Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated Land Use and Land Cover Map Production: A Deep Learning Framework

In this thesis, we present an approach to automating the creation of land use and land cover (LULC) maps from satellite images using deep neural networks that were developed to perform semantic segmentation of natural images. This work is important since the production of accurate and timely LULC maps is becoming essential to government and private companies that rely on them for large-scale monitoring of land resource changes. In this work, deep neural networks are trained to classify each pixel of a satellite image into one of a number of LULC classes. The presented deep neural networks are all pre-trained using the ImageNet LargeScale Visual Recognition Competition (ILSVRC) datasets and then fine-tuned using ∼19,000 Landsat 5/7 satellite images of resolution 224 × 224 taken of the Province of Manitoba in Canada. The initial results achieved was 88% global accuracy. Furthermore, we consider the use of state-of-the-art generative adversarial architecture and context module to improve accuracy. The result is an automated deep learning framework that can produce LULC maps images significantly faster than current
Timing of breeding and environmental factors as determinants of reproductive performance of tree swallows

Decreased reproductive success among birds breeding later in the season is a common pattern in temperate environments, although the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. The quality hypothesis suggests that high-quality individuals can begin breeding earlier in the season than poorer quality parents, and are also able to invest more in reproduction. Alternatively, the date hypothesis suggests that reduced success among late birds is due to some correlate of date, such as decreased food abundance or offspring value. To test these hypotheses, I manipulated the date that tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808), raised offspring by swapping clutches among nests so that birds were raising young either earlier or later than intended, and compared reproductive performance with control nests. My results showed that fledging success was related to the date hypothesis, with later birds being less successful in raising offspring than early breeding birds. Size and mass of offspring were not explained .
Seed Germination Strategies of Desmostachya Bipinnata: A Fodder Crop for Saline Soils

Abstract Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf. (Poaceae), or drub, a perennial grass of near-coastal and inland deserts, is a potential fodder crop for either saline soils or where only brackish water is available for irrigation. The responses of D. bipinnata seeds under various salinity (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mM NaCl), temperature (10°–20°, 15°–25°, 20–30°, and 25°–35°C) and light (12∶12-h dark∶light and 24-h dark) regimes were investigated. All seeds germinated under nonsaline conditions, however, increase in salinity resulted in a progressive decrease in germination, and few seeds germinated at 500 mM NaCl. Change in temperature had little effect on seed germination under nonsaline conditions, however, seed germination was inhibited under cooler saline conditions. The germination under saline conditions improved at warmer temperature regimes. Seed germination under nonsaline control in dark was similar to those of seeds germinated in light. However, at high salinities, seed germination was substantially inhibited in dark in comparison to those germinated in light. When ungerminated seeds were transferred to distilled water they germinated immediately, and those from higher salinity and temperature regimes had higher recovery. The ability of seeds to germinate over a range of salinity and temperature regimes suggests possibilities for sustainable use of this species as a cash crop in saline soils.
Challenging times: a re-analysis of NGC 5408 X-1

The ultraluminous X-ray source, NGC 5408 X-1, is one of only three such objects to show a quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) in its power spectrum. Previous analysis of this signal identified it with the well-studied type-C low-frequency QPO (LFQPO) seen in black hole binaries (BHBs), implying an intermediate mass black hole (IMBH). However, in BHBs this QPO has a centroid frequency which scales tightly with the position of the low-frequency break in the broad-band power spectrum. We use this relation to predict the frequency of the power spectral break in NGC 5408 X-1, and show that this is inconsistent with the break frequencies in both available, archival XMM–Newton observations. Thus the broad-band power spectral shape does not support this identification of the QPO. The energy spectra also do not support an IMBH interpretation. They can be fit by a twocomponent model, best described by soft thermal emission at low energies, together with lowtemperature, optically thick Comptonization producing a tail which dominates above 2 keV. The parameters of the tail are unlike those seen in any of the sub-Eddington BHB spectral states. The energy-dependent variability supports this deconvolution, as it is consistent with the soft thermal component below 2 keV diluting extreme variability of the high-energy tail. The only objects with similar spectra which have similar amounts of variability are the BHB, GRS 1915+105 and some extreme Narrow-Line Seyfert 1s. This suggests that NGC 5408 X-1 is in a similar super-Eddington state, placing a natural limit on the mass of 100 M � . I ts QPO could then be similar to the ultra-LFQPO seen occasionally in GRS 1915+105, consistent with a large stellar mass black hole. We suggest a model geometry which may explain the spectra and variability of highly super-Eddington sources.
The effect of alcohol-based handrub solution on hands skin integrity of health care providers

