkage disequilibrium

A method is proposed for estimating effective population size ( N ) from data on linkage disequilibrium among neutral genes at several polymorphic loci or restriction sites. The efficiency of the method increases with larger sample size and more tightly linked genes; but for very tightly linked genes estimates of N are more dependent on long-term than on recent population history. Two sets of data are analysed as examples.
Valor nutritivo de crustáceos do Complexo Estuarino-Lagunar Mundaú / Manguaba-Alagoas

Com o objetivo de avaliar o valor nutritivo de siri-do-Pilar e caranguejo-uçá foram analisadas 20 amostras de cada crustáceo, adquiridas no complexo estuarino-lagunar Mundaú/Manguaba, localizado no estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Foram detectados elevados teores de umidade (siri – 79,82% e caranguejo 78,85%), proteínas (siri – 17,71% e caranguejo – 17,99%) e cinzas (siri – 2,18% e caranguejo – 2,06%), porém reduzidos valores de lipídios (siri – 2.78% e caranguejo – 2,57%). O valor calórico correspondeu a 96,0 kcal no siri e 95,0 kcal no caranguejo. Os teores de colesterol foram muito baixos, sendo 34,65 mg/100g em siri-do-Pilar e 35,37 mg/100g em caranguejo–uçá. Quanto ao teor de ácidos graxos, para o siri-do-Pilar foram verificados os seguintes valores: 37,9% de saturados, 23,2% de monoinsaturados e 29,9% de poliinsaturados; em caranguejo-uçá foram detectados 30.0% de saturados, 31,4% de monoinsaturados e 34,9% de poliinsaturados. Em vista dos resultados obtidos, as duas espécies de crustáceos podem ser consideradas como alimentos benéficos a saúde, cujo consumo deve ser estimulado.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXTREMELY LOW-FREQUENCY MAGNETIC FIELDS ON STIMULATED MACROPHAGES J774.2 IN CELL CULTURE

Studies with cell cultures indicate that extremely low-frequency magnetic fields may exert distinct biological effects on cellular systems. In the present study, selected biological effects of such magnetic fields are investigated in mammalian J774.2 macrophages in culture. J774.2 murine macrophages were exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) (25 Hz), and stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The generation of nitrite (NO2−), prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), chemiluminescence, and proteins were measured. While 1.5 mT and 25 Hz frequency did not affect the viability of the cells, higher flux density (2.4 mT) impaired it significantly. A 24-h exposure of the cells to such frequencies increased their chemiluminescence count rate and TNF-α levels, but not their PGE2, NO2−, or protein concentrations. These results demonstrate that exposure of J774.2 cells to extremely low-frequency magnetic field, at certain flux densities, decreases cell viability and may have biological significance in the antitumoricidal effect of such magnetic fields.
Bird Size and Density: A Regional Approach

Within groups of taxonomically related, ecologically similar organisms, large individuals demand more resources than small ones but also tend to occur at lower densities (Brown and Maurer 1987; Damuth 1987). The inverse relationship between weight (W) and density (d) for several zoological groups (Damuth 1981; Peters 1983; Peters and Wassenberg 1983; Peters and Raelson 1984; Robinson and Redford 1986) is well fitted to the equation d = aWb (logd = loga + blog W), where d and W are normally obtained from bibliographical reviews. This relationship is unsatisfactory for birds apart from raptors (order Falconiformes), although this result lacks a convincing explanation (Peters and Wassenberg 1983; Juanes 1986). It may reflect the biological characteristics of birds (Juanes 1986) or the effect of variables such as predation, competition, and population structure, which are difficult o quantify (Peters and Raelson 1984). Other aspects that have not been sufficiently studied may also play an important role. The first is the uneven quality of density estimates (Juanes 1986; Damuth 1987). Different census methods give distinct approaches to population sizes or densities, and, similarly, a method may vary in efficiency when applied to different bird species (for an extensive review, see Telleria 1986). Consequently, densities obtained from published material may represent different approaches to the species' true densities. A second aspect refers to the uncertain meaning of the densities themselves (Damuth 1987). Robinson and Redford (1986) classed densities as "regional densities" (dreg) when referring to the densities reached by species in a region that includes diverse types of habitats (e.g., study sites for raptors and large mammals) and "ecological densities" (di) when referring to densities achieved in a defined habitat. The latter is the more common approach in studies on communities of small vertebrates. The third problem refers to the excessive conceptual simplification of the relationship between d and W. Because density is surely multiply determined, a more adequate relation would develop several complementary factors. 1. Species trophic behavior (T) is the only trait usually considered in these analyses. Different ypes of foods may be present in different abundances, and their qualities may impose different ecological and physiological limitations. Therefore, species trophic behavior may influence population density (Damuth 1987). 2. Regional population levels (P) of a species affect both di and dreg. A species may, for example, have a lower density than expected because its numbers have been reduced in sectors outside the study region (e.g., wintering grounds of
Supra-aggregates of Casein Micelles as a Prelude to Coagulation

