Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Historical Ecology of Game Species Introductions in Hawai‘i1

Abstract: The historical ecology of an area can be best understood from a biocultural perspective in which human social systems and ecosystems are interrelated and interdependent. We utilized such a perspective to investigate the effects of socioeconomic, political, and cultural viewpoints on the intentional introduction of at least 91 game species to Hawai‘i over the past 230 years. Historical records of game species introductions and inter-island translocations were described in relation to historical events since European contact (1778). Changes in public opinion toward game shifted according to the prevailing cultural climate of the time, corresponding with historical periods that can be demarcated by five major political events: European contact (1778), the Kingdom of Hawai‘i (1819), the Territory of Hawai‘i (1898), the end of World War II (1945), and the Endangered Species Act (1973). In Hawai‘i, environmental management approaches have been integrated with changing cultural values, and the resultant game management policies have reflected shifting views of game species from valuable food sources to recreational sport to ecological nuisance. Such recognition of the interrelationship between politics, economics, and ecosystems allows us to better utilize past lessons to bring about future change by encouraging resource managers to consider cultural factors when formulating effective present and future ecological management goals.
How Important Is Coastal Tourism for Island Nations? An Assessment of African and Indian Ocean Islands

ABSTRACT Brett, M.R. , 2021. How important is coastal tourism for island nations? An assessment of African and Indian Ocean islands. Journal of Coastal Research, 37(3), 568–575. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Coastal tourism is an important component of the global tourism industry, particularly for island nations where the tourism sector often exceeds 40% of gross domestic product. For African island and Indian Ocean island nations, the tourism sector's economic contribution has not received as much attention. This paper analyses the economic contribution of tourism to the economies of African island nations and analyzes tourism statistics from the World Travel and Tourism Council annual reports. Tourism is a major economic factor for the island nations and is concentrated in the coastal zone. The data indicates that islands with larger and more diversified economies performed better in terms of tourism receipts than did islands with less developed economies. The results show that the average per capita income on the islands is more than six-fold greater than the average for the African continent. To test the importance of the coastal zone, tourist infrastructure was mapped on two African island nations, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Given the predominance of tourist infrastructure in the coastal zone, and the importance of tourism to the economies of many of the African island nations, a rise in sea-level even of 0.5 to 1 meters poses a serious threat to the existence of these island nations.
How Flexible are we in Regulating our Emotions? A Discussion on Current Conceptual Frameworks of Emotion Regulation Flexibility, Requirements for Future Research and Potential Practical Implications

Abstract Are we flexible in using different strategies to regulate our emotions during our daily functioning? What are the personal and situational mechanisms accounting for this complex set of emotion regulation (ER) processes? And to what extent different forms of ER flexibility are adaptive? Current empirical evidence challenges a static view of ER strategies as inherently adaptive or maladaptive. This has led contemporary accounts to consider the variation in use of ER strategies across time depending on the complex interplay of personal characteristics, specific situational demands, and motivational goals. However, despite the relevance of these new approaches and their obvious theoretical and practical implications, the study of ER flexibility is a relatively young research field, still lacking common integrative views. In this paper, I briefly discuss the shared and unique components across different theoretical frameworks of ER flexibility and make recommendations for future research to advance the understanding of this crucial phenomenon. I identify specific questions that may be contrasted through programmatic research lines and propose that the integration of cognitive mechanisms known to affect ER may help to advance the science of ER flexibility. I also enumerate a series of methodological approaches that can be used to tests proposed models of ER flexibility. Finally, I highlight potential practical implications that can be derived from these new research programs in order to improve interventions aimed at promoting adaptive ER flexibility and adaptive functioning.
Degeneracy of turbulent states in two-dimensional channel flow

