Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The European Parliament Elections and Czech Political Parties: Much Ado About Nothing?

The paper inquires divergences in electoral programs of four Czech political parties (the ČSSD, KDU-ČSL, KSČM, and the ODS) as delivered for all the previous European Parliament elections. The aim of this study is to compare the use of national and European themes as delineated in programs. It is assumed that, in many cases, the programs contain topics and aspects which are specific and valid for elections on the national level instead. Thus, the paper elaborates on one of the characteristics of the second-order elections theory as exemplified in the Euro-elections. Results of the analysis showed a significant superiority of national affairs over the European issues in the examined samples. Although the number of political parties varies in individual periods, the study has also confirmed the assumption drawn from the theory of second-order elections. Therefore, political parties utilize political programs for the European Parliament elections as of national interest with domestic affairs, not European. Furthermore, the study considers dissimilarities among political parties in positive and negative attitudes toward the EU. Hence, sundry approaches to European affairs may be identified across the Czech political parties.
A Survey of the Four Pillars for Small Object Detection: Multiscale Representation, Contextual Information, Super-Resolution, and Region Proposal

Although great progress has been made in generic object detection by advanced deep learning techniques, detecting small objects from images is still a difficult and challenging problem in the field of computer vision due to the limited size, less appearance, and geometry cues, and the lack of large-scale datasets of small targets. Improving the performance of small object detection has a wider significance in many real-world applications, such as self-driving cars, unmanned aerial vehicles, and robotics. In this article, the first-ever survey of recent studies in deep learning-based small object detection is presented. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the four pillars for small object detection, including multiscale representation, contextual information, super-resolution, and region-proposal. Then, the collection of state-of-the-art datasets for small object detection is listed. The performance of different methods on these datasets is reported later. Moreover, the state-of-the-art small object detection networks are investigated along with a special focus on the differences and modifications to improve the detection performance comparing to generic object detection architectures. Finally, several promising directions and tasks for future work in small object detection are provided. Researchers can track up-to-date studies on this webpage available at: https://github.com/tjtum-chenlab/SmallObjectDetectionList.
Multi‐scale habitat selection of elk in response to beetle‐killed forest

Forests of the Rocky Mountains (USA and Canada) have experienced a large-scale bark-beetle ( Dendoctronus ponderosae ) epidemic that has led to widespread mortality of pine trees, followed by structural and compositional changes to the forest. The millions of dead trees resulting from this event likely have an effect on ecosystem processes, but currently those effects are mostly unclear. Changes to forest canopy and understory structure are likely to affect behavior and space use of large ungulates as forage abundance, thermal cover
Global Soil Moisture Retrievals From the Chinese FY-3D Microwave Radiation Imager

The FengYun-3 (FY-3) series satellite is the second generation of Chinese polar-orbiting meteorological satellite missions. The FY-3D satellite was launched on November 2017 and has been providing valuable data for meteorological applications, including brightness temperature (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T_{B}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) data from the MicroWave Radiation Imager (MWRI). In this study, we developed a global soil moisture retrieval algorithm, based on the radiative transfer equation (RTE) for using the FY-3D MWRI <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T_{B}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> to continue the soil moisture record from FY-3 satellites. We adopted a new empirical model to compute vegetation water content (VWC) based on the leaf area index (LAI) and canopy height (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) for vegetation effects correction. The Q<sub>p</sub> model, which addresses the soil surface roughness effects using dual-polarization information, is then used for soil moisture retrieval. Validation of the FY-3D soil moisture was conducted with the <italic>in-situ</italic> data and the validation results showed encouraging accuracy over a variety of landcovers, with bias and unbiased root-mean-squared difference (ubRMSE) at or below the level of 0.06 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{m}^{3}\cdot \text {m}^{-3}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Monthly averaged soil moisture products generated from FY-3D could represent the seasonal changes in soil moisture and show reasonable spatial distribution of soil moisture at a global scale.
Joint Modeling of Degradation and Lifetime Data for RUL Prediction of Deteriorating Products

