Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survived the Glaciations, Will They Survive the Fish? Allochthonous Ichthyofauna and Alpine Endemic Newts: A Road Map for a Conservation Strategy

Simple Summary In Italy, there is a growing concern over the survival of an endemic subspecies of newt, Ichthyosaura alpestris inexpectata, commonly known as the Calabrian Alpine newt, due to the recent fish introduction and acclimatisation into three of the few localised lentic habitats where this glacial relict occurs. Results of a recent survey focused on this rare endemic taxon are presented. We provide updated information on the Calabrian Alpine newt distribution, adding two new localities, documenting local extinction at a few historical sites, providing a rough estimation of population size, and giving a description of breeding habitat features. The results of our pilot study will facilitate future research activities, conservation measures for the amphibian assemblage, and habitat management after fish introduction in the Natura 2000 site. We also pinpoint some actions useful to avoid the extinction of this remarkable taxon. Abstract The Calabrian Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris inexpectata) is a glacial relict with small and extremely localised populations in the Catena Costiera (Calabria, Southern Italy) and is considered to be “Endangered” by the Italian IUCN assessment. Climate-induced habitat loss and recent fish introductions in three lakes of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Laghi di Fagnano threaten the subspecies’ survival in the core of its restricted range. Considering these challenges, understanding the distribution and abundance of this newt is crucial. We surveyed the spatially clustered wetlands in the SAC and neighbouring areas. First, we provide the updated distribution of this subspecies, highlighting fish-invaded and fishless sites historically known to host Calabrian Alpine newt populations and two new breeding sites that have been recently colonised. Then, we provide a rough estimate of the abundance, body size and body condition of breeding adults and habitat characteristics in fish-invaded and fishless ponds. We did not detect Calabrian Alpine newts at two historically known sites now invaded by fish. Our results indicate a reduction in occupied sites and small-size populations. These observations highlight the need for future strategies, such as fish removal, the creation of alternative breeding habitats and captive breeding, to preserve this endemic taxon.
Generalized Birnbaum‐Saunders distributions applied to air pollutant concentration

The generalized Birnbaum‐Saunders (GBS) distribution is a new class of positively skewed models with lighter and heavier tails than the traditional Birnbaum‐Saunders (BS) distribution, which is largely applied to study lifetimes. However, the theoretical argument and the interesting properties of the GBS model have made its application possible beyond the lifetime analysis. The aim of this paper is to present the GBS distribution as a useful model for describing pollution data and deriving its positive and negative moments. Based on these moments, we develop estimation and goodness‐of‐fit methods. Also, some properties of the proposed estimators useful for developing asymptotic inference are presented. Finally, an application with real data from Environmental Sciences is given to illustrate the methodology developed. This example shows that the empirical fit of the GBS distribution to the data is very good. Thus, the GBS model is appropriate for describing air pollutant concentration data, which produces better results than the lognormal model when the administrative target is determined for abating air pollution. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research on Classification of Privacy Protection Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

In this paper, through the analysis of the characteristics of particle swarm optimization algorithm, combined with the specific circumstances of Bayesian network structure learning, proposed to based on improved particle swarm algorithm.The algorithm uses the BIC measure function as a standard Bayesian network, while preserving the optimal particle case, the possibility of a mutation operation is added to decrease the algorithm into a local optimum. Through a typical Asia network, show that the algorithm is feasible, and other related algorithm is better than the experiment, the effectiveness of the algorithm. In this paper, the algorithm is verified from two aspects of theory and experiments, the results show that the algorithm is feasible.
Thermal conductivity measurement at micrometer length scales based on a temperature-balance method

We have developed a novel thermal conductivity measurement technique that is applicable to micro- and nanoscale structures. The methodology integrates a device consisting of two identical microheaters with thin-filmed platinum heating elements and integrated resistance temperature devices (RTDs) on trenched, thermally isolated silicon substrates. The platinum RTDs used for temperature measurement were calibrated by monitoring the melting points of three metallic microspheres placed on the device as its power was increased. We validated our measurement technique by measuring thermal conductivities of several micrometer-sized metallic wire standards with known values. A multiphysical analysis based on a 3D finite element method has been conducted to simulate both the electric and thermal behaviors of the microheaters. These simulations describing the heating and heat flow in the device yield similar temperature profiles near the microheaters obtained in the experimental system.
A UAV-assisted V2X network architecture with separated data transmission and network control

