Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hillslope Topography Mediates Spatial Patterns of Ecosystem Sensitivity to Climate

Understanding how hillslope topography modulates ecosystem dynamics across topoclimatic gradients is critical for predicting future climate change impacts on vegetation function. We examined the influence of hillslope topography on ecosystem productivity, structure, and photosynthetic activity across a range of water and energy availability using three independent methods in a forested watershed (Montana, USA): 308 tree cores; light detection and ranging quantification of stem density, basal area, foliar biomass, and total biomass; and the enhanced vegetation index (EVI; 1984–2012). Multiple linear regression analysis across three conifer species revealed significant increases in measured basal area increment growth rates (from 56 to 2,058 mm2/yr) with increasing values of the topographic wetness index and decreases in the climatic water deficit. At the watershed scale, we observed strong gradients in total biomass (e.g., 52 to 75 Mg/ha), which increased from ridgelines to convergent hollows. The most predominant topographic organization of forest biomass occurred along locations of climatically driven water limitations. Similarly, an analysis of growing season EVI indicated enhanced photosynthetic activity and a prolonged growing season in convergent hillslope positions. Collectively, these analyses confirm that within water‐limited landscapes, meter‐scale differences in topographic position can mediate the effects of the local energy balance and contribute to large differences in local hydrometeorological processes that are a necessary consideration for quantifying spatial patterns of ecosystem productivity. Further, they suggest that local topography and its topology with regional climate may become increasingly important for understanding spatial patterns of ecosystem productivity, mortality, and resilience as regional climates become more arid.
Mesh Segmentation Based on Local Geometric Properties

Summary In this paper, we present a new method of mesh segmentation based on the local geometric properties such as edge curvature and neighborhood representation. First of all, we review the concept of vertex curvature and convex combination with respect to neighborhood vertices. We propose usable measures to analyze the local shape of a triangular mesh such as vertex normal vector, edge curvature, and face curvature. They play an important role of mesh segmentation.
Dynamical Systems : Ergodic Theory , Probabilistic Methods and Applications

Ergodic theory as a mathematical discipline refers to the analysis of asymptotic or long-range behaviour of a dynamical system (a map or flow on a state space, or more generally a group or semigroup action on a state space) using probabilistic methods. The word ‘ergodic’ used in this context dates back to the origins of the field in statistical mechanics by reference to the ergodic hypothesis (that time averages of observables along orbits be deemed equal space averages) and to the celebrated ergodic theorems of Birkhoff and von Neumann describing conditions under which this property holds. It is a close cousin to topological dynamics, the study of continuous actions on a topological space, and to smooth dynamics, the study of differentiable actions on smooth manifolds. Because of this, it has become quite common in recent years to use the term measurable dynamics in place of ‘ergodic theory. ’ There is a rich and productive synergy between the three fields since many interesting examples can be approached through any one, or more typically, a combination of these paradigms. In the case of ergodic theory a key object is an invariant or stationary measure against which observables are integrated to obtain the system statistics and asymptotic behaviour. Determining the properties of such measures is key step for many problems in the field. Open dynamical systems is currently an active subbranch of dynamical systems research. The difference between an open system and a more traditional ‘closed’ dynamical system is very simple. In a closed dynamical system, the map (or a flow) maintains its image in the state space for all time, whereas in an open system, orbits may eventually escape from the state space, typically by falling into a ‘hole in the space. An everyday example is the dynamics of a billiard ball on a table with a pocket (the hole). Other mechanisms for terminating orbits, for example, diffusion through a boundary or similar stochastic perturbations from a closed system are studied within the broad classification of open dynamics. The notion of an open dynamical system, and for the moment we focus specifically a map with a hole, was introduced by Pianigiani and Yorke in 1979: [12]. In a series of papers from the 1990s, Collet, Martinez and collaborators developed the framework for a general theory applicable to the case of uniformly hyperbolic Markov maps with a hole. They proved existence, and studied ergodic properties of, the associated conditionally invariant measure, the so-called Yorke-Pianigiani measure (the natural analogue of an invariant measure for a closed system). A representative paper from this corpus would be: Collet, Martinez and Schmitt (1994): [4]. Only slightly later, Chernov, Markarian and collaborators extended the framework to cover a wide range of natural hyperbolic settings in, for example: Chernov, Markarian, and Troubetzkoy (1998): [3]. During this decade, a further extension to include maps that are non-uniformly or weakly hyperbolic has been undertaken
Making More Terrestrial Planets

