Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic optimum plant density of irrigated early-maturity soybean in southern Alberta

Abstract: With soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] seed cost increasing in Alberta, understanding economic optimum plant density (EOPD) could help growers save on input expenses. A study was conducted at two irrigated locations in southern Alberta (Bow Island and Lethbridge), in three growing seasons (2014–2016), using two maturity group (MG) 00 soybean genotypes, two row spacings (RS; narrow, 17.5 cm; wide, 35 cm), and three seeding densities (SD; 30, 50 and 80 seeds·m−2). Exponential plant density–yield relationships were used to estimate EOPD. The earlier MG 00.4 genotype compensated yield at lower plant density (39 vs. 43 plants·m−2) and emergence (74% vs. 80%) than the later MG 00.8 genotype. The EOPD gaps between environments, genotypes, and RS were minimal (from 1–3 plants·m−2), resulting in only 1.3%–2.0% differences in grain yield (37–56 kg·ha−1), and gross revenue at EOPD ($16–24·ha−1). The overall EOPD estimate was 46 plants·m−2, regardless of environment, genotype or RS. The study highlighted the difference between agronomic production and profit maximization in choosing an optimum plant density, and the need to establish a seeding density calculator for irrigated soybean in southern Alberta.
Evaluating Decision Making in Sustainable Project Selection Between Literature and Practice

A robust project selection process is critical for the selection of sustainable projects that meet the needs of an organization or community. There are multiple factors or criteria that can be considered in the selection of the appropriate sustainable project, but it can be challenging to find sufficient depth of expert opinion to perform a strong evaluation of these criteria. Several researchers have turned to the sustainable project literature as a source of expert opinion to evaluate the criteria used in sustainable project selection and rank them based on importance using different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodologies. However, using the literature as a source of expert opinion poses a different set of challenges and may not accurately represent the actual opinions of sustainable project subject matter experts (SMEs) and practitioners. In this study, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) methodology is used to determine the importance of project cost, project maturity, skill and experience, uncertainty, and technology information transfer as selection criteria using collected opinions from academic sustainable project experts and practitioners. The results are then compared with previous research that used the literature to rank these five criteria based on importance when selecting between multiple sustainable project alternatives. The results show that project cost is still considered the major driver of decision making in sustainable project selection by both the literature and practice. However, unlike the literature-as-experts approach, SMEs prioritize skill and experience and technology information transfer over project maturity and uncertainty. Project managers and decision makers can use these findings to best prioritize the types of challenges that may occur depending on inputs for the FAHP analysis.
Sustainable Recovery of Secondary and Critical Raw Materials from Classified Mining Residues Using Mycorrhizal-Assisted Phytoextraction

In this work, mycorrhizal-assisted phytoextraction (MAP, Helianthus annuus–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus intraradices–Zn-volcanic ashes) was applied for the recovery of secondary and critical raw materials (SRMs and CRMs, respectively) from Joda West (Odisha, India) mine residues, within a novel multidisciplinary management strategy. Mine residues were preliminarily characterized by using advanced analytical techniques, and subsequently mapped, classified and selected using multispectral satellite Sentinel-2A images and cluster analysis. Selected mine residues were treated by MAP at laboratory scale, and the fate of several SRMs (e.g., Zn, Cr, As, Ni, Cu, Ca, Al, K, S, Rb, Fe, Mn) and CRMs (such as Ga, Ti, P, Ba and Sr) was investigated. Bioconcentration factors in shoots (BCS) and roots (BCR) and translocation factors (TF) were: 5.34(P) > BCS > 0.00(Al); 15.0(S) > BCR > 0.038(Ba); 9.28(Rb) > TF > 0.02(Ti). Results were used to predict MAP performance at larger scale, simulating a Vegetable Depuration Module (VDM) containing mine residues (1 m3). Estimated bio-extracting potential (BP) was in the range 2417 g/m3 (K) > BP> 0.14 g/m3 (As), suggesting the eventual subsequent recovery of SRMs and CRMs by hydrometallurgical techniques, with final purification by selective electrodeposition, as a viable and cost-effective option. The results are promising for MAP application at larger scale, within a circular economy-based approach.
Mobile-assisted pronunciation learning with feedback from peers and/or automatic speech recognition: a mixed-methods study