Background and Purpose: Nosocomial infection is a threat to patient safety. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of alcohol-based handrub solutions recommended by the World Health Organization on skin integrity of health care providers. Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 40 healthcare personnel of 17 Shahrivar Hospital, Amol, Iran, in 2016. The subjects were selected through convenience sampling method. The participants used the recommended solution for one month. The participants' skin condition was evaluated by using two questionnaires filled out by the observer and participants in the first week and after one month. To analyze the data, the phi coefficient and Cochran's Q test were used in SPSS, version 19. Results: The results of the objective skin evaluation showed that there was no significant difference between the evaluations regarding skin redness (P=0.846), scaliness (P=0.276), and visual scoring of the skin (P=0.5). However, a significant difference was observed in terms of skin tears (P=0.05). The visual skin evaluation (P=0.001), skin disorders (P=0.006), moisture content (P=0.001), sensation (P=0.004), and overall skin integrity (P=0.023) showed a significant change after the use of the solution. Conclusion: The results indicated that the recommended solution was compatible with the hand skin of the participants. We highly recommend the authorities to provide the necessary education for health personnel to improve compliance.
Protection of cattle from fluoroacetate poisoning by genetically modified ruminal bacteria

Fluoroacetate poisoning in cattle occurs as a result of their consumption of Australian plants like acacia (Acacia georginae) and heartleaf (Gastrolobium grandiflorum), where this compound occurs at up to 5 g/kg DM. The LD50 of this compound in ruminants is about 0.3 mg/kg body weight. A previous study showed that sheep inoculated orally with Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens microbes, transformed with fluoroacetate dehalogenase plasmid (pBHf), provided markedly reduced toxic symptoms when challenged with the poison (Gregg et al. 1998).
Seasonal Variation and Interaction Between Rotifers and Bacteria in Rosetta Branch, River Nile, Egypt

The seasonal variations in rotifers and bacteria in relation to some environmental variables at Rosetta Nile Branch were studied from spring 2008 to winter 2009. Bacterial biomass ranged from 2.6 to 74.8mg C m -3 in Rosetta Branch and the indicator bacteria of pollution exceeded the acceptable level at some sites. Forty three rotifer's species belonging to twenty two genera were recorded during the present study. Brachoinus calyciflours and Keratella cochlearis were the abundant species, contributing 18.8% and 14.5% of the total rotiferan density, respectively. Statistical analysis shows that the discharging point of El-Rahawy drain attained the least similarity with the rest of sampling sites as it attained the lowest number of species and richness. In general, Rosetta Branch subjected to sewage pollution and El-Rahawy drain represents the main point source. Rotifers grazing play a minor role in bacterial consumption during the present study.
Regional growth curves and improved design value estimates of extreme precipitation events in the Czech Republic

Regional analysis was used to improve estimates of the probabilities of extreme precipi- tation events in the Czech Republic. The delimitation of 4 homogeneous regions was based on statisti- cal procedures (cluster analysis of site characteristics and subsequent tests for regional homogeneity). The regions also reflect climatological differences in precipitation regimes and synoptic patterns that cause heavy precipitation. The Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution was identified as the most suitable distribution for modelling maximum annual 1 to 7 d precipitation amounts according to the L-moment ratio diagram and goodness-of-fit tests. Only in the northeast region (which is most prone to the occurrence of extremely high precipitation totals) was the Generalized Logistic (GLO) dis- tribution preferred. The regional approach considerably lessened the between-site variation of esti- mates of the shape parameter of the GEV/GLO distribution compared to at-site procedures, and the estimates of high quantiles (e.g. 50 yr return values) were more reliable and climatologically consistent in individual regions. Different growth curve shapes are characteristic of the 4 regions, the between- region variability being larger for multi-day than 1 d events. Particularly noteworthy is the heavy tail of distributions of 5 and 7 d annual maxima in the northeast region, reflected also in the inapplicability of the general 4-parameter kappa distribution in regional homogeneity tests. A nonparametric statistical test on the value of the tail index supports a hypothesis that data in this flood-prone area may be drawn from a distribution with a very heavy tail for which L-moments do not exist.
Assessment of Microbial Quality of Some Selected Shallow Wells in Ogbomoso, South Western Nigeria

The importance of good quality water to the environment has long been realized, hence, the development policy of integrated community. In this research work, the analysis of physical and bacteriological quality of well water was carried out. Thirty (30) samples of the well water were collected and their pH and temperature were determined on the field to avoid interference by changes of environment. The bacteriological analyses were carried out within 24 hours of collection to avoid killing of bacteria present in the water sample. On the average, result shows that six (6) of the wells indicate multiple bacteria, three (3) of the wells indicate single bacteria while no occurrence of bacteria in one of the wells. Shallow well water in ogbomoso is highly contaminated with Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, E.coli spp and it requires disinfection. The entire water sample from the well tested positive to the presence of bacteria which are harmful to human health.
Are African High-Value Horticulture Supply Chains Bearers of Gender Inequality?

