Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Winter survival of pea, faba bean and white lupin cultivars in contrasting Italian locations and sowing times, and implications for selection

SUMMARY Increasing grain legume yields via autumn sowing requires winter-hardy material. Forty-nine pea, 24 faba bean and 11 white lupin cultivars recently released by 29 breeding institutions worldwide were sown in autumn 2002 at Lodi (northern Italy) and Foggia (southern Italy) on two different dates at each location, with the objective of assessing the winter survival of species and cultivars, its consistency across locations and sowing times, its relationship with grain yield and various morphophysiological traits and the implications for selection. The winter seasons were representative for the sites and had 54 frost days and −7·3°C absolute minimum temperature in Lodi, and 8 frost days and −3·4°C absolute minimum temperature in Foggia. The species differed in optimal sowing time at each location. Mild winter temperatures, preventing a sufficient hardening against late frosts, led to higher proportions of plants killed over winter in Foggia than in Lodi (0·17 v. 0·12 for pea; 0·20 v. 0·16 for faba bean; 0·34 v. 0·11 for lupin). Variation in winter mortality was much larger within species than among species. Winter mortality and grain yield of cultivars were inversely correlated (r=−0·49, −0·43 and −0·74 for entry means over locations of pea, faba bean and lupin, respectively). The consistency across environments of genotype winter mortality, estimated by genetic correlations, was high across sowing times and low across locations for faba bean, moderate across sowing times and fairly low across locations for pea, and always fairly high for lupin. A visual cold tolerance score was always related to better winter survival. Winter survival tended to correlate with larger seeds in faba bean and lupin, and was associated with later flowering in lupin. A rosette-like winter growth habit (defined by lower height/number of leaves ratio of seedlings in January) was correlated with winter survival in all species (after partialling out the influence of seed size in faba bean and lupin). The optimal index of indirect selection for low winter mortality included the cold tolerance score, the seedling height/number of leaves ratio and the seed size for faba bean, the first two of these variables for pea, but only the first variable for lupin. The gain in predicted efficiency over direct selection was high for faba bean (29%) and modest for pea and lupin (⩽10%).
A 10.7b 300MS/s Two-Step Digital-Slope ADC in 65nm CMOS

This article describes a 10.7b 300MS/s two-step digital-slope analog-to-digital converter using an on-chip digital-offset correction. The proposed two-step digital-slope ADC is implemented using a passive track-and-hold followed by the input-polarity comparison and the two-step digital-slope conversion. The polarity of the input signal must be determined to control the level-shifting process and specify the operation polarity of the two-step digital-slope conversion. Besides, the two-step digital-slope conversion shares the unary DAC with different weights, which not only mitigates the resolution issues of the digital-slope quantizer but also converts the residue without requiring gain-error calibration. The two-step digital-slope ADC can be divided into three conversion steps and provide 1-bit, 5.7-bit, and 4-bit resolution for each conversion cycle. The digital-offset correction then encodes the three sets of outputs and subtracts the digital-offset caused by the feedback-process latency of the quantizers. The proposed two-step digital-slope ADC is manufactured using 1P9M 65-nm CMOS technology, and the active area of the prototype is 0.0946 square millimeter. At the Nyquist frequency, the SNDR and SFDR measured at 1.2 V, and 300 MS/s are 60.72 dB and 70.05 dB, respectively. With the power consumption of 6.2mW, the corresponding Walden FoM is 23.3 fJ/conversion-step.
An Edge Computing Node Deployment Method Based on Improved k-Means Clustering Algorithm for Smart Manufacturing

With the rapid development of the mobile Internet, Industrial Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, and the emergence of edge computing has provided an opportunity to realize the high computing performance and low latency of intelligent devices in the smart manufacturing environment. In this paper, we propose and verify an edge computing node deployment method for smart manufacturing. First, the architecture of a smart manufacturing system used for implementing the edge computing node deployment methods is presented. Then, comprehensively balancing the network delay and computing resources deployment cost, and considering the influence of device spatial distribution, device function, and computing capacity of edge nodes on the above optimization objectives, the optimal deployment number of edge computing nodes is obtained by using an improved k-means clustering algorithm. Finally, a prototype platform is developed to verify the proposed method experimentally, and compare the improved k-means clustering deployment method, k-means clustering deployment method, and random deployment method. The proposed method is superior to the other two methods regarding both network delay and computing resources deployment cost. The experimental results show that the proposed edge computing node deployment method can be easily applied to the intelligent manufacturing system; also, the effectiveness and efficiency of this method are verified.
HDDP: Hybrid Domain Discovery Protocol for Heterogeneous Devices in SDN

