Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bogomol'nyi-like Equations in Gravity Theories

Using the BPS Lagrangian method, we show that gravity theories in various dimensions may possess Bogomol'nyi-like equations, which are first-order differential equations, satisfying the Einstein equations and the Euler-Lagrange equations of classical fields ($U(1)$ gauge and scalar fields). In particular we consider static and spherically symmetric solutions by taking proper ansatzes then we write an effective Lagrangian density that can reproduce the Einstein equations and the Euler-Lagrange equations of the classical fields. We define the BPS Lagrangian density to be linear function of first-order derivative of all the fields. From these two Lagrangian desities we are able to obtain the Bogomol'nyi-like equations whose some of solutions are well-known such as Schwarzschild, Reissner-Nordstr\"{o}m, and Tangherlini black holes. Furthermore we provide a simple alternative proof to black holes uniqueness theorems for static spherically symmetric electrovac in any spacetime dimensions. We are also able to show the recent black holes with scalar hair in three dimensions [Phys. Rev. D 107, 124047] are indeed solutions to the Bogomolnyi-like equations.
A Review of Agrometeorological Monitoring Tools and Methods Used in the West African Sahel

Agrometeorological monitoring in the Sahelian countries consists of collecting, processing, and analyzing various data and information that can affect the outcome of the agricultural season. It combines observational data from national meteorological, hydrological, agricultural extension, plant protection, and livestock breeding offices, as well as satellite data provided by the AGRHYMET Center. From May until the end of October, multidisciplinary working groups (MWGs) in each country publish dekadal and monthly bulletins. At the regional level in the AGRHYMET Center, data and information coming from the national components are combined with satellite data to elaborate regional syntheses that are published at different time steps. In these publications, the current situation is analyzed and compared with that of the previous period, the previous year, and the average. Forecasts of seasonal rainfall and crop yields, that are refined from month to month, are also given. Color maps illustrates the amounts of rainfall, sowing dates, crop water requirements, satisfaction indices, yield estimates, zones with particular pests, and the advance of the vegetation front. Hard copies and electronic versions of these publications are mailed to subscribers. They are also posted on the Center’s website: www.agrhymet. ne.
Preference Optimization for Molecular Language Models

Molecular language modeling is an effective approach to generating novel chemical structures. However, these models do not \emph{a priori} encode certain preferences a chemist may desire. We investigate the use of fine-tuning using Direct Preference Optimization to better align generated molecules with chemist preferences. Our findings suggest that this approach is simple, efficient, and highly effective.
Idiosyncratic and dose-dependent epistasis drives variation in tomato fruit size

Epistasis between genes is traditionally studied with mutations that eliminate protein activity, but most natural genetic variation is in cis-regulatory DNA and influences gene expression and function quantitatively. In this study, we used natural and engineered cis-regulatory alleles in a plant stem-cell circuit to systematically evaluate epistatic relationships controlling tomato fruit size. Combining a promoter allelic series with two other loci, we collected over 30,000 phenotypic data points from 46 genotypes to quantify how allele strength transforms epistasis. We revealed a saturating dose-dependent relationship but also allele-specific idiosyncratic interactions, including between alleles driving a step change in fruit size during domestication. Our approach and findings expose an underexplored dimension of epistasis, in which cis-regulatory allelic diversity within gene regulatory networks elicits nonlinear, unpredictable interactions that shape phenotypes. Description Editor’s summary Epistasis occurs when one gene or variant modifies the phenotypic effect of another, for example, when loss of an enzyme involved in pigmentation masks another gene’s regulation of patterning. Aguirre et al. looked at a series of cis-regulatory alleles of three genes involved in meristem development, specifically examining the effect on tomato seed compartment number. They found that although some relationships between genes were dose dependent, many of these interactions had unexpected effects. These results not only add to our understanding of genetic interactions between three genes at once, but also give insight into the potentially unexpected phenotypes that can emerge from alleles engineered for agricultural purposes. —Corinne Simonti Analysis of cis-regulatory alleles reveals unpredictable interactions between genes involved in tomato fruit size.
Two new species of Phenacophragma from the Paleogene of Trinidad and Poland

Two new species of the lituolid genus Phenacophragma, characterized by intracameral hemiseptae, are described from "flysch-type" agglutinated foraminiferal faunas. Phenacophragma beckmanni, n. sp. occurs in the Paleocene Lizard Springs formation of Trinidad and in Paleocene to middle Eocene sediments of the Polish Carpathians. Phenacophragma elegans, n. sp. has been observed only in Trinidad.
Potentials of Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells: Applications in Hemostasis and Thrombosis Disorders, from Unveiling Disease Pathophysiology to Cell Therapy

