Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Runoff and sediment production in a mediterranean basin under two different land use

Este estudio analiza la infl uencia de dos diferentes usos del suelo (agricola y forestal) en la hidrologia y el transporte de sedimentos de varios eventos de lluvia en la cuenca experimental de la riera de Vernega, durante el periodo 2005-2009. El area de estudio se localiza en el noreste de la Peninsula Iberica, en el macizo de Les Gavarres. Esta cuenca esta infl uenciada por un clima mediterraneo y ti ene una temperatura media anual de 13°C. La precipitacion media anual es de 646 mm, con una desviacion estandar de 162.7 mm. El estudio de la distribucion estacional de las precipitaciones muestra que la mayoria ocurre durante el otono seguido del invierno y primavera, con un 33,2%, 25,5% y 25.7% respectivamente, la escorrentia superficial se concentra en los meses de octubre a junio. Los resultados muestran que entre 2005-2009 la escorrentia total fue de 242.38 mm en la estacion �Bosc�, con un area de 1.60 km2, y 298.54 mm en la estacion �Campas�, con 2.57 km2 de area, ubicada en la salida de la cuenca. Cabe destacar que mas del 80% de la escorrentia total durante el periodo de estudio se recogio durante el ano hidrologico 2005-2006. Por ultimo, se observa que la estacion de aforo agricola registra una escorrentia mas alta que la de la estacion de aforo del bosque. Parte de este fenomeno puede deberse a la interceptacion de las precipitaciones y a la biomasa vegetal en la zona boscosa de la cuenca. En relacion con la produccion de sedimentos ha habido un aumento en las dos cuencas en el periodo 2005-09, siendo la gestion de los bosques una de las razones mas importantes para este cambio.
Seleção dinâmica de comitês de classificadores baseada em diversidade e acurácia para detecção de mudança de conceitos

Muitas aplicacoes de aprendizado de maquina estao relacionadas com problemas de classificacao em ambientes dinâmicos. Mudanca de conceito figura nesse tipo de ambiente e pode prejudicar muito a acuracia de sistemas de classificacao. Nesse contexto, a utilizacao de comites de classificadores e interessante porque possibilita a implementacao de processos de deteccao e de reacao a mudanca mais acurados e robustos. Sistemas de classificacao que utilizam comites podem possuir tres grandes fases: geracao; selecao; e integracao de classificadores. A etapa de selecao pode ser feita de forma dinâmica, isto e, para cada instância desconhecida, o classificador ou comite de classificadores com maior probabilidade de acerto e escolhido para atribuir uma classe a essa instância. Neste trabalho, e proposto um metodo para deteccao e reacao a mudanca de conceito que utiliza selecao dinâmica de comites de classificadores. O metodo proposto escolhe o comite especialista com base nos valores de diversidade e de acuracia de cada comite candidato. A fim de avaliar o impacto do uso de selecao dinâmica guiada por diversidade e acuracia nas tarefas de deteccao e reacao a mudanca de conceito, foram realizadas quatro series de experimentos com bases sinteticas e reais. Alem disso, como o metodo proposto e dividido em quatro fases: geracao da populacao de comites; selecao dinâmica do comite especialista; deteccao de mudancas; e reacao a mudanca, diferentes versoes desse metodo foram investigadas em funcao da definicao de parâmetros de cada fase. Os resultados dos experimentos mostraram que, de maneira geral, as versoes estudadas sao bem equivalentes em termos de acuracia media final. Adicionalmente, quando comparado a dois baselines: (1) DDM - que utiliza um unico classificador; e (2) Leveraging Bagging - que utiliza um comite de classificadores, o metodo proposto alcancou melhores taxas de acuracia, menores taxas de atraso de deteccao, nao deixou de detectar as mudancas conhecidas nas bases e produziu reduzidas taxas de falsa deteccao, apesar de apresentar maior complexidade computacional. Portanto, o trabalho mostra que o uso de selecao dinâmica guiada por diversidade e acuracia melhora a precisao de deteccao, bem como a acuracia geral de sistemas de classificacao utilizados em problemas que apresentam mudanca de conceitos.
Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Liposomal Amikacin for Inhalation in Cystic Fibrosis Patients with Chronic Pseudomonal Infections Using Data from Two Phase 2 Clinical Studies

