Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamical and spatial disorder in an intermittent search process

We consider a one-dimensional model of an intermittent search process in a medium exhibiting frozen disorder. A tracer, searching for Poisson-distributed targets, alternates diffusive and ballistic motions, but can only find a target when diffusing. Preliminary theoretical results [1] are now confirmed, completed and extended, and their derivations are presented for the first time. We study the mean search time ⟨T⟩ according to the laws of the searcher waiting times in the diffusive and ballistic regimes. In particular, we obtain a lower bound of ⟨T⟩, which in certain circumstances is also an approximation and is valid for a very broad class of waiting time distributions. Explicit results and other approximations are presented in the case of exponential waiting times, and we study the optimization of ⟨T⟩, depending on the mean durations of the diffusive and ballistic phases. Theoretical formulae are supported by numerical simulations. We show that the intermittent behaviour can allow one to minimize the search time in comparison with the purely diffusive behaviour, and that it is possible, by an adequate choice of the parameters, to increase very significantly the efficiency of the search.
Pattern and process: competition causes regular spacing of individuals within plant populations

1 We used simulated and experimental plant populations to analyse mortality‐driven pattern formation under size‐dependent competition. Larger plants had an advantage under size‐asymmetric but not under symmetric competition. Initial patterns were random or clumped. 2 The simulations were individual‐based and spatially explicit. Size‐dependent competition was modelled with different rules to partition overlapping zones of influence. 3 The experiment used genotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana with different morphological plasticity and hence size‐dependent competition. Compared with wild types, transgenic individuals over‐expressed phytochrome A and had decreased plasticity because of disabled phytochrome‐mediated shade avoidance. Therefore, competition among transgenics was more asymmetric compared with wild‐types. 4 Density‐dependent mortality under symmetric competition did not substantially change the initial spatial pattern. Conversely, simulations under asymmetric competition and experimental patterns of transgenic over‐expressors showed patterns of survivors that deviated substantially from random mortality independent of initial patterns. 5 Small‐scale initial patterns of wild types were regular rather than random or clumped. We hypothesize that this small‐scale regularity may be explained by early shade avoidance of seedlings in their cotyledon stage. 6 Our experimental results support predictions from an individual‐based simulation model and support the conclusion that regular spatial patterns of surviving individuals should be interpreted as evidence for strong, asymmetric competitive interactions and subsequent density‐dependent mortality.
A construction of quasi-modes using coherent states

We present a construction of semi-classical vectors satisfying the Schrodinger equations modulo h∞. These vectors have nice regular properties, in particular they don't have turning points. An application is given to the calculation of matrix elements. The present work is meant as an introduction to a more general theory which is announced
State of Charge Estimation Based on Microscopic Driving Parameters for Electric Vehicle's Battery

Recently, battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) has received wide attention due to less pollution during use, low noise, and high energy efficiency and is highly expected to improve urban air quality and then mitigate energy and environmental pressure. However, the widespread use of EV is still hindered by limited battery capacity and relatively short cruising range. This paper aims to propose a state of charge (SOC) estimation method for EV’s battery necessary for route planning and dynamic route guidance, which can help EV drivers to search for the optimal energy-efficient routes and to reduce the risk of running out of electricity before arriving at the destination or charging station. Firstly, by analyzing the variation characteristics of power consumption rate with initial SOC and microscopic driving parameters (instantaneous speed and acceleration), a set of energy consumption rate models are established according to different operation modes. Then, the SOC estimation model is proposed based on the presented EV power consumption model. Finally, by comparing the estimated SOC with the measured SOC, the proposed SOC estimation method is proved to be highly accurate and effective, which can be well used in EV route planning and navigation systems.
Cell cycle perspectives on breast cancer cell behaviour

