Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
POPULATION GENETICS OF INVASIVE WEED MIMOSA PIGRA L. (MIMOSOIDEAE) IN THAILAND

Mimosa pigra L. is widely considered one of the 100 worst invasive species. Native to tropical America this species is now distributed worldwide where it causes severe impact in many regions. Population genetic data could provide important information for management of this species yet to date such study is lacking. The objectives of this effort include assessment of levels of genetic variation and genetic structure of M. pigra in Thailand using RAPD markers. Samples were collected from 11 populations throughout Thailand. Relatively high levels of genetic variation within populations were revealed, suggesting a lack of substantial population bottlenecks. The overall FST value of 0.271 (p<0.001) indicated considerable level of population genetic structure. UGPMA dendrogram indicate three lineages of M. pigra in Thailand. Principal coordinate analysis suggests that populations are not grouping according to geographic origin. Together, the results suggest that patterns of genetic variation and genetic structure are likely due to multiple
Effects of dehulling maize grains and treatment with Chemical additives on the levels of aflatoxins during Muthokoi making and preparation

Exposure of human populations to acute or sub-acute levels of aflatoxins in contaminated maize and maize products is a major food safety concern in Kenya, particularly among the Kamba community In an attempt to address this concern, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of dehulling and treatment of maize grains with chemical additives on the levels of aflatoxins in naturally contaminated maize during the traditional muthokoi making and preparation process Seventy-two (72) samples of maize contaminated with aflatoxins to varying levels were taken from naturally contaminated lots sampled from Makueni, Kitui and Machakos Districts during an aflatoxicosis outbreak In the first part of the study, 48 of these samples were each de-hulled separately by pounding in a wooden mortar accompanied by intermittent wetting of the grain with either distilled water, or 1 % (w/v) solution of iali (a local alkaline mineral salt traditionally used as a cooking aid), or 1 % (v/v) sodium hypochlorite or 1 % (w/v) ammonium persulphate. For each dehulling trial, the whole-grain maize sample, muthokoi and by-product, were analysed for aflatoxin levels, total mould counts and Aspergillus flavus counts. Aflatoxin reduction was calculated from the difference between aflatoxin levels in whole-grain maize and aflatoxin levels in muthokoi expressed as a percentage of the aflatoxin levels in whole-grain maize. In the second part of the study, samples of dehulled and whole-grain maize were treated with iali, by soaking in graded solutions of the salt at room temperature for 6 and 12 hours The effect of this salt on the levels of aflatoxins was compared with that of sodium hypochlorite and ammonium persulphate, chemical additives that have already been reported to degrade aflatoxins under similar conditions Other samples o f dehulled and whole-grain maize were boiled in dilute solutions o f iali.
High-Efficiency Convolutional Ternary Neural Networks with Custom Adder Trees and Weight Compression

Although performing inference with artificial neural networks (ANN) was until quite recently considered as essentially compute intensive, the emergence of deep neural networks coupled with the evolution of the integration technology transformed inference into a memory bound problem. This ascertainment being established, many works have lately focused on minimizing memory accesses, either by enforcing and exploiting sparsity on weights or by using few bits for representing activations and weights, to be able to use ANNs inference in embedded devices. In this work, we detail an architecture dedicated to inference using ternary {−1, 0, 1} weights and activations. This architecture is configurable at design time to provide throughput vs. power trade-offs to choose from. It is also generic in the sense that it uses information drawn for the target technologies (memory geometries and cost, number of available cuts, etc.) to adapt at best to the FPGA resources. This allows to achieve up to 5.2k frames per second per Watt for classification on a VC709 board using approximately half of the resources of the FPGA.
What went wrong? A critical reflection on educator midwives' inability to transfer education knowledge

As part of a competency-based curriculum development exercise, educator midwives were required to apply the design principles of constructivism, constructive alignment, scaffolding and authenticity in the development of teaching and learning material for a newly approved curriculum. Through action research cycles, the facilitators and educator midwives reflected on possible reasons why they struggled to apply the mentioned principles in developing learning activities for students. The unit of analysis comprised the reflections of facilitators and 12 educator midwives. Ten of the 12 educator midwives were older than 40 years and all had qualifications and experience in midwifery and education. The action–reflection cycles contributed to improvement in the quality of the learning activities but application of the scaffolding principle remained a challenge. Failure of the educator midwives to transfer their learning raised concerns about their ability to facilitate deep learning. Considering the age of the group and the ingrained rote memorisation characteristic of education methods during their training made curriculum drift a real threat. Educator midwives struggled to integrate education knowledge into educational practice. Nursing schools that are in the process of changing their teaching paradigm may find this article useful to identify possible challenges and suggested solutions.
Design requirements for generating deceptive content to protect document repositories