Native casein micelles (i.e., the micelles in fresh milk) can be treated as a collection of polydisperse hard spheres. This follows from small angle neutron scattering, viscosity, diffusivity, and other measurements. Therefore, the equilibrium and transport properties of native casein micelles in an ultrafiltration permeate solvent can be described by theories developed for colloidal hard sphere dispersions because native casein micelles are sterically stabilized by a brush of k-casein (CN) molecules (and perhaps b-CN). The k-CN brush induces a very short-ranged or steep repulsion (it rises from zero to a large value) when two micelles meet each other. Electrostatic interactions are highly screened because of the high ionic strength (0.08 M) of skim milk. The colloidal properties of casein micelles change with the technological treatment applied to skim milk. This paper describes the consequences for the casein micelle properties of heating, renneting, and acidification. It appears that the properties of the micelles can be described generally by adopting the adhesive hard sphere model. In that model, the steep repulsive interaction of two micelles is preceded by a shortranged Van der Waals attraction. By relating the strength of the attraction to the degree of technological treatment (e.g., renneting time or pH changes), the colloidal properties of the micelles can be described simply by using adhesive hard sphere theory. This theory also predicts the phase behavior of such a system. For instance, it predicts correctly the gelation of casein micelles under various conditions. The adhesive hard sphere model allows a general and consistent understanding of the colloidal properties of casein micelles caused by technological treatments. The practical relevance of the models is illustrated with a few examples.
Thyroid metabolism in sheep during pregnancy

1. The peripheral metabolism of thyroxine in sheep in pregnancy was investigated by measuring the rate of disappearance from blood of injected 131I-thyroxine. Only limited changes in thyroid metabolism during pregnancy were observed. The rate of turnover of thyroxine slightly increased, but this was not accompanied by increased levels of plasma protein-bound iodine (PBI), or thyroxinebinding protein. 2. In a 3·5-month foetus, the thyroid was active, and a marked concentration of iodide by the foetus was observed. The significance of this activity could not be assessed in the absence of knowledge on the placental passage of iodide or thyroxine in the sheep. 3. Knowledge of thyroid metabolism is inadequate at present to explain any correlation between animal productivity and either hormone supplementation, or PBI concentration.
What does the stress‐gradient hypothesis predict? Resolving the discrepancies

In recent years the importance of facilitative interactions in ecological communities is increasingly recognized. This phenomenon has been observed repeatedly, particularly in vegetation communities, in a wide range of environmental conditions. The current hypothesis predicts that the role of facilitation becomes increasingly important in conjunction with increasing stress. Several empirical studies, however, failed to detect such patterns, particularly at the extreme ends of the stress gradients. Herein, we present a conceptual model that may resolve discrepancies between expected and observed and provides a more precise framework of the existing hypotheses. By relaxing two common assumptions commonly used by the stress-gradient hypothesis (SGH) we are able to demonstrate that under some circumstances the importance of facilitation may be less at the extreme ends of these gradients. Namely, we first re-emphasize the notion that physiological response is not linear with respect to environmental changes along stress gradients. Second, it is argued that the net outcome of facilitative and competitive interactions is reflected in the fitness of individuals as a product of these two processes, in contrast to the commonly applied assumption of additivity. Accordingly, a synthesis of the concepts of population biology (measures of fitness) and plant physiology (nonlinear responses) with the stress gradient hypothesis while retaining the original simplicity of the SGH model contributes to a better specification of the predictions of the stress-gradient hypothesis and the resolution of observed contradictions.
Antioxidationsaktivität der 3,5‐Dicarbonylderivate des 2,6‐Demethyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridins

