Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty in Orbital Debris Measurements and Models

The orbital debris environment is described in the form of mathematical models. However, all models and the measurements they are based upon are subject to uncertainty. Measuring instruments never really measure exactly what it is we want to know – they always measure some auxiliary quantity. Knowledge of the limitations of the instruments (measurement uncertainty) is only half the problem. The actual transformation of the data into models adds more uncertainty to the final model result. In this paper, I provide examples of the basic types of uncertainties that we encounter in making orbital debris measurements. I outline the distinctions between Bayesian and frequentist interpretations of statistics and how this influences the types of conclusions one should or should not draw from uncertainty assessments. I also outline how uncertainties tie into such calculations as probabilistic risk assessments (PRAs), and the benefits and pitfalls of such analyses.
Les composés phénoliques marqueurs de la matière organique terrestre dans deux écosystèmes marins : le delta du Rhône et le prodelta de la Têt

Afin d'estimer l'apport du materiel organique de l'ecosysteme terrestre vers l'ecosysteme marin, des composes caracteristiques du milieu terrestre ont ete recherches et quantifies dans plusieurs compartiments de deux ecosystemes mediterraneens: les deltas du rhone et de la tet. Les composes caracteristiques du milieu terrestre ont ete choisis parmi les composes phenoliques provenant de la lignine: vingt et un d'entre eux ont ete doses par c. L. P. H. La repartition spatio-temporelle de ces composes a permis de determiner precisement la limite de l'influence de l'ecosysteme terrestre. Une sedimentation selective du materiel terrestre se produit. Le materiel organique encore riche en lignine sedimente plus rapidement que les substances humiques fortement degradees. L'acide p-oh benzoique apparait comme un compose de choix pour suivre et caracteriser les phenomenes complexes mis en jeu au niveau de l'interface ecosysteme terrestre-ecosysteme marin
Admissible Consensus for Homogenous Descriptor Multiagent Systems

This paper addresses the admissible consensus problem for homogenous descriptor multiagent systems with undirected graphs and disturbances. First, to achieve the consensus objective and attenuate the effects of disturbances, the distributed controllers are formulated and the admissible consensus problems are formulated. Another improvement emphasizes that the proposed approach can simplify the complexity of the admissible consensus analysis by using the state transformation during the admissible analysis and disturbances suppression analysis. Moreover, based on Riccati inequalities and linear matrix inequalities, two necessary and sufficient conditions are presented to ensure the admissible consensus and disturbances suppression objectives. Finally, two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Efficacy of Literacy Collaborative Professional Development: A Summary of Findings

Literacy Collaborative (LC) is a comprehensive schoolwide project designed to improve the reading and writing of children from kindergarten through eighth grade . Fountas and Pinnell (1996, 2001, 2006) elaborated on the theories of Marie Clay (1979, 2001) to design a schoolwide approach to professional development and reading and writing instruction that supports student growth at all ability levels . Until recently, large-scale scientific evidence on the efficacy of LC was lacking . However, a federally funded study recently has demonstrated that LC, and specifically its approach to professional development, is effective . The study showed that LC stimulates (a) increasing participation in one-on-one coaching by teachers; (b) improvement in teachers’ expertise in LC instructional practices; and, most importantly, (c) substantial improvements in students’ reading .
Multi-task Learning with Task, Group, and Universe Feature Learning

We present methods for multi-task learning that take advantage of natural groupings of re-lated tasks. Task groups may be deﬁned along known properties of the tasks, such as task domain or language. Such task groups represent supervised information at the inter-task level and can be encoded into the model. We investigate two variants of neural network architectures that accomplish this, learning different feature spaces at the levels of individual tasks, task groups, as well as the universe of all tasks: (1) parallel architectures encode each input simultaneously into feature spaces at different levels; (2) serial architectures encode each input successively into feature spaces at different levels in the task hierarchy. We demonstrate the methods on natural language understanding (NLU) tasks, where a grouping of tasks into different task domains leads to improved performance on ATIS, Snips, and a large in-house dataset.
ESOC Working Paper No. 22 HEAT AND HATE Climate Security and Farmer-Herder Conflicts in Africa