Degradation is one of the major root causes of system failure. In some applications, the degradation levels are different upon failure, in which the fixed failure threshold assumption commonly adopted in the degradation literature may not hold. This article tackles the difficulty by jointly analyzing the system degradation and the lifetime data, which enables the corresponding remaining useful life (RUL) prediction. We treat the degradation level as a multiplicative time-varying covariate of the system hazard rate, where a random-effects Wiener process is adopted to model the degradation process. The model parameters are estimated under a Bayesian framework, and we also develop a particle filter method to update the estimates when new data are available. This makes the proposed model be able to realize online RUL prediction based on the in-situ system health state signals. Through case studies on lead-acid batteries and digital communication systems, the proposed model is shown to outperform existing methods in terms of the RUL prediction accuracy.
A simplified numerical approach to the evaluation of residual shaft friction induced by concrete curing in drilled shafts on granular soils

ABSTRACT: Conventional interpretation procedures of load tests on instrumented piles rely upon measurements of strains that assume as zero for strains measured at the instant immediately before starting the test as reference configuration. However, some experimental evidence shows that concrete in drilled shafts undergoes strains induced by the curing process comparable in magnitude to the strains measured during the load tests. It is therefore expected that mobilization of shaft friction takes place before the load test. Several authors have performed experimental and numerical analyses aiming to quantify the influence of those pre-load test concrete volumetric strains on the measured bearing capacity using different approaches. The present work aimed to establish a reference framework for the existing and future works on this topic. In order to assess the influence of concrete strains induced by curing process on the shaft friction before the start of the load tests in drilled shafts, several finite element numerical simulations are performed, considering the thermal, autogenous and drying strains. The analyses consider concrete as an isotropic linear-elastic material and the soil as an elastic-plastic material using the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model natively implemented in the software ABAQUS. The results are interpreted focusing on the relevancy on the bearing capacity and load distribution along drilled shafts considering or not the strains induced by concrete curing.
Is working capital management able to increase sustainable growth through asset utilization?

Working capital management has a strategic role to maintain a balance between liquidity and profitability so that firms have greater opportunities to operate sustainably. This study mainly aims to investigate the ability of working capital management to increase sustainable growth through asset utilization. We ran panel data regression on manufacturing firms listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the years of 2010-2017 as our sample. By controlling for leverage, sales growth, and firm size, our empirical results demonstrate that working capital management negatively affects firms' asset utilization. Furthermore, the study also finds that asset utilization positively affects sustainable growth. Finally, we empirically show that asset utilization mediates the relationship between working capital management and sustainable growth. The findings imply that if Indonesian manufacturing firms manage to have efficient working capital management, they are more likely to utilize their assets efficiently which, in turn, will increase their growth optimally, without causing problems to their cash.
Rhein regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of human leukaemia cells and its effects on the miR-27/CUL5 axis

Introduction: This study was undertaken to examine the anticancer effects of the natural product rhein on human leukaemia cells. Material and methods: Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Immunofluorescence staining, DAPI, AO/EB, and annexin V/PI staining were used for the detection of apoptosis. qRT-PCR analysis was used to examine protein expression. Western blot analysis was used to determine protein expression. Results: The results revealed that rhein caused a significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent decrease in the viability of AML-193 leukaemia cells. It was also revealed that rhein caused morphological changes such as cell rounding in rhein-treated AML-193 cells. The DAPI and AO/EB staining showed that rhein caused remarkable changes in the nuclear morphology of the AML-193 cells, characteristic of apoptosis. The percentage of apoptosis was found to be 3.12%, 14.80%, 30.31%, and 60.85% at the concentrations of 0, 3.5, 7, and 14 μM of rhein, respectively. The expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, 9, and cleaved PARP increased concentration dependently, while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased. The effects of rhein were also examined on 11 different miRs, and it was found that rhein specifically and significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the expression of miR-27. Additionally, inhibition of miR-27 resulted in the decrease of AML-193 viability and upregulation of Cullin 5 (CUL5). Conclusions: Taken together, rhein triggers apoptosis in leukaemia cells and modulates the miR-27/CUL5 axis. As such, rhein may prove to be beneficial in the treatment of leukaemia.
Why do people leave marked trails? Implications for managing outdoor recreationists

