Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent Changes in Deep Ventilation of the Mediterranean Sea; Evidence From Long-Term Transient Tracer Observations

The Mediterranean Sea is a small region of the global ocean but with a very active overturning circulation that allows surface perturbations to be transported to the interior ocean. Understanding of ventilation is important for understanding and predicting climate change and its impact on ocean ecosystems. To quantify changes of deep ventilation, we investigated the spatiotemporal variability of transient tracers (i.e., CFC-12 and SF6) observations combined with temporal evolution of hydrographic and oxygen observations in the Mediterranean Sea from 13 cruises conducted during 1987–2018, with emphasize on the update from 2011 to 2018. Spatially, both the Eastern and Western Mediterranean Deep Water (EMDW and WMDW) show a general west-to-east gradient of increasing salinity and potential temperature but decreasing oxygen and transient tracer concentrations. Temporally, stagnant and weak ventilation is found in most areas of the EMDW during the last decade despite the prevailing ventilation in the Adriatic Deep Water between 2011 and 2016, which could be a result of the weakened Adriatic source intensity. The EMDW has been a mixture of the older Southern Aegean Sea dense waters formed during the Eastern Mediterranean Transient (EMT) event, and the more recent ventilated deep-water of the Adriatic origin. In the western Mediterranean basin, we found uplifting of old WMDW being replaced by the new deep-water from the Western Mediterranean Transition (WMT) event and uplifting of the new WMDW toward the Alboran Sea. The temporal variability revealed enhanced ventilation after the WMT event but slightly weakened ventilation after 2016, which could be a result of combined influences from the eastern (for the weakened Adriatic source intensity) and western (for the weakened influence from the WMT event) Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a Tracer Minimum Zone (TMZ) at mid-depth of the water column attributed to the rapid deep ventilation so that the TMZ is the slowest ventilated layer. This zone of weak ventilation stretches across the whole Mediterranean Sea from the Levantine basin into the western basin.
LPS-Inducible lncRNA TMC3-AS1 Negatively Regulates the Expression of IL-10

Long non-coding RNAs are essential regulators of the inflammatory response, especially for transcriptional regulation of inflammatory genes. It has been reported that the expression of transmembrane channel-like 3 (TMC3)–AS1 is increased following lipopolysaccharide stimulation. However, the potential function of TMC3-AS1 in immunity is largely unknown. Herein, we report a specific role for TMC3-AS1 in the regulation of inflammatory gene expression. TMC3-AS1 negatively regulates the expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) in macrophage and intestinal epithelial cell lines. Mechanistically, TMC3-AS1 may interact with p65 in the nucleus, preventing p65 from binding to the κB consensus site within IL-10 promoter. These findings suggest that TMC3-AS1 may function as an important regulator in the innate immune response.
A digital assessment tool for monitoring and planning food security interventions in rural households of Uganda

Summary In this paper, a digital assessment tool that is used to monitor food security in rural homesteads is presented. It provides instant results in form of statistics that can help in planning for appropriate interventions. Food security is an essential and universal ingredient of any community’s well-being. The fact that food security is a complex and multidimensional concept, its measurement has been a challenge to both researchers and practitioners. The tool makes food security assessment and monitoring easier and can generate instant statistics that can inform appropriate interventions aimed at enhancing decisions of rural communities on food security. The tool is evaluated with the intended users and evaluation results indicate that it is a useful device for monitoring food security and for informing intervention programs.
Debiasing Vandalism Detection Models at Wikidata

Crowdsourced knowledge bases like Wikidata suffer from low-quality edits and vandalism, employing machine learning-based approaches to detect both kinds of damage. We reveal that state-of-the-art detection approaches discriminate anonymous and new users: benign edits from these users receive much higher vandalism scores than benign edits from older ones, causing newcomers to abandon the project prematurely. We address this problem for the first time by analyzing and measuring the sources of bias, and by developing a new vandalism detection model that avoids them. Our model FAIR-S reduces the bias ratio of the state-of-the-art vandalism detector WDVD from 310.7 to only 11.9 while maintaining high predictive performance at 0.963 ROC and 0.316 PR.
Constraint-Based Mining of Closed Patterns in Noisy n-ary Relations. (Fouille Sous Contraintes de Motifs Fermés dans des Relations n-aires Bruitées)

