Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial-Frequency Attention for Image Denoising

The recently developed transformer networks have achieved impressive performance in image denoising by exploiting the self-attention (SA) in images. However, the existing methods mostly use a relatively small window to compute SA due to the quadratic complexity of it, which limits the model's ability to model long-term image information. In this paper, we propose the spatial-frequency attention network (SFANet) to enhance the network's ability in exploiting long-range dependency. For spatial attention module (SAM), we adopt dilated SA to model long-range dependency. In the frequency attention module (FAM), we exploit more global information by using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) by designing a window-based frequency channel attention (WFCA) block to effectively model deep frequency features and their dependencies. To make our module applicable to images of different sizes and keep the model consistency between training and inference, we apply window-based FFT with a set of fixed window sizes. In addition, channel attention is computed on both real and imaginary parts of the Fourier spectrum, which further improves restoration performance. The proposed WFCA block can effectively model image long-range dependency with acceptable complexity. Experiments on multiple denoising benchmarks demonstrate the leading performance of SFANet network.
Administrative Reform

ADMINISTRATIVE reform, as a term, has been much used and abused. Writers on administrative reform, after years of constant effort, have failed to agree on a theore,tical framework under which it can be studied and analysed. Worse still, recently, serious doubts have been raised as to the rationale behind the use of the term 'administrative reform' itself and suggestions have been offered to substitute it by using a more comprehensive term like 'reorganisation of the machinery of government' I.
Adelinia and Andersonglossum (Boraginaceae), Two New Genera from New World Species of Cynoglossum

Abstract Recent phylogenetic evidence suggests that Cynoglossum (Boraginaceae), a cosmopolitan genus, is not monophyletic, but relationships among members of the genus remain uncertain. This is particularly the case for North American species of Cynoglossum. Utilizing DNA sequence data, a phylogeny has been reconstructed to investigate the evolutionary relationships among the New and Old World species of Cynoglossum and other members of Boraginaceae. The resulting phylogeny resolved that North American species of Cynoglossum are members of a clade distinct from the Old World species, and these North American species belong to two distinct lineages. Cynoglossum occidentale and C. virginianum are sister species, and C. grande is a member of a separate group. Given these evolutionary relationships in conjunction with diagnostic morphological features, two new genera are proposed for these species, Andersonglossum and Adelinia, with four name transfers: Andersonglossum boreale, Andersonglossum occidentale, Andersonglossum virginianum, and Adelinia grande. Andersonglossum bears sessile cauline leaves, pedicels recurved in fruit, and pollen with two shapes of pores and no transverse groove. In contrast, Adelinia develops petiolate cauline leaves, pedicels erect in fruit, and pollen with only one pore shape and a transverse groove.
Role of cooperative companies in sustainable rice production and poverty alleviation in Guilan state of Iran.

This study was conducted in the districts of Guilan state of Iran to assess the impact of cooperative companies on the economic condition of rice farmers in the Guilan state. The research was conducted in the 2005 to 2007 periods. Three hundred respondents were selected for the study comprising equal number of participants and non-participants of producer cooperatives. Data were collected using survey questionnaire with a reliability test of 88% using Kronback Alfa Coefficient. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that there were significant differences between members and non-members with respect to the production rate of paddy, income gained through sale of rice, level of participation, reduction of unemployment, increment of annual income and technical knowledge. Also, there was a positive correlation between the rate of paddy production per hectare with income resulting from the sale thereof, the income resulting from each hectare of the rice field with the annual income of the farmer, annual income of the farmer and rate of paddy produced and on participation in training courses and the production rate of paddy. According to above points, cooperative companies have a basic role in achievement sustainable rice production and reduction of poverty in Guilan state of Iran, thus cooperative companies should be organized and supported by government.
Dynamics of limnological features of two man-made lakes in relation to fish production

± ± ± ± 28.5 ± 1.91°C, 1.3 ± 0.35 m, 6.9 ± ± ± ± 1.33 mg/L and 7.4± 0.54, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the two lakes vary with seasonal changes in the rainfall of the drainage area. Oyan and Asejire lakes exhibited features that are typical of tropical environment. The high dissolved oxygen content values indicate that the water bodies can successfully support aquatic life including fish.
Nitrogen nutrition of containerized citrus nursery plants

