Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF GRAPSOID AND OCYPODOID CRABS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE GENERA METAPLAX AND MACROPHTHALMUS

Abstract Some species of the genus Metaplax belonging to the family Grapsidae have occasionally been reported to perform waving display that is a characteristic behavior in the family Ocypodidae but uncommon in grapsids. The morphology and life styles of species of Metaplax are also quite similar to those of the ocypodid genus Macrophthalmus. To examine whether ecological and morphological similarities between Metaplax and Macrophthalmus are based on convergent evolution or their common evolutionary history, 841-bp nucleotide sequences from the 16S mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene of 19 grapsids, 10 ocypodids, and 3 camptandriids, including four species of Metaplax and four species of Macrophthalmus, were analyzed. The resultant phylogenetic tree revealed that both families Grapsidae and Ocypodidae are polyphyletic. Macrophthalmus was distinct from any other ocypodid genera studied, forming a sister group relationship with grapsid species of the subfamily Varuninae, and Metaplax, Cyclograpsus, and Helice of the subfamily Sesarminae. Metaplax, Cyclograpsus, and Helice were found to be more closely related to Varuninae than to other Sesarminae species, indicating that the subfamily Sesarminae is polyphyletic. These relationships were in agreement with the distribution pattern of a tRNAVal gene rearrangement on the inferred tree. This molecular phylogenetic analysis suggests that the behavioral and morphological similarities observed between Metaplax and Macrophthalmus species are probably due to convergent evolution, despite a close phylogenetic relationship. The waving display in intertidal crabs of the families Grapsidae and Ocypodidae may have evolved several times in their lineages, associated with exposed semi-terrestrial habitat of the intertidal environment.
Bayesian Optimization for hyperparameter Tuning in Random Forests

Ensemble classifiers are in widespread use now because of their promising empirical and theoretical properties. However, they tend to be computationally expensive because of the problem of hyperparameter tuning. In this study, we investigate the use of an aspiring method, Bayesian optimization, to solve this problem for one such ensemble classifier; a Random Forest. To test the effectiveness of our method, we apply it to three typical yet fundamentally different classification tasks: Optical Character Recognition, Twitter Sentiment Classification and Named Entity Recognition. Our results demonstrate that Bayesian optimization is able to find good estimates for hyperparameters in very few model evaluations, thus decreasing the cost of computation significantly.
Timing of Ornaments in the Theme from Beethoven's Paisiello Variations: Empirical Data and a Model

Musicians have to make many interpretive decisions when performing a piece. For example, the grace note, a one-note musical ornament, has no precise duration written in the score; it has to steal its duration from either the preceding or following melody notes. This study addressed several empirical questions: What duration are grace notes given? Does this vary depending upon musical context or individual preferences? And, are the durations of grace notes taken from the preceding or subsequent melody note, or is time added? In an experiment, 16 professional pianists performed three musical fragments (from a Beethoven theme) "with" and "without" grace notes in seven different tempi. The timing of the grace notes was found not to be proportional to changes in global tempo for most, but not all performers, which replicates findings in earlier studies. In the majority of cases, increases in bar duration were matched by relative increases in grace-note duration that were smaller than predicted by a proportional tempo model, with a minority of subjects performing grace notes with fixed duration over tempo. In most cases, grace-note duration was "stolen" from the preceding melody note, with a small contribution from the following (main) note and with minimal disturbance to local tempo. Conversely, where grace notes were played as appoggiatura , the main source of their duration was the main note. The type of grace note performed depended both on its musical context and on individual differences between performers. A model of grace-note duration is proposed to account for these results.
Self-Transcendent Emotions and Their Social Functions: Compassion, Gratitude, and Awe Bind Us to Others Through Prosociality

In this article we review the emerging literature on the self-transcendent emotions. We discuss how the self-transcendent emotions differ from other positive emotions and outline the defining features of this category. We then provide an analysis of three specific self-transcendent emotions—compassion, gratitude, and awe—detailing what has been learned about their expressive behavior, physiology, and likely evolutionary origins. We propose that these emotions emerged to help humans solve unique problems related to caretaking, cooperation, and group coordination in social interactions. In our final section we offer predictions about the self-transcendent emotions that can guide future research.
Setting Writing Revision Goals After Assessment for Learning

