Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CMPUT 675 : Approximation Algorithms Fall 2011 Lecture 18 ( November 8 ) : Euclidean TSP

Euclidean TSP is a subset of Travelling Salesman Problem in which distances are on Euclidean plane, i.e. the instances are on R 2. Mathematically speaking, distance of any two vertices v i = (x i , y i) and v j = (x j , y j) is d(v i , v j) = (x i − x j) 2 + (y i − y j) 2. We will give a PTAS for this problem, i.e. for any > 0, we will get to a (1 +)-approximation. The general steps for this matter will be: • Show that it is sufficient to focus on some special instances having certain properties. • Use the method of dividing (recursively) the plane into smaller squares. • Show that there is a (1 +) * OP T costing tour that does not cross the squares too many times. • Use dynamic programming. In a lot of papers this idea has been used to obtain a PTAS for different problems such as Steiner Tree Problem. Definition 1 Nice Instance: In a nice instance of a Euclidean TSP, minimum distance between points are at least 4, and all the points are integers in [0, O(n)]. Lemma 1 We can reduce any Euclidean instance to a nice one at a loss of (1 +)-factor. Proof. Take a minimal bounding box; say size L. this means there are two vertices with distance at least L and obvious we will have OP T ≥ L. Take a grid with spacing L 2n and move each point to nearest grid point. The increase in distances will be at most 2L 2n for each point. Therefore, the OPT tour will increase by at most n * 2L 2n ≤ * OP T. Now, scale things by 8n L. Now each grid size is at least L 2n * 8n L = 4. So any two points in the scaled version will have distance at least 4.
Irish Media: A Critical History since 1922

1. The New Order 1922-1931 2. Affairs of State 1931-1947 3. Coming of Age 1947-1957 4. Television 1957-1973 5. Crossing a Watershed 1973-1985 6. Coming to Terms 1985-1995 7. Local, National, Global 1995-2000
Structure and Physiology of Human Ear Involved in Hearing

Hearing is the fundamental sense based on the normal functioning of the hearing organ “the ear,” which plays a vital role in social interaction and the ability of learning. The human ear is divided into three parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Defects in outer and middle ear can cause conductive hearing loss, while the defective inner ear may lead to sensorineural hearing loss. So, it is important to study the structure and physiology of the human ear. When a sound of particular frequency enters the outer ear, it passes through the auditory canal and strikes the tympanic membrane. It vibrates and passes these vibrations to three ossicles present in the middle ear. The ossicles amplify the vibrations of sound and send them to the cochlea in the inner ear. Cochlea contains organ of Corti, which converts these vibrations into electrical signals by its hair cells. The neural signals in turn are interpreted by the brain, which one can hear and understand. The aim of this chapter is to review the basic structure and physiology of different parts of the human ear that are involved in the hearing process.
Spectral Retrieval of Latent Heating Profiles from TRMM PR Data. Part III: Estimating Apparent Moisture Sink Profiles over Tropical Oceans

Abstract The spectral latent heating (SLH) algorithm was developed to estimate apparent heat source (Q1) profiles for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) in Parts I and II of this study. In this paper, the SLH algorithm is used to estimate apparent moisture sink (Q2) profiles. The procedure of Q2 retrieval is the same as that of heating retrieval except for using the Q2 profile lookup tables derived from numerical simulations of tropical cloud systems from the Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere (TOGA) Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) utilizing a cloud-resolving model (CRM). The Q2 profiles were reconstructed from CRM-simulated parameters with the COARE table and then compared with CRM-simulated “true” Q2 profiles, which were computed directly from the water vapor equation in the model. The consistency check indicates that discrepancies between the SLH-reconstructed and CRM-simulated profiles for Q2, especially at low levels, are larger than those f.
The Elution of Ions Through Field and Laboratory Snowpacks

