Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title: A comparison of the external morphology and functions of labial tip sensilla in semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha)

The present study provides new data on the morphology and distribution of the labial tip sensilla of 41 species of 20 gerromorphan (sub)families (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) obtained using a scanning electron microscope. There are eleven morphologically distinct types of sensilla on the tip of the labium: four types of basiconic uniporous sensilla, two types of plate sensilla, one type of peg uniporous sensilla, peg-in-pit sensilla, dome-shaped sensilla, placoid multiporous sensilla and elongated placoid multiporous subapical sensilla. Based on their external structure, it is likely that these sensilla are thermo-hygrosensitive, chemosensitive and mechanochemosensitive. There are three different designs of sensilla in the Gerromorpha: the basic design occurs in Mesoveliidae and Hebridae; the intermediate one is typical of Hydrometridae and Hermatobatidae, and the most specialized design in Macroveliidae, Veliidae and Gerridae. No new synapomorphies for Gerromorpha were identified in terms of the labial tip sensilla, multi-peg structures and shape of the labial tip, but eleven new diagnostic characters are recorded for clades currently recognized in this infraorder. One synapomorphy is recorded for Hydrometridae + Hermatobatidae + Macroveliidae + Veliidae + Gerridae; five for Macroveliidae + Veliidae + Gerridae; one for Veliidae + Gerridae; and one for Gerridae alone. Within Gerridae, one possible autapomorphy is recorded for Trepobatinae, and two possible autapomorphies for Rhagadotarsinae. We also record a possible autapomorphy for Cylindrostethinae, which indicates that this taxon is monophyletic, as is indicated by other morphological characters. Finally, we record one putative diagnostic character for Macroveliidae + Veliidae, two families that are otherwise not considered sister groups. This new set of characters based on features of the mouthparts of gerromorphan bugs might provide new insights into the cladogenesis of the infraorder.
Two parallel pathways convey distinct visual information to the Drosophila mushroom body

The ability to integrate input from different sensory systems is a fundamental property of many brains. Yet, the patterns of neuronal connectivity that underlie such multisensory integration remain poorly characterized. The Drosophila mushroom body — an associative center required 15 for the formation of olfactory and visual memories — is an ideal system to investigate how neurons of different sensory channels converge in higher-order brain centers. The neurons connecting the mushroom body to the olfactory system have been described in great detail in Drosophila melanogaster, but input from other sensory systems remains poorly defined. Here, we used a range of anatomical and genetic techniques to identify two novel types of mushroom body input 20 neuron that connect a processing center — the lobula— to the dorsal accessory calyx of the mushroom body. Together with previous work showing that the ventral accessory calyx of the mushroom body receives input from another visual processing center, the medulla (Vogt et al., 2016) our results define a second, parallel pathway that conveys visual information to the mushroom body. This connectivity pattern could be a fundamental feature of the neuronal 25 architecture underlying multisensory integration in associative brain centers.
Spatial Structure as an Element of Motivation in Location-Based Games

: Location-based games have emerged with the ubiquitous deployment of GPS-enabled devices. These games allow players to blend over the digital sphere with real-world whereabouts, implying that design choices made may affect the way players approach non-digital geographical spaces. This paper addresses scoring systems used to reward players for solving in-game tasks. We investigate how spatially structured scoring systems influence playing behaviours. The game we focus on is StreetComplete, an app that allows to collect and complement the OpenStreetMap database. We investigate indicators like walking speed, distance walked, and the game duration. Our results identify interesting effects spatial structure has on the game duration as well as the extent to which players are willing to explore an area geographically, hinting on interesting motivational elements of location-based games.
Reinforcement learning for optimization of variational quantum circuit architectures

