Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Respray Requests on Custom-Applied, Glyphosate-Resistant Soybeans in Illinois: How Many and Why

Abstract If an herbicide application fails to control a targeted weed community sufficiently, farmers may try to eliminate surviving weeds with a follow-up application (hereafter “respray”). Despite the implications of resprays on the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds, respray frequencies and causal factors are poorly understood. A two-part survey of glyphosate-resistant soybean fields and custom application services was conducted in Illinois during 2005 and 2006 to determine the relative frequency of respray requests for postemergence glyphosate, and to identify weed community factors associated with glyphosate respray requests. A meta-analysis was then utilized to project the impacts of weed community factors driving respray requests on crop yield. Glyphosate resprays were requested for 14% of surveyed fields in both 2005 (n = 43) and 2006 (n = 90). In 2005, respray requests were highly associated with both population densities of weed communities visible from roadsides and incidences of skips (i.e., rectangular areas of escaped weeds indicating custom application failure). A skip increased the odds of respray request by more than ninefold, and population densities of weed communities visible from roadsides were, on average, 2.5 times greater in respray-requested fields compared with nonrequested fields. In 2006, respray requests were associated with population densities of weed communities identified by walking through fields. Contrary to 2005, requests in 2006 were concentrated in those fields with low weed population densities. Prior to resprays, weed communities capable of causing substantial soybean yield loss were present in both respray-requested and nonrequested fields in 2005 but in only nonrequested fields in 2006. Although this investigation indicated that custom applicators can take actions to reduce respray requests (i.e., avoiding skips), farmers and custom applicators should be prepared to implement additional weed control after postemergence glyphosate applications because damaging weed communities may remain. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Exploration intégrée probabiliste pour robots mobiles évoluant en environnements complexes

L'un des defis fondamentaux de la robotique d'aujourd'hui est d'obtenir des cartes robustes en utilisant des mecanismes efficaces pour l'exploration et la modelisation des environnements toujours plus complexes. Ce probleme est connu comme celui de la planification, de la localisation et de la cartographie simultanee (SPLAM). Dans cette these nous avons developpe des outils pour obtenir une strategie de SPLAM. D'abord, l'exploration est faite par le graphe d'exploration aleatoire (REG) base sur la creation d'une structure de graphe et sur un controle de frontieres. Ensuite, le probleme de localisation et de cartographie simultanee (SLAM) est resolu avec une strategie topologique basee sur des B-Splines. Pour valider notre strategie, nous avons cree une autre approche de SPLAM basee sur des outils connus comme le Filtre de Kalman etendu pour le SLAM et sur l'arbre aleatoire (SRT) pour l'exploration. Ces resultats sont compares avec les resultats de notre strategie.
Priority setting for competency development training topics for road construction site managers to reduce the risk of construction failure

Problem in road construction project could be triggered by employing a less competent Site Manager either in terms of knowledge and skills or in attitudes in the project. Therefore, an evaluation of the competency of the Site Managers and seeking the required development training to improve the relatively weaker items of competency is needed. This paper presents an evaluation of the competency of Site Manager of road construction project in the West Sumatera Road Construction Project 2014. The evaluation was conducted using expectation and performance analysis and the evaluated items of competency were extracted from Indonesian Standard of Competency for Labour especially for Site Manager of Road Construction. The study found that construction management system, project administration, and resource procurement are among competency factors that fall under average and should be improved in the future. Therefore, development training on those items could be initiated by the owner to reduce the risk of road construction project failure in the future.
A Characterization of Lyapunov Inequalities for Stability of Switched Systems

We study stability criteria for discrete-time switched systems and provide a meta-theorem that characterizes all Lyapunov theorems of a certain canonical type. For this purpose, we investigate the structure of sets of LMIs that provide a sufficient condition for stability. Various such conditions have been proposed in the literature in the past 15 years. We prove in this note that a family of language-theoretic conditions recently provided by the authors encapsulates all the possible LMI conditions, thus putting a conclusion to this research effort. As a corollary, we show that it is PSPACE-complete to recognize whether a particular set of LMIs implies stability of a switched system. Finally, we provide a geometric interpretation of these conditions, in terms of existence of an invariant set.
A two-stage approach for a reflective-formative hierarchical latent variable model for measuring customer loyalty: special case of Indian e-customers

This study employs an integrated model, combining information system (IS) continuance studies and marketing theories, to examine the post-adoption attitudinal and behavioural loyalty of an e-customer shopping from an online web-store. Our research employs partial least squares (PLS-SEM) regression analysis to test the model. Hedonic value and utilitarian value are proposed as first-order reflective indicators of second-order formative value construct. Gender is included as a moderator for testing the difference in effect for all the relationship paths in the model. Data collected from 403 online shopping customers present a sound support for the research model. The results show that value, trust, satisfaction and habit strongly augment customer's loyalty. The results also indicate that the outcome of satisfaction on habit is significantly stronger for females.
Multi-discipline collaborative design and simulation environment of spacecraft

