Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The soil-geomorphic template and biotic change in arid and semi-arid ecosystems

The objective of this paper is to illustrate the concept of the soil-geomorphic template and its relationship to biotic change in arid and semi-arid regions. Such biotic change is typically accompanied by and linked to geomorphic change that involves soil, topography, and soil parent material, which together form the soil-geomorphic template. Soil is a factor in biotic change because it is the substrate that provides water, nutrients, anchorage for plants, and habitat for burrowing animals. Topography is a factor in biotic change because it influences local microclimate by means of elevation, lateral redistribution of water, and slope orientation. Soil parent material is a factor in biotic change because it provides the lithic inheritance from the geologic landscape that gives rise to soils with different particle size distribution (i.e. available water holding capacity) and nutrient status. Numerous linkages and feedback loops occur between the soil-geomorphic template, microclimate, vegetation, and animals. A perturbation in any of these factors can steer an ecosystem from one state to another. The integral relationship between the soil-geomorphic template and biotic change is an example of how biological and geological systems are coupled and co-evolve over long-term (Quaternary landscape evolution) and short-term (human-induced desertification) time-scales. r 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A literature review on the occurrence of nematodes of the family Longidoridae in Greece

Information on the occurrence of longidorid nematodes in Greece is compiled from literature and unpublished data of the authors. Five species of Xiphinema (X. americanum, X. diversicaudatum, X. index, X. italiae, X. pachtaicum), nine of Longidorus (L. africanus, L. closelongatus, L. cretensis, L. elongatus, L. euonymus, L. fasciatus, L. intermedius, L. pisi, L. proximus) and one of Paralongidorus (P. maximus) have been reported to occur in Greece. Their association with two nepoviruses has also been reported. Comments are provided on records of doubtful validity.
URI's NetFlow Traffic Logs' Behavioral Analysis and Monitoring Visualization Tool

As long as the Internet users and the dependency of human on IT are evolving, the detailed inspection of NetFlow data will be useful, especially for the detection of cyber anomalies and outbreaks. To date, numerous researchers have examined NetFlow with respect to numerical fields including, for example, Packets, IPs, Bytes, and Bandwidth consumption. But only a handful of projects have paid attention to the analysis of NetFlow activity using categorical fields including Internet application and computer location, especially concerning a particular academic institution. The primary focus of this project is on the development of a tool for analyzing NetFlow activity at the University of Rhode Island (URI) computer network. This tool helps to monitor the NetFlow activity over time stratified first by the Primary and then by the Secondary fields selected by the user. NetFlow activity is evaluated and visualized with; frequency of traffic flow – if user only selects filter option ‘Primary Log Field’, and relative frequency of traffic flow – after selecting Field value of interest from ‘Primary Log Field’ if user continues and select filter option ‘Secondary Log Field’. Automatically, the drill-down of data through those log fields along timestamp of interest will trigger the generation of an advanced log table grid view. Additionally, the proposed tool takes advantage of the network theory and provides visualization of the bipartite graph representation of NetFlow data subset with selected fields and time period with pre-specified sets of node degrees. This representation helps to monitor and characterize communication behavior of individual nodes in the selected time period. Overall, the tool created for this project can be regarded as the first step in the development of the comprehensive cyber security system for monitoring and analysis of the URI NetFlow activity.
First degree discrimination in a competitive setting: pricing and quality choice

The paper investigates competition in price schedules among vertically differentiated producers. First order price discrimination leading to personalized prices are the perfect equilibrium of the two-stage game where firms choose at the first stage to commit or not to a uniform price and compete at the second stage. Whether the profits earned by both firms are larger or smaller under discrimination than under uniform pricing depends on the quality gap between firms and on the disparity of consumer preferences. Finally, firms engaged in first degree discrimination choose quality levels that are optimal from a welfare perspective.
Priority public health interventions and research agendas in post-earthquake Nepal

The occurrence of natural disasters including earthquake is becoming more frequent phenomena worldwide. All these disasters trigger huge damages to infrastructure, economies as well as population health. Nepal’s earthquake in 2015 has multiple effects on population health and health services delivery. Many public health facilities, mostly health posts or sub-healthposts, were damaged or completely destroyed. Priority health services such as immunization and antenatal care were also seriously affected. The earthquake has prompted the need for a disaster-related population-health-research agenda as well as renewed disaster strategy in post-earthquake Nepal. Meanwhile, it also unveiled the gap in knowledge and practice regarding earthquake resilience in Nepal. There is an opportunity for school-based and community-based interventions in both disaster preparedness and resilience. Nepal can build on experiences from other countries as well as from its own. We have discussed possible impacts of the Nepal earthquake on population health and health system infrastructures. We have also suggested possible public health interventions bestowing active awareness among the population and a research agenda in this regard. We strongly urge for the translation of the National Health Policy (2014) into action, as it prioritizes the need of an earthquake resistant infrastructure as well as the implementation of a disaster response plan. South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(2) 2015: 7-12
Cryptic Lineages in the Cardiocondyla sl. kagutsuchi Terayama (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Discovered by Phylogenetic and Morphological Approaches

