Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rare Species Are Valued Big Time

Background It has recently been postulated that the value humans place on rarity could cause the extinction of rare species. This is because people are willing to pay the high costs of exploiting the last individuals. Many hobbies, such as ecotourism or the keeping of exotic pets may cause this effect – known as the anthropogenic Allee effect. However, the entire theory relies on the insofar undemonstrated assumption that people do value rarity. Methodology/Principal Findings In order to quantify how much people valued rare species relative to common ones, we created online slideshows of photographs of either rare or common species on an Internet web site. The slideshow with photographs of rare species attracted more visitors, and visitors spent, in general, more time waiting to view it. Conclusions/Significance We provide evidence that people value rare more than common species. As we did not target consumers of a specific market, this finding suggests that the anthropogenic Allee effect is likely be driven by a large part of the population. Given the substantial participation in our online experiment, we highlight the potential of the world wide web resource as a tool for conservation action. However, the evidence presented here that the general public value rare species, combined with the assumption that anthropogenic Allee effect is operating, implies that conservationists should be prudent when using rarity to promote conservation.
On the minimum dilatation of pseudo-Anosov homeomorphisms on surfaces of small genus

We find the minimum dilatation of pseudo-Anosov homeomorphisms that stabilize an orientable foliation on surfaces of genus three, four, or five, and provide a lower bound for genus six to eight. Our technique also simplifies Cho and Ham's proof of the least dilatation of pseudo-Anosov homeomorphisms on a genus two surface. For genus g=2 to 5, the mimimum dilatation is the smallest Salem number for polynomials of degree 2g.
The co-evolution of the obscured quasar PKS 1549-79 and its host galaxy : evidence for a high accretion rate and warm outflow

We use deep optical, infrared and radio observations to explore the symbiosis between nuclear activity and galaxy evolution in the southern compact radio source PKS 1549−79 (z= 0.1523). The optical imaging observations reveal the presence of tidal tail features which provide strong evidence that the host galaxy has undergone a major merger in the recent past. The merger hypothesis is further supported by the detection of a young stellar population (YSP), which, on the basis of spectral synthesis modelling of our deep Very Large Telescope (VLT) optical spectra, was formed 50–250 Myr ago and makes up a significant fraction of the total stellar mass (1–30 per cent). Despite the core-jet structure of the radio source, which is consistent with the idea that the jet is pointing close to our line of sight, our H I 21-cm observations reveal significant H I absorption associated with both the core and the jet. Moreover, the luminous, quasar-like active galactic nucleus (AGN) (MV 6.4) at optical wavelengths and show many properties in common with narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1), including relatively narrow permitted lines [full width at half-maximum (FWHM) ∼ 1940 km s−1], highly blueshifted [O III]λλ5007,4959 lines (ΔV∼ 680 km s−1) and evidence that the putative supermassive black hole is accreting at a high Eddington ratio (0.3 < Lbol/Ledd < 11). The results suggest that accretion at high Eddington ratio does not prevent the formation of powerful relativistic jets. Together, the observations lend strong support to the predictions of some recent numerical simulations of galaxy mergers in which the black hole grows rapidly through merger-induced accretion following the coalescence of the nuclei of two merging galaxies, and the major growth phase is largely hidden at optical wavelengths by the natal gas and dust. Although the models also predict that AGN-driven outflows will eventually remove the gas from the bulge of the host galaxy, the visible warm outflow in PKS 1549−79 is not currently capable of doing so. However, much of the outflow may be hidden by the material obscuring the quasar and/or tied up in hotter or cooler phases of the interstellar medium. By combining our estimates of the reddening of the quasar with the H I column derived from the 21-cm radio observations, we have also made the first direct estimate of the H I spin temperature in the vicinity of a luminous AGN: Tspin > 3000 K.
Terpenoids from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus YK-7

Two new β-bergamotane sesquiterpenoids, E-β-trans-5,8,11-trihydroxybergamot-9-ene (1) and β-trans-2β,5,15-trihydroxybergamot-10-ene (2), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus fumigatus YK-7, along with three known terpenoids 3–5. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS). Antiproliferative effects on human leukemic monocyte lymphoma U937 and human prostate cancer PC-3 cell lines were measured in vitro. Compound 4 exhibited potent activity against the U937 cell line with an IC50 value of 4.2 μM.
M 3 : Merging Module Model for a Network with Scale-Free Properties and Modularity

