Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct delta mush skinning compression with continuous examples

Direct Delta Mush (DDM) is a high-quality, direct skinning method with a low setup cost. However, its storage and run-time computing cost are relatively high for two reasons: its skinning weights are 4 X 4 matrices instead of scalars like other direct skinning methods, and its computation requires one 3 X 3 Singular Value Decomposition per vertex. In this paper, we introduce a compression method that takes a DDM model and splits it into two layers: the first layer is a smaller DDM model that computes a set of virtual bone transformations and the second layer is a Linear Blend Skinning model that computes per-vertex transformations from the output of the first layer. The two-layer model can approximate the deformation of the original DDM model with significantly lower costs. Our main contribution is a novel problem formulation for the DDM compression based on a continuous example-based technique, in which we minimize the compression error on an uncountable set of example poses. This formulation provides an elegant metric for the compression error and simplifies the problem to the common linear matrix factorization. Our formulation also takes into account the skeleton hierarchy of the model, the bind pose, and the range of motions. In addition, we propose a new update rule to optimize DDM weights of the first layer and a modification to resolve the floating-point cancellation issue of DDM.
Ampelographic and Ampelometric Characterization of Berries and Seeds from Traditional Vineyards in Morocco

Morocco, like the other Mediterranean countries, is characterized by a great diversity of indigenous varieties of vines "Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera", taking advantage of the climate and also of the heterogeneity of their landscapes Without forgetting, the know-how and agricultural practices adopted by traditional farmers who have contributed in one way or another to preserve the genetic diversity of these indigenous grape varieties. Within the framework of this study, we are seeking the identification and characterization of 36 indigenous grape varieties sampled in the north and south of Morocco. The samples studied were taken from traditional vineyards in these regions. For the ampelographic and ampelometric description, 26 characters were used according to a list of descriptors developed by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). Thus, the ampelographic and ampelometric approach were refined by a principal component analysis (PCA) which made it possible to group the grape varieties into five distinct groups according to their correlations to the variables linked to the bunch, the berry and the seed. The results obtained from these different approaches confirmed the presence of great inter-grape and intra-grape variability within the samples studied. This observation leads us to make more efforts to maintain this variability and to fight against genetic erosion and the threat of environmental changes.
Comprehensive Kinetic Study of Pyrolysis of Sunan Candlenut: The Effect of Using Iron Oxide, Zeolite and ZSM-5 as Bed Materials

Received: 9 March 2021 Accepted: 23 March 2021 The purpose of bed material in the pyrolysis process is to reduce the need for heat energy. In this study, three kinds of sands were observed as bed material, namely iron oxide, zeolite, and ZSM-5 in the slow fixed bed pyrolysis of sunan candlenut oilcake (SCO). To evaluate the activation energy, pyrolytic kinetics were carried out using the isoconversional method with the KAS, OFW, and Friedman models. They involved calculating the data from the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test at heating rates of 5, 10, 20 and 40 K/min. Furthermore, the results showed that SCO had a high volatile content of 82.80%, alongside a calorific value of 26.93 MJ/kg. The calculation results showed that the activation energy of SCO was 169.140 kJ/mol which decreased 1.45% in the KAS model, and 1.92% in the OFW model with the addition of ZSM-5 bed material. Therefore, the use of ZSM-5 bed material in the pyrolysis process reduces the activation energy.
Design and Evaluation of Optimal Free Trials

Free trial promotions are a commonly used customer acquisition strategy in the Software as a Service industry. We use data from a large-scale field experiment to study the effect of trial length on customer-level outcomes. We find that, on average, shorter trial lengths (surprisingly) maximize customer acquisition, retention, and profitability. Next, we examine the mechanism through which trial length affects conversions and rule out the demand cannibalization theory, find support for the consumer learning hypothesis, and show that long stretches of inactivity at the end of the trial are associated with lower conversions. We then develop a personalized targeting policy that allocates the optimal treatment to each user based on individual-level predictions of the outcome of interest (e.g., subscriptions) using a lasso model. We evaluate this policy using the inverse propensity score reward estimator and show that it leads to 6.8% improvement in subscription compared with a uniform 30-days for-all policy. It also performs well on long-term customer retention and revenues in our setting. Further analysis of this policy suggests that skilled and experienced users are more likely to benefit from longer trials, whereas beginners are more responsive to shorter trials. Finally, we show that personalized policies do not always outperform uniform policies, and we should be careful when designing and evaluating personalized policies. In our setting, personalized policies based on other methods (e.g., causal forests, random forests) perform worse than a simple uniform policy that assigns a short trial length to all users. This paper was accepted by Duncan Simester, marketing.
ProceedingsAsymmetric aza-Henry reaction of hydrazones †Isaac G. Sonsona 1

