Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Techniques for a Verified Simulation of Fractional-Order Differential Equations

Verified simulation techniques have been investigated intensively by researchers who are dealing with ordinary and partial differential equations. Tasks that have been considered in this context are the solution to initial value problems and boundary value problems, parameter identification, as well as the solution of optimal control problems in cases in which bounded uncertainty in parameters and initial conditions are present. In contrast to system models with integer-order derivatives, fractional-order models have not yet gained the same attention if verified solution techniques are desired. In general, verified simulation techniques rely on interval methods, zonotopes, or Taylor model arithmetic and allow for computing guaranteed outer enclosures of the sets of solutions. As such, not only the influence of uncertain but bounded parameters can be accounted for in a guaranteed way. In addition, also round-off and (temporal) truncation errors that inevitably occur in numerical software implementations can be considered in a rigorous manner. This paper presents novel iterative and series-based solution approaches for the case of initial value problems to fractional-order system models, which will form the basic building block for implementing state estimation schemes in continuous-discrete settings, where the system dynamics is assumed as being continuous but measurements are only available at specific discrete sampling instants.
Predicting the effects of stretch-activated reactive oxygen species signaling on cardiac excitation-contraction coupling

PREDICTING THE EFFECTS OF STRETCH-ACTIVATED REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES SIGNALING ON CARDIAC EXCITATION-CONTRACTION COUPLING Sarita Limbu, Ph.D. George Mason University, 2016 Dissertation Director: Dr. M. Saleet Jafri Calcium (Ca 2+ ) is an important second messenger in cardiac myocytes and regulates the excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, the process which converts electrical signal into the mechanical contraction of the myocytes. Regulation of the Ca 2+ released from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), the Ca 2+ store in cardiac myocytes, via ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2), the Ca 2+ release channel in the SR, is crucial for physiological functioning of the myocyte. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate cardiac Ca 2+ signaling by oxidizing and increasing the open probability of RyR2s. Stretching of a cardiac myocyte has been shown to induce Nox2 mediated ROS production in a process termed X-ROS signaling that abruptly increases the Ca 2+ released from the SR. A computational model of the rat cardiac ventricular myocyte with X-ROS signaling was developed. The model was used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of regulation of EC coupling by X-ROS. The X-ROS dependent effects of oxidative stress on EC coupling during pathology, such as heart failure, were studied. Stretching a cardiomyocyte elevates the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration via X-ROS but on the other hand, the increase in affinity of troponin for Ca 2+ increases the Ca 2+ buffering and decreases the free cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration. The X-ROS mediated effects of length dependent change in Ca 2+ binding affinity of troponin and its subsequent effects on Ca 2+ dynamics were also studied. The model was integrated into the spatial model and the spatial model of a ventricular myocyte model with X-ROS signaling was developed to understand various spatial components which would contribute towards abnormalities such as arrhythmia during pathologies.
Point-of-Interest Recommendation for Users-Businesses With Uncertain Check-ins

Most existing studies on next point-of-interest (POI) recommendation assume that users deliver certain check-ins over individual POIs. In reality, we typically obtain uncertain check-ins due to the presence of collective POIs, which are gathering places of multiple individual POIs (e.g., shopping malls). On one hand, such uncertain check-ins over collective POIs hinder more accurate next POI recommendation for users due to the transition vanishing issue; on the other hand, the presence of collective POIs poses the challenge for businesses to select which collective POIs to locate in due to complicated competition and cooperation relations between businesses. As such, these collective POIs bring an unprecedented opportunity and necessity on recommendation for both users and businesses. Therefore, we propose novel solutions of location service beneficial for users-businesses. For users, we propose the STSP equipped with category- and location-aware encoders, to deliver more accurate next POI prediction by fusing rich context features. Regarding businesses, we explore their competition and cooperation relations from check-in records, based on which we derive the living environment (LE) of a business. Insight on site selection for businesses is provided by exploiting the LE, aiming to bring in more profits. Extensive empirical studies demonstrate the efficiency of our solutions.
The Silurian inception of inland desert ecosystems: trace fossil evidence from the Mereenie Sandstone, Northern Territory, Australia