Abstract We revisit two-dimensional channel flow with fixed volume flux for Reynolds numbers $Re\in [7000,72\,000]$ via direct numerical simulations and uncover a region of multistability of turbulent states. New asymmetric states (based on comparing the time-averaged mean shear on each of the channel walls) exist for at least $32\,000\,h/U$ when $Re \in [21\,000, 42\,000]$ alongside the known symmetric solution ($2h$ is the channel height and $U$ is the mean flow rate). Both the symmetric and asymmetric states resemble a travelling wave even at $Re$ an order of magnitude above the primary bifurcation at $Re=5772$ with the asymmetric state showing heightened turbulent behaviour near one of the channel walls. These asymmetric states display up to $22\,\%$ reduction in pressure gradient compared with their symmetric counterparts. The saddle state between the two apparent attractors is shown to be the travelling wave solution which originates from the primary bifurcation. By $Re=43\,000$, the symmetric solution has become unstable leaving only the asymmetric state and its reflected counterpart as attractors until at least $Re=46\,875$. At $Re=60\,000$, the pair of asymmetric states become connected so that the ‘turbulent’ wall switches apparently randomly and infrequently. In this way, the symmetry of the flow is then restored but only after averaging over extremely long times ($\gg 10^5 h/U$).
Role of coronary artery calcium score in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Abstract First developed in 1990, the Agatston coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is an international guideline-endorsed decision aid for further risk assessment and personalized management in the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This review discusses key international studies that have informed this 30 year journey, from an initial coronary plaque screening paradigm to its current role informing personalized shared decision making. Special attention is paid to the prognostic value of a CAC score of zero (the so called “power of zero”), which, in a context of low estimated risk thresholds for the consideration of preventive therapy with statins in current guidelines, may be used to de-risk individuals and thereby inform the safe delay or avoidance of certain preventive therapies. We also evaluate current recommendations for CAC scoring in clinical practice guidelines around the world, and past and prevailing barriers for its use in routine patient care. Finally, we discuss emerging approaches in this field, with a focus on the potential role of CAC informing not only the personalized allocation of statins and aspirin in the general population, but also of other risk-reduction therapies in special populations, such as individuals with diabetes and people with severe hypercholesterolemia.
Quetiapine for primary insomnia: Consider the risks

The second-generation antipsychotic drug quetiapine (Seroquel) is increasingly being used off-label for treating insomnia in the general population, possibly to avoid standard medications with known addictive qualities and adverse side effects. However, evidence to support using it in this way is scant, and quetiapine is associated with weight gain and other metabolic effects. It must be used cautiously and with appropriate monitoring for adverse effects and abuse. Its cardiometabolic effects and potential for abuse warrant caution in off-label use.
Repurposing Domperidone in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Objective To assess whether treatment with the generic drug domperidone can reduce the progression of disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), we conducted a phase 2 futility trial following the Simon 2-stage design. Methods We enrolled patients in an open-label, Simon 2-stage, single-center, phase 2, single-arm futility trial at the Calgary Multiple Sclerosis Clinic if they met the following criteria: age of 18 to 60 years, SPMS, screening Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 4.0 to 6.5, and screening timed 25-ft walk (T25FW) of ≥9 seconds. Patients received domperidone 10 mg 4 times daily for 1 year. The primary outcome was worsening of disability, defined as worsening of the T25FW performance by ≥20% at 12 months compared to baseline. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02308137). Results Between February 13, 2015, and January 3, 2020, 110 patients were screened, 81 received treatment, and 64 completed follow-up, of whom 62 were analyzed. The study did not meet its primary endpoint: 22 of 62 (35%) patients experienced significant worsening of disability, which is close to the expected proportion of 40% and above the predefined futility threshold. Patients with higher prolactin levels during the study had a significantly lower risk of disability progression, which may warrant further investigation. Domperidone treatment was reasonably well tolerated, but adverse events occurred in 84% and serious adverse events in 15% of patients. Conclusions Domperidone treatment could not reject futility in reducing disability progression in SPMS. The Simon 2-stage trial model may be a useful model for phase 2 studies in progressive MS. Trial Registration Information ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02308137. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class III evidence that in individuals with SPMS participating in a futility trial, domperidone treatment could not reject futility in reducing disability progression at 12 months.
Zellfreie Synthese von schwer herstellbaren Proteinen

