Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adapting western North American forests to climate change and wildfires: 10 common questions

Abstract We review science‐based adaptation strategies for western North American (wNA) forests that include restoring active fire regimes and fostering resilient structure and composition of forested landscapes. As part of the review, we address common questions associated with climate adaptation and realignment treatments that run counter to a broad consensus in the literature. These include the following: (1) Are the effects of fire exclusion overstated? If so, are treatments unwarranted and even counterproductive? (2) Is forest thinning alone sufficient to mitigate wildfire hazard? (3) Can forest thinning and prescribed burning solve the problem? (4) Should active forest management, including forest thinning, be concentrated in the wildland urban interface (WUI)? (5) Can wildfires on their own do the work of fuel treatments? (6) Is the primary objective of fuel reduction treatments to assist in future firefighting response and containment? (7) Do fuel treatments work under extreme fire weather? (8) Is the scale of the problem too great? Can we ever catch up? (9) Will planting more trees mitigate climate change in wNA forests? And (10) is post‐fire management needed or even ecologically justified? Based on our review of the scientific evidence, a range of proactive management actions are justified and necessary to keep pace with changing climatic and wildfire regimes and declining forest heterogeneity after severe wildfires. Science‐based adaptation options include the use of managed wildfire, prescribed burning, and coupled mechanical thinning and prescribed burning as is consistent with land management allocations and forest conditions. Although some current models of fire management in wNA are averse to short‐term risks and uncertainties, the long‐term environmental, social, and cultural consequences of wildfire management primarily grounded in fire suppression are well documented, highlighting an urgency to invest in intentional forest management and restoration of active fire regimes.
V IDEO F LOW : A F RAMEWORK FOR B UILDING V ISUAL A NALYSIS P IPELINES

The past years have witnessed an explosion of deep learning frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow since the success of deep neural networks. These frameworks have significantly facilitated algorithm development in multimedia research and production. However, how to easily and efficiently build an end-to-end visual analysis pipeline with these algorithms is still an open issue. In most cases, developers have to spend a huge amount of time tackling data input and output, optimizing computation efficiency, or even debugging exhausting memory leaks together with algorithm development. VideoFlow aims to overcome these challenges by providing a flexible, efficient, extensible, and secure visual analysis framework for both the academia and industry. With VideoFlow, developers can focus on the improvement of algorithms themselves, as well as the construction of a complete visual analysis workflow. VideoFlow has been incubated in the practices of smart city innovation for more than three years. It has been widely used in tens of intelligent visual analysis systems. VideoFlow will be open-sourced at https://github.com/xxx/videoflow.
Effect of size confinement in C exciton dynamics of few-layered MoS2 nano-sheets

We study transient absorption response of few-layered MoS2 nano-flakes in dispersion, mainly focusing on its high energy exciton (commonly known as C exciton). We use a simple sono-chemical exfoliation technique to obtain confined nano-crystals of MoS2 of average diameter 2 nm, inter-dispersed in the flakes and study the effect of quantum confinement on this layered semiconductor. We emphasize on the interplay between exciton bleaching and excited state absorption upon a blue-detuned pumping. The relaxation times for the exciton are found and for the nano-crystals the radiative relaxation process is found to be slower as compared to that of the nano-flakes.
Evaluation of a Single Server Delay System with a Generalized Poisson Input Stream

Abstract: This paper deals with M(g)/M/1/k/S queue in witch we have generalized Poisson arrival process, exponential service time, single server, limited waiting positions and finite number of customers. We use the generalized input Poisson stream that can be peaked, regular or smooth. The idea is based on the analytic continuation of the Poisson distribution and the classic M/M/1 system. We apply techniques based on birth and death process and statedependent arrival rates. The influence of the peaked factor on the congestion probability, the mean system time and the waiting time distribution are studied. It is shown that the variance of the input stream changes significantly the characteristics of the waiting systems. The advantages of simplicity and uniformity in representing both peaked and smooth traffic make this queue attractive in network analysis and synthesis.
QoS Control for Multiuser Networks { A Joint Approach to Receiver Design and Resource Allocation

Resource allocation for wireless networks is strongly in(cid:13)uenced by the e(cid:11)ects of multiuser interference. Thus, a cross-layer approach is needed, which includes the power allocation as well as the design of joint receive strategies for interference mitigation. In this paper, we characterize the resulting QoS feasible region (the set of jointly achievable QoS). The impact of the receive strategy on the interference is modeled by a parameter-dependent matrix of coupling coe(cid:14)cients. The problem of feasibility is closely connected to the theory of non-negative matrices. Power allocation can be seen as an eigenvalue problem. We propose iterative algorithms which are able to achieve arbitrary QoS targets within the feasible region, including the boundary. This theoretical framework may serve as a basis for the development of algorithms for cross-layer resource allocation.
Efficient Stereospecific Hβ2/3 NMR Assignment Strategy for Mid-Size Proteins