Abstract Although social networking apps and dictation-based automatic speech recognition (ASR) are now widely available in mobile phones, relatively little is known about whether and how these technological affordances can contribute to EFL pronunciation learning. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of feedback from peers and/or ASR in mobile-assisted pronunciation learning. 84 Chinese EFL university students were assigned into three conditions, using WeChat (a multi-purpose mobile app) for autonomous ASR feedback (the Auto-ASR group), peer feedback (the Co-non-ASR group), or peer plus ASR feedback (the Co-ASR group). Quantitative data included the pronunciation pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest, and students’ perception questionnaires, while qualitative data included students’ interviews. The main findings are: (a) all three groups improved their pronunciation, but the Co-non-ASR and the Co-ASR groups outperformed the Auto-ASR group; (b) the three groups showed no significant difference in perception questionnaires; and (c) the interviews revealed some common and unique technical, social/psychological, and educational affordances and concerns about the three mobile-assisted learning conditions.
Investigation of CoCr Dental Alloy: Example from a Casting Workflow Standpoint

Cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloys have been used in dentistry for dental bridges, crowns and implants for decades. When using CoCr alloys, a number of fractures have occurred in the Dental Laboratory, both when handling the castings and after they have been placed in the patient’s mouth. It is assumed that the key cause of the resulting fractures of CoCr dental bridges is the casting process, which includes the preparation and mixing of the basic components of the CoCr dental alloy, unstable solidification and the final treatment of the tooth casting surface. The aim of this study was, therefore, to examine three castings differently prepared from the CoCr alloy. For the initial CoCr alloy, we selected the one supplied directly from the manufacturer; three test samples were CoCr alloy remelted four times in the same crucible, while the fourth sample was the remaining solidified alloy from the crucible, taken at the last remelting. Characterisation of the microstructure of all four samples was performed by optical and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope and X-ray diffractometry. Microhardness measurements were also performed. The investigation revealed that the microstructure of the castings is composed of a CoCr alloy matrix with a eutectic interdendritic composition and interdendritic precipitates, which were rich in W and Mo. The two oxides were identified as chromium oxide with silicon content and chromium oxide, which originated from the CoCr alloy as casting residue. The high content of silicon in the chromium oxide can be attributed to the silicon oxide from the ceramic melting crucible, mixed in with the remains from the CoCr alloy melting. The second oxide showed a more regular elemental content for chromium oxide, mixed with a small quantity of impurities and the casting CoCr alloy. Based on this research, some recommendations were made for working with CoCr alloys in the Dental Laboratory, with the aim of reducing the risk of dental bridge fractures in the future.
An Empirical Examination of Voluntary Development Activities of Employees

This study develops and empirically examines a model of voluntary employee self-development behaviours and presents a unique lens for the study of self-development behaviours that integrates the disparate social exchange and motivational models currently applied in the management and training motivation literature. Specifically, the current model utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a guiding framework in the combination and expansion of these streams to create an integrated model. This model was validated using a survey of 203 employees. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. The results indicated support for nine out of eleven theorized relationships in the model, and the new model explained more variance in self-development behaviours (38%) than either lens: the social exchange (8.5%) or the motivational (19%). Thus, the results indicate there is important value in integrating the lenses. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.
The Role of Investor Sentiment and Valuation Uncertainty in the Changes around Analyst Recommendations: Evidence from U.S. Firms

Abstract The authors investigate the empirical relation among investor sentiment, valuation uncertainty, and announcements of changes in analyst recommendation decisions among U.S. firms. Recent behavioral finance evidence shows market sentiment to have predictive content that affects the classical relationship between analyst recommendations and stock return dynamics. Contrary to this evidence, the authors find that degree of valuation uncertainty is associated to the impact of investor sentiment when examining a likelihood of consensus recommendation upgrade or downgrade. While not totally eliminating the significant investor sentiment effect under high valuation uncertainty, the investor sentiment does not powerfully explain the stock market reactions to analyst recommendation changes under low valuation uncertainty. Furthermore, the authors show that analyst recommendations provide significant buy or sell signals if valuation uncertainty is great, referring to the market being highly competitive. However, in less competitive markets, analyst reports become less informative. Overall, the authors demonstrate that magnitude of valuation uncertainty is an important complement to investor sentiment for further understanding analyst recommendations.
Influence of Edible Coatings on Biochemical Fruit Quality and Storage Life of Bell Pepper cv. “Yolo Wonder”

The present study was carried out to investigate the influence of food grade coatings on fruit quality and storage life of bell pepper cv. “Yolo Wonder” at °C with 90–95% RH for 24 days. Coating treatments were given to bell pepper fruits by dipping in aqueous solutions of gum arabic (6, 9, and 12%), Aloe vera gel (4, 5, and 6%), and cinnamon oil (0.5, 0.75, and 1%). Physicochemical characteristics as well as quality of bell pepper fruits improved in all coating treatments. Results revealed that 12% gum arabic coating exhibited significantly reduced weight loss, membrane leakage, chilling injury, and decay incidence with less increase in pH, total soluble solids, and sugar percentage, whereas appealing fruit color ( , , and ) along with higher values of ascorbic acid (1.84 mg/100 g), titratable acidity (0.19%), and firmness (4 N) was observed in cold storage environment. Our results clearly suggested that coating of bell pepper fruits with 12% gum arabic can maintain postharvest storage quality of bell pepper fruits.
Exploring the Representation of Cows on Dairy Product Packaging in Brazil and the United Kingdom

