Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prescribed burning followed by indaziflam enhances downy brome (Bromus tectorum) control

Abstract Downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) is a highly invasive winter annual grass that can fill open niches in native plant communities. Prescribed burning is often used to control B. tectorum and can be combined with herbicide treatments to extend the duration of control and promote the native plant community. Several herbicides have been evaluated in conjunction with burning for B. tectorum control, although the herbicide indaziflam has not. In September 2017, two B. tectorum–infested sites were burned in Colorado foothill shrublands. In March 2018, indaziflam was applied alone or in combination with glyphosate, rimsulfuron, or imazapic. These treatments were compared with imazapic plus glyphosate as a standard. All treatments were made within burned and non-burned areas in a crossed-nested design. Bromus tectorum cover and the desirable plant community responses were evaluated 1 and 2 yr after treatment (YAT). In non-burned areas, all indaziflam treatments reduced B. tectorum cover compared with the control. In contrast, reductions from the imazapic treatments did not persist after the first year. Most post-burn treatments further decreased B. tectorum cover compared with the non-burned treatments. The most effective treatments (indaziflam 44 and 73 g ai ha–1 + imazapic 123 g ae ha–1) provided similar levels of control (<1% B. tectorum cover at 2 YAT), with or without burning. Desirable plant cover, richness, and diversity were not negatively impacted by burning or herbicide treatments. Plant diversity and species richness increased at Site 2 when burning was followed by indaziflam treatments. This study indicates that B. tectorum control using indaziflam can be enhanced when applied after burning, and the combinations with imazapic or rimsulfuron provide a wider application window compared with the combination with glyphosate.
Relationships between the Petrographic and Abrasive Properties of Sandstones in the Aspect of Their Cutting

The research described in this article was carried out on samples of sandstone obtained from the underground excavations of four hard coal mines that operate in the region of Poland with the highest energy resources, i.e., Upper Silesia. The majority of underground tunnel excavations are mainly drilled using roadheaders, the organs of which are equipped with conical picks. The selection of pick type is usually based on rock compressive strength. However, sandstones often cause more problems during cutting compared to other waste rocks because of their variety. This article’s primary purpose is to emphasize the importance of researching various properties of waste rock in addition to uniaxial compression strength, which is crucial in the selection of both the appropriate cutting method and appropriate cutting tools. Accordingly, relations between mineralogical, petrographic, physical and mechanical properties were examined in this study, with special attention paid to the abrasive properties that comprise rock abrasivity. Sandstones from the regions of Upper Silesia are characterized by a heterogeneity of mineralogical and petrographic features that strongly affect the physical and mechanical properties of these rocks, especially their abrasive properties. The determined correlations can aid understanding of the behavior of rocks during their mechanical cutting and facilitate the selection of appropriate cutting tools.
Nowcasting GDP - A Scalable Approach Using DFM, Machine Learning and Novel Data, Applied to European Economies

IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management. ABSTRACT: This paper describes recent work to strengthen nowcasting capacity at the IMF’s European department. It motivates and compiles datasets of standard and nontraditional variables, such as Google search and air quality. It applies standard dynamic factor models (DFMs) and several machine learning (ML) algorithms to nowcast GDP growth across a heterogenous group of European economies during normal and crisis times. Most of our methods significantly outperform the AR(1) benchmark model. Our DFMs tend to perform better during normal times while many of the ML methods we used performed strongly at identifying turning points. Our approach is easily applicable to other countries, subject to data availability.
Adaptive Multilayer Perceptual Attention Network for Facial Expression Recognition

In complex real-world situations, problems such as illumination changes, facial occlusion, and variant poses make facial expression recognition (FER) a challenging task. To solve the robustness problem, this paper proposes an adaptive multilayer perceptual attention network (AMP-Net) that is inspired by the facial attributes and the facial perception mechanism of the human visual system. AMP-Net extracts global, local, and salient facial emotional features with different fine-grained features to learn the underlying diversity and key information of facial emotions. Different from existing methods, AMP-Net can adaptively guide the network to focus on multiple finer and distinguishable local patches with robustness to occlusion and variant poses, improving the effectiveness of learning potential facial diversity information. In addition, the proposed global perception module can learn different receptive field features in the global perception domain, and AMP-Net also supplements salient facial region features with high emotion correlation based on prior knowledge to capture key texture details and avoid important information loss. Many experiments show that AMP-Net achieves good generalizability and state-of-the-art results on several real-world datasets, including RAF-DB, AffectNet-7, AffectNet-8, SFEW 2.0, FER-2013, and FED-RO, with accuracies of 89.25%, 64.54%, 61.74%, 61.17%, 74.48%, and 71.75%, respectively. All codes and training logs are publicly available at https://github.com/liuhw01/AMP-Net.
Multi-Decadal Seawall-Induced Topo-Bathymetric Perturbations along a Highly Energetic Coast

