Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral Estimation of Soil Organic Matter Content using Different Spectral Preprocessing Techniques and PLSR Method

Soil organic matter (SOM) is the main source of soil nutrients, which are essential for the growth and development of agricultural crops. Hyperspectral remote sensing is one of the most efficient ways of estimating the SOM content. Visible, near infrared, and mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, combined with the partial least squares regression (PLSR) method is considered to be an effective way of determining soil properties. In this study, we used 54 different spectral pretreatments to preprocess soil spectral data. These spectral pretreatments were composed of three denoising methods, six data transformations, and three dimensionality reduction methods. The three denoising methods included no denoising (ND), Savitzky–Golay denoising (SGD), and wavelet packet denoising (WPD). The six data transformations included original spectral data, R; reciprocal, 1/R; logarithmic, log(R); reciprocal logarithmic, log(1/R); first derivative, R’; and first derivative of reciprocal, (1/R)’. The three dimensionality reduction methods included no dimensionality reduction (NDR), sensitive waveband dimensionality reduction (SWDR), and principal component analysis (PCA) dimensionality reduction (PCADR). The processed spectra were then employed to construct PLSR models for predicting the SOM content. The main results were as follows—(1) the wavelet packet denoising (WPD)-R’ and WPD-(1/R)’ data showed stronger correlations with the SOM content. Furthermore, these methods could effectively limit the correlation between the adjacent bands and, thus, prevent “overfitting”. (2) Of the 54 pretreatments investigated, WPD-(1/R)’-PCADR yielded the model with the highest accuracy and stability. (3) For the same denoising method and spectral transformation data, the accuracy of the SOM content estimation model based on SWDR was higher than that of the model based on NDR. Furthermore, the accuracy in the case of PCADR was higher than that for SWDR. (4) Dimensionality reduction was effective in preventing data overfitting. (5) The quality of the spectral data could be improved and the accuracy of the SOM content estimation model could be enhanced effectively, by using some appropriate preprocessing methods (one combining WPD and PCADR in this study).
Age-based life history parameters and status assessments of by-catch species (Lethrinus borbonicus, Lethrinus microdon, Pomacanthus maculosus and Scolopsis taeniatus) in the southern Arabian Gulf

Summary Life history and demographic parameters for Lethrinus borbonicus, Lethrinus microdon, Pomacanthus maculosus and Scolopsis taeniatus in the southern Arabian Gulf were estimated using a combination of size frequency, biological and size-at-age data. Defined structural increments consisting of alternating translucent and opaque bands in transverse sections of sagittal otoliths were validated as annuli. The maximum age estimates ranged from 5 years for Scolopsis taeniatus to 36 years for Pomacanthus maculosus. The size-at-age relationships were highly asymptotic in form with the majority of growth being achieved early in life. There were significant differences in the growth characteristics between sexes for Pomacanthus maculosus, with males approaching a larger asymptotic size at a faster rate than females. With the exception of Scolopsis taeniatus, the mean age at which fish became vulnerable to capture was lower than the mean age at first sexual maturity. The stocks of L. microdon, P. maculosus and S. taeniatus were exploited within sustainable limits, conversely, L. borbonicus was found to be overexploited and recruitment overfishing may have occurred as the relative spawner biomass per recruit was below 30% of the unexploited state.
Social Studies Teacher Perceptions of News Source Credibility

Politically tumultuous times have created a problematic space for teachers who include the news in their classrooms. Few studies have explored perceptions of news credibility among secondary social studies teachers, the educators most likely to regularly incorporate news media into their classrooms. We investigated teachers’ operational definitions of credibility and the relationships between political ideology and assessments of news source credibility. Most teachers in this study used either static or dynamic definitions to describe news media sources’ credibility. Further, teachers’ conceptualizations of credibility and perceived ideological differences with news sources were associated with how credible teachers found each source. These results indicate potential inconsistencies in how news credibility is defined and possible political bias in which sources social studies teachers use as exemplars of credibility.
Taxonomy and morphology of Colletotrichum species pathogenic to strawberry.

The morphology of both conidia and setae of C. fragariae, C. gloeosporioides, and C. acutatum isolates from strawberry were compared and found to be distinct for each species. Strawberry leaf agar was an excellent medium for the production of morphologically uniform conidia typical of a species. Conidial shape was more useful than size in species determination. C. fragariae is not synonymous with C. gloeosporioides as proposed by von Arx. Isolates of C. gloeosporioides that did not form the teleomorph were reliably identified by conidial and setal morphology alone. Radial growth of C. acutatum from 21-30 C was significantly slower than that of C. fragariae and C. gloeosporioides. At 33 C only isolates of C. gloeosporioides that did not produce the teleomorph grew well. Isolates of C. acutatum that formed a red pigment in culture are discussed.
Credit Spreads, Rating Downgrades, and Downside Performance: A Market-Informed Approach to Monitoring Credit Risk