The datasets describing objects with Boolean properties are binary relations, i.e., 0/1 matrices. In such a relation, a closed itemset a maximal subset of objects sharing the same maximal subset of properties. Efficiently extracting every closed itemset satisfying user-defined relevancy constraints has been extensively studied. Nevertheless, many datasets are n-ary relations, i.e., 0/1 tensors. Reducing their analysis to two dimensions is ignoring potentially interesting additional dimensions. Moreover, the presence of noise in most real-life datasets leads to the fragmentation of the patterns to discover. Generalizing the definition of a closed itemset to make it suit relations of higher arity and tolerate some noise is straightforward. On the contrary, generalizing their extraction is very hard. Our extractor browses the candidate pattern space in an original way that does not favor any dimension. This search can be guided by a very broad class of relevancy constraints the patterns must satisfy. In particular, this thesis studies constraints to specifically mine dynamic graphs. Our extractor is orders of magnitude faster than known competitors, though limited in their applications. Despite these results, such an exhaustive approach often cannot, in a reasonable time, list patterns tolerating much noise. In this case, complementing the extraction with a hierarchical agglomeration of the patterns allows to achieve one's aims.
An interactive multimedia companion to Wagner's Lohengrin: encoding and visualising a motivic study

Musicological argument has traditionally been communicated in writings that are textual, linear and illustrated by occasional figures despite almost always being concerned with diverse subjects and evidential materials, each potentially exemplified by different media, and each potentially a springing point for digression and exploration of the author’s argument. While the activities required to explore the referenced materials may be non-linear, this is neither embodied in nor enabled by the medium of communication.
Impact of a Catastrophic Natural Disturbance on Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA) in a Wolf Spider

Abstract: Animals subject to environmental stress often exhibit higher levels of developmental instability, frequently measured as Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA), small, random deviations from perfect left-right symmetry in bilaterally symmetrical animals. We used FA measurement as a means of determining the impact of a catastrophic ecosystem disturbance (a major Class F3 tornado) on populations of Schizocosa ocreata, a common forest-dwelling wolf spider. As FA in sexually selected ornamental traits in males has been shown in some (but not all) species studied to be a sensitive indicator of environmental stress, we measured FA of foreleg tufts in male S. ocreata. Spiders from the first post-disturbance generation were collected by pitfall trapping in the spring of 2000, and preserved specimens were photographed and measured using digital imaging. Spiders from disturbed and undisturbed areas within the forest did not differ significantly in body size parameters, although body condition varied significantly between sites. Signed (R-L) FA of male tuft area was normally distributed with a mean of zero, indicating “ideal” or “true” FA, a reflection of Developmental Instability (DI). Although tuft area was not significantly different between sites, tuft area FA in male S. ocreata was significantly higher in the disturbed site, suggesting that ecosystem-level stress may produce higher levels of developmental instability in arthropod populations. Results of our study indicate that FA in this secondary sexual character (male leg tufts) is a more sensitive indicator of putative environmental stress than a non-sexual trait (femur length). To our knowledge, this is the first study of FA in invertebrates associated with environmental stress from a catastrophic natural disturbance. Nomenclature: Dondale & Redner, 1990.
The spatial distribution of euphausiids and walleye pollock in the eastern Bering Sea does not imply top-down control by predation

Although euphausiids of the genus Thysanoessa ('krill') are a key zooplankton taxon in the Bering Sea ecosystem, the processes controlling variation in the standing stock of these animals are not well understood. Both forcing by temperature ('bottom-up') and predation ('top- down') have been proposed. If strong top-down forcing were present, a negative relationship would be expected between the standing stock of euphausiids and that of walleye pollock Gadus chalcogrammus, their single most important predator in the Bering Sea. We developed multiple regression models using survey data collected over several years to test the hypothesis of a negative relationship between local (mesoscale) densities of these animals. We used the models to evaluate the relative importance of pollock biomass and water temperature in predicting euphau- siid biomass, and found that temperature was a far better predictor, a result that is not consistent with dominant top-down control of euphausiids by pollock predation.
Feeding wild American black bears in Virginia: a survey of Virginia bear hunters, 1998–99

Abstract Some bear hunters in Virginia, primarily houndsmen, feed American black bears (Ursus americanus) to attract them to hunting sites, but also because some hunters believe that supplemental food improves bear reproduction and survival. However, a regulation prohibiting unauthorized feeding of bears, deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) on national forest and state-owned lands in Virginia became effective 1 July 1999. We sent a survey to all members of the Virginia Bear Hunters Association (VBHA) (n = 459) to determine the amount of food provided to bears by hunters between 1 July 1998 and 30 June 1999. Survey response rate was 52%. One hundred thirteen of 238 (48%) survey respondents spent $18,378 on supplemental food during that time. One hundred twenty-eight respondents provided 2,942,394 kilograms of food to bears between 1 July 1998 and 30 June 1999. Whole-shelled corn, pastries, and rendered animal fat (grease) accounted for 58% of the total mass; however, whole-shelled corn, pastries, and bread were the 3 most common foods offered. July, August, and September were the months during which most respondents fed bears. Food supply can affect reproduction, survival, harvest rates, nuisance occurrences, population size, and distribution of bears. If supplemental feeding has an effect on bear population dynamics, changes in regulations regarding feeding may negatively impact black bear populations, as well as public relations and future cooperation between wildlife agencies and hunters.
Development of Innovative Secured Remote Sensor Water Quality Monitoring & Management System: Case of Pangani Water Basin