Auf der Basis von Modellsystemen (thermische Autoxidation der Ester von ungesattigten Fettsauren) wurde die Antioxidationsaktivitat (AOA) der 3,5-Dicarbonylderivate des 2,6-Dimethyl-n,4-dihydropyridins bewiesen. Bei den Verbindungen, die in Position 4 nicht substituiert sind, ist die AOA nicht linear abhangig von der Konzentration der Verbindung und hat bei der Konzentration 7.5 · 10−4 Mol/1 ihren Maximalwert. Antioxidation Activity of 3,5-Dicarbonyl Derivatives of 2,6-Dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine By means of autoxidations of esters of unsaturated fatty acids, the antioxidation activity (AOA) of 3,5-dicarbonyl derivatives of 1,4-dihydropyridine has been shown. In the case of 4-unsubstituted derivatives, the AOA dependence of concentration is not linear and AOA maximum is related to concentration 735 · 10−4 Mil/1.
Computing Specializations: Perceptions of AI and Cybersecurity Among CS Students

Artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity are in-demand skills, but little is known about what factors influence computer science (CS) undergraduate students' decisions on whether to specialize in AI or cybersecurity and how these factors may differ between populations. In this study, we interviewed undergraduate CS majors about their perceptions of AI and cybersecurity. Qualitative analyses of these interviews show that students have narrow beliefs about what kind of work AI and cybersecurity entail, the kinds of people who work in these fields, and the potential societal impact AI and cybersecurity may have. Specifically, students tended to believe that all work in AI requires math and training models, while cybersecurity consists of low-level programming; that innately smart people work in both fields; that working in AI comes with ethical concerns; and that cybersecurity skills are important in contemporary society. Some of these perceptions reinforce existing stereotypes about computing and may disproportionately affect the participation of students from groups historically underrepresented in computing. Our key contribution is identifying beliefs that students expressed about AI and cybersecurity that may affect their interest in pursuing the two fields and may, therefore, inform efforts to expand students' views of AI and cybersecurity. Expanding student perceptions of AI and cybersecurity may help correct misconceptions and challenge narrow definitions, which in turn can encourage participation in these fields from all students.
The effect of maternal vitamin D source on broiler hatching egg quality, hatchability, and progeny bone mineral density and performance

Abstract Vitamin D is involved in calcium metabolism as well as bone and shell quality, and is therefore important to broiler breeders. In this research we investigated the effects of maternal dietary 25-OH vitamin D3 on broiler breeder egg quality and hatchability, as well as on progeny bone mineral density and performance. In a field study, all hens were fed 3,000 IU of vitamin D3 (D) per kilogram of complete feed; in addition half of the hens also received 34.5 µg of 25-OH vitamin D3 per liter in the drinking water (25OHD). Eggs from each treatment group were incubated and hatched; chicks were fed a common diet and grown to 41 d of age. Eggs from hens in the 25OHD treatment had a nearly 30% reduction in early embryo mortality. However, a larger egg size resulted in greater chick BW for the D chicks, although this did not affect broiler production performance. Broilers from the maternal 25OHD treatment had a lower FCR during the grower phase. Unexpectedly, chick plasma 25-OH vitamin D3 was only greater for the maternal 25OHD treatment at 4 d of age, but not at hatch, 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 d of age. Maternal vitamin D3 source did not affect progeny 41-d bone mineral density. Maternal 25-OH vitamin D3 had a protective effect on the growing embryo, reducing early embryonic mortality, with minimal effects on progeny performance and bone mineral density to processing at 41 d of age. The previously reported effects of 25-OH vitamin D3 on increasing broiler performance and breast yield seem to be dependent on supplementation of the broiler diet; a carry-over effect of maternal supplementation is insufficient to achieve these effects.
The Problem of Antigen Affinity Discrimination in B-Cell Immunology