Uncontrolled proliferation and the capacity to infiltrate surrounding tissues are two important characteristics of aggressive tumour cells. Previous observations in both colorectal cancer and basal cell carcinoma indicated that infiltrative tumour cell behaviour might be counteracted by a high proliferative activity, suggesting a coordination of these two activities at the cellular level. Here we studied the potential relation between proliferative activity and migratory behaviour in breast cancer, by focusing on the cell cycle regulatory proteins cyclin E and cyclin D1. By expressing cyclin E in a breast cancer cell line we obtained experimental results indicating that increased proliferative activity obstructed migratory and invasive capacity. When validating these results in a large set of primary breast cancers, we observed that increasing cyclin E levels correlated with a less infiltrative tumour growth appearance – a finding in line with our experimental results. Several studies have proposed that cyclin E is strongly associated with poorer disease outcome in breast cancer. Therefore, we continued to investigate the potential prognostic relevance of the inverse relation between cyclin E and infiltrative tumour growth. We revealed a distinct subgroup of less infiltrative, cyclin E high breast cancers with a relatively favourable prognosis. This subgroup was an important exception compared to the majority of tumours where cyclin E indeed correlated to a poorer outcome. We also tried to delineate in detail how the migratory capacities of tumour cells related to cell cycle activities. Synchronised G0/early G1 cells displayed an increased migratory potential compared to both late G1/S-phase cells as well as unsynchronised, actively cycling cells. Further, silencing of cyclin D1 in two cell lines indicated a novel CDK- and cell cycle independent function of cyclin D1 in restraining migratory capacity. This novel role of cyclin D1 seemed to influence the behaviour of ER positive breast tumours, where cyclin D1 high tumours were in general of smaller size and, further, exhibited a somewhat less infiltrative growth pattern. In addition, increased cyclin D1 levels correlated to a more favourable prognosis. (Less)
Discussion on the Possibilities and Contributions of the Moocs as a Tool to Support the Teaching of Engineering

This MOOCs have the potential to expand the limits of the knowledge in engineering courses, mainly as a source of support for the teaching-learning process, since access to different themes allows the faculty more freedom to explore and expand the content worked in the classroom and to the students, opportunities of qualification and contact with new knowledge. This article aims to show the applicability potential and how the concepts of the MOOCs are disseminated in the engineering courses, what are the interests and degree of knowledge of the teachers and students. On the other hand, the research seeks to analyze the behavior of the faculty and students as to the value they add to their academic activities from the moment they take over the tool since the MOOCs can contribute as support or supplement to the in-person subjects of the Engineering. The support for the discussions took as a base, in addition to the theoretical reference, a survey of teachers and students of Engineering courses in Regional Public and Private Institutions, located in Greater São Paulo. It results that, despite the potential of applicability and support to the teaching of Engineers, MOOCs are not adequately explored by the academic community. For data collection, the Google Docs tool was used. The study covered 224 students and 27 teachers. Keywords— MOOC, Professional Development, Engineering. Services Management, Distance Education.
OECD Regional Development Working Papers 2014 / 01 Assessing Polycentric Urban Systems in the OECD : Country , Regional and Metropolitan Perspectives

Contemporary urban systems in OECD countries are structured around functional regions, which often overcome established city boundaries. Reading space in terms of functional regions allows assessing changes in urban hierarchies and spatial structures, including the polycentricity of urban systems at national, regional and metropolitan scale. By using a harmonised definition of functional urban areas in OECD countries, this paper first provides a sound definition of polycentricity at each spatial scale, highlighting for each of them the different links with policy. Second, it provides measures of polycentricity and explores the economic implications of different spatial structures. Results show that relatively more monocentric regions have higher GDP per capita than their more polycentric counterparts. At country level, on the other hand, polycentricity is associated with higher GDP per capita. JEL classification: R11, R12, R14, R58 Key-words: Spatial structure, polycentricity, urban system ♦ Brezzi: monica.brezzi@oecd.org; Veneri: paolo.veneri@oecd.org, OECD, Regional Development Policy Division, 2 rue André-Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16. The authors would like to thank Joaquim Oliveira Martins, Rudiger Ahrend, Roberto Camagni, Roberta Capello, Karen Maguire, William Tompson and two anonymous referees for their very helpful comments and discussions. Authors thank also, for their valuable comments and support, all the participants in the International Seminar on “Welfare and Competitiveness in the European Polycentric Urban Structure: Which Role for Metropolitan, Medium and Small Cities? ” that took place in Florence, Italy, in June 2013. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not reflect those of the OECD or its member countries.
The Δ17O and δ18O values of atmospheric nitrates simultaneously collected downwind of anthropogenic sources – implications for polluted air masses

