Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influencing Factors on the Pursuit of Graduate Degrees in Agricultural Social Sciences

This study examined the motivating factors that influenced prospective graduate students’ choice in pursuing an advanced degree and choosing an institution at which to study. This article articulates the qualitative piece of a larger study which sought to understand these reasons and why they were important. Interviews from 15 current graduate students at two land-grant universities were coded and thematically analyzed according to phenomenological reduction procedures. Results of the study indicate that prospective graduate students highly weigh (1) funding opportunities, (2) external factors such as career advancement or higher pay, (3) personal growth and learning opportunities, and (4) perceived flexibility within their program when applying for graduate programs in areas of agricultural education, agricultural communication, extension education or agricultural leadership development. Finally, doctoral students felt the opportunity to conduct research was also an important factor, although most master’s degree students disagreed. Future recommendations for research included identifying differences in motivations for students of different demographics and more deeply exploring students’ understanding of possible funding opportunities and processes.
Network Centrality and Managerial Market-Timing Ability

Abstract We document that long-run excess returns following announcements of share buyback authorizations and insider purchases are a U-shaped function of firm centrality in the input–output trade-flow network. These results conform to a model of investors endowed with a large but finite capacity for analyzing firms. Additional links weaken insiders’ informational advantage in peripheral firms (simple firms whose cash flows depend on few economic links), provided investors’ capacity is large enough, but eventually amplify that advantage in central firms (firms with many links) as a result of investors’ limited capacity. These findings shed light on the sources of managerial market-timing ability.
Adaptive Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Model Predictive Control for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator-Based Hydrokinetic Turbine Systems

This paper presents a sensorless model predictive torque control strategy based on an adaptive Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model for the design of a six–phase permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)–based hydrokinetic turbine systems (PMSG-HTs), which not only provides clean electric energy and stable energy-conversion efficiency, but also improves the reliability and robustness of the electricity supply. An adaptive T–S fuzzy model is first formed to characterize the nonlinear system of the PMSG before a model predictive torque controller based on the T–S fuzzy model for the PMSG system is employed to indirectly control the stator current and the stator flux magnitude, which improves the performance in terms of anti–disturbance, and achieves maximum hydropower tracking. Finally, we consider two types of tidal current, namely the mixed semidiurnal tidal current and the northwest European shelf tidal current. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy can significantly improve the voltage–support capacity, while ensuring the stable operation of the PMSG in hydrokinetic turbine systems, especially under uneven tidal current speed conditions.
Examining Patterns in Nest Predation using Artificial Nests

Although the use of artificial nests is alluring due to the ability to overcome logistical hurdles associated with achieving sufficient sample sizes and ease of conducting controlled experiments, many ecologists disparage artificial nest studies because of inconsistencies between the survival rates of real and artificial nests. Further investigation into patterns in inconsistencies between properly designed studies is required to determine the utility of artificial nests. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine how broad ecological patterns from theory and methodology influenced the difference between real and artificial nest survival. While individual studies may exhibit some variation, the diversity in species (n = 128), habitats (n = 5), and locations (34 countries from 7 continents) of the 245 studies (from 138 peer-reviewed journal articles) we incorporated into our meta-analysis create strong support for the predicted pattern of slightly lower survival for artificial nests than real nests. In addition, the consistency with which the artificial nest survival patterns matched the survival patterns of the real nests indicated that artificial nests are useful tools that can improve our understanding of avian systems when careful consideration of assumptions is practiced. However, the approach used to analyze nest survival appears to influence the patterns of nest survival observed. Thus, when comparing the survival of artificial and real nests, researchers should be cautious of comparing survival results using different approaches.
SGPFuzzer: A State-Driven Smart Graybox Protocol Fuzzer for Network Protocol Implementations

As one of the most widely used technologies in software testing, fuzzing technology has been applied to network protocol vulnerability detection, and various network protocol fuzzers have been proposed. In this study, we first analyze and summarize some typical network protocol fuzzers to highlight the challenges when addressing stateful network protocol fuzzing. Then, a state-driven smart graybox protocol fuzzer (SGPFuzzer) is proposed to deal with these challenges. Finally, we evaluate SGPFuzzer on two widely used protocol implementations (LightFTP and tinyDTLS). The results show that SGPFuzzer outperforms Boofuzz and AFL in path coverage, unique crashes and the first time crash to crash, and it triggers a known bug which can’t be trigged by the other two tools, fully proving its effectiveness and practicability.
Social Relationships and Self-Directed Behavior in Hamadryas Baboons (Papio hamadryas hamadryas)

