Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reconnaissance for future breeding sites by spotted sandpipers

J. Michael Reed Lewis W. Oring Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, RWF, 1000 Valley Road, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89512, USA We studied the sex-role-reversed, polyandrous spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia) from 1974 to 1990 in northern Minnesota, USA. After peak arrival of breeding birds and before peak departure at the end of the breeding season, there were many short-term visitors (transients) to the study site. Stepwise discriminant function analysis (DFA) was used to determine the importance of absolute sex ratio (males/female), sex of the transient bird, number of nests, and number of breeding males and females during the week of visit in predicting whether a visiting bird would return the following year. In addition, multiple regression was used to determine how much variability in the number of transient birds returning in subsequent years could be explained by annual values during the year of transience for numbers of breeding males and females, numbers of eggs laid and hatched, and absolute sex ratio. Annual recruitment of foreign adults ranged from 1 to 20 birds, of which 0-56% were seen visiting in previous years. Female recruits were more likely than males to have been observed previously as transients. Twenty-two chicks hatched at our study site returned and bred for the first time more than 1 year after hatching. Of these, 9 (41%) were seen as transients between the year of hatch and breeding. The DFA showed that transient females returned more often than transient males and that the number of transients returning in subsequent years was positively associated with the absolute sex ratio during the week visited. When the sexes were analyzed separately, none of the weekly variables significantly discriminated female return, but sex ratio was positively associated with male return. Regression showed that the number of transient birds returning in subsequent years was positively associated with the number of male breeders at our study site during the year a bird visited. Percentage return the year after transience was positively associated with the number of eggs laid at our study site during the year a bird visited. When sexes were analyzed separately, the higher the number of female breeders during the year a bird visited, the greater the number of males returning in subsequent years, and greater numbers of breeding males were positively associated with transient female return. Based on our results, we suggest that transient birds were searching for better breeding areas for future breeding and that intrasexual competition made this information more important to females than to males. [Behav Ecol 3:310-317 (1992)]
LOCI: A Mobile Q&A System with Multimodal Motivation Scheme for Local Intent Questions in Dynamic Social Networks

Recent research has shown that people are frequently searching for information with local intent. The existing systems fail to answer this class of questions as they are not mainly designed to handle it. In this paper, we propose LOCI, a mobile question & answer system with a multimodal motivation scheme for local intent questions where users provide timely and accurate answers in a dynamic social network. LOCI mines users’ shared and contextual information to identify the most relevant users for each question. The proposed multimodal motivation scheme exploits users’ social ties and monetary rewards to raise their basic motivation levels. LOCI assigns questions to the best answerers via our three proposed algorithms: (i) LOCI-RT, which immediately assigns newly arrived questions/users to available users/questions, (ii) LOCI-LO, which uses short-time batches for locally optimal questions-users assignment, and (iii) LOCI-AD, which assigns short- and long-deadline questions immediately and via batching, respectively. We conduct: (i) a survey to support our assumptions regarding the proposed multimodal motivation scheme, and (ii) trace-driven experiments to evaluate the performance of the three proposed LOCI’s algorithms.
E-government maturity models: more of the same?

As e-government initiatives progressed, several models for measuring e-government maturity were proposed. Many are stage models based on the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) in which e-government maturity is conceptualized as stages of growth that evolve over time. The paper aims to investigate if e-government stage maturity models measure the use and usefulness of e-government. A meta-synthesis technique was used to compare and contrast 11 meta-models (models derived from other models), at the stage level, for their perspectives, concepts, metaphors, and their similarities and differences. We found that although models use different names and metaphors for analogous concepts, similarities exist among them, and individual stages overlap. Results show two gaps in research regarding the assessment of the actual use and usefulness of e-government. First, meta-models primarily assess the supply-side and operational/technology and citizen/service perspectives. Second, the use and usefulness of e-government are not addressed.
Capacity and Coverage Analysis of High Altitude Platform (HAP) Antenna Arrays for Rural Vehicular Broadband Services

In this paper, the deployment of a High Altitude Platform (HAP) exploiting the mmWave bands to provide broadband infotainment services for vehicular users in rural areas, that, otherwise, would have little or no broadband connectivity is proposed. In this context, an investigation into the use of steerable beam directional antennas to provide performance improvements in terms of Carrier to Noise Ratio (CNR) and high data rates for Line of sight (LOS) HAP beams is undertaken. An analysis of coverage and capacity for clusters of vehicular users utilizing HAP arrays with different numbers of antenna elements is presented. Simulation results indicate the minimum number of clusters that will be required for a given antenna array in order to achieve at least a 95% coverage while simultaneously providing an upper bound of average user capacity of 135 Mbps, and a lower bound of 34 Mbps, as for the 900 antenna element case. Results additionally show that a maximum user capacity of 50 Mbps can be attained by users at the mobile edge utilizing more than 64 array elements despite the increased path loss experienced by these users.
The commercial exploitation of a protected anadromous species, the river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis (L.)), in the tidal River Ouse, north-east England