Abstract. There are clear motivations for better understanding the atmospheric processes that transform nitrogen (N) oxides (NOx) emitted from anthropogenic sources into nitrates (NO3-), two of them being that NO3- contributes to acidification and eutrophication of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and particulate nitrate may play a role in climate dynamics. For these reasons, oxygen isotope delta values (δ18O, Δ17O) are frequently applied to infer the chemical pathways leading to the observed mass-independent isotopic anomalies from interaction with 17O-rich ozone (O3). Recent laboratory experiments suggest that the isotopic equilibrium between NO2 (the main precursor of NO3-) and O3 may take long enough under certain field conditions that nitrates may be formed near emission sources with lower isotopic values than those formed further downwind. Indeed, previously published field measurements of oxygen isotopes in NO3- in precipitation (wNO3-) and in particulate (pNO3-) samples suggest that abnormally low isotopic values might characterize polluted air masses. However, none of the air studies have deployed systems allowing collection of samples specific to anthropogenic sources in order to avoid shifts in isotopic signature due to changing wind directions, or separately characterized gaseous HNO3 with Δ17O values. Here we have used a wind-sector-based, multi-stage filter sampling system and precipitation collector to simultaneously sample HNO3 and pNO3-, and co-collect wNO3-. The nitrates are from various distances (<1 to >125 km) downwind of different anthropogenic emitters, and consequently from varying time lapses after emission. The separate collection of nitrates shows that the HNO3 δ18O ranges are distinct from those of w- and pNO3-. Interestingly, the Δ17O differences between pNO3- and HNO3 shift from positive during cold sampling periods to negative during warm periods. The low pNO3-Δ17O values observed during warm periods may partly derive from the involvement of 17O-depleted peroxy radicals (RO2) oxidizing NO during that season. Another possibility is that nitrates derive from NOx that has not yet reached isotopic equilibrium with O3. However, these mechanisms, individually or together, cannot explain the observed pNO3 minus HNO3 isotopic changes. We propose differences in dry depositional rates, faster for HNO3, as a mechanism for the observed shifts. Larger proportions of pNO3- formed via the N2O5 pathway would explain the opposite fall–winter patterns. Our results show that the separate HNO3, wNO3- and pNO3- isotopic signals can be used to further our understanding of NOx oxidation and deposition. Future research should investigate all tropospheric nitrate species as well as NOx to refine our understanding of nitrate distribution worldwide and to develop effective emission reduction strategies.
A tool for the automatic and manual annotation of biomedical documents

The techniques developed within the field of Biomedical Text Mining (BioTM) have been mainly tested and evaluated over a set of known corpora built by a few researchers with a specific goal or to support scientific competitions. The generalized use of BioTM software therefore requires that an enlarged set of corpora is made available covering a wider range of biomedical research topics. This work proposes a software tool that facilitates the task of building a BioTM corpus by providing a userfriendly and interoperable tool that allows both automatic and manual annotation of biomedical documents (supporting both abstracts and full text). This tool is also integrated in a more comprehensive BioTM framework.
Statistical model of signal strength imbalance between RF channels in DTT network

Proposed is a model for the received signal strength imbalance between radio frequency (RF) channels in the UHF band. The model is fitted to field measurements carried out in the commercial DVB-T (digital terrestrial broadcasting) network of Sweden. Analysis of the measurement data reveals large differences in the received signal strength between channels according to the reception scenario and the frequency spacing. The model presented is a valuable tool to investigate the potential network planning gains of time-frequency slicing, a technique that was described in the DVB-T2 standard and that will be included in the future DVB-NGH (next generation handheld) standard for improved frequency diversity.
Global Biodiversity of Insects: Main Trends of Study, to the Question of Method and Importance of Research

