Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mean Square Convergent Non-Standard Numerical Schemes for Linear Random Differential Equations with Delay

In this paper, we are concerned with the construction of numerical schemes for linear random differential equations with discrete delay. For the linear deterministic differential equation with discrete delay, a recent contribution proposed a family of non-standard finite difference (NSFD) methods from an exact numerical scheme on the whole domain. The family of NSFD schemes had increasing order of accuracy, was dynamically consistent, and possessed simple computational properties compared to the exact scheme. In the random setting, when the two equation coefficients are bounded random variables and the initial condition is a regular stochastic process, we prove that the randomized NSFD schemes converge in the mean square (m.s.) sense. M.s. convergence allows for approximating the expectation and the variance of the solution stochastic process. In practice, the NSFD scheme is applied with symbolic inputs, and afterward the statistics are explicitly computed by using the linearity of the expectation. This procedure permits retaining the increasing order of accuracy of the deterministic counterpart. Some numerical examples illustrate the approach. The theoretical m.s. convergence rate is supported numerically, even when the two equation coefficients are unbounded random variables. M.s. dynamic consistency is assessed numerically. A comparison with Euler’s method is performed. Finally, an example dealing with the time evolution of a photosynthetic bacterial population is presented.
One‐step electrochemical preparation of ternary phthalocyanine/acid‐activated multiwalled carbon nanotube/polypyrrole‐based electrodes and their supercapacitor applications

In the present work, we report one‐step preparation of phthalocyanine/acid‐activated multiwalled carbon nanotube/polypyrrole modified pencil graphite electrodes (Pc/AA‐MWCNT/PPy/PGE) for electrochemical supercapacitor applications. Conducting polymer‐based ternary electrode materials were prepared by in situ electropolymerization of pyrrole in the presence of AA‐MWCNT and Pc. The structures of prepared electrodes were characterized by different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectrometer, atomic force microscope, Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to examine their structural and electrochemical properties. This study examines for the first time supercapacitive properties of ZnPc/AA‐MWCNT/PPy/PGE and CuPc/AA‐MWCNT/PPy/PGE. The specific capacitances of electrodes have been found as 304 F/g for CuPc/AA‐MWCNT/PPy/PGE and 117 F/g ZnPc/AA‐MWCNT/PPy/PGE with 10 A/g charge‐discharge current densities. When compared to all preparation electrode materials in the literature, CuPc/AA‐MWCNT/PPy/PGE exhibited superior supercapacitive behavior. The synergistic effect of PPy, AA‐MWCNT, and Pc with excellent physical interface presents better charge storage capacity and less charge transfer resistance. We observed that the Pc/AA‐MWCNT/PPy/PGE electrodes can synergistically improve the charge storage property in comparison to its individual constituents.
JSUT and JVS: Free Japanese voice corpora for accelerating speech synthesis research

: In this paper, we develop two corpora for speech synthesis research. Thanks to improvements in machine learning techniques, including deep learning, speech synthesis is becoming a machine learning task. To accelerate speech synthesis research, we aim at developing Japanese voice corpora reasonably accessible from not only academic institutions but also commercial companies. In this paper, we construct the JSUT and JVS corpora. They are designed mainly for text-to-speech synthesis and voice conversion, respectively. The JSUT corpus contains 10 hours of reading-style speech uttered by a single speaker, and the JVS corpus contains 30 hours containing three styles of speech uttered by 100 speakers. This paper describes how we designed the corpora and summarizes the speciﬁcations. The corpora are available at our project pages.
Functional Diversity of the Fish Community Associated to Soft-Bottoms in the Lagoon of La Paz B.C.S., México