Outdoor winter sports activities are growing in popularity, causing conflicts with sensitive wildlife species. Many studies have shown negative effects of recreational activities on wildlife, with off-trail activities considered to be more detrimental compared to activities performed on marked trails. Small hand-held global positioning devices are readily available, facilitating navigation off marked trails. For adequate visitor management, it is essential to know the motives of visitors to nature areas. The motives of recreationists to leave marked trails are, however, rarely known. Using questionnaires, we studied why people leave trails and analysed the predictors according to the Fietkau-Kessel grid model of environmental behaviour. The main motives for leaving a marked trail were more fun compared to staying on marked trails, previous experience of guided tours which left marked trails, and the signs being unclear. High-quality recreation infrastructure significantly reduces the chances of leaving marked trails, and a person with a positive attitude towards wildlife conservation is more likely to stay on the trails. We recommend visitor-steering management that combines attractive recreation infrastructure and clear signposts with methods influencing people’s attitudes towards nature conservation and education to foster on-trail activities. Profile
Formulation and Evaluation of a Satiety-inducing Carbonated Beverage that Forms a Bubble-containing Gel in the Stomach

We developed a beverage that forms a gel containing gas bubbles in the stomach and induces satiety. In a preliminary experiment, we confirmed that when a carbonated beverage containing any one of three types of ionic polysaccharides was mixed with artificial gastric juice, it resulted in the formation of a gel containing gas bubbles. Among the three types of polysaccharides referenced above, low methoxyl pectin (LM pectin) was identified as being the optimal for preparation of the test beverage in this study. Both static evaluation using a vessel and dynamic evaluation using the Gastric Digestion Simulator (GDS) revealed that the volume of the bubble-containing gel remained relatively stable with time. Presence of the bubble-containing gel in the stomach following consumption of the carbonated beverage containing LM pectin was confirmed in a clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) study. Consumption of this test beverage resulted in a greater increase of the intragastric volume than consumption of the same amount of water. Moreover, in the satiety questionnaire, the subjects reported a higher degree of satiety following consumption of the beverage than following consumption of an equal amount of water. These results indicate that when this test beverage, a carbonated beverage containing LM pectin that forms a bubble-containing gel in the stomach, is consumed, the stomach becomes distended, inducing a feeling of satiety.
An Assessment of Factors for Decision Makingin Facilities Management Services Procurement Options

This study aimed to identify and prioritize the criteria underpinning facilities management (FM) service, compare outsourcing and in-house approaches in terms of their capabilities in providing the components and sub-categories of FM functions.Results of investigations and analyses into range of FM functions reveal that holistic FM services comprise four distinct broad categories of service. In order of significance, these are: strategic management, operational management, property development / project management, and general services. In this context, strategic management was perceived to be the most important FM functional area.
Comparison between Lord Dilitation Versus Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy for Management Post Hemorrhoidectomy Pain and Stenosis

Hemorrhoidectomy is usually associated with significant pain during the postoperative period. The spasm of internal sphincter seen to play an important role in the origin of pain. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of lateral internal sphincterotomy or Lord dilatation of anal sphincter after hemorrhoidectomy in regarding the maximum resting pressure of the anal canal, accelerating wound healing and decrease postoperative pain when resting and defication. The patients with profound or diagnosed hemorrhoid (n = 79), visited to the Alfayha teaching hospital during April 2016 to June 2017 were enrolled in the present study. The informed consent was taken from each patient before enrollment. Seventy nine patients were admitted in the hospital complaining from anal stenosis and pain after different method of hemorrhoidectomy. The patients underwent hemorrhoidectomy with unhealed wound and severe pain after defication one month ago. They were divided into the two groups viz. patients treated with lateral internal sphincterotomy (n = 40) or lord dilatation surgery (n = 39). In the present study the ratio of lateral internal sphincteroctomy to lords dilatation surgery were found to be 2.761. The occurrence of the hemorrhoid was found to be higher in male than females (2.95:1). The higher number of patients were from 21-30 age group. About 69.2% of male patients ere operated by lord dilatation, while 33 (82.5%) of male patients managed by lateral internal sphinctertomy. Around 12 females (30.8%) managed by lord dilatation and 7 (17.5%) female patients managed by lateral internal sphincterotomy. Out of total patients, 43 were suffering from diabetes mellitus where, 16 were operated by the lard dilation and 27 were operated with lateral internal sphincterotomy. Around 22 suffering steroid problem out of which 17 were operated by the lard dilation and 5 were operated with lateral internal sphincterotomy. About 3 patients were suffering malignancy (2 in lard dilation and 27 in lateral internal sphincterotomy surgery). The present study concluded that the lord dilatation is significant improve wound healing after hemorrhoidectomy and decrease pain.
Phytotoxicity in two sugarcane cultivars in the initial development as affected by selectivity to herbicides