The main directions in insect biodiversity study are outlined on the base of analysis of entomological publications. There are three trends, each of which is determined by method used for research. The present paper concerns problem of importance of molecular method and its place in methodology used by taxonomy. Significance of biodiversity investigation and its structuring, as well as necessity of expert assessment are discussed.
Fluid Dynamics and Secondary Currents in an Asymmetrical Rectangular Canal with Sidewall Streamwise Rib

Channels with streamwise ribs have been studied for decades in chemical engineering, environmental and sanitary engineering, aeronautics, astronautics, biology and geology. Some designs have been used for close to a century in water treatment plants. Longitudinal ribs along channel walls have been successfully tested for the increased heat and mass transfer rates. In alluvial channels, long-lasting three-dimensional large-scale turbulent vortices may yield the development of longitudinal ridges on the mobile bed with preferential sediment transport in between. Herein a detailed hydrodynamic study was conducted in an asymmetrical rectangular channel equipped with a sidewall streamwise rib. Both free-surface, velocity and boundary shear stress measurements showed strong secondary currents of Prandtl's second kind. The sidewall rib and channel asymmetry contributed to very-strong secondary motion, associated with turbulent dissipation. A key feature of the channel design was the provision of a well-defined highly-turbulent low-velocity zone (LVZ) beneath the rib. The configuration might be applied to hydraulic structure design, but uttermost care must be considered. A number of practical considerations showed major technical challenges, and in many instances, alternative designs should be preferred, particularly in hydraulic structures. Altogether this detailed investigation demonstrated how the introduction of a seemingly simple streamwise shape, i.e. square rib, may induce a major change in hydrodynamic properties, in comparison to a simple rectangular channel flow.
An improved flotation test method and pyrite depression by an organic reagent during flotation in seawater

the use of seawater mining and mineral processing is becoming increasingly important (Cisternas and Moreno, 2014). Seawater can be desalinated by reverse osmosis, but this involves considerable costs, limiting it to the big mining companies (Akgul et al., 2008; Leidner et al., 2012; Ghaffour, Missimer, and Amy, 2013). Furthermore, desalination has environmental consequences (Lee, Arnot, and Mattia, 2011); for example, a desalination plant designed to process 2.5 m3/s requires an electrical energy supply of around 30 MJ/s. To supply this power demand, a thermoelectric plant burning bituminous/sub-bituminous coal mixtures at a thermal power generation efficiency of 35% might release around 1200– 1500 t of CO2 per day. Furthermore, the effluents from desalination plants are typically discharged into the sea, and their high temperature and ionic content inevitably modifies the marine environment, with unknown consequences. The direct use of seawater is, therefore, more attractive, but it also poses major challenges since seawater contains ions that adversely affect mineral recoveries. In particular, in the flotation of sulphide ores in seawater, the floatability of molybdenite is depressed (Castro, 2012; Laskowski, Castro, and Ramos, 2014). Copper recovery in flotation plants is usually in the range of 81–85% (Monardes, 2009), but even small improvements are important considering the large quantities of ores that are treated. Flotation of valuable minerals is assisted by the addition of several types of reagents, the most important of which are collectors. For example, there are thiol collectors such as xanthates, dithiophosphates, thiocarbamates, and mercaptans (Veki, 2013). The primary objective of a collector is to adsorb onto the mineral surface to impart a hydrophobic character, while keeping gangue minerals in a hydrophilic form. Additionally, bubble coalescence in any saline water is hindered. Bournival, Pugh, and Ata (2011) noted that the effects of dissolved salts are still not understood, and the exact mechanism is a matter of debate. Nevertheless, in highly saline media, the bubble size is influenced mainly by inorganic electrolytes, and the frother has only a minor effect (Laskowski, Castro, and Ramos, 2014). This is an important issue, considering that frothers might adsorb onto the hydrophobic mineral surfaces, decreasing their floatability (Kursun, 2014). An essential requirement in sulphide flotation is to achieve a good level of pyrite depression, since pyrite diminishes the quality of the concentrate and increases the quantity of sulphur compounds produced in the base metal extraction processes. Pyrite depression is usually reached at highly alkaline conditions An improved flotation test method and pyrite depression by an organic reagent during flotation in seawater
Synthesis and Characterization of High Nitrile Content Polyimides as Dielectric Films for Electrical Energy Storage

