Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flood duration frequency analysis in a changing climate : the methodology applied to Fengle River (Yangtze basin, China)

The Chao Lake, located in the Yangtze basin, is the fifth largest freshwater lake in China. The lake catchment (9130 km2 ) includes the city of Hefei (3.5 million inhabitants) and a large extent of paddy fields and rural areas. The Fengle River is a tributary of the Chao Lake. It is currently subject to flood risks and inundation issues. Many changes are expected in land use and agricultural practices in the future, due to the tourist appeal of the Chao Lake shore and the fast expansion of the city of Hefei. Climate changes are also expected in this region, with a high impact on the rainfall regime. The consequences of all these changes on flood occurrence and magnitude are a major issue for the economic development of the area and tools are needed to carry out such an analysis. Here, a methodology is proposed for investigating the potential impact of rainfall regime change on flood duration and frequencies in the future. The methodology consists of three steps: first from a literature review scenarios of changes in precipitation are identified and used to build future series of daily rainfall; secondly, future daily discharges are simulated using a distributed hydrological model (MERCEDES) previously calibrated on current rainfall–discharge data; finally the current vs future discharge dynamics are characterized in terms of flood frequencies from discharge–duration–frequency curves. The methodology is implemented on the Fengle River, for which 20 years of daily discharges (Taoxi station), daily rainfall (eight stations), temperature and evapotranspiration (Hefei weather station) are available.
Impact of Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly Clay-Based Nanocoating on Flame Retardant Properties of Sisal Fiber Cellulose Microcrystals

The renewable cationic polyelectrolyte chitosan (CH) and anionic nanomontmorillonite (MMT) layers were alternately deposited on the surface of sisal fiber cellulose microcrystals (SFCM) via layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly method. The structure and properties of the composites were characterized by zeta potential, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), microcalorimeter (MCC), and so forth. The zeta potential results show that the cellulose microcrystalline surface charge reversed due to the adsorption of CH and MMT nanoplatelets during multilayer deposition. MMT characteristic diffraction peaks appear in XRD patterns of SFCM(CH/MMT)5 and SFCM(CH/MMT)10 composites. Additionally, FESEM reveals that the SFCM(CH/MMT)10 surface is covered with a layer of material containing Si, which has been verified by elemental analysis. TGA results show that the initial decomposition (weight loss of 5%) temperature of SFCM(CH/MMT)5 is increased by 4°C compared to that of pure SFCM. On the other hand, carbon residue percentage of SFCM(CH/MMT)10 is 25.1%, higher than that of pure SFCM (5.4%) by 19.7%. Eventually, it is testified by MCC measurement that CH/MMT coating can significantly reinforce the flame retardant performance of SFCM.
A Model Proposal for Solving Problems Encountered in Performance Tasks

This study aims to establish a model proposal for solving problems in the use of performance tasks at the high school level. The study which adopted qualitative research method was planned in two stages. First, the problems faced by high school teachers ( n = 40) using performance tasks were determined, and for the second stage the opinions of academicians ( n = 8) related to the solution of the determined problems were consulted. Three stakeholders were identified in solving the problems identified during the first step of the study; those being the university, the Ministry of National Education (MoNE), and the teachers. Although the perceptions of the teachers’ use of performance tasks in general were positive, it was seen that there problems were experienced in their application. Emphasis was placed on the importance of communication between the university, the MoNE and the teachers in order to overcome these problems. For the effective function of performance tasks, points such as diversity in classroom practices, attention to the characteristics of students and environmental conditions, and the use of rubrics were emphasised.
INTEROPERABILITY BETWEEN THE IMPROVED METAGRAPH HAD AND GRAFCET: CASE OF THE POWER NETWORK OF CAMEROON

