Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbes in Helicoverpa armigera oral secretions contribute to increased senescence around plant wounds

1. Plants have long been exposed to insect herbivore attack. Crucial to the plant's ability to defend itself is its ability to identify specific signals associated with attacking insects. Distinctive chemical cues, such as those associated with chewing insect oral secretions (OS), activate targeted defence responses to chewing insect herbivores.
Contextual Correlates of Risky Sexual Behavior Among Migrant and Non-Migrant Men in Nigeria

This study compared risky sexual behavior (RSB) between migrant and non-migrant Nigerian men, and investigated the individual and community factors of RSB between the two groups. Data for the study were from the 2012 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey in Nigeria. It comprised 15,346 male respondents aged 15 to 64 years and made up of 7,158 non-migrants and 8,188 migrants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multilevel binary logistic regression. More non-migrants (37.69%) than migrants (28.43%) were engaged in RSB. RSB among migrants showed significant differences in all explanatory variables except for place of residence and religion. Among non-migrants, significant differences existed between RSB and all the explanatory variables except for awareness of family planning and sexually transmitted diseases. The regression null model showed lower odds of RSB for migrants and non-migrants. In the full model, the intercepts increased odds of RSB for migrants (odds ratio [OR] = 8.55) and non-migrants (OR = 9.21). Variables which increased odds of RSB by migrants included employment status, religion, and place of residence. Education, employment status, wealth index, and place of residence were found to increase the odds of engaging in RSB among non-migrants. The study therefore concludes that social contexts matter for engagement in RSB.
On the Development of A Black Box Security Test Pattern Catalog Based on Empirical Data

— The United States is suffering from a shortage of software security experts. We need a vehicle with which we can capture and disseminate knowledge about how to assess whether software systems have adequate defenses against malicious users. We have adapted the notion of a software design pattern to the domain of black box security testing. The goal of this research is to codify a process for developing a software security test pattern catalog that provides a vehicle for capturing and disseminating knowledge about software security testing based upon grounded theory analysis of empirical data . In this paper, we present six initial software security test patterns developed via our process. The empirical data we used for our grounded theory analysis was the CWE/SANS Top 25 security vulnerabilities. We created test cases based upon these patterns using 284 functional requirements from a public specification to generate 137 black box tests. We then executed these tests on each of five electronic health record systems, which are currently used to manage the clinical records for approximately 59 million patients, collectively. Out of the 685 total test executions, 253 (37%) revealed vulnerabilities in the five systems. Our evaluation shows that our patterns target different vulnerabilities, for example specific design flaws, which automated techniques like automated penetration testing and static analysis do not typically reveal. Our study suggests that by using the patterns presented in this paper, software engineers are better able to identify commonly overlooked security vulnerabilities.
Influences of transient impact and vibration on the lubrication performance of spur gears

In this paper, the mathematical model of gear elastohydrodynamic lubrication is presented. The transient impact operating condition and underdamped load condition are considered. Taking thermal effect and squeeze effect into account, the full numerical solution of gear pairs is obtained. In this numerical calculation, multigrid method is applied to compute the film pressure; multigrid integration technique is used to calculate the solid surface deformation; column by column scanning technique is employed to calculate temperature. The simulation results show that an entrapped film dimple forms under transient impact condition; transient impact causes remarkable increases in film pressure and film temperature. Compared with the normal case the minimum thickness of the impact case is smaller, which is not beneficial to teeth lubrication. Thermal effect induces some decreases in film thickness because of the viscosity–temperature relationship. Vibrational load with high damped frequency causes greater increases in film thickness and greater decreases in the coefficient of friction than that of low damped frequency. However, the film temperature of high damped frequency is higher than that of low damped frequency.
Symmetric bow-tie diode for terahertz detection based on transverse hot-carrier transport

Room temperature terahertz detection based on the transverse transport of hot electrons in symmetric bow-tie diode was demonstrated and studied in this work. More than an order of magnitude improvement was achieved in detector responsivity and noise equivalent power compared to the previously reported bow-tie diodes of the asymmetric design. High detection efficiency is based on the electric field enhancement in the active part of the symmetric diode, as well as on reducing the device resistance and improved impedance matching between the detector and integrated bow-tie antenna. Hydrodynamic modeling was verified by the ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. Ways to further improve the performance of the symmetric hot-carrier detector are discussed.
Vegetation Communities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abstract Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) contains one of the most diverse assemblages of vegetation communities in North America. Over 70 unique community associations comprised of over 1300 native plant species have been identified in the Park. This wide array of communities provides habitat for unknown multitudes of other taxa whose abundance, distribution, and ecological importance remain largely unknown. The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) underway in the Park is the first comprehensive attempt to better understand the vast array of species present in the Park. This paper discusses the composition, structure, distribution, and extent of vegetation communities in GSMNP. Detailed assessments of the vegetation, site, and soil characteristics of the 19 ATBI plots are also included.
Energy-Efficient Machine Learning on the Edges