Multidisciplinary collaborative design is an effective solution to complex system design. The main contents and development status of collaborative design platform are researched in this paper. It is found that integrated design flexible simulation and virtual test is becoming the development trend of multidisciplinary collaborative environment. A collaborative design and simulation environment for spacecraft (CDSES) is designed. It is based on B/S and C/S hybrid architecture. It can support the rapid design of spacecraft, as well as multi-disciplinary virtual validation.
MISS – METHODOLOGY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF STRATEGIC STAKEHOLDERS OF AN ORGANISATION

Background. Taking the nature and dynamics of the environment of modern organisations into account, it is necessary and crucial to manage stakeholders, which is effective when such groups are identi ﬁ ed that actually determine the organisation’s ability to achieve its goals. The need to identify stakeholders is also justi ﬁ ed by the overriding management goal of maximising the value of an organisation, as stakeholders can be regarded as the areas of value growth in the environment or those who have value-creation factors. Both the results of a literature review and the author’s experience in management practice imply the need to develop tools accessible for decision-makers to support the identi ﬁ cation of stakeholders and to analyse and evaluate their in ﬂ uence on the organisation’s functioning. Research aims. The purpose of the paper is to present in detail an original methodology for identifying the organisation’s strategic stakeholders, which will address the research problem by assessing the in ﬂ uence stakeholders have on the achieving the organisation’s strategic objectives and, consequently, identifying the stakeholders of strategic importance. Methodology. The MISS is a methodology with a set of tools supporting managers in analysing and evaluating the internal and external environment of their organisation, which is comprised of various stakeholder groups. An analysis and evaluation are conducted in a multi-stage manner and lead to the prioritisation of stakeholders and the emergence of those of strategic importance to the functioning of the organisation studied. Data collection methods for the MISS are focus group interviews and individual structured interviews. assess direct and indirect impact potential the results the analyses indicate elements highest allocation conclusions application potential of the MISS in the broader context of organisation management, the model’s limitations, as well as future research directions.
Complex I specific increase in superoxide formation and respiration rate by PrP‐null mouse brain mitochondria

An imbalance in free radical production and removal is considered by many to be an important factor in the etiology of many degenerative diseases. Since mitochondria are a major source of free radicals, we have examined mitochondrial free radical production in relation to oxidative phosphorylation in PrP‐null mice. Quantitative electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed up to a 70% increase in superoxide production from Complex I of submitochondrial particles prepared from PrP‐null mice. This was accompanied by elevated respiratory capacity through Complex I without any discernible alteration in respiratory efficiency. These differences are associated with changes in superoxide dismutase levels and defects in mitochondrial morphology, confirming previously reported results. Our results demonstrate a clear difference in free radical production and oxygen consumption by mitochondrial Complex I between PrP‐null mice and wild‐type controls, pointing to Complex I as a potential target for pathological change, suggesting similarities between prion‐related and other neurodegenerative diseases.
High Levels of Ascorbic Acid, Not Glutathione, in the CNS of Anoxia‐Tolerant Reptiles Contrasted with Levels in Anoxia‐Intolerant Species

Abstract: Ascorbic acid and glutathione (GSH) are antioxidants and free radical scavengers that provide the first line of defense against oxidative damage in the CNS. Using HPLC with electrochemical detection, we determined tissue contents of these antioxidants in brain and spinal cord in species with varying abilities to tolerate anoxia, including anoxia‐tolerant pond and box turtles, moderately tolerant garter snakes, anoxia‐intolerant clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis), and intolerant Long‐Evans hooded rats. These data were compared with ascorbate and GSH levels in selected regions of guinea pig CNS, human cortex, and values from the literature. Ascorbate levels in turtles were typically 100% higher than those in rat. Cortex, olfactory bulb, and dorsal ventricular ridge had the highest content in turtle, 5–6 µmol g−1 of tissue wet weight, which was twice that in rat cortex (2.82 ± 0.05 µmol g−1) and threefold greater than in guinea pig cortex (1.71 ± 0.03 µmol g−1). Regionally distinct levels (2–4 µmol g−1) were found in turtle cerebellum, optic lobe, brainstem, and spinal cord, with a decreasing anterior‐to‐posterior gradient. Ascorbate was lowest in white matter (optic nerve) in each species. Snake cortex and brainstem had significantly higher ascorbate levels than in rat or guinea pig, although other regions had comparable or lower levels. Frog ascorbate was generally in an intermediate range between that in rat and guinea pig. In contrast to ascorbate, GSH levels in anoxia‐tolerant turtles, 2–3 µmol g−1 of tissue wet weight, were similar to those in mammalian or amphibian brain, with no consistent pattern associated with anoxia tolerance. GSH levels in pond turtle CNS were significantly higher (by 10–20%) than in rat for several regions but were generally lower than in guinea pig or frog. GSH in box turtle and snake CNS were the same or lower than in rat or guinea pig. The distribution GSH in the CNS also had a decreasing anterior‐to‐posterior gradient but with less variability than ascorbate; levels were similar in optic nerve, brainstem, and spinal cord. The paradoxically high levels of ascorbate in turtle brain, which has a lower rate of oxidative metabolism than mammalian, suggest that ascorbate is an essential cerebral antioxidant. High levels may have evolved to protect cells from oxidative damage when aerobic metabolism resumes after a hypoxic dive.
Exercise capacity and body composition in living-donor renal transplant recipients over time.

