Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transfer Learning with Convolutional Neural Networks for Rainfall Detection in Single Images

Near real-time rainfall monitoring at local scale is essential for urban flood risk mitigation. Previous research on precipitation visual effects supports the idea of vision-based rain sensors, but tends to be device-specific. We aimed to use different available photographing devices to develop a dense network of low-cost sensors. Using Transfer Learning with a Convolutional Neural Network, the rainfall detection was performed on single images taken in heterogeneous conditions by static or moving cameras without adjusted parameters. The chosen images encompass unconstrained verisimilar settings of the sources: Image2Weather dataset, dash-cams in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and experiments in the NIED Large-scale Rainfall Simulator. The model reached a test accuracy of 85.28% and an F1 score of 0.86. The applicability to real-world scenarios was proven with the experimentation with a pre-existing surveillance camera in Matera (Italy), obtaining an accuracy of 85.13% and an F1 score of 0.85. This model can be easily integrated into warning systems to automatically monitor the onset and end of rain-related events, exploiting pre-existing devices with a parsimonious use of economic and computational resources. The limitation is intrinsic to the outputs (detection without measurement). Future work concerns the development of a CNN based on the proposed methodology to quantify the precipitation intensity.
What types of films are successful at the box office? Predicting opening weekend and non-opening gross earnings of films

ABSTRACT Although the film industry is high risk, sequels and films adapted from novels or comic books can be financially successful because they can capitalise on the established brands of their parent work. Focusing on sequels and adaptations as extended lines and brands, this paper analysed 2,490 films released between 2010 and 2013 in the U.S. to examine what types of films were successful in terms of opening weekend gross and non-opening gross. During opening weekends, while sequels generated higher grosses than non-sequels, sequels adapted from existing work generated even higher grosses. Brand strategies involving stars and title novelty further helped adaptation sequels generate higher grosses mostly during opening weekends. Sequels and adaptations may work together to garner line and brand extension benefits upfront.
Influence of sustained deficit irrigation on physiology and phenolic compounds in winegrapes and wine.

iv DECLARATION vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS viii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ix LIST OF FIGURES xi LIST OF TABLES xvi CHAPTER 1: General Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Deficit Irrigation Strategies for Winegrapes 3 1.3 Water Relations in Grapevines 6 1.3. 1 Water deficit effects on grapevine physiology 7 1.4 Grape and Wine Quality 9 1.4. 1 Water deficit effects on yield components and berry size 12 1.4. 2 Water deficit effects on grape and wine composition 14 1.5 General Conclusions and Aims of the Study 16 CHAPTER 2: General Materials and Methods 17 2.1 Field Sites 17 2.1.1 Trial design 19 2.2 Glasshouse Trials 22 2.3 Definitions 24 2.4 Statistical Analyses 24 CHAPTER 3: Leaf Water Potential, Stomatal Conductance and ABA Responses of Red Winegrapes to Water Deficit 26 3.
Causal effects and counterfactual conditionals: contrasting Rubin, Lewis and Pearl

Abstract Rubin and Pearl offered approaches to causal effect estimation and Lewis and Pearl offered theories of counterfactual conditionals. Arguments offered by Pearl and his collaborators support a weak form of equivalence such that notation from the rival theory can be re-purposed to express Pearl’s theory in a way that is equivalent to Pearl’s theory expressed in its native notation. Nonetheless, the many fundamental differences between the theories rule out any stronger form of equivalence. A renewed emphasis on comparative research can help to guide applications, further develop each theory, and better understand their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Do Women Behave Financially Worse than Men? Evidence from Married and Cohabiting Couples

Extensive empirical evidence shows that women perform worse in financial literacy tests, which implies that their financial behaviour may also be worse compared to men. However, the literature on the gender gap in financial behaviour is scanty and highly inconclusive. Using data from a survey of married and cohabiting couples living in Poland (N=1,000) and a multi-dimensional scale validated in terms of its psychometric properties, this article compares the financial behaviour of women and men. The applied tests did not show any significant gender differences in the overall financial behaviour index or in any of the subdomains of the behaviour distinguished in the applied scale. Using the social identity theory as a framework, we discuss possible explanations of these puzzling findings, which may imply that women are unnecessarily considered a disadvantaged group in terms of preparedness to participate in financial life, including the business sphere. Implications for Central European audience: Assuming that the gender differences in financial literacy and behaviour can be explained on the grounds of the social identity theory, Central and Eastern Europe may differ from Western Europe in terms of the gender gap. Socially-imposed gender roles were presumably shaped differently behind the Iron Curtain, which resulted in that the distinction between masculine and feminine roles got blurred under the Soviet regime. As a result, the absence of gender differences in financial behaviour is more likely to occur in Central and Eastern European countries. Financial education initiatives should take this circumstance into account.
Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among a national population-based sample of adults in Kiribati