For nearly 30 years, fake digital documents have been used to identify external intruders and malicious insider threats. Unfortunately, while fake files hold potential to assist in data theft detection, there is little evidence of their application outside of niche organisations and academic institutions. The barrier to wider adoption appears to be the difficulty in constructing deceptive content. The current generation of solutions principally: (1) use unrealistic random data; (2) output heavily formatted or specialised content, that is difficult to apply to other environments; (3) require users to manually build the content, which is not scalable, or (4) employ an existing production file, which creates a protection paradox. This paper introduces a set of requirements for generating automated fake file content: (1) enticing, (2) realistic, (3) minimise disruption, (4) adaptive, (5) scalable protective coverage, (6) minimise sensitive artefacts and copyright infringement, and (7) contain no distinguishable characteristics. These requirements have been drawn from literature on natural science, magical performances, human deceit, military operations, intrusion detection and previous fake file solutions. These requirements guide the design of an automated fake file content construction system, providing an opportunity for the next generation of solutions to find greater commercial application and widespread adoption.
Complementary terrain/single beacon-based AUV navigation

Abstract This paper describes work done towards the development of advanced geophysical-based navigation systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The specific problem that we tackle is that of combining terrain-aided navigation (TAN) with single-beacon navigation (SBN) techniques. The resulting complementary TAN/SBN system has the potential to overcome some of the problems that arise with TAN navigation only, when an AUV undergoes motions that lead it temporarily across areas where the terrain below is not sufficiently “rich” in terms of topographic features. The key contribution of this paper is a formal analysis of the benefits of using complementary filtering, in opposition to TAN navigation only. To this effect, we exploit key tools of estimation theory, and in particular the Cramer-Rao lower bound inequality to obtain a lower bound on the minimum covariance of the estimation error that can be obtained with any unbiased estimator. For a real terrain profile we compute and compare the Cramer-Rao lower bounds for TAN only and TA/SB-based navigation. The increase in the expected performance that can be achieved with the second solution is clearly visible. The efficacy of the new solution proposed is illustrated with the help of computer simulations.
IRRIGATION WITH SALINE WATER AND NITROGEN IN PRODUCTION COMPONENTS AND YIELD OF SUNFLOWER

Due to the quantitative and qualitative limitation of water resources, saline water irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilisation can contribute positively to the expansion of sunflower cultivation in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate production components and yield of sunflower, cv. „Embrapa 122-V2000‟, irrigated with waters of different salinity levels (electrical conductivity – ECw) and fertilised with varying amounts of N in a field experiment in an eutrophic Quartzarenic Neosol from November 2012 to February 2013. The experiment was performed in a completely randomised block design in split plots, in a 5 x 4 factorial scheme, which corresponded to five ECw levels (0.15, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 dS m) and four N levels (60, 80, 100 and 120 kg ha), with three replicates and 30 plants per plot. The interaction between water salinity levels and N did not have significant effects on the studied variables; irrigation water salinity had isolated negative effects on the total number of achenes, number of viable achenes, productivity and oil yield of achenes. The increase in N levels stimulated the total number and the number of viable achenes, the mass of 1,000 achenes, capitulum diameter and productivity of achenes of sunflower, cv. „Embrapa 122-V2000‟, but had no effect on the oil content of achenes. N levels of up to 100 kg ha promoted adequate oil content in the achenes of sunflower, cv „Embrapa 122-V2000‟.
Disentangling spatio-temporal processes in a hierarchical system: a case study in fisheries discards