BACKGROUND Renal transplantation (RTx) restitutes the function of the failing organ and induces convalescence of the entire organism. Our study investigates whether this is accompanied by improvements in cardiovascular function and structural changes. METHODS A total of 25 Caucasian patients (14 male, median age 44.2 +/- 9.2 years, BMI 23.7 +/- 4.0 kg/m(2)) were assessed in a prospective trial before, 1, 3 and 12 months after RTx from living donors by clinical examination, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and analysis of plasma indices. RESULTS Creatinine clearance improved from 8.0 +/- 3.1 to 60.9 +/- 18.1 mL/min at 1 month, but declined at 3 (51.6 +/- 16.3 mL/min) and 12 months (53.6 +/- 20.8 mL/min, P = 0.04 versus month 1). Body composition shifted from lean towards fat tissue (25.8 +/- 12.5-31.2 +/- 11.2% body fat content, P = 0.0001). Only baseline lean weight correlated with fat increase over time (r(2) = 0.28, P = 0.008). Patients with fat content above median (n = 13) had a 3-fold increased hazard ratio of infection (CI 1.04-9.41, P = 0.042) and overall hospitalization (hazard ratio 2.95, CI 1.10-7.93, P = 0.03). PeakVO(2) decreased over RTx (23.2 +/- 6.0- 17.6 +/- 5.1 mL/kg/min) and returned to baseline levels not until 1 year later (P < 0.001). After an initial decline, muscle oxidative capacity (peakVO(2)/lean mass) improved from 33.6 +/- 10.1 to 35.0 +/- 8.2 mL/kg/min at 12 months after RTx (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS After RTx, body composition shifted continuously towards fat tissue, and baseline lean weight significantly correlated with fat increase over time. Both severe infections and hospitalizations are associated with a higher fat content before RTx. Exercise capacity (peakVO(2)) worsened after RTx and restitutes during follow-up, with muscle quality (peakVO(2)/lean) even exceeding baseline levels after 12 months.
Promoting Business School Brands Through Alumni (Past Customers)-Analyzing Factors Influencing Their Brand Resonance

Abstract In branding literature, the customer-based brand equity (CBBE) model developed by Kevin Lane Keller finds many applications. The CBBE model involves six brand building blocks out of which brand resonance is the most valuable. This research applies the CBBE model to higher education specifically to business schools to understand factors influencing brand resonance among alumni (as past customers). The empirical evidence indicated that behavioral loyalty and sense of community create feelings of gratitude which impacts brand resonance among alumni. Marketing communication to alumni should be personalized to foster sense of community creating strong emotional bonds leading to reciprocal relationships.
Factors Affecting the Policy for Distributing Computing Resources

This article discusses the findings of an empirical study conducted on 303 organizations. The major purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between various organizational attributes and the deployment of hardware resources. The salient finding was that the most influential variable is the distribution of decision-making processes in the organization. The more decision making is distributed, the more hardware is distributed. No significant relationships were detected between hardware distribution and any of the following variables: organizational structure, economic sectorial association, and the size of the organization.
Investigation of a new modular multilevel converter with DC fault blocking capability

This paper proposes a new modular multilevel converter with symmetric bidirectional DC fault blocking capability for high voltage direct current transmission systems. The new modular multilevel converter is composed of novel submodules, which is developed from a three-level T-type converter combined with some clamp circuits. The proposed novel submodule can output three voltage levels with six IGBTs, two diodes and two capacitors. The two capacitors can be separately controlled in the novel submodule, which improves the balancing of the two capacitors voltages. Compared with full-bridge submodules, the proposed topology has not only the symmetric bidirectional dc fault blocking capability but also the features of lower conduction losses, fewer submodules and semiconductor switching devices. The operation principle and DC fault blocking capability of the proposed topology are presented. Simulation models are established in Matlab/Simulink and the effectiveness of the proposed modular multilevel converter is validated by simulation results.
Computerized tomography based on X-ray refraction information