Modern supply chains – comprising the production and trade of high-value produce, such as horticulture products, destined for high-income markets – are expanding rapidly across developing regions. While there is consensus that the emergence and spread of modern food supply chains is profoundly changing the way food is produced and traded in developing countries, there is still debate on the welfare implications. In this debate the gender effects of high-value agri-food trade and modernization of supply chains remain an almost unexplored issue. In this paper we examine the gender implications in modern horticulture supply chains with a main focus on Africa. We conceptualize the various mechanisms through which women are directly affected by the emergence of modern supply chains, we review existing empirical evidence and add new survey-based quantitative evidence from two studies of high-value horticulture supply chains in Senegal. Our results suggest that the growth of modern horticulture supply chains has been associated with direct beneficial effects for rural women and reduced gender inequalities in rural areas. We find that that women benefit more and more directly from large-scale estate production and agro-industrial processing, and the creation of employment in these modern agro-industries than from high-value smallholder contract-farming. In addition, we identify several additional unresolved issues where conclusive empirical evidence is still lacking, or where complex causal links of direct and indirect effects are not completely understood yet.
Digestibility and Liver Fatty Acid Composition of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed by Graded Levels of Canola Oil

This study was aimed to determined the effects of different concentrations of canola oil (CO) on the digestibility, vicerosomatic index (VSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and the contents of fatty acids in the liver of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trouts were fed with the experimental diets for 70 days. The diets were given as triplicate groups of rainbow trout (initial weight of 119 g) to apparent satiation twice in a day. There were not significant differences in digestibility of protein and lipid between the experimental diets. VSI and HSI were not significantly different among the all treatment and between the initals and the end of trials (P>0.05). Liver fatty acid contents of all groups were different from each other. Liver fatty acid analyses showed that EPA and DHA from n-3 HUFA’s in the fish fed by the fish oil diet (K) and the initial liver samples, oleic acid (C18:1n-9, OA) and linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, LA) in the fish fed by the canola oil (C50, C75, C100) were higher than in the fish fed by the control diet. Arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6; ARA) were 2.54, 3.15, 4.15, 4.63 and 5.64% in C75, K, C100, C50 groups and initial, respectively. n3/n6 rate was quite high in all groups.
In-vitro Antimicrobial Resistance of Shigella and Salmonella species Recovered from Abattoir effluent in Afikpo, South Eastern Nigeria

Abattoir is slaughter house derived from the French word “abattre” meaning „to strike down‟ (Alonge, 2002). It is a place where animals such as cattle, goats and so on are killed, dressed and distributed for consumption and other industrial purposes. Abattoir operation produces a characteristic highly organic waste with relatively high levels of suspended solid, liquid, and fat. The liquid waste generated is usually composed of dissolved solids, blood, gut content, urine and water. Abattoirs are known all over the world to pollute the environment either directly or indirectly International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 5 Number 4 (2016) pp. 488-497 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
An Analysis of Internal Phosphorus Loading in White Lake

An analysis of internal phosphorus loading in White Lake, MI was conducted during the summer, 2006. Sediment cores were removed from 4 sites in White Lake and incubated in the laboratory under aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions. Phosphorus flux from the sediments into the overlaying water column was measured over a 27-day period and compared to rates measured from sediment cores collected previously from Mona and Spring Lakes. Internal phosphorus loading in White Lake sediments ranged from 1.55 to 7.78 mg TP/m
The relationships of collagen and ADAMTS2 expressionlevels with meat quality traits in cattle

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is the major macromolecule in skeletal muscle, and collagen is main component of ECM surrounding muscle fiber and adipocyte, which affect meat quality greatly. The remodeling of ECM is regulated by matrix metalloproteinases, such as ADAMTS2, which is essential for the maturation of triple helical collagen fibrils in body. The expression patterns of COL1A1, COL2A1, COL3A1 and ADAMTS2 in longissimus dorsi muscle were explored by qRT-PCR and results indicated that the expression levels of COL1A1, COL3A1 and ADAMTS2 were significantly higher at 3 and 24 month, while significantly lower at 12 and 30 month. The expression of ADAMTS2 and COL1A1 had significant positive relationships with intramuscular fat content, while expression of COL3A1 had significant positive relationship with shearing force and water holding capacity in cattle. The expression levels of collagen and ADAMTS2 were significantly higher in mesenteric fat, mammary fat pad and subcutaneous fat than in longissimus dorsi muscle, biceps femoris and infraspinitus tissues. The expressions levels of COL1A1, COL3A1 and ADAMTS2 were significantly lower in marbling fat than in other fat tissues. This study indicated that the expression of collagen and ADAMTS2 had important effects on postnatal skeletal muscle development and meat quality.
Peer discussions and response technology: short interventions, considerable gains

