Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individual Variation in the Duration of Territory Occupation by Males of the Dragonfly Perithemis tenera (Odonata: Libellulidae)

Abstract In the dragonfly Perithemis tenera Say, males defend territories around oviposition sites and defense of a site is critical for reproductive success. This study first demonstrated that individual males varied consistently in how long they defended a particular territory within a day (their “tenure”) and in the quality of the sites they defended. I then investigated a number of factors that may have affected territory tenure and may have led to the observed variation among males. Territory occupations that ended “voluntarily” were significantly longer than those that ended because the male was evicted from his territory. For voluntary desertions, tenure duration was unrelated to age, wing length, the amount of time the male fought that day, or site quality. However, tenure durations were longer for males that arrived earlier in the day than for those that arrived later, and consistent differences existed among males in arrival time. Furthermore, tenure durations were longer when males had successfully mated than when they did not mate; available evidence suggests that this pattern may be because mating success causes them to stay longer. Thus, the results suggest that the problem of explaining tenure duration in P. tenera can be largely broken down into identifying factors that affect a male’s likelihood of being evicted and his relative arrival time. Overall, males that defended better sites and males that had longer wings were territorial for fewer total days. Of these two factors, site quality seems to have a larger effect than wing length on the number of days, suggesting that males may incur an increased cost by defending sites that are more attractive to other males.
Achieving space and time diversity by using lattice constellation based joint Alamouti coding

In this letter, we propose a simple space-time code to simultaneously achieve both the space and time diversities over time dispersive channels by using two-dimensional lattice constellations and Alamouti codes. The proposed scheme still reserves full space diversity and double-real-symbols joint maximum likelihood decoding which has the similar computation complexity as the Alamouti code.
Uses and limitations of relativistic jet proper motions: lessons from Galactic microquasars

It is shown that the two-sided jet proper motions observed from the Galactic microquasars GRS 1915+105 and GRO J1655-40 in practice only allow us to place lower limits on the Lorentz factors of the outflows. As a consequence, it is not possible to rule out the possibility that jets from X-ray binaries are just as relativistic as those from active galactic nuclei (AGN). This results from the fact that distance estimates place the sources, within uncertainties, at the maximum distance d m a x which corresponds to an intrinsic velocity v = c. The general case is explored, for a range of intrinsic Lorentz factors and angles to the line of sight, and it is shown that a source of significantly relativistic jets will nearly always be observed close to d m a x , and as a result it is unlikely that we will ever be able to measure with any accuracy the Lorentz factor of a jet from two-sided proper motions. We will generally not be able to do more than place a lower limit on the Lorentz factor of the flow, and this limit is naturally even lower in the cases where we only observe the approaching jet. On the other hand, under the assumption that any two-sided jets we see are intrinsically relativistic, we can confidently place the source at a distance d ∼ d m a x . As a result, observations of two-sided proper motions in relativistic jets from AGN would be extremely important for calibration of the cosmological distance scale. While the proper motions do not allow us to measure the Doppler shifts associated with the jets, the ratio of proper motions will correspond to the ratio of frequencies of any emission lines emitted by both jets, which will aid in searching for such lines. Furthermore, it is shown that if the jet is precessing, the product of the proper motions as a function of angle to the line of sight may be used to determine if the jet is only mildly relativistic.
A Simple and Effective Approach for the Prediction of Turbine Power Production From Wind Speed Forecast

An accurate forecast of the power generated by a wind turbine is of paramount importance for its optimal exploitation. Several forecasting methods have been proposed either based on a physical modeling or using a statistical approach. All of them rely on the availability of high quality measures of local wind speed, corresponding generated power and on numerical weather forecasts. In this paper, a simple and effective wind power forecast technique, based on the probability distribution mapping of wind speed forecast and observed power data, is presented and it is applied to two turbines located on the island of Borkum (Germany) in the North Sea. The wind speed forecast of the ECMWF model at 100 m from the ground is used as the prognostic meteorological parameter. Training procedures are based entirely on relatively short time series of power measurements. Results show that our approach has skills that are similar or better than those obtained using more standard methods when measured with mean absolute error.
Pain-associated biomarkers in breast cancer

Breast cancer represents a major public health problem, being the highest incidence neoplasia in females in Romania. The most important step in the treatment of this neoplasia is the surgical procedure; the biggest problem associated with this form of treatment in these patients is pain-related. Pain is a complex symptom with an impact on quality of life and psychology of cancer patient and can only be monitored verbally and subjectively. Consequently, the purpose of our work is to identify some biochemical parameters involved in the events cascade associated with inflammation and pain in breast cancer female patients, monitored in dynamics of anesthesia and surgical procedure. Measurements of lipid peroxides, ceruloplasmin and immune circulating complexes in mentioned dynamics have been performed. The recorded values are in concordance with the inflammatory processes and pain intensity, thus we can allege that these measurements can complete the pain-associated clinical picture in female breast cancer patients.
Influence of Parameter Sensitivity and Uncertainty on Projected Runoff in the Upper Niger Basin under a Changing Climate