With the explosive increasing number of connecting devices such as smart phones, vehicles, drones, and satellites in the wireless networks, how to manage and control such a huge number of networking nodes has become a great challenge. In this paper, we combine the advantages of centralized networks and distributed networks approaches for vehicular networks with the aid of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and propose a Center-controlled Multi-hop Wireless (CMW) networking scheme consisting of data transmission plane performed by vehicles and the network control plane implemented by the UAV. Besides, we jointly explore the advantages of Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols in the link layer and routing schemes in the network layer to facilitate the multi-hop data transmission for the ground vehicles. Particularly, the network control plane in the UAV can manage the whole network effectively via fully exploiting the acquired network topology information and traffic requests from each vehicle, and implements various kinds of control based on different traffic demands, which can enhance the networking flexibility and scalability significantly in vehicular networks. Simulation results validate the advantages of the proposed scheme compared with existing methods.
Non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients with none or one additional risk factor of the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score A comprehensive net clinical benefit analysis for warfarin, aspirin, or no therapy

In conclusion, we show a positive overall advantage (i.e. positive NCB) of effective stroke prevention with OAC, compared to no therapy or aspirin with one additional stroke risk factor, using Danish weights. ‘Low risk’ AF patients with no additional stroke risk factors (i.e.CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc 0 in males, 1 in females) do not derive any advantage (neutral or negative NCB) with aspirin, nor with warfarin therapy in the long run.
Constitutive model that shows extension thickening for entangled solutions and extension thinning for melts

We present a simple constitutive model based on Kuhn segment alignment that predicts the observed monotonic extension thinning in steady state viscosity ηE even at extension rates above the inverse Rouse time (e>τR−1) for entangled polystyrene melts [Bach et al., Macromolecules 36, 5174–5179 (2003)], while preserving the extension thickening typically seen in entangled solutions for e>τR−1 [Bhattacharjee et al., Macromolecules 35, 10131–10148 (2002)]. We tested two mechanisms by which Kuhn segment alignment can affect terminal relaxation time τd and rheology within a modified Doi-Edwards-Marrucci-Grizzuti (DEMG) model, which is a simplified tube model. The first mechanism is an increase in the tube diameter, as is inferred from ideas of Doi and Edwards [The Theory of Polymer Dynamics (Clarendon, Oxford, 1986)] and Sussman and Schweizer [Macromolecules 45, 3270–3284 (2012a)], while the second mechanism is a decrease in segmental friction, as described in recent work of Yaoita et al. [Macromolecules 45, 2.
SOME CLASSES OF OPTIMALITY CRITERIA AND OPTIMAL DESIGNS FOR COMPLETE TWO-WAY LAYOUTS

For a given class of linear models in standard form an optimal experimental design is to be chosen for estimating some linear functions of the unknown parameters. An optimality criterion is defined to be a real function of the covariance matrices of the Gauss-Markov estimators. Conditions which are imposed on the criteria are monotonicity, quasiconvexity or quasiconcavity, and invariance or order-invariance. A characterization of the D-criterion by order-invariance is included which strengthens a result of P. Whittle. In the main part of the paper optimal designs for the usual two-way layouts in ANOVA are computed for large classes of optimality criteria. Some related optimization problems are solved with the technique of majorization of vectors in the sense of Schur.
Composition and Properties of Saliva in Patients with Osteoporosis Taking Antiresorptive Drugs

The aim of this study was to examine how the composition and properties of saliva change in people with osteoporosis who have received antiresorptive (AR) treatment, compared to patients with osteoporosis who have not yet received this treatment. Methods: The study population consisted of 38 patients with osteoporosis using AR drugs (Group I) and 16 patients with osteoporosis who had never used AR drugs (Group II). The control group consisted of 32 people without osteoporosis. Laboratory tests included determination of pH and concentrations of Ca, PO4, total protein, lactoferrin, lysozyme, sIgA, IgA, cortisol, neopterin, activity of amylase at rest, and stimulated saliva. The buffering capacity of stimulated saliva was also determined. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the saliva of Group I and Group II. No statistically significant correlation was found between the amount of time using AR therapy (Group I) and the tested parameters of the saliva. Significant differences were found between Group I and the control group. The concentrations of PO4, lysozyme, and cortisol were higher, while concentrations of Ca ions, sIgA, and neopterin were lower, in comparison to the control group. The significant differences between Group II and the control group were smaller, and they concerned only the concentrations of lysozyme, cortisol, and neopterin. Conclusions: The saliva of people with osteoporosis subjected to AR therapy and those not subjected to AR therapy did not show statistically significant differences in terms of the examined parameters of the saliva. However, the saliva of patients with osteoporosis taking and not taking AR drugs was significantly different compared to the saliva of the control group.
Large eddy simulation of turbulence‐driven secondary flow in a square duct

