Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of upwelling pulses on excess carbohydrate synthesis as deduced from nutrient, carbon dioxide and oxygen profiles

The coupling between upwelling intensity off the NW Iberian coast and differential carbohydrate synthesis and utilisation in the water column has been investigated using the conservative chemical parameters 'NO', 'CO' and 'NCO'. Differences between the observed vertical distribution of 'NO' and 'CO' and that expected from Redfield stoichiometry indicate that an excess of carbohydrate synthesis occurs in the surface layer when nutrients become depleted during upwelling relaxation periods. Excess carbohydrate synthesised in upper layers is consumed at subsurface levels. This consumption can be attributed to the presence of autotrophic migratory organisms like the photosynthetic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum and several dinoflagellates which produce carbohydrates in the upper, well illuminated layers and take up nutrients in the subphotic zone. Conversely, situations of intense upwelling are associated with production of organic matter following the Redfield ratio and with a decrease in carbohydrate synthesis. Deviations from Redfield stoichiometry found in other marine areas could be explained by processes comparable to those occurring in the NW Iberian upwelling, suggesting that vertical migration by photosynthetic organisms may play a greater role in the vertical transport of nitrogen and carbon than generally recognized.
Global optimization of a high step-up DC-DC converter for CPV application

This paper presents the structural optimization of a DC-DC converter for concentrated photovoltaic systems. The goal is to replace cell interconnection by a high-gain boost-mirror. The aim is to improve the energy efficiency of CPV installations. After the presentation of the boost-mirror and its “adaptation” to the field of CPV, the sizing of the various components is performed (capacitors, intercellular transformer…). Then the optimization of the complete converter is presented.
Bacterial production rates and concentrations of organic carbon at the end of the growing season in the Greenland Sea

Profiles from the euphotic zone at the end of July in the Greenland Sea showed that bacterial production rates were highest in surface Arctic domain water, and generally lower in locations from the warmer North Atlantic domain. Bacterial production from all locations investigated averaged 0.26 pM C d-' In the upper 50 m water column, and the 0 to 50 m integrated bacterial production averaged 67% of the 0 to 500 m integrated production. Both bacterial total counts and growth rates were high compared to other oligotrophic open ocean areas. In the upper 50 m water column, bacterial total counts averaged 1.1 X 106 cells ml-', and bacterial growth rate averaged 0.68 d-' The high bacterial growth rate and production rate may be related to the fact that at the end of the productive season considerable amounts of annually produced transient organic material were present. The amount of organic material that had accumulated through the productive season was estimated by comparing profiles of TOC measured at the end of July with winter values, and with values of TOC from 1000 m depth and below. The amount of transient TOC in the upper 50 m averaged 1.15 m01 C m-2, and ranged from 0.68 to 1.5 m01 C m-2 Based on an assumed bacterial growth yield of 30%, the measured bacterial production rates in the upper 50 m inferred a turnover of the transient TOC in the range ot 8 to 91 d.
Semiglobal Asymptotic Stabilization of a Class of Nonlinear Sampled-data Systems using Emulated Controllers

Considering nonlinear sampled-data systems, it has been shown in [14] that emulating a continuous-time controller that ensures some global asymptotic stability properties in continuous-time. In this study, we provide a similar result, for a general class of systems, using a hybrid formulation that allows deriving explicit bounds on the maximum allowable sampling period.
Robust variance estimation and inference for causal effect estimation

Abstract We present two novel approaches to variance estimation of semi-parametric efficient point estimators of the treatment-specific mean: (i) a robust approach that directly targets the variance of the influence function (IF) as a counterfactual mean outcome and (ii) a modified non-parametric bootstrap-based approach. The performance of these approaches to variance estimation is compared to variance estimation based on the sample variance of the empirical IF in simulations across different levels of positivity violations and treatment effect sizes. In this article, we focus on estimation of the nuisance parameters using correctly specified parametric models for the treatment mechanism in order to highlight the challenges posed by violation of positivity assumptions (distinct from the challenges posed by non-parametric estimation of the nuisance parameters). Results demonstrate that (1) variance estimation based on the empirical IF may provide highly anti-conservative confidence interval coverage (as reported previously), (2) the proposed robust approach to variance estimation in this setting provides conservative coverage, and (3) the proposed modified bootstrap maintains close to nominal coverage and improves power. In the appendix, we (a) generalize the robust approach of estimating variance to marginal structural working models and (b) provide a proof of the consistency of the targeted minimum loss-based estimation bootstrap.
Sample Complexity of Sinkhorn Divergences