The study of Variational Quantum Eigensolvers (VQEs) has been in the spotlight in recent times as they may lead to real-world applications of near-term quantum devices. However, their performance depends on the structure of the used variational ansatz, which requires balancing the depth and expressivity of the corresponding circuit. In recent years, various methods for VQE structure optimization have been introduced but the capacities of machine learning to aid with this problem has not yet been fully investigated. In this work, we propose a reinforcement learning algorithm that autonomously explores the space of possible ans{\"a}tze, identifying economic circuits which still yield accurate ground energy estimates. The algorithm is intrinsically motivated, and it incrementally improves the accuracy of the result while minimizing the circuit depth. We showcase the performance of our algorithm on the problem of estimating the ground-state energy of lithium hydride (LiH). In this well-known benchmark problem, we achieve chemical accuracy, as well as state-of-the-art results in terms of circuit depth.
Changes in Fruit Quality Attributes, Cell Wall Materials, and Related Hydrolases Activities in 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)-treated ‘Honggeum’ Apples during Cold Storage

We investigated the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, SmartFresh TM ) concentrations on fruit quality attributes associated with softening and cell wall metabolism in ‘Honggeum’ apples. Fruits were treated with 0, 0.5, or 1 μL·L -1 1-MCP and stored at 0 ± 1°C for up to 6 months. In comparison with the untreated fruits, both 1-MCP concentrations similarly reduced the internal ethylene concentration and delayed the reduction in firmness and titratable acidity; however, weight loss and soluble solids content were less affected by 0.5 μL·L -1 1-MCP compared with 1 μL·L -1 1-MCP. Peel color variables (L* and b*) were not changed by either 1-MCP treatment on both the sunlit and shaded sides. Only the a* value on the shaded side was slightly decreased among untreated fruits at 3 and 4 months in comparison with 0.5 μL·L -1 1-MCP-treated fruits. The uronic acid and total sugar contents of the cell wall and cell wall hydrolase of the enzyme activities (αgalactosidase, β-galactosidase, β-glucosidase, β-arabinosidase, β-xylosidase, and α-mannosidase) were much greater in fruits treated with 1 μL·L -1 1-MCP than in fruits treated with 0.5 μL·L -1 1-MCP and in untreated fruits. Overall, the results suggested that 1 μL·L -1 1-MCP may be an effective concentration to retain fruit quality attributes and delay fruit softening in ‘Honggeum’ apples during cold storage by reducing enzymatic activities related to cell wall hydrolysis. Additional key words: cell wall hydrolase, cell wall total sugar, cell wall uronic acid, ethylene, storability
Market Resilience

We propose a method to capture the notion of resilience, the dynamic aspect of liquidity in the limit order book, through the Threshold Exceedance Duration (TED) metric that we introduce. This measures the duration of liquidity 'droughts. ' We illustrate the explanatory power of a survival regression framework for the duration of ‘droughts' in terms of observable state variables reflecting the shape and evolution of the limit order book using Chi-X data. Finally, we introduce a method to summarise exceedance duration information across different thresholds, called Liquidity Resilience Profile, which enables the comparison and the ranking of liquidity resilience.
Characterization of genes involved in the autoregulation of nodulation in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Establishment of an excess number of nodules markedly affects plant growth and development due to overconsumption of photosynthates for nitrogen fixation. Hence, the total root nodule number must be tightly controlled via a negative feedback mechanism (AON) to maintain an optimal nitrogen and carbon balance in chickpea plants. Chickpea genes whichplay important regulatory roles in root nodulation in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) were identified by aligning these genes with known genes of legumes available at phytozome through BLAST search. Chickpea nodulation genes identified and characterized in this study include CaNFR1/5, CaENOD40, CaNARK, CaRIC1, CaRIC2, CaNIC1, CaRDN1, CaRDN2, CaRDN3, CamiRNA172 and CaNNC1. These genes were orthologous to Medicago truncatula nodulation genes and were significantly expressed by inoculating chickpea plants with Mesorhizobium ciceri analysed by qRT-PCR using RNA isolated from the root and leaf tissues of inoculated chickpea plants at 0, 2, and 6 days after inoculation. Non-inoculated plants served as control. CaNARK genes were expressed in roots and leaves while the rest of the nodulation genes were expressed only in the roots. The nodulation ability of chickpea may be controlled by an internal AON mechanism which involves several genes that are orthologues with other legumes.
Toward Site‐Specific Design Standards for Animal‐Waste Lagoons: Protecting Ground Water Quality

