Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
European Impacts on Coastal Eastern Tasmania: Insight from a High-Resolution Palynological Analysis of a Salt-Marsh Core

A high-resolution pollen and micro-charcoal (>5 μm) record has been produced from a short sediment (50 cm) core recovered from a salt marsh in the Little Swanport Estuary, eastern Tasmania. This record suggests that there are four phases associated with the European settlement of the region. An initial phase from around 1830 to 1858 AD, which is similar to the previous Aboriginal period; a relatively low impact transitional phase from 1859 to 1898 AD; a rapid and marked deforestation period from 1899 to 1932 AD; and establishment of the contemporary landscape, with reforestation occurring, but with marked differences in species composition (i.e. greater representation of exotic taxa and altered understorey composition) from 1933 to 2006 AD. Key similarities are seen across Australia with the European settlement phase (i.e. addition of exotic taxa, deforestation and/or changes in vegetation composition, alterations in fire regimes and increased sedimentation rates), but high-resolution analysis suggests that these impacts may manifest in different ways depending on the local environmental setting and/or historical context of the settlement location. Furthermore, Amaranthaceae pollen representation appears to be impacted by changes in sea level. However, other factors such as human modifications, particularly grazing, and climate variability may play additional roles and further research is required to disentangle the relative effects of these factors.
Higher β-diversity observed for herbs over woody plants is driven by stronger habitat filtering in a tropical understory.

Herbaceous plants are a key component of tropical forests. Previous work indicates that herbs contribute substantially to the species richness of tropical plant communities. However, the processes structuring tropical herb diversity, and how they contrast with woody communities, have been underexplored. Within the understory of a 50-ha forest dynamics plot in central Panama, we compared the diversity, distribution, and abundance of vascular herbaceous plants with woody seedlings (i.e., tree and lianas <1 cm DBH and ≥20 cm tall). Beta-diversity was calculated for each community using a null model approach. We then assessed the similarity in alpha and beta-diversity among herbs, tree seedlings, and liana seedlings. Strengths of habitat associations were measured using permutational ANOVA among topographic habitat-types. Variance partitioning was then used to quantify the amount of variation in species richness and composition explained by spatial and environmental variables (i.e., topography, soils, and shade) for each growth form. Species richness and diversity were highest for tree seedlings, followed by liana seedlings and then herbs. In contrast, beta-diversity was 16-127% higher for herbs compared to woody seedlings, indicating higher spatial variation in this stratum. We observed no correlation between local richness or compositional uniqueness of herbs and woody seedlings across sites, indicating that different processes control the spatial patterns of woody and herbaceous diversity and composition. Habitat associations were strongest for herbs, as indicated by greater compositional dissimilarity among habitat types. Likewise, environmental variables explained a larger proportion of the variation in species richness and composition for herbs than for woody seedlings (richness = 25%, 14%, 12%; composition = 25%, 9%, 6%, for herbs, trees, and lianas, respectively). These differences between strata did not appear to be due to differences in lifespan alone, based on data from adult trees. Our results point to contrasting assembly mechanisms for herbaceous and woody communities, with herbs showing stronger niche-derived structure. Future research on tropical herbaceous communities is likely to yield new insights into the many processes structuring diverse plant communities.
A model of ERP project implementation

Problems with the implementation of ERP systems are well documented. Although companies spend millions on ERP packages and the implementation process, there is extensive evidence that they experience considerable problems, particularly during the actual implementation project. This paper presents a project phase model (PPM) of ERP implementation projects that is a synthesis of existing ERP implementation process models and focuses on the implementation project. Two case studies of ERP implementation within the same organization, one unsuccessful and a later successful one, are reported and analysed in order to determine which critical success factors (CSFs) are necessary within each phase of the PPM. The CSFs are drawn from an earlier stage of this research and from recent literature. The PPM is used as a ‘lens’ for understanding ERP implementation projects, by highlighting the differences between the two cases. We then offer an explanation for these differences, focusing particularly on the successful case. Firstly, the organizational learning that occurred during the unsuccessful project and the associated early appointment of an experienced ‘champion’ with clearly defined responsibilities were critical to the successful project. Secondly, organizations implementing ERP systems should partition large projects into several smaller, simpler projects identified here as ‘vanilla’ implementations. The PPM, together with associated CSFs, provides guidance for practitioners when planning ERP implementation projects and also provides researchers with a foundation for further empirical research.
Hematologic masquerade of rhabdomyosarcoma

We present the case of a 12‐year‐old boy admitted with the diagnosis of acute leukemia, but found to have an infiltration of the marrow by an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) as determined by the cytogenetic demonstration of a t(2;13)(q25;q14). A primary tumor could not be found. With this case as a basis, we have tabulated features of all similar cases in the literature and discuss the possible optimal approaches to establishing the correct diagnosis in such patients. Am. J. Hematol. 68:51–57, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Raman spectroscopy as a screening tool for ancient life detection on Mars

