Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spring Migration of Mallards from Arkansas as Determined by Satellite Telemetry

We used satellite telemetry to document spring migration phenology, routes, stopover regions, and nesting sites of mallards Anas platyrhynchos marked in Arkansas during the winters of 2004–2007. Of the 143 marked mallards that migrated from Arkansas, they did so, on average, by mid-March. Mallards flew over the Missouri Ozarks and 42% made an initial stopover in Missouri, where they used areas that had larger rivers (Mississippi River, Missouri River) embedded in an agricultural landscape. From this stopover region they either migrated directly to the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) or they migrated north to Minnesota where they either moved next to the PPR or to the north and east of the PPR. For those mallards (83%) that stopped for . 1 d before entering the PPR, the average length at each stop was 12 d (SE = 0.90 d, range = 2–54 d). Mallards made more stopovers, made shorter migration movements, and took longer to move to the PPR in wetter than drier years. Mallards arrived in the PPR earlier in 2006 (x = 30 March, SE = 2.18 d) than in 2005 (x =7 April, SE = 2.30 d). Females nested across nine Bird Conservation Regions. Nesting occurred most frequently in South Dakota (n = 9). The average date when females nested was 19 April (SE = 2.44 d, range = 12 March–26 May). Because many mallards headed for the large river corridors in Missouri for their first stopover, this region is an important spring migration stopover of continental importance to mallards and might be considered a focal area for conservation.
Impact of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction on athletic performance and airway health in rugby union players : original research

Background : There is emerging evidence that the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is significantly under-reported in many sports. There is little known about the potential performance improvement that may exist when sports players are detected and treated for EIB. Methods : Professional rugby union players with no previous history of asthma volunteered to participate in the study. Each player performed the rugby football union (RFU) fitness test and completed a eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH) challenge at baseline and 12 weeks later. A player with a positive EVH result was prescribed beclomethasone inhaler (200 µg; two puffs per day) for 12 weeks. Players with a negative EVH test were randomly allocated to either a placebo inhaler group or acted as controls. Results : Twenty-nine rugby union players (mean ± SD; age 22.1 ± 4.2 years; body mass 100.1 ± 6.9 kg; height 1.84 ± 0.07 m) were recruited. Seven players (24% of total) had a positive EVH challenge with a mean decrease in FEV1 of -13.6 ± 3.5 % from baseline. There was no significant group difference (P=0.359) in performance improvement of the RFU fitness test between the EVH positive group (mean Δ: -22.3 seconds; 8.0 ± 2.8% improvement), placebo group (mean Δ: -16.5 seconds; 6.7 ± 1.6% improvement), and controls (mean Δ: -12.2 seconds; 5.7 ± 3.5% improvement). Conclusion : Prevalence of EIB in professional rugby union players was 24%. A 12-week prescription of beclomethasone (200 µg) showed similar improvements in RFU fitness test performance in players diagnosed with EIB compared to players with healthy airway responsiveness.
Predictors of Electoral Participation among Spanish and Latin American Undergraduates

This paper presents the results of a study of 709 undergraduates in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Chile, and Spain, countries with different developmental levels that held the first free elections following their respective dictatorships within a thirteen year span. The paper analyzes the electoral participation of undergraduates in relation to different factors. Results show a high electoral participation among Salvadoran, Nicaraguan, and Spanish undergraduates, while low turnout is observed among Chileans. The best predictors of electoral participation of undergraduates are related to their nationality, economic status, interest in politics, gender or living away from home.
Experimental Investigation of Performance of the Wind Turbine with the Flanged-Diffuser Shroud in Sinusoidally Oscillating and Fluctuating Velocity Flows

The wind turbine with a flanged-diffuser shroud—so called “wind-lens turbine”—is developed as one of high performance wind turbines by Ohya et al. In this paper, the wind turbine performance is investigated for both steady and unsteady winds. The compact-type wind lens turbine shows higher efficiency than the only rotor wind turbine. Also, the flow structure around the compact-type wind turbine is made clear by CFD and PIV in steady wind. Furthermore, the performances of the only rotor and the compact-type wind-lens turbines for unsteady wind are experimentally and numerically investigated. Experimental and numerical results are presented to demonstrate the dependence of frequency of the harmonic oscillating velocity wind on power coefficient. Consequently, the compact-type wind-lens turbine show better performance than the only rotor one in sinusoidally oscillating velocity wind. Furthermore, the numerical estimation can predict the power coefficient in the oscillating flows to an accuracy of 94% to 102%. In addition, the dependence of the turbine performance on turbulent intensity and vortex scale of natural fluctuating wind is presented.
Automorphisms of the lattice of equational theories of commutative semigroups