Optimal transport (OT) and maximum mean discrepancies (MMD) are now routinely used in machine learning to compare probability measures. We focus in this paper on \emph{Sinkhorn divergences} (SDs), a regularized variant of OT distances which can interpolate, depending on the regularization strength $\varepsilon$, between OT ($\varepsilon=0$) and MMD ($\varepsilon=\infty$). Although the tradeoff induced by that regularization is now well understood computationally (OT, SDs and MMD require respectively $O(n^3\log n)$, $O(n^2)$ and $n^2$ operations given a sample size $n$), much less is known in terms of their \emph{sample complexity}, namely the gap between these quantities, when evaluated using finite samples \emph{vs.} their respective densities. Indeed, while the sample complexity of OT and MMD stand at two extremes, $1/n^{1/d}$ for OT in dimension $d$ and $1/\sqrt{n}$ for MMD, that for SDs has only been studied empirically. In this paper, we \emph{(i)} derive a bound on the approximation error made with SDs when approximating OT as a function of the regularizer $\varepsilon$, \emph{(ii)} prove that the optimizers of regularized OT are bounded in a Sobolev (RKHS) ball independent of the two measures and \emph{(iii)} provide the first sample complexity bound for SDs, obtained,by reformulating SDs as a maximization problem in a RKHS. We thus obtain a scaling in $1/\sqrt{n}$ (as in MMD), with a constant that depends however on $\varepsilon$, making the bridge between OT and MMD complete.
outputs ’ Older people ’ talking as if they are not older people : Positioning theory as an explanation Journal Item

This paper addresses the question of how we account for ‘older people’ talking as if they are not older people. Membership of an age category is usually conceptualised as having a pre-discursive reality, as is inherent in the concept of ‘denial of ageing’. This paper theorises membership of an age category as a discursive resource and uses positioning theory to examine what is said. Working within the framework of discursive psychology, it demonstrates both the complexity and the fruitfulness of identifying older-age related positions in talk. Data is presented where speakers position themselves as not-older-people or modify positionings of themselves as older. The data comes from interviews about a topic where age status is often treated as pertinent: sexual activity in later life. The analysis demonstrates that how speakers position themselves in relation to older age depends on, and has important consequences for, the particular local business of the interaction. ‘Older people’ talking 3
A Monte Carlo Simulation for the Construction of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Repertoire

The immune system of vertebrate living beings is a very complicated system that has evolved a set of mechanisms to get rid of potential pathogens he get in contact with. These mechanisms are so finely tuned that we don’t even realize how much work our immune defenses are carrying out each moment to keep us disease free. Unfortunately, as one can figure, the whole system is not error free. For example, autoimmune diseases arise when at least one of the mechanisms meant to preserve tolerance of self breaks. The immune self tolerance is the process by which the immune system refrain fromattaching the host own body. This is normally the norm but given the huge complexity of the interdependencies among immune components (cells, molecules, organs, signals, etc.), and also given that the immune defenses are not static but rather dynamic and ever changing during our lifetime, it should not be surprising to learn of the different autoimmune diseases known to date. Tolerance is the evolutionary result of a multi-layer system whose goal is to weed out self-reactive cells. Of these mechanisms, lymphocytes T education in the thymus organ represents the very first one. In this article we describe a Monte Carlo method to simulate the maturation of key immune cells. Before describing the algorithm we give a brief introduction of how the immune system works. The goal of the present work is purely methodological. In fact, while we focus on the specific aspect of the examination phase of the T lymphocytes maturation, we use immuno-informatics data and methods to perform computer simulation of the whole process without taking into account, for example, the anatomical structure of the thymus organ where the process of lymphocytes education takes place. Moreover, for reasons that will be mentioned later, we will specifically deal with CD8+ T-cells (i.e., CTLs) selection rather than on CD4+ T-cells (T helpers).
Variational learning across domains with triplet information.

