Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extra-pair paternity in monogamous and polygynous Savannah sparrows,
 Passerculus sandwichensis
 


Abstract Extra-pair paternity can influence mating systems by affecting the fitness costs associated with polygyny. Polygyny is disadvantageous to males when the time and energetic demands of multiple pairings decrease either a male's success at gaining extra-pair fertilizations or his ability to ensure paternity among harem members. In Savannah sparrows, Passerculus sandwichensis on Kent Island, New Brunswick, Canada, multilocus DNA fingerprinting of 136 adults and young revealed substantial female infidelity: overall, 31 of 92 young (33.7%) in 15 of 24 nests (62.5%) were the product of extra-pair fertilizations. Male mating status was a strong predictor of paternity. Each of seven monogamous females produced at least one extra-pair offspring, but only six of 11 primary females (54.5%) and two of six secondary females (33.3%) were unfaithful. As a result, nearly 80% of the young in nests of polygynous males resulted from within-pair fertilizations, compared with only 40% of the young in nests of monogamous males. Kent Island Savannah sparrows are simultaneously polygynous, and the absence of paternity costs associated with polygyny is surprising. The observed pattern of paternity suggests the operation of female choice, although male control of parentage cannot be excluded.
A Dynamic Extension of ALCO for Repairing via Preferred Updates

In the database literature it has been proposed to resort to active integrity constraints in order to restore database integrity. Such active integrity constraints consist of a classical constraint together with a set of preferred update actions that can be triggered when the constraint is violated. In this paper, we adapt this idea to Description Logics: we extend TBox axioms by a set of preferred updates of atomic concepts. We resort to a dynamic logic framework in order to provide an account of active TBox-based ABox repairs.
Paternity and parental care in the black-throated blue warbler, Dendroica caerulescens


Much debate surrounds the relationship between male parental care and paternity. We quantified parental care of yearling (second year: SY) and older (after second year: ASY) male black-throated blue warblers and determined parentage with microsatellites over four breeding seasons. ASY males that had sired all young in their broods fed 7-day-old nestlings at higher rates than ASY males that sired only some of the young in their broods. This relationship was not present in yearling males. A negative relationship between level of paternity and paternal care may arise if males facultatively adjust their care in response to cues of paternity, if poor-quality males are both more likely to be cuckolded and less able to provide parental care, or if males reduce both mate guarding and parental care to pursue extrapair matings. Parental care given by ASY males was not associated with additional mating opportunities during the nestling period. Thus, pursuit of extra matings is unlikely to account for the association between paternity and parental care. ASY males in better condition had higher levels of paternity, but did not guard their mates more closely nor feed their young at higher rates. These results suggest that ASY males may be able to assess their paternity, possibly by using cues related to levels of local synchrony during their females' fertile periods, and adjust their care accordingly. Paternity obtained by SY males was not associated with local synchrony, however, suggesting that the apparent lack of a facultative response by males of this age class may be due to a lack of reliable cues to paternity.
ENGENHEIRAS E ENFERMEIROS: ESTEREÓTIPOS, DISCRIMINAÇÃO E DESAFIOS DE PROFISSIONAIS CONTRANORMATIVOS

Analisou-se a influencia da insercao profissional contranormativa na estereotipizacao e na avaliacao de homens e mulheres. Realizaram-se tres estudos com universitarios. O Estudo 1 mostrou uma forte atribuicao de estereotipos masculinos as mulheres engenheiras e ausencia de uma representacao social estruturada sobre o homem enfermeiro. O Estudo 2 demonstrou que as professoras sao vistas como mais sociaveis e competentes pelas alunas e nos cursos tipicamente femininos; ja os professores foram vistos como mais competentes nos cursos tipicamente masculinos. O Estudo 3 aponta que os desafios enfrentados por profissionais contranormativos se ancoram na divisao sexual do trabalho, levando ao preconceito e discriminacao.
Sequence-to-sequence Models for Small-Footprint Keyword Spotting

In this paper, we propose a sequence-to-sequence model for keyword spotting (KWS). Compared with other end-to-end architectures for KWS, our model simplifies the pipelines of production-quality KWS system and satisfies the requirement of high accuracy, low-latency, and small-footprint. We also evaluate the performances of different encoder architectures, which include LSTM and GRU. Experiments on the real-world wake-up data show that our approach outperforms the recently proposed attention-based end-to-end model. Specifically speaking, with 73K parameters, our sequence-to-sequence model achieves $\sim$3.05\% false rejection rate (FRR) at 0.1 false alarm (FA) per hour.
Current and Future Landscape of Nutritional Epidemiologic Research.