Self-directed behavior, such as self-scratching and self-grooming, is a behavioral indicator of anxiety in nonhuman primates. Patterns of self-directed behavior are used to identify social and environmental factors related to primate anxiety. This study explored the social context in which individuals in a captive group of hamadryas baboons ( Papio hamadryas hamadryas ) exhibited self-directed behavior. Self-directed behavior in a partner’s presence was predicted to increase with relationship insecurity. More than 130 hours of behavioral observations were conducted on 12 baboons. Self-directed and social behavior were recorded with focal sampling to determine each animal’s self -directed behavior rate in the presence of each other group member. These data were also used to calculate variation in response to approach over time, a newly proposed measure of relationship insecurity. Aggressive and submissive behavior were recorded ad libitum to construct a dominance hierarchy. High-ranking animals were found to exhibit significantly higher rates of self-directed behavior than low-ranking animals. Adults also exhibited higher rates of self-directed behavior than juveniles. Self-directed behavior rate increased with the relative dominance rank of the social partner in close proximity. Self-directed behavior rate also increased with the overall amount of aggression the social partner exhibited over the course of the study. No relationship was found between self-directed behavior rate in a partner’s presen ce and relationship insecurity. Results suggest that baboons in this group experienced anxiety related to their own dominance rank and that of their social partners. Captivity and the steeply linear nature of the group’s dominance hierarchy may have prevented any possible relationship insecurity effects
Fish oil for human health: omega-3 fatty acid profiles of marine seafood species

Marine bioactive components from marine resources such as oils from fish, algae and the blubber of of marine mammals (seals and whales) and shark liver contain high level of w3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20I:5w3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22I:5w3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22I:6 w3), chitin, chitosan, enzymes, peptides, vitamins (A, D and E), seaweeds, protein hydrolysates (Suleria et al., 2016; Rasmussen & Morrissey, 2007; Lordan et al., 2011). Among marine bioactives, fish oils have received much attention in recent years. The importance of long chain n-3 fatty acids found in seafood is known worldwide and essential for the management of cardiovascular diseases. The consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA from the omega-3 fatty acid series can prevent the formation of many diseases in humans, especially cardiovascular disorders by reducing risk factors such as heart arrhythmias, blood pressure, triglyceride concentrations and platelet aggregation (Raatz & Bibus, 2016; Fung et al., 2009; Mol, 2008). On addition, human diet enriched with fish oil was determined to have beneficial effects in the prevention of cognitive disorders (Graciano et al., 2016; Pinel et al., 2014) and brain development for children and aged people (He et al., 2017). High-dose fish oil (>6 g/day) and concentrated omega-3 fatty acids (4 g/day) are used as triglyceride lowering agents in patients with significant hypertriglyceridemia (Asztalos et al., 2016). While 1 g fish oil capsule containing up to 200 mg of DHA and 300 mg of EPA is recommended by the health service, two capsules are recommended daily for preventive therapy. DHA is a significant component of the brain, retina and sperm. Problems such as depression, memory loss, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and visual disorders arise from the decrease of DHA level in brain cells (Kaya et al., 2004). Children who consumed fish at least twice a week, including one of the fatty fish, were found to be less likely to show emotional and behavioral problems than those did not (Gispert-Llaurado et al., 2016). Rendeiro et al. (2016) suggested that a diet rich in omega-3 PUFAs might help cure neurogenic deficits induced by chemotherapy. Dmega-3 fatty acids protect against the development of certain cancers such as breast (Rendeiro et al., 2016; Palmquist, 2009; Stoll, 2002) and prostate cancer (Otsiopoulos et al., 2009). Fish oils are also known to have beneficial effects in diabetic patients (Pinel et al., 2014). Moreover, fatty acids have been reported to have positive effects in the treatment of patients with AODS (Vieira & Silveira, 2017; Tort et al., 2016). Given the high benefits of consuming seafood in human health, the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee suggests eating fish of 2 or 3 times a week (Kris-Etherton et al., 2003; Mnari et al., 2007).
OBSERVATION OF GRAPEVINE PHYTOPLASMAS STATUS (CANDIDATUS PHYTOPLASMA SOLANI) IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Phytoplasmas (“ Candidatus Phytoplasma ”) are non-cultivable wall-less bacteria found in plant phloem and insect vector cells. Economically important Grapevine yellows (GY) diseases all over the world are caused by phytoplasmas belonging to the ribosomal subgroups 16SrV-C and -D (etiological agents of Flavescence dorée, FD) and 16SrXII-A (“ Candidatus Phytoplasma solani ”, etiological agents of Bois noir, BN) which cause similar symptoms but in epidemiology considerably different. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the phytoplasmas associated with GY in vineyards in our country, through the molecular analysis of the genes stamp and map . The obtained results showed the presence of BN Bois noir , stolbur , economic important phytoplasma that cause serious losses on grapes. In detail, molecular characterization evidenced that BN phytoplasma strains belong to three distinct stamp genotypes (St1, St30, St37), while FD phytoplasma is not present in our country yet. This data will be helpful for further analysis focused on investigating the epidemiology of BN and FD.
Time budgets of Torrent Ducks (Merganetta armata) in the Central Andes of Colombia in relation to precipitation and food availability