Seawalls are commonly used worldwide to protect urbanized sea fronts. These alongshore protection structures are often blamed for hydro-sedimentary dynamics perturbations, but without clear and generalizable conclusions on long-term morphodynamic effects. In this paper, evolutions of beaches are studied from 1966 to 2021, comparing the urbanized sea front of Lacanau seaside resort (Aquitaine France) and adjacent natural areas. A large-scale spatiotemporal multisource dataset is used to derivate several indicators and evaluate the characteristics and magnitude of passive and active erosion related to a large riprap seawall at a highly energetic meso–macro tidal coast. The most dramatic manifestation of the presence of the seawall (passive erosion) is the beach lowering and the reduction of beach variability at the seasonal and interannual timescale in front of the seawall. However, recent evolutions are roughly similar at the seawall-backed beach than at the natural sector, indicating no specific active seawall influence on beach erosion or recovery. The perturbations directly attributable to the seawall (active erosion) are limited to temporary end-effect, slight perturbation of outer bar pattern and the setup of a slight platform around the depth of closure. The adverse effects are currently manageable, but they require a new strategy in view of the chronic shoreline retreat at adjacent sectors and the expected effects of climate change.
Is the JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway Involved in the Pathogenesis of Depression?

(1) Background: Only 60–70% of depressed patients respond to standard antidepressant treatments. Hence, it is essential to search for new, effective and safe therapies for unmet clinical needs of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Agents targeting the components of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway have been shown to be relevant in immunology and are commonly used in the treatment of many hematological, rheumatological and dermatological diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of elements of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders. (2) Methods: A total of 290 subjects took part in the study (190 depressed patients, 100 healthy controls). Sociodemographic data were collected. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). The gene expression at the mRNA protein levels of JAK (JAK1-JAK3) and STAT (STAT1-STAT5) was assessed by using RT-PCR and ELISA. (3) Results: Increased expression of JAK3 and decreased expression of STAT1 were observed in the group of depressed patients. (4) Conclusions: Further studies are necessary to determine whether moderation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathways is involved in the treatment of depression.
A Needs Assessment for an EFL Program in Japan: A Systematic Approach to Program Development

General dissatisfaction with the educational system in Japan has led to a movement for refonn. In this regard, there are implications for change in the English as a Foreign Language {EFL) program. Whether or not change is indicated needs to be established. This paper addresses the preliminary procedure in the redesign of an existing EFL program. The systematic approach to program development, as defined by Brown {1988), was adopted for this purpose. The paper reports the results of a needs analysis conducted for a representative private high school EFL program. The results indicate that there is a need for a program refonn.
Small-area Fingerprint Recognition Based on Improved ORB Algorithm in Embedded Environment

Most of the fingerprint matching algorithms were proposed for large area fingerprints, which can hardly work effectively in small-area fingerprints. In this work, an improved ORB algorithm is proposed for small-area fingerprint matching in embedded mobile devices. In feature descriptor design, we analyzed the characters of the fingerprint in the embedded mobile devices and discard the multi-scale feature process to reduce the amount of operations. Moreover, we proposed a fusion descriptor combing LBP and rBRIEF descriptor. In the key point matching process, we proposed a two-step (coarse and fine) matching method by using Hamming distance and cosine similarity, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a rejection rate of 6.4%, a false recognition rate of 0.1%, and an average matching time of 58ms. It can effectively improve the performance of small-area fingerprint matching and meet the application requirements of embedded mobile device authentication.
Fabrication and Characterization of Whey Protein—Citrate Mung Bean Starch—Capsaicin Microcapsules by Spray Drying with Improved Stability and Solubility

Capsaicin was microencapsulated in six different wall systems by spray drying whey protein and citrate mung bean starch at various ratios (10:0, 9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, 1:9, 0:10) to improve its stability and water solubility and reduce its pungency. The morphological, rheological, storage stability, and physicochemical properties of capsaicin emulsion and capsaicin microcapsules were characterized. As a result, the yield of six capsaicin microcapsules was 19.63–74.99%, the encapsulation efficiency was 26.59–94.18%, the solubility was 65.97–96.32%, the moisture content was lower than 3.63% in all systems, and particle size was broadly distributed in the range of 1–60 μm. Furthermore, microcapsules with high whey protein content in the encapsulation system had an excellent emulsifier effect and wetness, smooth particle surface, and higher lightness (L*). Moreover, the system formed by composite wall materials at a ratio of whey protein to citrate mung bean starch of 7:3 had the highest retention rate and the best stability. The overall results demonstrate that whey protein combined with citrate mung starch through spray drying could be a promising strategy to produce microcapsules of poorly water-soluble compounds such as capsaicin.
An integrated Artificial Intelligence and GIS spatial analyst tools for Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones in complex terrain: Fincha Catchment, Abay Basi, Ethiopia

