Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First-order Convergence Theory for Weakly-Convex-Weakly-Concave Min-max Problems

In this paper, we consider first-order convergence theory and algorithms for solving a class of non-convex non-concave min-max saddle-point problems, whose objective function is weakly convex in the variables of minimization and weakly concave in the variables of maximization. It has many important applications in machine learning including training Generative Adversarial Nets (GANs). We propose an algorithmic framework motivated by the inexact proximal point method, where the weakly monotone variational inequality (VI) corresponding to the original min-max problem is solved through approximately solving a sequence of strongly monotone VIs constructed by adding a strongly monotone mapping to the original gradient mapping. We prove first-order convergence to a nearly stationary solution of the original min-max problem of the generic algorithmic framework and establish different rates by employing different algorithms for solving each strongly monotone VI. Experiments verify the convergence theory and also demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods on training GANs.
Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) invasion alters organic matter dynamics in a desert stream

Summary 1. We investigated the impacts of saltcedar invasion on organic matter dynamics in a spring-fed stream (Jackrabbit Spring) in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada, U.S.A. , by experimentally manipulating saltcedar abundance. 2. Saltcedar heavily shaded Jackrabbit Spring and shifted the dominant organic matter inputs from autochthonous production that was available throughout the year to allochthonous saltcedar leaf litter that was strongly pulsed in the autumn. Specifically, reaches dominated by saltcedar had allochthonous litter inputs of 299 g ash free dry mass (AFDM) m−2 year−1, macrophyte production of 15 g AFDM m−2 year−1 and algal production of 400 g AFDM m−2 year−1, while reaches dominated by native riparian vegetation or where saltcedar had been experimentally removed had allochthonous litter inputs of 7–34 g AFDM m−2 year−1, macrophyte production of 118–425 g AFDM m−2 year−1 and algal production of 640–900 g AFDM m−2 year−1. 3. A leaf litter breakdown study indicated that saltcedar also altered decomposition in Jackrabbit Spring, mainly through its influence on litter quality rather than by altering the environment for decomposition. Decomposition rates for saltcedar were lower than for ash (Fraxinus velutina), the dominant native allochthonous litter type, but faster than for bulrush (Scirpus americanus), the dominant macrophyte in this system.
MT-Adapted Datasheets for Datasets: Template and Repository

In this report we are taking the standardized model proposed by Gebru et al. (2018) for documenting the popular machine translation datasets of the EuroParl (Koehn, 2005) and News-Commentary (Barrault et al., 2019). Within this documentation process, we have adapted the original datasheet to the particular case of data consumers within the Machine Translation area. We are also proposing a repository for collecting the adapted datasheets in this research area
Analysis of time‐to‐event for observational studies: Guidance to the use of intensity models

This paper provides guidance for researchers with some mathematical background on the conduct of time‐to‐event analysis in observational studies based on intensity (hazard) models. Discussions of basic concepts like time axis, event definition and censoring are given. Hazard models are introduced, with special emphasis on the Cox proportional hazards regression model. We provide check lists that may be useful both when fitting the model and assessing its goodness of fit and when interpreting the results. Special attention is paid to how to avoid problems with immortal time bias by introducing time‐dependent covariates. We discuss prediction based on hazard models and difficulties when attempting to draw proper causal conclusions from such models. Finally, we present a series of examples where the methods and check lists are exemplified. Computational details and implementation using the freely available R software are documented in Supplementary Material. The paper was prepared as part of the STRATOS initiative.
Emergence of transient domain wall skyrmions after ultrafast demagnetization

It is known that ultrafast laser pulses can be used to deterministically switch magnetization and create skyrmions; however, the deterministic creation of a single N\'eel skyrmion after ultrafast demagnetization remains an open question. Here we show domain wall skyrmions also emerge in systems with broken inversion symmetry after exposure to an ultrafast laser pulse, carrying an integer topological charge. While domain wall skyrmions do not appear in the relaxed state due to quick thermal decay following an Arrhenius law, they play a key role in controlling the final skyrmion population through annihilations with skyrmions of opposite topological charge, with the resultant skyrmion states following a Poisson distribution. Using single-shot linearly polarized laser pulses, as well as a train of circularly polarized laser pulses, we show that when a high degree of disorder is created, the possibility of nucleating a single N\'eel skyrmion is accompanied by the possibility of nucleating a skyrmion with domain wall skyrmion pair, which results in a self-annihilation collapse.
Effects of microwave treatment on the oxidative stability of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) oils and the molecular species of their triacylglycerols