ABSTRACT The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationships between serum exposure measures of liposomal amikacin for inhalation (LAI) and the change in pulmonary function test (PFT) measures and number of CFU from baseline were evaluated in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A dose of 70, 140, 280, or 560 mg of LAI or placebo was administered to CF patients once daily for 28 days. PFTs and sputum samples for microbiology were assessed on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 (for log10 CFU), and 56 (for PFTs). Serum, urine, and sputum samples were collected for PK evaluation. The relationships between efficacy endpoints (relative change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1 {expressed in liters}] and FEV1% predicted and the absolute change in log10 CFU of P. aeruginosa from baseline) and exposure measures (dose, day 1 area under the curve [AUC], dose/MIC ratio, and day 1 AUC/MIC ratio) and baseline MIC value were assessed. The serum and urine PK data were best fit by a 3-compartment model (lung, serum, and urine) with linear clearance and interoccasional variation on total and renal clearance. Significant univariable relationships between dose or day 1 AUC and the relative change in PFT measures (P ≤ 0.017) or the absolute change in log10 CFU from baseline (P ≤ 0.037) on the study days were identified. Repeated-measures mixed-effects models, which showed dose- and AUC-related improvements for each efficacy endpoint (P ≤ 0.041), predicted the observed data well. The increases in the relative change in FEV1 and FEV1% predicted of 11% and 9.9%, respectively, and a 1.23-log10 CFU reduction per 560 mg of LAI estimated on day 7 were comparable to the observed increases of 10.7% and 10.3%, respectively, and a 1.24-log10 CFU reduction on the same day. The model-estimated PFT effects were predicted to be sustained to day 28. An additional 0.451-log10 CFU reduction (P = 0.022) was estimated on day 14 relative to day 7, with a persistence of effect predicted to day 35.
Glacier Change in the Rwenzori Mountains, East Africa

Three massifs in Eastern Africa currently have glaciers. Glaciers in two of these, Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro, have received extensive study. The third, the Rwenzori Mountains on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been the focus of less research, but some recent studies have been undertaken. Glaciers on all three massifs have been shrinking in recent decades. A recently published study has examined glacier retreat in the Rwenzori from 1987 to 2003 using Landsat satellite images. Our analysis of the images used in this study, however, reveals that the 1995 and 2003 images contain significant snow outside of the glaciers and therefore are unreliable indicators of glacier extent. Using a combination of Landsat, ASTER and SPOT images of the Rwenzori glaciers, ice areas have been reevaluated for the period 1987 to 2006. The Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) and visual mapping were used to determine the glacier areas. Our analysis indicates that the glaciers in the Rwenzori have decreased in area from 2.55 km in 1987 to 1.31 km in 2006. These areas, like previous estimates, are not without their own uncertainties.
Flooding in Boscastle and North Cornwall, August 2004

On 16 August 2004 an extreme rainfall event took place near the north Cornwall coast when up to 200 mm of rain fell in a period of approximately 5 hours. This rainfall led to severe flooding in the Valency and Crackington Stream catchments and serious flooding on the Rivers Ottery and Neet. This report describes the rainfall, and the flooding caused by the event. It was produced for the Environment Agency by HR Wallingford Ltd (HRW) with analyses of the meteorological, hydrological and hydraulic aspects of the event being undertaken by the UK Met Office (UKMO), the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford (CEH) and HR Wallingford, respectively. Field work and data collection for the Valency and Crackington Stream catchments were carried out by Halcrow and Royal Haskoning, respectively.
Plot size related to numbers of treatments, repetitions, and the experimental precision in flax