Experiments were conducted with 'Hamlin' orange ( Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. ) budded on Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) or Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. ) seedling rootstocks to determine minimum container solution N concentrations required for optimum growth and fertilizer uptake efficiency at various growth stages. Plants were fertigated daily with 1 liter of N solution at either 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg·liter -1 -1 . The critical N concentration for root, shoot, and total plant dry weight was ≈18 mg·liter -1 for 'Hamlin'-Cleopatra mandarin nursery plants and 15 mg·liter -1 for 'Hamlin'-Carrizo nursery plants. The critical N concentration for relative total plant dry weight accumulation (percentage) for the two experiments was 16.8 mg·liter -1 . In a separate experiment, plants were given labeled fertilizer N (FN) ( 15 NH 4 15 NO 3 ) at one of five growth stages: A) in the middle of rapid shoot extension of the third flush, B) immediately following the cessation of the third flush shoot extension but during leaf expansion, C) immediately following leaf expansion, D) before the fourth flush, or E) in the middle of rapid shoot extension of the fourth flush. Labeled FN recovery increased during rapid shoot extension of the fourth scion flush compared to the other labeling periods. FN uptake per gram of total plant dry weight was greatest during rapid shoot extension (A and E) and lowest during the intermediate labeling periods (B-D). FN supplied 21% to 22% of the N required for new growth during rapid shoot extension.
Volatile compounds of maari, a fermented product from baobab ( Adansonia digitata L. ) seeds

The volatile compounds associated with baobab seeds fermentation for Maari production were extracted and analysed by Likens-Nickerson simultaneous steam distillation-extraction method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Furthermore, the titratable acidity, tannin content and proximate composition were evaluated. A total of 96 compounds were identified with esters, acids, alcohols and ketones being quantitatively the major groups. Fermentation led to an increase in the concentration of total volatile compounds from 121.6 in unfermented cooked seeds to 809.1 mg kg -1 in the fermented product. Drying resulted in a significant loss of up to 80.7% of the total volatiles. Key words : Volatile compounds, maari, baobab, fermentation.
Studies on Genetic Variability and Character Association in French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.)

Ten genotypes of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) were evaluated to investigate the variability parameters and character association for twelve characters. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for all the twelve characters. In general, estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were found to be higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). High broad sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance was reported for number of flowers per plant (h2 = 99.62%, GA = 59.78) and flower yield per plant (h2 = 99.53%, GA = 133.82), showing additive gene effects and shows the effectiveness of selection of these characters. The yield of flowers per plant exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with number of primary branches (0.862), number of secondary branches (0.738), number of flowers per plant (0.862) and flower weight (0.732). Hence, these characters should be given due consideration during selection for yield improvement in French marigold.
Selenosemicarbazones as potent cruzipain inhibitors and their antiparasitic properties against Trypanosoma cruzi

The cysteine protease cruzipain is an essential T. cruzienzyme and one of the few validated drug targets for Chagas disease. Thiosemicarbazones have been described as cruzipain inhibitors. While searching for new antichagasic drugs, we synthesized a series of selenosemicarbazone analogs and demonstrated that the isosteric replacement of the sulfur atom with selenium resulted in an enhancement of the cysteine protease inhibitory effect. Three selenosemicarbazones were characterized enzymatically and proved to be reversible, slow-binding inhibitors for the Z-Phe-Arg-AMC substrate. Their KI values were in the low nM range (3.7 to 29.7 nM), suggesting a strong interaction with the enzyme, approaching a tight binding definition. All selenosemicarbazones tested showed better activities against epimastigotes than Benznidazole, the currently used drug, with IC50 values ranging from 1.2 to 5.9 μM (Bnz IC50 = 12.5 μM). Three of these compounds showed a better Selectivity Index (SI) than Benznidazole. These compounds also displayed activity against the infective intracellular amastigote form at low micromolar range. Overall, our results support the role of these novel organoselenium compounds as promising lead candidates for further drug development studies.
Coastal Water Mass Replacement: Its Effect on Zooplankton Dynamics and the Predator–Prey Complex Associated with Larval Capelin (Mallotus villosus)

We examined the hypothesis that the onshore wind-regulated initiation of larval emergence and drift in capelin (Mallotus villosus) was adaptive. Onshore winds were found to induce rapid water mass exchange in coastal Newfoundland resulting in the replacement of cold, high-saline, predator-laden waters with warmer, less-saline waters in which the abundance of an important fraction of the predator community was reduced 3- to 20-fold and zooplankton densities in the edible size fraction were increased 2- to 3-fold. In situ enclosure experiments indicate that the synchronous emergence of larval capelin during onshore winds, coupled with the reduced predator density at this time, results in predator satiation. Wind-induced elevations of the biomass of the edible zooplankton size fraction can produce fivefold increases in the daily growth rate of larval capelin. Capelin larvae thus initiate their drift and first feeding in a wind-induced "safe site. " The abundance of eggs and larvae of 11 other marine fish spec.
Examining feeding strategies and position choice of drift-feeding salmonids using an individual-based, mechanistic foraging model