Peanut seeds (Arachis hypogaea) were roasted for 6, 12, 20, or 30 min at a frequency of 2450 MHz using a microwave oven. The quality characteristics and the compositions of the oils, i.e. their tocopherol distributions and the molecular species of the triacylglycerols (TAGs) were investigated. These results were compared with those of an unroasted oil sample. Only minor increases (p 0.05) was observed in the molecular species of the TAGs during microwave roasting. These results indicate that phospholipids may be attributed to the quality characteristics of peanut oils during microwave roasting.
Making Lab Sessions Mandatory — on Student Work Distribution in a Gamified Project Course on Market-Driven Software Engineering

Unfair work distribution in student teams is a common issue in project-based learning. One contributing factor is that students are differently skilled developers. In a course with group work intertwining engineering and business aspects, we designed an intervention to help novice programmers, i.e., we introduced mandatory programming lab sessions. However, the intervention did not affect the work distribution, showing that more is needed to balance the workload. Contrary to our goal, the intervention was very well received among experienced students, but unpopular with students weak at programming.
A Higgs Doublet + Higgs Singlet Scheme with Negative Kinetic Term for Neutrino Mass Generation

In this paper, we propose a scheme for neutrino mass generation. A Higgs singlet is introduced in the Standard Model of particle physics (SM). All of this new singlet and the charged and neutral Higgs fields in the original Higgs doublet are assumed to have nonzero vacuum expectation values (VEVs). The normal hierarchy of neutrino masses is evidently preferred in our scheme. The neutrino masses are explicitly calculated.
Lugsail lag windows for estimating time-average covariance matrices

Lag windows are commonly used in time series, econometrics, steady-state simulation, and Markov chain Monte Carlo to estimate time-average covariance matrices. In the presence of positive correlation of the underlying process, estimators of this matrix almost always exhibit significant negative bias, leading to undesirable finite-sample properties. We propose a new family of lag windows specifically designed to improve finite-sample performance by offsetting this negative bias. Any existing lag window can be adapted into a lugsail equivalent with no additional assumptions. We use these lag windows within spectral variance estimators and demonstrate their advantages in a linear regression model with autocorrelated and heteroskedastic residuals. We further employ the lugsail lag windows in weighted batch means estimators due to their computational efficiency on large simulation output. We obtain bias and variance results for these multivariate estimators and significantly weaken the mixing condition on the process. Superior finite-sample properties are illustrated in a vector autoregressive process and a Bayesian logistic regression model.
Identification of a cDNA Encoding Malonyl-Coenzyme A: Anthocyanidin 3-O-Glucoside 6"-O- Malonyltransferase from Cineraria (Senecio cruentus) Flowers

“Cinerarin” is a polyacylated anthocyanin that is responsible for the blue coloration of cineraria (Senecio cruentus) flowers. We isolated a full-length cDNA (Sc3MaT) encoding a putative anthocyanin acyltransferase from S. cruentus. The Sc3MaT cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli cells and the expression product was purified to homogeneity and functionally characterized. The Sc3MaT could catalyze the regiospecific malonyl transfer from malonyl-CoA (Km, 61μM) to pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside (Km, 11μM) to produce pelargonidin 3-O-6”-O-malonylglucoside with a kcat value of 8.8 s-1. The specificities for acyl donors and acceptors were highly restricted to malonyl-CoA and anthocyanidin 3-O-glucoside, respectively. Therefore, it may be concluded that Sc3MaT is a malonyl-CoA:anthocyanidin 3-O-glucoside-6”-O-malonyltransferase. The other enzymatic properties of Sc3MaT were comparable with those of known anthocyanin acyltransferases. Because a reaction product of Sc3MaT, delphinidin 3-O-6”-O-malonyglucoside, constitutes a part of cinerarin, Sc3MaT is probably involved in the cinerarin biosynthesis in this plant.
Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination in sorghum seeds and their biological management