The Silurian was an interval of profound change in terrestrial ecosystems as the earliest non-marine animal communities began to become established on the continents. Whilst much is known about the transition of pioneering animals from shallow-marine to coastal and alluvial habitats, evidence for animal activity in contemporaneous aeolian strata is rare. Here, we present trace fossil evidence that closes this knowledge gap, indicating that Silurian desert environments, dominated by aeolian processes, were occupied by resident invertebrate communities. The evidence comes from the Mereenie Sandstone, Northern Territory, Australia, which is demonstrated to have been deposited in a wet inland aeolian system, typified by small crescentic sand dunes and extensive interdune flats. The invertebrate trace fossil associations from the Mereenie Sandstone (Arenicolites isp., ‘burrow entrance with radial feeding traces', Didymaulichnus lyelli, Diplichnites gouldi, Helminthopsis isp., Laevicyclus isp., Palaeophycus isp., Polarichnus garnierensis, Skolithos isp.) are restricted to damp interdune deposits, whereas dune strata are barren. The ichnofauna are described and compared to those from other Palaeozoic aeolian systems, in order to re-evaluate the timing of the early stages of arthropod terrestrialization.
New Normal Weather Breaks a Traditional Clothing Retail Calendar

Background: Clothing businesses have complained of sluggish sales because of new normal weather, an increased variation of temperature and precipitation and the higher occurrence of extreme weather events. Traditionally, the business runs tied to calendar dates or retailing events, and the previous year's sales draw up a sales plan. This study questioned whether the sales planning method of the clothing business is valid and reliable for today. Results: Using weather observation data and Google Trends for the past 11 years, consumers' responses to weather changes were analyzed through the decision tree to learn about consumer insights. The month is the most significant predictor of seasonal clothing demand during a season, and consumers' responses to weather vary from month to month. Minimum temperature and maximum temperature were significant predictors in a particular month. Conclusions: Our results have important managerial implications. Rapid weather changes affect consumers’ demand. Clothing retailers can apply the predictive model to quickly respond to unexpected weather changes, prepare products with rapidly increasing demand not to miss sales opportunities, and adjust quantities and prices for products with sharp declines in demand.
Home music engagement among families of culturally closed communities

ABSTRACT No study thus far has investigated music engagement in the home among sectors of society, that because of cultural and/or ethno-religious characteristics, have a drastically different lifestyle and home environment than typically ordinary conventional local residents, who represent the more hegemonic popular Western liberal-minded secular culture. The current study recruited 96 families belonging to one of two subgroups: Modern-Orthodox (n = 49) or Ultra-Orthodox (n = 47) Jews in Israel. They completed the Children's Music Behavior Inventory (CMBI). The findings show no differences between the overall Orthodox sample to a matched sample of the general population. However, when comparing between the two subgroups significant differences surfaced concerning parent-initiated music activities in the home environment. The study demonstrates that even among families who do not fit into the mainstream of society, music is a crucial part of family life embedded in the home, and that music engagement is an essential component within parent–child relationships.
Research on Fatigue Driving Feature Detection Algorithms of drivers based on machine learning

In this paper, aiming at the detection of fatigue driving scene of drivers, a diagnostic model based on machine learning is proposed under the scene of long-time driving. The validity of the model is verified by simulation experiments. The simulation result shows that the model can effectively fit the fatigue condition of drivers under long-time driving, and accurately judge and warn the fatigue state of drivers. At the same time, the model also extends the application of fatigue classification detection.
Role of Independent Commissioner in Moderating Factors That Affect Earnings Response Coefficient

This research aims to examine the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), accounting conservatism, growth opportunities, and default risk on Earnings Response Coefficient (ERC) with independent commissioners as moderating variables. The population of this research is the manufacturing companies in IDX in 2016-2018. Sampling techniques was conducted using purposive sampling methods and obtained 59 companies with 114 units of analysis. The analytical method used is moderation regression analysis with absolute difference value test. The results showed that CSR has a positive effect on ERC, and default risk has a negative effect on ERC, while accounting conservatism and growth opportunities have no significant effect on the ERC. The presence of an independent commissioner is able to strengthen the influence of growth opportunities on the ERC but is unable to moderate the effect of CSR, accounting conservatism, and default risk on the ERC. The conclusion from this research is that ERC will increase if CSR increases and will decrease if there is a high default risk in the company. Independent commissioners have an important role in supporting the relationship between growth opportunities and ERC.
Association of the Zonal Migration of North Pacific Storm Track With the East Asian Monsoon in Boreal Wintertime

