Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of Germination Response to Temperature and Water Potential for a Wide Range of Cover Crop Species and Related Functional Groups

A wide range of species can be sown as cover crops during fallow periods to provide various ecosystem services. Plant establishment is a key stage, especially when sowing occurs in summer with high soil temperatures and low water availability. The aim of this study was to determine the response of germination to temperature and water potential for diverse cover crop species. Based on these characteristics, we developed contrasting functional groups that group species with the same germination ability, which may be useful to adapt species choice to climatic sowing conditions. Germination of 36 different species from six botanical families was measured in the laboratory at eight temperatures ranging from 4.5–43°C and at four water potentials. Final germination percentages, germination rate, cardinal temperatures, base temperature and base water potential were calculated for each species. Optimal temperatures varied from 21.3–37.2°C, maximum temperatures at which the species could germinate varied from 27.7–43.0°C and base water potentials varied from -0.1 to -2.6 MPa. Most cover crops were adapted to summer sowing with a relatively high mean optimal temperature for germination, but some Fabaceae species were more sensitive to high temperatures. Species mainly from Poaceae and Brassicaceae were the most resistant to water deficit and germinated under a low base water potential. Species were classified, independent of family, according to their ability to germinate under a range of temperatures and according to their base water potential in order to group species by functional germination groups. These groups may help in choosing the most adapted cover crop species to sow based on climatic conditions in order to favor plant establishment and the services provided by cover crops during fallow periods. Our data can also be useful as germination parameters in crop models to simulate the emergence of cover crops under different pedoclimatic conditions and crop management practices.
Low-Ionization Emission Regions in Quasars: Gas Properties Probed with Broad O I and Ca II Lines

We have compiled the emission-line fluxes of O I λ8446, O I λ11287, and the near-infrared (IR) Ca II triplet (λ8579) observed in 11 quasars. These lines are considered to emerge from the same gas as do the Fe II lines in the low-ionized portion of the broad emission line region (BELR). The compiled quasars are distributed over wide ranges of redshift (0.06 ⩽ z⩽ 1.08) and of luminosity (–29.8 ⩽ MB ⩽ − 22.1), thus providing a useful sample to investigate the line-emitting gas properties in various quasar environments. The measured line strengths and velocities, as functions of the quasar properties, are analyzed using photoionization model calculations. We found that the flux ratio between the Ca II triplet and O I λ8446 is hardly dependent on the redshift or luminosity, indicating similar gas densities in the emission region from quasar to quasar. On the other hand, a scatter of the O I λ11287/λ8446 ratios appears to imply the diversity of the ionization parameter. These facts invoke a picture of the line-emitting gases in quasars that have similar densities and are located at regions exposed to various ionizing radiation fluxes. The observed O I line widths are found to be remarkably similar over more than 3 orders of magnitude in luminosity, which indicates a kinematically determined location of the emission region and is in clear contrast to the case of H I lines. We also argue about the dust presence in the emission region since the region is suggested to be located near the dust sublimation point at the outer edge of the BELR.
Texture Classification and Segmentation by Cellular Neural Networks Using Genetic Learning

We present a new single-chip texture classifier based on the cellular neural network (CNN) architecture. Exploiting the dynamics of a locally interconnected 2D cell array of CNNs we have developed a theoretically new method for texture classification and segmentation. This technique differs from other convolution-based feature extraction methods since we utilize feedback convolution, and we use a genetic learning algorithm to determine the optimal kernel matrices of the network. The CNN operators we have found for texture recognition may combine different early vision effects. We show how the kernel matrices can be derived from the state equations of the network for convolution/deconvolution and nonlinear effects. The whole process includes histogram equalization of the textured images, filtering with the trained kernel matrices, and decision-making based on average gray-scale or texture energy of the filtered images. We present experimental results using digital CNN simulation with sensitivity analysis for noise, rotation, and scale. We also report a tested application performed on a programmable 22£ 20 CNN chip with optical inputs and an execution time of a few microseconds. We have found that this CNN chip with a simple 3£ 3 CNN kernel can reliably classify four textures. Using more templates for decision-making, we believe that more textures can be separated and adequate texture segmentation (<1% error) can be achieved. c ∞ 1998 Academic Press
Using the Extended Kalman Filter with a Multilayer Quasi-Geostrophic Ocean Model