In order to establish the current scenario of aflatoxigenic fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination in sorghum seeds across India, 58 seed samples were collected from different agro-climatic regions. Among these, 67.2% samples were infected with Aspergillus spp. and 28% were found contaminated with aflatoxins ranging from 0.0 to 130 μg kg−1. Greenhouse studies revealed no correlation between incidence of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin content, and its effect on seed quality parameters. Among the 37 A. flavus strains isolated, six were non-aflatoxigenic when analysed through cultural, TLC and ic-ELISA. Seed treatment with biocontrol agents (antagonistic Rhizobacteria and Trichoderma) suppressed the growth of A. flavus under laboratory and significantly enhanced seed quality variables under greenhouse conditions to a various extent. Field trials with selected biocontrol agents showed that talcum powder formulations of Pseudomonas putida Has-1/c, Bacillus spp. 3/a, Trichoderma asperellum M5 and T. asperellum T2 improved seedling emergence, % nutrient accumulation in plants, increased plant biomass and 1000 seed weight. Seeds harvested from treated plants showed significant increase in seed quality variables under laboratory and greenhouse conditions in comparison with control, but there was no significant difference in A. flavus infection and aflatoxin was completely absent in all treatments.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Novel Phosphatidylkojic Acid and Phosphatidylarbutin, and Their Inhibitory Effects on Tyrosinase Activity

Phospholipase D (EC 3.1.4.4) from Streptomyces sp. catalyzed the transfer reaction of the dipalmitoylphosphatidyl residue from l,2-dipalmitoyl-3-sn-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) to both arbutin and kojic acid in a biphasic system, to afford 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-sn-phosphatidylarbutin (DPP-arbutin) and l,2-dipalmitoyl-3-sn-phosphatidylkojic acid (DPP-kojic acid), respectively. The transfer reaction of DPPC was accompanied by hydrolysis to phosphatidic acid, and the ratio was significantly affected with organic solvents used in the biphasic system. DPP-arbutin and DPP-kojic acid showed almost the same inhibitory activity to tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) from mushroom as arbutin and kojic acid, respectively.
Digestibility of Gross Nutrients by Sunshine Bass in Animal By-Products and Commercially Blended Products Used as Fish Meal Replacements

Abstract To more accurately formulate feeds for hybrid striped bass (white bass Morone chrysops × striped bass M. saxatilis), data on the availability of nutrients from feedstuffs are needed to complement information on nutritional requirements. An experiment was conducted to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of protein, lipid, energy, and organic matter for an assortment of commercially available feedstuffs and blended products used as fish meal replacements. The feedstuffs tested were ring-dried blood meal, poultry by-product meal, fish solubles, and four commercially blended fish meal substitutes (PRO-PAK, PRO-PAK 65, Pro-Con 65RDB, and 60FMC). Organic matter ADCs for these products ranged from 47% for 60FMC to 130% for fish solubles, while energy ADCs paralleled these values and ranged from 48% (60FMC) to 114% (fish solubles). Lipid ADCs ranged from 49% for PRO-PAK 65 to 79% for poultry by-product meal, and protein ADCs ranged from 47% for 60FMC to 70% for fish solubles. These v.
Basmati rice: a review

India contributes about one-third of the world acreage under rice. Rice is available in over 5000 varieties, of which Basmati rice occupies a prime position on account of its extra long superfine slender grains, pleasant, exquisite aroma, fine cooking quality, sweet taste, soft texture, length-wise elongation with least breadth-wise swelling on cooking and tenderness of cooked rice. This article reviews the quality and aroma traits of Basmati rice, particularly the varieties grown in different parts of India and Pakistan, the agronomy, breeding and physiology of the grain, the trade scenario, Agmark grade designation for export and the US patent of new hybrid strains of Basmati.
Karyotypic Studies of the Insular Populations of Bats on Puerto Rico