In the last decade, various spatial and temporal methodologies were developed to investigate the processes that drive ecological and evolutionary patterns. However, these methods frequently fail to acknowledge that the observed patterns result from the overlap of different underlying processes. In order to understand how the patterns are formed, we must have recourse to methods that allow us to disentangle these simultaneous processes. Here we develop a hierarchical spatial predictive process (PP) combined with a separable temporal PP to disentangle and describe those overlapping processes in one very frequent setting in ecology and evolution: multilevel spatio-temporally indexed data. We present our methodology through a case study of fisheries discards and investigate for example whether the inclusion of the hierarchical structure and the temporal processes of the system alter the observed spatial patterns. Recently it is recognized that understanding the processes driving discards is essential to sustainably manage and conserve marine resources. The results show that consideration of multiple underlying processes dramatically changes the pattern and characteristics of the discards hot- and coldspots. In the Irish Sea, the inclusion of the hierarchical structure of the system leads to the reduction of the hot- and coldspots. Simultaneously, our model identifies key bi-annual fluctuations in the temporal process which, together with the variance associated at the level of individual fishing trips in the hierarchical structure of the data explained most of the variance driving discards. Whether the hierarchical, spatial and temporal processes are considered together or not can profoundly alter our understanding of what constitutes an appropriate mitigation measure. Misidentification of hotspots can culminate in inappropriate mitigation practices which can sometimes be irreversible. As the proposed method offers a unified approach for understanding the processes that drive observed patterns, many areas in ecology such as conservation and epidemiological studies can benefit from its use, increasing the effectiveness of management plans.
Self-Directed Learning in Trial FutureLearn courses

Self-Directed Learning (SDL) in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) is gaining interest, as online learning is increasingly learner-centred and autonomous. Most SDL research starts from the premise that SDL happens more frequently in connectivism MOOC (cMOOC) than in the more instructor-led MOOCs. In this study the authors look at SDL experiences from learners enrolled in two MOOC courses during the early trials of the FutureLearn platform. The meaning and experiences of the phenomenon of being enrolled as a learner in FutureLearn was gathered through various research instruments (online survey, learning logs, one-on-one interviews). The resulting data was collected pre-, during, and post- course. The key categories for each sub-question of the research are shared in the results and analysis section. This study concluded that SDL is indeed taking place in FutureLearn courses, which points towards SDL happening beyond the connectivist MOOCs.
Satisfaction among U . S . Faculty Members ’ Intent to Stay in Tier 1 or Tier 2 Organizations : A Structural Equation Model

All faculties in higher education are expected to be effective in their teaching and service activities. However, faculty in Tier 1 and Tier 2 academic organizations are further pressed to demonstrate productivity as researchers. The diverse demands of these faculty call attention to how they really view their work lives. Thus, we investigated the influence of perceptions of organizational processes and organizational support on work related factors among a national sample of faculty from different disciplines in Tier 1 and Tier 2 academic organizations. Participants were 539 faculty employees at academic organizations across the U.S. We used structural equation modeling to examine the direct effects of the aforementioned exogenous latent variables on various aspects of the academe and faculty members’ intent to stay in the academic organization. Further, we explored whether characteristics of the organization mediated the structural relations among organizational processes and support and intent to stay. Results revealed organizational support and processes to have direct effects on several of the factors within the academe, including intent to stay. Additionally, research expertise, workload, and satisfaction with work partially mediated the structural relations among organizational processes and support and intent to stay. Implications for organizational behavior and practice are also discussed.
Genetic diversity and demographic evolution of baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Bombacoideae, Malvaceae) populations in Senegalese Sahelian areas

This study evaluated the spatial genetic structure of baobab ( Adansonia digitata L.) populations from three agroecological sites located in sahelian zone of Senegal using ITS1 , 5.8S rDNA and ITS2 gene sequences. To determine the extent of isolation, gene sequences were analyzed between and among three sahelian baobab populations. At least 25 haplotypes of baobab ( A. digitata L.) were revealed in Senegal (6, 9 and 10, respectively in Dakar, Bandia and Widou Thiengoly). Private haplotypes found in each locality show that there is an adaptation of the plant to environmental conditions prevailing in each site. Indeed, nucleotide diversity was more important in Dakar (0.00527); it ranges from 0.00483 to 0.00060 for Bandia and Widou populations, respectively. Curves of mismatch distribution show that the population of Ferlo has undergone a recent demographic expansion. Although Bandia and Dakar populations were polyphyletic; each shows a balanced expansion. Fst values ranging from 0.62946 to 0.90712 correlates a strong genetic differentiation between sites. A correlation between geographic and genetic distances was not highlighted by the Mantel’s test but phylogenetic trees of maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference have assigned two clades demonstrating that population of Ferlo (Widou) form a different ecotype from those of Bandia and Dakar. Keywords: ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, Adansonia digitata , haplotype, genetic diversity, demographic evolution African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(38), pp. 5627-5639
“I Want to be More Perfect Than Others”: a Case of ESL Motivation.