Wireless sensor networks (WSN), when applied to the field of water quality monitoring and management, has the potential to bring numerous benefits as compared to traditional methods since it is accurate, reliable in remote areas and in the tough condition such as during rainy seasons, and less costly. With the ever-growing application of Internet of Things (IoT) and technology in general, sensor devices have become less expensive and widely used in many applications that require remote monitoring. In this work, we present an innovative and secure water monitoring and management system using remote sensor prototype, which has been developed to monitor physiochemical parameters including pH, Turbidity, Temperature, and Dissolved Oxygen. Qualitative research methods were used for gathering system requirements through questionnaires and interviews conducted in Pangani water basin authority, in the United Republic of Tanzania. Documents were also reviewed to provide secondary knowledge. Furthermore, the system was developed using Dynamic System Development Methodology (DSDM). Firstly, the proposed system prototype is able to provide real-time measurements accurately. Secondly, the proposed system uses Advanced Encryption Standards to provide a secure transmission and storage of data transmitted from remote sensor nodes to a central database system. Thirdly, the web application was developed for data visualization using tabular and graphical formats. Lastly, the system prototype provides decisions support on quality of water present in Pangani river basin by evaluating sensor measurements and sends SMS alerts once the measured value is above the recommended standard values.
Analysis of genetic diversity in Claviceps purpurea by RAPD markers

Twenty-nine field isolates of the broad host range pathogen Claviceps purpurea from various host plants and different geographical origin were compared by RAPD analysis. The RAPD patterns obtained showed considerable diversity; it was even possible to discriminate all strains tested with single primers, indicating an unusual high degree of genetic diversity within this species. A parsimony analysis using the PAUP software grouped most strains from specific host plants together, indicating some degree of host specificity in this fungus. Those strains derived from rye seem to be genetically less diverse than those from other host plants. However, the geographic origin also seems to be important.
Simulation de champs sonores de haute qualité pour des applications graphiques interactives. (Simulation of high quality sound fields for interactive graphics applications)

Ce travail porte sur la simulation de champs sonores de haute qualite pour des applications graphiques interactives. Dans ce cadre, nous nous sommes interesse a trois problemes : le calcul interactif des effets de l'occultation des ondes sonores par des obstacles, l'integration du son dans un systeme d'animation et de realite virtuelle et la simulation adaptative des reflections du son dans des environnements reverberants. Nous presentons une methode originale permettant d'approcher les effets des obstacles sur la propagation des ondes sonores. Cette methode qualitative est fondee sur le calcul de l'obstruction des premiers ellipsoides de Fresnel. Pour cela nous utilisons le rendu câble des cartes graphiques specialisees pour effectuer un calcul interactif entre une source et un recepteur ponctuels dans des environnements generaux. Une extension plus quantitative, basee sur la theorie de Fresnel-Kirchhoff est egalement decrite. Nous decrivons egalement un systeme interactif de simulation acoustique. Il permet le rendu synchronise du son et de l'image dans le cadre d'applications d'animation de synthese et de realite virtuelle. Nous y avons integre notre approche de traitement des occultations sonores. Nous presentons comment d'autres effets, comme les reflections speculaires du son ou l'effet Doppler sont egalement pris en compte. Enfin, nous introduisons une technique originale de simulation adaptative fondee sur un formalisme proche de la radiosite hierarchique utilisee en synthese d'images. Elle permet de prendre en compte efficacement des reflections globales speculaires et diffuses dans le cadre d'echanges energetiques dependants du temps. La solution obtenue est independante du point d'ecoute et ouvre la porte a des applications de parcours interactifs de l'environnement virtuel. En outre, la complexite du processus peut etre controlee, permettant des applications plus quantitatives, comme la prevision des qualites acoustiques de lieux d'ecoute. Ces trois contributions peuvent permettre de realiser un systeme de simulation complet d'une scene sonore virtuelle pouvant etre utilise dans une variete d'applications. Celles-ci ne se limitent toutefois pas a l'acoustique, mais peuvent etre etendues a la simulation de propagation d'ondes radioelectriques pour la telephonie mobile ou les reseaux sans fils.
Development of pheromone traps for control and monitoring of sweetpotato weevils, Cylas puncticollis and C. brunneus, in Uganda