Arq. Inst. Biol., v.87, 1-8, e1172018, 2020 RESUMO: A cana-de-açúcar é uma cultura de grande importância para alimentação humana, tanto para a produção de sacarose quanto para a produção de combustível etanol. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a fitotoxidade causada pelos herbicidas, nos períodos de cultivo de cana de ano e cana de ano-e-meio durante o estádio de brotação e perfilhamento de dois cultivares de canade-açúcar. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, em um esquema fatorial 10 × 2, sendo os fatores compostos por nove herbicidas (tembotriona, mesotriona, clomazona, saflufenacil, 2,4 diclorofenoxiacético, fluroxipir + picloram, metribuzin, isoxaflutol, sulfentrazona) mais uma testemunha, dois cultivares de cana-de-açúcar (RB006995, RB036153) e cinco épocas de avaliação (7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 DAA). Os herbicidas mais fitotóxicos para a cana de ano nos cultivares RB036153 e RB006995 foram clomazona e sulfentrazona. Para a cana de ano-e-meio, os herbicidas isoxaflutol, clomazona e sulfentrazona foram os mais fitotóxicos, principalmente no cultivar RB006995. Para a maioria dos herbicidas houve decréscimo da fitotoxidez com o passar dos dias após a aplicação. Os herbicidas mais seletivos para ambos os cultivares e períodos de cultivo foram tembotriona, mesotriona e fluroxipir + picloram.
The olivine-ilmenite thermometer.

It is noted that the partitioning of Fe(2+) and Mg between olivine and ilmenite is temperature-dependent and can serve as a geothermometer if the activity-composition relations are determined. The paper reports on the study of the partitioning from 700-980 C at 1 kbar and 800-900 C at 13 kbar, and develops a solution model to account for the nonideality of olivine in the binary system fosterite-fayalite and for ilmenite in the ternary system ilmenite-geikielite-hematite. A comparison with crystallization experiments shows that this thermometer may be safely extrapolated to temperatures higher than those of the exchange experiments.
Measuring SMEs Productivity Using Social Media: Role of Entrepreneurship

The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy and Entrepreneurial Attitude on the performance of Small Medium enterprises through the usage of Facebook. It was hypothesized that Facebook usage is likely to mediate the relationship between Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy and Entrepreneurial Attitude on the performance of Small Medium Enterprise. A cross-sectional research design was used in this study. A sample of N=333 admins, social media managers or digital marketing executives, was collected by using a clustered sampling technique. The data processed by using AMOS software. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the model. Results showed that Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy & Entrepreneurial Attitude have a significant association with SME performance through Facebook usage. In the light of results, it is being recommended that Small and Medium Size Enterprise must have their Facebook activities to promulgate their performance.
THE IMPACT OF OPPORTUNITY FACTORS LEADING TO FRAUDULENT BEHAVIOR IN VIETNAM STOCK MARKET

To evaluate the opportunity factors that lead to fraudulent behavior in Vietnam stock market, the authors combine the case study methodology with in-depth interviews and surveys. During the survey process, the answers from 568 experts were collected from securities companies, fund management companies, Stock Exchanges and the State Securities Commission in Vietnam. By using the exploratory factor analysis method, the authors have identified opportunity factors leading to fraudulent behavior in Vietnam stock market including: (i) Group of opportunity factors due to an internal person and an issuer (Person whose internal information has not been published by the company; Collusion of the issuer and securities company; An important person in the company who abuses power; An issuer has complex organizational structure; A person has multiple positions; An issuer does not control internal information well). (ii) Group of opportunity factors by investors (Investors trade securities following an internal person; Investors trade securities following foreign investors; Investors trade securities according to brokerage company recommendations; Investors make securities transaction according to advisory information on securities forums). (iii) Group of opportunity factors due to market management and supervision (The penalty is not strict and deterrent; The penalty is untimely; The authority of the securities committee is limited). The authors then use the regression model to determine the order of the impact of each group of factors that lead to fraudulent behavior in Vietnam stock market from high to low including: opportunity factors due to an internal person and the issuing organization, the opportunity factors due to the market management and supervision and finally the opportunity factors due to investors.