The last half-century of nutrition research has expanded beyond traditional nutrition research based primarily on in vitro biochemistry, animal models, and shortterm feeding studies with risk factors as the primary outcomes. Although such studies are still an integral part of nutrition research, they do not directly connect diets with long-term health and disease in humans. Dietary guidelines and recommendations, until recently, were in part based on professional opinions using extrapolations across species and experimental models and limited human evidence from cross-sectional or small feeding studies. Nutritional epidemiology, building on the experience of epidemiology in other fields of public health, has begun to provide important new information and has had substantial effects on diets globally. A successful example of nutritional epidemiology effecting policy is the substantial reduction in trans fatty acids from partially hydrogenated oils. The combination of consistent findings from epidemiologic studies demonstrating an association between trans fat and coronary heart disease along with evidence from
Sibling competition affects individual growth strategies in marsh tit, Parus palustris, nestlings

How do different levels of sibling competition affect nestling growth strategies? We investigated this through the effect of different levels of per capita feeding rate on the average growth rate of nestlings and on individual growth strategies within broods. To manipulate sibling competition, we transferred marsh tit nestlings between nests creating broods with fewer (reduced) or more (enlarged) nestlings than originally. Mean mass decreased as brood size, and thus sibling competition, increased. This was due to a large difference in mass between the smallest young in each brood. The mass of the largest young did not differ significantly between the broods. In reduced broods, the largest and smallest nestlings had equal mass, whereas in enlarged broods the difference was large. In contrast, wing length close to fledging did not differ between the experimental broods. We conclude that the growth of the wing has priority over general increase in size. This depends on the risk of starving for nestlings unable to leave the nest when their most dominant sibling leaves. Thus, low intake rates induce a trade-off in the growth of different structures, leading subdominant nestlings to divert proportionally more resources to wing length growth at the expense of general size. Subdominant nestlings are thus facing both a food constraint, depending on parental feeding rate and number of dominant siblings, and a time constraint, depending on the growth rate of the largest sibling. Hence, to fledge successfully, subdominant nestlings will leave the nest at suboptimal masses with a likely increase in postfledging mortality.
On AC-Field-Induced Nonlinear Electroosmosis next to the Sharp Corner-Field-Singularity of Leaky Dielectric Blocks and Its Application in on-Chip Micro-Mixing

Induced-charge electroosmosis has attracted lots of attention from the microfluidic community over the past decade. Most previous researches on this subject focused on induced-charge electroosmosis (ICEO) vortex streaming actuated on ideally polarizable surfaces immersed in electrolyte solutions. Starting from this point, we conduct herein a linear asymptotic analysis on nonlinear electroosmotic flow next to leaky dielectric blocks of arbitrary electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity in harmonic AC electric fields, and theoretically demonstrate that observable ICEO fluid motion can be generated at high field frequencies in the vicinity of nearly insulating semiconductors, a very low electrical conductivity, of which can evidently increase the double-layer relaxation frequency (inversely proportional to the solid permittivity) to be much higher than the typical reciprocal RC time constant for induced double-layer charging on ideally polarizable surfaces. A computational model is developed to study the feasibility of this high-frequency vortex flow field of ICEO for sample mixing in microfluidics, in which the usage of AC voltage signal at high field frequencies may be beneficial to suppress electrochemical reactions to some extent. The influence of various parameters for developing an efficient mixer is investigated, and an integrated arrangement of semiconductor block array is suggested for achieving a reliable mixing performance at relatively high sample fluxes. Our physical demonstration with high-frequency ICEO next to leaky dielectric blocks using a simple channel structure offers valuable insights into the design of high-throughput micromixers for a variety of lab-on-a-chip applications.
The effect of changes in the relative timing of signals during female phonotaxis in the reed frog, Hyperolius marmoratus


Abstract Abstract. In anurans the properties of individual males' calls can change markedly during a single bout of calling. Females will therefore be confronted with an array of signals that change in relative attractiveness over time and, consequently, may be stimulated to approach several males before initiating amplexus. This would increase the time spent in the chorus and therefore, the costs associated with finding a mate. These costs may be minimized if, at some point of 'decision', a female's response to a male becomes irreversible, such that any subsequent changes in dynamic call features are ignored. To test this females were presented with two identical calls in a leader-follower call pattern and then the timing of the calls after the initiation of a response to the preferred leader was switched. If call timing was switched when females were within 2 m of the leader, they changed course and tracked the source of the leading call. However, when calls were switched when females were 2 m away, only some females changed course. A second experiment tested whether females 'lock into' static features such as dominant frequency. When a high frequency leading call was switched to a follower and a low frequency call to a leader, females tracked the source of the leading call, disregarding call frequency. The tendency was weaker when a high frequency follower was switched to a leader. The idea that the initiation of a response to a male renders females less responsive to more attractive calls that may arise is not supported.
Deep Generative Model with Beta Bernoulli Process for Modeling and Learning Confounding Factors

