Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMPACTS OF DIRECT SEEDING INTO MULCH ON THE YIELD, WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND NITROGEN DYNAMICS OF CORN, SORGHUM AND DURUM WHEAT

Direct seeding into mulch (DSM) is a cropping system that is increasingly used in the world. The major concern among producers is the possible yield penalties associated with DSM compared to conventional tillage (CT). The aim of our study was to assess the effects of DSM on the yields of corn, sorghum and durum wheat, as well as water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen dynamics. An experimental study was carried out at the Lavalette experimental station from 2001 to 2007. Corn, sorghum and durum wheat were sown in two tillage treatments (CT and DSM). Yield and some yield components, nitrogen dynamics and WUE were determined. The results showed that DSM could maintain the crop production of corn and sorghum, however, for durum wheat, CT performed better. DSM improved WUE and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) of corn and sorghum and decreased crop evapotranspiration from 5 to 27%. These results suggest that DSM is a relevant alternative to the CT system for corn and sorghum in the SE of France. Adopting DSM with a relevant crop rotation and cover crop resulting in a better IWUE for this system compared with CT can effectively address water scarcity issues in this region. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pengaruh Pengawasan Inspektorat Dan Partisipasi Dalam Penyusunan Anggaran Terhadap Kinerja Manajerial SKPD (Studi Empiris Pada Instansi Pemerintah Kabupaten Tanah Datar)

This study aims to determine : the effect of inspectorate supervision and participation in budgeting on managerial performance SKPD In Tanah Datar government. This research is the causative research. The population in this study are all Regional Work units (SKPD ) Tanah Datar, amounting to 39 SKPD. The sample is determined based on judgment sampling method, a total of 39 sectors in the Government of Tanah Datar . Collecting of data by questionnaires to respondents, some 89 respondents consisting of an official at the head office / agency / office , head of division / section / subsection and head of sub offices / subfields / sections in each SKPD . Data analysis used multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 16 for Windows. The results show that : 1 ) Supervision has Inspectorate positive significant effect on Managerial Performance SKPD, with t count > t table is 2.313 > 1.6657 ( sig 0.024 t table is 2.281 > 1.6657 ( sig 0.025 < α 0.05 ) which means that H2 is accepted . Keywords : inspectorate supervision , participation in budgeting , and performance of managerial
Parametric study of propeller boss cap fins for container ships

ABSTRACT The global price of oil, which is both finite and limited in quantity, has been rising steadily because of the increasing requirements for energy in both developing and developed countries. Furthermore, regulations have been strengthened across all industries to address global warming. Many studies of hull resistance, propulsion and operation of ships have been performed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This study examined the design parameters of the propeller boss cap fin (PBCF) and hub cap for 6,000TEU container ships to improve the propulsion efficiency. The design parameters of PBCF have been selected based on the geometrical shape. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis with a propeller open water (POW) test was performed to check the validity of CFD analysis. The design of experiment (DOE) case was selected as a full factorial design, and the experiment was analyzed by POW and CFD analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the correlation among design parameters. Four design alternatives of PBCF were selected from the DOE. The shape of a propeller hub cap was selected as a divergent shape, and the divergent angle was determined by the DOE. Four design alternatives of PBCF were attached to the divergent hub cap, and the POW was estimated by CFD. As a result, the divergent hub cap with PBCF has a negative effect on the POW, which is induced by an increase in torque coefficient. A POW test and cavitation test were performed with a divergent hub cap with PBCF to verify the CFD result. The POW test result showed that the open water efficiency was increased approximately 2% with a divergent hub cap compared to a normal cap. The POW test result was similar to the CFD result, and the divergent hub cap with the PBCF models showed lower open water efficiency. This was attributed to an increase in the torque coefficient just like the CFD results. A cavitation test was performed using the 2 models selected. The test result showed that the hub vortex is increased downstream of the propeller.
Temporal stability in species richness but reordering in species abundances within avian assemblages of a tropical Andes conservation hot spot

As the pace of environmental change increases, there is an urgent need for quantitative data revealing the temporal dynamics of local communities in tropical areas. Here, we quantify the stability of avian assemblages in the highly threatened, but poorly studied, Andean biodiversity hot spot. We evaluated the temporal variation in species richness and community composition of local bird assemblages in three habitat types (native forest, introduced forest, native shrub) using a unique, relatively long‐term data series from Cajas National Park and Mazán Reserve in the southern Andes of Ecuador. We sampled birds with mist nets using a standardized protocol over 11 years, from 2006 to 2016. Species richness remained stable over time across habitats, but community composition changed in the native forest. In particular, we observed taxonomic reordering in the native forest, in which the evenness in the distribution of abundances of taxa decreased over time. This finding is consistent with other studies where species richness remained constant over time while community composition changed. Our study highlights the value of long‐term studies in the tropical Andes as we show that species composition of birds in a montane forest is changing, consistent with global trends in biodiversity change.
How Do Multiple Boards Provide Operating Advantages?