Food packages must communicate mandatory information, but they can also be used for marketing practices such as promotion and are a communication pathway from industry to consumer. Considering that cows are the main beings affected by the dairy industry, it is essential to scrutinise what dairy product packages convey about them. The aims of this study are to analyse the occurrence of reference to cows on the packaging of dairy products in popular supermarket retail stores in Brazil and the United Kingdom and to discuss ethical implications of promotional practices of dairy producers. We found that in both countries most packaging does not refer to cows at all. In the UK, an average of 31% of the packaging used some visual reference to cows, and in Brazil an average of 15% of packaging used some visual reference to cows. We identified four modalities of cow signifiers with a strong common appeal to nature that reflect and reaffirm an idyllic narrative of milk production. Our findings reflect the concept of absent referent, coined by Carol Adams, both on the packages containing some type of cow representation and on the packages not containing any. Considering that it might influence the consumer’s understanding and attitude towards cows, we highlight that the lack of adequate information about cows’ conditions and the obscuring of problematic issues in cows’ exploitation through the globalization of the happy cow narrative are two important issues to be placed on the Marketing Ethics concerns.
FactSeg: Foreground Activation-Driven Small Object Semantic Segmentation in Large-Scale Remote Sensing Imagery

The small object semantic segmentation task is aimed at automatically extracting key objects from high-resolution remote sensing (HRS) imagery. Compared with the large-scale coverage areas for remote sensing imagery, the key objects, such as cars and ships, in HRS imagery often contain only a few pixels. In this article, to tackle this problem, the foreground activation (FA)-driven small object semantic segmentation (FactSeg) framework is proposed from perspectives of structure and optimization. In the structure design, FA object representation is proposed to enhance the awareness of the weak features in small objects. The FA object representation framework is made up of a dual-branch decoder and collaborative probability (CP) loss. In the dual-branch decoder, the FA branch is designed to activate the small object features (activation) and suppress the large-scale background, and the semantic refinement (SR) branch is designed to further distinguish small objects (refinement). The CP loss is proposed to effectively combine the activation and refinement outputs of the decoder under the CP hypothesis. During the collaboration, the weak features of the small objects are enhanced with the activation output, and the refined output can be viewed as the refinement of the binary outputs. In the optimization stage, small object mining (SOM)-based network optimization is applied to automatically select effective samples and refine the direction of the optimization while addressing the imbalanced sample problem between the small objects and the large-scale background. The experimental results obtained with two benchmark HRS imagery segmentation datasets demonstrate that the proposed framework outperforms the state-of-the-art semantic segmentation methods and achieves a good tradeoff between accuracy and efficiency. Code will be available at: http://rsidea.whu. edu.cn/FactSeg.htm
Determinants and Sustainability of Manufacturing Sector Performance in Nigeria: The Roles of Selected Macroeconomic Variables

Manufacturing sector is a vibrant sector that spurs growth in every other sector of the economy. Despite this, macroeconomic environment in the country has not made this desire materialized. Therefore, the study examined the determinants and sustainability of manufacturing sector performance in Nigeria from 1994-2019. The data used include manufacturing sector output, interest rate, real exchange rate, tax rate, money supply and trade openness. Also, Error Correction Model (ECM) and Pairwise Granger Causality(PGC) techniques were used for the formulated objective. The unit root test confirmed stationarity of interest rate at level; while other were integrated of order one (D = 1). The Johansen co-integration established a long-run relationships. The ECM corrected the disequilibrium at an annual rate of 77.5%. Also, real exchange rate, tax rate and trade openness had a direct and significant effect on manufacturing sector output. While, interest rate and money supply were non-significance. The PGC result revealed a bi-directional causality between real exchange rate and manufacturing sector and tax rate and manufacturing sector output. It was concluded that increase in consumption tax, real exchange rate and liberation of the economy were the determinants of manufacturing sector performance, while appreciation of nigeria’s currency (naira) and increase in tax rate with proportional improvement in infrastructural facilities are needed to sustain it. Therefore, recommended that the financial institutions especially the apex bank should eliminate different bench-mark of exchange rate policy by allowing the market force of demand and supply to depict the real value of naira.
What Makes Employees Green Advocates? Exploring the Effects of Green Human Resource Management

