Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uncertainties toward Permissioned Distributed Ledgers: a Multi-Actor uncertainty Conceptualization

Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is an emerging technology, which allows for the creation of novel applications, services, and business models by enabling innovative collaborations among organizations and individuals. Although DLT arose from the idea of a self-regulated and publicly usable infrastructure, permissioned distributed ledgers (e.g., Hyperledger Fabric) are organizations’ predominant choice for the design and use of DLT applications due to their higher confidentiality-preservation, better maintainability, and higher throughput compared to permissionless distributed ledgers. Nevertheless, the use of permissioned distributed ledgers holds new uncertainties for organizations and their collaboration. In this work, we aim to lay the foundation to overcome such uncertainties by, first, conceptualizing the actors in permissioned distributed ledgers and, second, identifying the uncertainties between these actors regarding certain characteristics of distributed ledgers. We contribute to practice and research by providing detailed information on the causes, manifestations and consequences of prevalent uncertainties, and by deriving a multi-actor uncertainty conceptualization that disentangles hierarchical relations and interdependencies between actors. In this study, we form the foundation for future research and practice to mitigate these uncertainties and foster DLT diffusion.
Humpback Whale Songs on a North Atlantic Feeding Ground

Payne and McVay (1971) described the continuous stereotyped vocalizations produced by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) as "songs. " Detailed analyses of humpback whale songs from the lowto mid-latitude waters of the eastern North Pacific (Payne et al., 1983) and the western North Atlantic (Payne and Payne, 1985; Winn and Winn, 1978) have shown that the songs change rapidly and progressively over time.
Effect of burial depth and soil water regime on the fate of Lithospermum arvense seeds in relation to burial time

Summary Lithospermum arvense is an increasing annual weed in winter crops of the semiarid region of southern Argentina under low impact tillage systems, an agricultural practice that has become popular in recent years. Seed distribution in the soil profile under conventional tillage will change when reduced tillage is implemented, thus affecting the germination microenvironment. The effect of seed burial depth and soil water regime on field germination, enforced dormancy, innate dormancy and seed decay was studied in relation to burial time in a field experiment. In addition, the effect of burial depth on seed germination and seedling emergence was examined under laboratory controlled conditions. Field germination of buried seed ranged from 55% to 65% for shallow (2 cm) and from 5% to 30% for greater depths (20 cm). Enforced dormancy levels were significantly higher among deeper seeds. The amount of innate dormant seeds was reduced to <10% after a year of burial. Lithospermum arvense seedbanks can be classified as short-term persistent. Germination in the laboratory was unaffected by burial depth, while seedling emergence reduction was adequately described by a sigmoidal model. Results indicate that agricultural practices that accumulate L. arvense seeds near the soil surface enhance seedling recruitment.
Comparing Internal Flow in Freezing and Evaporating Water Droplets Using PIV

The study of evaporation and freezing of droplets is important in, e.g., spray cooling, surface coating, ink-jet printing, and when dealing with icing on wind turbines, airplane wings, and roads. Due to the complex nature of the flow within droplets, a wide range of temperatures, from freezing temperatures to heating temperatures, have to be taken into account in order to increase the understanding of the flow behavior. This study aimed to reveal if natural convection and/or Marangoni convection influence the flow in freezing and evaporating droplets. Droplets were released on cold and warm surfaces using similar experimental techniques and setups, and the internal flow within freezing and evaporating water droplets were then investigated and compared to one another using Particle Image Velocimetry. It was shown that, for both freezing and evaporating droplets, a shift in flow direction occurs early in the processes. For the freezing droplets, this effect could be traced to the Marangoni convection, but this could not be concluded for the evaporating droplets. For both evaporating and freezing droplets, after the shift in flow direction, natural convection dominates the flow. In the end of the freezing process, conduction seems to be the only contributing factor for the flow.
A Cross-Resolution, Spatiotemporal Geostatistical Fusion Model for Combining Satellite Image Time-Series of Different Spatial and Temporal Resolutions

Dense time-series with coarse spatial resolution (DTCS) and sparse time-series with fine spatial resolution (STFS) data often provide complementary information. To make full use of this complementarity, this paper presents a novel spatiotemporal fusion model, the spatial time-series geostatistical deconvolution/fusion model (STGDFM), to generate synthesized dense time-series with fine spatial resolution (DTFS) data. Attributes from the DTCS and STFS data are decomposed into trend and residual components, and the spatiotemporal distributions of these components are predicted through novel schemes. The novelty of STGDFM lies in its ability to (1) consider temporal trend information using land-cover-specific temporal profiles from an entire DTCS dataset, (2) reflect local details of the STFS data using resolution matrix representation, and (3) use residual correction to account for temporary variations or abrupt changes that cannot be modeled from the trend components. The potential of STGDFM is evaluated by conducting extensive experiments that focus on different environments; spatially degraded datasets and real Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Landsat images are employed. The prediction performance of STGDFM is compared with those of a spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (STARFM) and an enhanced STARFM (ESTARFM). Experimental results indicate that STGDFM delivers the best prediction performance with respect to prediction errors and preservation of spatial structures as it captures temporal change information on the prediction date. The superiority of STGDFM is significant when the difference between pair dates and prediction dates increases. These results indicate that STGDFM can be effectively applied to predict DTFS data that are essential for various environmental monitoring tasks.
Improvement of Nutritional value, Physical and Sensory Properties of Biscuits using Quinoa, Naked barley and Carrot