This paper studies the differential credit risks embedded in the cross-section of credit spreads. Using corporate bond data from 1999 to 2018, we find that credit spreads relative to those of peers — defined as bonds with the same stated credit rating — contain reliable information about future bond performance and credit migration. Bonds with substantially higher credit spreads relative to those of their peers have higher rates of future downgrades. Using the midpoint between the peer spread curve and the next-lower-rated spread curve as a threshold, we observe that the downgrade frequency in the next three to 12 months is three to four times higher, on average, for bonds above the midpoint compared to those below. We also find that bonds with considerably wider credit spreads behave more in line with bonds with lower credit ratings in terms of average return, volatility, and downside performance. Our results suggest that complementing stated credit ratings with real-time market price data can improve credit risk monitoring.
Venn-diagram strategy in EFL class to enhance learners’ writing skill and motivation

This classroom action research was intended to enhance students' skills and motivation in writing report texts by implementing the Venn-diagram strategy. Twenty-one students failing to achieve the passing grade level of scores on their writing skills at the ninth grade of an Islamic secondary school in East Java Indonesia became the subjects of the study. The observation checklist, field notes, questionnaires, and writing test were used to collect data through implementing the Venn-diagram strategy taking a two-set circle and applying the writing process – prewriting via generating ideas, selecting relevant ideas, and ordering ideas; drafting general classification and description paragraphs; revising the rough draft and editing it; and publishing a final version. The results showed that the strategy can enhance the learners’ skills and their motivation in writing report text. The learners’ writing scores significantly increased both in two cycles – thirteen learners of the twenty-one students passed from the passing grade level in Cycle 1, and all learners passed from those in Cycle 2. It also highly motivates learners in writing report text, both in two cycles. Therefore, English teachers are recommended to apply Venn-diagram strategy in EFL writing class to start writing.
How is the Leadership of the Latin-American Youth? Leadership, Sex and Country

Many papers studied leadership but not much about leaders in Latin America. We evaluated 427 students from 16 countries in Latin America and Spain participating in the Global Competitiveness Leadership Program of Georgetown University during 2007-2019 period, trying to find if their leadership profile was different from those in Europe and USA. We found their profiles are very similar, without significant differences by country or sex and with high homogeneity in the group, but they could be more characterized as “paternalistic leaders”(Hiller et. col, 2019) maybe due to country and organizational cultures. The results suggest there is a significant similarity among leaders, regardless of their sex or country of origin. Different countries, different sex, similar leadership.
The C:N:P Stoichiometry of Planted and Natural Larix principis-rupprechtii Stands along Altitudinal Gradients on the Loess Plateau, China

Carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry plays a critical role in nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and ecosystem functionality. However, our understanding of the responses of C:N:P stoichiometry to elevation and forest management remains elusive. Here we sampled 18 Larix principis-rupprechtii sites along altitudinal gradients (1700-2300 m) on Guandishan Mountain in the Loess Plateau, China. We determined the leaf, litter, and soil C N P contents and C:N:P stoichiometric ratios, as well as nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE), and diameter at breast height (DBH) increments in both planted and natural stands, and then tested the impacts of elevation and stand origin on these parameters’ management. We found different C:N:P stoichiometry between natural and planted forests. The results revealed that: soil C, N, and N:P ratios, litter C:P and N:P ratios, leaf C:N and N:P ratios increased significantly; however, soil C:N ratios, litter P, leaf N and P, nitrogen resorption efficiency (NRE), and DBH increments decreased significantly with elevation in the planted forests. Soil C,N and N:P ratios, litter C, as well as C:N and C:P ratios increased significantly with elevation in natural forests. The soil N, P and N:P ratios, litter C:P and N:P ratios, leaf C, C:P and N:P ratios, nitrogen resorption efficiency (NRE), phosphorus resorption efficiency (PRE), and DBH increments were, on average, higher in the planted, rather than natural forests. Our results indicated that there was an enhancing P-limitation in both the planted and natural forests, and the plantations were more restricted by P. Moreover, compared to natural forests, plantations converged toward a higher conservative N- and P-use strategy by enhancing resorption efficiencies of internal nutrient cycling and a higher annual growth rate.
A Comparison of App-Based Video-Modeling Interventions to Teach Physical Activity Skills to People With Autism in a Community Setting