SUMMARYKaryotypes of nine species of Puerto Rican bats are described. In most cases karyotypes of these forms do not vary from their mainland relatives. Possible phylogenetic relationships of Stenoderma, Brachyphylla, Erophylla and Monophyllus are discussed in light of these chromosomal data.
The genetics and evolution of iridescent structural colour in Heliconius butterflies

The study of colouration has been essential in developing key concepts in evolutionary biology. The Heliconius butterflies are well-studied for their diverse aposematic and mimetic colour patterns, and these pigment colour patterns are largely controlled by a small number of homologous genes. Some Heliconius species also produce bright, highly reflective structural colours, but unlike pigment colour, little is known about the genetic basis of structural colouration in any species. In this thesis, I aim to explore the genetic basis of iridescent structural colour in two mimetic species, and investigate its adaptive function. Using experimental crosses between iridescent and non-iridescent subspecies of Heliconius erato and Heliconius melpomene, I show that iridescent colour is a quantitative trait by measuring colour variation in offspring. I then use a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping approach to identify loci controlling the trait in the co-mimics, finding that the genetic basis is not the same in the two species. In H. erato, the colour is strongly sex-linked, while in H. melpomene, we find a large effect locus on chromosome 3, plus a number of putative small effect loci in each species. Therefore, iridescence in Heliconius is not an example of repeated gene reuse. I then show that both iridescent colour and pigment colour are sexually dimorphic in H. erato and H. sara, pointing to differing selection pressures on the sexes. Structural colour, and to a lesser extent pigment colour, are condition dependent, suggesting the trait could be used as a signal of condition in mate choice. Together this work provides an understanding of the evolution of structural colour in Heliconius, in terms of its genetic control and its function as a signal and mimetic warning pattern.
Low input approaches for soil fertility management in semiarid eastern Uganda

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important food crop of semiarid sub-Saharan Africa. Crop yields are generally low, partly due to low soil fertility. Research was conducted with farmers to evaluate, soil fertility management practices in sorghum-based cropping systems including: mucuna [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. ] fallow; cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ] rotation with sorghum; animal manure application; N and P fertilizer application; and reduced tillage. Four studies, comprised of 142 on-farm trials, were conducted at three locations over 3 yr in drought-prone parts of eastern Uganda. Mucuna on average produced 7 Mg ha -1 of aboveground dry matter containing 160 kg N ha -1 across the three locations. Application of 2.5 Mg ha -1 of manure and of 30 kg N plus 10 kg P ha -1 increased grain yield by 1.05 and 1.30 Mg ha -1 , respectively. A combination of 2.5 Mg ha -1 manure with 30 kg N ha -1 increased grain yield by 1.50 Mg ha -1 above the control (1.1 Mg ha -1 ). The increase in sorghum grain yield in response to 30 kg N ha -1 alone, to a mucuna fallow, and to a rotation with cowpea was 1.15, 1.55, and 0.82 Mg ha -1 , respectively. These soil fertility management practices, as well as reduced tillage, were found to be cost effective in increasing sorghum yield in the predominantly smallholder agriculture where inorganic fertilizer was not used much. On-farm profitability and food security for sorghum production systems can be improved by use of inorganic fertilizers, manure, mucuna fallow, sorghum-cowpea rotation, and reduced tillage.
Developing Baltic cod recruitment models. II. Incorporation of environmental variability and species interaction