The aim of study to produce high quality, nutritional value, physical and sensory properties biscuits from quinoa flour QF, naked barley flour NBF, carrot powder CP and wheat flour WF. The materials used in this study were quinoa, naked barley, carrot and wheat flour as well as other ingredients used to produce biscuits. The results of chemical composition of materials and biscuit blends showed that crude ether extract, ash and crude fiber contents of all blends prepared using quinoa, naked barely and carrot were increment than those of blends prepared using wheat flour only. The obtained data showed that minerals contents of Ca, K, P and Fe in NBF, QF and CP were higher than those of WF. The blends made from naked barley, quinoa and carrot were a rich source of essential amino acids. The results showed that the quality of protein parameters biological value BV or Computed protein efficiency ratio C-PER were higher in samples prepared with NBF, QF and CP (B2, B3, B4 and B5) than those of control (wheat flour). The applied physical procedure using well blended combination of supplements resulted in production of biscuits its excellent sensory properties of color, taste, odor and over acceptability
Interferon regulatory factor‐1 mediates interferon‐γ‐induced apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells

Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), as one of interferon family that regulates antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory responses, has been implicated for the growth regulation of ovarian cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms are not yet fully defined. To analyze detailed mechanisms, the ovarian cancer cell lines (2774, PA‐1, OVCAR‐3, and SKOV‐3) were treated with IFN‐γ. The growth of 2774 was most effectively suppressed than that of other cells in both time‐course and dose‐dependent experiments. The order of sensitivity in other cells was PA‐1 ≫ OVCAR‐3 > SKOV‐3 (not responded at all). The DNA fragmentation and DAPI staining assays suggested that the IFN‐γ‐mediated cytotoxicity could be triggered by apoptosis. The treatment induced IFN regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) in two IFN‐γ‐sensitive cells (2774, PA‐1), whereas IRF‐1 was not induced in two IFN‐γ‐resistant cells (OVCAR‐3, SKOV‐3). The levels of p53 and p21WAF1 were not strikingly changed in all four cells. Interestingly, the expression of interleukin‐converting enzyme (ICE, or caspase‐1) was increased by the treatment in a kinetically consistent manner to the induction of IRF‐1. However, CD95 (Fas/APO‐1) was not changed. Apoptosis was greatly induced, when IRF‐1 was transiently expressed in PA‐1 without the treatment of IFN‐γ. However, it was repressed when IRF‐1 together with IRF‐2, an antagonist of IRF‐1, were coexpressed. In addition, the effect of IFN‐γ was reduced in the 2774 and PA‐1 cells stably expressing either IRF‐1 antisense or IRF‐2 sense, as shown by the cytotoxicity and FACS analysis. Furthermore, the IFN‐γ‐induced apoptosis was greatly reduced, when inhibitors of ICE were treated into PA‐1 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that IRF‐1 directly mediates the IFN‐γ‐induced apoptosis via the activation of caspase‐1 gene expression in IFN‐γ‐sensitive ovarian cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 85: 369–380, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differentiating A and B groups of Leptosphaeria maculans, causal agent of stem canker (blackleg) of oilseed rape

Stem canker or blackleg of brassicas, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is one of the most damaging diseases of winter oilseed rape in the UK. Airborne ascospores, released in autumn and winter, initiate leaf infections which may lead to colonization of the petiole and, later in the season, formation of stem lesions and cankers. Although isolates of the pathogen differ in ability to cause damaging stem cankers, this is not readily apparent from leaf spotting or stem lesion symptoms. However, several cultural, biochemical and genetic characteristics appear to be associated with the ability to form damaging stem cankers and isolates can be assigned to one of two groups, termed A and B, on the basis of differences in these characteristics. To investigate the relationship between leaf spotting symptoms and subsequent stem canker formation, and to improve understanding of the epidemiology of this pathogen, it is desirable to differentiate between the stem canker forming A group and the less damaging B group of L. maculans. Characterization of isolate type is also important in seed testing and crop breeding programs, particularly in countries such as Canada and Poland where the A type is not ubiquitous. This article reviews methods, including plant assays, assessments of growth characteristics in vitro, isozyme analyses, secondary metabolite profiling, serology, and nucleic acid analyses, that can be used to differentiate the A and B groups.
Influence of Flow Regime on Life History, Production, and Genetic Structure of Baetis tricaudatus (Ephemeroptera) and Hesperoperla pacifica (Plecoptera)