This article presents the modeling and the control of the Power Network of the Southern Cameroon (PNSC). We are using the effectiveness of improved version of HAD, which allows an object modeling of hybrid and complex dynamic systems. Then we show how to derive from the models obtained, the Grafcet models of the PNSC, by implementing bridges between HAD and the reference language of Grafcet. The application to the Control and the Monitoring of the Cameroonian electrical Power Network enables us to better determine the complexity of the system, thanks to an approach structuring the various objects by taking in consideration the physical structure and the causality of their interactions. On the other hand, interoperability with Grafcet would facilitate the implementation and the synthesis of discrete or hybrid controllers.
The effects of clouds and aerosols on net ecosystem CO 2 exchange over semi-arid Loess Plateau of Northwest China

Abstract. The impacts of clouds and atmospheric aerosols on the terrestrial carbon cycle at semi-arid Loess Plateau in Northwest China are investigated, by using the observation data obtained at the SACOL (Semi-Arid Climate and Environment Observatory of Lanzhou University) site. Daytime (solar elevation angles of larger than 50°) net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 obtained during the midgrowing season (July–August) are analyzed with respect to variations in the diffuse radiation, cloud cover and aerosol optical depth (AOD). Results show a significant impact by clouds on the CO2 uptake by the grassland (with smaller LAI values) located in a semi-arid region, quite different from areas covered by forests and crops. The light saturation levels in the canopy are low, with a value of about 434.8 W m−2. Thus, under overcast conditions of optically thick clouds, the CO2 uptake increases with increasing clearness index (the ratio of global solar radiation received at the Earth surface to the extraterrestrial irradiance at a plane parallel to the Earth surface), and a maximum CO2 uptake and light use efficiency of vegetation occur with the clearness index of about 0.37 and lower air temperature. Under other sky conditions, CO2 uptake decreases with cloudiness but light use efficiency is enhanced, due to increased diffuse fraction of PAR. Additionally, under cloudy conditions, changes in the NEE of CO2 also result from the interactions of many environmental factors, especially the air temperature. In contrast to its response to changes in solar radiation, the carbon uptake shows a slightly negative response to increased AOD. The reason for the difference in the response of the semi-arid grassland from that of the forest and crop lands may be due to the difference in the canopy's architectural structure.
continuity and shape

In this paper a relationship is established between the concepts of E-continuity and shape for compact metric spaces, thus answering a question raised by Victor Klee. Victor Klee [4] has asked whether there is a relationship between E-continuity and shape. Here we show that, in the category of compact metric spaces, the shape morphisms can be identified in a one-to-one mariner with the limits of certain equivalence classes of c-continuous functions. Throughout this paper all spaces are assumed to be compact metric spaces. If f is a continuous function (map) from one space X to another space Y, [/] will denote the homotopy equivalence class of f. By Cov(Y) we will denote the set of all finite open covers of Y directed by refinement. If A and B are collections of subsets of Y, A 0, if and only if it is a-continuous for some a E Cov(Y) consisting of open balls of radius E). If g is another function from X to Y, f and g are a-homotopic if there is an a-continuous function H from X x I to Y such that, for each x E X, H(x, 0) = f(x) and H(x, 1) = g(x). This defines an equivalence relation on the set of a-continuous functions from X to Y. We say that f and g are a-close if /f(x), g(x) }: x E X I < a. For a E Cov(Y), [X, Y]a denotes the set of a-homotopy classes of a-continuous functions f from X to Y. The equivalence class of such an f is denoted f] a. By lim [X, Y] a we denote the usual representation, in the category of sets and functions, of the limit of the inverse system if X, Y]a P aal a < a E Cov(Y)} where Paa'([f]a') = [f]a for a < a E Cov(Y). Received by the editors June 29, 1973 and, in revised form, November 11, 1973. AMS (MOS) subject classifications (1970). Primary 55D99.
Alliance-building interventions with adolescents in family therapy: A process study.

