Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Submillimetre water masers at 437, 439, 471, and 474 GHz towards evolved stars

Aims. Here we aim to characterise submillimetre water masers at 437, 439, 471, and 474 GHz towards a sample of evolved stars. Methods. We used the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX1) to observe submillimetre water transitions and the CO (4–3) line towards 11 evolved stars. The sample included semi-regular and Mira variables, plus a red supergiant star. We performed radiative transfer modelling for the water masers. We also used the CO observations to determine mass loss rates for the stars. Results. From the sample of 11 evolved stars, 7 display one or more of the masers at 437, 439, 471, and 474 GHz. We therefore find that these masers are common in evolved star circumstellar envelopes. The fact that the maser lines are detected near the stellar velocity indicates that they are likely to originate from the inner circumstellar envelopes of our targets. We tentatively link the presence of masers to the degree of variability of the target star, that is, masers are more likely to be present in Mira variables than in semi-regular variables. We suggest that this indicates the importance of strong shocks in creating the necessary conditions for the masers. Typically, the 437 GHz line is the strongest maser line observed among those studied here. We cannot reproduce the above finding in our radiative transfer models. In general, we find that maser emission is very sensitive to dust temperature in the lines studied here. To produce strong maser emission, the dust temperature must be significantly lower than the gas kinetic temperature. In addition to running grids of models in order to determine the optimum physical conditions for strong masers in these lines, we performed smooth wind modelling for which we cannot reproduce the observed line shapes. This also suggests that the masers must originate predominantly from the inner envelopes.
Decadal Wintertime Temperature Changes in East Asia During 1958–2001 and the Contributions of Internal Variability and External Forcing

The winter temperature in East Asia from 1958 to 2001 has shown an obvious warming trend superposed with a large amplitude of decadal oscillations. To separate the relative contributions of external forcing and internal variability to the decadal change in winter temperature, we propose a method which combines reanalysis data, global atmosphere‐ocean coupled model outputs, and regional climate model. The results show that the weakening of the East Asian winter monsoon accounts for warming trend in the south Mongolia, the southeastern coast of Asia, and the adjacent seas to a large extent. In contrast, radiative forcing causes the warming trend in middle and high latitudes. The increasing concentration of aerosols could have resulted in local cooling in some areas. The winter temperature shows a decadal oscillation of 0.6 °C at a time scale of 8–20 a, which is mainly due to the oscillation of the Siberian‐Mongolia High and volcanic activities. The amplitude of temperature oscillations caused by volcanic activities was one third of that induced by the Siberian‐Mongolia High.
Freshwater diatom assemblages and ecology/palaeoecology of the Okefenokee swamp/marsh complex, southern Georgia, U.S.A,

Surface and subsurface peats of the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeastern United States contain low diversity diatom assemblages, composed largely of forms typical of peat-forming environments. Multivariate techniques, utilizing the algorithms EXTENDED CABFAC and FUZZY QMODEL (factor/cluster analyses), recognized five major diatom assemblages in the surface peats and the distribution of these correlates with surface flow patterns and hydrological input from the uplands. Streamflow regulates nutrient flux, and so it appears that the major control on diatom communities in the Okefenokee Swamp is local variation in trophic status. Stratigraphical studies reveal a recent history marked by alternating wet and dry conditions, with vegetational and diatom floral succession evident in some regions and relative ecological stability elsewhere. Minor ecological changes associated with increased human activity in the region, beginning late in the nineteenth century, are reflected by changes in the diatom communities.
FOOD AND PREDATION RISK AS FACTORS RELATED TO FORAGING LOCATIONS OF NORTHERN FLICKERS

Abstract Foraging site selection by birds may be related to foraging efficiency, food availability and abundance, and predation risk. We identified selectively used foraging habitat within home ranges of 29 adult radio-tagged Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus) in British Columbia during the nestling period. We compared habitat characteristics of flicker foraging locations to randomly selected locations in their home range using discriminant function analysis. Foraging plots were located in grassland and were characterized by a lack of tall vegetation, a large percentage of bare ground, and a high density of small anthills. Foraging plots had five times more anthills than random plots. Foraging plots also were closer to trees and forest edges than random plots. The random plots had significantly more medium and tall vegetation than foraging plots, and litter (dead grass) was the most abundant type of cover. Mortality of adult flickers attributed to avian predation while foraging was 14% during 1999 and 3% during 2000. The sparse ground cover of foraging plots likely increased access to food, whereas foraging near trees likely decreased avian predation. The marked selectivity of foraging areas by flickers suggests that foraging ability could be negatively affected by land use practices that alter the structure of ground cover.
PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS OF SRI LANKAN HOTEL INDUSTRY