Hydro-climatic projections in West Africa are attributed with high uncertainties that are difficult to quantify. This study assesses the influence of the parameter sensitivities and uncertainties of three rainfall runoff models on simulated discharge in current and future times using meteorological data from eight Global Climate Models (GCM). The IHACRES Catchment Moisture Deficit (IHACRES-CMD) model, the GR4J, and the Sacramento model were chosen for this study. During the model evaluation, 10,000 parameter sets were generated for each model and used in a sensitivity and uncertainty analysis using the Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) method. Out of the three models, IHACRES-CMD recorded the highest Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.92 and 0.86 for the calibration (1997–2003) and the validation (2004–2010) period, respectively. The Sacramento model was able to adequately predict low flow patterns on the catchment, while the GR4J and IHACRES-CMD over and under estimated low flow, respectively. The use of multiple hydrological models to reduce uncertainties caused by model approaches is recommended, along with other methods for sustainable river basin management.
Query pre-execution and batching in Paradise: a two-pronged approach to the efficient processing of queries on tape-resident raster images

The focus of the Paradise project (D. DeWitt et al., 194; J. Patel et al., 1997) is to design and implement a scalable database system capable of storing and processing massive data sets such as those produced by NASA's EOSDIS project. The paper describes extensions to Paradise to handle the execution of queries involving collections of satellite images stored on tertiary storage. Several modifications were made to Paradise in order to make the execution of such queries both transparent to the user and efficient. First, the Paradise storage engine (the SHORE storage manager) was extended to support tertiary storage using a log structured organization for tape volumes. Second, the Paradise query processing engine was modified to incorporate a number of novel mechanisms including query pre execution, object abstraction, cache conscious tape scheduling, and query batching. A performance evaluation on a working prototype demonstrates that, together, these techniques can provide a dramatic improvement over more traditional approaches to the management of data stored on tape.
Introduction to Quantum Groups

We give an elementary introduction to the theory of algebraic and topological quantum groups (in the spirit of S. L. Woronowicz). In particular, we recall the basic facts from Hopf (*-) algebra theory, theory of compact (matrix) quantum groups and the theory of their actions on compact quantum spaces. We also provide the most important examples, including the classification of quantum SL(2)-groups, their real forms and quantum spheres. We also consider quantum SLq(N)-groups and quantum Lorentz groups.
Protein Folding Prediction with Genetic Algorithms ∗

Hydrophobic-hydrophilic model (HP model) is one of the most simplified and popular protein folding models. This model considers the hydrophobichydrophobic interactions of protein structures, but the results of prediction are not encouraged enough. Therefore, we suggest that some other features should be considered, such as SSEs, charges, and disulfide bonds. In this paper we propose a genetic algorithm (GA) with more possible considerations based on the lattice model to predict the 3D structure of an unknown protein, target protein, whose primary sequence and secondary structure elements (SSEs) are assumed known. Experimental results show that these additional features indeed improve the prediction accuracy by comparing our prediction results with their real structures with RMSD.
MAC protocols for wireless sensor networks over radio-over-fiber links

In this paper, two Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols exclusively tailored to WSNs over RoF (RWSNs) namely SPP-MAC (Scheduled Priority Polling Medium Access Control) (polling-based) and HMARS (Hybrid Medium Access Control for Hybrid Radio-over-Fiber Wireless Sensor Network Architecture) (hybrid-based) are proposed. They deal with the main problems in RWSNs i.e. the delay imposed by optical fiber and the existence of two collision domains: the wireless and the fiber optical links. The performance of these two protocols evince their effectiveness for the connection of WSNs by RoF links.
rbSec1A and B colocalize with syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25 throughout the axon, but are not in a stable complex with syntaxin

rbSec1 is a mammalian neuronal protein homologous to the yeast SEC1 gene product which is required for exocytosis. Mutations in Sec1 homologues in the nervous systems of C. elegans and D. melanogaster lead to defective neurotransmitter secretion. Biochemical studies have shown that recombinant rbSec1 binds syntaxin 1 but not SNAP-25 or synaptobrevin/VAMP, the two proteins which together with syntaxin 1 form the synaptic SNARE complex. In this study we have examined the subcellular localization of rbSec1 and the degree of interaction between rbSec1 and syntaxin 1 in situ. rbSec1, which we show here to be represented by two alternatively spliced isoforms, rbSec1A and B, has a widespread distribution in the axon and is not restricted to the nerve terminal. This distribution parallels the localization of syntaxin 1 and SNAP-25 along the entire axonal plasmalemma. rbSec1 is found in a soluble and a membrane-associated form. Although a pool of rbSec1 is present on the plasmalemma, the majority of membrane-bound rbSec1 is not associated with syntaxin 1. We also show that rbSec1 is not part of the synaptic SNARE complex or of the syntaxin 1/SNAP-25 complex we show to be present in non-synaptic regions of the axon. Thus, in spite of biochemical studies demonstrating the high affinity interaction of rbSec1 and syntaxin 1, our results indicate that rbSec1 and syntaxin 1 are not stably associated. They also suggest that the function of rbSec1, syntaxin 1, and SNAP-25 is not restricted to synaptic vesicle exocytosis at the synapse.
A Note on topological M5-branes and string-fivebrane duality