There has been an increase of community studies that incorporate the use of functional diversity indices. The incorporation of these indices in the analysis of marine communities is recent, however, could contribute with relevant information about the health of those communities. The lagoon of La Paz is a body of water located in La Paz, B.C.S. , Mexico. Despite its regional importance, there are not recent studies about its fish communities. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the temporal and spatial structure of the functional diversity of fish communities associated to soft bottoms, from August 2016 to July 2017, as well as important environmental variables. Functional diversity indices showed significant differences between months. Spatial analysis did not show significant differences perhaps due to low variability of the type of substrate. Temperature showed temporal differences as well. Therefore, temperature may be a limiting environmental variable for many fish species inhabiting coastal lagoons.
Institutional Ownership and Cost of Capital: An International Study

This study investigates the impact of Institutional Ownership on Cost of Capital. A panel data of 200 companies from FORBES Global 2000 Leading Companies between 2010 and 2019 were used. The ordinary least square multiple regression analysis technique is used to examine the relationships. The findings are robust to alternative measures and endogeneities. The results show that institutional ownership is statistically positively related to cost of capital. This study extends, as well as contributes to the extant corporate governance literature by offering new evidence on the effect of institutional ownership on cost of capital. The findings will help regulators and policy-makers in evaluating the adequacy of the current corporate governance reforms to prevent management misconduct and scandals.
Unavoidable expertise, ‘technocratic positionality,’ and GIScience: eliciting an indigenous geospatial ontology with the Eastern Cree in Northern Quebec

Abstract Advancements in geospatial technologies promise liberation from experts’ knowledge. We argue that, despite these technological developments, Geographic Information Science (GIScience) expertise continues to shape research concerning Indigenous communities, specifically on abstruse GIScience topics such as ontology. We found limits in approaches to the development of Indigenous ontology because the role of the technocratic expert goes unquestioned, which can effect a recolonization of Indigenous peoples and their spatial knowledge. We argue that a technocracy is unavoidable; GIScience researchers must, therefore, address their positionality in research involving Indigenous peoples. Positionality compels the researcher to reflexively acknowledge how legitimacy is conferred through, for example, their credentialed expertise, institutions, race, class, and gender. To address technocratic positionality in Indigenous geospatial ontologies, we draw on our experience with the Eastern Cree in Northern Quebec in eliciting geospatial concepts. We offer hermeneutics and heuristics as promising approaches to avoiding recolonization and increasing Indigenous contributions to ontology production. A heuristic approach requires the researcher to be immersed within the community. Hermeneutics emphasizes the interpretation of knowledge alongside Indigenous community members. The immersion and greater inclusivity afforded by these two approaches allow the researcher to conduct research activities without being confined to the role of a technocrat outsider/expert. We discuss challenges that persist in reducing distance and in balancing a technocratic positionality.
Molecular, morphological and ontogenetic evaluation of relationships and evolution in the Rosaceae

Phylogenetic relationships are hdypothesized for the Rosaceae using comparative analyses of floral ontogeny, and data sets comprising non-moleculat *md molecular (ndhF. rbcL. nrITS) characters. Forty-three genera from al1 four subfarnilies. and 16 of 17 tribes. are represented in non-molecular and chloroplast DNA data sets. as well as two outgroup genera from the Rhamnaceae (Ceanorhus and Rhumnus). The nrITS data are restncted to Rosoideae and Maloideae. while floral ontogeny was examined in 14 genera from the Maloideae. Prunoideae. and Spiraeoideae. Comparative analyses of floral ontogeny and mature morphology support the monophyIy of an expanded Prunoideae that includes Exochorda. Comparative analyses of floral ontogeny in four spiraeoid genera. and mature morphology in an additional six genera. support the polyphyly of the subfamily and implicate some members in the ongin of the Maloideae. Comparative analyses of floral ontogeny and mature morphology in seven Maloideae genera demonstrate the developmental basis for syncarpy. epigyny and other variations in mature maloid flowers. Ontogenetic data were atso used to determine the homology of a number of micromorphological characters used in the non-molecular
The Role of Family Relationships in Mental Health Distress for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming College Students at University Counseling Centers