The formulation of the extended Kalman filter for a multilayer nonlinear quasi-geostrophic ocean circulation model is discussed. The nonlinearity in the ocean model leads to an approximative equation for error covariance propagation, where the transition matrix is dependent on the state trajectory. This nonlinearity complicates the dynamics of the error covariance propagation, and effects which are nonexistent in linear systems contribute significantly. The transition matrix can be split into two parts, where one part results in pure evolution of error covariances in the model velocity field, and the other part contains a statistical correction term caused by the nonlinearity in the model. This correction term leads to a linear unbounded instability, which is caused by the statistical linearization of the nonlinear error propagation equation. Different ways of handling this instability are discussed. Further, nonlinear small-scale instabilities also develop, since energy is accumulated at wavelengths 2Δx, owing to the numerical discretization. These small-scale oscillations are removed with a Shapiro filter, and the effect they have on the error covariance propagation is discussed. Some data assimilation experiments are performed using the full extended Kalman filter, to examine the properties of the filter. An experiment where only the first part of the transition matrix is used to propagate the error covariances is also performed. This simplified experiment actually performs better than the full extended Kalman filter because the unbounded instability associated with the statistical correction term is avoided.
A Pattern-based Analyzer for French in the Context of Spoken Language Translation: First Prototype and Evaluation

In this paper, we describe a first prototype of a pattern-based analyzer developed in the context of a speech-to-speech translation project using a pivot-based approach (the pivot is called IF). The chosen situation involves a French client talking to an Italian travel agent (both in their own language) to organize a stay in the Trentino area.An IF consists of a dialogue act, and a list, possibly empty, of argument values. The analyzer applies a "phrase spotting" mechanism on the output of the speech recognition module. It finds well-formed phrases corresponding to argument values. A dialogue act is then built according to the instantiated arguments and some other features of the input.The current version of the prototype has been involved in an evaluation campaign on an unseen corpus of four dialogues consisting of 235 speech turns. The results are given and commented in the last part of the paper. We think they pave the way for future enhancements to both the coverage and the development methodology.
Test Expectation Enhances Memory Consolidation across Both Sleep and Wake

Memory consolidation benefits from post-training sleep. However, recent studies suggest that sleep does not uniformly benefit all memory, but instead prioritizes information that is important to the individual. Here, we examined the effect of test expectation on memory consolidation across sleep and wakefulness. Following reports that information with strong “future relevance” is preferentially consolidated during sleep, we hypothesized that test expectation would enhance memory consolidation across a period of sleep, but not across wakefulness. To the contrary, we found that expectation of a future test enhanced memory for both spatial and motor learning, but that this effect was equivalent across both wake and sleep retention intervals. These observations differ from those of least two prior studies, and fail to support the hypothesis that the “future relevance” of learned material moderates its consolidation selectively during sleep.
International Institutions and Political Liberalization: Evidence from the World Bank Loans Program

How do international institutions affect political liberalization in member states? Motivated by an examination of the World Bank loans program, we argue that institutions can confer prestige in exchange for political reforms. When offered an opportunity to improve their institutionally-conferred status, thereby boosting their international and domestic reputations, states are willing to make policy concessions in exchange. To test our theory, we exploit a unique feature of the World Bank loans program: when a loan recipient reaches a specified level of economic development, it becomes eligible to graduate from borrower status. Although graduation entails losing access to loans, governments typically seek to graduate. We show that governments view graduation as an indicator of the transition from a developing state to a developed state. Using a unique regression discontinuity design, we demonstrate that when states become eligible for graduation, their governments democratize to achieve this enhanced status. Thus, a government's interest in improving its status in the international system can motivate domestic reform.
The development and malleability of executive control abilities

