Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MAGNITUDE, FREQUENCY AND DURATION OF INSTREAM FLOWS TO STIMULATE AND FACILITATE CATADROMOUS FISH MIGRATIONS: AUSTRALIAN BASS (MACQUARIA NOVEMACULEATA PERCIFORMES, PERCICHTHYIDAE)

The migratory response and behaviour of catadromous Australian bass with regard to hourly mean river flows and water temperatures was assessed over 15 months. Fish movement was assessed using a 75‐km passive acoustic telemetry array in the regulated Shoalhaven River below Tallowa Dam, NSW, Australia. The majority (62%) of downstream pre‐spawning migrations from freshwater to estuarine habitats were stimulated by a series of flow pulses from April to September, but a proportion of fish (38%) commenced downstream migrations under regulated baseflow conditions after a sustained decrease in water temperature to below 15°C in late autumn. Equal numbers of fish undertook post‐spawning upstream return migrations during flow pulses and during regulated baseflow conditions, with regulated baseflow migrants exhibiting a preference for dusk–dawn passage through freshwater pool–riffle sequences. The median magnitude of flow pulses at the time of commencement of downstream and upstream freshwater migrations by Australian bass was not large, equivalent to natural (in the absence of river regulation) flows equalled or exceeded for 56% and 48% of time, respectively. There was no evidence for increased numbers of migrants with increasing flow pulse magnitude, with individual fish ignoring some flow pulses but responding to subsequent events. In regulated rivers, the release of more frequent flow pulses with peak magnitudes approximating the natural 50th flow duration percentile may be more effective in stimulating greater numbers of Australian bass to undertake pre‐spawning and post‐spawning migrations between freshwater and estuarine habitats than the release of a single, larger event. The propensity of Australian bass to also undertake spawning migrations under regulated baseflow conditions emphasizes the need for provision of baseflow regimes in regulated rivers that can facilitate migrations by large bodied fishes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the Controls on Surface Snow δ18O Values in the Coastal Northeast Pacific: Implications for Paleoclimate Interpretations

Stable water isotope ratios ( 18 O and D) in snow pit (Juneau Icefield) and fresh snow (Eclipse Icefield) samples are included in a compilation of all available snow isotope data from coastal Alaska, and used to evaluate observed isotope shifts in regional paleoclimate records. I compiled existing isotope data in coastal Alaska (primarily the Saint Elias Range) in order to better understand the elevation dependence of stable atmospheric water isotope ratios in the region. The values that make up the compilation are reflective of multiple fractionation regimes associated with synoptic scale cyclonic events, described using the Cyclone-Water Isotope Model (Holdsworth and Krouse 2002). Using this Cyclone-Water Isotope Model as a link between high frequency spatial and temporal variability, fresh snow data characterizing five different events within a 17 day time span from the Eclipse Icefield were analyzed for δ 18 O values. Average isotope values among these five events vary by as much as 8‰. Meteorological conditions over the domain are investigated with NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and show that events with more depleted δ 18 O are associated with systems that have higher pressure and a zonal (northern) moisture source, whereas events with less depleted δ 18 O are related to events with lower pressure and a more significant component of southern moisture. These observations of event-based meteorological controls on δ 18 O variability shed light on paleoclimate interpretations of shifts in the isotopic record seen in the Mount Logan ice core and Jellybean Lake sediment core at around A.D. 800 and A.D. 1840. The findings in the paper support Fields et al. (2010) in the interpretation that the shift to lower δ 18 O values seen in the isotopic record is caused by a transition to a more zonal (northern) moisture source paradigm.
A Balanced Dietary Ratio of n-6:n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Exerts an Effect on Total Fatty Acid Profile in RBCs and Inflammatory Markers in Subjects with Obesity

The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can reduce inflammatory markers and may therefore be useful in obesity management. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with n-3 PUFAs on total fatty acid profile in red blood cells (RBCs), as well as biochemical and inflammatory markers, in subjects with obesity. The study consisted in a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial involving 41 subjects with obesity during a 4-month follow-up. Individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: n-3 PUFA supplementation (1.5 g fish oil) and placebo (1.5 g sunflower oil). Anthropometric, biochemical, dietetic, cytokine and total fatty acid profiles in RBCs were measured. Both groups increased their PUFA intake and DHA incorporation in RBCs. However, the placebo group showed a reduction in serum IL-8 and MCP-1 at the end of the study. A multiple linear regression model adjusted by body fat mass and sex showed that an increase in DHA in RBCs decreased the serum IL-8 levels in both study groups at the end of the study. Our results highlight the role of dietary DHA and n-3 supplementation usefulness in exerting beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.
Compressive Sensing for Joint User Activity and Data Detection in Grant-Free NOMA