Many graphical and statistical properties have been found in a large size of complex networks such as WWW, social and biomolecular networks [1, 3]. One of the common properties is scale-free, shows that the degree distribution P (k) of the networks follows power law P (k) ∼ k . Recent study demonstrates that metabolic networks in different organisms also have both modularity and hierarchy [5]. To get an insight into their origin and growing mechanisms of the networks, here we present a simple model that consists of deterministic and stochastic process.
Use of Nature-inspired Meta-heuristics for Handwritten Digits Recognition

Character recognition is an important task in pattern analysis that aims to give significance to handwritten data without users’ intervention. Although, an intensive research has been devoted to this problem, it remains a challenging task as humans need to interact with computer in the easiest way. This work attempts to incorporate some meta-heuristics as guidelines searching for the best solution of handwritten digits recognition problem namely the particle swarm optimizer and variations of the bees’ algorithm. The bees’ algorithm is a variant of evolutionary optimization that take inspiration from the foraging behavior of honey bees where individuals called bees are used to perform a neighborhood search in joint with a random search as an attempt to achieve a good balance between exploration and exploitation abilities. We show that this method can be adapted to handwritten characters recognition and can be effectively combined with a neural network classifier which results in a good quality on a wide range of real data against that of the k-nearest neighbour classifier and the back-propagation training algorithm.
A Multi-Channel AC-3 Encoder Architecture Design and Optimization

In order to save the consumption in terms of instruction and storage, to simplify the code, and to enhance the coding quality, this paper, based on the architecture design of the stereo encoder, has analyzed the arranging relationship between the channel and the block in each frame and has optimized the data process and the looping mode of the current encoder. In addition, the start points and the end points of iteration are uniformed as many as possible so that the loop structure can be shared and the loop time could be reduced. It is proved that after the rearrangement of the data structure, the data could be passed down efficiently and clearly. Meanwhile, the design and optimization have done the best preparation for the upgrade of channel (from 2 to 5.1). Besides, the rearrangement of the channel and the block in each frame can reduce the total times of iteration greatly in each frame so that the quality and efficiency of encoding are improved. Finally, the coupling technique is introduced and special process is applied to the low frequency effect channel, giving out the structure of the multi-channel audio encoding which has a uniform structure. Keywords-AC-3;Encoder;Architecture;Optimization
GlobeMash: a mashup for accessing GLOBE

In this paper, we present GlobeMash, a mashup web application that uses standardized data formats like XML, JSON, LOM, SVG, CAM and protocols like SOAP, HTTP, to enable users to access the repositories of the Global Learning Objects Brokered Exchange (GLOBE) consortium. GlobeMash uses the Google Maps API to display the repositories and results on a geographical map, the Timeline API of the SIMILE project and the federated search layer of the GLOBE infrastructure. It enables users to query all the repositories in GLOBE and to get an insight in their search history by visualizing the latter as a combination of an extended tag-cloud and a synchronized timeline.
Synthetic Biology: A Systems Engineering Perspective

In this work, we provide a review from a systems engineering perspective of some of the design challenges found in bio-molecular systems. In particular, we focus on the problem of modularity. If components behave modularity, that is, their behavior does not change upon interconnection, then one can predict the behavior of a circuit directly by the behavior of the composing units. We show how this can be performed in two instances of oscillating synthetic bio-molecular systems. Then, we illustrate that modularity does not necessarily hold in bio-molecular systems because of impedance-like effects, called retroactivity, at interconnections. We propose a framework for quantifying retroactivity at interconnections between transcriptional circuits and illustrate a mechanism, inspired by the design of electronic non-inverting amplifiers, to counteract retroactivity1 .
Kleisli, a functional query system

Kleisli is a modern data integration system that has made a significant impact on bioinformatics data integration. This paper contains a brief introduction to the Kleisli system and an example to illustrate its uses in the bioinformatics arena. The primary query language provided by Kleisli is called CPL, which is a functional query language whose surface syntax is based on the comprehension syntax. Kleisli is itself implemented using the functional language SML. So this paper also describes the influence of functional programming research that benefits the Kleisli system, especially the less obvious ones at the implementation level.Availability. Kleisli has been commercialized under the name “KRIS”. It is available from Kris Technology Inc., 713 Santa Cruz Ave, n2, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. Direct email to info@kris-inc.com and web browser to http:sswww.kris-inc.com.
Trace Quotient Meets Sparsity: A Method for Learning Low Dimensional Image Representations

This paper presents an algorithm that allows to learn low dimensional representations of images in an unsupervised manner. The core idea is to combine two criteria that play important roles in unsupervised representation learning, namely sparsity and trace quotient. The former is known to be a convenient tool to identify underlying factors, and the latter is known as a disentanglement of underlying discriminative factors. In this work, we develop a generic cost function for learning jointly a sparsifying dictionary and a dimensionality reduction transformation. It leads to several counterparts of classic low dimensional representation methods, such as Principal Component Analysis, Local Linear Embedding, and Laplacian Eigenmap. Our proposed optimisation algorithm leverages the efficiency of geometric optimisation on Riemannian manifolds and a closed form solution to the elastic net problem.
Application of semi definite relaxation and variable neighborhood search for multiuser detection in synchronous CDMA