Life histories, annual production, and genetic structure for two insect species were examined for two adjacent streams that differ in flow regime. Birch Creek had a mesic groundwater (seasonally constant) flow regime; Little Lost River had a snowmelt (seasonally cyclic) flow regime. Baetis tricaudatus was multivoltine, whereas Hesperoperla pacifica had a life cycle longer than one year. The life histories of B. tricaudatus were similar between streams, but mean biomass was greater in Birch Creek. Gene frequencies of B. tricaudatus also were similar between streams, Nei's genetic distance being only 0.011. Expected heterozygosities and population polymorphisms were higher in the Little Lost River. In contrast, the life histories of H. pacifica were different between streams, emergence being later in the Little Lost River. This difference could be explained by temperature. However, the genetic structure of H. pacifica showed the same pattern as B. tricaudatus with more polymorphisms and higher heterozygosities occurring in the Little Lost River. Nei's genetic distance between the H. pacifica populations was 0.054. These data support the idea that populations exhibit greater genetic variability in more variable environments than populations in relatively more constant environments.
Zygodon Hook. & Taylor and Bryomaltaea Goffinet (Bryopsida: Orthotrichaceae) in the Sino-Himalaya

Abstract A taxonomic revision is provided of Orthotrichaceae subfamily Orthotrichoideae tribe Zygodonteae in the Himalayan region and western China (Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces), comprising two genera Zygodon Hook. & Taylor and Bryomaltaea Goffinet, until recently included in Zygodon. New observations are reported on some important characters, particularly ornamentation of leaf cuticle, gemmae and twisting of the seta. Five species of Zygodon are confirmed from the study area: Z. intermedius Bruch & Schimp. , Z. brevisetus Wilson ex Mitt. , Z. rupestris Schimp. ex. Lorentz, Z. yunnanensis Malta and Z. reinwardtii (Hornsch.) A. Braun; the genus Bryomaltaea is maintained and contains one species, B. obtusifolia (Hook.) Goffinet. Keys and descriptions are provided to genera and species, and for each species an illustration is given, as well as relevant synonymy, typification, ecological notes and geographical distribution. The following regional geographical totals and new records for Zygodon are reported: Nepal, three species (Z. rupestris new); India (Sikkim) three species (Z. intermedius new); Bhutan, five species (Z. intermedius, Z. reinwardtii and Z. rupestris new); China, Yunnan, six species (Z. intermedius and Z. rupestris new) and Sichuan, one species. Bryomaltaea is reported from Nepal, the Indian States of Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh (new), Bhutan and western China (Yunnan). Zygodon viridissimus (Dicks.) Brid. was not confirmed from the study area. Taxonomic notes, particularly on the status of Bryomaltaea and its relationship to Leratia Broth. & Paris, are presented, and clarification of the ambiguous usage in bryological literature of the terms dextrorse and sinistrorse (as applied to twisting of the seta) is given. Finally, some observations on ecology, phenology and phytogeography of the Sino-Himalayan species are given.
Packet Inter-Reception Time Conditional Density Estimation Based on Surrounding Traffic Distribution

Cooperation is an enabler for autonomous vehicles. A promising application of cooperative driving is high-density platooning, where trucks drive with low inter-vehicle distances. It aims at increasing the road and fuel efficiency whilst guaranteeing safety. The safe and efficient coordination of the control requires the regular and reliable exchange of V2V messages. The performance of the vehicular application has been shown to be strongly affected by the variation of the performances of the communications system. To be able to adapt their functional settings to these variations, vehicles need the ability to predict it. We present a prediction model for the packet inter-reception time platoon messages in an IEEE 802.11p network. This performance indicator is the subject of extensive research as it captures the irregularity of input for the control loop. The prediction model uses conditional density estimation based on the exponential distribution. We fit this model using a multi-layer perceptron regressor based on features representing the surrounding communication environment. The presented results are based on data collected during a full scale platooning simulations using ns-3 and SUMO. We compare different environment abstraction models and show the potential of on-line learning.
Is the formalization of NPD collaboration productive or counterproductive? Contingent effects of trust between partners