ABSTRACT Torrent Ducks (Merganetta armata) inhabit fast-flowing rivers in the Andes. Rainfall causes rivers to swell, increasing water velocity, turbulence, and turbidity. These changes may affect the ducks' foraging ability because of the harsher conditions or alteration of the aquatic macroinvertebrate resource base. We examined the relationship of Torrent Duck time budgets with food availability and rainfall in the central Andes of Colombia. Time spent foraging was not correlated with total macroinvertebrate density but was negatively correlated with density of 4 preferred families. Monthly precipitation was negatively correlated with total macroinvertebrate density but not correlated with the 4 preferred families. Time spent foraging correlated with rainfall the day before. Torrent Duck time budgets result from interactions among several factors: the ducks' foraging tactics, prey type, and river conditions that affect ducks directly, and indirectly through prey availability. Three of the 4 preferred invertebrate families are filter-feeding larvae that adhere to rocks and are therefore less affected by changes in river flow than other prey types. Thus, Torrent Duck foraging time is independent of overall invertebrate abundance but responds strongly to changes in the density of the 4 most-consumed families. Foraging time is also affected by previous-day rainfall, suggesting that increases in water flow or turbidity have a direct effect on the ducks’ foraging efficiency. We conclude that physical conditions of the river habitat impose restrictions on the ducks' activities, both directly and through an indirect interaction with food availability.
Predicting Work Performance: A Paradigm Shift from Organizations Empowerment to Employees Autonomous Strategy

Organizations are pluralistic in terms of size with larger organizations that possess considerable human resources and financial capital than the smaller organizations that have lesser access to such resources. Therefore, employees should try to stimulate their physical and mental energy to enhance their work performance proactively. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of job demands and discretion with the mediation of proactive vitality management towards the work performance of employees. A well-operationalized questionnaire was distributed among the operations managers working in small and medium enterprises in Pakistan. Besides this, to test the model, 350 responses were analyzed; the results reveal that proactive vitality management plays a vital role as a mediator among all three independent variables and work performance. The findings of the current study unveil that in smaller organizations, the employees hold high skill discretion, which helps them to learn new ways, involve in creative activities, and have an opportunity to broaden their level of skill that, in turn, affects their performance positively. This research is novel as it sheds an empirical light to unearth its nuances in small and medium enterprises in the case of developing countries like Pakistan. Since this avenue is underexplored so this research can help the policymakers of and suggests a shift in the focus from the organization “provide it all” to employees “manage it all” perspective to create a synergy that may help improving work performance.
A REVIEW ON PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS FOR AMPUTEES AND DISABLED

This case study gives an overview of the prosthetics and orthotics used on patients for better gait rehabilitation. Many people suffering from various muscular and neurological diseases, lower-limb amputees, elderly are dependent on various prostheses and orthoses for a better quality of life. The review is considered under three categories: above-knee prosthesis, below-knee prosthesis, and orthotics. Each group is divided into its subdivisions with respect to the part of the body it is suspended. This paper reviews the currently available prostheses and orthoses. An analysis of the various designs and materials for each device, as well as the discussion of their limitation, are provided.
An Improved Image Retrieval by Using Texture Color Descriptor with Novel Local Textural Patterns