1. Throughout Europe, populations of anadromous fish and lampreys have declined over the past centuries due to human activities. River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis are representative of such species and are listed in international conservation agreements. 2. Historic (1908–09 to 1913–14) and modern (1995–96 to 2003–04) data were available on commercial catches of river lampreys in the tidal Ouse, north-east England. During 2003–04, additional traps were operated by the University of Durham, downstream of the commercial fishery. 3. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) in the modern commercial fishery showed considerable variation between fishing seasons, ranging from a median CPUE of 0.5 lampreys per trap per day in 2000–01 to a median of 22.3 lampreys per trap per day in 2003–04. 4. The estimated catch of adult river lampreys each season in the historic fishery ranged between 25 500 (1913–14) and 54 500 (1910–11). Recent catches tended to be smaller, with a minimum catch of 9083 lampreys (2000–01) and a maximum of 30 992 lampreys (2003–04). 5. CPUE increased with discharge, up to a point above which CPUE declined with further increase in discharge. Migratory activity may be reduced at high flows and not stimulated at low flows, although the fishing efficiency of the traps themselves was probably reduced during high flows. 6. Samples of river lampreys caught in the university's traps were marked and released. Based upon the number of recaptures, the absolute minimum relative exploitation level of the commercial traps, over the whole fishing season, was estimated as 9.9%. The effect of such a reduction in the spawning population upon future recruitment is at present unknown. 7. The population of river lampreys in the tidal Ouse is potentially threatened by an unregulated increase in fishing effort. Current legislation needs to be modified to allow effective fishery management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CBFS: A Clustering-Based Feature Selection Mechanism for Network Anomaly Detection

Network traffic flows contain a large number of correlated and redundant features that significantly degrade the performance of data-driven network anomaly detection. In this paper, we propose a novel clustering and ranking-based feature selection scheme, termed as CBFS, to reduce redundant features in network traffic, which can greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of feature-based network anomaly detection. Our proposed CBFS scheme first calculates the distance between feature vectors, merges these feature vectors into different clusters, and selects the center of each cluster as a representative feature vector. The proposed CBFS scheme then integrates the information gain and gain rate of features to further streamline the number of features on the basis of clustering generation. Finally, the proposed CBFS scheme applies the decision-tree-based classifier to the generated subset of features so that the abnormal traffic flows are detected. The experimental results show that our proposed CBFS scheme is effective in reducing feature dimensions across different datasets. The proposed CBFS scheme can achieve feature reduction rates of 20% to 70%, and cost-performance of up to 70% as compared to benchmarking methods.
Low Harmonic Distortion DFB Laser for Broadband Analog Applications

$1.35~\mu $ m AlGaInAs/InP DFB lasers with low harmonic distortion and high frequency response bandwidth have been demonstrated for broadband analog applications. By optimizing active layers and setting Bragg wavelength 10 nm blue shifted of the gain peak wavelength, the device has a threshold current of 8.5 mA, 3-dB frequency response bandwidth of 21 GHz at 60 mA and 28GHz at 90 mA, second harmonic distortion of −23 dB and 1.5 ps group delay time up to a modulation frequency of 25 GHz. These highly linear and high frequency response bandwidth DFB lasers are realized for broadband analog applications and will become the key transmitters for the future 5G millimeter wave communication systems.
Ensuring generation adequacy with firm energy call options—A case study for the hydro-dependant Colombian system

Abstract Ensuring generation adequacy has been an issue for regulators all over the world. Guaranteeing the necessary quantities at an efficient price is not an easy feat in the electricity field. In Colombia, the situation is further aggravated by a generating sector mostly made out of hydraulic plants, representing close to 70% of the total capacity. These are highly susceptible to climatic shocks typical of the region, particularly the El Nino Southern Oscillation, which has, in the past, been the culprit of severe blackouts that have lasted for well over a year. The following paper evaluates the proposal made by the Colombian regulator which introduces a reliability call option with firm energy as the underlying asset as a means of ensuring generation adequacy.
Parameter Optimization for Energy Efficient Indoor Massive MIMO Small Cell Networks