ABSTRACT Using data from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH), the present study examines the role family relationships have in explaining mental health outcomes for transgender and gender nonconforming (TG/GNC) college students who present to university counseling centers. A structural equation model indicates that TG and GNC collegiate clients report significantly worse family relationships relative to cisgender clients, which contributes to their greater mental distress. Net of their poor family relationships, TG students actually report less mental distress relative to cisgender students. The indirect effect of the TG students’ adverse family relationships on mental distress, however, overwhelms this direct effect. Similarly, the analysis shows the gap between cisgender and GNC students in mental distress would be much smaller if it were not for the latter’s negative family relationships. These findings improve the understanding of how family relationships impact mental health outcomes for gender minority college students well into early adulthood.
High density genome scan for selection signatures in French sheep reveals allelic heterogeneity and introgression at adaptive loci

Sheep was one of the first domesticated livestock species in the Anatolia region of contemporary Iran and eventually spread world-wide. Previous studies have shown that French sheep populations likely harbour a large part of European domesticated sheep diversity in a relatively small geographical region, offering a powerful model for the study of adaptation. We studied the diversity of 27 French sheep populations by genotyping 542 individuals for more than 500 000 SNPs. We found that French sheep breeds were divided into two main groups, corresponding to northern and southern origins and additionally we identified admixture events between northern and southern populations. The genetic diversity of domesticated animals results from adaptation of populations to constraints imposed by farmers and environmental conditions. We identified 126 genomic regions likely affected by selection. In many cases, we found evidence for parallel selection events in different genetic backgrounds, most likely for different mutations. Some of these regions harbour genes potentially involved in morphological traits (SOCS2, NCAPG/LCORL, MSRB3), coat colour (MC1R) and adaptation to environmental conditions (ADAMTS9). Closer inspection of two of these regions clarified their evolutionary history: at the LCORL/NCAPG locus we found evidence for introgression of an adaptive allele from a southern population into northern populations and by resequencing MC1R in some breeds we confirmed different mutations in this gene are responsible for the same phenotypic trait. Our study illustrates how dense genetic data in multiple populations allows the deciphering of evolutionary history of populations and of their adaptive mutations.
“We have to focus on improving our and our next generation’s rights!” Exploring critical literacy in a third space for Korean female high school students

ABSTRACT This study provides a situated account of a native English-speaking teacher who implements critical literacy in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom at a Korean high school. Teacher interview data and student presentations are analyzed to depict how a third space created by the EFL teacher and his students allowed meaningful and relevant critical literacy activities for the female high school students. Mutual trust between the teacher and students as well as support from co-teachers and school administration emerge as central themes in the third space in which students conduct research on and present social topics, such as gender equality in Korea and beyond. Findings reveal that EFL learners are capable of enacting critical literacy despite the assumptions about the instructional challenges due to their linguistic and cultural backgrounds if they are given opportunities for critical conversations about controversial topics.
Detecting a spreading non-indigenous species using multiple methodologies

Abstract Johansson ML, Lavigne SY, Ramcharan CW, Heath DD, MacIsaac HJ. Detecting a spreading non-indigenous species using multiple methodologies. Lake Reserv Manage. 36:432–443. Non-indigenous species (NIS) are often introduced to novel environments at very low population abundance. Detecting the presence of such an NIS can be very challenging, particularly as it spreads from the initial establishment site. This provides an opportunity to test detection limits using different approaches. This study tested the detection capability of 3 methods as zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) spread from south to north through Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Zebra mussel veliger larvae were detected using cross-polarized light microscopy (CPLM), flow cytometry and microscopy (FlowCam), and conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) on the same samples. Abundance generally declined from south to north in the lake but was lowest at Calder’s Dock (central). Although abundances could be quite low (i.e., <1 veliger/m3, Calder’s Dock) CPLM prevalence—the percentage of samples with at least one veliger—was high throughout the lake (99–100% of samples). Prevalence was lower for cPCR and FlowCam but was statistically associated with veliger abundance. Using standardized 3 mL subsamples (0.06–0.18 m3 of lake water sampled), all 3 methods had a high probability of veliger detection if large numbers of samples were processed. FlowCam was the most expensive method to process these 3 mL subsamples, while cPCR was least expensive and fastest. eDNA combined with intensive sampling is the most practical method for wide-scale monitoring programs for early detection. However, all 3 methods are complementary and could be deployed sequentially, with rapid initial sample processing using PCR, confirmation and density estimation with FlowCam, and detailed veliger counts using CPLM.
News-based Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods for Stock Prediction