In this article, a detection strategy based on variable neighborhood search (VNS) and semidefinite relaxation of the multiuser model maximum likelihood (ML) is investigated. The VNS method provides a good method for solving the ML problem while keeping the integer constraints. A SDP relaxation is used as an efficient way to generate an initial solution in a limited amount of time, in particular using early termination. The SDP resolution tool used is the spectral bundle method developed by Helmberg. We show that using VNS can result in a better error rate, but at a cost of calculation time. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Correct-by-Construction Concurrency

In the modern, multi-threaded, multi-core programming environment, correctly managing system resources such as locks and shared variables can be especially difficult and error-prone. A simple error, such as forgetting to release a lock, can have major consequences on the correct operation of the program (e.g. deadlock), often at a time and location that is isolated from the original error. While there have been many previous proposals for managing locks and resources, these often arise from the systems arena, and are therefore often only loosely integrated with the host programming language. Such approaches therefore do not generally provide the strong formal guarantees of correctness-by-construction that we would prefer for all fundamental properties of our programs. In this paper, we propose a new type-based approach to resource management, based on the use of dependent types to construct a Domain-Specific Embedded Language (DSEL) whose typing rules enforce the properties we require. We illustrate our approach by implementing a DSEL for concurrent programming and demonstrate its applicability with reference to concurrent transactions on a bank account.
The MTL method and concept of shading to model automotive wiring having wide and multiple ground planes

In automotive wiring application EM problems are often characterized by a wide span of ratio between geometrical size and signals wavelength. This is a critical situation for conventional numerical simulation tools. This paper proposes an efficient technique to overcome the difficulty of the wiring simulation on large vehicle chassis by reducing them. Using the MTL method and based on the electromagnetic shade of a cable to a ground plane, the area where currents distribution is concentrated is identified. Several geometrical configurations are studied with one or multiple grounds planes to evaluate the advantages in term of simulation costs (time and memory).
Computational Thinking is Pervasive

A remarkable intellectual revolution is happening all around us, but few people are remarking on it. Computational thinking is influencing research in nearly all disciplines, both in the sciences and the humanities. Researchers are using computational metaphors to enrich theories as diverse as protoeomics and the mind-body problem. Computing has enabled researchers to ask new kinds of questions and to accept new kinds of answers, for instance, questions that require the processing of huge amounts of data. Of course, we all have computers on our desks nowadays. We all use them for email, web browsing, word processing, game playing, etc. But the computational thinking revolution goes much deeper than that; it is changing the way we think. Computational concepts provide a new language for describing hypotheses and theories. Computers provide an extension to our cognitive faculties. If you want to understand the 21 Century then you must first understand computation. At the University of Edinburgh, we have been exploring these themes in a series of seminars. At each seminar, one or more experts have discussed the influence of computational thinking on their discipline. We have enjoyed a stellar cast of speakers from a wide range of disciplines. Speakers have included the Principal of the University and three Vice Principals. The disciplines have ranged from Physics, Biology and Medicine to Philosophy, Architecture and Education. Often the influences described have been quite subtle. A common story is that the most direct approach does not work for some interesting reason, but that a less direct approach is having a more profound effect.
Body Size Clines in Sceloporus Lizards: Proximate Mechanisms and Demographic Constraints1

Abstract Although most species of animals examined to date exhibit Bergmann's clines in body size, squamates tend to exhibit opposing patterns. Squamates might exhibit reversed Bergmann's clines because they tend to behaviorally regulate their body temperature effectively; the outcome of this thermoregulation is that warmer environments enable longer daily and annual durations of activity than cooler environments. Lizards of the genus Sceloporus provide an opportunity to understand the factors that give rise to contrasting thermal clines in body size because S. undulatus exhibits a standard Bergmann's cline whereas S. graciosus exhibits a reverse Bergmann's cline. Interestingly, rapid growth by individuals of both species involves adjustments of physiological processes that enable more efficient use of food. Patterns of adult body size are likely the evolutionary consequence of variation in juvenile survivorship among populations. In S. undulatus, delayed maturation at a relatively large body size is exhibited in cooler environments where juveniles experience higher survivorship, resulting in a Bergmann's cline. In S. graciosus, high juvenile survivorship is not consistently found in cooler environments, resulting in no cline or a reversed Bergmann's cline, i.e., geographic patterns in body size aren't necessarily produced by natural selection. Thus, discerning the mechanistic links between the thermal physiology of an organism and environment-specific rates of mortality will be critical to understanding the evolution of body size in relation to environmental temperature.
Static power driven voltage scaling and delay driven buffer sizing in mixed swing QuadRail for sub-1V I/O swings