Seepage losses from animal-waste lagoons can affect ground water quality, if facilities are not properly sited, designed, and constructed. Most states in the Great Plains stipulate that earthen lagoons cannot seep more than some specified rate (mm d -1 ). These criteria often apply to the entire state and all livestock species, although ground water vulnerability and waste characteristics are highly variable from site to site. Because of this variability, statewide blanket regulations may overregulate some producers and underregulate others. Furthermore, wide disparity exists in seepage allowances among neighboring states, and regulations often are influenced by public opinion rather than scientific findings. This paper argues that lagoon design should be site specific and presents a logical framework to determine the maximum allowable seepage rate for a given location and type of operation (e.g., dairy, swine, cattle feedlot). Site-specific factors, such as soil properties, depth to water table, and chemistry of the waste, are used to arrive at lagoon performance standards that minimize long-term risk. The decision process within the framework is presented as a conceptual model for lagoon permitting and may need to be customized to meet the requirements of each state. Nevertheless, use of site-specific design criteria will ensure that manure storages are adequate (e.g., plastic-lined lagoons) in regions with vulnerable ground water, while providing reduced lagoon construction costs (lower cost of soil-lined lagoons) for producers who site their operations in areas of low risk. To complement the site-specific approach, the whole-lagoon seepage rate should be measured after construction to verify that the prescribed performance criteria have been met.
Nonparametric estimation of the service time distribution in the M/G/∞ queue

Abstract The subject of this paper is the problem of estimating the service time distribution of the M/G/∞ queue from incomplete data on the queue. The goal is to estimate G from observations of the queue-length process at the points of the regular grid on a fixed time interval. We propose an estimator and analyze its accuracy over a family of target service time distributions. An upper bound on the maximal risk is derived. The problem of estimating the arrival rate is considered as well.
Development of an algorithm for optimizing nitrogen fertilization in wheat using GreenSeeker proximal optical sensor

Abstract Proximal plant sensing with active canopy sensors offers a leap in the non-destructive assessment of crop agronomic information. For managing fertilizer nitrogen (N), sensor readings must be translated using functional models or algorithms to fertilizer amounts. Six field experiments were conducted in three wheat seasons in the West Nile Delta in Egypt to develop and validate an algorithm based on GreenSeeker canopy reflectance sensor for field-specific fertilizer N management in wheat, which takes into account both spatial and temporal variability of N during the crop growth season. The proposed algorithm is based on the prediction of total N uptake and response index of N uptake determined from normalized difference vegetation index measured by the sensor from plots differing in yield potential as established by applying a range of fertilizer N levels in the four experiments conducted in the first two wheat seasons. The treatments in the two experiments conducted in the third wheat season were designed to define appropriate fertilizer N management prior to applying a sensor-based dose at Feekes 6 stage (jointing stage). The application of 40 and 60 kg N ha−1 at 10 and 30 days after sowing of wheat and a sensor-guided dose of N estimated by using the algorithm developed in this study resulted in yields similar to those obtained by following the general recommendation, but with an average of 66 kg N ha−1 less fertilizer N. These results were also reflected in a substantial increase in N recovery (21.9%) and agronomic (7.7 kg grain kg−1 N) efficiencies compared with the general recommendation, thereby proving the usefulness of the sensor-based algorithm in optimizing fertilizer N management in wheat.
Aromatic Plants of Tropical Central Africa. XVI. Studies on Essential Oils of Five Eucalyptus Species Grown in Burundi