We present a strategy for stereospecific NMR assignment of Hβ2 and Hβ3 protons in mid-size proteins (~150 residues). For such proteins, resonance overlap in standard experiments is severe, thereby preventing unambiguous assignment of a large fraction of β-methylenes. To alleviate this limitation, assignment experiments may be run in high static fields, where higher decoupling power is required. Three-bond Hα–Hβ J-couplings (3JHα–Hβ) are critical for stereospecific assignments of β-methylene protons, and for determining rotameric χ1 states. Therefore, we modified a pulse sequence designed to measure accurate 3JHα–Hβ couplings such that probe heating was reduced, while the decoupling performance was improved. To further increase the resolution, we applied non-uniform sampling (NUS) schemes in the indirect 1H and 13C dimensions. The approach was applied to two medium-sized proteins, odorant binding protein 22 (OBP22; 14.4 kDa) and Pin1 (18.2 kDa), at 900 MHz polarizing fields. The coupling values obtained from NUS and linear sampling were extremely well correlated. However, NUS decreased the overlap of Hβ2/3 protons, thus supplying a higher yield of extracted 3JHα-Hβ coupling values when compared with linear sampling. A similar effect could be achieved with linear prediction applied to the linearly sampled data prior to the Fourier transformation. Finally, we used 3JHα–Hβ couplings from Pin1 in combination with either conventional or exact nuclear Overhauser enhancement (eNOE) restraints to determine the stereospecific assignments of β-methylene protons. The use of eNOEs further increased the fraction of unambiguously assigned resonances when compared with procedures using conventional NOEs.
Assimilation of probabilistic flood maps from SAR data into a coupled hydrologic–hydraulic forecasting model: a proof of concept

Abstract. Coupled hydrologic and hydraulic models represent powerful tools for simulating streamflow and water levels along the riverbed and in the floodplain. However, input data, model parameters, initial conditions, and model structure represent sources of uncertainty that affect the reliability and accuracy of flood forecasts. Assimilation of satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observations into a flood forecasting model is generally used to reduce such uncertainties. In this context, we have evaluated how sequential assimilation of flood extent derived from SAR data can help improve flood forecasts. In particular, we carried out twin experiments based on a synthetically generated dataset with controlled uncertainty. To this end, two assimilation methods are explored and compared: the sequential importance sampling method (standard method) and its enhanced method where a tempering coefficient is used to inflate the posterior probability (adapted method) and reduce degeneracy. The experimental results show that the assimilation of SAR probabilistic flood maps significantly improves the predictions of streamflow and water elevation, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the data assimilation framework. In addition, the assimilation method significantly reduces the spatially averaged root mean square error of water levels with respect to the case without assimilation. The critical success index of predicted flood extent maps is significantly increased by the assimilation. While the standard method proves to be more accurate in estimating the water levels and streamflow at the assimilation time step, the adapted method enables a more persistent improvement of the forecasts. However, although the use of a tempering coefficient reduces the degeneracy problem, the accuracy of model simulation is lower than that of the standard method at the assimilation time step.
Airborne Transmission of Avian Origin H9N2 Influenza A Viruses

Influenza A viruses (IAV) are widespread viruses affecting avian and mammalian species worldwide. Outbreaks of IAV in poultry are usually associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, significantly affecting the poultry industry and food security. IAVs from avian species can be transmitted to mammals including humans and, thus, they are of inherent pandemic concern. Most of the efforts to understand the pathogenicity and transmission of avian origin IAVs have been focused on H5 and H7 subtypes due to their highly pathogenic phenotype in poultry. However, IAV of the H9 subtype that circulate endemically in poultry flocks in some regions of the world have also been associated with cases of zoonotic infections. As a result, the World Health Organization includes avian origin H9N2 IAV among the top in the list of IAVs of pandemic concern. In this review, we discuss the interspecies transmission of H9N2 between avian and mammalian species and the molecular factors that are thought relevant for this spillover. Additionally, we discuss factors that have been associated with the ability of these viruses to transmit through the respiratory route in mammalian species.
Full duplex Visible Light Communication Platform based on GNU Radio and USRP 2920

An implementation of full duplex Visible Light Communication, based on USRP platform and GNU Radio environment, is proposed in this work. A main downlink communication between a VLC transmitter and a VLC receiver has been implemented, exploiting a set of Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) with different index. A feed-back optical channel, integrating two Arduino 1, have been used for the exchange of control messages. Differing from most of experimental works on VLC, this implementation could potentially allows adaptive communication, advanced synchronization techniques and noise mitigation.
Analysis of Primate Dental Microwear using Image Processing Techniques