ABSTRACT Psychological distress is an undersearched cause of major burden of disease in the Pacific island countries. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress in a community-based study among persons aged 18–69 years in Kiribati. Cross-sectional nationally representative data of 2,156 adults (37 years were the median age) from the “2015–16 Kiribati STEPS survey” were analyzed. The results indicate that 18.1% of participants had psychological distress, 13.6% among men and 21.6% among women. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, female sex, cohabiting, alcohol family problems, history of family members who had attempted suicide, having had a heart attack, angina, or stroke, having three or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and moderate and high physical activity were associated with psychological distress. In addition, in sex stratified adjusted logistic regression analysis among men, three to less than six hours sedentary behavior was positively, and older age and having secondary or more education were negatively associated with psychological distress, and among women older age was positively and passive smoking and daily tobacco use were negatively associated with psychological distress. More frequent fruit and vegetable consumption was among men and moderate and high physical activity was among women positively associated with psychological distress. Almost one in five participants were reported psychological distress and several factors were detected which could be targeted in intervention activities.
Shifts from pulled to pushed range expansions caused by reduction of landscape connectivity

Range expansions are key processes shaping the distribution of species; their ecological and evolutionary dynamics have become especially relevant today, as human influence reshapes ecosystems worldwide. Many attempts to explain and predict range expansions assume, explicitly or implicitly, so-called "pulled" expansion dynamics, in which the low-density edge populations provide most of the "fuel" for the species advance. Some expansions, however, exhibit very different dynamics, with high-density populations behind the front "pushing" the expansion forward. These two types of expansions are predicted to have different effects on e.g. genetic diversity and habitat quality sensitivity. However, empirical studies are lacking due to the challenge of generating reliably pushed vs. pulled expansions in the laboratory, or discriminating them in the field. We here propose that manipulating the degree of connectivity among populations may prove a more generalizable way to create pushed expansions. We demonstrate this with individual-based simulations as well as replicated experimental range expansions (using the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma brassicae as model). By analyzing expansion velocities and neutral genetic diversity, we showed that reducing connectivity led to pushed dynamics. Low connectivity alone, i.e. without density-dependent dispersal, can only lead to "weakly pushed" expansions, where invasion speed conforms to pushed expectations, but the decline in genetic diversity does not. In empirical expansions however, low connectivity may in some cases also lead to adjustments to the dispersal-density function, recreating "classical" pushed expansions. In the current context of habitat loss and fragmentation, we need to better account for this relationship between connectivity and expansion regimes to successfully predict the ecological and evolutionary consequences of range expansions.
Phase Equilibria, Crystal Structure, and Properties of Intermediate Oxides in the Sm2O3–SrO–CoO System

The phase equilibria in the ½ Sm2O3 - SrO - CoO system were systematically studied at 1100°C in air. Single phase Sr1-xSmxCoO3-δ and Sr2-ySmyCoO4+δ solid solutions were obtained within the ranges 0.05 ≤ х ≤ 0.50 and 0.9 ≤ y ≤ 1.3 respectively. XRD patterns of the single phase samples were refined by the Rietveld method within the tetragonal structure (sp. gr. I4/mmm). Gradual substitution of strontium by samarium leads to the decrease of unit cell parameters and unit cell volume that can be explained by the size factor. An introduction of samarium into the strontium cobaltite increases the oxygen content in Sr1 xSmxCoO3 δ. The variation of electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal expansion of Sr1-xSmxCoO3-δ and Sr2-ySmyCoO4+δ oxides versus temperature were measured in air. The chemical reactivity of Sr1-xSmxCoO3-δ and Sr2-ySmyCoO4+δ in contact with the solid electrolyte materials Ce0.8Sm0. 2O2 and Zr0.85Y0. 15O2 was examined. The projection of isothermal-isobaric phase diagram (1100°C, air) to the compositional triangle ½ Sm2O3 - SrO - CoO has been constructed.
Restoring riparian forest in the Atlantic Forest: does planting seedlings make a difference?

Planting seedlings remains the most popular method of forest restoration, but passive restoration may become a new promise to reduce costs, despite concerns about its efficacy. Here, we present a study of a riparian forest recovery program in the Southern Atlantic Forest, Brazil. The objective was to compare planting seedlings and passive restoration eight years since restoration started and assess the influence of cattle presence in the restoring areas. We analyzed the structure, diversity, and composition of the woody community in the upper (canopy) and lower strata (understory) versus six environmental variables, including edaphic, landscape and geographical variables, restoration method (planting seedlings versus passive restoration), presence of cattle inside the restoration areas, and presence of adjacent crop plantations. Passive restoration generated a more diverse woody community and a higher proportion of climax and zoochoric species in the lower stratum than active restoration. Cattle presence was significantly associated with lower species richness and density of plants, as well as a higher proportion of pioneer species and low proportion of zoochoric and climax species. The results suggest that cattle can delay forest succession, besides reducing diversity. Passive restoration should be considered suitable for the region, and the efficiency of cattle exclusion needs to be improved.
Efficient Sulfate Adsorption on Modified Adsorbents Prepared from Zea mays Stems