ABSTRACT The essential oils isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. , E. grandis W. Hill ex Maiden. , E. citriodora Hook. , E. globulus Labill. and E. maidenii F. Muell. by hydrodistillation were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Based on their yield and composition, the oils of E. camaldulensis and E. grandis are considered as unacceptable for commercial essential oil production, while E. citriodora could be an interesting source of citronellol. The oils of E. maidenii and E. globulus are potential sources of 1,8-cineole but they need redistillation to boost their 1,8-cineole contents.
Low doses of eriocitrin attenuate metabolic impairment of glucose and lipids in ongoing obesogenic diet in mice

Abstract Eriocitrin is a citrus flavonoid with a high capacity to reduce the oxidative stress related to metabolic disorders and obesity. We assessed the effects of low doses of eriocitrin on the oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolism of glucose and lipids of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice. Fifty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups (n 10). The mice were fed an HFD (45 % kcal from fat, i.e. lard) for 4 weeks for obesity induction. After this period, the mice continued receiving the same HFD, but supplemented with eriocitrin at 10, 25 or 100 mg/kg body weight (bw) for an additional 4 weeks. Control groups were fed with standard diet (10 % kcal of fat, i.e. soy oil) or with HFD without eriocitrin, for eight consecutive weeks. At the end of the study, mice supplemented with eriocitrin showed lower levels of blood serum glucose and blood and liver triacylglycerols (P < 0⋅05). There was also improved levels of insulin, HOMA-IR, total-cholesterol, resistin and lipid peroxidation in the supplemented mice. It was concluded that the 25 mg dose of eriocitrin improved all the parameters studied and had positive effects on oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and metabolism of lipids and glucose in general.
A Novel One‐Step Approach to Synthesize Fluorescent Carbon Nanoparticles

Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared directly by a simple hydrothermal method by using L-ascorbic acid as a carbon source. The synthesized CNPs with higher photoluminescence efficiencies (6.79 %) are monodisperse, and their diameter is about 2.0 nm. In contrast to previous methods, for this one-step process, neither strong acid treatment nor further surface modification is necessary. Aqueous solutions of the CNPs are stable at room temperature for at least half a year. In particular, the fluorescence of the CNPs does not change over a wide pH range and even in solvents with strong ionic strengths (e.g. 2 M NaCl).
Stationary partitions and Palm probabilities

A stationary partition based on a stationary point process N in ℝ d is an ℝ d -valued random field π={π(x): x∈ℝ d } such that both π(y)∈N for each y∈ℝ d and the random partition {{y∈ℝ d : π(y)=x}: x∈N} is stationary jointly with N. Stationary partitions may be considered as general versions of the stationary random tessellations studied in stochastic geometry. As in the special case of the Voronoi tessellation, a stationary partition can be used to relate the underlying stationary probability measure to the associated Palm probability measure of N. In doing so, we will develop some basic theory for stationary partitions and extend properties of stationary tessellations to our more general case. One basic idea is that the stationary measure is (up to a shift) a weighted version of the Palm measure, where the weight is the volume of the typical cell. We will make systematic use of a known modified probability measure. Finally, we use our approach to extend some recent results on the shift coupling of the stationary distribution and the Palm distribution.
Interim CEO and Corporate Long-term Investment: Evidence from an Emerging Market

Building on the short-term nature of interim CEO contracts, this paper examines the effect of interim CEO appointment on corporate long-term investment measured by a firm’s R&D spending. We find robust evidence that the corporate R&D investment level is significantly lower during the interim CEO appointment period. The negative association between R&D investments and the interim CEO appointment is most pronounced when interim CEOs exhibit a myopic tendency. The primary findings disappear in the subsample of state-owned companies, highlighting the bright side of state ownership in ameliorating managerial myopia. Finally, we document that appointing an interim CEO is costly for shareholders in the short run as well as the long run.
Fission Gas Release during Post Irradiation Annealing of BWR Fuels

