Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Creating a new Combined Confidence Measure for ASR-Errors on the Word-Level

We address the problem of localized error detection in Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) output. Localized error detection seeks to identify which particular words in a user’s utterance have been misrecognized. Identifying misrecognized words permits one to create targeted clarification strategies for spoken dialogue systems, allowing the system to ask clarification questions targeting the particular type of misrecognition, in contrast to the “please repeat/rephrase” strategies used in most current dialogue systems. We present results of machine learning experiments using ASR confidence scores together with prosodic and syntactic features to predict whether 1) an utterance contains an error, and 2) whether a word in a misrecognized utterance is misrecognized. We show that by adding syntactic features to the ASR features when predicting misrecognized utterances the F-measure improves by 8% compared to using ASR features alone. By adding syntactic and prosodic features when predicting misrecognized words F-measure improves by 40%.
Evaluation of Cultivated Land Fertility in Cultivated Land Area of Lingdong in Hulunbeir City

In this paper, according to the cultivated land situation of the three banner cities in the cultivated land area of Lingdong in Hulunbeir city, this paper uses fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and analytic hierarchy process on the basis of ARCGIS to evaluate the research area.Using Delphi method to evaluate the factor screening chose 12 indicators, using the analytic hierarchy process (ahp) to determine the weight value of each factor, according to the degree of each evaluation factor's influence on farmland soil fertility to determine the membership function model of each evaluation factor, and the evaluation index to make use of GIS spatial interpolation and superimposed analysis, obtained the hulun buir ridge east farmland productivity distribution of cultivated land area.Finally, the grade I land accounts for 10.10% of the total area;The grade II land accounts for 27.74% of the total area;The grade III land accounts for 27.74% of the total area;The grade IV land accounts for 37.65% of the total area;The grade V land accounts for 6.96% of the total area.The result shows that the arable land fertility in the study area is relatively good on the whole.
The fate of haemoglobin in Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera) and other blood-sucking arthropods

In Rhodnius most of the haemoglobin ingested is broken down in the lumen of the gut to protohaematin which is excreted unchanged. But a small amount is absorbed and circulates in the haemolymph as kathaemoglobin (parahaematin). This is taken up by the salivary glands where it appears as a cherry-red pigment with properties similar to haemalbumin. Blood pigment is also transferred to the yolk of the eggs and becomes concentrated in the stomach of the newly hatched nymph as a bright red fluid (parahaematin). In the next few days most of this is digested in the gut to give protohaematin; some is transferred to the salivary glands to give rise to their usual pigment.
Inverse analysis of laterally loaded monopiles subjected to large cyclic loading: development of a Bouc-Wen type soil reaction model

Οffshore structures are located in a harsh environment subjected to million loading cycles due to wave and wind loading, which is cyclic in nature. Particularly in the case of pile foundations (monopiles, anchor-piles), it has been shown that even a low amplitude loading of many cycles can decrease the foundation stiffness and lead to accumulation of permanent rotations, which may compromise the operation of the structure. The analysis of the 3D problem, through numerical tools, like finite elements is not feasible at least with the current computing technology. In order to alleviate these issues, an alternative numerical analysis technique is developed, simulating a pile employing a nonlinear Winkler-type model. The soil is represented by lateral translational nonlinear springs of the Bouc-Wen type, while a modification factor is introduced in the differential Bouc-Wen governing formula in order to reproduce the degradation of stiffness and the accumulation of rotation due to the large number of loading cycles. The Bouc-Wen type Winkler model is controlled by 6 parameters which are calibrated against centrifuge tests and FE analysis results via optimizations algorithms, capturing the long-term cyclic response satisfactorily. Additionally, the computational time is reduced significantly, allowing analyzing the problem of a pile subjected to 50 loading cycles in less than a minute, while the relevant 3D problem solved via finite elements demands more than 12 hours.
Comparison of Trunk and Branch Sap Flow with Canopy Transpiration in Pecan

The recent development of trunk flow gauges, using the heat balance principle, allows direct measurement of trunk or branch sap flow. When combined with water loss data from precision lysimetry and from leaf transpiration rates obtained by porometry a simultaneous record of water flow through the trunk, branches and canopy can be produced. We obtained such a record to quantify water fluxes through a pecan tree under non-limiting soil moisture conditions, with the purpose of characterizing the water transport system
Advancing knowledge