Computer networks are adopting the new Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architecture, however not all devices can support it, mainly due to power and computational constraints. This letter proposes the Hybrid Domain Discovery Protocol (HDDP), a new discovery protocol that enhances the existing OpenFlow Discovery Protocol (OFDP). HDDP allows the discovery of hybrid network topologies composed of both SDN and non-SDN devices, which no other state-of-the-art protocol can achieve. HDDP has been implemented in a software switch and emulated in diverse networks, where it discovers hybrid topologies by using a number of messages similar to competitors, as they only discover SDN devices.
Printing electronics directly onto carbon fiber composites: unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) wings with integrated heater for de-icing

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used to deliver items and gather information in remote areas. As a result, UAVs suffer from ice accumulation on their wings, which drastically affects their flight. However, the UAV industry is still relatively young and, thus, commercial solutions for de-icing on UAVs are limited. The use of carbon fiber composites is becoming increasingly ubiquitous for UAVs as well as many other industries such as military, construction, medical, automobile, sporting goods and aircraft systems. Carbon fiber is commercially available in various forms, including single yarns, braids and weaves, which are similar to traditional textiles. This paper presents a method to create a self-heating composite structure that can be integrated into UAV wings for de-icing by exploiting the thermal and electrical conductivity of carbon fiber. Extrusion printing is used to fabricate electrical contacts directly on the carbon fiber weave. Extrusion printing on textiles faces multiple challenges that are overcome in this paper. A method is presented to extrusion print conductive paste on textiles. Specifically, carbon fiber weaves. This manufacturing method is employed to fabricate carbon fiber-based heating devices, and they are characterized electrically and thermally.
Fixed and Random Contemporary Groups

Abstract For genetic evaluation of dairy cattle, contemporary group sizes are often small, and information is lost when contemporary groups are treated as fixed. Treating contemporary groups as random recovers some information across contemporary groups but may cause bias in prediction of breeding values if a nonrandom association exists between sires and contemporary groups. Results from a recent study indicated that treating contemporary groups as random gave consistently higher correlations between true and predicted breeding values, in particular when a positive association existed between contemporary group and sire effects. The present study shows that those results cannot be generalized based on correlations between true and predicted breeding values and on biases in breeding values for random and nonrandom association between sires and contemporary groups. For nonrandom association, the 50% best sires were assumed to be associated with half of the contemporary groups. If the best sires were used in the best contemporary groups, accuracies were higher when contemporary groups were treated as random effects (called the random model) than when contemporary groups were treated as fixed effects (fixed model) because of a reduced bias and a larger number of effective progeny. However, if the best sires were only represented in the worst contemporary groups, the correlation between true and predicted breeding values for the random model could become negative. If a nonrandom association exists between sires and contemporary groups, the groups should be treated as fixed effects for practical genetic evaluations.
Nutritional value of the non-protein N that accumulates during growth of proteinase-positive strains of Lactococcus lactis in milk for dairy lactococcal and leuconostoc isolates

To estimate the suitability of cultured milk for the subsequent growth of dairy lactic acid bacteria in cheese manufacturing, control milk was first cultured until the end of the exponential phase with one of four proteolytic (Prt+) strains of Lactococcus lactis differing in their proteolytic enzymes, and pasteurized after readjusting the pH to its initial value. Nineteen non-proteolytic (Prt−) strains of Lc. lactis and nine Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains of dairy origin were then grown in the precultured milk until the stationary phase and their growth was compared with that in control milk. Despite the accumulation of non-protein N (NPN) during preculture, the growth of most Prt− strains of Lc. lactis in precultured milk was either reduced or unchanged whereas that of Ln. mesenteroides strains was unchanged or slightly stimulated. This reduction in growth was reversed by adding an NPN source to precultured milk, indicating that it was due to the exhaustion of assimilable NPN in precultured milk. Thus, preculturing milk with Prt+ strains of Lc. lactis could not be recommended for promoting the subsequent growth of starter cultures in cheese manufacturing.
A Cooperative Vehicle Intelligence for Smart Transport Services

Smart transport services seek to optimize the interaction between the vehicle and infrastructure for achieving high standards of protection, ease, and efficiency in-vehicle communication. To resolve the contradictions between the increasing need for wireless technologies for vehicles and the scarcity of spectrum capacity, short lifetime and bandwidth availability,and also to take advantage of emerging innovations in increasing traffic safety and productivity in smart transport services. a new cognitive radio (CR) and effective vehicle interaction spectrum management are needed. Therefore, a framework model for cooperative centralized and decentralized Spectrum bandwidth sensing in-vehicle networks is proposed to demonstrate the value of spectral efficiency. The designed architecture eliminates both spectral depletion and high mobility challenges. Besides, comprehensive analysis is carried out to measure the likelihood of energy optimization, link breakdown, and traffic regulation in Smart transport services.
Development and infectivity of the procercoid of Triaenophorus crassus Forel and mortality of the first intermediate host