Three new isomeric diamines containing three, oxy-linked benzonitriles (3BCN), one of which is asymmetric (meta, para, or m, p), are synthesized in a 3-step sequence. Polycondensation of these diamines and four common dianhydrides (6FDA, OPDA, BTDA, and PMDA) in N,N-dimethylacetamide via poly(amic acid) precursors and thermal curing at temperatures up to 300 °C lead to three series of tough, creasable polyimide (PI) films (tensile moduli = 1.63 − 2.86 GPa). Among these PIs, two PMDA-based PIs possess relatively high crystallinity and two OPDA-based PIs, low crystallinity, whereas all 6FDA- and BTDA-based PIs, and m,m-3BCN-OPDA-PI are amorphous, readily soluble in common polar aprotic solvents. Thermally stable and having high Tg (216 − 341 °C), these PIs lose 5% weight around 493–503 °C in air and 463–492 °C in nitrogen. Dielectric properties have been evaluated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and electric displacement-electric-field (D-E) loop measurements. D-E loop results show an increase in high temperature permittivity (at 190 °C/1 kHz) from 2.9 (for parent PI CP2 with no nitrile group) to as high as 4.9 for these PIs, while keeping their dielectric loss relatively low. Thus, an increase in dipole moment density by the presence of three neighboring CN per repeat unit can increase the overall permittivity, which could be further enhanced by sub-Tg mobility of para-phenylene linkages (BDS results). Published 2014. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 422–436
Measuring resilience to energy shocks

Measuring energy security or resilience in energy is, in the main, confined to indicators which are used for comparative purposes or to show trends rather than provide empirical evidence of resilience to unpredicted crises. In this paper, the electricity systems of the individual states within the United States of America are analysed for their response to the 1973-1982 and the 2003-2012 oil price shocks. Empirical evidence is sought for elements which are present in systems that experience reduced volatility from the energy shocks in the form of lower prices. Spare capacity is found to be a reliable indicator of reduced prices through both periods whilst renewable energy is found to be an indicator of reduced prices especially in 1973-1982.
1 SYMBOLIC-NUMERIC INDIRECT METHOD FOR SOLVING OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEMS FOR LARGE MULTIBODY SYSTEMS : THE TIME-OPTIMAL RACING VEHICLE EXAMPLE

Abstract. This work presents a methodological framework, based on an indirect approach, for the automatic generation and numerical solution of Optimal Control Problems (OCP) for mechatronic systems, described by a system of Differential Algebraic Equation (DAEs). The equations of the necessary condition for optimality were derived exploiting the DAEs structure, according to the Calculus of Variation Theory. A collection of symbolic procedures was developed within a general-purpose Computer Algebra Software. Those procedures are general and make it possible to generate both OCP equations and their jacobians, once any DAE mathematical model, objective function, boundary conditions and constraints are given. Particular attention has been given to the correct definition of the boundary conditions especially for models described with set of dependent coordinates. The non-linear symbolic equations, their jacobians with the sparsity patterns, generated by the procedures above mentioned, are translated into a C++ source code. A numerical code, based on a Newton Affine Invariant scheme, was also developed to solve the BVPs as generated by such procedures. The software and methodological framework here presented were successfully applied to the solution of the minimum-lap time problem of a racing motorcycle.