This letter studies the joint user activity and data detection problem in an uplink grant-free non-orthogonal multiple access system with binary phase-shift keying modulation. First, we propose a new compressive sensing (CS)-based algorithm, namely the information-enhanced adaptive matching pursuit (IE-AMP), which exploits both the frame-wise user sparsity and the ternary nature of transmit signals, to increase the detection performance with reduced computation complexity. Next, building upon this method, we propose a robust IE-AMP (RIE-AMP) algorithm for further performance improvement. The RIE-AMP first extracts the support information (i.e., the number of nonzero elements in every row) of the output signals of IE-AMP, and then employs a weighted $ {\ell }_{ {1, 2}}$ minimization to refine the result. Numerical results show that the IE-AMP outperforms several state-of-the-art CS-based algorithms, with reduced computational efforts required, while the RIE-AMP achieves a better and more robust detection performance than the IE-AMP at the cost of higher computation complexity.
FROM SMALL WATERSHEDS TO REGIONS: VARIATION IN HYDROLOGIC RESPONSE TO URBANIZATION

Urbanization leads to a decline in the quality of aquatic ecosystems through the alteration of the natural hydrologic cycle. Existing conceptual models specify impervious surfaces as the dominant driver of hydrologic changes because impervious surfaces significantly alter the amount and timing of water flowing through aquatic ecosystems. However, existing models oversimplify how a natural watershed becomes degraded during urbanization, minimizing the spatiotemporal variability of urban stressors. Urbanization gradients and long-term watershed studies are two approaches used to characterize hydrologic changes associated with development. Both approaches were used to quantify variability in the type of hydrologic changes among nine U.S. cities and to assess the human- and natural-factors driving regional differences in hydrologic response. Hydrologic analysis indicated an increase in the frequency of high flow events across all nine urbanization gradients. However, the severity of hydrologic change varied among cities and was not driven by inter-city differences in developed land-cover or impervious surfaces among gradients. Instead, physiographic setting best explained inter-city variability. Cities with glacial histories had less hydrologic change relative to development intensity when compared to cities without glacial histories. Glacial history sets a template of physical features (i.e., low relief and high water-storage) that can provide hydrologic buffering to dampen the runoff signature of high flow events. In conjunction with gradients, long-term watershed studies were used to identify the timing of flow alterations. Hydrologic and development datasets were used to reconstruct the dynamics of urbanization in seven study watersheds in three U.S. cities. In a Pittsburgh watershed, a hydrologic model indicated urbanization lead to a 50% reduction in water yield through the inter-basin transfer of stream water and urban runoff. Additional long-term watershed studies demonstrated abrupt shifts in stream flow and temporal lags in hydrologic response. The magnitude of hydrologic shifts was proportional to development intensity, whereas the timing of hydrologic shifts depended on interactions with perturbations such as extreme weather events and construction projects. The results from both approaches were used to construct a framework describing the range of physical and hydrologic changes associated with development, as well as major mechanisms that drive hydrologic change.
A new look at China’s environmental quality: how does environmental sustainability respond to the asymmetrical behavior of the competitive industrial sector?

ABSTRACT This research aims to expand the existing literature by bringing a new perspective to China’s environmental quality. Existing literature concerning China’s environmental sustainability disregards competitive industrial performance, which allows the analysis of Sustainable Development Goal-9. The study investigates the impact of competitive industrial performance, economic growth, and renewable energy consumption on the environmental quality (represented by load capacity factor) within the load capacity curve framework. Considering the positive and negative shocks in industrial competitiveness, the study runs the novel asymmetric ARDL with Fourier terms method to examine the non-linear connection between competitiveness and the environment. Empirical analysis shows that industrial competitiveness asymmetrically affects environmental quality and that the load capacity curve hypothesis is invalid in China. It is also evident that renewable energy contributes to environmental quality. Based on these findings, the study presents sustainable development policies for China within the framework of SDG targets. In this context, country’s rapid growth and higher-order industrial competitiveness strategies need to be redesigned in order to increase the share of high-tech activities in total manufacturing and the portion of renewable energy in total energy use. Accordingly, the Chinese policymakers’ primary objectives should be regulations that guide fundamental principles for enhancing environmental quality while preserving the country’s rapid growth and competitive advantage in the industrial process.
PRVAE-VC: Non-Parallel Many-to-Many Voice Conversion with Perturbation-Resistant Variational Autoencoder