While deep representation learning has become increasingly capable of separating task-relevant representations from other confounding factors in the data, two significant challenges remain. First, there is often an unknown and potentially infinite number of confounding factors coinciding in the data. Second, not all of these factors are readily observable. In this paper, we present a deep conditional generative model that learns to disentangle a task-relevant representation from an unknown number of confounding factors that may grow infinitely. This is achieved by marrying the representational power of deep generative models with Bayesian non-parametric factor models, where a supervised deterministic encoder learns task-related representation and a probabilistic encoder with an Indian Buffet Process (IBP) learns the unknown number of unobservable confounding factors. We tested the presented model in two datasets: a handwritten digit dataset (MNIST) augmented with colored digits and a clinical ECG dataset with significant inter-subject variations and augmented with signal artifacts. These diverse data sets highlighted the ability of the presented model to grow with the complexity of the data and identify the absence or presence of unobserved confounding factors.
Efficient AoA-Based Wireless Indoor Localization for Hospital Outpatients Using Mobile Devices

The motivation of this work is to help outpatients find their corresponding departments or clinics, thus, it needs to provide indoor positioning services with a room-level accuracy. Unlike wireless outdoor localization that is dominated by the global positioning system (GPS), wireless indoor localization is still an open issue. Many different schemes are being developed to meet the increasing demand for indoor localization services. In this paper, we investigated the AoA-based wireless indoor localization for outpatients’ wayfinding in a hospital, where Wi-Fi access points (APs) are deployed, in line, on the ceiling. The target position can be determined by a mobile device, like a smartphone, through an efficient geometric calculation with two known APs coordinates and the angles of the incident radios. All possible positions in which the target may appear have been comprehensively investigated, and the corresponding solutions were proven to be the same. Experimental results show that localization error was less than 2.5 m, about 80% of the time, which can satisfy the outpatients’ requirements for wayfinding.
Functional phenomics: An emerging field integrating high-throughput phenotyping, physiology, and bioinformatics

Highlight Functional phenomics is an emerging field in plant biology that relies on high-throughput phenotyping, big data analytics, controlled manipulative experiments, and simulation modelling to increase understanding of plant physiology. Abstract The emergence of functional phenomics signifies the rebirth of physiology as a 21st century science through the use of advanced sensing technologies and big data analytics. Functional phenomics highlights the importance of phenotyping beyond only identifying genetic regions because a significant knowledge gap remains in understanding which plant properties will influence ecosystem services beneficial to human welfare. Here, a general approach for the theory and practice of functional phenomics is outlined including exploring the phene concept as a unit of phenotype. The functional phenomics pipeline is proposed as a general method for conceptualizing, measuring, and validating utility of plant phenes. The functional phenomics pipeline begins with ideotype development. Second, a phenotyping platform is developed to maximize the throughput of phene measurements. A mapping population is screened measuring target phenes and indicators of plant performance such as yield and nutrient composition. Traditional forward genetics allows genetic mapping, while functional phenomics links phenes to plant performance. Based on these data, genotypes with contrasting phenotypes can be selected for smaller yet more intensive experiments to understand phene-environment interactions in depth. Simulation modeling can be used to understand the phenotypes and all stages of the pipeline feed back to ideotype and phenotyping platform development.
Problematic Prescription Opioid Use in a Chronic Pain Treatment Facility: The Role of Emotional Processes