B and T lymphocytes activate the humoral and cellular arms of the adaptive immune system. The adaptive strategy works because receptors of adaptive immune cells can mount an immune response based on their affinity for antigens. Thus, affinity discrimination is central to adaptive immunity and has important biomedical ramifications. Due to its intricate connection to the affinity maturation process, affinity discrimination has a special significance in B-cell-mediated immune response. The role of affinity-matured high-affinity antibodies is increasingly recognized in vaccine development. In this paper, we discuss the recent progress made in mathematical and computational studies to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of B-cell affinity discrimination. Formation of B-cell receptor (BCR) oligomers and BCR-lipid rafts, upon antigenic stimulation, emerge to be key factors in B-cell affinity discrimination (at the level of single cells). It also provides a new way of thinking about kinetic proofreading and serial triggering, concepts that have been widely utilized to understand affinity discrimination in adaptive immune cells. Potential future applications of mathematical and computational modeling of affinity discrimination are discussed in the context of autoimmune disorders and vaccine design.
Using local ecological knowledge to identify shark river habitats in Fiji (South Pacific)

SUMMARY Local ecological knowledge (LEK) and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) have the potential to improve community-based coastal resource management (CBCRM) by providing information about the presence, behaviour and ecology of species. This paper explores the potential of LEK and TEK to identify shark river habitats in Fiji, learn how locals regard and use sharks, and capture ancestral legends and myths that shed light on relationships between these animals and local people. Interviews with representatives from 22 villages, communities and fishing settlements associated with seven riverine areas on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu confirmed the presence of sharks in estuaries and rivers on Fiji. Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.) and larger sharks were reported being close to the river mouths, whereas an unknown species of small size with a rounded snout was reported up to >30 km upriver. Local people consume shark meat as a source of protein, but sharks also have a rich background in ancestral stories and play an important part in Fijian myths and legends, resulting in the support of conservation measures by local villagers.
Norms of Reaction of Seed Traits to Maternal Environments in Plantago lanceolata

Environmental maternal effects can have important ecological and evolutionary consequences, yet little is known about genetic variation in the plastic response of offspring phenotype to maternal environment in natural plant populations. We therefore performed two experiments to investigate norms of reaction of seed weight, germination fraction, and germination rate to maternal environment in the common weed Plantago lanceolata. In the first experiment, seven wild-collected maternal genotypes from two sites, a mowed lawn and an abandoned hayfield, were clonally replicated and planted in randomized blocks in a reciprocal transplant design in the two natural source populations. In the second experiment, eight maternal genotypes from the same two populations were clonally replicated over four greenhouse environments in a factorial combination of two light and two fertilizer levels. Both experiments revealed a significant impact of parental environment on offspring traits. There were also significant differences among maternal genotypes within and across maternal environments, which suggests that natural selection can discriminate at this level. In addition, for certain traits, norms of reaction differed among maternal genotypes, which suggests that the plastic response of these traits to maternal environment can evolve. Moreover, in the greenhouse experiment the expression of maternal genotype and environmental effects on germination depended on the offspring's light environment, which suggests that the potential for natural selection to discriminate among maternal genotypes may differ among progeny environments.
Factors determining the distributions of total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and chlorophyll a in Florida lakes

Abstract Using data from 1387 lakes collected over 3 decades, we found a wide range in the concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and chlorophyll (Chl-a) in Florida lakes, and that edaphic factors as outlined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Florida Lake Regions were dominant in determining the concentrations of plant nutrients in the state's lakes. The hypothesis that the majority of the eutrophic lakes in Florida without known point source pollution are the result of nonpoint source nutrient pollution was tested in several ways and rejected. There was no correlation between the Landscape Development Intensity index and the concentrations of TP, TN, and Chl-a examined in Florida lakes. Several of Florida's 30 benchmark lakes (lakes with minimal human impact and meeting designated uses) were eutrophic, and there was no significant difference between the mean concentrations of TP and TN in these lakes versus all remaining Florida lakes. Paleolimnological studies also showed that several lakes were eutrophic to hypereutrophic prior to 1900, a time before significant population growth in the State of Florida. To help develop numeric nutrient criteria for Florida lakes that take regional differences into account, we grouped similar lakes into 6 TP zones and 5 TN zones. [Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Lake and Reservoir Management to view the supplemental file. ]