The search for sp2-bonded carbonaceous material is one of the major life detection strategies of the astrobiological exploration programmes of National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency (ESA). The ESA ExoMars rover scheduled for launch in 2018 will include a Raman spectrometer with the goal of detecting sp2-bonded carbonaceous material as potential evidence of ancient life. However, sp2-bonded carbonaceous material will yield the same Raman spectra of well-developed G and D bands whether they are synthesized biologically or non-biologically. Therefore, the origin and source of sp2-bonded carbonaceous material cannot be elucidated by Raman spectroscopy alone. Here, we report the combined approach of Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry biomarker analysis to Precambrian sedimentary rocks, which taken together, provides a promising new methodology for readily detecting and rapidly screening samples for immature organic material amenable to successful biomarker analysis.
Two-Layer Hidden Markov Models for Multi-class Motor Imagery Classification

Classifiers in a high dimensional space based on the signals of multiple electrodes in EEG-based BCIs suffer from the curse of dimensionality due to the limited training dataset. In order to tackle this problem, we design a framework of two-layer hidden Markov models (HMMs) for probabilistic classification of EEG signals. We first independently model the characteristics of EEG signals embedded in each channel for different motor imagery tasks in the lower-layer, and then represent the holistic task-related dynamic EEG patterns in the upper-layer by considering the relationships among channels. From the experimental results based on the dataset II-a of BCI Competition IV (2008), we demonstrated that our method achieved high session-to-session transfer results and was superior to previous methods.
La devise « Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité »

Cet ouvrage propose la premiere etude exhaustive et documentee sur le passe, le present et l'avenir de la devise par l'analyse de son evolution historique, sa signification politique et ses implications juridiques. Cet ouvrage, en termes d'actualite, contribue au renouveau de la reflexion sur la Republique, la nature du lien social et l'idee de citoyennete.
A modified Matérn hard core point process for modeling and analysis of dense IEEE 802.11 networks

Stochastic geometry is a powerful tool for modeling wireless networks employing various MAC protocols with random topologies. For wireless networks operating carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) protocol, there are distance constraints between simultaneous transmitters, and only one node is allowed to transmit within its carrier sensing range. Matérn hard core point process is generally used to model and analyze the performance of this type of networks, because it is a repulsive point process that also defines a minimum distance between any two points. However, the traditional Matérn HCPP has the defect of underestimating the intensity of concurrent transmission nodes, which will affect the accuracy of analysis results, when wireless nodes are densely deployed. In this paper, we propose a modified Matérn HCPP called TM-HCPP which can mitigate the intensity underestimation problem to model dense IEEE 802.11 networks. Then, we simulate the network coverage probability using the traditional Matérn HCPP and the proposed TM-HCPP, and compare the simulated results with the theoretical analyzed results. Simulation results validate the accuracy of the proposed TM-HCPP.
Patterns and correlates of multiple risk factors for adult-onset cancer among adolescents1

The authors investigated patterns and correlates of multiple cancer risk factors (MCRFs) among adolescents. Baseline data from an intervention efficacy trial were analyzed to examine patterns of co-occurring MCRFs and sociodemographic and theoretical (e.g. prevention self-efficacy) correlates of MCRFs among adolescents (N = 50) aged 13–21 years. The mean total MCRFs was 4.6 (SD = 1.6; range = 0–9). The most common risk factors were intentions to use alcohol (n = 40, 80%), <5 daily servings of fruits/vegetables (n = 40, 80%), and lifetime alcohol use (n = 38, 76%). MCRFs commonly co-occurred, suggesting a clustered risk profile. Higher age (B = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01, 0.38) and lower prevention self-efficacy (B = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.30, −0.02) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with MCRFs. Multiple health behavior change interventions are needed to prevent accumulation of risk factors as youth mature. Self-efficacy may be an important target for prevention interventions.
Asynchronous online discussion thread development: examining growth patterns and peer-facilitation techniques

This study extends the research on asynchronous online discussion (AOD) by providing a perspective on: (1) the growth patterns of discussion threads and (2) the influence of peer- or student-facilitation techniques on thread development. Using the Pointing, Questioning, Resolving and Summarizing (PQRS) facilitation techniques framework, the threaded discussions of sevenAOD forums were carefully mapped out and each message in the postings was examined to determine the type of facilitation techniques applied. Results suggest that an online discussion thread grows either one of three patterns: a ‘short thread pattern’, an ‘extended thread pattern’ with an elongated structure or a ‘split thread pattern’ with a broad structure. Results also suggest that the use of Resolving and Summarizing facilitation techniques tends to foster early thread termination. Understanding how each PQRS studentfacilitation technique impacts thread development reinforces the need to combine the use of ‘questioning’ techniques with other facilitation techniques to enhance thread continuity. We end by discussing some possible implications and issues for future research.
Can Privacy and Security Be Friends? A Cultural Framework to Differentiate Security and Privacy Behaviors on Online Social Networks