Executive control (EC) generally refers to the regulation of mental activity. It plays a crucial role in complex cognition, and EC skills predict high-level abilities including language processing, memory, and problem solving, as well as practically relevant outcomes such as scholastic achievement. EC develops relatively late in ontogeny, and many sub-groups of developmental populations demonstrate an exaggeratedly poor ability to control cognition even alongside the normal protracted growth of EC skills. Given the value of EC to human performance, researchers have sought means to improve it through targeted training; indeed, accumulating evidence suggests that regulatory processes are malleable through experience and practice. Nonetheless, there is a need to understand both whether specific populations might particularly benefit from training, and what cortical mechanisms engage during performance of the tasks used in the training protocols. This contribution has two parts: in Part I, we review EC development and intervention work in select populations. Although promising, the mixed results in this early field make it difficult to draw strong conclusions. To guide future studies, in Part II, we discuss training studies that have included a neuroimaging component – a relatively new enterprise that also has not yet yielded a consistent pattern of results post-training, preventing broad conclusions. We therefore suggest that recent developments in neuroimaging (e.g., multivariate and connectivity approaches) may be useful to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the malleability of EC and brain plasticity. In conjunction with behavioral data, these methods may further inform our understanding of the brain–behavior relationship and the extent to which EC is dynamic and malleable, guiding the development of future, targeted interventions to promote executive functioning in both healthy and atypical populations.
3-D Frequency Selective Rasorber: Concept, Analysis, and Design

This paper introduces the concept, theory, and design of 3-D frequency selective rasorbers (FSRs), which have a transmission window transparent to the incident electromagnetic wave with two absorption bands located at both sides of the window. The proposed rasorber consists of a 2-D periodic array of parallel waveguides. The transmission characteristics with high selectivity are produced by lossless resonators implemented using a parallel waveguide with a metallic post in the center. On the other hand, the absorption bands are obtained by lossy resonators constructed by loading of lumped resistors at the entry port of short-circuited waveguides. Physical mechanism of the proposed FSRs is explained with the aid of an equivalent circuit model, and relevant design equations are formulated. Two prototypes of the designed FSRs are fabricated and measured as a proof of concept. The experimental results show that a bandwidth of 50% for the insertion loss less than 3 dB and two absorption bands with a high absorptance of around 90% can be achieved. Moreover, the simulated results also show that the proposed structure exhibits stable performance against the variation of the incident angle of an incoming plane wave.
The PFAD-HEC Model: Impacts of News Attributes and Use Motivations on Selective News Exposure

This study examined effects of four common news attributes—personalization, fragmentation, authority–disorder bias, and dramatization (PFAD)—on news exposure and the moderating impacts of hedonic, epistemic, and civic news use motivations. In a lab experiment, participants browsed online news while selective exposure was unobtrusively logged. Findings yielded longer exposure to personalized and dramatized articles and news with low authority–disorder bias. Fragmentation had no significant impact. However, selective exposure to fragmented news was influenced by participants’ political understanding (epistemic motivation), exposure to personalization by news enjoyment (hedonic motivation), and exposure to authority–disorder bias by civic duty to keep informed (civic motivation). Results suggest that news styles may need to become more diversified to better address the informational needs of today’s fragmented audiences.
Review of International Evidence on the Cost of Disability. Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research

Allowance programs are a conceptually appealing way to help people with disabilities and their families pay for goods and services that such individuals often need. The programs provide recipients with financial resources that they can use in a flexible and efficient manner to improve their standard of living. Current disability allowance programs in the United Kingdom have been strained by the sustained growth in the number of people obtaining benefits. This report examines how the international literature on the extra costs of disability could contribute to an assessment of the United Kingdomâ€™s Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) programs.
Adaptation of Powerline Communications-Based Smart Metering Deployments to the Requirements of Smart Grids

Powerline communications (PLC)-based smart meter deployments are now a reality in many regions of the world. Although PLC elements are generally incorporated in smart meters and data concentrators, the underlying PLC network allows the integration of other smart grid services directly over it. The remote control capabilities that automation programs need and are today deployed over their medium voltage (MV) grid, can be extended to the low voltage (LV) grid through these existing PLC networks. This paper demonstrates the capabilities of narrowband high data rate (NB HDR) PLC technologies deployed over LV grids for smart metering purposes to support internet protocol internet protocol (IP) communications in the LV grid. The paper demonstrates these possibilities with the presentation of the simulation and laboratory results of IP communications over international telecommunication union: ITU-T G.9904 PLC technology, and the definition of a PLC Network Management System based on a simple network management protocol (SNMP) management information base (MIB) definition and applicable use cases.
A Global Stability Analysis of Clusters of Galaxies with Conduction and AGN Feedback Heating