The effect of temperature on the sulfate adsorption capacity of adsorbents prepared from corn stalks (Zea mays) was evaluated. Two bioadsorbents were prepared from biomass: a biochar modified with H2SO4 with mass: volume ratio 1:1 (B 1:1), and cellulose modified with cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC). There were also determined thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔS° and ΔH°) and it was studied the adsorption kinetics and isotherm. At 25 °C was obtained the highest adsorption capacity of 16.4 and 7.4 mg/g with mass/volume ratio B 1:1 and modified corn (MC) respectively; it was observed an adverse effect of temperature increase on bioadsorbents’ performance. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process is exothermic, not spontaneous, and it was given by chemisorption. Adsorption kinetics showed that equilibrium was reached at 420 min and that the pseudo-second-order model adjusted the experimental data with R2 > 0.98 and qe of 16.64 and 7.48 mg/g for B 1:1 as well as MC. The adsorption isotherm showed a good fit to Freundlich’s model when using B 1:1, whereas using MC as adsorbents the data was adjusted by Dubinin-Radushkevich’s model. Zea mays stems are an abundant agricultural residue and are a good source for the preparation of biochar type bioadsorbents as well as the extraction of cellulose, its use is recommended in the removal of sulfates in solution.
The Great Equalizer? Gender, Parenting, and Scholarly Productivity During the Global Pandemic

ABSTRACT Has the global COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the scholarly productivity of academics? Do gender and parenting magnify its effect? To obtain insight into the changes the pandemic has wrought in the lives and careers of women and parents in academia, we surveyed scholars in political science and international studies. The survey was in the field during the period in which many academics were experiencing shelter-at-home orders and adjusting to a new reality. It captures initial reactions to changed circumstances as well as the fears and anticipated consequences of the disruptions. We find that perceptions of a negative impact are broadly shared. The open-ended responses suggest that the pandemic may widen the gender and parent productivity gaps. Although further analysis is needed to better understand the effect of the pandemic on scholarly productivity, we conclude that the pandemic exacerbates existing structural inequalities.
Occurrence and molecular detection of avian coronavirus in selected live bird markets, northwestern, Nigeria

Publication History: Received: 23-06-2020 Accepted: 06-10-2020 Abstract Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the most common highly infectious viral respiratory diseases of poultry having wide geographical distribution. Yet, little is known about the infection in the northwestern states of Nigeria. In this study, a total of 263 pooled cloacal and tracheal swab samples were collected from apparently healthy avian species (duck, dove, geese, guinea fowl, local chicken, ostrich, parrot, pigeon, peacock, and turkey). The samples were from nine live bird markets in three states (Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa) of northwestern, Nigeria collected from September through November 2017. Total RNAs were extracted directly from the swab samples and screened for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. An overall prevalence of 38.0% (100/263) was recorded. IB was detected in 70 % (7/10) of the avian species with prevalence of 100 % in dove, local chicken 45.9 %, duck 42.3 %, geese 26.6 %, pigeon 23.5 %, turkey 20.0 % and guinea fowl 6.2 %. Conversely, no detection was made from ostrich, parrot, and peacock. Widespread distribution of IBV was observed and evidence of subclinical infection in seven out of ten (70 %) of the avian species sampled. These avian species harbouring IBV may act as reservoirs with an influence on the ecology and epidemiology of the disease. Continuous surveillance and characterization of the different serotypes in avian species are recommended to inform the adoption of suitable vaccination strategy and control measures for the disease in Nigeria.
How do Public Officials Learn About Policy? A Field Experiment on Policy Diffusion

Abstract Prior research suggests that partisanship can influence how legislators learn from each other. However, same-party governments are also more likely to share similar issues, ideological preferences and constituency demands. Establishing a causal link between partisanship and policy learning is difficult. In collaboration with a non-profit organization, this study isolates the role of partisanship in a real policy learning context. As part of a campaign promoting a new policy among local representatives in the United States, the study randomized whether the initiative was endorsed by co-partisans, out-partisans or both parties. The results show that representatives are systematically more interested in the same policy when it is endorsed by co-partisans. Bipartisan initiatives also attract less interest than co-partisan policies, and no more interest than out-partisan policies, even in more competitive districts. Together, the results suggest that ideological considerations cannot fully explain partisan-based learning. The study contributes to scholarship on policy diffusion, legislative signaling and interest group access.
Success Factors for the Design of Field-level Control Code in Machine and Plant Manufacturing - an Industrial Survey -