Research Question/Issue: How do organisations with multiple boards provide operating advantages? Research Findings/Insights: Multiple boards allow: (i) avoidance of absolute power to mitigate hubris and corruption of board members and the organisation; (ii) distributing power to allow and value contrary views to provide checks and balances; (iii) simplification of decision making-labour to reduce errors; (iv) integrating governance functions with management to spread participation and constructive involvement of stakeholders; (v) multiple sources of feed back information for increasing knowledge to improve: (a) the detection of errors in decision-making, communications and control and (b) the integrity of decision making, and (vi) adoption of nature’s self-regulating architecture to reduce litigation and the burden of government interventions;. Theoretical/Academic Implications: Transaction Byte Analysis (TBA), unlike Transaction Cost Economics provides a way to empirically evaluate and compare differences in the communication and control architecture of organizations and living systems. TBA explains the competitive advantages of an ecological form of network governance found in nature and illustrated by multiple boards in Mondragon firms. TBA explains why evolution developed contrary behavior in humans to create “tensegrity” for sustaining their existence in uncertain environments on a self-regulating basis. Tensegrity is a feature of “holons” and “holarchy” illustrated in Mondragon and explicated by the science of governance. TBA is not inconsistent with other governance theories while providing answers to the research question. Practitioner/Policy Implications: Provide lawmakers, regulators, executives, investors and/or other stakeholders, ways to improve operations of organisations and their regulators while reducing the size, cost and intrusiveness of government.
NMFNA: a non-negative matrix factorization network analysis method for identifying communities and characteristic genes from multi-type pancreatic cancer data

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common type of digestive system disease. Comprehensive analysis of multiple types of PC genetic data plays a crucial role in understanding its potential biological mechanisms. Currently, Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) based methods are widely used for data analysis. Nevertheless, it is a challenge for them to integrate and decompose multiple types of data simultaneously.Results: In this paper, a Non-negative Matrix Factorization Network Analysis method, NMFNA, is proposed, which introduces a graph regularized constraint to NMF, for identifying communities and characteristic genes from multi-type PC data. Firstly, three PC networks, i.e., methylation network (ME), copy number variation network (CNV), and the bipartite network between them, are constructed by both ME and CNV data of PC downloaded from the TCGA database, using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Then, the NMFNA is proposed to detect core communities and characteristic genes from these three PC networks effectively due to its introduced graph regularized constraint, which is the highlight of NMFNA. Finally, both gene ontology enrichment analysis and pathway enrichment analysis are performed to deeply understand biological functions of detected core communities.Conclusions: Experimental results demonstrated that the NMFNA facilitates the integration and decomposition of multiple types of PC data simultaneously and can serve as an alternative method for detecting communities and characteristic genes from multiple genetic networks. The data and demo codes of NMFNA are available online at https://github.com/CDMB-lab/NMFNA.
Effects of non-uniform windowing on the performance of a fast frequency-hopped noncoherent MFSK receiver over Rician fading channels with partial-band interference and Doppler shift

Abstract : An error probability analysis is done for a DFT based, M-ary frequency-shift keying (MFSK) communications system employing fast frequency- hopped spread spectrum signals. A linear combination procedure referred to as noise-normalization is employed at the receiver to minimize the effects of partial-band interference, which is modeled as additive Gaussian noise. The performance of the receiver is studied as a function of signal Doppler shift and type of windowing used in the DFT. The use of fast frequency-hopped spread spectrum is found to improve the performance of the DFT based receiver in all but the most severe cases of Doppler shift. The use of a non-uniform window (i. e., a Hamming window) to improve receiver performance is effective only in the presence of large Doppler shifts. The amount of Doppler shift necessary to warrant the use of a non-uniform window depends on the amount of jamming noise power at the receiver, but is relatively insensitive to the frequency hop rate used.
A study of the effects of inlet preswirl on the dynamic coefficients of a straight-bore honeycomb gas damper seal

Honeycomb seals are frequently used as replacements for labyrinth seals in high-pressure centrifugal compressors to enhance rotordynamic stability. A concern exists that this enhanced stability will be lost if the honeycomb cavities become clogged. Static and dynamic tests were conducted on a honeycomb and a smooth seal (representing the honeycomb seal with completely clogged cells) at the same constant clearances using air with a supply pressure of 70 bars. The test matrix included three speeds, three pressure ratios, and three inlet preswirl conditions. The results show increased leakage, decreased synchronous stiffness, and decreased dynamic stability for the smooth seal with pre-swirled flow. The results strongly support the use of swirl brakes at the entrance of a honeycomb seal if clogging is a concern. Comparisons between test results and predictions from a two-control-volume theory by Kleynhans and Childs showed excellent agreement in general.
Latest developments in MCT for next generation of infrared staring arrays