We derive the stability conditions for the M5-brane in topological M-theory using k-symmetry. The non-linearly self-dual 3-form on the world-volume is necessarily non-vanishing, as is the case also for the 2-form field strengths on coisotropic branes in topological string theory. It is demonstrated that the self-duality is consistent with the stability conditions, which are solved locally in terms of a tensor in the representation 6 of SU(3) subset of G(2). The double dimensional reduction of the M5-brane is the D4-brane, and its direct reduction is an NS5-brane. We show that the equation of motion for the 3-form on the NS5-brane wrapping a Calabi-Yau space is exactly the Kodaira-Spencer equation, providing support for a string-fivebrane duality in topological string theory.
Redundancy Pay and Collective Dismissals

Redundancy payments for collective dismissals are incorporated into a Shapiro-Stiglitz model of efficiency wages. It is shown that a fixed payment will lower wages, leave employment and welfare unaffected if there are no wage-dependent taxes, no additional firing costs and if unemployment benefits are not altered by redundancy payments. If payroll taxes exceed firing costs and unemployment benefits are independent of redundancy pay, employment and welfare will rise with redundancy payments. If these payments are also a function of previous wages, positive employment effects will be mitigated. A substitution of wage-dependent for lump-sum redundancy payments can lower employment, allowing for a continuous variation of effort.
Construction of resilient S-boxes with higher-dimensional vectorial outputs and strictly almost optimal non-linearity

Resilient substitution boxes (S-boxes) with high non-linearity are important cryptographic primitives in the design of certain encryption algorithms. There are several trade-offs between the most important cryptographic parameters and their simultaneous optimisation is regarded as a difficult task. In this study, the authors provide a construction technique to obtain resilient S-boxes with so-called strictly almost optimal non-linearity for a larger number of output bits m than previously known. This is the first time that the non-linearity bound 2 n−1 − 2 n/2 of resilient (n,m) S-boxes, where n and m denote the number of the input and output bits, respectively, has been exceeded for m>⌊n/4⌋. Thus, resilient S-boxes with extremely high non-linearity and a larger output space compared with other design methods have been obtained.
The ART of IAM: The Winning Strategy for the 2006 Competition

In many dynamic open systems, agents have to interact with one another to achieve their goals. Here, agents may be self-interested, and when trusted to perform an action for others, may betray that trust by not performing the actions as required. In addition, due to the size of such systems, agents will often interact with other agents with which they have little or no past experience. This situation has led to the development of a number of trust and reputation models, which aim to facilitate an agent's decision making in the face of uncertainty regarding the behaviour of its peers. However, these multifarious models employ a variety of different representations of trust between agents, and measure performance in many different ways. This has made it hard to adequately evaluate the relative properties of different models, raising the need for a common platform on which to compare competing mechanisms. To this end, the ART Testbed Competition has been proposed, in which agents using different trust models compete against each other to provide services in an open marketplace. In this paper, we present the winning strategy for this competition in 2006, provide an analysis of the factors that led to this success, and discuss lessons learnt from the competition about issues of trust in multiagent systems in general. Our strategy, IAM, is Intelligent (using statistical models for opponent modelling), Abstemious (spending its money parsimoniously based on its trust model) and Moral (providing fair and honest feedback to those that request it).
Treatment for Outpatients with Comorbid Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorders: A Review

Aims: This review provides evidence of which interventions need to be part of effective outpatient integrated treatment for patients with comorbid schizophrenia and substance use disorders. Methods: A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were included. Effect sizes are provided to assess the magnitude of the treatments' efficacy. Results: Despite the studies' heterogeneity, we can conclude that certain programs (e.g. Behavioral Treatment for Substance Abuse in Severe and Persistent Mental Illness ) and specific interventions (e.g. motivational interviewing, family interventions) seem to be effective. Moreover, programs integrating multiple interventions are more likely to be positively related to better outcomes than single interventions. Finally, the lack of difference between effect sizes of assertive community treatment compared to case management suggests that a lower caseload is not necessary for positive treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Integrated treatment seems advantageous, although effect sizes are mostly modest. More homogeneous and qualitative sound studies are needed.
Femtosecond Laser Beam Propagation through Corneal Tissue: Evaluation of Therapeutic Laser-Stimulated Second and Third-Harmonic Generation