We investigate whether a process-oriented approach based on the results of field, laboratory, and modelling studies can be used to develop a stock-environment-recruitment model for Central Baltic cod (Gadus morhua). Based on exploratory statistical analysis, significant variables influencing survival of early life stages and varying systemati - cally among spawning sites were incorporated into stock-recruitment models, first for major cod spawning sites and then combined for the entire Central Baltic. Variables identified included potential egg production by the spawning stock, abiotic conditions affecting survival of eggs, predation by clupeids on eggs, larval transport, and cannibalism. Results showed that recruitment in the most important spawning area, the Bornholm Basin, during 1976-1995 was related to egg production; however, other factors affecting survival of the eggs (oxygen conditions, predation) were also significant and when incorporated explained 69% of the variation in 0-group recruitment. In other spawning areas, variable hydrographic conditions did not allow for regular successful egg development. Hence, relatively simple models proved sufficient to predict recruitment of 0-group cod in these areas, suggesting that key biotic and abiotic processes can be successfully incorporated into recruitment models. Resume : Nous cherchons a savoir si une approche axee sur les processus et basee sur des etudes de terrain, de labo- ratoire et de modelisation peut servir a developper un modele stock-milieu-recrutement pour la morue franche (Gadus morhua) de la Baltique centrale. A la suite d'une analyse statistique exploratoire, des variables significatives qui in- fluencaient la survie des premiers stades et qui variaient systematiquement d'une site de fraie a un autre ont ete incor- porees dans des modeles de stock-recrutement, d'abord pour les sites de fraie les plus importants et ensuite combines pour toute la Baltique centrale. Les variables identifiees comprennent la production potentielle d'oeufs par le stock de geniteurs, les conditions abiotiques qui affectent la survie des oeufs, la predation des oeufs par les clupeides, le trans- port des larves et le cannibalisme. Les resultats indiquent que le recrutement durant la periode 1976 a 1995 au site de fraie le plus important, le bassin de Bornholm, etait en relation avec la production d'oeufs; cependant, d'autres facteurs significatifs affectaient la survie des oeufs (oxygenation, predation) et, une fois incorpores, ils expliquaient 69% de la variation dans le recrutement du groupe 0. A d'autres sites de fraie, les conditions hydrographiques variables ne per - mettaient pas un developpement normal et reussi des oeufs. Ainsi, des modeles relativement simples se sont averes adequats pour predire le recrutement des morues du groupe 0 dans ces sites, ce qui laisse croire que des processus do- minants abiotiques et biotiques peuvent etre incorpores avec succes dans les modeles de recrutement. (Traduit par la Redaction) Koster et al. 1556
Estrogen Receptor (α and β) Expression in the Excurrent Ducts of the Adult Male Rat Reproductive Tract

ABSTRACT: The understanding of estrogen's function in the male reproductive tract is limited, and estrogen receptor (ER) localization in the reproductive tract of the adult male rat has not been described. In the present study, ERα was localized by immunohistochemistry using ER21 antibody, which recognizes only ERα. Strongest immunoreactivity was seen in epithelia of ductuli efferentes and the initial segment of the epididymis. Nuclei of both ciliated and nonciliated cells were positive. The epithelium of the rete testis, and caput, corpus, and cauda epididymides stained less intensely for ERα. The vas deferens epithelium was ERα‐negative. Stromal tissue in the excurrent ducts was also ERα‐positive. Using 3H‐estradiol autoradiography, specific binding of estradiol was seen in nuclei of ductuli efferentes. Estrogen receptor α mRNA expression was greatly enhanced in ductuli efferentes compared to other regions of the male tract and was 3.5x greater than in the uterus. For comparison, the presence of ERβ was determined using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) amplification. Estrogen receptor β mRNA was expressed throughout the male tract and in the prostate. These results indicate that all organs in the male excurrent ductal system of the rat express ERα and are potential targets of estrogen. However, the ductuli efferentes are the site of the most intense ERα expression. The role of ERβ remains to be determined, but its expression appears ubiguitous in the male tract.
Automação de classificador SVM para aplicação em projetos de consultoria de gestão

This work proposed the creation of a prototype tool to assist the consultants of a business management consultancy in the best understanding of the problem of its clients as well as in the decision making and propositions of solutions. This was done by automating the data mining process, which can be accomplished with little need for user interaction. The tool design was based on concepts and studies of available tools for automated machine learning supported by a wide bibliographic review. From the studies, it was possible to structure the logic of the tool and its functionalities. This logic is based on some of the steps of CRISP-DM, including data understanding, data preparation, modeling and evaluation. The tool applicability validation was done using public databases. The results show that with the use of the tool, even with little knowledge of data mining, it is possible to construct consistent models.