The fully developed turbulent flow in a straight duct of square cross section has been simulated using the large eddy simulation (LES) technique. A mixed spectral‐finite difference method has been used in conjunction with the Smagorinsky eddy‐viscosity model for the subgrid scales. The simulation was performed for a Reynolds number of 360 based on friction velocity (5810 based on bulk velocity) and duct width. The simulation correctly predicted the existence of secondary flows and their effects on the mean flow and turbulence statistics. The results are in good qualitative agreement with the experimental data available at much higher Reynolds numbers. It is observed that both the Reynolds normal and shear stresses equally contribute to the production of mean streamwise vorticity.
Charge decay measurements and injection in insulators

The electrostatic model of the voltage decay deals with the drift of carriers from the surface into the sample. It explains anomalous effects such as the crossover and the return potential build-up. The role of the interface is also modelled, and an experimental comparison between the mobility-controlled and the barrier-controlled decays may offer new insight into the injection process.
Cretan Aging Cohort-Phase III: Methodology and Descriptive Characteristics of a Long-Term Longitudinal Study on Predictors of Cognitive Decline in Non-Demented Elderly from Crete, Greece

Identifying modifiable factors that may predict long-term cognitive decline in the elderly with adequate daily functionality is critical. Such factors may include poor sleep quality and quantity, sleep-related breathing disorders, inflammatory cytokines and stress hormones, as well as mental health problems. This work reports the methodology and descriptive characteristics of a long-term, multidisciplinary study on modifiable risk factors for cognitive status progression, focusing on the 7-year follow-up. Participants were recruited from a large community-dwelling cohort residing in Crete, Greece (CAC; Cretan Aging Cohort). Baseline assessments were conducted in 2013–2014 (Phase I and II, circa 6-month time interval) and follow-up in 2020–2022 (Phase III). In total, 151 individuals completed the Phase III evaluation. Of those, 71 were cognitively non-impaired (CNI group) in Phase II and 80 had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In addition to sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical, neuropsychological, and neuropsychiatric data, objective sleep was assessed based on actigraphy (Phase II and III) and home polysomnography (Phase III), while inflammation markers and stress hormones were measured in both phases. Despite the homogeneity of the sample in most sociodemographic indices, MCI persons were significantly older (mean age = 75.03 years, SD = 6.34) and genetically predisposed for cognitive deterioration (APOE ε4 allele carriership). Also, at follow-up, we detected a significant increase in self-reported anxiety symptoms along with a substantial rise in psychotropic medication use and incidence of major medical morbidities. The longitudinal design of the CAC study may provide significant data on possible modifiable factors in the course of cognitive progression in the community-dwelling elderly.
Multistability in grating tuned external cavity semiconductor lasers

External optical cavity configurations are applied to semiconductor lasers for a variety of purposes: to study fundamental aspects of the laser dynamics (notably coherence collapse and chaotic phenomena), and to produce linewidth narrowing, mode-locking, bistability, and longitudinal or transverse and mode selection. Bistability has already been observed and studied in grating-tuned external cavity semiconductor lasers, and here we address the more general issue of multistability in these systems. We demonstrate that multistability can exist, and analyse the stability properties of the multistable solutions using static and dynamic models (the latter only in the limits of very weak and very strong feedback). Using the resulting stability criteria, we propose and demonstrate a novel method of exciting the multistable solutions to achieve controllable and possibly useful multistability.
A comparison of three estimators of the Weibull parameters

Using mean square error as the criterion, we compare two least squares estimates of the Weibull parameters based on non‐parametric estimates of the unreliability with the maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs). The two non‐parametric estimators are that of Herd–Johnson and one recently proposed by Zimmer. Data was generated using computer simulation with three small sample sizes (5, 10 and 15) with three multiply‐censored patterns for each sample size. Our results indicate that the MLE is a better estimator of the Weibull characteristic value, θ, than the least squares estimators considered. No firm conclusions may be made regarding the best estimate of the Weibull shape parameter, although the use of maximum likelihood is not recommended for small sample sizes. Whenever least squares estimation of both Weibull parameters is appropriate, we recommend the use of the Zimmer estimator of reliability. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suggestions for future directions for studies of marked migratory landbirds from the perspective of a practitioner in population management and conservation