The winter North Pacific storm track (WNPST) distinctly manipulates weather and climate in the midlatitudes. Thus, it is necessary to comprehend the factors and related mechanisms governing the location and intensity of WNPST. In the present study, the influence of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) on the zonal movement of the WNPST represented by the lower‐tropospheric meridional eddy heat flux is investigated, and the possible physical processes are analyzed. There is a significantly positive correlation, especially interannual signal, between the strength of the EAWM and the zonal position of the WNPST. The Liang‐Kleeman information flow theory is used to prove the mutual causality between the intensity of EAWM and the zonal migration of WNPST. The EAWM‐related intensity anomaly pattern of the WNPST, with prominently negative anomalies over the northwest Pacific and significantly positive anomalies over the northeast Pacific, is associated with the eastward movement of the WNPST. In addition, the results show that the patterns of anomalous lower‐tropospheric atmospheric baroclinicity and barotropic energy transfer do not match the EAWM‐related anomalous WNPST. The upper‐tropospheric jet anomalies may be related to the weakening in the peak area and the western flank of the climatological WNPST. The impact of the EAWM on the zonal movement of the WNPST can be related to the anomalous baroclinic energy transfer and buoyancy conversion. Furthermore, the moisture effect including anomalous meridional and vertical eddy moisture flux may also play a role by latent heat release.
Thermodynamic and Mechanical Properties of the Rutherfordine Mineral Based on Density Functional Theory

The thermodynamic and mechanical properties of rutherfordine, a uranyl carbonate mineral, were studied by means of first principles calculations based on density functional theory. Thermodynamic properties, including enthalpy, free energy, entropy, heat capacity, and Debye temperature, were evaluated as a function of temperature and compared with experimental data in the 300–700 K range. Our calculations show very good agreement with experimental data, and based on them, the knowledge of these properties is extended to the temperature range from 0 to 1000 K, including the full range of thermal stability (0–700 K). The computed values of the heat capacity, entropy, and free energy at 298 K deviate from the experimental values by about 8, 0.3, and 0.3%, respectively. At 700 K, the corresponding differences remain very small, 3.9, 2.3, and 1.3%, respectively. The equation of state and mechanical properties were also computed. The crystalline structure is seen to be mechanically and dynamically stable. Ruther.
Foliar application of potassium nitrate affects the growth and photosynthesis in coriander (Coriander sativum L.) plants under salinity

This investigation was carried out to study the effect of foliar application of K as potassium nitrate (KNO3) ability to mitigate the negative impacts of salinity on coriander (Coriander sativum L.) plants. In a greenhouse condition we used three levels of NaCl (0, 40 and 80 mM) applied to the growth medium and three levels of K as KNO3 (0, 50 and 100 mM) adjusted two times as a foliar spray on the plants. Salt stress affected adversely the growth rate, relative content of leaf water, the plant contents of protein and chlorophyll, attributes of gas exchange containing net CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and substomatal CO2 concentration, essential oil content and leaf K+, Mg2+, P, Ca2+, N as well as Na+/K+ ratio, while it enhanced the electrolyte leakage, the plant contents of proline and Na+. It can be concluded that the tested parameters were generally positively affected by the foliar application of the KNO3 under saline and control conditions. Supplied with KNO3 treatment significantly showed better tolerance towards salinity. This can be explained by the positive effects of all external KNO3 application on the membrane permeability, photosynthetic activities, relative water content and nutrients balance and concentration under salinity stress conditions.
Fiscal and Monetary Policy for Decent Employment in Nigeria

The level of unemployment in Nigeria has risen persistently, increasing the risk of the non-achievement of the SDG goal 8 – decent work and economic growth. Economists have documented that monetary and fiscal policies are effective tools for influencing economic variables such as the unemployment rate. In this study, we attempt to investigate and compare how these tools affect unemployment level in Nigeria. This study comes at an important time in Nigeria when the economy just exited a recession and is still experiencing low production and rising unemployment. This study investigates the nexus between macroeconomic policies and unemployment using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation technique. The study finds that government capital expenditure helps to reduce unemployment in the long run only. On the other hand, the currency in circulation and the real GDP help to reduce unemployment rate in both the short and the long run. The study recommends a policy mix, which proposes that government expenditure be judiciously employed, and simultaneously, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should regulate the supply of money into the economy to not trigger inflation and unemployment.
Human impacts alter the distribution of fish functional diversity in Neotropical stream system

Evaluation of traits and functional diversity make assessments more robust when determining the nature and strength of the relationship between species and ecosystem processes. We investigated how anthropic interference and physical and limnological characteristics of streams changed fish functional trait distribution and their functional diversity in Neotropical streams located in Southern Brazil, encompassing Paraná, Paranapanema, Ivaí, and Pirapó river basins. We tested the hypotheses (a) that streams with very low human pressure show higher values of functional diversity due to the great variety of habitats and food resources; (b) streams with higher human pressure and more deforested are more related to fish functional traits as body morphologies indicative of weaker swimming ability and scraping feed morphology. We found that current velocity and stream width were correlated with compression and depression indices of the ventral region of the animals. Faster‐flow environments favored higher values of relative height of the caudal peduncle, relative head width, and relative mouth height values. These functional traits relate to habitat use and the size of consumed food. Altogether, these findings indicate possible partitioning of resources that would enable the co‐occurrence of species. Our results showed that human impacts influenced functional diversity and functional trait distribution. Urban land use and high conductivity were correlated with detritivorous species and species with internal reproduction. Poecilia reticulata dominated urban streams. We argue that the conservation of fish diversity in Neotropical streams requires orderly land use and occupation to avoid reducing species and functional diversity, and hence ecosystem function.
Post-Recall Stock Market Signals: The Impact of Ad Spending on Sales Performance