Machine learning-based software is vital for future Internet of Things (IoT) applications and Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) as it provides the core value of these services by leveraging the enormous amount of data collected on the edge. These services utilize various machine learning models which make it computationally intensive on the edges. There has been a lot of work to make the hardware efficient. No matter how efficient is the hardware, an inefficient machine learning model can account for high energy consumption and overheating problem. However, there are very few tools available that can help software developers or researchers to make the machine learning models energy efficient.Our main contributions of this paper are two-fold: First, we summarize the state-of-the-art techniques about energy-efficient machine learning on the edges. Second, targeting specific Java programming language, we present an Eclipse plugin named Java Energy Profiler & Optimizer (JEPO) which can help in profiling and optimizing machine learning source code written in Java. JEPO can automatically measure the energy consumption of source code at method granularity. It provides energy efficiency suggestions for data types, operators, control statements, String, exception, objects, and Arrays in Java. JEPO evaluation has shown up to 14.46% improvement in energy consumption when used to optimize the machine learning software WEKA with only 0.48% drop in accuracy.
Detection of lipopolysaccharides blotted on nylon membranes

A sensitive method for the detection of Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) blotted on nylon membranes is described. LPSs are separated by SDS-PAGE and then electrophoretically transferred to nylon membranes. Immobilized LPS is oxidized with periodate and then reacted with a hydrazide conjugated to the steroid, digoxigenin. LPS is visualized by alkaline phosphatase labelled antibodies against the steroid and the enzyme substrate 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate/nitro blue tetrazolium. LPS banding patterns of both rough (R-) and smooth (S-) type LPSs from over 15 different bacterial species are similar to those of silver stained companion gels, but without nonspecific staining of proteins. The detection of S-LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa F-D type 1 and R-LPS from Escherichia coli K12 is sensitive to 10-20 ng per lane. The use of this detection system in combination with antibody or lectin studies on identical blots can provide an effective tool in locating the precise position of certain epitopes or sequences in both R- and S-type LPSs on the blots.
Type-Cast? Insights on the Rhetorical Fluidity of Iconic Type

ABSTRACT Over the past few decades, numerous prominent authors in various spheres of design discourse have discussed the rhetorical potency of type “icons” and how they come to embody cultural connotation. As icons, typefaces offer a universal language system—an expansive visual vocabulary that immediately references what we already know of their context. Iconic typefaces and their letterforms are subject to a process of narrative interpretation where what we “already know of them” is in a constant process of resignification. Here, critics tend to follow a Barthesian view that, as mythic structures, letterforms’ narratives are continuously used and reused as signification in different contexts. This widely regarded view presumes that iconic meaning develops as a chain of signification, where one narrative builds onto the next. This, however, leaves little explanation for instances where symbolism embedded in iconic typefaces develops in unexpected ways. In this article, I therefore investigate and unpack other means by which iconic typefaces evolve rhetorical meaning. By referring to examples throughout, I explore typical perspectives on iconic type in the Barthesian sense, but also trace different processes of signification. In doing so, I aim to offer alternative insights into ideological type as a more fluid rhetorical entity.
GAMIFICATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY Educating electricity users

The staggering technological advances of the last decades and rapid changes in the engineered world surrounding us have led to the emergence of technological illiteracy as a major social challenge threatening to create outcasts. Informal education, a path typically chosen by those who feel marginalized by the formal school system, may be more appealing to children and adults alike since it takes away the pressure of school performance and the stigma of failure. The challenge in creating content for informal learning lies in engaging and retaining the learners in an active mode, in making them truly interested in their learning process and achievements. Gamification technology has been proposed for developing engaging informal education programs targeting technological literacy. A novel methodology for developing gamified applications is proposed which is based on a well established behavioral model. It uses the cognitive model to develop the individual’s knowledge base and skills and gamification mechanics for emotional engagement and triggering. This methodology has been used to develop a pilot application targeting electricity users which aspires to educate them in electricity saving, consumption, production and markets in line with the emerging smart grid paradigm.
High‐Throughput Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Cardiomyocytes with a Microfabricated Magnetic Pattern and Cyclic Stimulation