This paper introduces Fourier transformation as a rapid, replicable means for characterizing and distinguishing patterns of microscopic wear on primate teeth. The two-dimensional power spectra obtained from numerical Fourier transformation are shown to be different between two test patterns, one of l'vhich is composed of linear features and the other of randomlyspaced dots. A comparison is made, using Fourier transformation, of dental microwear patterns of small samples of two primate species, Ateles ~ffroyi, the spider monkey, and Chiropotes satanas, the bearded saki. Ateles, with a scratch-dominated pattern of microwear, has a Fourier transform resembling that of the linear test pattern. Chiropotes, with a pit-dominated microwear pattern, resembles the transform of the dot pattern. The significance of this is discussed in light of the dietary differences between the two species. ~ words: Image Processing, Diet, Den~al wear, Primates, Fourier transforms, mastication, Ateles, Chiropotes, biomechanics, chewing. *Address for correspondence Department of Anatomy DUMC Box 3011 Durham, North Carolina 27710 USA Phone No. ( 919) 684-2143
Sentinel 1 raw IQ stream processing beyond Synthetic Aperture RADAR applications

A free, opensource Sentinel1 Level0 decoder is described providing access to the raw IQ data transmitted by the spaceborne RADAR satellites prior to range and azimuth compression. Most importantly, rank echoes when emitted pulses have not yet returned to the spaceborne RADARs allow for listening to ground based emissions – most significantly civilian (weather) and military RADARs, as well as for radiometric measurements.
THE EXPECTED TELEPHONE TRAFFIC IN SIMULATION MODELS USING ARMA-MODELS

One method of producing estimates of the confidence limits and thereby the necessary simulation time is to remove parts of the time series ,formed by the simulation in such a manner that the small time s,eries (of equal length) retained, are assumed to be independent. Hence, it is possible to construct a confidence interval for the expected number of outgoing junctors occupied, based on the means of the independent time series. This method is, however, not satisfactory because some of the information in the time series is not taken into account when the confidence limits are estimated.
Silver nanoparticle biosynthesis from newly isolated streptomyces genus from soil

This study aimed to green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by cell lysates of actinobacterial strains isolated from Mersin soils. Also, free-radical scavenging potential, the inhibitory effect, and genotoxicity of synthesized AgNPs were investigated. As a result of the screening study, it was detected that cell lysate from isolate AOA21, which were classified in Streptomyces genus according to 16S rRNA gene sequences comparison, showed higher potential for AgNPs synthesis. The optimum pH, AgNO3 and cell lysate concentration for AgNPs synthesis were found to be pH 9.0, 1 mM AgNO3 and 2-fold diluted cell lysate, respectively. The FESEM analysis revealed that the size and shape of AgNPs were 35–60 nm and spherical. The x-ray diffraction patterns displayed typical peaks of crystalline AgNPs at 34.07°, 44.04°, 64.45°, 77.40° and 81.36°. The size of cubic crystalline AgNPs was found to be 9.35 nm. The FTIR analysis showed that the especially protein, peptide and amino acid component in the cell lysates of Streptomyces sp. AOA21 may be responsible in reduction of AgNO3 and stabilization of synthesized AgNPs. The MIC values of synthesized AgNPs for Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were found to be 8 μg ml−1, 16 μg ml−1, 16 μg ml−1 and 32 μg ml−1, respectively. Free-radical scavenging activity of synthesized AgNPs was 8.54%–55.58% at a concentration range of 800–2000 μg ml−1. Furthermore, comet assay showed that synthesized AgNPs did not cause significant DNA damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a concentration of 12.5 μg ml−1 and 25 μg ml−1.
Leadership Styles of Game Jam Organizers

Organizers are crucial for the design and implementation of game jams, and yet they do not all share the same organizing philosophies. Different leadership strategies tend be adopted depending on variations in jam goals, such as community formation, enabling creativity, or teaching and learning. While the goals of game jam organizers are known, details about how organizers lead and organize their jams are lacking. To understand these leadership strategies, we interviewed seventeen game jam organizers who ran online and physical game jams for student groups, hobbyists, and semi-professional game developers. We found that these organizers valued learning, community, and creativity, and employed leadership strategies such as establishing a vision for jam outcomes, attending to participant emotional needs, and providing mentorship to ensure participants remained engaged during their game jams. We also found a tension between creativity and learning oriented leadership strategies, with some organizers choosing to disengage to remove their influence on event outcomes. We use these findings to reflect upon how to balance game jams for both learning and creativity, and how to design for leaderless jams.
Possible Role of Polarized Light Information in Spatial Recognition in the Cricket Gryllus bimaculatus