This paper investigates the impact of climate shocks on violence between herders and farmers by using geolocalized data on conflict events for all African countries over the 1997-2014 period. We find that a +1°C increase in temperature leads to a +54% increase in conflict probability in mixed areas populated by both farmers and herders, compared to +17% increase in non-mixed areas. This result is robust to controlling for the interaction between temperature and ethnic polarization, alternative estimation techniques, disaggregation levels, and coding options of the climatic/conflict/ethnic variables. When quantifying at the continental level the impact on conflict of projected climate change in 2040, we find that, in absence of mixed population areas, global warming is predicted to increase total annual conflicts by about a quarter in whole Africa; when factoring in the magnifying effect of mixed settlements, total annual conflicts are predicted to rise by as much as a third. We also provide two pieces of evidence that resource competition is a major driver of farmer-herder violence. Firstly, conflicts are much more prevalent at the fringe between rangeland and farmland a geographic buffer of mixed usage that is suitable for both cattle herding and farming but is particularly vulnerable to climate shocks. Secondly, information on groups' mobility reveals that temperature spikes in the ethnic homeland of a nomadic group tend to diffuse its fighting operations outside its homeland, with a magnified spatial spread in the case of conflicts over resources. Finally, we show that violence is substantially reduced in the presence of policies that empower local communities, foster participatory democracy, enforce property rights and regulate land dispute resolution.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, MISMATCH, AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY AFTER CALIFORNIA’S PROPOSITION 209 ∗

Proposition 209 banned race-based afﬁrmative action at California public universities in 1998. Using a difference-in-differences research design and a newly constructed longitudinal database linking all 1994–2002 University of California applicants to their educational experiences and wages, I show that ending af-ﬁrmative action caused underrepresented minority (URM) freshman applicants to cascade into lower-quality colleges. The “mismatch hypothesis” implies that this cascade would provide net educational beneﬁts to URM applicants, but their degree attainment declined overall and in STEM ﬁelds, especially among less aca-demically qualiﬁed applicants. URM applicants’ average wages in their twenties and thirties subsequently declined, driven by declines among Hispanic applicants. These declines are not explained by URM students’ performance or persistence in STEM course sequences, which were unchanged after Prop 209. Ending afﬁrma-tive action also deterred thousands of qualiﬁed URM students from applying to any UC campus. Complementary regression discontinuity and institutional value-added analyses suggest that afﬁrmative action’s net educational and wage beneﬁts ∗ Thanks especially to David Card, Rucker Johnson, and Jesse Rothstein, and to Peter Arcidiacono, Esteban Aucejo, Henry Brady, Christina Brown, Jonathan Holmes, V. Joseph Hotz, Enrico Moretti, Jack Mountjoy, Martha Olney, Marianne Page, Nina Roussille, Emmanuel Saez, Zo¨e Steier, and Christopher Walters, as well as conference participants at the NBER Economic Mobility Study Group and the 2019 WEAI Annual Conference for helpful comments. Frankie Lin, Sakthi Ponnuswamy, Sowgandhi Rayapudi, and Akcan Balkir provided excellent research assistance, and thanks to Tongshan Chang and Chris Furgiuele for help in obtaining and understanding the data. Thanks to John Douglass, Margaret Heisel, and especially Charles Masten for help in understanding the 1990s policy setting. The author acknowledges ﬁnancial support from the National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship, the Center for Studies in Higher Education, and the Stone Center on Wealth and Income Inequality. The author
TELAMON: Effelsberg Monitoring of AGN Jets with Very-High-Energy Astroparticle Emissions - II. Polarization properties

We present recent results of the TELAMON program, which is using the Effelsberg 100-m telescope to monitor the radio spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGN) under scrutiny in astroparticle physics, namely TeV blazars and neutrino-associated AGN. Our sample includes all known Northern TeV-emitting blazars as well as blazars positionally coincident with IceCube neutrino alerts. Polarization can give additional insight into the source properties, as the polarized emission is often found to vary on different timescales and amplitudes than the total intensity emission. Here, we present an overview of the polarization properties of the TeV-emitting TELAMON sources at four frequencies in the 20 mm and 7 mm bands. While at 7 mm roughly $82\,\%$ of all observed sources are found to be significantly polarized, for 20 mm the percentage is $\sim58\,\%$. We find that most of the sources exhibit mean fractional polarizations of $<5\%$, matching the expectations of rather low polarization levels in these sources from previous studies at lower radio frequencies. Nevertheless, we demonstrate examples of how the polarized emission can provide additional information over the total intensity.
Técnicas de engenharia de software aplicadas à modelagem e simulação de doenças de plantas