This exploratory, process-research study identified, articulated, and measured therapist behaviors associated with improving initially poor therapistadolescent alliances in multidimensional family therapy (MDFT). A list of preliminary alliance-building interventions was generated from MDFT theory and adolescent development research. This list was then refined through the observation of videotaped MDFT sessions. A sample of five improved and five unimproved alliance cases was then drawn from a larger treatment study. Participants were primarily African American, male, adolescent substance abusers and their families. Coders rated the first three sessions of each case (30 sessions) to
A DIFFUSION PROCESS ASSOCIATED WITH FRÉCHET MEANS BY HUILING LE

This paper studies rescaled images, under exp−1 μ , of the sample Fréchet means of i.i. d. random variables {Xk |k ≥ 1} with Fréchet mean μ on a Riemannian manifold. We show that, with appropriate scaling, these images converge weakly to a diffusion process. Similar to the Euclidean case, this limiting diffusion is a Brownian motion up to a linear transformation. However, in addition to the covariance structure of exp−1 μ (X1), this linear transformation also depends on the global Riemannian structure of the manifold.
Seeing the Unseen: Underrepresented Groups in Prime-Time Television

Television is considered America's No. 1 pastime, occupying an average of four hours and 39 minutes of a person's time every day (Stelter, 2008). A majority of viewers are tuned in during prime time to live vicariously through their favorite fictional characters who reflect friends, family or even themselves. However, is prime-time television really representing everyone? The purpose of this study is to discover whether a media format as influential as TV reflects the people of the United States. This will be accomplished through coding the prime-time programing on major broadcast networks ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and the CW. Degree Type Open Access Senior Honors Thesis Department English Language and Literature First Advisor Regina Luttrell, PhD Second Advisor Lolita Cummings-Carson, MA
ENSURF : multi-model sea level forecast – implementation and validation results for the IBIROOS and Western Mediterranean regions

ENSURF (Ensemble SURge Forecast) is a multimodel application for sea level forecast that makes use of several storm surge or circulation models and near-real time tide gauge data in the region, with the following main goals: 1. providing easy access to existing forecasts, as well as to its performance and model validation, by means of an adequate visualization tool; 2. generation of better forecasts of sea level, including confidence intervals, by means of the Bayesian Model Average technique (BMA). The Bayesian Model Average technique generates an overall forecast probability density function (PDF) by making a weighted average of the individual forecasts PDF’s; the weights represent the Bayesian likelihood that a model will give the correct forecast and are continuously updated based on the performance of the models during a recent training period. This implies the technique needs the availability of sea level data from tide gauges in near-real time. The system was implemented for the European Atlantic facade (IBIROOS region) and Western Mediterranean coast based on the MATROOS visualization tool developed by Deltares. Results of validation of the different models and BMA implementation for the main harbours are presented for these regions where this kind of activity is performed for the first time. The system is currently operational at Puertos del Estado and has proved to be useful in the detection of calibration problems in some of the circulation models, in the identification of the systematic differences between baroclinic and barotropic models for sea level forecasts and to demonstrate the feasibility of providing an overall probabilistic forecast, based on the BMA method.
Predicting habitat preferences for Anthometrina adriani (Echinodermata) on the East Antarctic continental shelf

The comatulid crinoid Anthometrina adriani is well represented among the suspension-feeding megaepibenthos from the continental shelf of the Dumont D'Urville Sea, Antarctica. Nearly 500 specimens were sampled during the Collaborative East Antarctic Marine Census expedition onboard the RV 'Aurora Australis' (December 2007 to January 2008), from 50 of the 87 stations over a 400 km² area. Abiotic environmental factors were measured and an ocean circulation model was used to generate near-bottom parameters. The ecological niche of A. adri- ani was described by using ecological-niche factor analysis and Mahalanobis distances factor analysis. An environmental suitability map (ESM) was developed to map the optimal habitat. A. adriani prefers moderately deep and relatively cold waters with moderate current velocity, and a substrate with low gravel content and biogenic carbonate. The ESM shows 4 optimal regions: the eastern side of the George V Basin, the eastern side of the Adelie Basin, the southern part of the Adelie Bank, and the coastal area between the Astrolabe and Mertz glaciers. The ecological niche for A. adriani appears very narrow, but the species is widely distributed across the Antarctic shelf. It suggests that local changes in limiting factors have a strong local effect on the distribution of this species and that a total eradication of this species from the shelf would need an Antarctic-wide and synchronic change in these essential parameters. Modeling modifications in environmental conditions under different climate change scenarios could help predict the effect of such changes on the distribution of this selective species.
Determination of Listeria monocytogenes and Serotypes in Modified Atmosphere Packed Ground and Cubed Beef Samples