The boundaries between online privacy and security behaviors in the literature seem blurred. Although these two behaviors are conceptually related, we argue that one does not necessarily imply the other. In this study we aimed to (1) explore the subtle differences between online privacy and security behaviors, and (2) examine how users’ cultural characteristics and a group of multilevel factors exert different effects on the two behaviors. To achieve these two goals, we created a framework by coupling the grid-group theory and INDCOL scale to segment individuals into four categories based on autonomy (individualist vs. collectivist) and acceptance of control (hierarchy vs. equality). The results of one-way ANOVA and path analysis partially confirmed that the underlying mechanisms of online privacy and security behaviors were inherently different. This study provides a basis for creating contextualized security trainings and warnings based on individual differences to promote better privacy and security behaviors.
Antecedentes para el Diseño de una Política Tecnológica Nacional

El principal objetivo de este informe es entregar los antecedentes necesarios para evaluar la situacion del apoyo publico actual a este tipo de actividades. Con este fin, se realiza un trabajo pionero de caracterizacion de la situacion chilena respecto a sus esfuerzos en investigacion cientifica y desarrollo tecnologico como tambien un esbozo de la forma en que puede ser implementado un Plan Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion. El documento esta organizado en cinco grandes capitulos. En el primero de ellos se discute la importancia de las actividades innovativas en el crecimiento economico junto a una caracterizacion de la situacion actual del pais en este tipo de actividades. En el segundo capitulo se discuten los aspectos teoricos que justifican la participacion activa del estado en la promocion y financiamiento de actividades cientifico-tecnologicas. En el tercer capitulo se revisa la evidencia internacional acerca de las mejores formas de diseno institucional orientados a promover este tipo de actividades enfatizando fortalezas y debilidades de las diferentes alternativas. En seguida, en el cuarto capitulo, se caracteriza la arquitectura institucional chilena vigente de apoyo a la investigacion y desarrollo realizando un analisis critico de su operacion, eficiencia y pertinencia. En el capitulo final se sugiere la forma de implementacion de un Plan de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion la que considera entre sus directrices, los lineamientos generales que deberian guiar una modificacion de la institucionalidad de apoyo vigente en este tipo de actividades.
Nearfield effect in a nanotube/nanopor array system for application in EWOD devices that are operating in THz region

We present a theoretical model for propagation of EM wav. in various kinds of structures such as arrays of monolayer cylinders, multilayer cylinders, non-metallized and metallised pores. An analytical method was developed for the deduction of dispersion law in a multilayer nanocilinder array system. The proposed structure can be used to focus the EM wave. The simulation was performed by using FDTD model (OptiFDTD software) for conical InP pores prepared by electrochemical technique. The results of this work demonstrate the existence of ultrashort modes at low frequencies in porous systems.
Slow axonal transport of the cytosolic chaperonin CCT with Hsc73 and actin in motor neurons

Molecular chaperones are well known for their role in facilitating the folding of nascent and newly synthesized proteins, but have other roles, including the assembly, translocation and renaturation of intracellular proteins. Axons are convenient tissues for the study of some of these other roles because they lack the capacity for significant protein synthesis. We examine the axonal transport of the cytosolic chaperonin containing T‐ complex polypeptide 1 (CCT) by labeling lumbar motor neurons with [35S]methionine and examining sciatic nerve proteins by 2‐D gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. All CCT subunits identifiable with specific antibodies, namely CCTα, CCTβ, CCTγ and CCTϵ/CCTθ (the latter two subunits colocalized in analyses of rat nerve samples), appeared to be labeled in “slow component b” of axonal transport along with the molecular chaperone Hsc73 and actin, a major folding substrate for CCT. Our results are consistent with molecular chaperones having a post‐translational role in maintaining the native form of actin during its slow transport to the axon terminal and ensuring its correct assembly into microfilaments. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dose-dependent increase in intratesticular testosterone by very low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin in normal men with experimental gonadotropin deficiency.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE In men with infertility secondary to gonadotropin deficiency, treatment with relatively high dosages of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates intratesticular testosterone (IT-T) biosynthesis and spermatogenesis. Previously we found that lower dosages of hCG stimulated IT-T to normal. However, the minimal dose of hCG needed to stimulate IT-T and the dose-response relationship between very low doses of hCG and IT-T and serum testosterone in normal men is unknown. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTION We induced experimental gonadotropin deficiency in 37 normal men with the GnRH antagonist acyline and randomized them to receive one of four low doses of hCG: 0, 15, 60, or 125 IU sc every other day or 7.5 g daily testosterone gel for 10 d. Testicular fluid was obtained by percutaneous aspiration for steroid measurements at baseline and after 10 d of treatment and correlated with contemporaneous serum hormone measurements. RESULTS Median (25th, 75th percentile) baseline IT-T was 2508 nmol/liter (1753, 3502 nmol/liter). IT-T concentrations increased in a dose-dependent manner with very low-dosage hCG administration from 77 nmol/liter (40, 122 nmol/liter) to 923 nmol/liter (894, 1017 nmol/liter) in the 0- and 125-IU groups, respectively (P<0.001). Moreover, serum hCG was significantly correlated with both IT-T and serum testosterone (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Doses of hCG far lower than those used clinically increase IT-T concentrations in a dose-dependent manner in normal men with experimental gonadotropin deficiency. Assessment of IT-T provides a valuable tool to investigate the hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis in man.
The relation between the binding of sulfonamides to albumin and their antibacterial efficacy.