Abstract This research proposes and empirically tests whether adjustments to post-recall advertising spending strategy can be used as an effective tool to create a competitive advantage in resources, thus impacting a firm’s future sales decline after a product recall event. This paper explores where the firm’s advertising resources should be allocated: the focal brand (the recalled brand), a non-focal brand (another brand in the portfolio), or the institutional brand (the family brand) in order to determine the optimal advertising spending strategy. The findings show that firms should allocate advertising spending to promote the institutional brand in order to mitigate the impact of spillover effects of recalls on a firm’s future sales performance.
Inhibition of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in rats with hepatic fibrosis by injection of VEGF 165 via the inferior vena cava

Zhigang Sun Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital a liated to Shandong University Tianyi Dong Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital a liated to Shandong University Zhun Zhang Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery , The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Tiantian Wang Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital a liated to Shandong University Chenyu Zhang Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital a liated to Shandong University Xingsong Tian Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital a liated to Shandong University Hao Xu (  drxuhao@163.com ) Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital a liated to Shandong University
Liquid metal soft electrode triggered discharge plasma in aqueous solution

This paper reports a fundamental phenomenon whereby discharge plasma can be easily triggered in aqueous solution under a low voltage via a liquid metal electrode that is either static or a jetting stream. Plasmas with light emission are generated, which could last for several milliseconds each time, yet with a consistent current. The principal peaks of such optical emission spectrum lie in the blue, violet and ultraviolet sections, which are mainly caused by the plasma of gallium and indium. The influence of condition changes, such as voltage direction and solution constituents, on this phenomenon was also investigated. Further, this method to produce plasma has also been demonstrated to be useful for the fabrication of micro-sized metal particles or other compounds.
A new and a known species of the genus Mesorhabditis (Osche, 1952) Dougherty, 1953 associated with the larva of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) and ground beetle (Scarabaeidae)

Abstract A new and a known species of the genus Mesorhabditis (Osche 1952) Dougherty, 1953 are described and illustrated based on light and scanning electron microscopic observations. The known species M. microbursaris (Steiner 1926) was isolated from the larva of ground beetle (Phyllophaga sp.) and the new species M. denticulatus from the larva of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae), emerging inside the dead log of Dulbergia sisso. The new species M. denticulatus is characterised by lateral fields with six incisors. Lips with raised setose sensilla. Cheilostom angular bracket-shaped. Metastegostomal swellings with two prominent denticles. Pharyngeal collar indistinguishable. Phasmid posterior to anus. Spicules 1.2–1.6 times anal body diameter long with round capitula, short and narrower calomus. Gubernaculum 50% of spicule length. Bursa rudimentary. GP five pairs, one pair precloacal and four pairs post cloacal, arranged in 1/1 + 1 + 2 configuration. GP4 and GP5 closely placed forming a group. The association between the species of the genus Mesorhabditis and insects is discussed.
“Open Your Mind, Sharpen Your Wits”: A Narrative Approach to the Benefits of Study Abroad as Perceived by Erasmus+ Students

ABSTRACT This article provides qualitative information chronicling the study-abroad experiences of eight Erasmus+ students. Data were obtained from the analysis of focus-group discussions, e-journal narratives, plus background and language contact questionnaires. Combined, such data illustrate the participants’ discursive positions on their socialisation patterns and the impact of Erasmus+ on their overall L2 selves, identity and transcultural competence, whilst also pointing to possible language gains. Results show that participants perceive they have widened their social circles, experienced personal growth, accrued new knowledge, and begun to perceive their own imagined communities differently. Finally, the article identifies several factors that seem to have had an impact on such results, and points to Erasmus as a life-changing experience.
Review of Empirical Studies on Relationship between Street Environment and Crime

Creating a safe street environment is the primary goal for urban planners and urban designers. However, the existing research findings on the relationship between street environment and criminal behavior are various and contradictory, which brings confusion to the practice of urban planning and design. This article reviews literature on crime prevention through street environmental design on three spatial levels—street networks, paths, and nodes. This article also explores the causes of diversity and contradiction in the existing conclusions. Finally, limitations of the existing research, directions of optimization, and further studies in this field are put forward.