The results of 16 new 3D N-body simulations of the final stage of the formation of the terrestrial planets are presented. These Nbody integrations begin with 150‐160 lunar-to-Mars size planetary embryos, with semi-major axes 0.3< a < 2.0 AU, and include perturbations from Jupiter and Saturn. Two initial mass distributions are examined: approximately uniform masses, and a bimodal distribution with a few large and many small bodies. In most of the integrations, systems of three or four terrestrial planets form within about 200 million years. These planets have orbital separations similar to the terrestrial planets, and the largest body contains 1=3‐2=3 of the surviving mass. The final planets typically have larger eccentricities, e, and inclinations, i than the time-averaged values for Earth and Venus. However, the values of e and i are lower than in earlier N-body integrations which started with fewer embryos. The spin axes of the planets have approximately random orientations, unlike the terrestrial planets, and the high degree of mass concentration in the region occupied by Earth and Venus is not reproduced in any of the simulations. The principal effect of using an initially bimodal mass distribution is to increase the final number of planets. Each simulation ends with an object that is an approximate analogue of Earth in terms of mass and heliocentric distance. These Earth analogues reach 50% (90%) of their final mass with a median time of 20 (50) million years, and they typically accrete some material from all portions of the disk. c ∞ 2001 Academic Press
ARe-SQL: An Online, Automatic and Non-Intrusive Approach for Rewriting SQL Queries

Database applications have become very complex, dealing with a huge volume of data and database objects. Concurrently, low query response time and high transaction throughput have emerged as mandatory requirements. Among other possible interventions regarding database performance, SQL query rewriting has been shown efficient. The idea is to rewrite a new SQL statement equivalent to the statement initially formulated, where the new SQL statement provides performance gains w.r. t. query response time. In this article, we propose an online, automatic and non-intrusive approach for rewriting SQL queries, denoted ARe-SQL. ARe-SQL rewrites SQL statements, using a set of 11 heuristics. Based on ARe-SQL, two different strategies for SQL-query rewriting, denoted assisted and automatic, were implemented. These strategies were evaluated in three different DBMSs considering three distinct scenarios. The results indicate that both strategies can provide performance gains, which, in some cases, reach 92.5%.
Energy Management that Generates Hopping. Comparison of Virtual, Robotic and Human Bouncing.

To get insight into the energy management applied in human hopping, the Marco hopper robot is used to verify different concepts of energy supply. In "constant energy supply", in each jump -regardless of perturbations- the same amount of mechanical energy is injected, whereas the limitation of hopping height is left to energy dissipation. This induces continuous and robust "terrain following hopping". It is an example of exploitive actuation, which does not rely on feedforward or negative feedback control schemes. In contrast, in "lost energy supply" the mechanical energy that is going to be dissipated in the current cycle is assessed and replaced. This is expected to lead to "apex preserving hopping", which characterizes the hopping behavior of the spring- loaded inverse pendulum (SLIP). In reality, however, stability seems not achievable by this method. To check, which of the envisaged types of bouncing actuation is nearest to human hopping, we propose to follow the "test trilogy", that is to say, to apply simulation tests, hardware tests and behavioral comparison tests.
Isolation and characterization of Lactobacillus plantarum BLS29 as a potential probiotic starter culture for pork sausage production

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from naturally fermented pork sausages and test them for use as a probiotic starter culture in the production of fermented sausages. LAB (n=26) were isolated from natural fermented pork sausages. Isolates were identified using 16S rDNA or Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region sequencing. After that, strains were characterized based on technological, functional and safety proprieties. A LAB strain was chosen and its survival was tested in simulated gastric juice and intestinal juice. Results indicate that Lactobacillus plantarum (n=15) was the predominant species in fermented sausage, followed by Enterococcus faecium (n=8), Lactobacillus brevis (n=1), Enterococcus durans (n=1) and Enterococcus hirae (n=1). L. plantarum BLS29 strain was selected because it was not able to produce CO2 and was able to multiply at temperatures ranging from 15 to 37°C, usually practiced during the sausage cure process. BLS29 showed better growth capacity than other isolated LABs when exposed to curing salts, and also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. According to our findings, BLS29 can be a promising strain to be used as a probiotic starter culture for the production of fermented pork sausage. Key words: Probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum, fermented pork sausage.
The Metabolism of Socioecological Fixes: Capital Switching, Spatial Fixes, and the Production of Nature

In this article, and the companion piece that follows, we develop an account of the socioecological fix. Our concern is to explore the ways in which crises of capitalist overaccumulation might be displaced through spatial fixes that result in the production of nature. We review Harvey's theory of the spatial fix, with emphasis on his model of capital switching, noting that the socioecological implications of the diversion of fixed capital into the built environment have been insufficiently developed by Harvey and others. We invoke Smith's writings on the production of nature to help fill this lacuna but note that Smith did not discuss the spatial fix vis-à-vis the production of nature explicitly. Moreover, neither Harvey nor Smith emphasized the role of political struggle and contestation as internal to the formation of spatial fixes and the production of nature, respectively. We draw on O'Connor's theory of ecological contradiction along with Katz and other feminist political economists who emphasized the systemic tension between the reproduction of capitalism and social reproduction more broadly, including as this pertains to the production and possible “underproduction” of nature. Our overall project is to develop an account of the socioecological fix as a way of linking capitalist crises, capital switching, and fixed capital formation with socioenvironmental transformations. Although we argue that any spatial fix has socioecological dimensions, we contend that making these connections explicit and rigorous is crucial at the current conjuncture.
“MATERIALISTIC” ACCOUNTANT INTERPRETATION IN EARNINGS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