The mixed nature of industrial and service dimension of a hotel including pure service (room service), stock management service (beverage and vendors product), and in-house processing (Food at the restaurant) crafts are a unique business setting for a hotel. In consequence, it creates a challenging task for monitoring the alignment of the strategic plan of the hotel. Hence, the performance of a hotel needs to be measured through a three-dimensional perspective which covers (i) nature of pure service, (ii) product, and (iii) service-product. The measure of the three-dimensional perspective requires empirically validated hotel-specific performance measurement system. The study reviews experts’ views on performance measurement dimensions for the hotel industry in Sri Lanka based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Performance dimensions identified through literature review evaluated by a panel of experts consists of academics, seniors and middle-level management of hotels, government and travel advisory officials, and opinion leaders. The results of AHP on performance dimensions were re-confirmed by applying Content Validity Ratio (CVR) analysis. The AHP order of performance dimensions begins with Competitiveness followed by Finance, Quality, Innovation, Flexibility, Resource utilization, Environment, and Supplier Performance respective. The CVR on AHP order confirmed 6 dimensions on performance measurement for Sri Lankan hotel industry as final selection leaving out environmental and supplier performance from the list of performance dimensions.
Human Distraction Detection from Video Stream Using Artificial Emotional Intelligence

— This paper addresses the problem of identifying certain human behavior such as distraction and also predicting the pattern of it. This paper proposes an artificial emotional intelligent or emotional AI algorithm to detect any change in visual attention for individuals. Simply, this algorithm detects human’s attentive and distracted periods from video stream. The algorithm uses deviation of normal facial alignment to identify any change in attentive and distractive activities, e.g., looking to a different direction, speaking, yawning, sleeping, attention deficit hyperactivity and so on. For detecting facial deviation we use facial landmarks but, not all landmarks are related to any change in human behavior. This paper proposes an attribute model to identify relevant attributes that best defines human’s distraction using necessary facial landmark deviations. Once the change in those attributes is identified, the deviations are evaluated against a threshold based emotional AI model in order to detect any change in the corresponding behavior. These changes are then evaluated using time constraints to detect attention levels. Finally, another threshold model against the attention level is used to recognize inattentiveness. Our proposed algorithm is evaluated using video recording of human classroom learning activity to identify inattentive learners. Experimental results show that this algorithm can successfully identify the change in human attention which can be used as a learner or driver distraction detector. It can also be very useful for human distraction detection, adaptive learning and human computer interaction. This algorithm can also be used for early attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or dyslexia detection among patients.
Comparison and Evaluation of Different Methods for the Feature Extraction from Educational Contents

This paper analyses the capabilities of different techniques to build a semantic representation of educational digital resources. Educational digital resources are modeled using the Learning Object Metadata (LOM) standard, and these semantic representations can be obtained from different LOM fields, like the title, description, among others, in order to extract the features/characteristics from the digital resources. The feature extraction methods used in this paper are the Best Matching 25 (BM25), the Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), Doc2Vec, and the Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA). The utilization of the features/descriptors generated by them are tested in three types of educational digital resources (scientific publications, learning objects, patents), a paraphrase corpus and two use cases: in an information retrieval context and in an educational recommendation system. For this analysis are used unsupervised metrics to determine the feature quality proposed by each one, which are two similarity functions and the entropy. In addition, the paper presents tests of the techniques for the classification of paraphrases. The experiments show that according to the type of content and metric, the performance of the feature extraction methods is very different; in some cases are better than the others, and in other cases is the inverse.
Satellite mapping of PM2.5 episodes in the wintertime San Joaquin Valley: a “static” model using column water vapor

Abstract. The use of satellite aerosol optical thickness (AOT) from imaging spectrometers has been successful in quantifying and mapping high-PM2.5 (particulate matter with a mass <2.5 µm diameter) episodes for pollution abatement and health studies. However, some regions have high PM2.5 but poor estimation success. The challenges in using AOT from imaging spectrometers to characterize PM2.5 worldwide was especially evident in the wintertime San Joaquin Valley (SJV). The SJV's attendant difficulties of high-albedo surfaces and very shallow, variable vertical mixing also occur in other significantly polluted regions around the world. We report on more accurate PM2.5 maps (where cloudiness permits) for the whole winter period in the SJV (19 November 2012–18 February 2013). Intensive measurements by including NASA aircraft were made for several weeks in that winter, the DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) California mission. We found success with a relatively simple method based on calibration and checking with surface monitors and a characterization of vertical mixing, and incorporating specific understanding of the region's climatology. We estimate PM2.5 to within ∼7 µg m−3 root mean square error (RMSE) and with R values of ∼0.9, based on remotely sensed multi-angle implementation of atmospheric correction (MAIAC) observations, and certain further work will improve that accuracy. Mapping is at 1 km resolution. This allows a time sequence of mapped aerosols at 1 km for cloud-free days. We describe our technique as a “static estimation. ” Estimation procedures like this one, not dependent on well-mapped source strengths or on transport error, should help full source-driven simulations by deconstructing processes. They also provide a rapid method to create a long-term climatology. Essential features of the technique are (a) daily calibration of the AOT to PM2.5 using available surface monitors, and (b) characterization of mixed layer dilution using column water vapor (CWV, otherwise “precipitable water”). We noted that on multi-day timescales both water vapor and particles share near-surface sources and both fall to very low values with altitude; indeed, both are largely removed by precipitation. The existence of layers of H2O or aerosol not within the mixed layer adds complexity, but mixed-effects statistical regression captures essential proportionality of PM2.5 and the ratio variable (AOT ∕ CWV). Accuracy is much higher than previous statistical models and can be extended to the whole Aqua satellite data record. The maps and time series we show suggest a repeated pattern for large valleys like the SJV – progressive stabilization of the mixing height after frontal passages: PM2.5 is somewhat more determined by day-by-day changes in mixing than it is by the progressive accumulation of pollutants (revealed as increasing AOT).
A Generic Approach to Covariance Function Estimation Using ARMA-Models