Mortality of Cyclops bicuspidatus thomasi infected with the procercoid of Triaenophorus crassus was assessed and factors influencing the infectivity of the procercoid to the second intermediate host were evaluated. Over 80% of C. b. thomasi infected with T. crassus died after 28 days, and there was a bimodal pattern to cyclopid mortality. A decrease in the mean intensity over time indicated that this mortality was related to parasite numbers. The frequency of T. crassus in C. b. thomasi after 28 days fitted the negative binomial distribution. A higher proportion of lightly infected cyclopids at this time resulted from mortality of heavily infected hosts. Female cyclopids had larger procercoids than males, but the ratio of differentiated to undifferentiated procercoids did not vary between sexes. Procercoid size was smaller and the proportion of differentiated procercoids decreased with increasing intensities of infection. Exposure of laboratory-reared whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis, and cisco, Coregonu.
AutoTuning Environment for Static Obstacle Avoidance Methods Applied to USVs

This work is focused on reactive Static Obstacle Avoidance (SOA) methods used to increase the autonomy of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). Currently, there are multiple approaches to avoid obstacles, which can be applied to different types of USV. In order to assist in the choice of the SOA method for a particular vessel and to accelerate the pretuning process necessary for its implementation, this paper proposes a new AutoTuning Environment for Static Obstacle Avoidance (ATESOA) methods applied to USVs. In this environment, a new simplified modelling of a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) sensor is proposed based on numerical simulations. This sensor model provides a realistic environment for the tuning of SOA methods that, due to its low load computation, is used by evolutionary algorithms for the autotuning. In order to analyze the proposed ATESOA, three SOA methods were adapted and implemented to consider the measurements given by the LIDAR model. Furthermore, a mathematical model is proposed and evaluated for using as USV in the simulation enviroment. The results obtained in numerical simulations show how the new ATESOA is able to adjust the SOA methods in scenarios with different obstacle distributions.
Finite-Time Fault-Tolerant Control for a Robot Manipulator Based on Synchronous Terminal Sliding Mode Control

In this paper, two finite-time active fault-tolerant controllers for a robot manipulator, which combine a synchronous terminal sliding mode control with an extended state observer, are proposed. First, an extended state observer is adopted to estimate the lumped uncertainties, disturbances, and faults. The estimation information is used to compensate the controller designed in the following step. We present an active fault-tolerant control with finite-time synchronous terminal sliding mode control, largely based on a novel finite-time synchronization error and coupling position error. We also present an active fault-tolerant control that does not use a coupling position error. By using synchronization control, the position error at each joint can simultaneously approach toward zero and toward equality, which may reduce the picking phenomenon associated with the active fault-tolerant controller strategy. Finally, simulation and experimental results for a three degree-of-freedom robot manipulator verify the effectiveness of the two proposed active fault-tolerant controllers.
Co-experience, co-production and co-governance: an ecosystem approach to the analysis of value creation

This conceptual article explores the interplay between the participation of service users and third sector organisations and the related implications for value creation. It draws on public service logic, which uses value as a lens through which to view public service delivery and presents an ecosystem perspective to understand the interconnectivity and complexity of value creation. To illustrate the conceptual discussion, a contextual case study of the Scottish Social Security Agency and its services is presented. The analysis demonstrates that value creation is enabled and constrained by the congruence of goals among actors, the strategic direction and a participatory approach that combines ‘lived experience’ with expertise. The article adds to theory by understanding value creation from a systemic perspective, emphasising the interplay of participative processes and the wider societal context. For policy and practice, it suggests a change in how value is articulated, promised, created and measured.
Taxonomic reassessment of Parasesarma (Crustacea: Brachyura: Decapoda: Sesarmidae) based on genetic and morphological comparisons, with the description of a new genus

Parasesarma is a species-rich genus whose representatives are common in wetlands and mangroves of the IndoPacific. Morphologically, the genus is heterogeneous and has been postulated to constitute a polyphyletic taxon. In the present study, most species of Parasesarma are re-evaluated phylogenetically, using mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers. The results show that the majority of the examined species cluster consistently with the type species Parasesarma plicatum. However, some species, among them the tree-climbing Parasesarma leptosoma, are clearly separated from this main clade of Parasesarma, forming a second stable monophyletic group, distinct from other known genera. Based on these results, and with additional support by morphological diagnoses highlighting consistent differences between the two species groups, we propose a new genus for the species clustering around P. leptosoma, proposing the new name Leptarma gen. nov.
Distributions of the Ratio and Product of Two Independent Weibull and Lindley Random Variables

In this paper, we derive the cumulative distribution functions (CDF) and probability density functions (PDF) of the ratio and product of two independent Weibull and Lindley random variables. The moment generating functions (MGF) and the k -moment are driven from the ratio and product cases. In these derivations, we use some special functions, for instance, generalized hypergeometric functions, confluent hypergeometric functions, and the parabolic cylinder functions. Finally, we draw the PDF and CDF in many values of the parameters.
Caching With Finite Buffer and Request Delay Information: A Markov Decision Process Approach