This study was conducted to determine the Listeria monocytogenes’s presence, serotypes and resistance against various antibiotics in modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) ground and cubed beef samples. Five of ground (5/50-10%) and 3 of cubed beef samples (3/50-6%) were identified as L. monocytogenes positive in MAP samples. Eleven L. monocytogenes isolates that obtained from samples being investigated in term of hlyA gene by PCR method have verified that this gene (100%). In serotyping results, 3 of 8 isolate that obtained from MAP ground beef samples were 1/2a, the other 3 isolate was 1/2b and the remaining 2 isolate was 4b. Also, 1 of 3 isolate that obtained from MAP cubed beef samples were 1/2b, the other one isolate was 1/2c and the last one was 4b. One isolate against (9%) ampicillin, 2 isolate against (18.2%) chloramphenicol, 3 isolate against (27.2%) erythromycin, 4 isolate against (36.3%) oxytetracycline and 4 isolate against (36.3%) penicillin G, 6 isolate against (54.5%) tetracycline and 3 isolate against (27.2%) vancomycin was resistant in 11 L. monocytogenes isolates that confirmed by PCR. The L. monocytogenes isolates were found to be resistant to one or more antibiotics in antibiotic-resistance test results. In conclusion, applying of national residue monitoring program by official authority for prevention of intensive antibiotic use in order to prevent the development of resistant strains to antibiotics has great importance.
A Systems Theory of IT Innovation, Adoption, and Adaptation

This conceptual contribution presents a new systems theory of IT innovation, adoption, and adaptation that suggests a direction for moving beyond IT adoption research in the style of TAM and UTAUT. Its literature review covers three topics: 1) the contexts of adoption research to date in IS, 2) background about systems theories, and 3) a brief summary of work system theory, which is the basis of this paper’s proposed systems theory. The subsequent section presents a new systems theory of IT innovation, adoption, and adaptation. Individually and in combination, that theory’s six parts can contribute to research and practice related to the adoption and adaptation of IT innovations.
Fast algorithms for wavelet-based analysis of hyperspectral signatures

Fast Algorithms for Wavelet-based Analysis of Hyperspectral Signatures By Jiang Li Dr. Lori Mann Bruce, Examination Committee Chair Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering University o f Nevada, Las Vegas Hyperspectral sensors promise great improvements in the quality o f information gathered for remote sensing applications. However, they also present a huge challenge to data storage and computing systems. Thus there is a great need for reliable compression schemes, as well as analysis tools that can exploit the hyperspectral data in a computationally efficient manner. It has been proposed that wavelet-based methods may be superior to currently used methods for the analysis of hyperspectral signatures. In this thesis, a wavelet-based method, as well as traditional analytical methods, was implemented and applied to hyperspectral images. The computational expense of the various methods are determined analytically and experimentally to show advantages of the wavelet-based methods. Various measures, including cross correlation, signal-tonoise ratios and Euclidean distance, are designed and implemented for comparing the differences that might exist between the outputs of the algorithms.
Surgery or Studio: Music Teaching- learning in a Regional Conservatorium, NSW, Australia