Significant population declines in landbird species have been documented recently from many areas of the earth, including Europe and North America. Identification of the major causes of these declines and effective management actions to reverse them is difficult, especially for populations of long-distance migrants that winter in tropical areas. Key-factor and sensitivity analyses of critical population parameters in the context of integrated population models provide one promising approach to solving these problems. Key population factors may include breeding productivity, first-year survival, recruitment of young, adult survival and permanent emigration of adults; each of these can be indexed or estimated using data from cooperative ringing programmes, but the usefulness of the indices or estimates is limited by deficiencies in the available data and limitations of the available models. Future methodological directions for ringing studies should include efforts to: (1) develop and implement techniques t.
Temperature and Ambient Band Structure Changes in SnO2 for the Optimization of Hydrogen Response

Tin dioxide (SnO2) is one of the most used materials for sensing applications operating at high temperatures. Commonly, “undoped SnO2” is made by precursors containing elements that can have a deleterious impact on the operation of SnO2 sensors. Here, we employ experimental and theoretical methods to investigate the structural properties and electronic structure of the rutile bulk and surface SnO2, focusing on unintentional doping due to precursors. Unintentional doping from precursors as well as intrinsic doping can play an important role not only on the performance of gas sensors, but also on the properties of SnO2 as a whole. The theoretical calculations were performed using density functional theory (DFT) with hybrid functionals. With DFT we examine the changes in the electronic properties of SnO2 due to intrinsic and unintentional defects and we then discuss how these changes affect the response of a SnO2-based gas sensor. From an experimental point of view, we synthesized low-cost SnO2 thin films via sol–gel and spin-coating processes. To further enhance the performance of SnO2, we coated the surface with a small amount of platinum (Pt). The crystalline structure of the films was analyzed using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while for the determination of the elements contained in the sample, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were performed. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of temperature on the band structure of SnO2 in air, in a vacuum and in nitrogen and hydrogen chemical environments. To optimize the response, we used current–voltage characterization in varying environments. The aim is to associate the response of SnO2 to various environments with the changes in the band structure of the material in order to gain a better understanding of the response mechanism of metal oxides in different pressure and temperature environments. We found that the resistance of the semiconductor decreases with temperature, while it increases with increasing pressure. Furthermore, the activation energy is highly affected by the environment to which the thin film is exposed, which means that the thin film could respond with lower energy when exposed to an environment different from the air.
Lindstrom Quantifier and Bounded Arithmetic for LOGCFL (Formal Systems and Computality Theory)

In this paper we give a general framework for building bounded arithmetic theories using complete problems for certain complexity classes. As an application we define a bounded arithmetic theory for LOGCFL based on the acyclic conjunctive query problem. Formulations and techniques used here are based mainly on previous works by Kolokolova [3] and Nguyen [5]. Nevertheless, we treat complexity classes which are seemingly unable to handled directly by their formulations. This can be illustrated by comparing two complexity classes, namely NL and LOGCFL. These two classes both contains the concept of nondeterminism. However, they have rather different nature. Consider the st-connectivity problem which is complete for NL. The witness for an instance of it is, of course, a path from the start node $s$ to the goal node $t$ . On the other hand, it can also be witnessed by all nodes which are reachable from the node $s$ and this can be computed in deterministic polynomial time. This means that the nondeterminism of NL has a deterministic alternative with high feasibility. On the contrary, it seems unlikely that LOGCFL also has this property. Since Nguyen’s system VNL for NL heavily depends on the property, the above argument suggests that it is hard to construct a similar system for LOGCFL. So instead we consider another property of when a complexity class as a class of predicates has a nice counterpart in function class.
Explicit solutions of the discrete-time Lyapunov matrix equation and Kalman-Yakubovich equations

A general solution for the nonsquare nonsymmetric Lyapunov matrix equation in a canonical form is presented. The solution is shown to be a Toeplitz matrix which may be calculated using the backwards Levinson algorithm This solution is then applied to the Kalman-Yakubovich equations to derive a method for generating strictly positive-real functions via the positive-real lemma. This latter result has an application in system identification.
Quasi-periodic complex-coupled distributed-feedback structures with an exponential-like gradient of coupling

We investigate theoretically the linear properties of quasi-periodic complex-coupled distributed-feedback (DFB) structures in which the coupling constants experience a longitudinal variation along the propagation axis according to an exponential-like relationship (exp, sh, ch, /spl middot//spl middot//spl middot/). The results of the simulations are in good accordance with what could be expected at first sight from the particular form taken in this case by the coupled-wave equations. In particular, the gradient of coupling can provide a shift, either of the apparent average absorption (respectively, gain) or of the detuning from Bragg resonance, depending upon its exact form, Moreover, we show that this shift is asymmetric with respect to the direction of propagation, leading to a nonreciprocal behavior in reflection. We extend our analysis up to the laser modes at threshold.