The taxonomy of ant species in the genus Cardiocondyla is very confused due to the extreme difficulty in separating many species based on morphology alone. In Japan, one group of the species complex Cardiocondyla sl. kagutsuchi has both winged and wingless worker-like (ergatoid) males (dimorphic) whereas others have only ergatoid males (monomorphic). The presence of both groups prompted us to hypothesize that C. sl. kagutsuchi presumably includes several independent species with differences in their male wing morphologies. However, whether any species boundary actually exists between the male groups has remained unsolved over the 10+ years since the previous revision of this genus. In this study, using discriminant and phylogenetic analyses, we compared the worker caste morphology of this species complex among lineages detected by phylogenetic analyses. In addition, we examined the number of sexuals present in field colonies. Our results revealed the existence of at least three morphological and phylogenetic groups within this species complex.
Single CeO2 Nanowire Gas Sensor Supported with Pt Nanocrystals : Gas Sensitivity, Surface Bond States, and Chemical Mechanism

We present a new type of CeO2 nanodevice in which a single CeO2 nanowire was used as the sensing unit. It was found that incorporation of Pt nanocrystals on CeO2 nanowire could significantly increase the sensor response. A possible mechanism was discussed based on the study of morphology and surface bond states of the nanowire using local electron energy loss spectroscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The results provide a pathway to improve the performance of gas sensors with a good understanding of the nanowire’s surface physics and chemistry.
The improvements in the size distribution of zinc oxide nanoparticles by the addition of a plant extract to the synthesis

Abstract Recently, the progress in using the plant extracts in the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has occupied a lot of attention. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized in the presence and without the presence of a plant extract. The morphology and the size of ZnO NPs synthesized using these two methods were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. XRD results were shown the wurtzite hexagonal type structure for the NPs and the average size of prepared NPs was found to be smaller, in the presence of plant extract. SEM images were confirmed the XRD results. Finally, the antibacterial activity of prepared NPs was evaluated against two bacteria of gram-positive staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli.
UNIVERSITY OF PARDUBICE FACULTY OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY Institute of Analytical Chemistry Silvie Surmová Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Natural Matrices by HS-SPME/GC-MS

This thesis is about the analysis of volatile organ ic compounds in natural samples. It is focused on the application of preconcentration t echniques, extraction techniques (for example, solid-phase microextraction, distillation or supercritical fluid extraction) and the application of analytical separation techniques for the identification and semiquantification of volatile compounds typically foun d in natural materials, or products made from them. The experimental part of the thesis is divided into three main chapters: the extraction of compounds present in rose petals, the analysis of different kinds of alcoholic beverages, and the aroma-profile characte rization of volatile compounds found in tonka beans ( Dipteryx odorata). The theoretical part of the thesis contains the basic information about that which has been studied , an the practical part contains the chemicals, instruments and analytical procedures us d. Each chapter contains its own section where the results are discussed. Abstrakt Disertační práce je zaměřena na analýzu t ěkavých organických látek ve vzorcích přírodního materiálu. Zabývá se aplikací prekoncentra č ích technik, extrak čních technik (mikroextrakce tuhou fází, destilace, extra kce nadkritickou tekutinou) a použitím analytických separa čních metod pro identifikaci, p říp. semikvantifikaci těkavých sloučenin charakteristických pro n ěkteré přírodní materiály či produkty z nich vyrobené. Experimentální část diserta ční práce je rozd ělena na t ři hlavní kapitoly, kterými jsou problematika extrakce t ěkavých sloučenin přítomných v okvětních lístcích r ůží, analýza r ůzných druhů alkoholických nápoj ů a charakterizace profilu t ěkavých látek tonkových bobů. Základní informace o zkoumaných matricích jsou vy psány v teoretické části práce, v praktické části jsou uvedeny použité chemikálie, p řístroje a analytické postupy, v četně jejich optimalizace. Každá kapitola obsahuje vlast ní sekci, kde jsou diskutovány dosažené výsledky.
Functional relationship between harp seal body condition and available prey in the Barents Sea