This study examined the effects of goal setting for revision in an EFL writing classroom where principles of assessment for learning (AfL) were followed. Following draft writing, instruction, and assessment, college freshmen were put into control, goal, and goal+ groups. Before students started to revise their drafts, individuals in the goal group were told to decide their revision goals. Those in the goal+ group were further aided with a list of strategies. The control group did nothing prior to revision but only reflected on what they had done after revision. The three groups were compared on three dependent variables: quality of drafts, quality of revisions, and draft to revision improvements. On quality of revisions, the goal+ group performed best, the control group performed second best, and the goal group received the lowest scores. However, there were no differences in the overall quality of drafts nor in the degree of draft-revision improvements among three groups. The study showed that goal setting can be a helpful tool for learners in an AfL-oriented classroom when instruction and practice were repeated and scaffolds were concurrently provided.
SLM OF NET-SHAPED HIGH STRENGTH CERAMICS : NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRODUCING DENTAL RESTORATIONS

Oxide ceramics yield excellent mechanical properties along with outstanding thermal and wear resistance. However, li tt le work on additive Manufacturing (AM) of high-strength ceramics has been stated. In the present paper the current state of development in Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of pure ceramic specimens is rev iewed. During the present approach the eutectic mixture of pure alumina (Ah0 3) and zirconia (Zr02) powder is completely molten whi le crack formation is prevented by a high-temperature C02-Iaser preheating. This approach yields net-shaped, fully dense specimens reaching flexural strengths of above 500 MPa without post-processing. One potential application for this technology are fully-ceramic dental restorations frameworks, as the demanded maximum loads of above I 000 N are met. Alternative preheating strategies are presented to allow for manufacturing larger vo lumetric parts.
Identification of Synonymous Codon Usage Bias in the Pseudorabies Virus UL31 Gene

Background: Little knowledge of synonymous codon usage pattern of pseudorabies virus (PRV) genome, especially the UL31 gene in the process for its evolution is available. Objectives: In the present study, the codon usage bias between PRV UL31 sequence and the UL31-like sequences was identified. Materials and Methods: We used a comprehensive analysis on codon usage pattern in the PRV UL31 gene and the UL31-like genes of 48 reference herpesviruses by calculating codon adaptation index, ENc, RSCU and EMBOSS assays. Results: Cluster analysis demonstrated that the codon usage bias of UL31-like genes of 49 herpesviruses had a very close relation to their gene functions. In addition, comparison of codon preferences in the UL31 gene of PRV with those of E. coli, yeast and human showed that there were 33 codons showing discrete usage differences between PRV and yeast, 24 between PRV and E. coli, but 22 between PRV and human. Although there were slightly fewer differences in codon usages between PRV and human, the difference is unlikely to be statistically significant, and experimental studies are necessary to establish the most suitable expression system for PRV UL31. Conclusion: These results may further our comprehending of the evolution, pathogenesis and functional studies of PRV.
WENO interpolation-based and upwind-biased schemes with free-stream preservation

Based on the understandings regarding linear upwind schemes with flux splitting to achieve free-stream preservation (Q. Li, etc. Commun. Comput. Phys., 22 (2017) 64-94), a series of WENO interpolation-based and upwind-biased nonlinear schemes are proposed in this study. By means of engagement of fluxes on midpoints, the nonlinearity of schemes is introduced through WENO interpolations, and upwind-biased features are acquired through the choice of dependent grid stencil. Regarding the third- and fifth-order versions, schemes with one and two midpoints are devised and carefully tested. With the integration of the piecewise-polynomial mapping function methods (Q. Li, etc. Commun. Comput. Phys. 18 (2015) 1417-1444), the proposed schemes are found to achieve the designed orders and free-stream preservation property. In 1-D Sod and Shu-Osher problems, all schemes succeed in yielding well predictions. In 2-D cases, the vortex preservation, supersonic inviscid flow around cylinder at M=4, Riemann problem and Shock-vortex interaction problems are tested. In each problem, two types of grids are employed, i.e. the uniformed/smooth grids and the randomized/partially-randomized grids. On the latter, the shock wave and complex flow structures are located/partially located. All schemes fulfill computations in uniformed/smooth grids with satisfactory results. On randomized grids, all schemes accomplish computations and yield reasonable results except the third-order one with two midpoints engaged fails in Riemann problem and shock-vortex interaction problem. Overall speaking, the proposed schemes manifest the capability to solve problems on grids with bad quality, and therefore indicate their potential in engineering applications.
Telling citizens how to vote Laaksonen ,