Covariance function modeling is an essential part of stochastic methodology. Many processes in geodetic applications have rather complex, often oscillating covariance functions, where it is difficult to find corresponding analytical functions for modeling. This paper aims to give the methodological foundations for an advanced covariance modeling and elaborates a set of generic base functions which can be used for flexible covariance modeling. In particular, we provide a straightforward procedure and guidelines for a generic approach to the fitting of oscillating covariance functions to an empirical sequence of covariances. The underlying methodology is developed based on the well known properties of autoregressive processes in time series. The surprising simplicity of the proposed covariance model is that it corresponds to a finite sum of covariance functions of second-order Gauss–Markov (SOGM) processes. Furthermore, the great benefit is that the method is automated to a great extent and directly results in the appropriate model. A manual decision for a set of components is not required. Notably, the numerical method can be easily extended to ARMA-processes, which results in the same linear system of equations. Although the underlying mathematical methodology is extensively complex, the results can be obtained from a simple and straightforward numerical method.
CNN Based Electromagnetic Side Channel Attacks on SoC

Side channel attacks are well-known thread to ciphers in real world. In this paper, we give a CNN based profiled side channel attacks on AES cipher implemented on HI Silicon Kirin 620 SoC, which is a 1.2GHz multi-core platform. With 100,000 acquired side channel traces to train, the CNN have ability to recover real key byte under 1,000 traces, even though the traces are misaligned.
Purification and expression of a protein elicitor from Alternaria tenuissima and elicitor‐mediated defence responses in tobacco

A new protein elicitor, PeaT1, was purified from the mycelium of Alternaria tenuissima by column chromatography. PeaT1 was identified as a heat-stable and acidic protein. It induced systemic acquired resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in tobacco plants but did not cause hypersensitive response. The elicitor-encoding gene was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. Sequence analysis revealed that the cDNA is 624 bp in length and the open reading frame encodes for a polypeptide of 207 amino acids with a nascent polypeptide-associated complex domain. The peaT1 gene was cloned into the expression vector pET-28a and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant elicitor also triggered defence responses in intact tobacco plants. The availability of the pure protein offers the possibility to isolate the corresponding receptor and links it to the downstream signalling pathway.
Forsstroemia Lindb. (Neckeraceae) revisited

Abstract The pleurocarpous moss genus Forsstroemia (Neckeraceae) that was taxonomically revised in 1987 on morphological grounds is now revisited using sequence data from two plastid regions (rps4-trnF and rpl16) and nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS1 and 2). The taxon sampling comprises 11 out of 13 species and a representative set of Neckeraceae and Lembophyllaceae taxa as outgroups. Forsstroemia japonica was placed next to Shevockia inunctocarpa in a clade only remotely related to Forsstroemia. Thus, F. japonica is transferred to Shevockia. Forsstroemia remotifolia is renamed as Leptodon remotifolius and Pseudopterobryum tenuicuspis as Forsstroemia tenuicuspis (syn. F. tripinnata). The nine species in Forsstroemia form a monophyletic group, six of the species being restricted to Asia, one (F. coronata) to South America, and two (F. producta and F. trichomitria) having a wider distribution. A previously suggested hybrid origin for F. coronata was not supported by the sequence data.
Fatores antinutricionais e coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da proteína de produtos de soja para o pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