To better characterize indoor small cell networks (SCN), we consider the blockages caused by interior walls and employ the bounded path loss model to derive the expression for energy efficiency (EE) of a downlink massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) SCN. Our EE expression demonstrates that a higher penetration loss of interior walls leads to a higher EE. For the purpose of maximizing EE, we propose a novel genetic algorithm (GA) based scheme to jointly optimize the number of antennas per base station (BS), the number of users per cell, and the transmission power per antenna. Numerical results show that our proposed scheme can achieve almost the identical EE as the optimal greedy search algorithm, while significantly reducing the computational time.
Classification reliability of 3D shapes using neural networks in case of partial and noisy models

Deep learning is nowadays a mature technique and it is widely applied to image processing and classification. In recent years, many authors tried to extend this approach also to 3D object classification. However, most of the works in this field refers to complete models, while in many real applications the single acquisition with a vision system may only provide a partial object representation. Thus, the main goal of this work is to study the behaviour of classification neural networks when partial 3D models are considered. In particular, the analysis is focused on the classification reliability using partial point clouds, evaluating the influence of noise level and object scaling on the overall network performance. Tests are carried out both on synthetic point clouds, generated by simulation of common acquisition techniques, and on real clouds acquired by a Kinect device. This pushes towards the development of hybrid solutions, where training is made on simulated clouds and the testing takes place on real scanned objects, providing interesting suggestions for practical applications.
Approximate Symbolic Explanation for Neural Network Enabled Water-Filling Power Allocation

Water-filling (WF) is a well-established iterative solution to optimal power allocation in parallel fading channels. Slow iterative search can be impractical for allocating power to a large number of OFDM sub-channels. Neural networks (NN) can transform the iterative WF threshold search process into a direct high-dimensional mapping from channel gain to transmit power solution. Our results show that the NN can perform very well (error 0.05%) and can be shown to be indeed performing approximate WF power allocation. However, there is no guarantee on the NN is mapping between channel states and power output. Here, we attempt to explain the NN power allocation solution via the Meijer G-function as a general explainable symbolic mapping. Our early results indicate that whilst the Meijer G-function has universal representation potential, its large search space means finding the best symbolic representation is challenging.
Distribución espacial del langostino patagónico (Pleoticus muelleri, (Bate, 1888)) y su relación con las variables ambientales, Golfo San Jorge, Argentina

The analysis of the distribution of shrimp concentrations in the south of the San Jorge Gulf is presented, as well as their relationship with the physico-chemical characteristics of the superficial sediments and the bottom water. Data analyzed were obtained from the Shrimp Project Research Cruise OB-05/03 carried out during June 2003. Biological variables analyzed were: juvenile, subadult and adult shrimp densities and size structure. Correspondence analyses were applied for numerical data treatment. The distribution of the different shrimp categories in the studied area shows a west-eastern pattern, being the juveniles towards the west coast and the adults larger than 41 mm carapace length towards the northeast, while the main concentrations of subadults and adults were found in the rest of the study area. A relationship between the spatial distribution of the juvenile and adult categories and depth and total organic carbon (TOC) was determined. The highest adult densities (> 41 mm carcass length) were related with the highest depths and the lowest values of TOC. While the highest juvenile densities were related with the lowest depths and the highest TOC concentrations.
New MPTCP Congestion Control Scheme for Asymmetrical Bandwidth Subflows in High-Speed Networks

TCP was originally designed for single session, thus could not utilize resources of multiple paths. MPTCP (Multipath TCP) provides enhanced performance and reliability by using multiple paths simultaneously at the Transport layer. But, LIA based congestion control of basic MPTCP does not show good performance when characteristics of two path are asymmetrical in the aspects of bandwidth in high-speed networks. In this paper, we suggest new MPTCP control scheme by applying TCP CUBIC on the high-speed path and modified LIA on the other low-speed data path. Our proposed scheme can enhance performance of high-speed asymmetric path more than 4 times compared to the basic MPTCP protocol.
Fault Isolation in MIMO Systems Based on Active Decoupling

A decoupling approach for fault isolation in MIMO systems is presented in this letter. The fault isolation approach is based on a closed-loop concept, where the feedback controller is an integrated part of the set-up. The YJBK-parameterization (after Youla, Jabr, Bongiorno, and Kucera) for controllers is introduced. This allows the feedback controller to be modified by changing the YJBK matrix transfer function without changing the nominal feedback controller. Modification of the feedback controller via the YJBK transfer matrix causes the output residual response to be changed in the case of parametric faults and unchanged in the fault-free case. This facilitates fault detection. In the isolation case, the controller is modified in a way such that the residual response from the closed-loop system is independent of the modification for one specific parametric fault and else it depends on the parametric faults. This allows for any specific fault and eventually for all faults to be isolated.
ERAIA - Enabling Intelligence Data Pipelines for IoT-based Application Systems