This paper describes a novel approach to non-parallel many-to-many voice conversion (VC) that utilizes a variant of the conditional variational autoencoder (VAE) called a perturbation-resistant VAE (PRVAE). In VAE-based VC, it is commonly assumed that the encoder extracts content from the input speech while removing source speaker information. Following this extraction, the decoder generates output from the extracted content and target speaker information. However, in practice, the encoded features may still retain source speaker information, which can lead to a degradation of speech quality during speaker conversion tasks. To address this issue, we propose a perturbation-resistant encoder trained to match the encoded features of the input speech with those of a pseudo-speech generated through a content-preserving transformation of the input speech’s fundamental frequency and spectral envelope using a combination of pure signal processing techniques. Our experimental results demonstrate that this straightforward constraint signiﬁcantly enhances the performance in non-parallel many-to-many speaker conversion tasks. Audio samples can be accessed at our webpage 1 .
Three Iodoargentate-Based Hybrids Decorated by Metal Complexes: Structures, Optical/Photoelectric Properties and Theoretical Studies

So far, the development of new iodoargentate-based hybrids, especially those compounds with metal complex cations, and the understanding of their structure–activity relationships have been of vital importance but full of challenges. Herein, using the in-situ-generated metal complex cations as structural directing agents, three new iodoargentate-based hybrids, namely, [Co(phen)3]Ag2PbI6 (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; 1), [Ni(5,5-dmpy)3]Ag7I9·CH3CN (5,5-dmpy = 5,5-dimethyl-2,2-bipyridine; 2) and [Co(5,5-dmpy)3]Ag5I8 (3), have been solvothermally prepared and then structurally characterized. Compound 1 represents one new heterometallic Ag–Pb–I compound characteristic of the chain-like [Ag2PbI6]n2n− anions. Compound 2 features the straight one-dimensional (1D) [Ag7I9]n2n− anionic moieties, while compound 3 contains infrequent two types of curved [Ag5I8]n3n− anions. Optical properties reveal that the title compounds exhibit interesting semiconductor behaviors with the band gaps of 1.59–2.78 eV, which endow them with good photoelectric switching performances under the alternate light irradiations. We also present their Hirshfeld surface analyses, and the theoretical studies (band structures, density of states (DOS) and partial density of states (PDOS)).
Fecal microbiota transplantation in a child with severe ASD comorbidities of gastrointestinal dysfunctions—a case report

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by social communication impairments and restricted, repetitive behaviors. In addition to behavioral interventions and psychotherapies, and pharmacological interventions, in-depth studies of intestinal microbiota in ASD has obvious abnormalities which may effectively influenced in ASD. Several attempts have been made to indicate that microbiota can reduce the occurrence of ASD effectively. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a type of biological therapy that involves the transplant of intestinal microbiota from healthy donors into the patient’s gastrointestinal tract to improve the gut microenvironment. In this case report, we describe a case of child ASD treated by FMT. The patient have poor response to long-term behavioral interventions. After five rounds of FMT, clinical core symptoms of ASD and gastrointestinal(GI) symptoms were significantly altered. Moreover, the multiple levels of functional development of child were also significantly ameliorated. We found that FMT changed the composition of the intestinal microbiota as well as the metabolites, intestinal inflammatory manifestations, and these changes were consistent with the patient’s symptoms. This report suggests further FMT studies in ASD could be worth pursuing, and more studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of FMT in ASD and its mechanisms.
A survey of biosecurity practices of pig farmers in selected districts affected by African swine fever in Uganda

Introduction In Uganda, pig production is an important source of livelihood for many people and contributes to food security. African swine fever (ASF) is a major constraint to pig production in Uganda, threatening the food supply and sustainable livelihoods. Prevention of ASF primarily relies on good biosecurity practices along the pig value chain. Previous studies showed that biosecurity along the pig value chain and on farms in Uganda is poor. However, the biosecurity practices of pig farmers in ASF affected areas of Uganda and their opinions on on-farm ASF morbidity and mortality were previously not comprehensively characterized. The objectives of this study were to document pig farmers’ experiences with ASF in their farms and to describe the pig biosecurity practices in districts of Uganda that were highly affected by ASF. Methods A total of 99 farmers were interviewed in five districts. Data were collected by way of triangulation through farmer interviews, field observations during the farmer interviews, and a survey of key informants. However, farmer interviews were considered the primary source of data for this study. Farmers’ biosecurity practices were scored using a biosecurity scoring algorithm. Results Forty-one out of 96 (42.7%) farmers reported having pigs with ASF in the past 12 months. The level of pig farming experience (p = 0.0083) and herd size (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with the reported occurrence of ASF. Overall, the biosecurity scores for the respondents were considered poor with 99% (98/99) scoring <70% and just one farmer obtaining a fair score of 72.2%. District (p = 0.0481), type of husbandry system (p = 0.014), and type of pig breed raised (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with farmer’s biosecurity score. Conclusion Continued farmer education on ASF and the importance of good biosecurity practices is necessary. More in-depth scientific inquiry into the factors influencing the biosecurity practices among pig farmers in Uganda is necessary.
In vitro ruminal fermentation and cow-to-mouse fecal transplantations verify the inter-relationship of microbiome and metabolome biomarkers: potential to promote health in dairy cows