We investigate a series of steady state models of galaxy clusters, in which the hot intracluster gas is efficiently heated by active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback and thermal conduction, and in which the mass accretion rates are highly reduced compared to those predicted by the standard cooling flow models. We perform a global Lagrangian stability analysis. We show for the first time that the global radial instability in cool core clusters can be suppressed by the AGN feedback mechanism, provided that the feedback efficiency exceeds a critical lower limit. Furthermore, our analysis naturally shows that the clusters can exist in two distinct forms. Globally stable clusters are expected to have either (1) cool cores stabilized by both AGN feedback and conduction or (2) noncool cores stabilized primarily by conduction. Intermediate central temperatures typically lead to globally unstable solutions. This bimodality is consistent with the recent observation by Dunn & Fabian of anticorrelation between the flatness of the temperature profiles and the AGN activity and the observation by Rafferty et al. that the shorter central cooling times tend to correspond to significantly younger AGN X-ray cavities.
Preparing All Teachers for Linguistic Diversity in K-12 Schools.

This study assessed a range of pre-service teachers' beliefs about second language learning and teaching language to minority students. A group of 91 beginning pre-service teachers completed a survey that asked them to rate their agreement with 16 statements about non-English speakers and second language learners. The statements reflected key language acquisition principles drawn from research and practice in the fields of bilingual education and English as a Second Language (ESL). Data analysis indicate that respondents generally agreed with language acquisition principles that are widely accepted as core to bilingual education and ESL. The strongest agreement was with statements about the importance of developing a child's native language. The strongest positive correlation was between agreement with accepted language acquisition principles and pre-service teacher proficiency in a second language and with coursework in bilingual education. A significant percentage of all student teachers claimed some prior experience working with non-English speaking children, mostly through classroom observations in public schools, volunteer work in youth programs outside the classroom, and one-on-one tutoring. Most respondents did not intend to teach in bilingual or ESL classrooms. (Contains 34 references.) (SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
Motor Impairment Factors Related to Brain Injury Timing in Early Hemiparesis, Part I

Background. Extensive neuromotor development occurs early in human life, but the time that a brain injury occurs during development has not been rigorously studied when quantifying motor impairments. Objective. This study investigated the impact of timing of brain injury on the magnitude and distribution of weakness in the paretic arm of individuals with childhood-onset hemiparesis. Methods. A total of 24 individuals with hemiparesis were divided into time periods of injury before birth (PRE-natal, n = 8), around the time of birth (PERI-natal, n = 8), or after 6 months of age (POST-natal, n = 8). They, along with 8 typically developing peers, participated in maximal isometric shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger torque generation tasks using a multiple-degree-of-freedom load cell to quantify torques in 10 directions. A mixed-model ANOVA was used to determine the effect of group and task on a calculated relative weakness ratio between arms. Results. There was a significant effect of both time of injury group (P < .001) and joint torque direction (P < .001) on the relative weakness of the paretic arm. Distal joints were more affected compared with proximal joints, especially in the POST-natal group. Conclusions. The distribution of weakness provides evidence for the relative preservation of ipsilateral corticospinal motor pathways to the paretic limb in those individuals injured earlier, whereas those who sustained later injury may rely more on indirect ipsilateral corticobulbospinal projections during the generation of torques with the paretic arm.
Approximate Nash Equilibria with Near Optimal Social Welfare

It is known that Nash equilibria and approximate Nash equilibria not necessarily optimize social optima of bimatrix games. In this paper, we show that for every fixed e > 0, every bimatrix game (with values in [0; 1]) has an e-approximate Nash equilibrium with the total payoff of the players at least a constant factor, (1 - √1 - e)2, of the optimum. Furthermore, our result can be made algorithmic in the following sense: for every fixed 0 ≤ e* < e, if we can find an e*-approximate Nash equilibrium in polynomial time, then we can find in polynomial time an e-approximate Nash equilibrium with the total payoff of the players at least a constant factor of the optimum. Our analysis is especially tight in the case when e ≥ 1/2. In this case, we show that for any bimatrix game there is an e-approximate Nash equilibrium with constant size support whose social welfare is at least 2√e - e ≥ 0:914 times the optimal social welfare. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our bound for the social welfare is tight, that is, for every e ≥ 1/2 there is a bimatrix game for which every e-approximate Nash equilibrium has social welfare at most 2√e - e times the optimal social welfare.