This paper presents an overview of the very recent developments of the MCT infrared detector technology developed by CEA-LETI and Sofradir in France for next generation of applications. New applications require high sensitivity and dual band detectors. The Avalanche PhotoDiodes (APD) technology opens new interesting fields of investigation for low flux applications and fast detectors for laser imaging. IR sensors for this type of application are synchronized with eye-safe lasers, and have to detect a weak signal backscattered from the target on the order of 10 photons per pulse. They also have to be able to operate with a very short integration time, typically one hundred nanoseconds, in order to gate the backscattered signal around the target. In partnership with Sofradir, CEA/LETI (France) has developed high quality MCT avalanche photodiodes satisfying these requirements. In parallel, specific studies have been carried out at the Read-Out Circuit level to develop optimized architectures. Thanks to these advances, a new Integrated Dewar Detector Cooler Assembly has been developed. This new product presented in this paper is the first step in a road-map to address low flux infrared sensors in the next few years. In parallel, the development of dual-band infrared detectors has been the core of intense research and technological improvements for the last ten years. New TV (640 x 512 pixels) format detectors of 24μm pixel pitch is available. It is proposed with MWIR/MWIR or MWIR/LWIR dual band sensitivity integrated in dedicated tactical Dewars. At present, focused on pixel pitch reduction, Sofradir is carrying out optimization of the materials quality, photodiode design as well as flip-chip bonding process. 20 μm pixels have demonstrated dual color key performances (quantum efficiency, optical fill factor, and pixel operability) in accordance with mono-spectral structures. Results are presented in this paper.
External Financing, Technological Changes, and Employees

Using exogenous shocks on the ability to issue seasoned equity offerings (SEOs), we show SEOs lead to a higher employee skill composition, i.e., a lower (higher) proportion of low (high) skilled workers. Low-skilled workers decrease more than high-skilled workers increase, leading to lower firm-level employment. These effects are more significant when firms invest more in technology following SEOs and face greater financial constraints before SEOs, suggesting SEOs relieve budget constraints on technology investments. These findings demonstrate that while external equity financing helps upgrade technology to improve productivity, it has a dark side for low-skilled workers.
Deep convolutional neural networks for semantic segmentation of cracks

A large crack detection dataset of 2446 manually labeled images is established to cover a wide range of noise and to evaluate the performance of end‐to‐end deep convolutional networks in detecting cracking. Five state‐of‐the‐art end‐to‐end deep computer vision architectures for semantic segmentation are trained and evaluated, including Fully Convolutional Network (FCN), Global Convolutional Network (GCN), Pyramid Scene Parsing Network (PSPNet), UPerNet, and DeepLabv3+. For the backbones, the VGG, ResNet, and DenseNet are adopted. Based on the comparison of test set metrics, DeepLabv3+ with the ResNet101 backbone achieved the highest IoU of 0.6298, the highest recall of 0.6834, and the highest F1 score of 0.7732. The influence of database choice and image noise on crack detection performance is reported. Based on the comparison of predicted images, UperNet with ResNet101 backbone shows the highest performance for images with shadings, while DeepLabv3+ with ResNet101 backbone shows the best performance for images with blemishes. The research outcome can provide reference for the application of fast and accurate detection of cracks in civil engineering.
Study on electromagnetic protection of hand-held transceivers

This paper studies how to reduce electromagnetic radiation of hand-held transceivers to humans with shielding theory, and how this method effects the far-field characteristics which reflects the communication performance. It calculates and analyzes near-field electromagnetic protection of transceivers by four shielding cases with the finite difference time domain software system developed by authors, and far-field characteristics of the two cases. It shows that the effects of near-field electromagnetic protection will be better when the shielding plane is bigger or it connects with the RF/logic plane, and that the effect is obtained at the cost of the far-field characteristics; the maximum of the electric field decreases 3.33 dB and 4.27 dB respectively, the electric field decreases 2.92 dB and 8.45 dB respectively at the position of the ear correspondingly.
High-temperature mechanical properties and microscopic analysis of nano-silica steel fibre RC