In this work, the enantioselective organocatalyzed addition of nitroalkanes to N-benzoyl hydrazones has been developed for the first time. As a result of the study, simple quinine alkaloid was able to catalyze the synthesis of alkyl substituted β-nitroalkylhydrazides (14 examples) with good yields (up to 91%) and enantiomeric excesses (up to 77%), while quinidine alkaloid was used to obtain the opposite enantiomer with similar catalytic results. Further recrystallization of the corresponding enantio-enriched mixtures led to the obtainment of ee up to 94%. The catalyzed reaction pathway was study ab initio in order to understand the successful chiral induction by the catalyst. Hence, in the transition state of the rate-limiting step, quinine acts as a bifunctional catalyst interacting with both substrates simultaneously. Experimental kinetic studies support the computational study of the reaction mechanism.
Synthesis and phase-transition behaviors of new symmetrical dimer liquid crystals containing benzothiazole unit

ABSTRACT This article reports the synthesis and characterization of a series of homologous symmetrical dimers α,ω-bis[4-(6′-ethoxybenzothiazol-2′-yl)iminomethylphenoxy]alkane. Five members with different lengths of alkyl spacer groups of even parity varying from butyl (C4H8) to dodecyl (C12H24) were synthesized. Spectroscopic analysis (IR, 1H and 13C NMR) along with electron-ionization mass spectrometric techniques were employed to verify the molecular structures of the dimers. Differential scanning calorimeter was used for determination of the phase-transition temperature and associated enthalpy changes. Optical studies and mesophase identification were carried out using a polarizing optical microscope attached to hotstage. A diversity of phase-transition behavior was observed as the length of the alkyl spacer increased from C4H8 to C12H24. Almost all title compounds exhibited nematic phase except the dimer containing butyl spacer in which the mesomorphic property was absent.
Within-cluster proximity and output efficiency of R&D in the space industry

Dynamic slacks-based data envelopment analysis is applied to measure output performance efficiency of space R&D active private firms. Truncated regression is used to identify associations between this firm level R&D output efficiency and cognitive, social and organizational proximity within geographical clusters. Primary data collected for the entire population of space R&D active firms in Belgium for the period 2011-2015 reveals that an environment specialized in the focus firm’s space activities (as a proxy for cognitive proximity) exerts a positive influence on R&D output efficiency. Organizational distance within the cluster negatively influences R&D output efficiency. No effect is found of the presence of anchor firms (as a proxy for social proximity). Firm size and a mixture of space and non-space R&D positively affect R&D output efficiency, whereas larger amounts of public funding induce lower efficiency, at least in a five year time-span.
Predominance of the SARS-CoV-2 Lineage P.1 and Its Sublineage P.1.2 in Patients from the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil in March 2021

Almost a year after the COVID-19 pandemic had begun, The United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil became the epicenter of new lineages, the Variant of Concern (VOCs), B.1. 1.7, B.1. 351, and P.1, respectively. These VOCs are increasingly associated with enhanced transmissibility, immunity evasion, and mortality. The previous most prevalent lineages in the state of Rio Grande do South (Brazil), B.1. 1.28 and B.1. 1.33 were rapidly replaced by P.1 and P.2, two B.1. 1.28-derived lineages harboring the E484K mutation. To perform a genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 samples from COVID-19 patients from the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil), in this second pandemic wave, we sequenced viral samples from patients of this region to: (i) identify the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the region, the state and bordering countries/states, (ii) characterize the mutation spectra, and (iii) hypothesize possible viral dispersal routes by using phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches. As results, we not only confirmed that 96.4% of the samples belonged to the P.1 lineage but also that approximately 20% of which could be assigned as the newer P.1. 2 (a P.1 derived new sublineage harboring new signature substitutions recently described and present in other Brazilian states and foreign countries). Moreover, P.1 sequences from this study were allocated in several distinct branches (four clades and five clusters) of the P.1 phylogeny, suggesting multiple introductions of P.1 in Rio Grande do Sul still in 2020 and placing this state as a potential core of diffusion and emergence of P.1-derived clades. It is still uncertain if the emergence of P.1. 2 and other P.1 clades are related to further virological, clinical, or epidemiological consequences. However, the clear signs of viral molecular diversification from recently introduced P.1 warrant further genomic surveillance.
COVID symptoms, testing, shielding impact on patient‐reported outcomes and early vaccine responses in individuals with multiple myeloma