Stocks occupy a vital position in the financial market. Over the years, scholars have made unremitting efforts in forecasting the stock market. Because the more accurate the prediction, the more people will profit from the stock market. Machine learning has achieved excellent results in stock prediction. Nowadays, with the rise of deep learning, the stock prediction methods used by people are beginning to lean towards deep learning, and many results have been achieved. This paper will use news rather than traditional stock structured data for stock prediction, and we will use machine learning and deep learning methods in contrast. Moreover, we use natural language processing to process the news. The objects of prediction are stock indexes (DJIA, S & P500) and individual stocks (IBM, JPM). We find that deep learning performs at least 4.5% better than machine learning on prediction tasks related to stock indexes, and at least 3% better in the prediction of individual stocks. We discuss the implications of this result.
The homoeologous genes for the Rec8-like meiotic cohesin in wheat: structure, function, and evolutionary implication

The Rec8-like cohesin is a cohesion protein essential for orderly chromosome segregation in meiosis. Here, we cloned two Rec8-like homoeologous genes (homoeoalleles) from tetraploid wheat (TtRec8-A1 and TtRec8-B1) and one from hexaploid wheat (TaRec8-D1), and performed expression and functional analyses of the homoeoalleles. Also, we identified other two Rec8 homoeoalleles in hexaploid wheat (TaRec8-A1 and TaRec8-B1) and the one in Aegilops tauschii (AetRec8-D1) by comparative analysis. The coding DNA sequences (CDS) of these six Rec8 homoeoalleles are all 1,827 bp in length, encoding 608 amino acids. They differed from each other primarily in introns although single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in CDS. Substantial difference was observed between the homoeoalleles from the subgenome B (TtRec8-B1 and TaRec8-B1) and those from the subgenomes A and D (TtRec8-A1, TaRec8-A1, and TaRec8-D1). TtRec8-A1 expressed dominantly over TtRec8-B1, but comparably to TaRec8-D1. Therefore, the Rec8 homoeoalleles from the subgenomes A and D may be functionally more active than the one from the subgenome B in wheat. The structural variation and differential expression of the Rec8 homoeoalleles indicate a unique cross-genome coordination of the homoeologous genes in the polyploid, and imply the distinction of the wheat subgenome B from other subgenomes in the origin and evolution. HIGHLIGHT This work revealed the structural and expression patterns of the Rec8-like homoeologous genes in polyploid wheat, implying a unique origin and evolutionary route of the wheat B subgenome.
Are they playing? Analysing “play” in playful learning in occupational therapy education

Playful learning has become a common practice in Denmark, across primary and secondary education, however, the phrase playful learning might sound like a paradox, because learning and play suggest opposite values. In playful learning, play is approached as a learning resource, able to foster understanding and critical thinking. In the Occupational Therapy (OT) education, there has been a rich exploration of different forms of digitally mediated role-play, to enable students to prepare beforehand to engage with patients, enacting clinical scenarios with each other. Current studies in OT education focus on the learning impact of digital media and role-play, not investigating how students experience their play, which is an essential pre-condition to learning. Starting from these premises, I conducted a design-oriented research study, involving students and teachers in OT in Denmark, to investigate how students experience their play during mediated role-play activities. Results show that playful learning is a complex sociomaterial practice, framed by power relationships embodied by the provided digital media, the relationships among the participants, and the institutional context. Within this framing, play is continually negotiated among the teachers and the students, who manage to gain room for self-expression through observable changes in play moods and practices.
Spirituality-Based Counseling Improves Family Relationships and Quality of Life among Cohabiting South Asian Mothers-in-Law and Daughters-in-Law