In this paper we complete the study of the first-order definability in the lattice of equational theories of commutative semigroups started by A. Kisielewicz in [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 356 (2004), 3483-3504]. We describe the group of automorphisms of this lattice and characterize first-order definable theories, thus solving the problems posed by R. McKenzie and A. Kisielewicz.
Phase unwrapping methods for quadratic phase interpolation in voiced speech sythesis

This paper considers the use of a quadratic polynomial for phase interpolation in voiced speech synthesis using the multi-band excitation (MBE) model. The problem of phase unwrapping when using quadratic interpolation, originally proposed by Griffin and Lim (1988), is examined. In addition to that, another three new methods for phase unwrapping are studied. For the purpose of comparing the different unwrapping methods used for quadratic interpolation, the four unwrapping methods are used to synthesize voiced speech using the MBE model. Both the theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the fourth phase unwrapping method outperforms the other methods for voiced speech synthesis.
Missing Value Imputation Using Contemporary Computer Capabilities: An Application to Financial Statements Data in Large Panels

This paper addresses an evaluation of the methods for automatic item imputation to large datasets with missing data in the particular setting of financial data often used in economic and business settings. The paper aims to bridge the gap between purely methodological papers concerned with individual imputation techniques with their implementation algorithms and common practices of missing value treatment in social sciences and other research. Historical methods for handling the missing values are rendered obsolete with the rise of cheap computing power. Regardless of the condition of input data, various computer programs and software packages almost always return some results. In spite of this fact, item imputation in scientific research should be executed only to reproduce reality, not to create a new one. In the review papers comparing different methods we usually find data on performance of algorithms on artificial datasets. However, on a simulated dataset that replicates a real-life financial database, we show, that algorithms different from the ones that perform best on purely artificial datasets, may perform better. DOI: 10.15458/85451.38
Solar irradiance reduction via climate engineering: Impact of different techniques on the energy balance and the hydrological cycle

Different techniques of solar radiation management (SRM) have been suggested to counteract global warming, among them the injection of sulfur into the stratosphere, mirrors in space, and marine cloud brightening through artificial emissions of sea salt. This study focuses on to what extent climate impacts of these three methods would be different. We present results from simulations with an Earth system model where the forcing from the increase of greenhouse gases in a transient scenario (RCP4.5) was balanced over 50 years by SRM. While global mean temperature increases slightly due to the inertia of the climate system and evolves similar with time for the different SRM methods, responses of global mean precipitation differ considerably among the methods. The hydrological sensitivity is decreased by SRM, most prominently for aerosol‐based techniques, sea salt emissions, and injection of sulfate into the stratosphere. Reasons for these differences are discussed through an analysis of the surface energy budget. Furthermore, effects on large‐scale tropical dynamics and on regional climate are discussed.
Refractive index tip sensor based on Fabry-Pérot cavities formed by a suspended core fibre

A Fabry-Perot refractometer based on suspended core fibre is presented. The Fabry-Perot cavities are formed by a section of suspended core fibre between conventional single-mode fibres. This miniature refractive tip sensor is demonstrated for the measurement of the refractive index change by measuring the fringe visibility and through the analysis of the fast Fourier transform. The two methods are compared. The temperature dependence was also characterized.
Interactive learning of multiple attribute hash table for fast 3D object recognition

Multiple-attribute hashing is now considered to be a powerful approach for the recognition and localization of 3D objects on the basis of their invariant properties. In the systems developed to date, the hash tables must be created by the system developer/spl minus/an onerous task especially when the number of attributes is large, which is the case in systems that use both geometric and nongeometric attributes. The authors show how the tools of decision trees can be used for the automatic construction of hash tables. Their decision tree framework is based on a hybrid method that uses both qualitative attributes, such as the shape of a surface, and quantitative attributes such as color, dihedral angles, etc. In the system proposed the system developer shows objects to a vision system and, in an interactive mode, tells the system the model identities of the various segmented regions, etc. Subsequently, the decision tree based framework learns the structure of the hash table. <<ETX>>
The forms of repetition in social and environmental reports: insights from Hume's notion of ‘impressions’

