Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Commodity Prices and Currency Exchange Rates: Evidence from the Futures Markets

We examine relationships among currency and commodity futures markets based on four commodity exporting countries’ currency futures returns and a range of index based commodity futures returns. These four commodity linked currencies are the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, New Zealand dollar, and South African rand. We find that commodity/currency relationships exist contemporaneously, but fail to exhibit Granger causality in either direction. We attribute our results to the informational efficiency of futures markets. That is, information is incorporated into the commodity and currency futures prices rapidly and simultaneously on a daily basis.
Journal of Information Security and Applications

The proliferation and application of machine learning-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) have allowed for more flexibility and efficiency in the automated detection of cyber attacks in Industrial Control Systems (ICS). However, the introduction of such IDSs has also created an additional attack vector; the learning models may also be subject to cyber attacks, otherwise referred to as Adversarial Machine Learning (AML). Such attacks may have severe consequences in ICS systems, as adversaries could potentially bypass the IDS. This could lead to delayed attack detection which may result in infrastructure damages, financial loss, and even loss of life. This paper explores how adversarial learning can be used to target supervised models by generating adversarial samples using the Jacobian-based Saliency Map attack and exploring classification behaviours. The analysis also includes the exploration of how such samples can support the robustness of supervised models using adversarial training. An authentic power system dataset was used to support the experiments presented herein. Overall, the classification performance of two widely used classifiers, Random Forest and J48, decreased by 6 and 11 percentage points when adversarial samples were present. Their performances improved following adversarial training, demonstrating their robustness towards such attacks.
Association between gut microbiota and venous thromboembolism: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background: Recent studies have suggested an association between gut microbiota (GM) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, observational studies cannot indicate causality and population-level studies with a higher evidence level for causality are lacking. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the causal association of GM with VTE. Methods: This study utilized the summary-level data of respective genome-wide association study for 196 gut microbial taxa and VTE. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design was deployed and comprehensively sensitive analyses were followed to validate the robustness of results. We used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, the weighted median method, weighted mode method, simple mode method, MR-Egger regression, MR-Egger intercept test, Cochrane’s Q-test, outlier test, and leave-one-out analysis as the primary analysis. Results: We identi�ed suggestive associations between 17 bacterial traits and the risk of VTE. Porphyromonadaceae (IVW odds ratio (OR): 1.3729, p=0.0035) and Cyanobacteria (IVW OR: 1.2151, p=0.0048) were associated with increased risk of VTE. Three gut microbiota taxa (Eubacteriumrectalegroup (IVW OR: 1.0038, p=0.0278), Coprococcus2 (IVW OR: 1.0041, p = 0.0063), and LachnospiraceaeUCG001 (IVW OR: 1.0041, p=0.0009) were predicted to play a causal role in enhancing the risk of encompassing deep vein thrombosis. And three gut microbiota taxa (Christensenellaceae (IVW OR: 1.0023, p=0.0497), Streptococcaceae (IVW OR: 1.0031, p=0.0279), Victivallaceae (IVW OR: 1.0014, p=0.0493) were positively associated with pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: This study suggested the role of the speci�c GM on the risk for VTE, which may provide new ideas and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of VTE in the future
Analysing the Quality of Food on Convolution Neural Network for Fuzzy Classi�er in Hyperspectral Imagery

Introduction: This paper is introducing a new architecture which associates convolutional neural network (CNN) formed on fuzzy neural network (FNN). The fuzzy neural network with some few connected layers which gives to add some feature information for using fuzzy neural network. Mapping of membership values, feature maps also called as outputs are produced by CNN that is given in to fuzzy layers by using training phase. The classi�cation accuracy is increased in this proposed architecture instead we are using fuzzy neural networks that can generate not only crisp values but also fuzzy values because of more information is produced in the fuzzy set. Methods: Cross-validation tests are evaluated in our proposed model. More data is needed for executing training the sequences, we contain only less data and testing the data which contains more amount of information that will express the object classi�ed in its ability where important information is not available. Results: The convolution neural network consists of tuned convolution layer, Heuristic Activation Operation and Parallel Element Merge Layer which is manipulated by the fuzzy classi�er output based on food image context extractor. Conclusion: Finally, Quality of Food is analysed by means of Visual IDE. Based on that Hyperspectral Output Image is extracted with good accuracy
Sensitivity study of a dynamic thermodynamic sea ice model