Student response systems are commonly used in combination with peer discussions during lectures. Research has shown that the number of correct answers increases when the same question is re-asked after discussion. This may occur because unconfident students copy the answer from their peers. To preclude this, the authors added a second, similar question to answer individually, disguised as a new case. The authors found a Cohen’s d effect size of 0.66 (N: 147) for eight valid interventions which is 65 percent above the average effect of interventions aimed at increasing student performance.
Particle Size Estimation Based on Edge Density

Given image sequences of closely packed particles, the underlying aim is to estimate diameters without explicit segmentation. In a way, this is similar to the task of counting objects without directly counting them. Such calculations may, for example, be useful fast estimation of particle size in different application areas. The topic is that of estimating average size (=average diameter) of packed particles, from formulas involving edge density, and the edges from moment-based thresholding are used. An average shape factor is involved in the calculations, obtained for some frames from crude partial segmentation. Measurement results from about 80 frames have been analyzed.
An appraisal of food serving characteristics among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care diabetes facility in Sri Lanka

Introduction: The primary objective of the present study was to identify the portion sizes of food consumed by adult type 2 diabetic patients in Sri Lanka and to evaluate if these were within the current recommendations. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was performed at a tertiary care diabetes facility in Sri Lanka. Starch, fruits, vegetables, meat or alternative, pulses, dairy and added sugar consumption was assessed according to standard methods using a 24-hour dietary recall. Results: One hundred and twenty three randomly selected adult type 2 diabetic patients were studied. Forty six percent of participants exceeded the national recommendation of 4.5 to 9 servings of starch per day for patients with diabetes. Mean daily consumption of starch was 10.5 (median 10.2 IQR 4.7) servings. Only 26% and 45% of participants consumed the recommended 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables per day. Thirty three percent and 8% did not consume any fruits or vegetables respectively. Dairy products were consumed by 25% only. Added sugar was not used by 99% of participants. Portion size was smaller in females and with advancing age. The mean proportions of total Carbohydrates, proteins and fats comprising total energy intake were 68.1%, 11.5% and 20.2% respectively. Discussion: Medical nutrition therapy in diabetes recommends a mixed diet with carbohydrates from a variety of sources such as cereals, fruits and vegetables. Although Sri Lankan patients with diabetes consume less starch and more fruits and vegetables compared to non-diabetic counterparts, a substantial proportion still fail to meet the recommendations.
Responses of organic matter and macroinvertebrates to placements of boulder clusters in a small stream of southwestern British Columbia, Canada

Diversity and productivity of stream food webs are related to habitat heterogeneity and efficiency of energy retention. We tested the hypothesis that experimental boulder placements in a second-order stream would increase diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates by restoring detrital retention and habitat heterogeneity. Two relatively natural, upstream, reference reaches and a downstream treatment reach with a relatively straight channel and less woody debris were studied for 3 months before and 1.2 years after the placement of six boulder clusters in the treatment reach. Mean velocity and its coefficient of variation increased in the treatment reach (140 and 115%, respec- tively), whereas the reference reaches remained relatively unchanged after the placements. Enhanced particulate organic matter storage (550%) was accompanied by increased total macroinvertebrate abundance (280%) in the treatment reach, converging with those of the reference reaches almost 1 year after the treatment. Detritivorous taxa numerically domi- nated the macroinvertebrate community, the total densities of which were best predicted by the fine fraction of organic matter biomass at microhabitat scale. However, the effect of boulder clusters on taxonomic richness was negligible. Our findings suggest that boulder clusters can be used at least as a short-term means to restore macroinvertebrate productivity in detritus-based stream systems.
Charged scalar gravitational collapse in de Sitter spacetime

We study the charged scalar collapse in de Sitter spacetimes. With the electric charge, there is one more competitor to join the competition of dynamics in the gravitational collapse. We find that two factors can influence the electric charge. If we just adjust the charge conjugation, the electric charge effect is always perturbative at the black hole threshold. The electric charge can also be influenced by the initial conditions of perturbations. These initial parameters can be tuned to control the competition in dynamics and present us new and rich physics in the process of gravitational collapse. We give physical explanations of these phenomena found in dynamics. Furthermore we show that the properties of the gravitational collapse we observed do not depend on spacetime dimensions.