The aim of this study was determining the optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh matter of aerial part in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), in scenarios formed by combinations of numbers of treatments, number of repetitions, and precision levels. The fresh matter of aerial part was weighed on 144 basic experimental units of 1.00 m × 1.00 m in uniformity trial with size of 12 m × 12 m (144 m2). It was estimated the soil heterogeneity index of Smith (1938). Also, the optimum plot size was determined by the Hatheway’s method (1961) in scenarios formed by combinations of i treatments (i = 5, 10, 15, and 20), r repetitions (r = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 9, and 10), and d precision levels (d = 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 32%, 34%, 36%, 38%, and 40%). In experiments planned on randomized block design, with 5 to 20 treatments and four repetitions, plots with 7 m2 are sufficient to identify significant differences between treatments regarding fresh matter of aerial part in flax, at 5% probability, of 34% of the experiment overall mean.
Adarsh Nagar , Hyderabad-500 063 , India

Latest observations by Riess and coworkers in 2017 have reconfirmed their earlier observation that the universe is accelerating some eight percent faster than the currently accepted cosmological model described. In this paper we argue that this discrepancy can be eliminated by considering a universe consisting only of matter and dark energy. Interestingly, recently Mark Swissbank, R. Genzel et al. have concluded that nearly ten billion years ago dark matter concentration was negligible. keywords: cosmology: dark energy cosmology: dark matter
Role of Mobile DNA in the Evolution of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis

The complete genome sequence of Enterococcus faecalisV583, a vancomycin-resistant clinical isolate, revealed that more than a quarter of the genome consists of probable mobile or foreign DNA. One of the predicted mobile elements is a previously unknownvanB vancomycin-resistance conjugative transposon. Three plasmids were identified, including two pheromone-sensing conjugative plasmids, one encoding a previously undescribed pheromone inhibitor. The apparent propensity for the incorporation of mobile elements probably contributed to the rapid acquisition and dissemination of drug resistance in the enterococci.
Interpreting Social Identity in Online Brand Communities: Considering Posters and Lurkers

This study investigates the psychological effects of social identity on both posters and lurkers in online brand communities (OBCs). The results reveal the intermediate mechanisms mediating and moderating members’ social identity effects on members’ brand commitment, leading to positive word-of-mouth and their resistance to negative information about the brand. This article treats social identity as a multidimensional construct. Differences between posters and lurkers on the relationships among the cognitive, affective, and evaluative components of social identity are investigated along with their positive effect on brand commitment and behavioral consequences. Using a sample of 752 OBC members, both posters and lurkers emerge as valuable members and equally likely to derive social identity from their membership of an OBC. However, there are counterintuitive results for relationships within the research model between active and passive members of OBCs. These results offer implications for theory and can help managers to be better interactive marketers.
Estimating Semiparametric Arch (∞) Models by Kernel Smoothing Methods

We investigate a class of semiparametric ARCH(∞) models that includes as a special case the partially nonparametric (PNP) model introduced by Engle and Ng (1993) and which allows for both flexible dynamics and flexible function form with regard to the 'news impact' function. We propose an estimation method that is based on kernel smoothing and profiled likelihood. We establish the distribution theory of the parametric components and the pointwise distribution of the nonparametric component of the model. We also discuss efficiency of both the parametric and nonparametric part. We investigate the performance of our procedures on simulated data and on a sample of S&P500 daily returns. We find some evidence of asymmetric news impact functions in the data.
S R ] 1 7 N ov 2 01 0 Evaluating Systematic Dependencies of Type Ia

Type Ia supernovae are bright stellar explosions thought to occur when a thermonuclear runaway consumes roughly a solar mass of degenerate stellar material. These events produce and disseminate iron-peak elements, and properties of their light curves allow for standardization and subsequent use as cosmological distance indicators. The explosion mechanism of these events remains, however, only partially understood. Many models posit the explosion beginning with a deflagration born near the center of a white dwarf that has gained mass from a stellar companion. In order to match observations, models of this singledegenerate scenario typically invoke a subsequent transition of the (subsonic) deflagration to a (supersonic) detonation that rapidly consumes the star. We present an investigation into the systematics of thermonuclear supernovae assuming this paradigm. We utilize a statistical framework for a controlled study of two-dimensional simulations of these events from randomized initial conditions. We investigate the effect of the composition and thermal history of the progenitor on the radioactive yield, and thus brightness, of an event. Our results offer an explanation for some observed trends of mean brightness with properties of the host galaxy.
Development and evaluation of a community immersion program during preclinical medical studies: a 15-year experience at the University of Geneva Medical School