Edge caching has become a promising technology in future wireless networks owing to its remarkable ability to reduce peak data traffic. However, the storage resource can be limited in practice hence only a small amount of files can be cached. How to improve the cache hit ratio in finite-buffer caching based on the prediction of user demands has become an important problem. In this paper, we study caching policies with finite buffer by exploiting the prediction of a user’s request time, referred to as request delay information (RDI). Based on RDI, we maximize the average cache hit ratio through a Markov decision process (MDP) approach. Specifically, we formulate an MDP problem and apply a modified value iteration algorithm to find an optimal caching policy. Moreover, we provide an upper bound and a lower bound for the cache hit ratio, as well as an analytical cache hit ratio with small buffers. To address the issue that the state space can be prohibitively large in practice, we present a low-complexity heuristic caching policy that is shown to be asymptotically optimal. Simulation results show that introducing RDI may bring significant cache hit ratio gain when the buffer size is limited.
Assessing the Effect of Crown Slope on Treetops Identification Using LiDAR Canopy Height Model (CHM) and Digital Surface Model (DSM) in a Complex Topography of Tropical Rainforest

Canopy Height Model (CHM) derived from Airborne LiDAR Scanning (ALS) is used for analyzing forest structure which are required the identification of forest stand and its attributes. One of the impacts that can be affected the identification of treetop CHM are crown characteristics such as crown slope. There are only a few studies about the crown slope effect on treetop identification using CHM in tropical rainforest. This paper presents about assessing the impact of crown slope on treetops identification using LiDAR CHM and digital surface model (DSM) in a complex topography of tropical rainforest. The treetop and crown of trees are produced by a Forest tool developed in Rstudio programme which are the ALS surfaces such as CHM and DSM are the main input used in this processing step. The treetop displacements with the crown slope effect in tropical rainforest is quantified and these effect will be assessed using algorithm [D V = D H (tan ϴ - tanψ)] in order to improve the previous algorithm [D V = R (sec ϴ - 1)]. Ground data at the field are observed to evaluate the quality of ALS surfaces in producing accurate information of the forest canopy height. The result shows a positive correlation between height of treetops CHM and DSM (r 2 = 0.996, tstat<tcrit). Based on the previous algorithm that involved only terrain slope ( ϴ ), horizontal displacement (D H ) between CHM and DSM treetops was highly correlated with vertical displacement, D V (r2=0.808). However, D V of treetops using ϴ and crown angle (ψ) shows better correlation (r 2 =0.924) compared to D V of treetops using ϴ alone (r 2 = 0.720). Therefore, the error determined by involving the crown slope must be considered in CHM analysis before the height information derived by CHM can be used in a forestry application.
Chromosome number and chromosome variation in embryos of Evechinus chloroticus (Echinoidea: Echinometridae): Is there conservation of chromosome number in the Phylum Echinodermata? New findings and a brief review

Summary The recent publication of the genome sequence of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, has highlighted the deficiency of information about the cytogenetics of echinoderms. As the issue of numerical variation and chromosome stability in echinoderms has long been a source of dispute, the hypothesis of chromosomal stability needs to be tested with a wider range of species from diverse regions of the world. Here we have compiled a table of published echinoderm chromosome numbers and provide new data from the southern hemisphere echinoid species, Evechinus chloroticus. Analysis of E. chloroticus embryos taken from six different male-female urchin pairs showed a modal chromosome count of 2n = 42, as predicted by the chromosome stability hypothesis. However, a high degree of chromosomal variation was observed between individuals, with chromosome numbers ranging from 17 to 80. While there was no significant difference in mean chromosome number between all six parental combinations, there was a significant defference in mean chromosome number between embryos taken from two different urchin pairs for which intraembryo analysis was possible. These results indicate that extensive chromosomal variation can arise within embryos, and may also differ between individual urchin pairs. However, the extent to which methodological issues may contribute to the observed variation is unclear, and further research will be required to determine whether such variability is present within natural populations.
Super dense coding in one-axis twisting model

We study thermal superdense coding in a two-spin model under an external magnetic field. Its dependencies on magnetic field, strength of the spin squeezing and temperature are presented in detail. Our main goal now is to study how we can increase the thermal superdense coding capacity in the presence of magnetic field, strength of the spin squeezing and temperature. It shows that the dense coding tends to a valid value by setting the value of input quantum correlations. Our most important motivation for this study is to examine the relationship between the thermal properties of super quantum discord (SQD) and dense coding. The results show that the thermal properties of the SQD on our channel enable us to determine when and under what conditions the system is suitable for valid dense coding. Our proposals could be lead to that this scheme is efficient for quantum information processing.