App-based technologies that utilize video-modeling components are an area that can increase the independence of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in community settings; however, less is known about their impact in facilitating acquisition of physical activity (PA) skills in inclusive community fitness sites. It is important to consider how to increase PA skills in community settings for people with ASD given the known benefits of community inclusion and exercise. This study used an adaptive alternating treatment design to explore differences in three participants’ ability to perform exercises independently in a community site when using commercial video-models (i.e., video-models available in the app) compared to custom-made video-models (i.e., developed by the researchers). Two participants performed the PA skills more independently when watching the custom-made videos while the third performed the PA skill more independently when watching the commercial video-models. All participants indicated they enjoyed using the app and videos to learn new PA skills. Limitations of the study as well as implications for future research are discussed.
The effects of ethical orientation, individual culture and ethical climate on ethical judgement of public sector employees in Malaysia

DOI: 10.14254/2071789X.2020/13-1/9 ABSTRACT. Recently, many unethical practices among public sector officer in Malaysia have been exposed. Issues related to unethical judgement of public sector officers such as corruption, misappropriation of assets, abuse of power, and misconduct of duties have been widely reported. As such, citizens are generally sceptical of public sector officers and hold them accountable for their failure in making ethical judgements. Specifically, this study is conducted with the aim to analyse the influence of ethical orientation, individual culture and ethical climate on the ethical judgement of public sector officers in the selected Malaysia public sectors. The data is analysed based on 176 responses of a questionnaire survey. The findings of the study show that the idealistic ethical orientation and individual culture significantly influence the ethical judgement of public sector officers. However, relative ethical orientation and ethical climate show no relationship on the public sector officers’ ethical judgement. This study contributes to literature through better understanding of the influence of the three independent variables (ethical orientation, individual culture and ethical climate) on the ethical judgement among public sector officers in Malaysia. Hence, this study will be useful to the public sector agencies in their effort to improve the ethical conduct of their officers in making judgement for the benefit of the citizens and the nation. The study also provides recommendations on how to improve the credibility and viability of public sector delivery systems towards fulfilling the needs of the public at large.
Scalable Algorithms for Maximizing Spatiotemporal Range Sum and Range Sum Change in Spatiotemporal Datasets

In this paper, we introduce the three-dimensional Maximum Range-Sum (3D MaxRS) problem and the Maximum Spatiotemporal Range-Sum Change (MaxStRSC) problem. The 3D MaxRS problem tries to find the 3D range where the sum of weights across all objects inside is maximized, and the MaxStRSC problem tries to find the spatiotemporal range where the sum of weights across all objects inside is maximally increased. The goal of this paper is to provide efficient methods for data analysts to find interesting spatiotemporal regions in a large historical spatiotemporal dataset by addressing two problems. We provide a mathematical explanation for each problem and propose several algorithms for them. Existing methods tried to find the optimal region over two-dimensional datasets or to monitor a burst region over two-dimensional data streams. The majority of them cannot directly solve our problems. Although some existing methods can be used or modified to solve the 3D MaxRS problems, they have limited scalability. In addition, none of them can be used to solve the MaxStRS-RC problem (a type of MaxStRSC problem). Finally, we study the performance of the proposed algorithms experimentally. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithms are scalable and much more efficient than existing methods.
Effect of Liquidity Management on the Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

In this study, we examined the effect of liquidity management on the performance of banks in Nigeria. Our sample comprised 18 banks included in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2011 to 2017. Thus, the firm-year sample constitutes 90 (18 banks × 5 years) financial statements. We found that liquidity management positively and significantly affected banks‟ profitability. Capital adequacy significantly affected return on assets, return on equity, and return on capital employed. Similarly, we found a significant positive effect of asset quality on the performance indicators. The analyses also showed that the liquidity ratio effect is positive and significant on the performance indicators. This result shows that banks with proper liquidity management will increase their profitability over time. This suggests that to increase the overall networth of shareholders, banks should place a strong emphasis on liquidity management. Thus, liquidity should be managed to minimise potential default risks.
Betel quid and tobacco chewing habits and its associated clinical findings in a rural tertiary care hospital

Background: Among all forms of tobacco, smokeless tobacco is known to be more carcinogenic than smoking according to various studies. Smokeless tobacco is consumed through various forms in our region like kaddipudi, gutkha, khaini, pan, etc. This study aims at evaluating the different chewing patterns of tobacco and to assess their impact on the oral mucosa. Methods: The patients who attended ENT department with the habit of chewing tobacco were taken into this study after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed questionnaire including various habits and chewing patterns were filled and received from all the subjects, and a comprehensive ENT examination was done for them. Results: In our study, a total of 120 subjects were included who chewed tobacco in various combinations, which we divided into 6 categories; of which 97 users were under category 2 (betel leaf, betel nut, slaked lime and kaddipudi). Among 120 subjects, 35 had malignancy, 51 potentially malignant lesions, 30 early changes and 4 had no changes. There was a statistically significant correlation noted between the duration of chewing for >15 years (p=0.000); frequency of chewing >5 times/day (p=0.004) and also overnight tobacco placement (p=0.027) with the occurrence of potentially malignant lesions and malignancy. Conclusions: In our study, the combination of betel leaf, betel nut, slaked lime with kaddipudi was the most commonly used combined form of smokeless tobacco. The duration, frequency of tobacco chewing, and overnight placement were statistically significant associated with potentially malignant lesions and malignant lesions.
R&D Expenses and the Expectation of Value Generation in Brazilian Firms