Die zellfreie Proteinsynthese ermoglicht es auf eine alternative Weise in vitro Proteine herzustellen, die in den traditionellen in vivo Expressionssystemen, wie E. coli, Hefe oder Xenopus Oozyten eher schwierig zu produzieren sind. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde daraufhin eine Faltungskontrolle entwickelt, bei der mithilfe der Fluoreszenz eines C-Terminal fusionierten GFP (grun fluoreszierendes Protein) auf die richtige Faltung des Proteins geschlossen werden kann. Hierzu wurden verschiedene Membranproteine unterschiedlichen Ursprungs in einem E. coli basierten, zellfreien System mit dem Zusatz von Detergenzien hergestellt und teilweise funktionell getestet. So konnte der Influenza A M2 Protonenkanal zellfrei hergestellt, in Liposomen rekonstituiert und anschliesend elektrophysiologisch getestet werden. Ebenso lies sich das humane intrazellulare Membranprotein Aquaporin 11 (AQP11) zellfrei und in der sozialen Amobe Dictyostelium discoideum herstellen, was zuvor nicht in E. coli, Hefe oder Xenopus Oozyten gelang. Zusatzlich konnte in beiden Systemen mittels Stopped Flow Messungen eine sieben- bis achtfach hohere Wasserleitfahigkeit als in den Negativkontrollen ohne AQP11 gezeigt werden. Das Membranprotein PfFNT, ein Formiat-Nitrit Transporter aus dem parasitaren Malariaerreger Plasmodium falciparum konnte ebenfalls zellfrei hergestellt werden. Allerdings war es hier notig die sehr Adenin+Thymin (A+T) reiche DNA-Sequenz dem A+T Gehalt und der Codonhaufigkeit des E. coli Genoms anzupassen. Dann war es moglich das PfFNT in groseren Mengen herzustellen, so dass erste Kristallisationsversuche durchgefuhrt werden konnten. Diese fuhrten aber vorerst zu keinem Erfolg. Des Weiteren konnte das losliche Protein Amoebapore A aus dem Parasiten Entamoeba histolytica zellfrei hergestellt werden. Hier war es zuvor nicht moglich das Protein aufgrund seiner Toxizitat heterolog in E. coli Zellen zu exprimieren. Mit der zellfreien Proteinherstellung lassen sich also auch schwierige Proteine schnell herstellen. Es lassen sich innerhalb von zwei Tagen aus 1 ml Ansatz um die 2,3 mg Protein herstellen und soweit reinigen, dass sie fur die Funktionstestung verwendet werden konnen.
Development and application of a rapid micro-scale method of lignin content determination in Arabidopsis thaliana accessions

Lignin is a major chemical component of plants and the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose. The concerns and interests of agriculture and industry have stimulated the study of genes governing lignin content in plants in an effort to adapt plants to human purposes. Arabidopsis thaliana provides a convenient model for the study of the genes governing lignin content because of its short growth cycle, small plant size, and small completely sequenced genome. In order to identify the genes controlling lignin content in Arabidopsis accessions using Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis, a rapid micro-scale method of lignin determination is required. The acetyl bromide method has been modified to enable the rapid micro-scale determination of lignin content in Arabidopsis. Modifications included the use of a micro-ball mill, adoption of a modified rapid method of extraction, use of an ice-bath to stabilize solutions and reduction in solution volumes. The modified method was shown to be accurate and precise with values in agreement with those determined by the conventional method. The extinction coefficient for Arabidopsis lignin, dissolved using acetyl bromide, was determined to be 23.35 g-iLcm-1. This value is independent of the Arabidopsis accession, environmental growth conditions and is insensitive to syringyl/guaiacyl ratio. The modified acetyl bromide method was shown to be well correlated with the 72% sulfuric acid method once the latter had been corrected for protein contamination and acid-soluble lignin content (R² = 0.988, P < 0.0001). As determined by the newly developed acetyl bromide method and confirmed by the sulfuric acid method, lignin content in Arabidopsis was found to be a divergent property. Lignin content in Arabidopsis was found to be weekly correlated with growth rate among Arabidopsis accessions (R² = 0.48, P = 0.011). Lignin content was also found to be correlated with plant height among Arabidopsis accessions (R² = 0.491, P < 0.0001).
A novel system architecture and an automatic monitoring method for remote production

Remote production is an emerging concept concerning the outside-broadcasting workflow enabled by Internet Protocol (IP)-based production systems, and it is expected to be much more efficient than the conventional workflow. However, long-distance transmission of uncompressed video signals and time synchronization of distributed IP-video devices are challenging. A system architecture for remote production using optical transponders (capable of long-distance and large-capacity optical communication) is proposed. A field experiment confirmed that uncompressed video signals can be transmitted successfully by this architecture. The status monitoring of uncompressed video transmission in remote production is also challenging. To address the challenge, a method for automatically monitoring the status of IP-video devices is also proposed. The monitoring system was implemented by using whitebox transponders, and it was confirmed that the system can automatically register IP-video devices, generate an IP-video flow model, and detect traffic anomalies.
Unsupervised learning of co-occurrences for face images retrieval

Despite a huge leap in performance of face recognition systems in recent years, some cases remain challenging for them while being trivial for humans. This is because a human brain is exploiting much more information than the face appearance to identify a person. In this work, we aim at capturing the social context of unlabeled observed faces in order to improve face retrieval. In particular, we propose a framework that substantially improves face retrieval by exploiting the faces occurring simultaneously in a query's context to infer a multi-dimensional social context descriptor. Combining this compact structural descriptor with the individual visual face features in a common feature vector considerably increases the correct face retrieval rate and allows to disambiguate a large proportion of query results of different persons that are barely distinguishable visually. To evaluate our framework, we also introduce a new large dataset of faces of French TV personalities organised in TV shows in order to capture the co-occurrence relations between people. On this dataset, our framework is able to improve the mean Average Precision over a set of internal queries from 67.93% (using only facial features extracted with a state-of-the-art pre-trained model) to 78.16% (using both facial features and faces co-occurrences), and from 67.88% to 77.36% over a set of external queries.
WFN-PSC: weighted-fusion network with poly-scale convolution for image dehazing