In this paper, the performance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Geospatial analysis and GIS platforms for the prospecting of potential groundwater zones was evaluated in Fincha catchment, Abay, Ethiopia. Components of geospatial data under morphometric, hydrologic, permeability, and surface dynamic change were confirmed as the criteria for prospecting groundwater potential zones. The influence of the individual criterion was ranked and weighted in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) training model and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The correctness of the weights fixed in the ANN and AHP was evaluated with target data assigned to the networks and consistency index (CI) respectively. The weighted overlay analysis in the GIS environment was implemented to generate the promising zones in both approaches (ANN and GIS). The results obtained in the ANN model and GIS were evaluated based on pumping rate and ground-truthing points. Groundwater potential zones of five and four classes were delineated in AI and GIS techniques respectively, and this is an indicator for the effectiveness of AI in geospatial analysis for prospecting of potential zones than the traditional GIS technique. The percentage of accuracy in both methods was measured from the ROC curve and AUC. Therefore, it was found that the delineated groundwater potential zones and the ground-truthing points were agreed with 96% and 91% in the AI and GIS platforms respectively. Finally, it is concluded that the ANN model is an effective tool for the delineation of groundwater prospective zones.
Employees' fear at work, job crafting, and work engagement on a daily basis: The case for fear of COVID‐19

Abstract In the present study, we seek to understand how public sector employees that go to work to perform essential duties for the society and the economy cope with the fear of COVID‐19 and maintain their motivation, energy, and enthusiasm for their work. We hypothesized that because employees are motivated to protect their health, an increase in daily fear of COVID‐19 would be related to a daily increase in coping behaviors in the form of job crafting, which would consequently be related to employees' daily motivation. Data were based on 64 tenured employees working in public service organizations during the third wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (March 2021), who completed a quantitative diary for five consecutive workdays (N = 320 occasions). Results from multilevel analysis indicated that fear of COVID‐19 had an indirect effect on work engagement through only one dimension of job crafting, seeking job resources. The study contributes to the ongoing theoretical extension of the beneficial role of job crafting by suggesting seeking social resources as an effective coping strategy for fear of COVID‐19.
Variation of soil attributes along a sandstone-gneiss toposequence in southern Amazonas, Brazil

Soil-landscape relationships in natural environments can provide helpful insights into soil suitability and limitations and necessary changes regarding agricultural land use and management. The objective of this work was to verify soil variations along a sandstone-gneiss lithological toposequence in the western Amazonian region of Brazil. Within this topolithosequence, the following soil profiles were sampled: CAMBISSOLO HÁPLICO (Dystric Leptic Cambisol), NEOSSOLO REGOLÍTICO (Cambic, Lithic, Leptosol), NEOSSOLO QUARTZARÊNICO (Dystric Regosol), PLINTOSSOLO PÉTRICO (Petric, Plinthosol), and ARGISSOLO AMARELO (Chromic, Abruptic, Acrisol). These profiles were located on the following slope segments: interfluve (P1), convex creep slope (P2), transportational midslope (P3), colluvial footslope (P4), and alluvial toeslope (P5). Soil analyses included physical and chemical attributes. The influence of the landscape on soil attributes was evaluated through randomness test, run charts, Pearson correlation, and Tukey test at a 5% significance level. Soil chemical properties were more sensitive to slope-related variations, with increased chemical quality in P2 for both horizons. Soil organic matter proved to be crucial for improving the chemical and physical quality of sandstone soils.
PILOT SAFETY AND SPINAL INJURY

This article studies the safety of the pilot seated in the cockpit of his glider. Fracture of the bones of the spinal column may occur in an accident. Damage to the fragile nerve-fibres of the spinal cord may follow; this can cause permanent paralysis of the lower body and legs. Three factors that may reduce the risk of spinal injury are considered. First, fully supporting the pilot's back. The seat structure should have no projections into the pilot's back, but should be smooth. The parachute pack should be long enough to support the spine, especially the lower (lumbar) spine. Second, the natural curvature of the lower (lumbar) spine should be maintained by a firm lumbar support pad, or by a fiberglass or plastic lumbar support shell. Third, soft foam seat cushions should not be used, as they cause an increased load on the spine, together with rebound in an accident. Instead, energy absorbing foam cushions should be used. Successful tests on energy absorbing foam cushions have been carried out at the Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough, England. Suggestions for improving pilot safety in the next generation of gliders are put forward.
Are open‐book tests still as effective as closed‐book tests even after a delay of two weeks?