Diante do aumento na demanda por alimentos, ameacas ao ambiente, aumento da pressao sobre os recursos terra/agua e a globalizacao dos mercados, muitos sistemas de producao agricola ao redor do mundo estao rapidamente sendo modificados. Novas metodologias surgem para avaliar as opcoes de desenvolvimento, os impactos das mudancas nos sistemas de producao e a estabilidade e sustentabilidade, de modo que decisoes possam ser tomadas a fim de alcancar os objetivos. Para isso faz-se necessaria a integracao do conhecimento de diferentes disciplinas. Nesse sentido, o desenvolvimento de modelos de simulacao apresenta-se como alternativa viavel para pesquisa dos problemas que envolvem o setor agricola. O desenvolvimento desses modelos requer uma analise profunda do sistema em estudo, sendo crucial o emprego de metodos e ferramentas de engenharia de software. Nas ultimas decadas, a modelagem matematica de doencas de plantas, por exemplo, tem se expandido muito rapidamente, contribuindo para o manejo integrado. Os recentes avancos na ciencia da computacao tem auxiliado nesse desenvolvimento, trazendo vantagens e facilidades operacionais para a construcao de modelos que representem os processos complexos. A modularidade e a forma generica sao os termos que descrevem a nova e amplamente aceita metodologia para superar as complexidades no desenvolvimento e reuso de modelos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo aplicar padroes de projeto a modelos de simulacao do crescimento e desenvolvimento das culturas, utilizando-se principalmente do padrao MVC (Model-View-Controller), desenvolver um modelo de simulacao de doencas de plantas, generico e parametrizavel, utilizando-se da UML e linguagens de programacao orientadas a objetos, e aplicar a estrutura projetada para o desenvolvimento de uma proposta metodologica para o auxilio a tomada de decisao no manejo de doencas de plantas (SISALERT). A aplicacao das tecnicas de engenharia de software mostrou-se apropriada e robusta para orientar no desenvolvimento de modelos de simulacao. A uniao das tecnologias estudadas comprovou a possibilidade do reaproveitamento do conhecimento legado, visto que a linguagem de programacao R permitiu realizar a comunicacao entre Fortran e Java. Com o modelo de simulacao do patossistema Puccinia-Trigo, pode-se acompanhar a evolucao do crescimento da area foliar do trigo, juntamente com o progresso da ferrugem da folha, mostrando-se como uma excelente alternativa para o estudo das relacoes patogeno/hospedeiro e para a quantificacao de danos. Com o desenvolvimento da plataforma SISALERT, demonstrou-se a viabilidade da aplicacao pratica em larga escala para o auxilio a tomada de decisoes, podendo ser expandida para outros usos/culturas
Broadcasting on large scale heterogeneous platforms under the bounded multi-port model

We consider the problem of broadcasting a large message in a large scale distributed platform. The message must be sent from a source node, with the help of the receiving peers which may forward the message to other peers. In this context, we are interested in maximizing the throughput (i.e. the maximum streaming rate, once steady state has been reached). The platform model does not assume that the topology of the platform is known in advance: we consider an Internet-like network, with complete potential connectivity. Furthermore, the model associates to each node local properties (incoming and outgoing bandwidth), and the goal is to build an overlay which will be used to perform the broadcast operation. We model contentions using the bounded multi-port model: a processor can be involved simultaneously in several communications, provided that its incoming and outgoing bandwidths are not exceeded. For the sake of realism, it is also necessary to bound the number of simultaneous connections that can be opened at a given node (ie its outdegree). We prove that unfortunately, this additional constraint makes the problem of maximizing the overall throughput NP-Complete. On the other hand, we also propose a polynomial time algorithm to solve this problem, based on a slight resource augmentation on the outdegree of the nodes.
Mitochondrial DNA Identification and Ultrastructure of Spermatozoa of the Forensically Important Blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

The blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is an important medical and forensic insect that is the main cause of ovine cutaneous myiasis. In the field of medical treatment using maggot therapy, this species could help to heal incurable infections. The morphological identification of the adult wing and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of the first instar larvae was carried out and confirmed by DNA identification of the 3 rd instar larvae of L. cuprina . The results showed a fraction of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) spanning approximately 269 bp. The topology of the Neighbor-Joining (NJ), Maximum Likelihood (ML) tree indicated that L. cuprina species were assigned correctly to the subfamily Luciliinae, family Calliphoridae. The male reproductive system comprises two testes, a pair of vasa differentia and a pair of accessory glands, a vesicula seminalis, and an ejaculatory duct. This inquired species has the common conventional spermatozoal pattern of Calliphoridae, a single-layered acrosome at the apex, a consolidated nucleus, totally crystallized mitochondrial derivatives, and an axoneme with a 9+9+2 microtubular configuration. This investigation revealed for the first time detailed morphological and mitochondrial DNA identification, as well as the morphology of the male reproductive system and ultrastructure of spermatozoa in L. cuprina, collected from Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.
A Multiscale Topology Optimization Methodology Based on Sequential Element Rejection–Admission and Boundary Element Evolvement

To enhance both the solution speed and quality of a topology optimization (TO), a multiscale TO methodology by combining the sequential element rejection–admission (SERA) and boundary element evolvement is presented. In the proposed SERA approach, only the sensitivities of the boundary elements need to be computed and used, and an adaptive parameter updating strategy is introduced to balance the requirements on both convergence and quality performances. To eliminate the dependence of the final solution on the initial topology, a new hole generating mechanism is proposed. In addition, a sensitivity filter is designed to remove the checkerboard patterns as well as to further eliminate the mesh-dependent problem. Numerical results are reported to showcase the merits of the proposed methodology.
Quality of Evidence and Pedagogical Strategy in Using Gamification in Medical Education Literature: A Systematic Review