This paper proposes a new local descriptor of color, texture known as a Median Binary Pattern for color images (MBPC) and Median Binary Pattern of the Hue (MBPH). These suggested methods are extract discriminative features for the color image retrieval. In the surrounding region of a local window, the suggested descriptor classification uses a plane to a threshold that distinguish two classes of color pixels. The Median Binary Patterns of the hue features are derived in the color space from HIS, called MBPH to maximize the discriminatory power of the proposed MBPC operator. In addition to MBPC, MBPH are fused to extract the MBPC+MBPH resulting in an efficient image recovery method combined with color histogram (CH). The structure of the two suggested MBPC and MBPH descriptors are combined with the other fuzzyfied based color histogram descriptor that formed MBPC+MBPH+FCH to improve the performance of the suggested method. The proposed methods are applied on datasets Wang, Corel-5K, and Corel-10K. Experimental results depicted that results of proposed methods are better than existing method in terms of retrieved accuracy. The significant recognition accuracy obtained from the proposed methods which is 60.1 and 63.9 for Wang dataset, 41.88 and 42.47 for Corel-5K and 32.89 and 33.89 for Corel-10K dataset. This hybrid proposed method greatly deals with different textural patterns as well as able to grasp minute color details.
Assessing the Trade-Offs of SPOT7 Imagery for Monitoring Natural Forest Canopy Intactness

Natural and human-induced disturbances influence the biodiversity and functionality of forest ecosystems. Regular, repeated assessments of canopy intactness are essential to map site-specific forest disturbance and recovery patterns, an essential requirement for forest monitoring and management. However, accessibility to images required for this practice, uncertainty around the levels of accuracy achieved with images of different resolution, and the affordability of the practice challenges its application in many developing regions. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of forest gap detection (in subtropical forests) achieved with lower-resolution (SPOT7 5 m) and higher-resolution (SPOT7 1.5 m) pan-sharpened imagery. Additionally, the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) were compared in terms of their ability to increase the accuracy of this detection when used in conjunction with both high and low resolution imagery. Results indicate that the SPOT7 1.5 m imagery produced an overall accuracy of 77.78% and a ϰ coefficient of 0.66 compared with the 69.44% accuracy and the 0.59 ϰ coefficient achieved with the SPOT7 5 m imagery. Computing image texture analysis within the Random Forest classifier (RF) framework increased classification accuracies to 75.00% for the SPOT 5 m and 86.11% for the SPOT7 1.5 m imagery, validating the usefulness of texture analysis. Variable importance was used to identify wavebands and texture-derived variables that were the most effective in discriminating canopy gaps from intact canopy. In this regard, near infrared, NDVI, SAR, contrast, mean, entropy and second moment were the most important. Collectively the results indicate that the approach adopted in this study, i.e., the use of SPOT7 1.5 m imagery in conjunction with image texture analysis and variable importance, can be used to accurately discriminate between canopy gaps and intact canopy, making it a cost-effective spatial approach for monitoring and managing natural forests.
Costs for thinning and final felling operations in Sweden, 2000–2017

ABSTRACT Wood supply is one of the most significant cost items for most forest industries, and costs of forest operations and sale prices of wood is vital information for forest owners. Cost trends between 2000 and 2017 in Swedish forestry is analysed, separately for final felling and thinning, and subdivided into ordinary and salvage operations. Data on costs for operations totalling 821 million m3 harvested roundwood were analysed, both as actual costs and after adjustment for the consumer price index. Adjusted costs for ordinary harvesting operations declined between 2000 and 2007, increased during 2008 and 2009 and have since been relatively constant. Costs of salvage logging operations performed as thinning were 21% higher than ordinary thinning, and when performed as final felling costs were 64% higher than in ordinary final felling. The relative logging cost trends in Sweden and Finland were similar during the period, and there are similarities with the US. However, while logging costs in Sweden and Finland increased in 2008 and 2009, they declined in the US and did not reach the same relative level as in Sweden until 2013. Results can be used for benchmarking logging costs between regions or larger buyers of logging services.
Better Visual Image Super-Resolution with Laplacian Pyramid of Generative Adversarial Networks

: Although there has been a great breakthrough in the accuracy and speed of super-resolution (SR) reconstruction of a single image by using a convolutional neural network, an important problem remains unresolved: how to restore finer texture details during image super-resolution reconstruction? This paper proposes an Enhanced Laplacian Pyramid Generative Adversarial Network (ELSRGAN), based on the Laplacian pyramid to capture the high-frequency details of the image. By combining Laplacian pyramids and generative adversarial networks, progressive reconstruction of super-resolution images can be made, making model applications more flexible. In order to solve the problem of gradient disappearance, we introduce the Residual-in-Residual Dense Block (RRDB) as the basic network unit. Network capacity benefits more from dense connections, is able to capture more visual features with better reconstruction effects, and removes BN layers to increase calculation speed and reduce calculation complexity. In addition, a loss of content driven by perceived similarity is used instead of content loss driven by spatial similarity, thereby enhancing the visual effect of the super-resolution image, making it more consistent with human visual perception. Extensive qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the baseline datasets shows that the proposed algorithm has higher mean-sort-score (MSS) than any state-of-the-art method and has better visual perception.