Conventional computerized tomography reconstructs the object by using the projection images which are imaged based on the absorption differences of substances to X-ray. In recent years, X-ray phase-contrast CT technique has been developed rapidly. Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) method is one of the three phase-sensitive X-ray imaging techniques which can be used for CT. DEI method can provide higher spatial resolution and distinguish more little differences in density by using monochromatic X-ray from synchrotron light sources than conventional absorption method. It can extract sample's refraction, absorption and scattering information by using an analyser crystal in DEI. This paper discusses the CT reconstruction criteria based on DEI and reconstructs two sample's 2D images and their 3D images. The reconstructed result is better than that of the absorption CT, which proves that the DEI-CT can be a powerful method for use in clinical tomography and material science
An optimal order process for solving finite element equations

A k-level iterative procedure for solving the algebraic equations which arise from the finite element approximation of elliptic boundary value problems is presented and analyzed. The work estimate for this procedure is proportional to the number of unknowns, an optimal order result. General geometry is permitted for the underlying domain, but the shape plays a role in the rate of convergence through elliptic regularity. Finally, a short discussion of the use of this method for parabolic problems is presented.
Altered biodistribution of somatostatin analogues after first cycle of Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.

Introduction Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) targeting the somatostatin receptor has emerged as a powerful palliative therapy in metastasized neuroendocrine tumors. A treatment schedule consisting of several administrations of Y-[DOTA]-Tyroctreotide (Y-DOTATOC) is the standard approach. Because long-term renal toxicity is the dose-limiting factor, dosimetry with In-octreotide is performed in all patients. Sequential images are acquired at five different time points, allowing calculation of the biologic effective dose (BED) on the dose-limiting organs, the kidneys, after several cycles of Y-DOTATOC treatment (1 GBq/m per cycle). On the basis of published data, the maximum-tolerated BED after four cycles is fixed at 37 Gy. In our protocol, Ga-DOTATOC positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (perfusion and diffusion weighted) performed before and at weeks 7 and 40 are included.
Internet of Vehicle (IoV) for School Bus Safety

: The Internet of Things (IoT) is the concept of describing the idea of smart objects which are connected to the internet and be able to identify themselves to other devices. This idea of connecting such smart objects over the internet can also be restricted to vehicles and is called as the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). Thus, IoV is the merging of mobile internet and IoT. With the continuously increasing population, vehicle ownership is also increasing at an exponential rate. Due to the increase in the number of vehicles, traffic management, and accident fatalities has become a great problem in our day-to-day life. This paper provides a brief research on IoV and also gives a solution for Intelligent Transport System.
Do Reputable Issuers Provide Better-Quality Securitizations?

We examine the link between issuer reputation and mortgage-backed security (MBS) performance using a sample of 4,247 European MBS issued between 1999 and 2007. We measure performance with credit rating downgrades and delinquencies and track their changes over the long term. We find that, overall, MBS sold by reputable issuers are collateralised by higher quality asset pools which have lower delinquency rates and are less likely to be downgraded. However, as credit standards declined during the boom period of 2005-2007, asset pools securitized by reputable issuers were of worse quality compared to those securitized by less reputable issuers. Therefore, reputation as a self-disciplining mechanism failed to incentivise the production of high quality securities during the credit boom. JEL Classification: G21, G24, G28
Formation of transient inappropriate sensorimotor synapses in developing rat spinal cords

The specificity of the convergence of primary afferent projections from ankle muscles onto motoneurons that innervate these muscles was studied in lumbar spinal cords of embryonic and neonatal rats. The connectivity pattern was determined for each motoneuron by stimulating nerves from ankle flexor and extensor muscles and recording the synaptic potentials in identified motoneurons. In mature mammals, muscle spindle afferents make direct excitatory connections with motoneurons that innervate homonymous and synergistic muscles, and with interneurons that inhibit motoneurons innervating antagonistic muscles. Therefore, appropriate primary afferent-motoneuron connections were identified when stimulation of homonymous and synergistic muscle nerves evoked monosynaptic EPSPs. Two criteria were used for identification of EPSPs as monosynaptic potentials: (1) the monosynaptic potentials were evoked at the shortest latency, and (2) they were more resistant to fatigue by repetitive nerve stimulation than the longer-latency, polysynaptic potentials. Functionally inappropriate primary afferent-motoneuron contacts were identified when stimulation of an antagonistic muscle nerve produced monosynaptic EPSPs instead of polysynaptic IPSPs in homonymous motoneurons. At days 18–21 of gestation, about 30% of motoneurons were innervated by primary afferents of antagonist muscles. Such functionally inappropriate synapses persisted at birth, but their percentage was significantly reduced within 3–5 d after birth. The findings suggested that in the developing spinal cord of the rat, a significant percentage of motoneurons were initially innervated by inappropriate primary afferents of antagonistic muscles. The decrease in percentage of such inappropriate connections was correlated temporally with the increase in the frequency of spontaneous activity and the onset of myelination.