It has been recognised for many years that the first fraction of meltwater from a melting snowpack contains a much higher concentration of ions than that of the bulk (or average) snow of which the pack is comprised (Foster 1978, Johannessen and Henriksen 1978). This process leads to the so called “acid flush” in the spring and can have severe ecological effects on lakes and streams (Hagen and Langeland 1973, Leivestad and Muniz 1976, National Research Council of Canada 1981). We have studied elution of ions through a snowpack on Folgefonna near Bergen, Norway, and in the laboratory. In the field we collected meltwater samples at hourly intervals for a period of 4 d at the start of the melt season, and analyzed them for pH, , Cl−, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and K+. 2 m cores were also collected at the beginning and end of the experiment in order to study bulk changes in snow composition. The meltwaters showed a diurnal cycle with high ionic concentrations around noon, with and levels rising by factors of up to four and six-fold compared to the average concentrations on the first day. Cl− levels peaked much later, after the and levels had decreased, and only reached 2.3 times their lowest concentrations. pH values were strongly correlated with and levels, suggesting that a significant proportion of these anions were in the form of strong acids. The laboratory experiments involved slow melting of snow samples collected in the Cairngorm mountains, Scotland, and also showed that and (and also Mg2+ and K+) ions were removed from the snow preferentially whilst Na+ and Cl− tended to remain longer. The position of H+ within the ion elution sequence is unclear due to uncertainties in the absolute determination of pH in the field measurements, but the laboratory experiments confirm the differential rates of elution shown in the Norwegian snowpack and reaffirms its importance in the acidification of streams during spring.
Energy drink mechanisms of harm in young people: a narrative review

Caffeinated energy drink consumption has grown rapidly worldwide, particularly among young people. This review considers whether the health outcomes associated with young people’s energy drink consumption are too narrowly defined on physiological mechanisms, and whether there is evidence to support the hypothesis that energy drink consumption incurs broader social costs. A narrative review of studies published between 1997 and 2017 focusing on the behavioural, physical and mental health outcomes associated with EDs consumption and the two main ingredients, sugar (including glucose, sucrose and fructose) and caffeine with explication of causal mechanism linking ingredient to outcome where relevant. The population of interest was children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years of age. A total of 33 studies were identified. EDs consumption was found to be associated with health problems including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, headaches, sleep disorder, substance use, stress and hyperactivity. The causal relationship could not be determined for all outcomes. The caffeine and sugar contained in EDs can promote adverse effects on children and adolescents. There is weak evidence that these effects could extend beyond physical health to educational attainment, mental health and substance use. Increased awareness, regulation, and further prospective studies are required.
The effects of precipitation variability on C4 photosynthesis, net primary production and soil respiration in a Chihuahuan Desert grassland

National Science Foundation grant to the University of New Mexico (UNM) for Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER), U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science (BER) through the Western Regional Center for the National Institute for Climatic Change Research, T&E Inc., Sevilleta LTER Summer Fellowship, UNM Department of Biology Alumni Scholarships, UNM - Graduate Research Allocations Committee, Student Research Allocations Committee, Graduate Research Project and Travel Grant
First evaluation of the practicability of the CLASSYFARM welfare assessment protocol in Italian small-scale mountain dairy farms - a case study