The purpose of this study is to verify the existence of a causal relationship between R&D expenses not activated by Accounting, a proxy for innovation, and the book-to-market ratio (BTM), which demonstrates expectation of value generation in firms. We analyzed a sample composed of 30 Brazilian public firms that disclosed information about R&am
The Making of a Competent Oocyte – A Review of Oocyte Development and Its Regulation

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) merely depend on improving the oocyte maturation and their developmental competence to produce good quality embryos. Oocyte maturation passes through long and complex molecular steps starts from the early embryonic life and ends with sperm fertilization. Oocyte developmental competence can be attained by improving the nuclear and cytoplasmic mechanisms together with some epigenetic maturation. In this review, we highlight the cornerstones of oocyte maturation on both nuclear and cytoplasmic levels. Interfering or supporting these molecular mechanisms would help in the development of novel regulating agents for reproductive performance of humans and livestock species.
Knowledge and perception about climate change among healthcare professionals and students: A cross-sectional study

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge on Climate Change (CC) and related consequences among students and professionals of healthcare setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 364 people was conducted. The survey was performed at Sapienza University (Rome) using questionnaire previously developed and validated by the same research group. Results: Findings indicate awareness about CC and its effects and correct identification of practices that could help to mitigate its repercussions. The majority of the participants believed that CC had an impact on the health of humans (96.7%), animals (99.5%) and on the environment (99.7%). Results from the multivariate analysis regarding overall knowledge, show an increased odd in professionals (OR=2.08; 95%CI=1.02-4.26), individuals from the North (OR=3.34; 95%CI=1.37-8.15) and from the Center (OR=2.07; 95%CI=1.17-3.66). Regarding factors able to modify Earth's climate, correct answer had higher odds of being chosen by professionals (OR=2.83; 95%CI=1.41–5.70), and from individuals from South/Islands than by the ones from the Center (OR=0.65; 95%CI=0.40-1.06). The main sources of information resulted to be TV and school/university. Conclusions: These new evidences could guide policymakers on increasing the awareness of the population about this fundamental subject. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Intrinsic Bayesian estimation of linear time series models

Intrinsic loss functions (such as the Kullback–Leibler divergence, i.e. the entropy loss) have been used extensively in place of conventional loss functions for independent samples. But applications in serially correlated samples are scant. In the present study, we examine Bayes estimator of Linear Time Series (LTS) model under the entropy loss. We derive the Bayes estimator and show that it involves a frequentist expectation of regressors. We propose a Markov Chain Monte Carlo procedure that jointly simulates the posteriors of the LTS parameters with frequentist expectation of regressors. We conduct Bayesian estimation of an LTS model for seasonal effects in some U.S. macroeconomic variables.
Observations on the Nuptial Flight and Internidal Relationship in a Polydomous Ant, Formica (Formica) yessensis Forel (With 2 Text-figures and 5 Tables)

Title Observations on the Nuptial Flight and Internidal Relationship in a Polydomous Ant, Formica (Formica) yessensis Forel (With 2 Text-figures and 5 Tables) Author(s) ITO, Masao; IMAMURA, Shinji Citation 北海道大學理學部紀要 = JOURNAL OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY Series VI. ZOOLOGY, 19(3): 681-694 Issue Date 1974-10 Doc URL http://hdl.handle. net/2115/27581 Type bulletin File Information 19(3)_P681-694.pdf
On the CO2 Emissions Determinants During the EU ETS Phases I and II: A Plant-level Analysis Merging the EUTL and Platts Power Data

This article studies ex-post the CO2 emissions determinants during 2005-2012 by resorting to an original database merging the European Union Transaction Log (EUTL) with the World Electric Power Plants (WEPP) database maintained by Platts. We estimate the main drivers of CO2 emissions for the 1,453 power plants included in the EU ETS using plant-level panel data. During phases I and II, there has been a debate about whether the economic crisis was ultimately the only factor behind the fall in CO2 emissions. We find that the EU ETS kept some degree of effectiveness but only during phase I (2005-07). During phase II (2008-12), its impact has been largely impeded by the deep economic recession in 2008-2009 which became the leading cause of the emissions reduction. We disentangle the analysis not only by periods but also for each type of power plants. We conclude that the EU Commission’s flagship climate policy could and should be enhanced by better coordination of overlapping climate policies.