Image dehazing is a fundamental task for the computer vision and multimedia and usually in the face of the challenge from two aspects, i) the uneven distribution of arbitrary haze and ii) the distortion of image pixels caused by the hazed image. In this paper, we propose an end-to-end trainable framework, named Weighted-Fusion Network with Poly-Scale Convolution (WFN-PSC), to address these dehazing issues. The proposed method is designed based on the Poly-Scale Convolution (PSConv). It can extract the image feature from different scales without upsampling and downsampled, which avoids the image distortion. Beyond this, we design the spatial and channel weighted-fusion modules to make the WFN-PSC model focus on the hard dehazing parts of image from two dimensions. Specifically, we design three Part Architectures followed by the channel weighted-fusion module. Each Part Architecture consists of three PSConv residual blocks and a spatial weighted-fusion module. The experiments on the benchmark demonstrate the dehazing effectiveness of the proposed method. Furthermore, considering that image dehazing is a low-level task in the computer vision, we evaluate the dehazed image on the object detection task and the results show that the proposed method can be a good pre-processing to assist the high-level computer vision task.
Predicting Influential Users in Online Social Network Groups

The widespread adoption of Online Social Networks (OSNs), the ever-increasing amount of information produced by their users, and the corresponding capacity to influence markets, politics, and society, have led both industrial and academic researchers to focus on how such systems could be influenced. While previous work has mainly focused on measuring current influential users, contents, or pages on the overall OSNs, the problem of predicting influencers in OSNs has remained relatively unexplored from a research perspective. Indeed, one of the main characteristics of OSNs is the ability of users to create different groups types, as well as to join groups defined by other users, in order to share information and opinions. In this article, we formulate the Influencers Prediction problem in the context of groups created in OSNs, and we define a general framework and an effective methodology to predict which users will be able to influence the behavior of the other ones in a future time period, based on historical interactions that occurred within the group. Our contribution, while rooted in solid rationale and established analytical tools, is also supported by an extensive experimental campaign. We investigate the accuracy of the predictions collecting data concerning the interactions among about 800,000 users from 18 Facebook groups belonging to different categories (i.e., News, Education, Sport, Entertainment, and Work). The achieved results show the quality and viability of our approach. For instance, we are able to predict, on average, for each group, around a third of what an ex-post analysis will show being the 10 most influential members of that group. While our contribution is interesting on its own and—to the best of our knowledge—unique, it is worth noticing that it also paves the way for further research in this field.
An Improved KNN-Based Efficient Log Anomaly Detection Method with Automatically Labeled Samples

Logs that record system abnormal states (anomaly logs) can be regarded as outliers, and the k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) algorithm has relatively high accuracy in outlier detection methods. Therefore, we use the kNN algorithm to detect anomalies in the log data. However, there are some problems when using the kNN algorithm to detect anomalies, three of which are: excessive vector dimension leads to inefficient kNN algorithm, unlabeled log data cannot support the kNN algorithm, and the imbalance of the number of log data distorts the classification decision of kNN algorithm. In order to solve these three problems, we propose an efficient log anomaly detection method based on an improved kNN algorithm with an automatically labeled sample set. This method first proposes a log parsing method based on N-gram and frequent pattern mining (FPM) method, which reduces the dimension of the log vector converted with Term frequency.Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) technology. Then we use clustering and self-training method to get labeled log data sample set from historical logs automatically. Finally, we improve the kNN algorithm using average weighting technology, which improves the accuracy of the kNN algorithm on unbalanced samples. The method in this article is validated on six log datasets with different types.
From post-conditions to post-region invariants: deductive verification of hybrid objects

We introduce a new system for object-oriented distributed hybrid systems to verify object invariants and method contracts. In a hybrid setting, the object invariant must not only be the post-condition of a method, but also has to hold in the post-region of a method, because the state of the object evolves according to continuous dynamics. The post-region describes all reachable states after method termination before another process runs. This set can be approximated using lightweight analysis of the class structure. The system naturally generalizes rely-guarantee reasoning of discrete object-oriented languages to hybrid systems and carries over its compositionality to hybrid systems: only one dL-proof obligation is generated per method. By reasoning about the minimal size of the post-region, local Zeno behavior can also be analyzed. Our approach is implemented for the Hybrid Active Object language HABS.