Abstract Background: Factors associated with prescription opioid misuse in a chronic pain treatment population are limited, and increasing our understanding of associated factors could lead to improved targeting of prevention and intervention efforts. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with problematic prescription opioid use in patients with chronic pain, and whether assessing emotional processes – alexithymia, ambivalence over emotional expression (AEQ), and emotional approach coping – improves understanding of problematic prescription opioid use beyond traditional risk factors. Methods: Participants were 100 patients with chronic pain (mean age = 47.57 years, SD = 11.57; 53% female; 81% African American) who were receiving a self-administered opioid medication through a local pain clinic. We assessed traditional risk factors (substance use history, pain, psychiatric distress, and pain catastrophizing), the three emotional processes, and problematic prescription opioid-related outcomes. Results: Zero-order correlations revealed that alexithymia was significantly, positively related to problematic prescription opioid use behaviors (PDUQ), and AEQ was significantly positively related to both prescription opioid misuse behaviors and opioid use disorder symptoms. Multiple regressions that included traditional risk factors and the three emotional processes indicated that AEQ was a unique correlate of problematic opioid use behaviors (β=.27, p=.04) and prescription opioid-related symptoms of abuse and dependence (β=.37, p=.01); history of substance use disorders was also associated. Conclusions: In addition to personal history of substance use problems, AEQ is a modifiable risk factor – and thus potential treatment target – for prescription opioid misuse and opioid use disorders.
Effects of Canola Oil Consumption on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Abstract Hyperlipidemia is a well- known risk factor of cardiovascular disease. A healthy diet containing vegetable oils such as canola oil (CO) may help to reduce serum lipids. This study aimed to quantify the effects of CO on lipid parameters using a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Embase were systematically searched until December 2017, with no time and design restrictions. Also, a manual search was performed to find extra relevant articles. Lipid parameters including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) were entered the meta-analysis. Weighed mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were stated as the effect size. Sensitivity analyses and prespecified subgroup were conducted to evaluate potential heterogeneity. Twenty-seven trials, comprising 1359 participants, met the eligibility criteria. Results of this study showed that CO consumption significantly reduced TC (−7.24 mg/dl, 95% CI, −12.1 to −2.7), and LDL (−6.4 mg/dl, 95% CI, −10.8 to −2), although it had no effects on HDL, TG, Apo B, and Apo A1. Effects of CO on TC and LDL significantly decreased after CO consumption in subgroups of >50 years of age participants and >30 intervention duration subgroup. Moreover, CO decreased LDL and TC compared to sunflower oil and saturated fat. This meta-analysis suggested that CO consumption improves serum TC and LDL, which could postpone heart disease progression. Key Teaching Points CO consumption could decrease serum TC and LDL, although it had no effects on other blood lipids. There was an overall significant effect of canola oil on TC and LDL compared to sunflower oil and saturated fats. CO could have beneficial effects on serum TC and LDL just when consumed longer than 30 days. CO consumption improved lipid profiles in participants older than 50 years.
SMashup Personal Learning Environments

Chatti, M. A. , Jarke, M. , Wang, Z. , & Specht, M. (2009). SMashup Personal Learning Environments. In F. Wild, M. Kalz, M. Palmer & D. Muller (Eds.), Proceedings of 2nd Workshop Mash-Up Personal Learning Environments (MUPPLE'09). Workshop in conjunction with 4th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning (EC-TEL 2009): Synergy of Disciplines (pp. 6-14). September, 29, 2009, Nice, France: CEUR workshop proceedings, http://sunsite.informatik. rwth-aachen.de/Publications/CEUR-WS/Vol-506 .
Structural, dynamical and symbolic observability: From dynamical systems to networks

Classical definitions of observability classify a system as either being observable or not. Observability has been recognized as an important feature to study complex networks, and as for dynamical systems the focus has been on determining conditions for a network to be observable. About twenty years ago continuous measures of observability for nonlinear dynamical systems started to be used. In this paper various aspects of observability that are established for dynamical systems will be investigated in the context of networks. In particular it will be discussed in which ways simple networks can be ranked in terms of observability using continuous measures of such a property. Also it is pointed out that the analysis of the network topology is typically not sufficient for observability purposes, since both the dynamics and the coupling of such nodes play a vital role. Some of the main ideas are illustrated by means of numerical simulations.
Fabricating Microstructures on Glass for Microfluidic Chips by Glass Molding Process

Compared with polymer-based biochips, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), glass based chips have drawn much attention due to their high transparency, chemical stability, and good biocompatibility. This paper investigated the glass molding process (GMP) for fabricating microstructures of microfluidic chips. The glass material was D-ZK3. Firstly, a mold with protrusion microstructure was prepared and used to fabricate grooves to evaluate the GMP performance in terms of roughness and height. Next, the molds for fabricating three typical microfluidic chips, for example, diffusion mixer chip, flow focusing chip, and cell counting chip, were prepared and used to mold microfluidic chips. The analysis of mold wear was then conducted by the comparison of mold morphology, before and after the GMP, which indicated that the mold was suitable for GMP. Finally, in order to verify the performance of the molded chips by the GMP, a mixed microfluidic chip was chosen to conduct an actual liquid filling experiment. The study indicated that the fabricating microstructure of glass microfluidic chip could be finished in 12 min with good surface quality, thus, providing a promising method for achieving mass production of glass microfluidic chips in the future.