Establishing upon the connectivity layer provided by Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, modern industries are moving towards management and computation solutions which enable Artificial Intelligence (AI) services for data intensive applications. This raises two important challenges: first, the information carried by data should be refined and prepared for the various AI algorithms via data processing pipelines and; second, a distributed orchestration solution for data and AI computation resources featuring with migration capabilities is required to support the refining process. In order to address these challenges, this paper introduces ERAIA, an actor-based framework which provides a novel basis to build intelligence and data pipelines. ERAIA facilitates the deployment and migration of distributed AI computations for heterogeneous and dynamic IoT scenarios. An implementation description is accompanied by relevant performance evaluations to demonstrate the flexibility and scalability of the solution. ERAIA provides an interface to expand the scope of existing IoT systems as Application Enablement Platform (AEP), which hence accelerates the development of AI-based IoT solutions.
Genetic polymorphism in Proteocephalus exiguus shown by enzyme electrophoresis

Abstract Enzyme electrophoresis has been used to examine genetic diversity in a population of Proteocephalus exiguus La Rue, 1911 (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae), parasitizing salmonid and coregonid fishes. Among 16 loci tested, three polymorphic loci (Ada, Got, Pgm-2) were found. Six different genotypes at the Got locus distributed in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium suggest remarkable genetic flexibility of P. exiguus. Balancing selection is proposed as the mechanism maintaining genetic variation within the species. Data of genetic variability parameters (Ho = 0.064; He = 0.07; P = 0.19) and outcrossing rate (t = 0.842) of P. exiguus population have been provided. Possible factors affecting these data are discussed.
Energy-efficient Distributed Estimation Using Wireless Sensor with Wake-up Receivers

In this paper, we advocate applying the concept of wake-up radio to distributed estimation in wireless sensor networks. With distributed estimation, where sensing data of multiple nodes are used for estimating a target observation, the energy consumption can be reduced by making only a subset of nodes in the network transmit their data, such that the collected data can guarantee the required estimation accuracy. In this case, a sink needs to selectively wake up sensor nodes whose data can contribute to the improvement of estimation accuracy. In this paper, we propose a wake-up signaling called estimative sampling (ES) that can realize the selective wake-up of desired nodes. The ES method includes a mechanism that dynamically searches the desired nodes over a distribution of sensing data. With numerical results obtained by computer simulations, we show that the distributed estimation with ES method achieves lower energy consumption than that with conventional identity-based wake-up while satisfying the required accuracy.
Common Repeat Sequences in Bacterial Genomes

Repeat sequences are widely appearing in bacterial genomes. However, detailed functions and mechanisms of most repeats are still unknown. We explored four types of repeats in 58 fully sequenced bacterial genomes, including 60 chromosomal and 22 plasmid sequences. For each bacterial genome sequence, the repeat density in number and in length were both calculated and compared, and potential common repeats of four repeat types were also recognized. The results showed most chromosomal sequences contain repeat sequences and a large number of plasmid sequences do not have repeat sequences. The density of repeats is not correlated with either the current taxonomy or the genome size of bacteria. Only the reverse complement repeats are common in most bacterial genomes. The four types of repeats might be different in terms of functions, evolutions and mechanisms. For further investigations, the development of a new methodology with combined statistical analysis and detailed biological knowledge of each bacterial organism will be needed.
Ultrasound Tomography Using Limited Rays in Transmission Field

Ultrasonic tomography is widely used in non-destructive testing, medical treatment, multi-phase flow and other fields due to its non-invasive, non-radiative and low-cost advantages. In order to reconstruct medium distribution of low impedance ratio when the number of ultrasonic probes is limited, the virtual probe method is modified by threshold and dichotomy. A method of calculating system matrix to participate in reconstruction using finite rays located in transmission field is proposed. Numerical simulations show that the modified ray tracing method improves tracing accuracy by 85.3% and imaging result is more stable. It is also verified that reconstruction using limited rays can reduce the number of ray tracing without degrading imaging quality and has good noise immunity. The proposed method provides a solution for achieving multi-information fusion in ray-based ultrasound tomography.
Separation of Overlapping Reflected Signals in Stepped-Frequency Waveform Reflectometry

The aim of this paper is to further develop Stepped Frequency Waveform Reflectometry (SFWR) algorithms for the case of overlapping reflected signals. SFWR is a novel reflectometry technique, primarily developed for localization and characterization of cable faults, which makes use of a sequence of sinusoidal bursts as reference signal. When reflected signals overlaps with the transmitted one or with each other, it is not possible to use the standard technique and a modified procedure is required. A novel technique for localizing overlapping reflected signals is presented and integrated with the fault characterization procedure. Experimental results, obtained from tests on coaxial cables, are reported to prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.