Previous research on Voting Advice Applications (VAAs) has focused on the characteristic of users and the electoral outcomes, but the social and public role of VAAs remains unexplored. This article studies VAAs as platforms that shape political discussion during elections. We conceptualize VAAs as technical artifacts that act as boundary objects between candidates, voters, and the media during the campaigning period. Using a large data set of tweets and a set of six thematic interviews with VAA designers, we demonstrate how VAAs work as interfaces that reside between different communities and that enable the transfer of knowledge and views across community boundaries. In the light of our analysis, VAAs are performative platforms, who facilitate the voter’s decision-making, offer technological affordances to shape this activity more public, and encourage interaction between voters and candidates. For voters they also appear as resources used to construct political identities. Finally, our analysis reveals the political and purposeful nature of VAAs: they are used by both NGOs and by media as promotional vehicles for agenda-building and marketing. * Corresponding author: Salla-Maaria Laaksonen Media and Communication Studies, Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland P.O. Box 54 FIN-00014 University of Helsinki phone +358 50 415 6576 email salla.laaksonen@helsinki.fi Acknowledgments: The authors wish to thank Helsingin Sanomat Foundation for providing funding through the Digivaalit 2015 project, and Kone Foundation for providing funding via the Digital Humanities of Public Policy-making project. In addition, we wish to thank Sari Gurney for conducting the interviews as well as three trainee students who helped in transcribing them. TELLING CITIZENS HOW TO VOTE 2
Modeling the Development of Infant Imitation using Inverse Reinforcement Learning

Little is known about the computational mechanisms of how imitation skills develop along with infant sensorimotor learning. In robotics, there are several well developed frameworks for imitation learning or so called learning by demonstration. Two paradigms dominate: Direct Learning (DL) and Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL). The former is a simple mechanism where the observed state and action pairs are associated to construct a copy of the action policy of the demonstrator. In the latter, an optimality principle or reward structure is sought that would explain the observed behavior as the optimal solution governed by the optimality principle or the reward function found. In this study, we explore the plausibility of whether some form of IRL mechanism in infants can facilitate imitation learning and understanding of others' behaviours. We propose that infants project the events taking place in the environment into their internal representations through a set of features that evolve during development. We implement this idea on a grid world environment, which can be considered as a simple model for reaching with obstacle avoidance. The observing infant has to imitate the demonstrator's reaching behavior through IRL by using various set of features that correspond to different stages of development. Our simulation results indicate that the U-shape performance change during imitation development observed in infants can be reproduced with the proposed model.
NEPHRON NUMBER IN THE OFFSPRING OF RATS FED A LOW PROTEIN DIET DURING PREGNANCY

In experimental studies it has been shown that intrauterine growth retardation and reduced kidney growth during development are associated with significant decreases in nephron endowment. However, the results of previous studies may be inaccurate as nephron counts were obtained using a maceration technique, which can lead to breakdown of glomeruli, and other potentially biased techniques. In the present study, the total number of glomeruli (and thereby nephrons) in the offspring of rats fed a low (9%) or normal (20%) protein diet during pregnancy were estimated using a physical disector/fractionator technique. The offspring of rats fed a low protein diet had a significant ly lower birth weight than rats fed a normal protein diet, their kidneys were smaller and they contained 30% fewer nephrons (20,386 ± 4,818 in the low protein diet vs. 28,731 ± 3,290 in the control rats). Our results, obtained using an unbiased stereologic al technique confirm previous findings that administration of a low protein diet during pregnancy results in reduced nephron endowment in the offspring.
The Transfer Function of a Boreholed Dipole Antenna

In this paper, a semiempirical model is presented to characterize the transfer function and scattering parameters of a vertical dipole antenna in the 164–174 MHz bandwidth. The antenna is either radiating in free space or it is inserted in an air-filled borehole in a salt mine. The model uses the signal flow graph for modeling of the antenna coupling with the environment and the effects of radio wave propagation in the layered medium. Analytical results are fit to measurements performed with a vector network analyzer, and the transfer functions are obtained by applying a least mean square algorithm. Experimental data acquired in free space allow also the determination of the intrinsic parameters of the antennas, providing a stand-alone method.
Aggregate Gradations for Concrete Pavement Mixtures

Most modern concrete mixtures have more than 70% of their volume composed of aggregate. Aggregate is typically an inexpensive ingredient that can reduce the amount of shrinkage and subsequent cracking. However, proportioning high aggregate volumes in a mixture is a complex subject. The gradation, volume, shape, and texture of aggregates make major contributions to the workability, paste content required, and mechanical properties of a concrete mixture. Each of these issues will be further discussed in detail in the sections below.
Determinants of corporate internet reporting: evidence from Egypt