This study documents and analyzes the environment where music education happens in a regional Conservatorium in New South Wales, Australia. The study aimed to gain insight into the structure, nature and professional practice of a regional conservatorium, and iden- tify innovative pedagogical possibilities. An ethnographic case study was undertaken over one year, with intensity ranging from weeklong immersion schedules to occasional short- term observation of activities. Schwab's (1969) commonplaces of schooling (Milieu, sub- ject matter, students and teachers) were applied as apriori themes, providing a scaffold for preliminary classification and further exploration of the data. Empirical themes were iden- tified as they emerged through data analysis, and subsequently applied. A dominant find- ing of the study underscores that relationship is at the heart of curriculum transfer in the music studio.
Identifying Specific Reading Disability Subtypes for Effective Educational Remediation.

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the various neurocognitive processes concomitant to reading by attempting to identify various subtypes of reading disorders in a referred sample. Participants were 216 elementary school students in grades two through five who were given select subtests of the Woodcock Johnson-III Tests of Cognitive Ability. They were classified using a pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) approach as having no SLD (control), 49 had an Associative Learning (Glr) SLD, 21 had a Gf-Gv SLD, 42 had a Gc SLD, 29 had a Learning Efficiency (Gs) SLD, and 40 had an Executive (Gsm) subtype SLD. Regressions completed for each of the six groups indicated that differing sets of cognitive skills were predictive of reading performance pertaining to letter and word identification skills, reading fluency skills, and passage comprehension skills. Rather than one, unique cognitive profile that represents all students with reading disorders,breakdowns in phonology, orthography, working memory, executive skills, and processing speed contribute in varying amounts to deficits in decoding, fluency, and deriving meaning from print. Viewing reading disorders from a subtype perspective allows us to more accurately classify, and most importantly, inform intervention decision making. Specific intervention recommendations are suggested for each cognitive subtype, and a discussion regarding limitations, and implications for future research are addressed as well.
CARE - Achieving operational success in Entrepreneurial Relationship Businesses

Franchise which is an entrepreneurial business and like other SME’s also face significant failure rates and their success largely depends upon the strength of cooperative relationship among partners. Confidence between partners and manifestation of trust and commitment towards each other are vital ingredients to secure consensus and cooperation and lead to competitive advantage. Franchise business requires franchisee cooperation, franchisor support to franchisee, marketing and communications and innovation in offerings to grow. However, franchisors face a problem of devising relationship strategies that can help them build, maintain and operate successful relationship with their partners. Based on findings of a survey of 393 franchise (124 franchisors and 269 franchisees) firms in the UK, presented in the paper is a statistical model to construct, assess, reconcile, and execute franchise relationship strategy; to achieve the successful relationships by franchisors
Collaborative Preferences in Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms

This work presents a new approach of evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms augmented by collective intelligence interaction. In particular, we describe the extension of some well-known algorithms (NSGA-II, SMS-EMOA) to include collective online preferences and collaborative solutions into the optimization process. These innovative methods allow groups of decision makers to highlight the regions of Pareto frontier that are more relevant to them as to focus the search process mainly on those areas. Additionally, interactive and cooperative genetic algorithms work on users’ collaborative preferences to improve the reference points and the population quality throughout the evolutionary progress. Rather than a unique or small group of decision makers provided with unilateral preferences, this paper promotes dynamic group preferences to aggregate consistent collective reference points and creative solutions to enhance multi-objective results. As part of this work we test the algorithms efficiency when face with some synthetic problem as well as a real-world case scenario.
EVOLVING ARTIFICIAL CELL SIGNALING NETWORKS RINCE

● Cell Signaling networks (CSNs) are biochemical systems of interacting molecules in cells. Typically, these systems take as inputs chemical signals generated within the cell or communicated from outside. These trigger a cascade of chemical reactions that result in changes of the state of the cell and (or) generate some chemical output, such as prokaryotic chemotaxis or coordination of cellular division. COMPUTATION