A numerical simulation of the seasonal sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean and the Greenland, Iceland, and Norwegian seas is presented. The sea ice model is extracted from Oberhuber's (1990) coupled sea ice-mixed layer-isopycnal general circulation model and is written in spherical coordinates. The advantage of such a model over previous sea ice models is that it can be easily coupled to either global atmospheric or ocean general circulation models written in spherical coordinates. In this model, the thermodynamics are a modification of that of Parkinson and Washington (1979), while the dynamics use the full Hibler (1979) viscous-plastic rheology. Monthly thermodynamic and dynamic forcing fields for the atmosphere and ocean are specified. The simulations of the seasonal cycle of ice thickness, compactness, and velocity, for a control set of parameters, compare favorably with the known seasonal characteristics of these fields. A sensitivity study of the control simulation of the seasonal sea ice cover is presented. The sensitivity runs are carried out under three different themes, namely, numerical conditions, parameter values, and physical processes. This last theme refers to experiments in which physical processes are either newly added or completely removed from the model. Approximately 80 sensitivity runs have been performed in which a change from the control run environment has been implemented. Comparisons have been made between the control run and a particular sensitivity run based on time series of the seasonal cycle of the domain-averaged ice thickness, compactness, areal coverage, and kinetic energy. In addition, spatially varying fields of ice thickness, compactness, velocity, and surface temperature for each season are presented for selected experiments. A brief description and discussion of the more interesting experiments are presented. The simulation of the seasonal cycle of Arctic sea ice cover is shown to be robust.
Frequency-dependent attenuation in the crust beneath Central France from Lg waves: Data analysis and numerical modeling

Abstract The quality factor of shear waves in the crust beneath Central France is evaluated by the combined use of data analysis and theoretical modeling. The measurement is made from Lg wave records of 18 earthquakes at 22 short-period vertical seismic stations of the French seismic network. The geometrical attenuation of Lg waves has been calculated through a numerical simulation in a perfectly elastic model. The station responses (including site effects) have been evaluated from Lg waves and from records of the seismic noise. Q has been calculated for a set of 11 frequencies between 0.5 and 10 Hz and has been found to be in the form Q = 290 * f 0.52 where f is the frequency. The numerical simulation leads to the interpretation of Q of Lg waves as the mean value of Q within the crust. Theoretical and experimental decay of energy with distance are in very good agreement. The Lg waves present a different sensitivity to a low Q zone whether this zone is associated with the sediments or with scattering in the lower crust. The lower crust beneath central France appears from our experimental results to be associated with high values of Q .
Open Research Online Students’ feelings in social and collaborative learning: some case studies

In HE institutions within Europe and beyond, there is considerable interest in adopting collaborative approaches to online learning. These approaches give students opportunities to learn from each other as they study online, and also to develop their employability skills in working with others. Many educators are therefore keen to adopt these new methods in their courses; however not all students are enthusiastic about them. For example, students may be anxious about the prospect of taking part in online collaborative learning activities, particularly if they do not know the other students, and if their grades are dependent upon the success of the collaboration. Research has shown that students experience a range of different feelings in relation to online collaborative learning. Some feelings (such as anxiety or frustration) may be a largely negative experience, while others (such as a sense of achievement or enjoyment) are largely positive. Recent research has shown that the effects of these different emot ions on students’ engagement and success are not as obvious as might be assumed. This paper presents two case studies focussed on modules from the UK Open University (UK OU) which have integrated collaborative activities: the first is a 9-month undergraduate module on Information Technology (TM255); the second is a short non-accredited module on Digital Photography (TG089). The paper considers students’ feelings about the collaborative activities and how feelings change from before they start, to during the collaboration, and finally after the activities have finished. The findings are
Analysis of the pregnancy status and outcomes of pregnant women with α -thalassemia: A retrospective clinical study

Background: The prevalence of α -thalassemia is high in Guangxi, and its co-occurrence with pregnancy may impede maternal system functions, with a consequent adverse effect on pregnancy progression and birth outcomes. The study objective was to compare the levels of relevant laboratory parameters, pregnancy complications, and birth outcomes of different types of α -thalassemia in pregnancy and to provide guidance on effective prevention and monitoring of perinatal complications in various types of α -thalassemia in pregnancy and improve associated pregnancy outcomes. Methods: The observation group comprised 1371 singleton pregnant women with α -thalassemia. The control group comprised 680 non-thalassemia singleton pregnancies during the same period. The thalassemia genotypes of the observation group were tallied and categorized based on their respective genotypes within the group. All relevant clinical data were compared within and between groups. Results:(1) The ethnic distribution among the α -thalassemia pregnancies was predominantly Han and Zhuang, with the top three genotypes --SEA/ ααα , - α 3.7/ ααα , and α CS α / ααα . (2) The hemoglobin in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, with the lowest hemoglobin in the intermediate group (P < 0.001), and serum ferritin trending in the opposite direction. The most signi�cant decreases in hemoglobin and ferritin during pregnancy were observed in the intermediate group (P(cid:0)0.001). (3) The incidences of abnormal Electrocardiograph, abnormal liver function, hypertensive disorders, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and thyroid disorders during pregnancy were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P(cid:0)0.05). (4) The incidences of preterm labor, caesarean section and postpartum hemorrhage were all higher in the observation group than in the control group (P(cid:0)0.05). (5) The delivery weight and neonatal hemoglobin in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P(cid:0) 0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women with α -thalassemia have the lowest hemoglobin levels, the
eradication does not reduce paraprotein levels in monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS): a prospective cohort study

Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) is a chronic haematological alteration that carries a 1% risk per year of malignant evolution. The origin of this disturbance remains unknown. Previous reports have suggested that a subgroup of patients presenting MGUS might cure after Helicobacter pylori eradication. This study evaluates the effect of H. pylori eradication in a cohort of 30 patients with MGUS. A 7-day clarithro-mycin-based triple treatment was prescribed to patients with MGUS infected with H. pylori . Quantification of the monoclonal component was performed at inclusion and at least 12 months after treatment. The monoclonal component persisted unchanged in all patients who cured the H. pylori
Estimativa de Área de Soja no Rio Grande do Sul Utilizando Imagens NDVI/MODIS *

The Brazilian agricultural estimates still are strongly based on subjective surveys. In the last years several researches have been developed shown that the remote sensing products can be an important source of objective products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of NDVI MODIS image as a ease and fast estimator of the soybean crop area in the Rio Grande do Sul state. The applied methodology uses the temporal dynamic of the soybean crop through the evaluating of the NDVI behavior in some characteristic periods of the crop cycle in the main producer region of the State. The soybean map area produced by a Landsat image was used as a crop mask for extracting the average and standard deviation statistics. This information was used to define NDVI bands corresponding to the implantation and full development periods of the crop. The cross-matches of these binary images were used to map soybean areas. The results had shown the possibility of using this method to map soybean areas in Rio Grande do Sul. The agreement between the numbers of soybean pixels classified in the MODIS image related to the soybean areas identified in the Landsat images was 83.98%, with 0.48 of Kappa. The omission and commission error was near to 42% each. The difference between the crop area in the MODIS and Landsat images was 2.38%. When the comparison was made using MODIS and IBGE data, the difference gone up to 18.78%. The results were very good in soybean regions with high heterogeneity caused by the size, technology and crop calendar, excusing any other type of edition on the classified image. This methodology allows one to produce good indication of the soybean area using a simple, economic and fast form.
Air Pollution in India: Bridging the Gap between Science and Policy

AbstractAir pollution is an emerging public health concern as there are increasing evidences that the quality of air adversely affects human health due to the presence of various toxic pollutants. Linking air pollution from its source to adverse human health effects is a complicated phenomenon that requires a multidisciplinary approach for better understanding. Decision-makers need relevant, comprehensive estimates of the disease burden attributable to different risk factors. Many statistical models have become very relevant for estimating atmospheric concentrations by analysis of complex datasets to produce inferences and predictions that can lead to better management of air pollution. This paper focuses on the Indian scenario as a case study and presents the current status of air quality in India with special reference to particulate matter. The study suggest that air-quality networks need to be developed that can depict and forecast pollution levels with health advisories for public and for pollution e.
RIQUEZA Y ABUNDANCIA DE AVES FRUGÍVORAS Y NECTARÍVORAS EN UNA PLANTACIÓN DE ALISO (Alnus acuminata) Y UN BOSQUE SECUNDARIO EN LOS ANDES CENTRALES DE COLOMBIA

In the tropics, frugivorous and nectarivorous bird species'richness and abundance differs between forest plantations and native forests. Such trophic structure differences emerge from the limitations that forest plantations has as habitat for these bird species. Hence, understanding how trophic guild differences emerge among habitat types is a key factor for establishing the actual conservation value of forest plantation for avifauna conservation. We compared understory frugivorous and nectarivorous birds' richness and abundance between an Andean alder (Alnus acuminata) plantation and a second-growth forest stands, located at the Colombian Central Andes. We based comparisons on mist-net captures during seven months of sampling (October 2008 - April 2009). Greater nectarivorous abundance and frugivorous species richness was detected at the alder plantation; between-habitat similarity was low, suggesting that these habitats are not equivalent for avifauna. Such differences could be associated to factors as vegetation structure differences, understory floristic composition, and resource offer as has been registered for other forest plantations elsewhere. In summary, our results suggests that alder plantation's understory have no negative effect on frugivorous and nectarivorous birds, and also it might have a complementary ecological role in maintaining the species richness of these bird guilds at the study region.
AMPK is a mechano-metabolic sensor linking cell adhesion and mitochondrial dynamics to Myosin II dependent cell migration