This paper describes and explores the design space of a four power-supply rail methodology (called Mixed Swing QuadRail) for performing low voltage logic in a high threshold voltage CMOS fabrication process. Power and delay trade-offs are studied to suggest approaches for efficient selection of voltage levels and buffer transistor sizes. Posynomial models for QuadRail power and delay are derived to show that at reduced I/O swings (sub-1V), both underand over-sizing of transistors can lead to steeply increased delays. Transistor sizing techniques are proposed for optimizing delay and energy per logic operation as a function of load capacitance and voltage levels. Experimental results from detailed HSPICE simulations and an And-Or-Invert (AOI222) QuadRail test chip fabricated in the Hewlett-Packard 0.5 μm process are presented to support the models and demonstrate significant power reduction compared to static CMOS.
“Reflecting on the Reflection…”: Exploring Teacher Candidates' Assumptions of Self and Others through Facilitated Reflection

The literature on culturally responsive pedagogy suggests an interaction between teachers' biases and subsequent encounters with students. To gain perspective on these (un)conscious biases, teacher candidates are encouraged to (re)consider their assumptions about “the other” through reflection. This article presents findings from a study that used a two-part reflection assignment to explore teacher candidates' beliefs and predispositions about diversity, teaching, and learning. This assignment was designed as a set of companion reflection papers accessing teacher candidates' assumptions about students, families, and communities of color at the beginning and end of a diversity course. Findings from this study indicate the degree to which the “reflection-on-the-reflection” assignment (a) captures teacher candidates' initial reflections about cultural and linguistic diversity; (b) facilitates reflection on initial beliefs after exposure to diversity course content; and (c) provides instructors with data about course elements that influenced candidates' reported beliefs and assumptions.
Poster: Coordination of Wireless Sensor Networks using Visible Light

Wireless sensor networks are often deployed indoors where artificial lighting is present. Indoor lighting is increasingly being composed of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that offer the ability to precisely control the intensity and the frequency of the light carrier. This can be used to coordinate wireless sensor networks (WSN). The periodic variations in the light intensity can synchronise the clocks on the sensor nodes, while the ability to modulate the light carrier enables the transmission of control information like channel assignment or transmission schedules.We present Guidelight, a simple mechanism that uses controlled fluctuations in the light intensity to coordinate sensor nodes. Guidelight can wake-up or time synchronise sensor nodes or even send small bits of control information to them. All of these have separate dedicated solutions in WSN. Guidelight aims to provide a single solution to all these problems. Our initial experiments demonstrate the ability of Guidelight to trigger sensor nodes. We demonstrate Guidelight is able to trigger sensor nodes selectively at a mean error of 21 μ s.
Current Trends in Usability Evaluation Methods: A Systematic Review

Since usability is considered as a critical success factor for any software application, several evaluation methods have been developed. Nowadays, it is possible to find many proposals in the literature that address to evaluate usability issues. However, there is still discussion about what usability evaluation method is the most widely accepted by the scientific community. In this research, a systematic review was performed to identify the evaluation methods that have been more employed over the last three years in order to assess the level of usability of a software application. From these results, it has been possible to establish clear evidence about the current trends in this field. A total of 274 usability studies have allowed to reach useful information for scholars in this area.
Knotty-Centrality: Finding the Connective Core of a Complex Network

A network measure called knotty-centrality is defined that quantifies the extent to which a given subset of a graph’s nodes constitutes a densely intra-connected topologically central connective core. Using this measure, the knotty centre of a network is defined as a sub-graph with maximal knotty-centrality. A heuristic algorithm for finding subsets of a network with high knotty-centrality is presented, and this is applied to previously published brain structural connectivity data for the cat and the human, as well as to a number of other networks. The cognitive implications of possessing a connective core with high knotty-centrality are briefly discussed.
The Evolution of John Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory

This article is a review of Mezirow's transformative learning from its inception to the latest definition. The review builds on Taylor's earlier discussions, but unlike his review, this history of transformative learning relies predominantly on Mezirow's publications to authenticate the discussion with support from the extant literature. The article begins with Mezirow's explanation of the stages of transformative learning, continues with the influences on the theory, transitions into the criticisms, and concludes with a discussion of its evolution and development.