123 IUHPE – PROMOTION & EDUCATION VOL. XII, NO. 3-4 2005 The concept of the HPS was first named at a WHO conference two decades ago (Young, 1986) and has been advocated as an effective approach to promote health in schools. It embodies a whole school approach, and goes beyond the school curriculum. HPS includes those components of schooling such as the physical environment, school ethos, school based health policies, linkage with health services and partnerships with community that would have strong impact on the health of students (Young and Williams, 1989; Nutbeam, 1987; Albert Lee, Lawrence St Leger and Alysoun Moon
Image processing methods for determination of downy mildews from light microscopy images

In this paper we present image processing methods suitable for determination of downy mildews (fungi-like pathogens of crop plants) from light microscopy images of their conidiosporangia and conidiosporangiophores. The preprocessing of manually acquired microscopy images includes a multi-focus fusion algorithm robust to missing focal planes. The round-shaped conidiosporangia are segmented by means of thresholding and mathematical morphology and classified by their size and shape. The filamentous conidiosporangiophores are segmented by means of thresholding or matched filtering and classified by the structure of their branching pattern. The methods were tested on light microscopy images of species common in Central Europe.
Twitter Sentiment Classiﬁcation

—Social media platforms such as Twitter are a rich source of text examples expressing positive and negative sentiment. In this paper, we investigate the classiﬁcation accuracy achieved by different learning algorithms in determining sentiments associated to tweets. Through data pre-processing and hyperparameter tuning, we report our computationally light TF-IDF Logistic Regression model, scoring 87.00 % accuracy in the EPFL ML Text classiﬁcation challenge on Kaggle.
Immature rice and its archaeobotanical recognition: a reply to Pan

In order to study the origins of rice agriculture, archaeologists need to clarify the expectations of how hunter-gatherers would have engaged with wild rice, what selection pressures caused by cultivation contributed to the evolution of the domestication syndrome, and how the evolution of these traits might be studied through multiple lines of archaeobotanical evidence. In her response to Fuller et al. 2007 (Pan 2008), Ms Pan has drawn attention to the issue of immaturity of spikelet remains from the site of Kuahuqiao, although this was not ‘central’ to our argument. Rather it was one piece of evidence amongst several lines of evidence drawn from across a number of sites. We have drawn on evidence from grain morphometrics, in particular from three Lower Yangtze region sites and two sites in other regions (Fuller et al. 2007: Figure 6), evidence of rice leaf bulliform phytoliths from 14 sites (ibid.: Figure 7), awn hair densities from one site, as well as qualitative descriptions and personal observations of immature spikelets. The Kuahuqiao report provided just one example of the latter. The use of wild, shattering rice requires that some grain loss by shattering be balanced against grain loss by immaturity. The proportion depends on when during a plant’s development cycle it is harvested. As we demonstrated, efficient foraging would have necessitated the gathering of many immature spikelets with incompletely filled grains. These high levels of immature spikelets must have continued into early cultivation before non-shattering forms dominated populations and because of the asynchronous maturity of the whole population. Immature gathering of wild grains is documented amongst wild millet gatherers of Australia (Allan 1974); and techniques to minimise grain lost to shattering by bundling panicles early in formation are documented for gatherers of wild
Characterization of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase from peach mesocarp (Prunus persica L. cv. Babygold)

The two enzymes involved in enzymatic browning reactions—polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD)—were extracted from peach fruit mesocarp. PPO was mainly located in the membrane fraction and was in its latent state. However, POD activity was found in the soluble fraction. The kinetic characterization of PPO and POD was carried out with a natural substrate (chlorogenic acid) and with a non-physiological substrate. Under native isoelectric focusing (IEF), several PPO isoenzymes were present in the pH range 5.4–5.8. A partially denaturing sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed the presence of two active bands with apparent molecular masses of 49 and 50 kDa. A totally denaturing SDS-PAGE indicated the presence of a single polypeptide with a molecular mass of 60 kDa, as revealed by western blot. POD was also analyzed by IEF, showing the presence of two strongly basic isoenzymes, which were resolved by cationic native PAGE into two different bands. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid Method for the Quantitative Extraction and Simultaneous Class Separation of Milk Lipids

Abstract A method is described for the isolation of lipids from milk, cream, or buttermilk. Lipid isolation is accomplished by solvent elution of a column containing a mixture of the milk product, anhydrous sodium sulfate, and Celite 545. Total lipids are isolated by elution with a 90:10 mixture of dichloromethane:methanol. Alternatively, lipids may be separated into a neutral lipid fraction by sequential elution of the column with dichloromethane and a polar fraction by elution with a 90:10 mixture of dichloromethane:methanol. The proposed method was compared with the traditional Roese-Gottlieb method for a series of milk samples with fat content ranging from
Self-Reconfiguration in Two-Dimensions via Active Subtraction with Modular Robots