We demonstrated the ability of a mechanistic habitat selection model to predict habitat selection of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) during summer and winter conditions in the Blacksmith Fork River, Utah. By subtracting energy costs and losses from the gross energy intake rate (GEI) obtained through simulation of prey capture, the model calculates the potential net energy intake rate (NEI) of a given stream position, which is essentially the rate of energy intake available for growth and reproduction. The prey capture model incorporates the size, swimming speed, and reaction distance of the fish; the velocity, depth, temperature, and turbidity of the water; and the density and size composition of the drifting invertebrates. The results suggest that during both summer and winter, the brown trout and mountain whitefish in our study reach avoided locations providing low NEI and preferred locations providing a high ratio of NEI to the swimming cost (SC) at the focal p.
Growth and estimated production of acanthogobius flavimanus in an eelgrass (Zostera Marina) bed and unvegetated tidal flat of dongdae bay

Abstract The growth and estimated production of Acanthogobius flavimanus (1.9∼24.7cm TL) were investigated in an eelgrass bed and unvegetated tidal flat of Dongdae Bay, Korea from March 2006 to February 2007. Growth in fish total length was expressed by the von Bertalanffy's growth equation as: Lt=43.238(1‐e-0.3138(t+0.2507)). Estimated densities, biomass, daily and annual production, and P/B ratio were higher at eelgrass bed than those of at unvegetated tidal flat. Monthly variation in daily production was large; the peak numbers occurred in November 2006 (0.0014 g/m2/day) at eelgrass bed, whereas was 0.002 g/ m2/day in July 2006 at unvegetated tidal flat. The eelgrass bed has been supported to maintain capacity of higher production of A. flavimanus than those of in unvegetated tidal flat.
Institutions and the “Resource Curse”: Evidence From Cases of Oil-Related Bribery

While some resource-rich countries are highly corrupt, others have transparent and well-functioning governments. What explains this wide variation in so-called “resource-cursed” states? I show that these differences result from domestic institutional choices over how resource extraction is governed. Some governments grant procurement authority—the ability to award contracts for production rights—to state-owned enterprises, whereas others place this authority in ministries. Building upon agency theory, I argue that this choice matters: The relative political autonomy of state-owned enterprises compared with ministries fosters an opaque regulatory environment that incentivizes malfeasance. Using new data on transnational bribes in 59 oil-producing countries, I show evidence for a robust link between oil-related institutions and bribery, even after addressing the endogeneity of institutional choice via instrumental variables analysis. This research has implications not only for the political economy of the resource curse hypothesis but also for existing theories on corruption and regulatory independence.
Determinants Of Accounting Earnings Surprises In An Emerging Economy

The study was carried out to investigate the determinants of accounting earnings surprises in an emerging economy as evidenced from quoted companies in Nigeria. The variables used for the study include Earning Surprises (ERNSP) as dependent variable while independent variables include Firm Reputation (FRMREP), Earnings Management (ERNMAG), Sales Growth (SALSGT), Cash Flow (CSHFL), and Firm Size (FSIZE). Five (5) research questions and hypotheses were formulated for this study. Ex-post factor research design was employed while twenty (20) quoted companies for the period of Ten years (2008 – 2017) – making a total of two hundred (200) firm-year data were used. Descriptive statistics and correlation matrix were employed alongside the panel regression to investigate these determinants. The results of the study show that: Firm Reputation (FRMREP) have significant negative effect on earnings surprises, while Earnings Management (ERNMAG), Sales Growth (SALSGT), and Cash Flow (CSHFL) have significant positive effect on the earnings surprises of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria; Firm Reputation has no significant effect on earnings surprises. The following recommendations were made among others: investors should concentrate their investments on firms with high corporate reputation as such firms tend to have steady and predictable earnings which reduces earnings surprises; Investors should be careful not to invest in firms whose earnings surprises are driven by earnings management as this shows a high level of earnings manipulation by managers just to meet or beat analysts‟ earnings forecast. The study contributed to knowledge by modifying an existing model by introducing new variables.
Effect of Seed Treatment, In-furrow, and Foliar Application of Insecticides on the Carrot Weevil in Processing Carrot

Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine the effectiveness of a seed treatment, an in-furrow treatment, and foliar applications of insecticides for control of the carrot weevil [Listronotus oregonensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)] in processing carrot (Daucus carota). Carrot seed treated with fipronil resulted in significantly less root damage at harvest then did the in-furrow application of thiamethoxam or multiple foliar applications of diazinon or spinosad in both years, and resulted in significantly higher yields compared with all other treatments in 2004. Seed treatments with fipronil should be considered for future registration on carrot. Such registration would allow early to midseason protection of carrot from weevil damage and compliment the current management program of foliar sprays to control adult weevils.
FIRST RECORD OF A HETERODONT BIVALVE (MOLLUSCA) FROM THE EARLY TRIASSIC: PALAEOECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ‘LAZARUS PROBLEM’

Abstract: The heterodont bivalve Sinbadiella pygmaea gen. et sp. nov. is described from the Sinbad Limestone Member (Olenekian, Smithian) of the Lower Triassic Moenkopi Formation of Utah (USA). The new taxon is tentatively assigned to the Lucinidae on the grounds of its external morphology, larval shell morphology and hinge characters. It is the only definite representative of the Superorder Heterodonta in the Olenekian, removing this major clade of bivalves from the long list of Early Triassic Lazarus taxa. Although at least locally very abundant, the new taxon has been overlooked by earlier workers, probably due to its minute size. Dwarfism is a widespread phenomenon in Early Triassic faunas, which has been attributed to ongoing reduction of primary production. If S. pygmaea was a lucinid, a chemosymbiotic feeding mode can be inferred, which might explain why it was able to thrive in conditions that suppressed filter feeding heterodonts.
Anti-Hepatitis A Virus Immunoglobulin M Antibodies in Urine Samples for Rapid Diagnosis of Outbreaks

The main goal of this study was to test the feasibility of using urine for diagnosing hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections. A correlation of 90.78% between the test results of urine and serum samples was obtained. Four outbreaks of hepatitis A were confirmed by testing only urine samples. The levels of anti-HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in urine samples remained stable during 6 months of storage at −70°C but decreased when the samples were stored at 4°C. The results of tests of samples obtained 2 and 6 months after infection suggested that IgM levels decline more rapidly in urine than in serum.
A Quantitative and Radiomics approach to monitoring ARDS in COVID-19 patients based on chest CT: a retrospective cohort study

Rationale: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the major reasons for ventilation and intubation management of COVID-19 patients but there is no noninvasive imaging monitoring protocol for ARDS. In this study, we aimed to develop a noninvasive ARDS monitoring protocol based on traditional quantitative and radiomics approaches from chest CT. Methods: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from Jan 20, 2020 to Mar 31, 2020 were enrolled in this study. Quantitative and radiomics data were extracted from automatically segmented regions of interest (ROIs) of infection regions in the lungs. ARDS existence was measured by Pa02/Fi02 <300 in artery blood samples. Three different models were constructed by using the traditional quantitative imaging metrics, radiomics features and their combinations, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of the models. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to test the clinical value of the proposed model. Results: The proposed models were constructed using 352 CT images from 86 patients. The median age was 49, and the male proportion was 61.9%. The training dataset and the validation dataset were generated by randomly sampling the patients with a 2:1 ratio. Chi-squared test showed that there was no significant difference in baseline of the enrolled patients between the training and validation datasets. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the traditional quantitative model, radiomics model and combined model in the validation dataset was 0.91, 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. Accordingly, the sensitivities were 0.55, 0.82 and 0.58, while the specificities were 0.97, 0.86 and 0.98. The DCA curve showed that when threshold probability for a doctor or patients is within a range of 0 to 0.83, the combined model adds more net benefit than “treat all” or “treat none” strategies, while the traditional quantitative model and radiomics model could add benefit in all threshold probability. Conclusions: It is feasible to monitor ARDS from CT images using radiomics or traditional quantitative analysis in COVID-19. The radiomics model seems to be the most practical one for possible clinical use. Multi-center validation with a larger number of samples is recommended in the future.
Germinação de sementes e emergência de plântulas de Oenocarpus minor Mart. (Arecaceae)

The present work had as objective to evaluate the influence of the temperature and the substratum in the germination, thus as to determine the ideal depth of sowing for emergency of Oenocarpus minor Mart. seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized, arranged in a 3x4 factorial scheme (temperature x substrate), with three replications of 30 seeds each. The seeds were placed in plastic boxes containning substratum and incubated at constant temperature in a germination chambers at constant temperature and 12 h photoperiod. For the emergency, 4 replications of 24 seeds had been used, distributed in tray plastic, with plantmax and vermiculita, in 0, 2 and 4 cm of sowing depth and kept in greenhouse. Based in results the best substrates and temperature for germination of Oenocarpus bacaba Mart. was sand and vermiculite and temperature of 30oC, respectively. Depths superior than 2 cm are inadequate for sowing of Oenocarpus minor Mart.