This paper focuses on the use of repetition, both in narrative and visual forms, in social and environmental reports. It investigates the forms of repetition as a rhetorical device adopted by the preparer of a social and environmental report in helping the process of knowledge acquisition, as outlined by Hume [1739. A Treatise of Human Nature. Available from: http://www.gutenberg. org/files/4705/4705-h/4705-h.htm#link2H_4_0006]. Drawing from Hume's (1739) philosophical idea of an ‘impression’, and the work of Davison [2014a. Visual rhetoric and the case of intellectual capital. Accounting Organization and Society, 39 (1), 20–37], we classify repetitions into ‘identical’, ‘similar', and ‘accumulated’ forms. It is argued that the rationale for distinguishing between the different forms of repetition can be linked to their different potential or intensity in acting on different stimuli with a view to enhance learning. The empirical element of this study is based on the stand-alone social and environmental reports of a sample of 86 cooperative banks (CBs) in Northern Italy; the analysis of these reports indicates that repetition is widespread and that CBs use all forms of repetition, albeit to a varying extent within the different reported themes. The paper contributes to the literature by offering an alternative interpretation of repetition using an interdisciplinary perspective and by providing new insights on social and environmental reporting practices in the cooperative banking sector.
The B4-LEACH Cluster based Hierarchical Protocol for Enhanced Cluster Head Workload in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, B4-LEACH, which is a modified version of the LEACH routing protocol, is studied. In B4-LEACH the data load of the cluster head node is decreased by exploiting the existing data flow. The distance over which data is transmitted by the cluster head is reduced. Results obtained from numerical simulations show that compared to the LEACH protocol and its variant, namely the multihop-LEACH protocol, B4-LEACH extends the network lifetime.
Genegis: Computational Tools for Spatial Analyses of DNA Profiles with Associated Photo-Identification and Telemetry Records of Marine Mammals

Abstract : We will develop computation tools for improved visual exploration and spatial analysis of DNA profiles, with accompanying photo-identification records or telemetry tracks of marine mammals. Developments will include an integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) data model with an enhanced Graphical User Interface (GUI) for a stand-alone program within an ArcGIS framework and a web-based program in a more broadly accessible format for displaying individual identification photographs and information from linked DNA profiles. Referred to as geneGIS, the program will provide the ability to display, browse, select, filter and summarize spatial or temporal relationships of these individual-based records and associated datasets. A toolbox of software applications will allow basic summaries of spatially selected data and export of data in most standard formats (e.g., XLS, CSV, MDB, KML), as well as individual formats required for programs commonly used in genetic analyses of population differentiation, capture-recapture estimates of abundance, population assignment of individuals and estimates of kinship or parentage. The data formatting will comply with OBIS standards and the software architecture will be compatible with the Arc Marine model, providing a link with other datasets and tools needed for an integrated description of the genetic and environmental seascape of cetaceans. We will implement geneGIS and the web-based application using DNA profiles and photo-identification records derived from an ocean-wide survey of humpback whales in the North Pacific (SPLASH), providing a comprehensive description of a complex migratory population. Such a description will be suitable for informing conceptual models of cetacean populations, including the Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCAD) and the Testing of Spatial Structure Methods (TOSSM).
Introduction to Nanoparticles

Nanotechnology is the science that deals with matter at the scale of 1 billionth of a meter (i.e., 10 − 9 m = 1 nm), and is also the study of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular scale. A nanoparticle is the most fundamental component in the fabrication of a nanostructure, and is far smaller than the world of everyday objects that are described by Newton ’ s laws of motion, but bigger than an atom or a simple molecule that are governed by quantum mechanics. The United States instituted the National Nanotechnology Initiative ( NNI ) back in 2000, which was soon followed (2001) by a plethora of projects in nanotechnology in nearly most of the U.S. Departments and Agencies [1] . About 20 Research Centers were subsequently funded by the Nationa1 Science Foundation ( NSF ), an agency responsible solely to the President of the United States and whose mandate is to fund the best of fundamental science and technology projects. NSF was the lead U.S. agency to carry forward the NNI. The word “nanotechnology” soon caught the attention of various media (TV networks, the internet, etc.) and the imagination and fascination of the community at large. In general, the size of a nanoparticle spans the range between 1 and 100 nm. Metallic nanoparticles have different physical and chemical properties from bulk metals (e.g., lower melting points, higher specifi c surface areas, specifi c optical properties, mechanical strengths, and specifi c magnetizations), properties that might prove attractive in various industrial applications. However, how a nanoparticle is viewed and is defi ned depends very much on the specifi c application. In this regard, Table 1.1 summarizes the defi nition of nanoparticles and nanomaterials by various organizations. Of particular importance, the optical property is one of the fundamental attractions and a characteristic of a nanoparticle. For example, a 20-nm gold nanoparticle has a characteristic wine red color. A silver nanoparticle is yellowish gray. Platinum and palladium nanoparticles are black. Not surprisingly, the optical characteristics of nanoparticles have been used from time immemorial in sculptures and 1
New cross-coupled filter design using improved hairpin resonators