Objective: Multiple myeloma (MM)-related morbidity has a profound effect on quality of life (QoL), and immune function, but few studies have prospectively examined the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and attendant vaccination on both immunity and QoL of patients with MM. We aimed to characterise these effects in a prospective cohort study. Design: We initiated a prospective national cohort study of patients with MM from start of the second wave of SARS CoV-2 infections in December 2020 and resultant COVID lockdown in the United Kingdom. We assessed current myeloma status, history of COVID19 symptoms, testing and vaccination including response using the rudystudy.org platform. In addition, healthcare resource use, mental and social well being and loneliness (Lubben scale) from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed. Participants: We report data from the first one hundred and nine adults with MM who completed the questionnaires and the first round of blood testing in the cohort. Results: Five patients (4.5%) had COVID-19 infection confirmed by history and/or testing (Nucleocapsid antibody). Up to 98% of patients shielded completely or partially during both waves of the pandemic, with 18% of patients consequently changing antimyeloma therapy in the shielding period. Using the Lubben scale, 21/99 (21.2 %) reported social isolation. Using HADS scale 23.1% of patients reported symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety or mild to moderate depression during this period. Humoral immune response (spike ab) tested 3 weeks after first vaccination was detected in 17/28 (60%) patients. Conclusion: Myeloma patients shielded during waves of the pandemic with significant change to therapy, low level natural COVID-19 infection (4%) and social isolation. Humoral response following the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine is lower than that reported in non-myeloma cohorts.
In Search of Informed Discretion (Revisited): Are Managers Concerned about Appearing Selfish?

To improve the quality of performance evaluation and compensation decisions, managers can undertake costly searches for additional information about employees’ individual contributions to performance. Prior accounting research documents that managers are willing to undertake these costly information searches because they have social preferences (i.e., distributional fairness and reciprocity). However, our experimental results show that managers are significantly less willing to undertake costly information searches when the situation allows them to make fewer negative inferences when acting selfishly. Our findings are consistent with predictions rooted in behavioral economics and social psychology that even self-interested people exhibit prosocial behavior in some situations because they have concerns about appearing selfish toward themselves and others. We conclude that creating working conditions that increase managers’ concerns about their self-image may prompt them to make informed performance evaluation and compensation decisions.
Sensitive dependence of trajectories on tracer seeding positions – coherent structures in German Bight backward drift simulations

Abstract. Backward drift simulations can aid the interpretation of in situ monitoring data. Some trajectories, however, are sensitive to even small changes of the tracer release position. A corresponding spread of backward simulations implies convergence in the forward passage of time. Such uncertainty about the probed water body's origin complicates the interpretation of measurements. This study examines surface drift simulations in the German Bight (North Sea). Lines across which drift behaviour changes non-smoothly are obtained as ridges in the fields of the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE), a parameter used in dynamical systems theory to identify Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS). Results are shown to closely resemble those obtained considering a) two-particle relative dispersion and b) the average divergence of Eulerian velocities that tracers experience. Structures observed in simulated sea surface temperature and salinity further corroborate the FTLE results.
Implementation of a Data-Driven Hospitality Lexis Learning Programme

Data-driven learning has been recognized a potential tool for enhancing learning outcomes. The current study designed a data-driven hospitality lexis learning programme to facilitate the learning of hospitality vocabulary by autonomous learners. To achieve the objectives, the development of learners’ hospitality vocabulary knowledge was measured using the T-test based on pre-testing and post-testing. In addition, the learners’ opinions were explored using two types of questionnaire: the Mentimeter online programme and an open-ended questionnaire. The results of the T-test scores confirmed that the hospitality vocabulary knowledge of learners was improved after learning autonomously using the data-driven hospitality lexis learning programme. The results from the questionnaire indicated that most of the learners thought that the program was convenient, useful, and easily understood. Learners considered that using the programme helped them to be more responsible, to be better at time management, and to expand their vocabulary regarding hospitality. Therefore, using the online programme would be suitable as a recommended alternative to facilitate learning vocabulary for autonomous learners. Thus, such online programmes should be promoted and created in both general and specific fields of learning vocabulary. These findings could be extended to other English-for-specific-purposes contexts to assist learners in dealing with terminology in their fields. Keywords: data-driven learning; learning web media; autonomous learner; hospitality business lexis; vocabulary learning
Citizens' Willingness to Support New Taxes for COVID‐19 Measures and the Role of Trust