Introduction There are differences in the gut microbiome and metabolome when the host undergoes different physical or pathological conditions. However, the inter-relationship of microbiome and metabolome biomarkers to potentially promote the health of dairy cows needs to be studied. Further, the development of next-generation probiotics for dairy cattle health promotion has not been demonstrated. Objective In the present study, we identified the microbiome and metabolome biomarkers associated with healthy cows. Methods We analyzed the relationships of the ruminal microorganism profile and metabolites between healthy and mastitis lactating dairy cows. The roles of bacterial biomarker were further verified by in vitro fermentation and cow-to-mouse fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Results Two species, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, and six rumen metabolites were positively correlated with healthy cows by Spearman’s correlation analysis. Through in vitro ruminal fermentation, inoculating R. flavefaciens and B. longum subsp. longum showed the upregulation of the levels of putrescine, xanthurenic acid, and pyridoxal in the mastitis ruminal fluid, which confirmed the inter-relationships between these microbiota and metabolites associated with healthy cows. Further, we verified the role of R. flavefaciens and B. longum subsp. longum in promoting health by FMT. The administration of R. flavefaciens and B. longum subsp. longum reduced the death rate and recovered the bodyweight loss of germ-free mice caused by FMT mastitis feces. Discussion We provided evidence that the bacterial biomarkers alter downstream metabolites. This could indirectly indicate that the two bacterial biomarkers have the potential to be used as next-generation probiotics for dairy cattle, although it needs more evidence to support our hypothesis. Two species, R. flavefaciens and B. longum subsp. longum, with three metabolites, putrescine, xanthurenic acid, and pyridoxal, identified in the ruminal fluid, may point to a new health-promoting and disease-preventing approach for dairy cattle.
Exploring customer perception and satisfaction on the functions of parking application software

ABSTRACT The emergence of parking application software (parking APP), considerably decreases unnecessary vehicle circling and enhances parking resource utilization. Despite the abundant functions available, limited research has considered customer requirements and satisfaction regarding the functions of parking APPs. This research exactly examined the customer perception, as well as how satisfied customers were with the functions provided by the parking APPs. Initially, the attribute classification of functions was identified utilizing Kano model based on a questionnaire survey in Hunan Province, China. The integrated functions were then used as an antecedent to evaluate customer satisfaction by structural equation model (SEM). The data analysis suggests the perceived quality is positively influenced by the four main functions of query, navigation, evaluation, and account. The results reveal that customers have less demand for automatic space grabbing and reverse vehicle tracking in small and medium-sized cities.
Fully Soft Switched Resonant Isolated SEPIC Converter With Wide Input Voltage Range

In this article, an isolated half-bridge series resonant converter (HB-SRC) based on the single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) topology (HB-SSRC) with a wide input voltage range is proposed. In this topology, the transformer leakage inductance is effectively used and the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) operation is provided for all the semiconductor elements. A simple fixed frequency asymmetrical pulse width modulation (APWM) scheme is used in the proposed converter to regulate the dc output voltage. The series resonant network is designed at the resonant frequency for ensuring the load-independent voltage gain of HB-SSRC. Detailed theoretical analysis of the proposed converter is presented. A 100-W prototype with 24-V output voltage at 200-kHz switching frequency is designed and implemented for a wide input voltage range of 80–240 VDC to verify the converter analysis and performance.
ATTACKS ON WEB LOG DATA: A REVIEW

: Many methods have been developed to protect web servers against attacks. Anomaly detection methods rely on generic user models and application behaviour, which interpret departures as indications of potentially dangerous behavior from the established pattern. In this paper, we conducted the use of a systematic review of the anomaly detection methods to prevent and identify web assaults; Many techniques of anomaly identification for automated log analysis have been suggested to minimize manual work. However, due to a lack of evaluations and comparisons of various anomaly detection techniques, engineers may still decide which detection methods should not be used. Furthermore, even if engineers use an unusual detection technique, re-implementation will take a lifetime. We offer a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of six existing log-based detection techniques, including three monitored and three unchecked modes, as well as an open toolkit that allows for simple reuse, to address these problems. These techniques were evaluated on two production log databases produced by the public, with a total of 15,923,592 log messages and 365,298 anomaly cases. We think that our work, as well as the testing results and associated discoveries, may be used as guidelines for adopting these strategies and as a source of inspiration for future research.