The amount of software in automated production systems, including its development effort, is continuously increasing to currently up to 35-50% of the development personnel. Consequently, success factors for achieving modularity and complexity management of control software are of high economic interest. Scientific solutions are manifold but often not implemented in industry. This paper introduces the study QoaPS SWE (Quality of automated Production Systems’ Software Engineering) providing insights into 61 machine and plant manufacturing companies to give quantitative and qualitative results to five essential research questions on success factors in the design of field-level control code. Compared to preceding surveys, QoaPS SWE achieves statistically significant results for software maturity (MMOD+), complexity, and model-based software engineering and provides detailed insights into causes and consequences for single criteria, thus clearly identifying obstacles to be addressed in future research and with industrial countermeasures. Especially staff qualification and organizational issues are identified as obstacles to applying the object-oriented programming paradigm for control software in machine and plant manufacturing. Validity is ensured by analyzing the statistical significance of the results in addition to comparisons with earlier surveys and interviews as well as the comparison with already existing and accepted maturity levels. The provided qualitative and quantitative results will allow the benchmarking of companies’ maturity and the derivation of concrete recommendations for companies depending on their MMOD+ value and the evaluated characteristics.
Gender Faultline Strength on Boards of Directors and Strategic Change: The Role of Environmental Conditions

Drawing on the notion of “faultlines” and the upper echelons perspective, we argue that the gender faultline strength of a board of directors is negatively related to strategic change. More interestingly, while gender faultline strength negatively relates to strategic change under low levels of environmental complexity, environmental dynamism, and environmental munificence, it is positively related to strategic change when environmental complexity, environmental dynamism, and environmental munificence are at high levels. The analyses of panel data of 5781 firm-year observations of 1171 Chinese firms provide support for the hypotheses.
Key determinants of cross-listing in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract We examine the determinants of cross-listing using 780 companies listed on 7 stock exchanges in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We employ survival analysis also known as failure time analysis as our analytical framework. We show that firms prefer to list in additional equity markets that are geographically closer to their home countries. We also show that the business strategy of a firm influences its decision to list in foreign markets in SSA. We document that the prospect of market liquidity drives the cross-listing decision in the sub-region.
Kombucha Tea as a Reservoir of Cellulose Producing Bacteria: Assessing Diversity among Komagataeibacter Isolates

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is receiving a great deal of attention due to its unique properties such as high purity, water retention capacity, high mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. However, the production of BC has been limited because of the associated high costs and low productivity. In light of this, the isolation of new BC producing bacteria and the selection of highly productive strains has become a prominent issue. Kombucha tea is a fermented beverage in which the bacteria fraction of the microbial community is composed mostly of strains belonging to the genus Komagataeibacter. In this study, Kombucha tea production trials were performed starting from a previous batch, and bacterial isolation was conducted along cultivation time. From the whole microbial pool, 46 isolates were tested for their ability to produce BC. The obtained BC yield ranged from 0.59 g/L, for the isolate K2G36, to 23 g/L for K2G30—which used as the reference strain. The genetic intraspecific diversity of the 46 isolates was investigated using two repetitive-sequence-based PCR typing methods: the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) elements and the (GTG)5 sequences, respectively. The results obtained using the two different approaches revealed the suitability of the fingerprint techniques, showing a discrimination power, calculated as the D index, of 0.94 for (GTG)5 rep-PCR and 0.95 for ERIC rep-PCR. In order to improve the sensitivity of the applied method, a combined model for the two genotyping experiments was performed, allowing for the ability to discriminate among strains.
Entrepreneurial Action and Intention: The Role of Entrepreneurial Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, and Grit

Increasing students’ entrepreneurial mindset (EM) is one of the main goals of entrepreneurship education, which is increasingly taught across multiple disciplines. One challenge in EM education is finding an effective measure. In this work, we investigate the Engineering Student Entrepreneurial Mindset Assessment (ESEMA), which intends to measure a broad definition of EM. This paper compares the constructs of the ESEMA to those found in related measures of traits and attitudes using a sample that includes engineering students, business students, and practicing entrepreneurs. In addition to validating the instrument constructs, we explore the relationship between the ESEMA factors and measures of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Grit. Our study confirms that the ESEMA survey loads into the six expected factors. We discover that ESEMA-Empathy and EI-Others’ Emotion Appraisal as well as EI-Use of Emotion and Grit-Perseverance are similar constructs. Additionally, our results show EM-Ideation, EM-Interest, and EI-Use of Emotion to consistently and positively relate to entrepreneurial action and intention while EM-Open Mindedness relates negatively. Overall, our study provides a better understanding of how we can measure students’ entrepreneurial mindset, differences in mindsets across disciplines and between students and practicing entrepreneurs, and the relationship of the constructs measured and entrepreneurial actions and intentions.