Abstract Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are endothelial progenitor cells circulating in a limited number in peripheral blood. They can give rise to mature endothelial cells (ECs) and, with intrinsically high proliferative potency, contribute to forming new blood vessels and restoring the damaged endothelium in vivo. ECFCs can be isolated from peripheral blood or umbilical cord and cultured to generate large amounts of autologous ECs in vitro. Upon differentiation in culture, ECFCs are excellent surrogates for mature ECs showing the same phenotypic, genotypic, and functional features. In the last two decades, the ECFCs from various vascular disease patients have been widely used to study the diseases' pathophysiology ex vivo and develop cell-based therapeutic approaches, including vascular regenerative therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy. In the current review, we will provide an updated overview of past studies, which have used ECFCs to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of hemostatic disorders in basic research. Additionally, we summarize preceding studies demonstrating the utility of ECFCs as cellular tools for diagnostic or therapeutic clinical applications in thrombosis and hemostasis.
Analysis of the Medical Consequences of Global Terrorist Attacks in Turkic States in the Last 50 Years by Weapon and Attack Type

Abstract Objective: This research aimed to conduct an epidemiological analysis of the terrorist attacks, which took place in the Turkic states between 1970 and 2019, and their medical consequences in terms of weapons and attack types. The data collected from this research will be valuable for the development of preventive systems against attacks on Turkic states and offer insights on how to effectively prepare for potential future attacks. Methods: The population of the research consisted of the weapons and types of attacks of the terrorist attacks in the Turkic states drawn from the Global Terrorism Database provided free of charge by START. The number of deaths, injuries, property damage, primary weapons, and types of attacks were analyzed by country. Results: Between 1970 and 2019, 4629 terrorist incidents occurred and 7496 people lost their lives and 10 928 people were injured. Among the types of weapons, the number of people who lost their lives was mostly in firearms, whereas the number of the injured was mostly in explosive weapons. Among the types of attacks, the number of people who lost their lives was mostly observed in the armed attack, whereas the injuries occurred mostly in the bombing attacks. Among the Turkic states, Turkey is the country most affected in terms of medical outcomes. Conclusion: The terrorist attacks in the Turkic states reached their maximum number in the last 10 years. It is predicted that this number will increase further in the next years and affect more people medically.
Estimation of demographic fluctuations within a reproductive roost of Pipistrellus kuhlii inferred from capture-mark-recapture data

Abstract: Despite bats representing one fifth of all mammals, little is known about the ecology and the population status for many species belonging to this order. This is often a consequence of our poor knowledge of population densities and demographic parameters, bats being typically elusive subjects for ecological studies. Capture-mark-recapture studies provide important demographic and ecological data to fill up this information gap. In this study, we monitored animals and gathered data over five years from a reproductive roost of Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii Kuhl, 1817) located in a Natura 2000 site in north-west Italy. One-hundred-thirty-three individuals were captured and demographic parameters collected, including the annual survival probability for both young and adults, the recapture rates for different sex and age cohorts and the adult population size trend. The influence of environmental variables on the population was also assessed, highlighting the relevant impact of winter temperatures and spring rainfalls on individual survival ability. Notably, our study provides for the first time an estimation of the survival rate of adult females of Kuhl's pipistrelle, a crucial information for future design of studies related to this species' ecology and for informing conservation efforts.
Application the complex WRF/CAMx models to study the influence of adverse weather conditions on air quality in Tomsk city

The influence of adverse weather conditions on air quality in Tomsk for certain dates in 2022 and 2023 was studied numerically using WRF and CAMx models. Calculated from hourly concentrations, the Common Air Quality Index is used to evaluate the level of air pollution. The numerical experiment was carried out on the implementation of measures to regulate emissions of business entities to improve the quality of atmospheric air in the city of Tomsk, depending on the declared regime of adverse weather conditions. It was found that in order to uniformly reduce the concentrations of the main pollutants of urban atmospheric air for the conditions under consideration, it is advisable to limit emissions from road traffic.
Estimates of how different types (sources) of continental pollutants influence the Arctic atmosphere

We discuss how the Arctic atmosphere is affected by the long-range transports of continental aerosol: smokes from forest fires, associated gas combustion products, and anthropogenic pollutants. The analysis was carried out using measurements of the aerosol optical depth of the atmosphere and the aerosol and black carbon concentrations in 15 marine expeditions. Data from trajectory analysis of air mass motion, satellite maps of thermal anomalies, and coordinates of the main sources of anthropogenic emissions were used to identify the sources of the strongest pollutions of the Arctic atmosphere. We present the statistical estimates of the relative contributions from three types of continental pollutants into the atmosphere of the Eurasian sector of the Arctic Ocean.
Seasonal variability of near-surface aerosol composition in Moscow and one of its suburbs over three years of observations