Pluripotent stem cells are central tools to many regenerative medicine strategies due to their ability to differentiate toward the three embryonic germ layers. One challenge remains in providing control over their differentiation into specific lineages, such as cardiac commitment. Here, the possibility of directing cardiomyogenesis of embryonic stem cells using a microfabricated magnetic pattern is demonstrated. The stem cells are labeled with magnetic nanoparticles, aggregated into embryoid bodies (EBs) onto the pattern, and stimulated with a local magnetic force applied via the pattern. The EBs formed on this magnetic device experience the same differentiation profile as the ones created by the common hanging drop approach, while it allows high‐throughput production of hundreds of EBs. Further on/off cyclic magnetic force stimulation mediated by the same device is sufficient to enhance cardiomyogenesis in a way that almost all EBs develop spontaneous beating, confirmed by the overexpression of α‐actin and troponin proteins, and by the upregulation (twofold to fivefold) of genes involved in mesoderm differentiation (Nkx2.5, Gata4, and Gata6), and more specifically cardiac lineage (Tnnt2, Myh6, and Myl‐2). Beyond holding high application‐level potential, this work confirms that physical forces, and specifically on/off dynamic ones can be sufficient to govern cell function.
Impact of Perceived Social Support on Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Disability in Post–9/11 U.S. Military Veterans

This study examined the impact of perceived social support on mental health and psychosocial functioning in combat veterans after military deployment, including veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veterans with comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Veterans (n = 139; female = 23) completed self-report and clinician-administered measures of social support, mental and physical health, functional impairment, and quality of life. The cohort was divided into high, medium, and low perceived social support based on averages of the total score from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Relative to the low perceived social support group, the high perceived social support group reported fewer symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The high perceived social support group also reported a more diverse and embedded social network, less disability, and better quality of life. Of note, the high and low perceived social support groups did not differ on age, gender, education, race ethnicity, or combat trauma exposure. These findings highlight that perceived social support may play an important role in the treatment of postwar veterans as they transition back to civilian life.
Approximation algorithms for the min-max regret identical parallel machine scheduling problem with outsourcing and uncertain processing time

We consider the robust (min-max regret) version of identical parallel machine scheduling problem, in which jobs may be outsourced to balance total cost against production efficiency. The total cost is measured in terms of the total completion time of jobs processed in-house and the cost of outsourcing the rest. Processing times of in-house jobs are uncertain and they are described as two types of scenarios: discrete and interval. The objective is to obtain a robust (min-max regret) decision that minimises the absolute deviation of total cost from the optimal solution under the worst-case scenario. We first prove the worst-case scenario for any feasible solution. For the interval scenario, we further prove that the maximum regret value can be obtained in polynomial time for any feasible schedule. We also prove that for any discrete scenario, the minimum total cost can be obtained in polynomial time. Since the problem with the interval scenario is strongly NP-hard, we then transform the problem into an equivalent robust single machine scheduling problem. Finally, we develop 2-approximation algorithms for the problem with discrete and interval scenarios, respectively. These results are helpful for bridging the scheduling theory and practice in identical parallel machining environments with outsourcing and uncertain processing times.
Comparison study of misalignment effect along two perpendicular directions on the stability of rigid rotor-aerostatic journal bearing system

Under misalignment condition, the film thickness distribution of aerostatic journal bearings is changed comparing with condition without misalignment, which results in the change of performances of aerostatic journal bearings. In the paper, the effects of misalignment along two perpendicular directions (along the vertical direction θ y and along the horizontal direction θ x ) on the dynamic coefficients and stability thresholds of both critical whirl ratio and critical inertial force calculated by the motion equation of rigid rotor-aerostatic journal bearing system are studied comparatively. The results indicate that the dynamic coefficients, critical whirl ratio, and critical inertial force are more sensitive to θ x compared with θ y . Moreover, the stability threshold of whirl ratio reduces with increasing the misalignment degree, while stability threshold of inertial force increases with increasing the misalignment degree.
Ultraviolet vision, fluorescence and mate choice in a parrot, the budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus

As in many parrots, the plumage of the budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus reflects near–ultraviolet (UVA) wavelengths (300–400 nm) and exhibits UVA–induced fluorescence. However, there have, to our knowledge, been no tests of whether the yellow fluorescence observed under intense UVA illumination has any role in signalling. Four experiments were carried out on wild–type budgerigars, where the presence and absence of UV reflectance and fluorescence were manipulated using filters. Few studies have attempted to separate the contribution of UV reflectance to plumage hue as opposed to brightness or distinguish between a role in sexual as opposed to social preferences. However, our first experiments show that not only do females consistently prefer UV–reflecting males, but also that the observed preferences are due to removal of UV affecting the perceived hue rather than brightness. Furthermore, we found no effect of the light environment on male response to females, suggesting that the female preferences relate to plumage colour per se. Whilst UV reflectance appears important in heterosexual choice by females, it has no detectable influence on same–sex association preferences. The results from the second series of experiments suggest that enhancement of the budgerigar's yellow coloration through fluorescence has no effect on male attractiveness. However, the fluorescent plumage may play a role in signalling by virtue of the fact that it absorbs UVA and so increases contrast with nearby UV–reflecting plumage. Our study provides convincing evidence that UV reflectances can play a role in mate choice in non–passerines, but no evidence that the yellow fluorescence observed under UVA illumination is itself important as a signal.
Expanding the Restaurant Value Chain through Digital Delivery: a Significant Disruptor in the U.S. Restaurant Industry

impacts of TPDA on the foodservice industry. Data is being collected with a convenience sample of managers and owners at restaurants in the southeast of United States that offer three distinct types of services are the target subjects to be interviewed; 1) non-delivery, 2) in-house delivery, and 3) TPDA. Participation involves in-person 20to 30-minute semi-structured interviews. The interview questionnaire was developed through a preliminary review of relevant and prominent industry literature on the topic of TPDA. The questionnaire topics include questions regarding TPDA service features, motivations for using or not using, impacts and challenges of use, financial, operational, and service quality implications, and the opinion towards the emergence of TPDA. A pilot test of the questionnaire wording and question order was carried out with 3 participant restaurant managers. Following only minor adjustments to the questionnaire, a further 6 interviews with participants have been conducted to date. Data collection will cease once data saturation has been achieved.
Global seasonality of human seasonal coronaviruses

Brief summary: Human seasonal coronaviruses are found to be prevalent in winter months in most temperate sites, coinciding with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus season, but less seasonal in tropics and in temperate sites of China. Abstract Background The ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus could recur as seasonal outbreaks, a circulating pattern observed among other pre-existing human seasonal coronaviruses (sCoV). However, little is known about seasonality of sCoV on a global scale. Methods We conducted a systematic review of data on seasonality of sCoV. We compared seasonality of sCoV with influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus. We modelled monthly activity of sCoV using site-specific weather data. Results We included sCoV seasonality data in 40 sites from 21 countries. SCoV was prevalent in winter months in most temperate sites except for China while sCoV tended to be less seasonal in China and in tropical sites. In temperate sites excluding China, 53.1% of annual sCoV cases (Interquartile range, IQR: 34.6–61.9) occurred during influenza season and 49.6% (IQR: 30.2–60.2) of sCoV occurred during respiratory syncytial virus season. Low temperature combined with high relative humidity was associated with higher sCoV activity. This is the first study that provides an overview of the global seasonality of sCoV. Our findings offer clues to the possible post-pandemic circulating season of SARS-CoV-2 and add to the knowledge pool necessary for post-pandemic preparedness for SARS-CoV-2.
The hysteresis modeling of pneumatic artificial muscles using least squares support vector machine approach

Reducing the modeling errors of hysteresis model is of great significance for improving the control accuracy of pneumatic artificial muscles. However, the asymmetry and complexity of its hysteresis loops limit the effect of existing modeling approach, especially for the irregular loops. This article extends the least squares support vector machine approach to the domain of asymmetric and irregular hysteresis characterization for pneumatic artificial muscles. Compared with the established hysteresis models, the significance of this approach is that it does not depend on the shapes of hysteresis loops and possess the advantages of both few identification parameters and high accuracy. The effectiveness and advantage of the presented model is compared with modified symmetric generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii model. In addition, the length–pressure hysteresis experiment and modeling comparison on both of Festo commercial and self-made pneumatic artificial muscles are presented. The modeling errors of least squares support vector machine model for both loops are suppressed to a negligible level, and are not affected by the shape and complexity of hysteresis loops, which validates the effectiveness of this approach.