Introduction Gamification is the use of game principles in non-game settings such as medical education. Effective evidence for using gamification in medical education needs well-designed studies that describe outcomes related to interventions. The study objective was to systematically review the study designs describing gamification interventions in medical education focusing on their characteristics and medical students’ learning. Methods We systematically searched the databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until 2021. Articles were appraised using the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Results The search result included 423 articles, of which 53 articles had inclusion criteria. Of these, 23 articles were classified in the non-electronic games group and 30 studies in the electronic games group. The quality of evidence in both groups was assessed using the MERSQI average checklist. In total, 90% of studies reported the effectiveness of game intervention in one of the 4 levels of the Kirkpatrick pyramid. The predominant pedagogical approach in both groups was the cognitive approach. The psychomotor approach and the affective approach were more prominent in the electronic and non-electronic games groups, respectively. Conclusion This study shows that gamification training techniques improve the performance of medical students in most cases.
Population modelling and management of Snow Geese

Interest in the effect of spring hunting on goose pop u la tion dynamics has arisen recently in two quite different contexts: measuring the impact of spring harvests by aborig i nal hunters, and pre dict ing the potential for using spring harvest to control pop u la tions. I developed a matrix-based pop u la tion model to quantify the relative impact of spring versus autumn harvests on the pop u la tion dynamics of Lesser Snow Geese Anser caerulescens caerulescens nesting around the Hudson Bay lowlands. Key param e ters affecting the con clu sions of the model were the relative vul ner a bil ity of young and adults in each season and the pro por tion of adults losing mates in spring that sub se quently fail to breed or have reduced breeding success. With a range of assump tions about these param e ters, the estimated impact of a spring harvest was between 1.1 and 1.5 times the impact of shooting the same number of birds in early autumn. The relative impact would be greater if the spring harvest were directed at breeding adults and reduced if it were directed at young geese. If it becomes necessary to set quotas for aborig i nal hunters, these results can be used to apportion the harvest between spring and autumn. These results can also be used, in con junc tion with estimates of the likely success rates of hunters, to predict the value of spring harvest as a tool to control goose pop u la tions. If such a harvest is planned, addi tional research is needed to determine the relative vul ner a bil ity of young and adults in spring, as well as the effects of mate loss in spring on breeding success.
Relationship Between the Fixed Point Theorem and the EM Algorithm

When we are confronted with solving nonlinear equations which do not admit explicit solutions, we must use approximate methods based on iterative processes or algorithms. One of the best known iterative methods is the fixed point theorem, often applied in analysis or algebra. In our case, we will apply this method in a stochastic context. By means of this application, we show the relationship between this method and the EM algorithm, which is an iterative process, often applied in statistics.
Python shared atomic data types

Although atomicity plays a key role in data operations of shared variables in parallel computation, researchers haven't treated atomicity in Python in much detail. This study provides a novel approach to integrate the CPU‐based atomic C APIs into Python shared variables by C Foreign Function Interface for Python (CFFI) on all major platforms and utilises Cython to optimise calculation in CPython. Evidence shows that the resulting product, Shared Atomic Enterprise (SAE), could accelerate data operations on shared data types to a large extent. These findings provide a solid evidence base for the massive utilisation of Python atomic operations in parallel computation and concurrent programming.
Medication Adherence in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Comparative study

Background: In chronic illnesses requiring long-term therapy, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), medication non-adherence is a major issue that drives up expenses globally. Adherence is crucial to achieving desired results but is frequently poor during treatments. Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate compliance to DMARDS between Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis patients by Compliance Questionnaire of Rheumatology (CQR) and factors potentially affecting it. Subjects and methods: This comparative study included two groups: Group (1): 120 rheumatoid arthritis and group (2): 60 juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients. All patients were subjected to: Complete history taking, clinical examination, disease activity assessment, quality of life, anxiety and depression, socioeconomic status and adherence to treatment by Standardized questionnaires . Results: Our study revealed that medication non-adherence was higher in RA group than JIA group with highly significant difference between both groups. Fear of drug side effect was the first cause of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) non-adherence in both groups. Also our study found that there was significant difference as regards steroid administration in JIA group and DMARD non adherence. There was significant value regarding depression and DMARD non-adherence in RA group. As regards socioeconomic status and DMARD non-adherence, there was significant difference among RA group. Conclusion: RA group had a greater rate of DMARDS non-adherence than JIA group. Non-adherence is a complex issue that is impacted by a number of variables. These variables may be separated into five categories: Social and economic variables, treatment-related factors, disease-related factors, patient-related factors, and factors associated to the health care system.