Abstract The challenges facing the health sector and the agri-food industry have become increasingly complex over the years. Animal welfare, drug consumption, the use of the slaughterhouse as an epidemiological observatory and biosecurity, as well as the health risks associated with it, are increasingly interconnected, making an integrated approach necessary. Hence the European Commission developed regulations to ensure a certain standard for animal welfare in livestock husbandry, which led the Animal Health and Veterinary Drugs Directorate of the Italian Ministry of Health to design an integrated system called Classyfarm, aimed at categorising farming according to risk. The aim of our study was to consider the protocol of the Classyfarm system for evaluating the present situation in South Tyrolean dairy farming (1) and discuss the practical implementation of this new system in small-scale mountain dairy farming (2) which largely differs from large dairy enterprises in the lowlands. The results provide important insights about farm structure and management. However, in terms of animal welfare the questionnaire of Classyfarm is not able to properly differentiate and therefore results need to be considered with caution. Similarly, the section about biosafety is hardly applicable for small-scale mountain farms due to limited herd size and building capacity. Therefore, authors underline the necessity of developing a further differentiated questionnaire for the Classyfarm system, which considers the peculiarities of small-scale mountain dairy farming and allow proper conclusions regarding sanitary risk for public health unless the long-term aim is that such structure will stop producing which will have significant effects on many other sectors in the region, e.g. tourism. HIGHLIGHTS The section for Biosafety in the present Classyfarm protocol is hardly applicable to small-scale mountain dairy farms. Results of animal-based measures do not offer differentiated insights in the present situation. The present benchmarks for some animal-based measurements like mortality are not applicable for small scale-farms as they provide misleading information.
Competition for soil nitrate and invasive weed resistance of three shrub-steppe growth forms

Understanding competition for soil nitrate between common shrub-steppe, potential reclamation species, and common invasive species is necessary to identify mechanisms associated with ecosystem invasion and may assist with developing weed management scenarios. We designed a field experiment to evaluate the differential competitive effects of the invasive annual grass downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.), the invasive biennial forb dyer’s woad (Isatis tinctoria L.), and the reclamation shrub prostrate kochia (Kochia prostrata [L.] Schrad.) on nitrate acquisition of the perennial grass crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertner x A. desertorum [Fisch. ex Link] Schultes), the native forb western yarrow (Achillea lanulosa Nutt.), and the native shrub big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata var.wyomingensis [Beetle & A. Young] Welsh) at two sites in northern Utah. Individual plants were grown in two-plant neighborhoods and a KNO3 tracer was injected into the soil between plants and recovered from leaf material within 15 days. We also evaluated neighbor effects on shoot and root growth, leaf carbon: nitrogen ratio, and leaf N concentrations as well as a post hoc comparison of the six species to better understand how these traits are associated with differences in nitrate acquisition and nitrogen allocation among the three growth forms. Nitrate acquisition of crested wheatgrass and western yarrow 21 were lower when competing with downy brome than with dyer’s woad and prostrate kochia (P < 0.01); however, the three growth forms had similar competitive effects on nitrate acquisition of big sagebrush. Nitrate acquisition ratios between competing neighbors revealed that 1) the grasses always acquired more nitrate than neighbors of a different growth form, 2) western yarrow was equally competitive with an invasive forb and prostrate kochia, and 3) all neighbors acquired more nitrate than big sagebrush. Greater competition for nitrate in the grasses was associated with greater specific root length. The two invasive weeds and prostrate kochia always had lower leaf C: N ratio (P < 0.01), and greater leaf N concentration (P < 0.01), which have been broadly correlated with leaf longevity, nutrient use efficiency, and indicate differing strategies to persist in the semiarid shrub-steppe ecosystems.
Moments of k-hop counts in the random-connection model

Abstract We derive moment identities for the stochastic integrals of multiparameter processes in a random-connection model based on a point process admitting a Papangelou intensity. The identities are written using sums over partitions, and they reduce to sums over non-flat partition diagrams if the multiparameter processes vanish on diagonals. As an application, we obtain general identities for the moments of k-hop counts in the random-connection model, which simplify the derivations available in the literature.
Links between transnationalism, integration and duration of residence: the case of Eastern European migrants in Italy

Transnationalism of first-generation migrants, usually considered as the core element of their migratory projects, is taken nowadays to some extent for granted. Several migration scholars have mainly focused their research on demonstrating the complementarity or dualism between integration and transnationalism and the degree of persistence of the latter over one's life course and generations. In line with this research, the aim of the present study is to examine empirically the relations of transnationalism with duration of residence and integration of Eastern Europe communities in the specific case of Italy. Data come from the Integrometro survey 2008-2009, encompassing more than 4500 Eastern European migrants, currently representing half of the foreign population in Italy, allowing us to study nationalities that have been overlooked by migration research in transnational topics. Our results clearly show a positive relationship between migrants' economic integration and transnationalism, suggesting that economic resources facilitate the maintenance and development of cross-border ties. Being more integrated socio-culturally, however, is accompanied with weaker transnational practices. Moreover, the level of transnational behaviour decreases the more years Eastern European migrants spend in Italy, which cannot be fully attributed to a higher level of socio-cultural integration.
Does rDLPFC activity alter trust? Evidence from a tDCS study