Background: Significant changes in medical education have occurred in recent decades because of new challenges in the health sector and new learning theories and practices. This might have contributed to the decision of medical schools throughout the world to adopt community-based learning activities. The community-based learning approach has been promoted and supported by the World Health Organization and has emerged as an efficient learning strategy. The aim of the present paper is to describe the characteristics of a community immersion clerkship for third-year undergraduate medical students, its evolution over 15 years, and an evaluation of its outcomes. Methods: A review of the literature and consensus meetings with a multidisciplinary group of health professionals were used to define learning objectives and an educational approach when developing the program. Evaluation of the program addressed students’ perception, achievement of learning objectives, interactions between students and the community, and educational innovations over the years. Results: The program and the main learning objectives were defined by consensus meetings among teaching staff and community health workers, which strengthened the community immersion clerkship. Satisfaction, as monitored by a self-administered questionnaire in successive cohorts of students, showed a mean of 4.4 on a five-point scale. Students also mentioned community immersion clerkship as a unique community experience. The learning objectives were reached by a vast majority of students. Behavior evaluation was not assessed per se, but specific testimonies show that students have been marked by their community experience. The evaluation also assessed outcomes such as educational innovations (eg, students teaching other students), new developments in the curriculum (eg, partnership with the University of Applied Health Sciences), and interaction between students and the community (eg, student development of a website for a community health institution). Conclusion: The community immersion clerkship trains future doctors to respond to the health problems of individuals in their complexity, and strengthens their ability to work with the community.
Platelet activation and clotting cascade activation by dialyzers designed for high volume on- line haemodiafiltration

Introduction Haemodialysis (HD) patients are pro-thrombotic. Higher volume on-line post-dilutional haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF), with increasing haematocrit increases the risk of clotting in the extracorporeal circuit (ECC). We wished to determine whether OL-HDF increased platelet activation and ECC clotting. Methods Coagulation parameters, platelet, white cell and endothelial activation markers were measured at the start and end of dialysis sessions in 10 patients and also preand postdialyzer after 15 minutes using two different dialyzers designed for high volume OL-HDF; cellulose triacetate (TAGP) and polysulphone (PS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Patients were anticoagulated with a heparin bolus. Findings At the start of OL-HDF, D dimers, thrombin anti-thrombin complexes (TATs), and soluble adhesions molecules (sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1) were increased. Post treatment soluble P selectin (PS/PVP 26.7±7.1 vs 36.6±9.9; TAGP 28.7±7.2 vs 43.5±8.4 ng/mL, p<0.001), and soluble CD40 ligand (PS/PVP 297±228 vs 552±272, TAGP 245±187 vs 390±205 ng/mL, p<0.05) increased. Post-dialyzer concentrations increased vs pre-dialyzer for tissue factor (PS/PVP 117±12 vs 136±16, TAGP 100±25 vs 128±40 ng/mL, p<0.05), factor VIIIc (PS/PVP 174±54 vs 237±83, TAGP 163±60 vs 247±102 IU/mL, p<0.01), sVCAM-1 (PS/PVP 782±64 vs 918±140, TAGP 722±121 vs 889±168 ng/mL, p<0.01), and D-Dimers (PS/PVP 292±132 vs 355±167, TAGP 300±129 vs 391±171 ng/mL, p<0.001). There was no macroscopic thrombus noted in the ECC, and no increase in microparticles, platelet factor-4, or TATs. Discussion
Solving Degenerate Stochastic Kawarada Partial Differential Equations via Adaptive Splitting Methods