Cell migration are crucial for development, immunity and cancer dissemination. We �nd that AMPK controls cell migration by acting as an adhesion sensing molecular hub. In 3-dimensional (3D) matrices, fast migrating amoeboid cancer cells exert low adhesion/low traction linked to lower energy levels; while their low ATP/AMP ratio leads to AMPK activation. In turn, AMPK plays a dual role controlling both mitochondrial dynamics and cytoskeletal remodelling. High AMPK in low adhering migratory cells, induces mitochondrial �ssion via MFF phosphorylation, resulting in lower OXPHOS and lower mitochondrial ATP. At the same time, AMPK phosphorylates and inactivates MYPT1, increasing Myosin II dependent amoeboid migration. Reducing adhesion, inducing AMPK activity or inhibiting mitochondrial fusion result in profound cytoskeletal remodelling and e�cient rounded-amoeboid 3D migration and invasion. Moreover, AMPK inhibition suppresses in vivo metastatic potential of amoeboid cancer cells. We measure a mitochondrial/AMPK-driven switch in regions of human tumours where amoeboid cells are actively disseminating. We unveil how mitochondrial dynamics control cell migration and suggest that AMPK is a master “mechano-metabolic sensor” at the crossroads between energetics and the actomyosin cytoskeleton.
Shortening, structural relief and drainage evolution in inverted rifts: insights from the Atlas Mountains, the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia and the Pyrenees

Abstract The Atlas, Eastern Cordillera and Pyrenees are thick-skinned thrust-fold belts formed by tectonic inversion of rift basins in continental settings. A comparison of shortening between them shows a gradation from 20–25% in the central High Atlas, to 25–30% in the Eastern Cordillera, and c. 40% in the Pyrenees. Accordingly, there is a structural variation from interior zones with low structural relief and isolated basement massifs in the first two cases, to an axial culmination of stacked basement thrust sheets in the Pyrenees. This results in marked topographic and drainage variation: the High Atlas and Eastern Cordillera contain axial plateaus dominated by structure-controlled longitudinal rivers and orogen flanks with slope-controlled transverse rivers, whereas the Pyrenees show a two-sided wedge profile dominated by transverse rivers. In spite of singularities exhibited by each orogen, we propose that this spatial variation can be understood as reflecting different degrees of evolution in mountain building. Rapidly incising, transverse rivers are capturing earlier longitudinal streams of the Atlas and Eastern Cordillera, thus reducing their axial plateaux, which will eventually disappear into a transverse-dominated drainage. This pattern of landscape evolution may be characteristic of inversion orogens as they develop from initial stages of inversion to full accretion.
Growth from the STEM: Exploring an International Model of Apprentice- ship for Outreach Programs (Work in Progress)

Darlee Gerrard is a Ph.D. candidate in Engineering Education at the University of Toronto. She received her Hon. B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, B.Ed. from Brock University, and Masters degree from Memorial University. She coordinates leadership and community outreach programs in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. Her research interests include STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, co-curricular and experiential learning, and the equity and accessibility of education.
Effect of NPK fertilizer on the biochemical response of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Increasing nutrient inputs affect plants and soil. Long-term, repeated mineral fertilizer applications may alter the agro-ecosystem. The application of the right amount of fertilizer is primordial to maintaining and improving sustainable plant productivity. The physiological response of the plant provides meaningful information on yield and makes it possible to better choose the doses of fertilization amendments. In order to determine the adequate dose of NPK fertilizer under economically profitable and more environmentally sustainable conditions, we investigated the impact of the chemical fertilizer amended at different NPK fertilizer doses (15, 20, and 25 kg ha-1) on the growth parameters, oxidative metabolism, and yield of Solanum lycopersicum. A complete random block experimental set-up with three doses and four replicates was performed for a greenhouse tomato crop. The results showed that NPK fertilizer influences morphological parameters, and phenolic compounds with the best data correlated to the medium treatment. Likewise, the content of flavonoids, lycopene, and β-carotene in tomato fruits displays a similar trend of variation with all treatment doses. The biochemical responses of plants to mineral fertilizer indicate that a medium dose is suitable, without overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, to reduce the negative impact on the agro-ecosystem.