The seasonal variability of aerosol composition was studied according to three-year field observations in Moscow and one of its suburbs from the autumn 2019 by the autumn 2022. A high correlation has been established between the aerosol concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 fractions both in Moscow and in the suburb, as well as between these points for each fraction. Taking into account the seasons, meteorological conditions and sources, the level of aerosol pollution of near-surface atmospheric layer, typical for Moscow metropolis and the suburb, has been determined. Two identical groups of chemical elements were identified in the near-surface aerosol for the city and the suburb at any time of the year – terrigenous (Th, Al, U, La, Li, Sr, Ba, Mg, Fe, Cs, Co, Mn, Cr, K, Ca) and non-terrigenous (Mo, Cu, Zn, Pb, Sn, S, Sb, Cd, Se, Bi).
A feasibility study on the use of audio-based ecological momentary assessment with persons with aphasia

We describe a smartphone/smartwatch system to evaluate anomia in individuals with aphasia by using audio-recording-based ecological momentary assessments. The system delivers object-naming assessments to a participant's smartwatch, whereby a prompt signals the availability of images of these objects on the watch screen. Participants attempt to speak the names of the images that appear on the watch display out loud and into the watch as they go about their lives. We conducted a three-week feasibility study with six participants with mild to moderate aphasia. Participants were assigned to either a nine-item (four prompts per day with nine images) or single-item (36 prompts per day with one image each) ecological momentary assessment protocol. Compliance in recording an audio response to a prompt was approximately 80% for both protocols. Qualitative analysis of the participants' interviews suggests that the participants felt capable of completing the protocol, but opinions about using a smartwatch were mixed. We review participant feedback and highlight the importance of considering a population's specific cognitive or motor impairments when designing technology and training protocols.
Automatically Generated Supernodes for AST Interpreters Improve Virtual-Machine Performance

Abstract syntax tree (AST) interpreters allow implementing programming languages in a straight-forward way. However, AST interpreters implemented in object-oriented languages, such as e.g. in Java, often suffer from two serious performance issues. First, these interpreters commonly implement AST nodes by leveraging class inheritance and polymorphism, leading to many polymorphic call sites in the interpreter implementation and hence lowering interpreter performance. Second, widely used implementations of these interpreters throw costly runtime exceptions to model the control flow. Even though Just-in-Time (JIT) compilation mitigates these issues, performance in the first stages of the program execution remains poor. In this paper, we propose a novel technique to improve both interpreter performance and steady-state performance, lowering also the pressure on the JIT compiler. Our technique automatically generates AST supernodes ahead-of-time, i.e., we automatically generate compound AST-node classes that encode the behavior of several other primitive AST nodes before the execution of the application. Our technique extracts common control-flow structures from an arbitrary, given set of ASTs, such as e.g. the functions of popular packages. It is based on matchmaking of AST structures, instantiation of matching supernodes, and replacement of the corresponding AST subtrees with the instantiated supernodes at load-time. We implement our technique in the GraalVM JavaScript engine, showing that our supernodes lead to an average interpreter speedup of 1.24x, an average steady-state speedup of 1.14x, and an average just-in-time compilation speedup of 1.33x on the web-tooling benchmark suite.
Partial Evaluation of Automatic Differentiation for Differential-Algebraic Equations Solvers

Differential-Algebraic Equations (DAEs) are the foundation of high-level equation-based languages for modeling physical dynamical systems. Simulating models in such languages requires a transformation known as index reduction that involves differentiating individual equations before numerical integration. Commercial and open-source implementations typically perform index reduction by symbolic differentiation (SD) and produce a Jacobian callback function with forward-mode automatic differentiation (AD). The former results in efficient runtime code, and the latter is asymptotically efficient in both runtime and code size. However, AD introduces runtime overhead caused by a non-standard representation of real numbers, and SD is not always applicable in models with general recursion. This work proposes a new approach that uses partial evaluation of AD in the context of numerical DAE solving to combine the strengths of the two differentiation methods while mitigating their weaknesses. Moreover, our approach selectively specializes partial derivatives of the Jacobian by exploiting structural knowledge while respecting a user-defined bound on the code size. Our evaluation shows that the new method both enables expressive modeling from AD and retains the efficiency of SD for many practical applications.
How Do People with Limited Movement Personalize Upper-Body Gestures? Considerations for the Design of Personalized and Accessible Gesture Interfaces