The work investigates deep generative models, which allow us to use training data from one domain to build a model for another domain. We propose the Variational Bi-domain Triplet Autoencoder (VBTA) that learns a joint distribution of objects from different domains. We extend the VBTAs objective function by the relative constraints or triplets that sampled from the shared latent space across domains. In other words, we combine the deep generative models with a metric learning ideas in order to improve the final objective with the triplets information. The performance of the VBTA model is demonstrated on different tasks: image-to-image translation, bi-directional image generation and cross-lingual document classification.
Transferred Embeddings for Igbo Similarity, Analogy, and Diacritic Restoration Tasks

Existing NLP models are mostly trained with data from well-resourced languages. Most minority languages face the challenge of lack of resources - data and technologies - for NLP research. Building these resources from scratch for each minority language will be very expensive, time-consuming and amount largely to unnecessarily re-inventing the wheel. In this paper, we applied transfer learning techniques to create Igbo word embeddings from a variety of existing English trained embeddings. Transfer learning methods were also used to build standard datasets for Igbo word similarity and analogy tasks for intrinsic evaluation of embeddings. These projected embeddings were also applied to diacritic restoration task. Our results indicate that the projected models not only outperform the trained ones on the semantic-based tasks of analogy, word-similarity, and odd-word identifying, but they also achieve enhanced performance on the diacritic restoration with learned diacritic embeddings.
Looking at digital visualizations of urban redevelopment projects: dimming the scintillating glow of unwork

The urban fabric of global cities is constantly changing. And in the past three or four years, a new form of visualising those changes has become commonplace. On the billboards of almost every building site, a new kind of image is appearing: a digital visualisation of what that site will look like when the construction work has finished (see Figure 1). In particular, the iconic new buildings which no global city can now be without (Kaika 2011) are always surrounded by such visualisations on the hoardings that encircle them as they gradually rise into the city skyline. In the hustle and bustle of many big city streets, the presence of these high-definition, glossy visualisations is often striking, inviting passing pedestrians, passengers and drivers to pause and experience their high-end design, lovely weather, pretty planting, gorgeous lighting and leisured lifestyle.
A Control Systems Framework for Understanding Normal and Abnormal Posture

This paper presents a brief overview ofa control systemsframeworkfor understanding normal and abnormal posture, with a special emphasis on postural control during arm movements. The needfor meaningful and valid definitions ofpostural output is discussed. A distinction is drawn between the joint posture and balance outputs of the system. The roles of commands and perturbing inputs in controlling and disturbing joint posture and balance are described. The effects of initial conditions on command inputs and postural outputs are considered. Mechanisms for correcting postural errors are described, with a major focus on active closed-loop and open-loop control processes. The method of objectively describing system behavior by the gains, time delays, and thresholds of input-output functions is presented. All concepts are developed in relation to their clinical implications.
A REVIEW AND CRITIQUE ON THE RELATION BETWEEN CORPORATE REPUTATION, VALUE CREATION AND FIRM PERFORMANCE

This paper reviews the literature from the fi eld of corporate reputation, identifi es the progress to date in attempts to relate corporate reputation to value creation and fi nancial performance, and contributes to the extant body of knowledge by presenting several avenues for future research on the topic. Three main research questions drive this study: (a) Can reputations create value, and, if so, how? (b) How can corporate reputation be measured? and (c) Does good corporate reputation have a positive impact on fi nancial performance, and, if so, to what extent? After thoroughly analyzing papers published in important journals that frequently discuss these topics, we suggest that there is a strong theoretical and empirical basis on which to conclude that good corporate reputation can be a source of competitive advantage and enhance a fi rm’s performance, thus creating value (research question “a”). However, there is still a lot to be done to address measurement issues (research question “b”), and especially to assess the size of the effect that good corporate reputation has on fi nancial results, and to fi nd a methodology to calculate the economic value of corporate reputation based on the previously mentioned effect (research question “c”). Future research should address questions such as (1) Which corporate reputation dimensions and/or stakeholder groups are most relevant to economic performance? (2) Do the new multidimensional measures of reputation really provide more effective results compared to widely used rankings that assess the association between reputation and performance? (3) What is the size of the effect of good reputation on fi nancial performance? and (4) What is the economic value of good reputation? Addressing these issues will make relevant contributions in the quest to understand the extent to which corporate reputations are important to organizations’ success.
Naive Learning and Game Play in a Dual Social Network Framework