The present work was conducted to re-examine the findings of Agarwal et al. ( Applied Cognitive Psychology , 22(7), 861 – 876, 2008), which showed that both closed-book tests (with feedback) and open-book tests increased learning outcomes after 1 week compared to simple re-study of the same materials. However, contrary to often found benefits of retrieval practice — which should be more pronounced in closed-book tests — both test conditions proved to be similarly effective. As retrieval practice benefits increase with retention interval, this pattern may change with a longer delay. Hence, we conducted a laboratory study and applied three within-participant learning conditions (re-study, open-book test, closed-book test with feedback) with a 2 weeks instead of 1 week delay between studying and the final test. Notably, our results mirrored the findings of Agarwal et al. ( Applied Cognitive Psychology , 22(7), 861 – 876, 2008) showing that open-book and closed-book tests outperform re-study but are similarly effective — even using a slightly changed procedure, new materials, a different sample, and a longer delay.
Microscopic spin orbit analysis for proton+9Be scattering

microscopic folded potentials for both the real central and the spin-orbit (SO). For the imaginary central, we used surface Woods-Saxon (WS) potential. We aimed to test the microscopic SO potential based on the M3Y effective nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction for the light system p+$^9$Be. The present calculation showed that the microscopic SO potential is satisfactory reproduce $A_y$ above 8 MeV and qualitatively reproduced $A_y$ below 8 MeV. In addition, we found that the calculated real central potentials are successfully reproduced the $d\sigma/d\Omega$ for all the considered energies. From the present analysis, we excepted that the present microscopic SO potential could reproduce successfully the $A_y$ for p+nucleus as the incident proton energy increases above 10 MeV.
“A Strong Feeling of Togetherness”: A Group of Low-income Single Mothers Bargain for Their Place in Academia

ABSTRACT This study examined the characteristics of class activism in a community college as demonstrated by single mothers, first-generation students from peripheral regions. Building on theories of class and intersectionality, we wished to understand the ways in which single mothers conceptualize their experience in academia, as individuals and as a group, and which coping mechanisms they, as a marginal group, employ. The study utilized a qualitative methodology of semi-structured interviews to examine the coping strategies and class-group creation process by the single mothers in a special academic program designed for underprivileged populations. The findings suggest that the single-mother students in the program managed to find their own voice in a space initially foreign to them. They managed to create a class-based group and consciousness, develop critical thinking patterns through their studies, form connections with senior officials and utilize their unique position to better serve their own interests. This paper offers a new perspective in examining the processes of class awareness construction in groups that have been traditionally excluded from the academic sphere. The findings in our research contribute to the discourse on class definition, particularly of the lower classes and their introduction into spaces that have been undergoing change in the neo-liberal age.
Tribochemistry of Transfer Layer Evolution during Friction in HiPIMS W-C and W-C:H Coatings in Humid Oxidizing and Dry Inert Atmospheres

The experimental and theoretical investigations of transfer layers in the dry sliding contacts between steel ball and HiPIMS W-C and W-C:H coatings were performed in humid air, dry nitrogen, hydrogen and vacuum on a series of coatings with different contents of carbon and hydrogen in the matrix. Transfer layers formed on the ball in all friction tests, but their composition varied depending on the environment. In humid air, the mechano(tribo)chemical reactions necessary for the obtained phases involved oxidation of WC and Fe, water vapor decomposition and hydrogenation of carbon. Modeling indicated that humidity enhanced oxidation and carbon hydrogenation. In nitrogen, WC decomposition generating carbon was dominant, whereas, in hydrogen, it was carbon hydrogenation. In vacuum, WC decomposition producing W was found to be responsible for high coefficients of friction (COFs). COFs approaching superlubricity were obtained in the H2 atmosphere in the coatings with sufficiently high matrix C:H content. COFs seem to be controlled by the ratio of hydrogenated carbon and oxide phases in transfer layer, which depends on the reactions possible in the surrounding atmosphere.
Sequence Requirements for miR-424-5p Regulating and Function in Cancers

MiRNAs (microRNAs) are the most abundant family of small noncoding RNAs in mammalian cells. Increasing evidence shows that miRNAs are crucial regulators of individual development and cell homeostasis by controlling various biological processes. Therefore, miRNA dysfunction can lead to human diseases, especially in cancers with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. MiRNAs play different roles in these processes. In recent years, studies have found that miR-424-5p is closely related to the occurrence, development, prognosis and treatment of tumors. This review discusses how miR-424-5p plays a role in different kinds of cancers from different stages of tumors, including its roles in (i) promoting or inhibiting tumorigenesis, (ii) regulating tumor development in the tumor microenvironment and (iii) participating in cancer chemotherapy. This review provides a deep discussion of the latest findings on miR-424-5p and its importance in cancer, as well as a mechanistic analysis of the role of miR-424-5p in various tissues through target gene verification and pathway analysis.