Always-on, upper-body input from sensors like accelerometers, infrared cameras, and electromyography hold promise to enable accessible gesture input for people with upper-body motor impairments. When these sensors are distributed across the person’s body, they can enable the use of varied body parts and gestures for device interaction. Personalized upper-body gestures that enable input from diverse body parts including the head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers and match the abilities of each user, could be useful for ensuring that gesture systems are accessible. In this work, we characterize the personalized gesture sets designed by 25 participants with upper-body motor impairments and develop design recommendations for upper-body personalized gesture interfaces. We found that the personalized gesture sets that participants designed were highly ability-specific. Even within a specific type of disability, there were significant differences in what muscles participants used to perform upper-body gestures, with some predominantly using shoulder and upper-arm muscles, and others solely using their finger muscles. Eight percent of gestures that participants designed were with their head, neck, and shoulders, rather than their hands and fingers, demonstrating the importance of tracking the whole upper-body. To combat fatigue, participants performed 51% of gestures with their hands resting on or barely coming off of their armrest, highlighting the importance of using sensing mechanisms that are agnostic to the location and orientation of the body. Lastly, participants activated their muscles but did not visibly move during 10% of the gestures, demonstrating the need for using sensors that can sense muscle activations without movement. Both inertial measurement unit (IMU) and electromyography (EMG) wearable sensors proved to be promising sensors to differentiate between personalized gestures. Personalized upper-body gesture interfaces that take advantage of each person’s abilities are critical for enabling accessible upper-body gestures for people with upper-body motor impairments.
Generating Conforming Programs with Xsmith

Fuzz testing is an effective tool for finding bugs in software, including programming language compilers and interpreters. Advanced fuzz testers can find deep semantic bugs in language implementations through differential testing. However, input programs used for differential testing must not only be syntactically and semantically valid, but also be free from nondeterminism and undefined behaviors. Developing a fuzzer that produces such programs can require tens of thousands of lines of code and hundreds of person-hours. Despite this significant investment, fuzzers designed for differential testing of different languages include many of the same features and analyses in their implementations. To make the implementation of language fuzz testers for differential testing easier, we introduce Xsmith. Xsmith is a Racket library and domain-specific language that provides mechanisms for implementing a fuzz tester in only a few hundred lines of code. By sharing infrastructure, allowing declarative language specification, and by allowing procedural extensions, Xsmith allows developers to write correct fuzzers for differential testing with little effort. We have developed fuzzers for several languages, and found bugs in implementations of Racket, Dafny, Standard ML, and WebAssembly.
Witter: A Library for White-Box Testing of Introductory Programming Algorithms

Software testing is mostly performed in a black-box manner, that is, without incorporating any knowledge of the internal workings of programs into the tests. This practice usually suffices for enterprises and general practitioners, where the focus lies on producing reliable results while most algorithmic tasks are provided by third-party libraries. However, for computer science students and the like, it might not be straightforward to discern the underlying causes of an incorrect test result or to understand why certain algorithmic goals are not met. We present Witter, a software testing library that allows programming educators to define white-box tests for Java source code. Our tests analyze the execution of a method against a reference solution, to verify that the code not only produces correct results but is also in accordance with a desired algorithm behavior.
30 Years of Solving the Wrong Problem: How Recolouring Tool Design Fails those with Colour Vision Deficiency

By far the most available assistive tool to assist people with Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD) is recolouring. However, despite over three decades of research designing and developing recolouring tools, no work yet has looked to understand how these tools are actually used or perceived by people with CVD. To address this, we first analyzed posts and comments from the r/colorblind subreddit in order to get an unconstrained understanding of the perspectives people with CVD have on recolouring tools. We then conducted an observation study with follow-on interview to further understand how people with CVD use and perceive these tools in a more controlled setting. Our findings suggest that recolouring tools are rarely used how their designers intended and that a better future solution is to design with true inclusivity by solving the actual problems people with CVD have, rather than attempting to ‘fix’ CVD.
A Tool for the Definition and Deployment of Platform-Independent Bots on Open Source Projects

The development of Open Source Software (OSS) projects is a collaborative process that heavily relies on active contributions by passionate developers. Creating, retaining and nurturing an active community of developers is a challenging task; and finding the appropriate expertise to drive the development process is not always easy. To alleviate this situation, many OSS projects try to use bots to automate some development tasks, thus helping community developers to cope with the daily workload of their projects. However, the techniques and support for developing bots is specific to the code hosting platform where the project is being developed (e.g., GitHub or GitLab). Furthermore, there is no support for orchestrating bots deployed in different platforms nor for building bots that go beyond pure development activities. In this paper, we propose a tool to define and deploy bots for OSS projects, which besides automation tasks they offer a more social facet, improving community interactions. The tool includes a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) which allows defining bots that can be deployed on top of several platforms and that can be triggered by different events (e.g., creation of a new issue or a pull request). We describe the design and the implementation of the tool, and illustrate its use with examples.