We observe that people perform economic activities within the social setting of a small group, while they obtain relevant information from a broader source. We capture this feature with a dynamic interaction model based on two separate social networks. Individuals play a coordination game in an interaction network. Meanwhile, all individuals update their strategies via a naive learning process using information from a separate influence network through which information is disseminated. In each time period, the interaction and influence networks co-evolve, and the individuals’ strategies are updated through a modified French-DeGroot updating process. We show that through this updating process both network structures and players’ mixed strategies always reach a steady state. In particular, conformity occurs in the long run when the interaction cost is sufficiently low. We also analyse the influence exerted by a minority group on these outcomes.
Prevalence of Reported Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Doctors at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Musculoskeletal system disorders are potential sources of occupational Public Health concern with worldwide prevalence. These disorders arise as a result of exposure to hazards related to biomechanical overload which adversely affects the body’s osteo-articular system. This study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among doctors working at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Methods: Following Ethical clearance, this descriptive cross-sectional study applied multistage sampling in selecting 223 consenting respondents. Data collection was via structured close ended self-administered questionnaire and a walk-through survey. Data were analysed and presented using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Prevalence of work-related disorders of the musculoskeletal system was found to be 90.6%. The most common musculoskeletal disorder symptom was pain (88.6%). The most affected body site by these disorders was the lower limbs. Occurrence of the disorders was Original Research Article Ephraim-Emmanuel and Douglas; JAMMR, 28(1): 1-12, 2018; Article no.JAMMR. 45210 2 significantly associated with the rank (p=0.02) as well as the number of years of practice (p=0.033) of the respondents. Conclusion: Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among doctors at the University of Port Harcourt which was significantly associated with rank and years of practice. It is recommended that shift duties rosters are prepared with enough time available for break periods especially for junior doctor cadres.
Distributed Holistic Bounding: Structuring Testbeds for Emerging Virtual Environments

Abstract : Adequately testing, evaluating and analyzing large, scale-free information systems is very difficult due to the nebulous nature of the systems boundaries and ever-changing number of links and nodes that comprise the overall system. This paper proposed that it is possible to conduct such studies through distributed holistic bounding and employment of disciplined experiment campaigning. Beginning with identification of the overarching purpose of the entire system and identifying the boundaries of the sub-systems that contribute to the overall system's functionality we can develop effective experiments that will identify critical environmental variables that affect system performance. By adhering to an experiment campaign strategy we can discover those variables, develop hypotheses that help determine optimal system configurations and ultimately build and demonstrate that optimal system.
Evaluating the Wald Entropy from two-derivative terms in quadratic actions

We evaluate the Wald Noether charge entropy for a black hole in generalized theories of gravity. Expanding the Lagrangian to second order in gravitational perturbations, we show that contributions to the entropy density originate only from the coefficients of two-derivative terms. The same considerations are extended to include matter fields and to show that arbitrary powers of matter fields and their symmetrized covariant derivatives cannot contribute to the entropy density. We also explain how to use the linearized gravitational field equation rather than quadratic actions to obtain the same results. Several explicit examples are presented that allow us to clarify subtle points in the derivation and application of our method.
Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement – 2018 Academic Evaluation Report

The “Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement – 2018 Academic Evaluation Report” is an exploratory policy report that aims to set a standard to analyze comprehensively and cross-disciplinary an FTA. The report was produced by research teams from both countries. The first and immediate benefit of the Sino-Siwss-FTA (SSFTA) are the practical opportunities resulting from exporters saving customs duties because of the substantial reductions in tariffs. Thus this report analyzes utilization rates (AUR). The next important question is why firms do or do not make eff ective use of the FTAs. This is accomplished with a firm survey of potential FTA users. This brings us to the ultimate question of whether the FTA effectively increased bilateral trade. This is discerned via a sophisticated counterfactual method. Other chapters in this book analyze the different motivations of states (in this case China and Switzerland) for signing and implementing an FTA. There is also one contribution that looks at how far and deep China is willing to go with its bilateral FTAs. In summary, this policy report, by examining the SSFTA, is also a call for FTA education and for upgrading the functionality of FTAs.
Exceptional human experiences, disclosure, and a more inclusive view of physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

The nature, accompaniments, and life impacts of 5 types of exceptional human experiences (EHEs: mystical, psychic, unusual death-related, encounter, and exceptional normal) were explored, using correlational and qualitative analyses. An experimental design and standardized assessments were used to explore possible beneficial outcomes of working with and disclosing EHEs, individually or in psy- choeducational groups. EHEs occurred frequently, were perceived as meaningful and important, and their disclosure was perceived as beneficial. Correlational results indicated that frequent and/or profound EHEs were positively and significantly related to high levels of meaning and purpose in life, high levels of spirituality, ''thin'' or permeable boundaries, and a tendency toward transformative life changes. Disclo- sure was positively and significantly associated with meaning and purpose in life, positive psychological attitudes and well-being, and reduced stress-related symptoms. Qualitative analyses revealed that EHEs and their disclosure were accompanied by themes of well-being, meaning, openness, spirituality, need- satisfaction, and transformative change.