Uranium dioxide fuels irradiated in a commercial BWR during 1 to 4 cycles (burn-up: 6–28 GWd/t) have been annealed in an out-of-pile condition and the release rate of 85Kr was measured continuously. The annealing temperature ranged 1,500–1,800°C. The effects of temperature and burn-up have been studied on burst release during temperature ramp and on diffusional release during isothermal annealing. The burst release evolved on temperature ramp was mainly due to the rapid release of fission gas from grain boundaries, which had previously accumulated there during base irradiation. With increasing burn-up, the critical temperature for the onset of the burst release became lower and the fractional burst release increased. The number of fission gas atoms per unit area of grain boundary, which was calculated from the quantities of the burst released 85Kr, was about 2–4 times larger than saturation values estimated from theoretical considerations based on the assumption of mechanically equilibrated bubbles for 3 .
DRYING RELATED PROPERTIES OF APPLE

ABSTRACT Drying related properties of apple are evaluated for various different drying methods (namely, convective, vacuum, microwave, osmotic and freeze drying), and their corresponding process conditions. The examined properties are drying kinetics, equilibrium material moisture content, density, porosity, color and viscoelastic characteristics. The effect of various process factors on these properties is described through particular mathematical models. The model parameters are estimated by fitting the corresponding model equations on a wide range of experimental data. Drying kinetics is greatly affected by the characteristic particle size and drying air temperature for convective drying, while for the case of microwave drying they are affected by the vacuum pressure and the emitted radiation power. Equilibrium material moisture content is affected by the temperature and the humidity of the surrounding air, while the osmotic pretreatment shifts the sorption isotherms to higher water activity levels. The quality properties examined, are significantly affected by the drying method. More specifically, osmotic dehydration decreases the porosity of the final product, while it prevents color deterioration and enchances the viscous nature of dehydrated apple. Freeze-dried apples develop the highest porosity, have the most elastic structure and the lowest rate of color deterioration.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nitrogen-Doped TiO2 Nanophotocatalyst with High Visible Light Activity

Nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanocatalysts with a homogeneous anatase structure were successfully synthesized through a microemulsion−hydrothermal method by using some organic compounds such as triethylamine, urea, thiourea, and hydrazine hydrate. Analysis by Raman and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy indicated that nitrogen was doped effectively and most nitrogen dopants might be present in the chemical environment of Ti−O−N and O−Ti−N. A shift of the absorption edge to a lower energy and a stronger absorption in the visible light region were observed. The results of photodegradation or the organic pollutant rhodamine B in the visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) suggested that the TiO2 photocatalysts after nitrogen doping were greatly improved compared with the undoped TiO2 photocatalysts and Degussa P-25; especially the nitrogen-doped TiO2 using triathylamine as the nitrogen source showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which also showed a higher efficiency for photodecomposition of 2,4-dichlorophenol. T.
How language environment, age, and cognitive capacity support the bilingual development of Syrian refugee children recently arrived in Canada

Abstract Research on the bilingual development of refugee children is limited, despite this group having distinct characteristics and migration experiences that could impact language development. This study examined the role of language environment factors, alongside age and cognitive factors, in shaping the Arabic as a first/heritage language and English as a second language of recently arrived Syrian refugee children in Canada (N = 133; mean age = 9 years old; mean family residency = 23 months). We found that Arabic was the primary home language with some English use among siblings. Children did not engage frequently in language-rich activities in either language, especially not literacy activities in Arabic. Parent education levels were low: most had primary school only. Hierarchical regression models revealed that stronger nonverbal reasoning skills, more exposure to English at school, more sibling interaction in English, more frequent engagement in language-rich activities in English, and higher maternal and paternal education were associated with larger English vocabularies and greater accuracy with verb morphology. Arabic vocabulary and morphological abilities were predicted by older age (i.e., more first/heritage language exposure), stronger nonverbal reasoning skills and maternal education. We conclude that proximal environment factors, like language use at home and richness, accounted for more variance in the second language than the first/heritage language, but parent factors accounted for variance in both languages.