The background of this study the phenomenon of earnings management practices often does companies that resulted in losses for the stakeholders and degrade the quality of financial reporting information. Therefore, this study aims to interpret the behavior of accountants in earnings management practices. The approach taken is hermeneutic interpretive. Hermeneutic approach undertaken by the authors based on the curiosity of the author of the views and understanding of accountants and businessmen related to earnings management practices. The views and comments of the accountant may be the interpretation which would have a meaning according to their worldview. As a result, earnings management commentary in the practice of accountants in the study found: 1) Accountants have always considered that the accounting figures are mirrored the progress of the company; 2) Profit Management don'ts home still in the corridor accounting policy rather than to meet the interests unilaterally; 3) The tendency of managers does materialistic behavior in earnings management practices.
Rezente Vergletscherungen in zentraliranischen Hochgebirgen

Abstract. Am Beispiel des Zardeh-Kuh Massivs (4200 m) und des Shir-Kuh Massivs (4070 m) wird die heutige Vergletscherung zentraliranischer Hochgebirge untersucht. In beiden Gebirgsmassiven herrschen vergleichbare klimatische Bedingungen: kalte/feuchte Winter und heise/ trockene Sommer. Der Zardeh-Kuh auf der Luvseite der Zagros-Ketten erhalt jedoch eine etwa viermal hohere Niederschlagsmenge (uberwiegend Schnee), als der Shir-Kuh auf der trockenen Leeseite. Dadurch ergibt sich ein charakteristischer steiler Anstieg der rezenten Schneegrenze quer uber die Zagros-Ketten von West nach Ost von 4000–4100 m auf 4600–4700 m (Bobek 1937). Als Folge der hoheren Niederschlage haben sich im Zardeh-Kuh Massiv mehrere kleine Wandfusgletscher sowie zahlreiche Firnflecken entwickelt, wahrend sich im Shir-Kuh Massiv in vergleichbarer Hohe nur perennierende Firnflecken an einer einzigen Stelle halten konnen. Diese Firnflek-ken jedoch, wie auch ein neu entdeckter perennierender Firnfleck im Zardeh-Kuh Massiv in nur 2300 m Hohe, geben zu der Vermutung Anlas, das die rezente Schneegrenze etwa 200 m unter der von Bobek (1937) und Schweizer (1972) angegebenen Hohe verlauft. Darauf deutet auch das Verhalten des grosen Firnflecks im Zardeh-Kuh Massiv in 2300 m Hohe hin, der auf Luftbildern von 1955 noch nicht ausgebildet ist. Seither hat sich hier die Schneegrenze offenbar spurbar abgesenkt.
The Sexually Abused Man’s Relationship with his Physician

Background: One in six men are survivors of childhood sexual abuse. There is mounting evidence that childhood sexual abuse can lead to greater susceptibility to lifelong physical and mental health problems. Methods: Consenting male patients were identified as having a history of sexual abuse while attempting to resolve medical issues involving oral, anal or genital care, and consulting with a urologist, a dentist or a gastroenterologist. Results: Childhood maltreatment poses a substantial risk for long-term health. The results show that nonabusive relationships with a healthcare provider fosters mutual trust and promotes long-term health success by allowing a survivor to feel taken care of in an adult relationship with his physician, based on that trust. Conclusion: Healthcare providers must learn to identify survivors of childhood sexual abuse, because most survivors will not divulge this information readily. Once a history of abuse has been established, it is imperative for physicians to alter their clinical practice to accommodate survivors so their patients feel safe, empowered, and heard.
Detection of periods for T Tauri stars.

We present the results of monitoring of a sample of T Tauri stars. The method of differential CCD photometry was applied. The observations span a range of ten days and show that eleven out of twelve sources varied during this time interval. These variations are correlated in all bands. Periods were detected (confidence level 99.99%) for eight out of eleven variable stars; one additional period was found at the 99.9% confidence level. Of those, one (BP Tau) agrees with previously published periods; two, GM Aur and IQ Tau, do not; six are new detections of periodicities. The sample is drawn from the Taurus-Auriga and Cepheus IV star-forming regions.
Roles of integrins in fibronectin matrix assembly