Stepped-impedance resonators have been thoroughly studied in this paper. Two equations for odd- and even-mode resonance are derived from a new network model. The size and resonant frequencies of the resonator could then be designed based on these two equations. A new resonator-embedded cross-coupled filter, constructed by stepped-impedance hairpin resonators and miniaturized hairpin resonators is presented. This new filter is very compact and has lower spurious response. A 0/spl deg/ feed structure, which adds two transmission zeros to the filter response, is also studied. The two zeros are so close to the passband that the selectivity and out-of-band rejection of the filter are significantly increased. The design has been verified by experiment results.
Value Function Approximation-Based Limited Horizon Rollout Algorithms for Dynamic Multi-Period Routing

We consider a dynamic multi-period vehicle routing problem with stochastic service requests. Requests are either accepted for service in the current period or are postponed to the next period. The objective is to maximize the number of same-period services with respect to limited temporal resources in every period. To approximately solve the according Markov decision process, we present a value function approximation-based limited horizon rollout algorithm (V-LHRA) combining offline and online methods of approximate dynamic programming in two ways. First, the V-LHRA integrates offline value function approximation (VFA) as a base-policy into the rollout. Second, due to computational limitations in the online execution, we the V-LHRA limits the rollout horizon while estimating the remaining reward-to-go again via offline VFA. In our computational study, we show how these combinations outperform state-of-the-art solutions while simultaneously limiting the required time for online calculations.
Determining the Transcription Factor Genes Populating a Fruit Fly Pigmentation Gene Network and Their Regulatory Connections

Morphological traits for organisms result from the concerted action of numerous genes that are interconnected into a gene network at the level of transcriptional regulation. In each network, transcription factors control the spatial, temporal, and even sex-specific patterns of gene transcription. To better understand how a gene network operates during development, I investigated the network controlling a male-specific pattern of Drosophila melanogaster abdominal pigmentation. Using RNA interference, I reduced the expression of 558 transcription factor genes to identify those needed for normal pigmentation by the occurrence of aberrant pigmentation patterns. From this, I identified 28 genes, which include several that are known to play major roles in establishing animal body plans and that regulate chromatin structure. With this new wealth of known network genes and the diversity of pigmentation patterns among fruit fly species, my thesis supports future studies into the gene network basis for trait development and evolution.
Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer by Dietary Compounds

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death, and the third most diagnosed type of cancer, worldwide. It is most common amongst men and women over 50 years old. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol, diet, physical inactivity, genetics, alterations in gut microbiota, and associated pathologies (diabetes, obesity, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases). This review will discuss, in detail, the chemopreventive properties of some dietary compounds (phenolic compounds, carotenoids, iridoids, nitrogen compounds, organosulfur compounds, phytosterols, essential oil compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber) against colorectal cancer. We present recent data, focusing on in vitro, laboratory animals and clinical trials with the previously mentioned compounds. The chemopreventive properties of the dietary compounds involve multiple molecular and biochemical mechanisms of action, such as inhibition of cell growth, inhibition of tumor initiation, inhibition of adhesion, migration and angiogenesis, apoptosis, interaction with gut microbiota, regulation of cellular signal transduction pathways and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, etc. Moreover, this review will also focus on the natural dietary compounds’ bioavailability, their synergistic protective effect, as well as the association with conventional therapy. Dietary natural compounds play a major role in colorectal chemoprevention and continuous research in this field is needed.
Methods to study ovarian function in monovulatory species using the cow as a model

In this review, we discuss the utility of the cow as an in vivo model to study the regulation of ovarian functions in monovular species. It is increasingly becoming clear that besides endocrine control, locally produced factors play pivotal roles during dominant follicle selection, oocyte maturation, ovulation and luteolysis. Although in vitro culture systems have been used to study these processes, definitive understanding the interactions between endocrine and local factors requires appropriate in vivo models. Most of the experimental approaches to study ovarian functions in vivo in large animals are based on the use of ultrasonography and considerable progress in this field has been made during the last thirty years. It has been shown that cows are an excellent model to collect samples (e.g., follicular fluid, granulosa cells, oocytes) from live animals at specific stages of follicular development in order to study mechanisms of intrafollicular factors in a physiological endocrine environment. In addition to support fundamental studies, the cow model has contributed immensely to the refinement of assisted reproductive technologies, which are now widely used not only in farm animals but also in humans.