Evidence has been presented that the albumin-bound fraction of a sulfonamide is devoid of antibacterial action. Also, it was found that the plasma binding of sulfonamides may be markedly different among various vertebrate species. Phenylbutazone was found to interfere significantly with the binding of a sulfonamide to albumin and the practical implications of this observation are pointed out. An incidental finding was that resistance of a strain of E. coli to sulfonamides is not due to the metabolic inactivation of the inhibitor by the bacteria.
Power and rate control for wireless communication networks based on priority of quality-of-service

Existing power and rate control methods for wireless communication networks aim to maximize the system capacity and the network throughput, and attempt to increase the quality-of-service (QoS), but cannot guarantee the QoS. This paper presents a new power and rate control method for wireless communication networks, which is based on the priority of QoS, so the QoS can be guaranteed. A dual closed-loop power and rate controller is designed. The transmission rate is controlled by the outer loop, the target transmission rate is obtained (thus the optimal target signal-to-inference ratio (SIR) can relatively be determined) based on the priority of QoS. According to the target SIR, the transmit power is controlled by the inner loop to make the actual SIR track the target one. Simulation results show that the proposed power and rate control method has good control performance.
Nutzung von RADOLAN-Daten zur retrospektiven Analyse von Erosionsereignissen

In den vergangenen Jahren fuhrten haufige Starkregen auch in Regionen Brandenburgs mit geringer Reliefenergie zu stellenweise extremen Erosionsschaden. Die Landoberflache wird dadurch sporadisch und regional verandert. Die Veranderungen sind aus Luftbildern oder den Vergleich von Gelandeoberflachen vor/nach Ereignis ersichtlich. Die Vergleiche scheitern jedoch meist, da Basisdaten veraltet oder nicht vorhanden sind. Retrospektiv wird nach den genauen Ursachen geforscht. Anbau- und Bodendaten sind relativ gut recherchierbar. Das Relief kann durch erneute Erfassung mit Airborne Laserscanning hochgenau ermittelt werden, allerdings wird der eingetretene Ist-Zustand reprasentiert, der Ausgangszustand ist meist nicht mehr recherchierbar bzw. oft nur aufwandig rekonstruierbar. Ahnlich verhalt es sich mit dem Ausloser der Ereignisse, dem Niederschlagsverlauf. Nicht immer stehen die Daten einer meteorologischen Messstation zur Verfugung. Dazu bietet der DWD „Radargestutzte Analysen zu Niederschlagshohen im Echtzeitbetrieb fur Deutschland (RADOLAN)“ an, die insbesondere fur wasserwirtschaftliche Zwecke Unterstutzung bieten. Zu wissenschaftlichen Zwecken vom DWD zur Verfugung gestellte solch bodenangeeichte quantitative Daten wurden verwandt, um den Ursachen mehrerer Erosionsfalle bei Radewege bei Brandenburg auf die Spur zu kommen. Die eingetretenen Erosionsschaden wurden modellgestutzt nachsimuliert, um daraus Erkenntnisse uber Ursachen, Wiederkehrwahrscheinlichkeit sowie Nutzungsalternativen zu gewinnen. Zur Abschatzung der Erosion und dadurch verursachter Sedimentfrachten wurde EROSION-3D, ein im Freistaat Sachsen in der landwirtschaftlichen Beratung eingesetztes Modell, ausgewahlt.
Constructing a Reeb graph automatically from cross sections

The Reeb graph represents the topological skeleton of a 3-D object and shows between which contours the surface patches should be generated. To construct the graph automatically, a weight function is defined for a pair of contours with each contour lying on the adjacent cross sections. First, the algorithm automatically generates the major parts of the edges of the Reeb graph where the number of contours does not change. Then the rest of the graph is determined by using the weight function and prior knowledge of the number of holes the object has. Specifically, the graph is completed by adding edges that do not contradict the known number of holes in descending order of the weight. <<ETX>>