Trust plays an important role in the human economy and people’s social lives. Trust is affected by various factors and is related to many brain regions, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). However, few studies have focused on the impact of the DLPFC on trust through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), although abundant psychology and neuroscience studies have theoretically discussed the possible link between DLPFC activity and trust. In the present study, we aimed to provide evidence of a causal relationship between the rDLPFC and trust behavior by conducting multiple rounds of the classical trust game and applying tDCS over the rDLPFC. We found that overall, anodal stimulation increased trust compared with cathodal stimulation and sham stimulation, while the results in different stages were not completely the same. Our work indicates a causal relationship between rDLPFC excitability and trust behavior and provides a new direction for future research.
PR ] 1 3 Ja n 20 13 Product of Random Stochastic Matrices Behrouz Touri

The paper deals with the convergence properties of the products of random (row-)stochastic matrices. The limiting behavior of such products is studied from a dynamical system point of view. In particular, by appropriately defining a dynamic associated with a given sequence of random (row-)stochastic matrices, we prove that the dynamics admits a class of time-varying Lyapunov functions, including a quadratic one. Then, we discuss a special class of stochastic matrices, a class P∗, which plays a central role in this work. We then introduce balanced chains and using some geometric properties of these chains, we characterize the stability of a subclass of balanced chains. As a special consequence of this stability result, we obtain an extension of a central result in the non-negative matrix theory stating that, for any aperiodic and irreducible row-stochastic matrix A, the limit limk→∞A k exists and it is a rank one stochastic matrix. We show that a generalization of this result holds not only for sequences of stochastic matrices but also for independent random sequences of such matrices.
Evaluation and Diversity of Aphids on Two Tomato Crops in Tizi-Ouzou (North Algeria), and First Report of Semiaphis Dauci (Fabricius, 1775) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Algeria

Aphids are among the phytophagous insects causing the greatest economic losses. This study was carried out to evaluate the diversity and abundance of aphids in two tomato crops grown in an open field in two localities situated at Tizi-Ouzou (North Algeria). The aphid’s inventory was carried out using yellow traps. 926 winged aphids were trapped, representing 55 species. The aphid fauna recorded was divided into 4 subfamilies, 6 tribes and 31 genera. The aphid’s diversity trapped in Zahra variety field was higher with 41 species, compared to 29 species in Zin 45 variety field, with one species recorded for the first time in Algeria, namely Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius, 1775). The density and diversity of aphids differed from one field to another depending on climatic factors and the availability of host plants. Direct observations on plants allowed the identification of three aphid species, namely Aphis fabae Scopoli, 1763 Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 and Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776).
Numerical 3D‐bifurcation analysis of star‐shaped crack patterns using the energy method

The present research deals with a three‐dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) bifurcation analysis based on the global mechanical potential that can be used to find the parameters at which a crack pattern changes. In our case we want to analyze at which point the star‐shaped shrinkage cracks in an aqueous colloidal suspension filled in a glass cylinder change from four to three or two cracks growing. The driving force for the crack growth is shrinkage caused by diffusion controlled drying. The 3D crack front geometry is described efficiently by using a Fourier series approach. Based on steady‐state crack growth, the Fourier coefficients are determined in a first step using an optimization algorithm. As a result, the time dependent crack growth can be determined. In a second step, the bifurcation point is determined by an eigenvalue analysis of the second order derivatives of the potential energy of the system. If the lowest eigenvalue reaches zero the fundamental solution becomes unstable and a transition will occur. Our analysis shows that the transition from four to two cracks is preferred over the transition from four to three cracks.
Application of Biofilm Covered Activated Carbon Particles as a Microbial Inoculum Delivery System for Enhanced Bioaugmentation of PCBs in Contaminated Sediment