Many insects are able to use skylight e-vector patterns to deduce their heading direction. Crickets have been well known to orient themselves to certain e-vector orientations to keep their walking direction. However, it is still unknown if crickets are able to utilize polarized light information for spatial recognition. Using an experimental paradigm similar to the Morris water maze for rodents, here we examine the possibility that the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus can utilize polarized light information to find the target place. Crickets were placed in a round arena with a heated floor, a portion of which was cooled, and a cross-shaped e-vector pattern was presented from the top of the arena so that the cricket could find the cool spot by walking along the e-vector direction. When the arrangement of the e-vector pattern and the cool spot were fixed throughout the experiments, the time and the walking distance to find the cool spot were significantly decreased with increasing trials, but not when the e-vector pattern was rotated between each trial. Moreover, a model selection indicated that the visual stimulus contributed to the decrease in time and distance. To investigate the cricket's exploration patterns in the arena, a test trial in which the whole floor was uniformly heated was performed before and after the training trials. In the test trial, the crickets trained with the positionally fixed e-vector pattern showed wall-following behavior for a significantly longer time than those untrained and those trained with random e-vector patterns.
The obesity paradox in heart failure: What is the role of cardiorespiratory fitness?

The obesity paradox describes a survival benefit for higher body mass index in patients with heart failure. But other factors like cardiorespiratory fitness may play a role in heart failure development, severity, and survival. Although more research is needed to better understand the relationships between body mass index and fitness in patients with heart failure, evidence indicates that recommending weight loss and an exercise program is appropriate for most patients. What should these patients be advised about weight management and about cardiorespiratory fitness, a major factor influencing the paradox?
Formulation optimization and release kinetics of Metronidazole matrix, compression and spray coated tablets: Effect of organic acid on colon targeted drug delivery system

Amoebiasis is an infection of the large intestine caused by Entamoeba histolytica, and it is mainly present in the intra-intestinal lumen. The efficient treatment of amoebiasis and other colonic infections could be achieved by targeting the drug to the colon. Metronidazole is the drug of choice for intestinal amoebiasis and other colon infections and the best approach for this drug is to target the drug delivery to colon which would make the drug effective with low dose and prevent the potential hazards observed in conventional dose. Moreover, addition of suitable organic acid in the formulation could enhance the drug solubility where less free aqueous is present than intestine. The aim of the present investigation was to formulate matrix formulations using different concentrations of guar gum and pectin with suitable organic acid and to prevent the premature drug release in the GI tract, the matrix formulations further taken for compression and spray coating to test the suitability for targeted drug delivery to the colon. The release kinetics of the formulations was performed using PCP-Disso Excel software. All the Matrix, Compression coated and Spray coated formulations were showed the desired physicochemical properties as per the official limits. Based on the drug release study in pH 1.2 (0.1N HCl), Phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and 6.8, the three MGT F8, MGTE F20, and MGTES F32 were found to be best and they were taken for further release study in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 with rat cecal content (4% w/v). The formulations MGTE F20 (r2 - 0.9986, n - 1.0601) and MGTES F32 (r2 -0.9974, n - 1.1501) were shown zero order release in terms of its kinetic release. Guar gum (40%) and Tartaric acid (80mg) was found to be suitable for this formulation and further gastrointestinal resistant coating is necessary for targeting the drug release. Hence, this special drug delivery system is needed to minimize the hazardous effects and to increase the effectiveness of the drug.
Dealing with Uncertainty: Divination During the Imjin War (1592–1598) as Recorded in O Huimun’s Swaemirok

Abstract:O Huimun, a Joseon yangban who had never passed the civil service examination and consequently never been appointed to a government position, was travelling around Jeolla Province in 1592 when the first Japanese invasion of the Imjin War (1592–1598) occurred. From the outset of his travels at the end of 1591 until his return to Seoul early in 1601, O Huimun kept an almost unbroken daily record of his and his family’s life experiences as they struggled to survive in the adverse conditions of wartime Joseon. One of the most salient features of the “Gabo illok” (Daily record of the lunar year 1594) section of the diary is O Huimun’s frequent recourse to divination during the time when he and his family were taking refuge in Imcheon 林川 in Chungcheong Province and came into contact with Yi Bongnyeong, a divination official (myeonggwagwan 命課官) in the Office of Observance of Natural Phenomena (Gwansanggam 觀象監) of the Joseon government, who was also taking refuge there. In order to help us better understand the daily life and world view of a Neo-Confucian yangban in mid-Joseon times, this article examines O Huimun’s frequent recourse to Yi Bongnyeong’s divination in relation to health matters, his daughter’s marriage and childbirth, his sons’ prospects in the civil service examination, and general fortune telling.