The Barents Sea ecosystem has undergone substantial ecological fluctuations over the past 40 yr, including large variations in the abundance of capelin Mallotus villosus, herring Clupea harrengus, krill Thysanoessa sp. and Meganyctiphanes norvegica, polar cod Boreo gadus saida, and Atlantic cod Gadus morhua. There is evidence to suggest that harp seals Pagophilus groenlandicus have responded to these changes. The current study analysed the relationships between harp seal body condition, environmental variables and the biomass of major harp seal prey. Harp seal body condition was estimated from samples taken in the southeastern Barents Sea during spring from 1992 to 2011. Body condition of juveniles and adults varied between years, improving from 1992 until 2001 and later deteriorating, with weakest condition in 2011. We investigated covariates that might explain such interannual variation. Significant relationships were found between harp seal blubber thickness and prey abundances. High abundances of capelin, polar cod and Atlantic cod had a negative impact on condition, whereas high abundance of krill had a positive impact. Environmental covariates did not improve the models, probably because these were strongly correlated with prey abundance. We also found a correlation between pup production and blubber thickness, indicating that observed declines in pup production may be associated with decreased body condition of the seals. We further show that competitive inter actions in the food web (e.g. competition between harp seals and some of their prey for shared resources, such as krill) may result in unexpected negative predator–prey relationships. This has implications for predator breeding success and population dynamics.
Complex wave propagation in the Campi Flegrei Caldera, Italy,from Source and receiver-array analysis of sea-shot recordings

We investigate wave propagation in the complex shallow crust of Campi Flegrei Volcanic Complex, Italy, using array recordings of air-guns. We apply source- and receiver-array analysis to define the independent variation of horizontal slowness at both the source and receiver regions. This method allows the identification of asymmetric ray-paths associated with near-source and near-observer velocity heterogeneities. P-wave wave-vectors at both the source and receiver arrays depict discrepancies as large as 50° with respect to the values expected for the 3D velocity structure of the Gulf. At the source region, these discrepancies may be associated with either un-modelled complexities in the geometry of the buried caldera rim, or with velocity variations beneath the source-array. At the receiver array, the inferred anomalies may be attributed to velocity variations marking the Solfatara crater rim, or to a near-receiver, low-velocity body whose position would coincide with negative gravimetric anomalies and a low Vp/Vs ratio region inferred by independent geophysical and seismological studies.
Convergence Analysis of Contrastive Divergence Algorithm Based on Gradient Method with Errors

Contrastive Divergence has become a common way to train Restricted Boltzmann Machines; however, its convergence has not been made clear yet. This paper studies the convergence of Contrastive Divergence algorithm. We relate Contrastive Divergence algorithm to gradient method with errors and derive convergence conditions of Contrastive Divergence algorithm using the convergence theorem of gradient method with errors. We give specific convergence conditions of Contrastive Divergence learning algorithm for Restricted Boltzmann Machines in which both visible units and hidden units can only take a finite number of values. Two new convergence conditions are obtained by specifying the learning rate. Finally, we give specific conditions that the step number of Gibbs sampling must be satisfied in order to guarantee the Contrastive Divergence algorithm convergence.
The Value of Green Certification on Single-Family Houses in the Chicagoland Area

In the United States, residential buildings alone account for 33% of energy consumption. Rising concerns about environmental impacts due to human consumption, as well as health concerns related to pollution have caused a higher demand for environmentally conscious houses. Homebuilders have responded by providing green certifications for houses, attesting to a building’s efficiency in various aspects, such as site design and energy and water consumption. Using Multiple Listing Services real estate data on zeroto five-year-old houses sold between 2010 and 2017 in the Chicagoland area, this study examines whether there is a price premium associated with qualifying for green certification, and whether different types of certification garner different premiums. Based on a hedonic pricing model, ordinary least squares regression suggests that a house in this dataset that qualifies for green certification has a selling price that is 9.49% higher than a comparable house without certification, which translates to a dollar amount of about $45,000.
Analysis of passive-sampler monitored atmospheric ammonia at 74 sites across southern Ontario, Canada