Anti-nutritional factors and protein apparent digestibility coefficients of soybeans sources to pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). This study aimed to determine the activities of trypsin inhibitors, hemagglutinant and tannin levels in soybean meal and in raw and processed soy, as well evaluate the protein apparent digestibility coefficient for pacu juveniles. The apparent coefficients of raw, extruded, toasted and milled soy were determined using chromium oxide (0.5%) as marker. A reference diet was created with 26% crude protein and 4,352 kcal kg -1 , with each feed containing 30% of the test diet. Feces were collected by abdominal pressure. All analyzed products presented anti-nutritional factors, but the lowest trypsin inhibitor activity was observed in soybean meal. Soy that received thermal treatment presented better digestibility coefficients and lower hemagglutinating activity values than raw soy. No effects of trypsin and tannin inhibitor were observed on the protein digestibility coefficient, but a negative relationship was observed between hemagglutinin levels and protein digestibility coefficient. The use of soybean meal and extruded or toasted soy is recommended for pacu feeding.
SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATION OF ACRYLIC FILMS IN PAINT AND VARNISH MATERIALS

Copolymerizations of unsaturated compounds with different ratios of acrylic monomers were synthesized. The synthesized copolymers exhibit good adhesion, flexibility and waterproofing performance may be used in the paint industry. The behavior of the copolymers of MMA and BuMA and proven by IR spectroscopy. This paper describes the synthesis, structure and properties of certain block copolymers. The practical application of scanning electron microscopy used for investigation of materials. Keywords: methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, copolymers, paint, films, tensile strength, elongation at break, shore hardness.
Learning, Improving, and Generalizing Motor Skills for the Peg-in-Hole Tasks Based on Imitation Learning and Self-Learning

We propose a framework based on imitation learning and self-learning to enable robots to learn, improve, and generalize motor skills. The peg-in-hole task is important in manufacturing assembly work. Two motor skills for the peg-in-hole task are targeted: “hole search” and “peg insertion”. The robots learn initial motor skills from human demonstrations and then improve and/or generalize them through reinforcement learning (RL). An initial motor skill is represented as a concatenation of the parameters of a hidden Markov model (HMM) and a dynamic movement primitive (DMP) to classify input signals and generate motion trajectories. Reactions are classified as familiar or unfamiliar (i.e., modeled or not modeled), and initial motor skills are improved to solve familiar reactions and generalized to solve unfamiliar reactions. The proposed framework includes processes, algorithms, and reward functions that can be used for various motor skill types. To evaluate our framework, the motor skills were performed using an actual robotic arm and two reward functions for RL. To verify the learning and improving/generalizing processes, we successfully applied our framework to different shapes of pegs and holes. Moreover, the execution time steps and path optimization of RL were evaluated experimentally.
Contrasting patterns of trait-based community assembly in lianas and trees from temperate Australia

Trait variation in plant communities is thought to be constrained by two opposing community assembly processes operating at discrete spatial scales: habitat filtering and limiting similarity between coexisting species. Filtering processes cause convergence in ecological strategy as species are excluded from unsuitable sites, whilst limiting similarity leads to the divergence of trait values between co-occurring species in order to alleviate competition for finite resources. Levels of alpha (within-site) and beta (among-site) trait variation can be indicative of the strength of these community assembly processes. We used trait-gradient analysis to explicitly compare evidence of community assembly patterns in lianas (woody vines) and trees. These two growth forms exhibit striking differences in carbon capture and regeneration strategies, yet trait-based mechanisms that maintain their coexistence remain understudied. Using data for four functional traits – leaf mass per area, leaf nitrogen content (N mass), leaf area and seed mass – we partitioned interspecific trait variation in lianas and trees into alpha and beta components. Our three key findings were: 1) lianas and trees exhibit divergent patterns of trait-based habitat filtering, due to differences in the relationship between leaf size and the other three traits examined (LMA, N mass and seed mass), 2) on average, liana species possess smaller seeds, lower LMA and higher N mass than do trees, but there was no clear difference in leaf area between the two growth forms, and 3) soil fertility was correlated with trait variation (leaf area, seed mass) at the site-level in trees, but not in lianas. These results provide evidence that dominant growth forms can be filtered into the same habitat on the basis of different combinations of traits. Our findings have important implications for community assembly and co-existence theory and for more pragmatic matters such as using trait-based principles to inform community restoration.
Application of liquefied adhesive made of oil-palm stem for particleboard binder

In order to evaluate the quality of liquefied adhesive made of oil-palm stem, this research compared results of physical and mechanical testing of particleboard bonded by liquefied adhesive made of oil-palm stem (LA), urea-formaldehyde (UF) and isocyanate (IC), respectively. LA was produced in laboratory and for decreasing its viscosity; it was mixed with thinner prior to spraying. UF and IC were commercially type, represented interior and exterior application, respectively. Both applications were following the standard procedure. Results of this study showed quality of the physical and mechanical properties of the particleboard bonded by LA were in between particleboard bonded by UF and particleboard bonded by IC, for instance value of MOE (kgf/cm2) was 10594 (UF) < 23529 (LA) < 24413 (IC) and MOR (kgf/cm2) was 5.37 (UF) < 18.14 (LA) < 25.35 (IC). These results indicated that LA was a promising adhesive even though in this case it can be used for interior application only.