Abstract : Objectives: The objectives in SERDP project ER-2135 addressed the SERDP Exploratory Development \201SEED\202 Statement of Need ERSEED-11-01: In situ remediation of contaminated aquatic sediments. Removal of the class of persistent organic pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyls \201PCBs\202, from contaminated aquatic sediments is a priority due to their ability to enter the food chain and their potent toxic and carcinogenic properties. Presently, the approved remediation methods mainly include dredging and capping. However, these techniques are not only expensive, but also result in increased PCB concentrations in the water phase due to resuspension of contaminated sediment particles. While in situ microbial degradation of PCBs would represent a significant improvement in remediation efforts, previous attempts have failed due to PCB stability, low bioavailability and the low abundance and activity of naturally occurring PCB-degrading microorganisms. In order to overcome these negative aspects of microbial degradation, this project evaluated an approach, where anaerobically dechlorinating biofilms were added to sediment as a delivery system either by utilizing bacteria localized and concentrated onto activated carbon surfaces in active biofilm communities or by applying enriched wastewater sludge biofilms. The enhanced effect of biofilms on bioaugmentation was examined in a subsequent mesocosm experiment, where these biofilm communities were applied to PCB contaminated sediment. The high efficiency of activated carbon to quickly adsorb and sequester PCBs from aquatic sediments has previously been demonstrated. Co-localizing PCB-degrading microbes onto the surfaces of activated carbon in the form of biofilms and utilizing it as a microbial inoculum delivery system provides a number of benefits. First, the sequestering capacity of activated carbon further lowers aqueous concentration of PCBs that have leached from sediment. Second, by providing a large population of PCB-
Robust H∞ Fault Detection for Networked Control Systems with Markov Time-Delays and Data Packet Loss in Both S/C and C/A Channels

This paper investigates the robust H∞ fault detection problem for networked control systems with Markov time-delays and data packet loss in both S/C and C/A channels. First, the time-delay from sensor to controller (S/C) and the time-delay from sensor to actuator (C/A) are described by two different Markov chains. Two random variables obeying the Bernoulli distribution are used to describe the packet loss between the sensor and the controller together between the controller and the actuator. Based on this, a fault detection filter is constructed and the closed-loop system mathematical model is established. Then, the solution method of the fault detection filter and controller gain matrix is given. The relationship between the probability of successful packet transmission and the ability to suppress external disturbance is obtained. Finally, simulation verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Temporal dynamics of wild herbaceous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under crop succession: Rice-bean-amaranth-okra-eggplant

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous symbionts that colonize approximately 80% of wild and cultivated plants, with the exception of a few botanical families such as Amarantaceae, Brassicaceae, Cyperaceae, and Chenopodiaceae, which mycorrhizae less or not at all. These symbioses are important because they improve the hydro-mineral nutrition of plants. During a succession of crops on a plot, it is possible to observe the diversity of AMF in the soil; this work fits into this framework. The experiment was carried out in pots in a completely randomized block design with 5 crops, including rice-beans-amaranth-okra-eggplant, repeated 5 times. The temporal dynamics of AMF were assessed during crop succession on the same soil. The results show a high species richness for rice, with 23 AMF species compared to 9 AMF species found on amaranth. Spore density and root colonization frequency show the same trend, respectively 5 to 38 spores per 100 g soil for rice compared to 3 to 10 spores per 100 g soil for amaranth. The colonization frequency ranged from 79 to 80% in rice and bean, while amaranth was only colonized to 13%. The introduction of amaranth during crop succession contributes to a decrease in species richness, spore density and AMF colonization frequency, in contrast to other crops.