Solving Degenerate Stochastic Kawarada Partial Differential Equations via Adaptive Splitting Methods Joshua Lee Padgett, Ph.D. Advisor: Qin Sheng, Ph.D. In this dissertation, we explore and analyze highly effective and efficient computational procedures for solving a class of nonlinear and stochastic partial differential equations. We are particularly interested in degenerate Kawarada equations arising from numerous multiphysics applications including solid fuel combustion and oil pipeline decay. These differential equations are characterized by their strong degeneracies on the boundary, quenching blow-up singularities in the spatial domain, and vibrant stochastic influences in the evolution processes. In addition, physically relevant numerical solutions to Kawarada-type equations must preserve their positivity and monotonicity in time throughout computations, for all valid initial datum. In light of these concerns and challenges, the numerical methods and analysis developed in this dissertation incorporate nonuniform finite difference approximations of the underlying singular differential equation on arbitrary spatial grids. These approximations are then advanced in time via proper adaptive mechanisms and splitting procedures, when multiple dimensions are involved. Degenerate stochastic Kawarada equations in one-, two-, and three-dimensions are explored. The numerical procedures developed in each case are rigorously shown to not only be unconditionally stable, but also preserve the anticipated solution positivity and monotonicity throughout computations. While the numerical stability
Ecological research at the Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest in northeastern California

At Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest in northeastern California, an interdisciplinary team of scientists developed and implemented a research project to study how forest structural complexity affects the health and vigor of interior ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) ecosystems, the ecosystem's resilience to natural and human-caused disturbances, and how such ecosystems can be managed for sustained resource values. A randomized, split-plot, factorial design has been developed to test the influences of structural diversity, cattle grazing, and prescribed fire on twelve 250-acre study units. A permanently monumented data reference system on a 100-meter (328-ft) grid will facilitate spatial and temporal analysis as well as integration of information at various scales. Intensive preliminary sampling has established baseline data on small mammal and avian diversity and behavior, forest vegetation structures and floristic diversity, historical fire patterns, bark beetle dynamics, soil properties and processes, and genetic structure of pines and understory species
Alternative Investment Research Centre Working Paper Series Hedge Fund Performance 1990-2000 Do the 'money Machines' Really Add Value? Hedge Fund Performance 1990-2000 Do the 'money Machines' Really Add Value? Hedge Fund Performance 1990-2000 Do the 'money Machines' Really Add Value?

We would like to thank Stephen Brown (the editor) for many helpful comments and suggestions that have greatly improved the paper. In addition, we would like to thank for helpful comments and LaPorte for providing the hedge fund and hedge fund index data. Of course, we are fully responsible for any errors or omissions. ABSTRACT We investigate the claim that hedge funds offer investors a superior risk-return trade-off. We do so using a continuous time version of Dybvig's (1988a, 1988b) payoff distribution pricing model. The evaluation model, which does not require any assumptions with regard to the return distribution of the funds to be evaluated, is applied to the monthly returns of 77 hedge funds and 13 hedge fund indices over the period May 1990 – April 2000. The results show that as a stand-alone investment hedge funds do not offer a superior risk-return profile. We find 12 indices and 72 individual funds to be inefficient, with the average efficiency loss amounting to 2.76% per annum for indices and 6.42% for individual funds. Part of the inefficiency cost of individual funds can be diversified away. Funds of funds, however, are not the preferred vehicle for this as their performance appears to suffer badly from their double fee structure. Looking at hedge funds in a portfolio context results in a marked improvement in the evaluation outcomes. Seven of the 12 hedge fund indices and 58 of the 72 individual funds classified as inefficient on a stand-alone basis are capable of producing an efficient payoff profile when mixed with the S&P 500. The best results are obtained when 10-20% of the portfolio value is invested in hedge funds. 3
Research on the Willingness to Use Mobile Payment Platform Based on Trust Theory

Mobile payment platforms have developed rapidly due to their convenience and flexibility, low transaction and time costs. Based on trust theory, this paper constructs the structural equation model and the assumption of the willingness to use mobile payment platform based on the detailed analysis of personal factors, perceived benefits and perceived risks. The constructed models and assumptions were validated by combining AMOS17.0 with SPSS13.0. The research results further show that personal attitudes, knowledge factors, perceived ease of use, cognitive trust, perceived usefulness are positively related to the trust of the payment platform, economic risks and privacy risks are negatively correlated with trust, and the dimensions of perceived emotional trust, perceived credit and cognitive trust have no significant effect on outcome. Keywords—Mobile payment platform; Trust; Influential factors; Usage intention