This paper investigated the high-temperature mechanical properties of nano-steel fibre-reinforced concrete (NSFC), steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) and normal concrete. The mechanical properties were compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength. The microstructure and interfacial transition zone of steel fibre at different temperatures were also examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties of NSFC are found to be better than those of SFRC and normal concrete at all test temperatures, particularly at 400°C, where the maximum values are reached. Compared with normal concrete, the compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths of NSFC increase by 27·0%, 63·3% and 54·1%, respectively, at room temperature, and by 35·1%, 84·6% and 87·2%, respectively at 400°C. SEM and XRD analysis show the existence of a permeable diffusion layer on the steel fibre surface because of the solid-state reaction in the interfacial transi.
Pilot workload under non-normal event resolution

This study evaluated the effects of increased automation and voice interface on pilots’ ability to resolve a non-normal flight deck event where automation performed all, some, or none of the checklist tasks. In addition, the number of voice messages was varied to inform the pilot of all, some, or none of the automation’s actions. Subjective workload ratings indicated that pilots’ workload was reduced when they were able to interact with the automation similarly to how they interact with a copilot, compared to conditions with too much, too little, or no automation. Pilots strongly preferred to have the automation perform tasks, and also to hear the associated voice messages. The results suggest that in order for increased automation to be an effective aid to the pilot, the appropriate level of automation needs to be determined. Pilots showed a clear preference for automation that performed a limited set of tasks and allowed them insight into the automation’s actions.
Improving objectivity in procurement selection

Selecting a procurement strategy for construction projects is inherently subjective. The decision is often intuitively based on the previous experience and knowledge of the decision maker. An objective-subjective procurement selection method is proposed. The method takes into account the need to have an objective base for strategy comparison through the use of multiattribute utility technology. Allowing the decision maker to assign importance ratings for the selection criteria also accommodates individual preferences and project specificities. The analytical hierarchical process based importance ratings assignment method improves both the objectivity and the reliability of the assessment. Applications in real cases suggest positive potential use of the method.
ADOPTION OF IRRIGATION: A REVIEW OF THE SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT

Saskatchewan farmers are slow in adopting irrigation. In this study, both time series and cross-sectional data are analyzed. The study suggests that economic variables are weak predictors of adoption of irrigation over time, relative to cross sectional data. In cross-sectional data, economic factors dominate, although social factors are also relevant. Using the probit model, this study suggests that larger farms are not likely to adopt irrigation. Younger and more educated farmers who have already diversified into livestock appear to be more probable adopters. Future public policies aimed at improving the adoption of irrigation might perhaps concentrate on these farmers in an effort to improve the economic performance of irrigation projects.
Some Effects of Clipping in Array Processing

The operation of amplitude clipping in array processing is examined to determine (1) the fidelity of the system, (2) the improvement in system performance resulting from a post beam‐forming filter, and (3) the effects of non‐Gaussian noise. It is found that, under suitable conditions, the system fidelity is quite good. The over‐all process is statistically equivalent to passing the signal waveform through a soft amplitude limiter with characteristics determined by the noise statistics and the signal‐to‐noise ratio. It is shown that a post beam‐forming filter can improve the output signal‐to‐noise ratio by nearly 1 dB for narrow‐band signals. For non‐Gaussian noise, the clipping loss can be relatively large. For sinusoidal interference, the clipping loss is between 6 and 7 dB.
A radar power multiplier algorithm for acquisition of low observable ballistic missiles using an ESA radar

The problem of acquiring an incoming theater ballistic missile (TBM) presents many complex challenges. The missile should be detected and its state estimated within a short window of time because the flight time is short. In this paper the acquisition of an incoming missile using the measurements from a surface based electronically scanned array (ESA) radar is presented. We present a batch maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) to acquire the missile while it is exo-atmospheric. The estimator, which combines MLE with the probabilistic data association (PDA) algorithm to handle false alarms/clutter, also uses the amplitude information (signal strength). This facilitates target acquisition under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. The Cramer-Rao lower bound quantifying attainable estimate accuracies is also presented and shown to be achieved by the proposed estimator. It is also shown that the optimum detection threshold can be found by maximizing the information reduction factor that accounts for the loss of information.
Quality function deployment and its profitability engagement: a systems thinking perspective

Purpose – The paper seeks to give some reviews of quality function deployment and by using a systems thinking perspective to show how QFD can be a useful and profit‐making tool for business decision making in general.Design/methodology/approach – In order to show that QFD is a tool that brings profit to the organization the paper has designed various loops using systems thinking perspectives and fundamentals theorems for discussion purposes and facts verification.Findings – The task of successful product development must encompass the management commitment in giving value to the voice of the customer by using quality function deployment. This is because this quality function tool can make a significant contribution to business success through profit generation and competiveness enhancement.Practical implications – This research helps the pros and cons of quality function deployment in getting a better understanding and usefulness of the QFD.Original/value – This paper helps management in getting a better .