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential factors that may affect the level of corporate internet reporting by Egyptian listed companies. Design/methodology/approach - The content analysis approach to examine the information cited by the largest Egyptian companies is used in their web sites. The paper modifies and uses the disclosure index of Xiao Findings - It is found that 56 per cent of Egyptian companies report a significant portion of information on their web sites. In addition, the paper finds that some financial characteristics explain the variation in the degree of internet reporting between Egyptian listed companies. In particular, profitability, foreign listing and industrial type (communications and financial services) are the determinants of the amount and presentation formatting of information disclosed on Egyptian companies' web sites. However, other firm characterises, such as firm size, leverage, liquidity and auditor size, do not explain corporate internet reporting. Practical implications - The research finding is essential as it assists in informing regulators about the characteristics of Egyptian companies that are, and are not, satisfying national and international investors' demand of updated/online information. It also assists current and potential stakeholders to know the drives of corporate internet reporting in Egypt. Consequently, they may further investigate and verify such reporting practices. In practice, online reporting can be used as an effective tool for improving stakeholders' decision-making process. Therefore, further research can be undertaken to examine the degree to which online reporting provides value-relevant information for stakeholders. Originality/value - To the best of the knowledge, there is no study examining the potential drivers of internet corporate reporting practice in Egypt. This paper is the first to examine the potential factors affecting corporate internet reporting in Egypt. The disclosure index used is designed to be suitable for companies working in the Egyptian environment.
Selective Separation and Recovery of the Lignin from Lignocellulosic Biomass Using Ionic Liquid

Lignocellulosic biomass represents a potentially key and sustainable source for transformation into biofuels and other commodity chemicals. However, efficient means of separating and depolymerising the hard components are required. The use of ionic liquids (ILs) in biomass pretreatment has attracted significant attention as promising green solvents for its effectiveness at decreasing biomass recalcitrance. In this study, an efficient pretreatment method using the low-cost IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acesulfamate [BMIM]Ace and organic solvents for the extraction of lignin and recovery of carbohydrate-enriched materials (CEMs) from Eucalyptus. The lignin was recovered from the IL by precipitation with acetone, allowing the IL to be recycled. The results showed a synergy effect with exceeding 89.6% of the CEMs recovery and 14.1% of the lignin obtained. It was found that the presence of some organic solvents have affected the extraction efficiency, probably due to the difference of dielectric constants of the organic solvents. The regenerated ionic liquid showed good retention of structure and properties. The purity of the lignin fractions were characterized by high-performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC). Moreover, the lignin fractions were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The recovered CEMs can be serving as a valuable source for enzymatic saccharification. These results indicates a potential approach in further optimization of the choice of low-cost ILs and organic solvents systems for the efficient utilization of the lignocellulosic biomass, and all constituents can be fully recovered and further processed.
Piezoelectric Material-Based Energy Harvesting Devices: Advance of SSH Optimization Techniques (1999-2009)

This chapter focuses on piezoelectrics, whose use for the purpose of generating electricity is actually not a recent idea (McLean Nicolson A., 1931). Piezoelectric materials have high power densities, but setting up large amount of these materials for high power applications is technically difficult. Consequently, they cannot compete with electromagnetic devices for most of usual applications of electrical energy production. Nonetheless, piezoelectric materials have recently encountered renewed interest for miniaturized energy harvesting devices from ambient vibrations. Drastic increase of international research efforts has been observed since last ten years in this field (Anton et al., 2007), and commercial products are becoming available (Energy Harvesting Forum (Online)). Such energy harvesting devices aim at replacing batteries in very low power electronic devices such as wireless sensors networks and control systems. Their use for recharging batteries of mobile electronic devices is also under development (Krikke, 2005). Maintenance free, self-powered devices for their lifetime has become an industrial objective for the next few years. However, there are further mountains to climb from self-powered devices become commonplace.
Resonant Switching and Power Control of DC-DC-Converters with a Variable Transmission Path

A new control strategy for the detection of the resonant frequency of a DC-DC converter with a variable transmission path is used in this paper. Applying a Second Order Generalized Integrator (SOGI) in combination with a Frequency Locked Loop (FLL), the primary current of the transmission path is filtered and the orthogonal signal is determined. With the two outputs the current phase angle can be calculated and the correct switching time is determined by compensation of the signal propagation delay. Based on this approach a continuous adaption of the dead time between two complementary control signals for the full bridge is proposed. The importance of the correct dead time is proven by measurements. Furthermore, a new algorithm for power regulation is introduced. Improving the state-of-the-art energy injection and free-oscillation method, the power transmission can be enhanced and the switching frequency might be reduced for low power.
Characterization of adaptive optics point spread function for anisoplanatic imaging. Application to stellar field deconvolution

The point spread function (PSF) of an adaptive optics system evolves in the Field Of View (FOV). This variation strongly limits the conventional deconvolution methods for the processing of wide FOV images. A theo- retical expression of this PSF variation is derived. This ex- pression is both validated on simulations and experimental data. It is then applied to the a posteriori processing of stellar elds. Using the available prior information about the object (point-like sources), this technique allows the restoration of the star parameters (positions and intensi- ties) with a precision much better than the conventional methods, in a FOV much larger than the isoplanatic eld.