Weekly/biweekly concentrations of atmospheric NH 3 were collected using passive samplers at 74 sites across southern Ontario, Canada, during the period from June 2006 to March 2007 with eighteen sites running as early as March 2006. The annual average of NH 3 (AAN) at all the sites across southwestern Ontario was over 1 μg m −3 , a value that was recently proposed as the new critical level for protecting vegetation. High AAN values (3.6–6.1 μg m −3 ) were observed at eight sites located inside the intensive livestock production zones. AAN values at the sites across southeastern Ontario were generally lower than 1 μg m −3 and the values were less than 0.4 μg m −3 at non-agricultural sites. Agricultural sites generally showed the highest concentrations in spring to summer and the lowest in winter, but the occurrence time of the peak concentration varied among the sites, which could be due to their different land use and thus different fertilizer application intensities or periods. Seasonal trends of NH 3 concentration at some non-agricultural sites were somewhat similar to those at the agricultural sites, but the peak concentration appeared a few weeks later than at the agricultural sites. Surprisingly, at several remote non-agricultural sites, NH 3 concentrations were not decreasing in winter and were sometimes increasing to a level higher than those in summer, which could be caused by different transport mechanisms in different seasons. A sharp increase in NH 3 concentration was also surprisingly observed at 20 out of the 74 sites during the coldest two weeks when ambient temperature was lower than −7 °C, and cannot be explained by known sources or with existing knowledge. The NH 3 emission inventory for the region of southern Ontario was evaluated using the measurement data and emissions within two small zones in this region were identified to be potentially underestimated.
Are analysts biased? An analysis of analysts' stock recommendations that perform contrary to expectations

This paper seeks to test whether analysts are prone to behavioral biases when making stock recommendations. In particular, we work with stocks whose performance subsequent to a new buy or sell recommendation is in the opposite direction to the recommendation. We find that these “nonconforming” recommendations are associated with overconfidence bias (as measured by optimism in the language analysts use), representativeness bias (as measured by previous stock price performance, market capitalization, and book-to-market), and potential conflicts of interest (as measured by investment banking relationships). Our results demonstrate that potential conflicts of interest significantly predict analyst nonconforming stock recommendations. This supports recent policy-makers’ and investors’ allegations that analysts’ recommendations are driven by the incentives they derive from investment banking deals. These allegations have led to implementation of rules governing analyst and brokerage house behavior. However, our finding that psychological biases also play a major role in the type of recommendation issued suggests that these rules may work only in as far as regulating conflicts of interest, but will have a limited role in regulating the cognitive biases to which analysts appear to be prone. Our results suggest that, as a result of this, analyst stock recommendations are likely to continue to lack investment value.
Performance comparison of model selection criteria by generated experimental data

In Bioinformatics and other areas the model selection is a process of choosing a model from set of candidate models of different classes which will provide the best balance between goodness of fitting of the data and complexity of the model. There are many criteria for evaluation of mathematical models for data fitting. The main objectives of this study are: (1) to fitting artificial experimental data with different models with increasing complexity; (2) to test whether two known criteria as Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) can correctly identify the model, used to generate the artificial data and (3) to assess and compare empirically the performance of AIC and BIC.
Parallel framework based gene signature-hierarchical random forest cluster for predicting human diseases

Gene is not responsible for many Human Diseases and instead, diseases occur by different or group of genomes interacting together and cause diseases. Hence it is need to analyse and associate the complete genome sequences to understand or predict various possible human diseases. This research work focused i. Hierarchical-Random Forest based Clustering (HRF-Cluster), ii. Genetic Algorithm-Gene Association Classifier (GA-GA) and iii. Weighted Common Neighbor Classifier (wCN). These Classifiers were implemented and studied thoroughly in terms of Prediction Accuracy, Memory Utilization, Memory Usage and Processing Time. To improve the performances of the Gene Classifiers / Predictors further, this research work was proposed and implemented Gene Signature based HRF Cluster, G-HR. Re-sults show that that the performances of the proposed Classifier G-HR is outperforming as compared with the identified three Classifiers in terms of Disease Pattern Prediction, Processing Time, Memory Usage and Classification Accuracy. To improve the performance of the system further in term of Processing Time, the proposed model G-HR is implemented under Parallel Framework and evaluated. That is the model is tested with Two, Four, Eight and Sixteen Parallel Processors and from the results, it is established that the Processing Time decreases considerably which will improve the performance of the Proposed Model.
Experimental and simulating study of water immersion cooling of canned carrot puree

Thermal properties of cooked carrot puree were estimated in this research, they included thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, density, enthalpy and specific heat from 0 to 80 °C. Enthalpy was calculated , temperature was measured used thermocouple, using a mathematical model the evaluated thermal properties agreed well with the Comsol Multiphysics simulation, mathematical models relating thermal properties and composition were used and compared with the Comsol Multiphysics results . The composition ranged from 85.11% moisture, 0.23% fat, and 1.87% protein (wet basis), the thermal conductivity ranged from 0.519 to 0.615 (W/m.°C) and from 3819.04 to 3867.86 kJ/(kg·K) for heat capacity. Both thermal conductivity and heat capacity increased with temperature (20 to 80°C). The thermal diffusivity ranged from 0.131 to 0.153 m2/s . The Chen's model [1] gives good results compared to the Comsol Multiphysics results.