ix List of Figures and Tables xi Chapter 1 – Introduction 1 1.1 Motivation 3 1.2 Objectives 4 1.3 Chapter overview 5 Chapter 2 – Femtosecond Lasers and Clinical Applications 7 2.1 Femtosecond lasers 7 2.2 Clinical ophthalmic use of femtosecond lasers 11 2.2.1 Anatomy and physiology of the eye 11 2.2.2 Common ophthalmic disorders and associate surgical therapies 14 2.2. 3 Femtosecond lasers classes 17 Chapter 3 – Femtosecond Laser–Tissue Interactions 20 3.1 Ocular tissue optical properties 20 3.1.1 Cornea 21 3.1.2 Aqueous humor 23 3.1.3 Crystalline lens 23 3.1. 4 Vitreous humor 24 3.2 Human and bovine corneal transmission measurements 24 3.2.1 Materials and methods 26
Improved Homoclinic Predictor for Bogdanov-Takens Bifurcation

An improved homoclinic predictor at a generic codim 2 Bogdanov-Takens (BT) bifucation is derived. We use the classical "blow-up" technique to reduce the canonical smooth normal form near a generic BT bifurcation to a perturbed Hamiltonian system. With a simple perturbation method, we derive explicit rst- and second-order corrections of the unperturbed homoclinic orbit and parameter value. To obtain the normal form on the center manifold, we apply the standard parameter-dependent center manifold reduction combined with the normalization, that is based on the Fredholm solvability of the homological equation. By systematically solving all linear systems appearing from the homological equation, we remove an ambiguity in the parameter transformation existing in the literature. The actual implementation of the improved predictor in MatCont and numerical examples illustrating its eciency are discussed.
A Wafer Level Vacuum Encapsulated Capacitive Accelerometer Fabricated in an Unmodified Commercial MEMS Process

We present the design and fabrication of a single axis low noise accelerometer in an unmodified commercial MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) process. The new microfabrication process, MEMS Integrated Design for Inertial Sensors (MIDIS), introduced by Teledyne DALSA Inc. allows wafer level vacuum encapsulation at 10 milliTorr which provides a high Quality factor and reduces noise interference on the MEMS sensor devices. The MIDIS process is based on high aspect ratio bulk micromachining of single-crystal silicon layer that is vacuum encapsulated between two other silicon handle wafers. The process includes sealed Through Silicon Vias (TSVs) for compact design and flip-chip integration with signal processing circuits. The proposed accelerometer design is sensitive to single-axis in-plane acceleration and uses a differential capacitance measurement. Over ±1 g measurement range, the measured sensitivity was 1fF/g. The accelerometer system was designed to provide a detection resolution of 33 milli-g over the operational range of ±100 g.
Diagnosis of inhomogeneous insulation degradation in electric cables by distributed shunt conductance estimation

For the diagnosis of inhomogeneous insulation degradation in electric cables, the estimation of distributed shunt conductance is studied in this paper. Gradual growth of the shunt conductance is a consequence of degradation of the dielectric properties of the insulator. The proposed estimation method is based on voltage and current measurements at a single end of the cable. After the linearization of the bilinear term of the telegrapher's equations through a perturbation approach, the Kalman filter is applied to transform the problem of dynamic system parameter estimation to a simple linear regression problem. Results of numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. In particular, it is shown that the weak sensitivity of the available measurements to the shunt conductance can be compensated by long time data samples.
Prediction and Characterization of High-Activity Events in Social Media Triggered by Real-World News

On-line social networks publish information on a high volume of real-world events almost instantly, becoming a primary source for breaking news. Some of these real-world events can end up having a very strong impact on on-line social networks. The effect of such events can be analyzed from several perspectives, one of them being the intensity and characteristics of the collective activity that it produces in the social platform. We research 5,234 real-world news events encompassing 43 million messages discussed on the Twitter microblogging service for approximately 1 year. We show empirically that exogenous news events naturally create collective patterns of bursty behavior in combination with long periods of inactivity in the network. This type of behavior agrees with other patterns previously observed in other types of natural collective phenomena, as well as in individual human communications. In addition, we propose a methodology to classify news events according to the different levels of intensity in activity that they produce. In particular, we analyze the most highly active events and observe a consistent and strikingly different collective reaction from users when they are exposed to such events. This reaction is independent of an event’s reach and scope. We further observe that extremely high-activity events have characteristics that are quite distinguishable at the beginning stages of their outbreak. This allows us to predict with high precision, the top 8% of events that will have the most impact in the social network by just using the first 5% of the information of an event’s lifetime evolution. This strongly implies that high-activity events are naturally prioritized collectively by the social network, engaging users early on, way before they are brought to the mainstream audience.