Green advocacy has been the focus of both practitioners and theorists for decades. However, little attention has been paid to employee green advocacy despite its significance to employee green behaviors and the environmental sustainability of organizations. In an effort to contribute to this nascent field, this study investigates what promotes employee green advocacy and its psychological mechanisms. Based on cognitive consistency theory, we propose that green human resource management (GHRM) can influence employees’ organization-based self-esteem, which motivates them to engage in employee green advocacy to sustain their positive self-image and avoid possible cognitive disorders. Perceived organizational support moderates the relationship between GHRM and employee organization-based self-esteem. Data from a sample of 135 employees and their chief human resource officer (CHO) supported our hypotheses. We discussed the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
3D Geodynamic Models for HP‐UHP Rock Exhumation in Opposite‐Dip Double Subduction‐Collision Systems

The dynamics of high pressure (HP) and ultra‐high pressure (UHP) rock exhumation in opposite‐dip double subduction‐collision systems remain enigmatic. Here, we present 3D thermo‐mechanical numerical models to study the geodynamics of continental‐margin subduction, collision, and crustal exhumation of HP‐UHP metamorphic rocks in oppositely dipping adjacent subduction zones. In our model setups, an initial transform‐fault separates a purely oceanic subduction zone from an adjacent oceanic subduction zone that in time transforms into continental‐margin subduction. The results show that most simulations cause continental‐margin deep subduction within the collisional belts. In contrast to the results of 2D and 3D single subduction‐collision systems, the slab‐slab interactions strongly modify the down‐channel Couette flow and the up‐channel Poiseuille flow in the interplate region when the plate edges are close to each other. This prevents the exhumation of UHP metamorphic rocks to the Earth's surface. However, far from the interplate region, rapid exhumation of UHP rocks occurs in Alpine‐type models with a low Moho temperature, strong lower crust, and fast upper‐plate divergence, whereas the Taiwan‐type models occur for a high Moho temperature, weak lower crust, fast convergence, fast erosion, and are likely to facilitate rapid dome‐like HP exhumation. Based on our results, we suggest that the main characteristics, such as deep crustal subduction and rapid exhumation of HP‐UHP metamorphic rocks during mountain building in Taiwan (∼8 Ma to present) and in the Western Alps (∼49–35 Ma), may be the result of opposite‐dip double subduction‐collision systems.
The Impact of Online Communities-based Social Customer Relationship Management (S-CRM) on Customer Loyalty and Brand Image on Hotels

Despite the enormous importance of social customer relationship management (SCRM), customer loyalty, and brand image in the hospitality sector, research on this element in hotels has been minimal. The present study aims to investigate the impact of implementing SCRM procedures (customer service quality, integrated marketing channels, online communities /use of social media, rewards, and value-added services) to improve customer loyalty and brand image in hotels. Based on the relevant literature and the pilot research, a conceptual framework for the investigation was developed. Questionnaires were used to collect data for the study. Based on prior research, a questionnaire form was created and delivered to hotel guests at twenty different five-star hotels in Greater Cairo. The researchers distributed 400 questionnaires to a random sample of hotel guests in 20 hotels; 277 were valid, with a 69.25 percent response rate. (SPSS V.25) and (AMOS V.20) were used to evaluate the valid data. According to the findings, integrated marketing channels, online communities, and the usage of social media all have a major influence on customer loyalty in hotels. Furthermore, consumer loyalty has a huge impact on the brand's image. Furthermore, social customer relationship management (SCRM) via customer loyalty has a major influence on the brand's image.
A ceramic microsparging aeration system for cell culture reactors

Abstract The supply of oxygen in the cultivation of animal cells in bioreactors still poses a problem. Firstly animal cells must be supplied with the sufficient amount of oxygen, which in turn necessitates the maximum possible oxygen transfer into the liquid phase. Secondly animal cells are very shear stress sensitive. Three different procedures are used as standard in the aeration of cell culture reactors, which are basically bubble aeration, bubble-free aeration and indirect aeration. If the cell damaging impact of gas bubbles is reduced, direct aeration becomes a practical solution with scale up potential and comparatively high oxygen transfer rates. In addition all other aeration methods are technical more complicated and lead to less reliability because of the greater number of connection tubes. Thus in the production of biopharmaceuticals, gas sparging is an efficient and preferred process strategy for oxygen supply to cell cultures. In this paper, a microsparging aeration system made of porous ceramics is presented. The sparging system was used for the cultivation of mammalian cells like suspended CHO cells and adherend MDBK cells immobilized on micro carrier in 2 and 5L standard stirred tank reactors. The system produced bubbles of 100 – 500 μm. Already at a relatively low agitation rate of 50 to 60 rpm in the sparged bioreactor a uniform and constant dissolved oxygen concentration was maintained in the medium. In fact, oxygen transfer measurements revealed that it greatly exceeded the cell requirements. The small bubble diameters and decreased gas flow resulted in a different pattern of foam formation as compared to standard aeration systems.