Modular robotic systems comprise groups of physically connected modules which can be reconfigured to create morphologies that suit an environment or task. One method of reconfiguration is via subtraction, where extraneous modules disconnect from an initial configuration, before being removed by external intervention. In this paper, we consider an approach to reconfiguration in two dimensions, here termed active subtraction, in which unwanted modules traverse a configuration in order to remove themselves safely, without the need for external intervention, making it a form of self-reconfiguration. We present a sequential solution that selects suitable extraneous modules that then remove themselves, one by one. We also present a parallel solution that, while being more computationally demanding, allows multiple modules to move simultaneously. Both solutions are proven to (i) be correct for any given non-hollow structure, and (ii) require, in the worst case, quadratic time proportionally to the number of modules. Simulation studies demonstrate that both solutions work effectively for specified and randomly generated desired configurations with hundreds of modules, and reveal a non-monotonic dependence between the performance and the percentage of modules to be removed. This work demonstrates active subtraction as a viable method of self-reconfiguration, without the need for heuristics or stochasticity, and suggests its potential for application in real-world systems.
Effect of altering the length of the regrowth interval in early, mid and late season on the productivity of grass swards

Over three growing seasons (1989 to 1991) perennial ryegrass swards were cut at regular 3-week intervals or changed to a 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9-week regrowth interval in the early (April to mid-June), mid (late June to mid-August) or late season (late August to mid-October) at the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland. Fertilizer was applied according to the length of the regrowth period to supply the equivalent of 2·2 kg N/ha per day with an annual rate of 416 kg N/ha. Lengthening the regrowth interval by a single 6-week interval increased the annual yield of herbage DM and digestible organic matter (DOM) from 10·13 to 11·15 and from 6·73 to 7·47 t/ha respectively. The effect increased with increasing length of regrowth period and was greatest in the early part of the season. In swards cut on a regular 3-week regime there was no significant difference in organic matter digestibility (OMD) throughout the season (mean 69·4%), whereas N concentration increased steadily throughout the season, ranging from 25·6 g/kg DM in April to 41·8 g/kg DM in October. During the variable regrowth periods, the greatest response in DM and DOM yield to increasing length of regrowth interval was obtained in the early part of the season in spite of a rapid fall in OMD. There was little to be gained by lengthening the regrowth interval beyond 6 weeks in mid-season, due to low and declining herbage OMD. However, in the late season period, the rate of decline in herbage OMD tended to decrease after week 5 and so the rate of decline in DOM accumulation was reduced, making length of regrowth period in the late season less critical. The treatments imposed had little effect on yield of herbage N (range 293–354 kg N/ha).
Antifungal Production of a Strain of Actinomycetes spp Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Cajuput Plant: Selection and Detection of Exhibiting Activity Against Tested Fungi

Actinomycetes are bacteria known to constitute a large part of the rhizosphere microbiota. Their isolation is an important step for screening of new bioactive compounds. Culturable actinomycetes populations from cajuput plant rhizosphere soils in Wanagama I Forest UGM Yogyakarta were collected to study about their antifungal activity. Among 17 of a total 43 isolates that showed activity were screened for producing antifungi substances. Screening for antifungal activity of isolates were performed with dual culture bioassay in vitro. One isolate that was designated as Streptomyces sp.GMR-22 was the strongest against all tested fungi and appeared promising for a sources of antifungal. Culture’s supernatant and mycelia were extracted with chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol, respectively. Antifungal activity of crude extracts was tested by diffusion method against tested fungi. The result indicates that isolates of actinomycetes from cajuput plant rhizosphere could be an interesting sources of antifungal bioactive substances.
The length weight relationship, age, growth and reproduction of the roach Rutilus rutilus (L.) in Lake Volvi

The length-weight relationship of a sample of 233 roach (Rutilus rutilus) can be described by the following equations: y=0·0356x3·405 and y=0·0215 ×3·606 for males and females respectively. In both equations y equals the body weight in grams and × is the standard length in centimetres. The average condition factor K was 2·01 with a range of 1·71 to 2·26. The roach's span of life was 13 years for both sexes. The growth increment is greater during the first year of life (about 56 mm), decreasing to approximately 17 mm at the end of the sixth year of life and then becoming constant at about 12 mm per year. Roach become sexually mature at age 1 + for males and one year later for females. The mean absolute fecundity was 9294 eggs; with a range from 920 to 32 810. The growth of the gonads is related to the age of the fish. Spawning occurs during the first half of April, at a mean water temperature of 10° C.
The postcranial skeleton of the Early Triassic non-mammalian cynodont Galesaurus planiceps: implications for biology and lifestyle