The COVID‐19 public health pandemic has seen governments spend trillions of dollars to limit the spread of the COVID‐19 virus as well as to soften the economic blow from the shutting down of national economies. Subsequent budget shortfalls raise the question of how governments will pay for the direct and indirect costs associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this article, we study the public's willingness to contribute through paying a new tax, with a focus on Canada. We find that both generalized social and political trust are associated with a greater willingness to support a COVID‐related tax and that generalized social trust, in particular, attenuates the negative effect of an experimentally manipulated, specified level of tax burden on policy support. These findings entail important implications for the public opinion and tax policies literature, as well as for policy makers. Related Articles Gainous, Jason, Stephen C. Craig, and Michael D. Martinez. 2008. “Social Welfare Attitudes and Ambivalence about the Role of Government. ” Politics & Policy 36 (6): 972‐1004. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008. 00147 Shock, David R. 2013. “The Significance of Opposition Entrepreneurs on Local Sales Tax Referendum Outcomes. ” Politics & Policy 41 (4): 588‐614. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12028 Wagle, Udaya R. 2013. “The Heterogeneity Politics of the Welfare State: Changing Population Heterogeneity and Welfare State Policies in High‐Income OECD Countries, 1980‐2005. ” Politics & Policy 41 (6): 947‐984. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12053
Evolution and Features of Dust Devil‐Like Vortices in Turbulent Rayleigh‐Bénard Convection—A Numerical Study Using Direct Numerical Simulation

Dust devils are convective vortices with a vertical axis of rotation that are made visible by entrained soil particles. These soil particles contribute to the atmospheric aerosol input, influencing the Earth radiation budget. Quantifying this contribution requires reliable information about the statistics of dust devils, their formation process, and how they are maintained. In the past, this information was mainly derived from field experiments and large‐eddy simulations (LESs). Field experiments suffer from the erratic occurrence of dust devils and the limited area that can be monitored reliably. In LESs, dust devils cannot be resolved completely, especially close to the ground. Additionally, they are affected by numerical features of surface boundary conditions, as well as subgrid‐scale models in an unknown way. To mitigate these limitations, we employ direct numerical simulations (DNSs) to improve our understanding of dust devils. We comprehensively investigate the statistics and structure of dust devils for Rayleigh numbers up to 1011 using DNS of Rayleigh‐Bénard convection between two plates for the first time. We find that dust devil‐like structures occur in DNS with Rayleigh numbers much lower than in the atmosphere (≥107). These results support previous DNS studies in which vortices with vertical axes were observed but not further investigated. The dust devil statistics strongly depend on the Rayleigh number and velocity boundary conditions, but depend little on the aspect ratio of the model domain. Simulated dust devils show very similar properties to convective vortices analyzed in LESs of the atmospheric boundary layer.
Detection of the melting level with polarimetric weather radar

Abstract. Accurate estimation of the melting level (ML) is essential in radar rainfall estimation to mitigate the bright band enhancement, classify hydrometeors, correct for rain attenuation and calibrate radar measurements. This paper presents a novel and robust ML-detection algorithm based on either vertical profiles (VPs) or quasi-vertical profiles (QVPs) built from operational polarimetric weather radar scans. The algorithm depends only on data collected by the radar itself, and it is based on the combination of several polarimetric radar measurements to generate an enhanced profile with strong gradients related to the melting layer. The algorithm is applied to 1 year of rainfall events that occurred over southeast England, and the results were validated using radiosonde data. After evaluating all possible combinations of polarimetric radar measurements, the algorithm achieves the best ML detection when combining VPs of ZH, ρHV and the gradient of the velocity (gradV), whereas, for QVPs, combining profiles of ZH, ρHV and ZDR produces the best results, regardless of the type of rain event. The root mean square error in the ML detection compared to radiosonde data is ∼200 m when using VPs and ∼250 m when using QVPs.
Socio-hydrologic modeling of the dynamics of cooperation in the transboundary Lancang–Mekong River

Abstract. The transboundary Lancang–Mekong River basin has experienced dynamics of cooperation over the past several decades, which is a common emergent response in transboundary coupled human–water systems. Downstream countries rely on the Mekong River for fisheries, agriculture, navigation and ecological services, while upstream countries have been constructing dams to generate hydropower. The dam construction and operation in upstream countries have changed the seasonality of streamflow in downstream countries, affecting their economic benefits. More recently, cooperation between upstream and downstream countries has been enhanced throughout the river basin. In this study, we introduce a quantitative socio-hydrological model to simulate hydrological processes, reservoir operations, economic benefits, policy feedbacks and therefore dynamics of cooperation within the Lancang–Mekong River basin. The model reproduces the observed dynamics of cooperation in the basin revealed by sentiment analysis of news articles. Hydrological variability such as droughts and human activities associated with reservoir operations affect dynamics of cooperation between the riparian countries, with importance attached to indirect political benefits of upstream playing an important role in the enhancement of cooperation. In this way, our study generated understanding of emergent cooperation dynamics in this transboundary river basin, and the socio-hydrological model used here provides a useful new framework to investigate and improve transboundary water management elsewhere.