Abstract This article reports a study on the effect of a joint online spirituality-based counseling (OSC) intervention in improving the relationship quality and quality of life of South Asian mothers-in-law (MILs) and daughters-in-law (DILs) dyads. The OSE was effective (Cohen’s d range = 1.44–3.76, p≤.01) and post-test scores were higher for Hindu and Buddhist dyads, middle class, MILs-DILs with better education, widowed MILs and currently married DILs. OSC attendance and self-practice mediated the relationship between socio-demographic predictors and outcomes. Relationship quality outcomes of the MILs-DILs were interdependent, associated and in turn predicted quality of life outcomes of the dyads and the mutual interdependence.
Effect of Addition of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus Tuberosus) Tubers Powder, and Inulin on Lactobacillus Reuteri Activity and Recovery After Freezing Injury

This study indicated that the addition of 2% of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) tubers powder (JTP) exceeded the activity of Lactobacillus reuteri in comparison with inulin and control treatment. The number of bacteria after the activation period 24 hours/37°C increased in the skim milk added 1, 2 and 5% JTP to 70 × 106, 210 × 108 and 119 × 107 Colony Forming Unit (cfu)/ml respectively. While the number of bacteria in the skim milk supported by addition 1, 2 and 5% Inulin was 56 × 107, 83 × 107 and 74 × 106 cfu/ml. While in the control treatment was 44 × 106 cfu/ml. The results indicated that the addition of 2% of the JTP contributed well to the preservation bacterial viability during period of storage at 4°C/7 days and frozen storage at -18°C/60 days. The number of bacteria in the fermented skim milk was supported by 1, 2 and 5% JTP 90 × 107, 200 × 107, 63 × 107 cfu\ml respectively after cooling period, while it reached 30× 102,22×102 and 6 × 102 cfu\ml respectively after freezing period, while the numbers of bacteria in the control treatment were 44 cells/g only. The results indicated that the addition of 2% of the inulin was superior in keeping the numbers of bacteria during the frozen storage period at -18°C/60 days compared to the refrigerated storage at 4°C/30 days, the number of bacteria in the fermented milk and supported by 1, 2 and 5% of the inulin 72×107,83×107 and 63×107 cfu\ml after the cooling period respectively, while in frozen milk was 36×103, 47×103 and 50 ×103cfu\ml. The results also indicated the positive role of the addition of 2% JTP in the recovery of injure cells after the end of the frozen storage period -18°C/60 days where the number of cells at activation period following the freezing increased from 44 cells/ml to 71×104cfu\ml, While the number of the media which supported by inulin was 48×103cfu\ml and in the was control 57×102c.f. u\ml.
Recent Developments and State of the Art in Flexible and Conformal Reconfigurable Antennas

Reconfigurable antennas have gained tremendous interest owing to their multifunctional capabilities while adhering to minimalistic space requirements in ever-shrinking electronics platforms and devices. A stark increase in demand for flexible and conformal antennas in modern and emerging unobtrusive and space-limited electronic systems has led to the development of the flexible and conformal reconfigurable antennas era. Flexible and conformal antennas rely on non-conventional materials and realization approaches, and thus, despite the mature knowledge available for rigid reconfigurable antennas, conventional reconfigurable techniques are not translated to a flexible domain in a straight forward manner. There are notable challenges associated with integration of reconfiguration elements such as switches, mechanical stability of the overall reconfigurable antenna, and the electronic robustness of the resulting devices when exposed to folding of sustained bending operations. This paper reviews various approaches demonstrated thus far, to realize flexible reconfigurable antennas, categorizing them on the basis of reconfiguration attributes, i.e., frequency, pattern, polarization, or a combination of these characteristics. The challenges associated with development and characterization of flexible and conformal reconfigurable antennas, the strengths and limitations of available methods are reviewed considering the progress in recent years, and open challenges for the future research are identified.