Fibronectin (Fn) matrix assembly is a dynamic cellular process in which the soluble dimeric Fn molecules are assembled into insoluble, disulfide bond stabilized fibrillar polymeric matrix. Fn matrix assembly requires specific Fn binding integrins. Several Fn binding integrins that are capable of mediating Fn matrix assembly have been identified. They include a5B1, aIIbB3 and ctvB3 integrins. Cells regulate the matrix assembly process not only by controlling cell surface expression leve1 of the Fn binding integrins but also by modulating Fn binding and cytoskeleton binding activities of the integrins. A major challenge of future studies is to delineate the signal transduction pathway that regulates Fn matrix assembly.
Development, growth, and yolk utilization of hatchery-reared red snapper Lutjanus campechanus larvae

The development of yolk-sac larvae of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus from endogenous utilization of nutrient sources to the development of feeding ability is described, with the aim of better understanding the high mortalities observed at first-feeding. Larvae from several spawns were reared at a salinity of 31 and a temperature of 28°C. Yolk utilization rate, changes in body parameters and the development of morphological characters were observed. Maximum stan- dard length (LS) and body depth were observed concurrently with yolk-sac exhaustion at 56 h post- fertilization (hpf). A decrease in LS, body width and body depth was observed following yolk-sac exhaustion. Orbit pigmentation, followed by jaw articulation, were observed at 65 hpf. Substantial cranial and body cavity development occurred in the absence of visible yolk material. Complete absence of visible yolk-sac material and less than 2% of the oil globule volume at hatching were observed at the time of development of feeding ability. This indicates an absence of a transitional feeding period and the critical nature of first-feeding in this species within controlled environments.
A New Multi-objective Sorting Algorithm And Its Combination With Game Theory For Optimizing I-beam Engineering System

This paper proposed a new average non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NAVNSGA). This idea is inspired from the combination of non-elitist multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, elitist multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, and statistical calculations. The proposed NAVNSGA is improved the disadvantages of the Elitist multi-objective algorithms and Non-elitist multi-objective algorithms as possible. The NAVNSGA is compared with useful algorithms such as the non-elitist sorting genetic algorithm (NSGAI) and non-elitist sorting genetic algorithm (NSGAII) and the results obtained are showed the superiority of the proposed algorithm. Additionally, the NAVNSGA algorithm is combined with the concepts of the Game theory to propose a hybrid algorithm for determining Nash equilibrium in the game theory. The combination of the NAVNSGA algorithm with the game theory previously is used for improving engineering systems, such as I-beam designing. The results obtained are showed the advantage of the proposed algorithm with those reported in the literature.
Co-movement of Skill Premium and Stock Prices

We examine the empirical phenomenon of co-movement of skill premium and share prices by appealing to the techniques of cointegration. The US data (1984--2010) reveals that stock prices and skill premium are cointegrated indicating a long run relationship. We carry out a further investigation into panel data of six OECD countries (1984--2005). The stock price and the skill premium are found to be co-integrated in this panel data, too. We posit that the co-movement of skill premium and stock prices is driven by unexpected technological progress. Building on a three sector model of endogenous growth through Schumpeterian creative destruction a la Aghion and Howitt (1992, Econometrica: 60(2)), we reconcile these two apparently different ideas in a single model. Our model demonstrates that technological revolution can lead to rise in both skill premium and stock price at the same time. We calibrate our model based on the US data and find that a large part of the change, quantitatively speaking, is explained by our model. [Working Paper-2012-024]
The VLT/NaCo large program to probe the occurrence of exoplanets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits - I. Sample definition and characterization

Context. Young, close stars are ideal targets for searching planets using the direct imaging technique. The determination of stellar parameters is crucial for the interpretation of imaging survey results, particularly since the luminosity of substellar objects has a strong dependence on system age. Aims. We have conducted a large program with NaCo at the VLT to search for planets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits around 86 stars. A large fraction of the targets observed with NaCo were poorly investigated in the literature. We performed a study to characterize the fundamental properties (age, distance, and mass) of the stars in our sample. To improve target age determinations, we compiled and analyzed a complete set of age diagnostics. Methods. We measured spectroscopic parameters and age diagnostics using dedicated observations acquired with FEROS and CORALIE spectrographs at La Silla Observatory. We also made extensive use of archival spectroscopic data and the results that are available in the literature. Additionally, we exploited photometric time-series, which are available in ASAS and Super-WASP archives, to derive a rotational period for a large fraction of our program stars. Results. We provided updated characterization of all the targets observed in the VLT NaCo Large program, a survey designed to probe the occurrence of exoplanets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits. The median distance and age of our program stars are 64 pc and 100 Myr, respectively. Nearly all the stars have masses between 0.70 and 1.50 M-circle dot, with a median value of 1.01 M-circle dot. The typical metallicity is close to solar with a dispersion that is smaller than that of samples usually observed in radial velocity surveys. Several stars are confirmed or proposed here to be members of close young moving groups. Eight spectroscopic binaries are identified.