iv Galesaurus, with a short biostratigraphic range from the Palingkloof Member, Balfour Formation and lowermost Katberg Formation of the Lystrosaurus Assemblage Zone, was previously known only from cranial and poorly preserved, isolated postcranial fragments. In contrast, extensive research has been conducted on the more abundant better-known Thrinaxodon, which has a biostratigraphic range that extends the entire Lystrosaurus Assemblage Zone. It was previously assumed that the postcranial skeletons of basal cynodonts were indistinguishable. However, this study has revealed morphological differences between Galesaurus and Thrinaxodon, allowing the taxa to be distinguished in the absence of cranial material. Examining postcranial material previously identified as Thrinaxodon and ensuring that collection material has been correctly identified can now test the short stratigraphic range of Galesaurus.
Cotton Root Rot Control With TopGuard in Texas: 2012 Research

Phymatotrichopsis root rot (PRR), caused by the fungus Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, is a major disease in many of the cotton production areas of Texas and other southwestern states. In recent years, we have documented the effectiveness of a soil application of Topguard (flutriafol) to control this disease. The objective of this study was to identify optimal rates (8-32 fl. oz./A) and compare three methods of application: T-band and infurrow at planting, and a banded spray on the soil surface after planting. Experiments were established in different growing areas of the state to evaluate Topguard under different climates and production systems. Many of the experiments were unsuccessful mainly because of a lack of disease pressure, which was usually related to a lack of rain during the growing season. In two out of four experiments, the disease incidence was significantly lower (P=0.05) with some of the fungicide treatments, in comparison with the control. In two of those experiments, significant disease reduction was seen with 8 fl.oz. /A Topguard applied by T-band. Higher rates more consistently reduced disease, though. However, in two out of four experiments, Topguard treatment resulted in a significantly greater (P=0.05) yield. In one of those experiments, a yield response was seen with 8 fl.oz. /A Topguard applied by Tband. This fungicide shows promise for control of PRR, but additional experiments are needed to optimize its effectiveness.
The Price Effect of Trade: Evidence of the China Shock and Canadian Consumer Prices

The explosive growth in Chinese imports to Canada over the last two decades has had both negative and positive effects. In this paper, we look at the impact of Chinese imports on the prices Canadians pay for household consumption goods. We find Canadians have benefited from lower prices on some goods and lower inflation overall. To quantify the importance of Chinese imports for individual consumer products and map them to consumer price data, we construct concordance between products in the consumer price index (CPI) and commodities in the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. We estimate that over the 2001-2011 period, cumulative inflation would have been 1.17-percentage-points higher for the total CPI had there been no change in the Chinese share of total imports in Canada. This assumes other factors are held constant. The average annual inflation for the total CPI was 2.1 per cent over the 2001-2011 period, implying that annual inflation would have been about 0.12-percentage-points higher if there had not been a surge in imports from China.
Metabolic rate and body composition of harbour seals, Phoca vitulina, during starvation and refeeding

The metabolic rate of normally fed harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) was measured during starvation and the subsequent refeeding period. Resting metabolic rate was calculated from the y-intercept of the metabolic rate versus swimming speed curves and was 20% lower during the starvation period than during normal feeding. During starvation, about 50% of mass loss was fat, i.e., 77% of the energy was obtained from fat. Metabolic rate returned to the initial value about 1 week after the onset of refeeding.
A Berry Picking Robot With A Hybrid Soft-Rigid Arm: Design and Task Space Control

—We present a hybrid rigid-soft arm and manipulator for performing tasks requiring dexterity and reach in cluttered environments. Our system combines the beneﬁt of the dexterity of a variable length soft manipulator and the rigid support capability of a hard arm. The hard arm positions the extendable soft manipulator close to the target, and the soft arm manipulator navigates the last few centimeters to reach and grab the target. A novel magnetic sensor and reinforcement learning based control is developed for end effector position control of the robot. A compliant gripper with an IR reﬂectance sensing system is designed, and a k-nearest neighbor classiﬁer is used to detect target engagement. The system is evaluated in several challenging berry picking scenarios.
MPTC - Modular Passive Tracking Controller for stack of tasks based control frameworks

—This work introduces the so-called Modular Passive Tracking Controller (MPTC), a generic passivity-based controller, which aims at independently fulﬁlling several subtask objectives. These are combined in a stack of tasks (SoT) that serves as a basis for the synthesis of an overall system controller. The corresponding analysis and controller design are based on Lyapunov theory. An important contribution of this work is the design of a speciﬁc optimization weighting matrix that ensures passivity of an overdetermined and thus conﬂicting task setup. The proposed framework is validated through simulations and experiments for both ﬁxed-base and free-ﬂoating robots.