Experiments were carried out in Uganda to optimise pheromone traps for the African sweetpotato weevil species, Cylas puncticollis Bohe. and C. brunneus F. (Coleoptera: Apionidae). Various designs of funnel, water and sticky traps were compared and a 5‐l plastic jerry can trap was the most appropriate design for effectiveness and practicability. A solution of Omo detergent in water was found to be the most effective trapping agent. Fewer weevils were caught in red traps than in yellow, white, green or blue traps. Catches of C. puncticollis increased when the trap was raised above crop height, but catches of C. brunneus were unaffected. When marked weevils were dropped onto the trap, 36% of C. puncticollis and 23% of C. brunneus were captured, and, of weevils placed in the trap, 88% and 92%, respectively, of the two species remained overnight. Lures for the two species showed no significant loss in attractiveness after 8 weeks in the field, and chemical analysis showed 19% of the C. puncticollis pheromone and 72% of the C. brunneus pheromone remaining after this time. Summarizing, the following trap is presently recommended for monitoring/controlling African Cylas species: a 5‐l plastic jerry can trap of any colour with rectangular openings of 11×5 and 6×5 cm positioned 15 cm above the crop canopy, filled with 0.5 l Omo solution (1 g/1 l water), with 0.1 mg lures to be replaced every 8 weeks.
Efficient search-based strategies for polyhedral compilation : algorithms and experience in a production compiler. (Stratégies exploratoires efficaces pour la compilation polyédrique : algorithmes et expérience dans un compilateur de production)

In order to take the performance advantages of the current multicore and heterogeneous architectures the compilers are required to perform more and more complex program transformations. The search space of the possible program optimizations is huge and unstructured. Selecting the best transformation and predicting the potential performance benefits of that transformation is the major problem in today's optimizing compilers. The promising approach to handling the program optimizations is to focus on the automatic loop optimizations expressed in the polyhedral model. The current approaches for optimizing programs in the polyhedral model broadly fall into two classes. The first class of the methods is based on the linear optimization of the analytical cost function. The second class is based on the exhaustive iterative search. While the first approach is fast, it can easily miss the optimal solution. The iterative approach is more precise, but its running time might be prohibitively expensive. In this thesis we present a novel search-based approach to program transformations in the polyhedral model. The new method combines the benefits - effectiveness and precision - of the current approaches, while it tries to minimize their drawbacks. Our approach is based on enumerating the evaluations of the precise, nonlinear performance predicting cost-function. The current practice is to use the polyhedral model in the context of source-to-source compilers. We have implemented our techniques in a GCC framework that is based on the low level three address code representation. We show that the chosen level of abstraction for the intermediate representation poses scalability challenges, and we show the ways to overcome those problems. On the other hand, it is shown that the low level IR abstraction opens new degrees of freedom that are beneficial for the search-based transformation strategies and for the polyhedral compilation in general.
Towards Modeling the European Novel. Introducing ELTeC for Multilingual and Pluricultural Distant Reading

Working at the intersection of many languages and cultures, we address practical and technical aspects of corpus design based on a theoretical discussion of pluri-cultural computational modeling of literature. In the corpus design, we adopt a metadata-based approach that allows for representing the diversity of novels published 1840-1920 across Europe. Our sampling and balancing criteria use metadata including publication date, text length, reprint counts and authors’ gender, and we deliberately focus on inclusion of non-canonical novels.
BlobSeer: Towards efficient data storage management for large-scale, distributed systems

With data volumes increasing at a high rate and the emergence of highly scalable infrastructures (cloud computing, petascale computing), distributed management of data becomes a crucial issue that faces many challenges. This thesis brings several contributions in order to address such challenges. First, it proposes a set of principles for designing highly scalable distributed storage systems that are optimized for heavy data access concurrency. In particular, it highlights the potentially large benefits of using versioning in this context. Second, based on these principles, it introduces a series of distributed data and metadata management algorithms that enable a high throughput under concurrency. Third, it shows how to efficiently implement these algorithms in practice, dealing with key issues such as high-performance parallel transfers, efficient maintainance of distributed data structures, fault tolerance, etc. These results are used to build BlobSeer, an experimental prototype that is used to demonstrate both the theoretical benefits of the approach in synthetic benchmarks, as well as the practical benefits in real-life, applicative scenarios: as a storage backend for MapReduce applications, as a storage backend for deployment and snapshotting of virtual machine images in clouds, as a quality-of-service enabled data storage service for cloud applications. Extensive experimentations on the Grid'5000 testbed show that BlobSeer remains scalable and sustains a high throughput even under heavy access concurrency, outperforming by a large margin several state-of-art approaches.