New product development (NPD) collaborations with external partners involve high coordination costs and run substantial risks. Formalization seems to be an effective mechanism to mitigate said costs and risks, although the issue of whether formalization actually proves productive or counterproductive remains an open question. This study empirically analyses the direct impact of formalization and the interaction effect between formalization and trust between partners in order to gauge their influence on NPD collaboration performance. Findings indicate that formalization directly boosts the quality and novelty of the new product developed in collaboration, but that it does not affect adherence to schedule. In addition, trust reinforces the productive effect of formalization on new product quality and novelty, and makes the impact of formalization on adherence to schedule positive. However, without trust, we find a null impact of formalization on new product quality and a counterproductive impact on adherence to schedule. These results suggest that formalization and trust may complement each other, reinforcing each other’s positive effect on new product quality and novelty and presenting a positive synergistic effect, while helping to overcome the counterproductive effect of formalization on adherence to schedule. JEL CLASSIFICATION: O32
Behavioural changes and potential consequences of cetacean exposure to purse seine vessels in the Istanbul Strait, Turkey

Abstract Marine traffic has both short- and long-term effects on cetacean behaviour, yet fishing vessels present a unique situation as they disturb cetaceans whilst potentially offering alternative foraging opportunities. The Istanbul Strait is a key area for the study of anthropogenic disturbance on cetaceans due to heavy human pressure in a narrow space where at least three cetacean species are regularly encountered. The present study investigated changes in behaviour of bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and harbour porpoises in relation to the presence of purse seiners using Markov chains analysis. The results revealed increased foraging in bottlenose and common dolphins' behavioural budgets and a decrease in the time spent foraging by harbour porpoises. Moreover, a loglinear model was used to analyse the effect of possible confounding variables on observed behaviours. The only variables found to be affecting behaviour were the previous recorded behaviour, seiner presence and marine traffic density. Consequently, the presence of purse seine vessels leads bottlenose and common dolphins to change their behaviour and are related with a decrease of energy intake in porpoises. The results of this study reveal that there is an effect of purse seine vessel presence on the cetaceans found in the Istanbul Strait with potentially significant impacts on their behaviour, therefore we suggest more research is needed in the area to identify the long-term impacts of these observed behavioural changes.
Roosting and foraging behaviour of Natterer's bats (Myotis nattereri) close to the northern border of their distribution

Seven nursery roosts and four roosts of male Myotis nattereri, Kuhl 1818 were found in central Scotland at latitude 56–57 dN. Most were in crevices in the stonework of man-made structures other than occupied houses. Emergence occurred late in the evening, at an average light intensity of 3.5 lux and emerging bats circled in dark, sheltered areas outside roosts before departing along flyways towards foraging areas. Individuals departed from, and returned to, roosts in groups of 2-6, and circling behaviour was repeated on returning to the roost. During pregnancy, bats from anursery roost made one flight each per night. This increased to an average maximum of 1.84 early in lactation and then decreased again to one around weaning. Night roosts were situated in foraging areas and were used by M. nattereri for resting and grooming, for suckling volant but incompletely weaned young and also, possibly, for information transfer. Important foraging habitats were woodland edges, parkland, roadside vegetation and sheltered areas of water. Arthropod prey was captured both on the wing and by gleaning from foliage, and the bats were able to vary their diet according to arthropod availability. Overall, important prey included Diptera (both Nematocera and higher flies), Trichoptera, Coleoptera and non-flying groups such as Hemiptera, Dermaptera, Arachnida and Opiliones.
Assessment of cholesterol requirements in the prawn, Penaeus japonicus

Two feeding experiments were conducted to assess the quantitative cholesterol requirement of the juvenile prawn, Penaeus japonicus. The prawns were fed casein-based (experiment 1) and casein- or crab protein-based (experiment 2) diets with or without supplemental cholesterol. The daily increases in quantities of body cholesterol (mg kg−1 prawn day−1) at maximum growth and dietary cholesterol intake over a 40-day feeding period were determined. Prawns fed 5 g kg−1 supplemental cholesterol, regardless of protein sources, gave the highest weight gain. Body retention efficiencies of dietary cholesterol (cholesterol retained × 100/cholesterol intake) vary among prawns fed 5 g kg−1 supplemental cholesterol (diets 3, 5 and 7) but dietary cholesterol requirements expressed as mg kg−1 body weight (BW) day−1 were not significantly different (180 to 200 mg kg−1 BW day−1). Based on dietary cholesterol requirement, the optimum dietary cholesterol levels for the juvenile prawns were estimated in relation to feeding levels. When feeding levels were 3%, 5% and 7% of body weight, optimum dietary cholesterol levels were 5.0 to 6.0, 3.6 to 4.0, and 2.6 to 2.9 g kg−1 of dry diet, respectively. The present study showed the advantages of determining daily cholesterol requirement (mg kg−1 BW day−1) at maximum growth through a factorial method in determining optimum dietary cholesterol levels in P. japonicus.