Language learning motivation is an important concept in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research as it has been significantly linked to achievement. Theoretically, the concept of motivation has moved from being viewed as a static learner trait to a complex, dynamic factor that changes over time. This paper reports on a single case study of a female Indonesian language learner; specifically the change in her language learning behaviours and motivation over the course of learning English from adolescence to adulthood and international postgraduate study. This paper will draw on Ryan and Deci‟s (2000) self-determination framework to describe changes in the learner‟s motivation including, at different times, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. This case study contributes to understanding of an important individual learner variable that impacts on second language learning. Motivation in language learning has been a strong area of research interest for the past four decades and it has proved to have an important impact on learning success in both classroom and naturalistic learning environments. Second language learning is a challenging cognitive, affective and social undertaking where learners acquire a new system of communication within the context of complex and dynamic language learning environments. Motivation provides the impetus to undertake and engage with language learning opportunities which in turn determine the rate and success of second language learning. Indeed, a strong correlation between motivation and achievement has been shown (Masgoret & Gardner 2003). However, motivation is a complex, multi-faceted construct and the conceptualisation of motivation is still being shaped and redefined as it is applied to different groups of learners. Recent work such as Csizer et. al (2010) emphasises the dynamic nature of motivation. “Motivation not only changes through the different phases of language learning, but it can also fluctuate within a relatively short time interval due to the influence of external and internal factors” (Csizer et. al 2010, p473). While many studies have examined motivation as a learner trait at one point in time (e.g. Chen et. al. 2005, Bernaus & Gardner 2008, Dornyei & Kormos 2000), few studies (e.g. Dornyei & Csizer 2002 & Gao 2008) have examined changes in motivation over time. Additionally, a body of work has emerged which examines situated, specific motives in order to understand specific learners‟ behaviours (Chen et. al. 2005, Dornyei & Kormos 2000, Sayadian & Lashkarian 2010) even though some studies in the area of motivation have intentionally limited
HTN planning for information processing tasks

This paper discusses the problem of integrated planning and execution for tasks that involve the consumption, production and alteration of relational information. Unlike information retrieval problems, the information processing domain requires explicit modelling of the changing information state of the domain and how the validity of resources changes as actions are performed. A solution to this problem is presented in the form of a specialised hierarchical task network planning model. A distinction is made between the information processing effects of an action (modelled in terms of constraints relating the domain information before and after the action) and the actions’ preconditions and effects which are expressed in terms of required, produced and invalidated resources. The information flow between tasks is explicitly represented in methods and plans, including any required information-combining operations such as selection and union. The paper presents the semantics of this model and discusses implementation issues arising from the extension of an existing HTN planner (SHOP) to support this model of planning.
Using Proportional-Integral-Differential approach for Dynamic Traffic Prediction in Wireless Network-on-Chip

The massive integration of cores in multi-core system has enabled chip designer to design systems while meeting the power-performance demands of the applications. Wireless interconnection has emerged as an energy efficient solution to the challenges of multi-hop communication over the wireline paths in conventional Networks-onChips (NoCs). However, to ensure the full benefits of this novel interconnect technology, design of simple, fair and efficient Medium Access Control (MAC) mechanism to grant access to the on-chip wireless communication channel is needed. Moreover, to adapt to the varying traffic demands from the applications running on a multicore environment, MAC mechanisms should dynamically adjust the transmission slots of the wireless interfaces (WIs). To ensure an efficient utilization of the wireless medium in a Wireless NoC (WiNoC), in this work we present the design of prediction model that is used by two dynamic MAC mechanism to predict the traffic demand of the WIs and respond accordingly by adjusting transmission slots of the WIs. Through system level simulations, we show that the traffic aware MAC mechanisms are more energy efficient as well as capable of sustaining higher data bandwidth in WiNoCs.
The ever increasing diversity of begomoviruses infecting non‐cultivated hosts: new species from Sida spp. and Leonurus sibiricus, plus two New World alphasatellites

Begomoviruses (whitefly-transmitted, single-stranded DNA plant viruses) are among the most damaging pathogens causing epidemics in economically important crops worldwide. Besides cultivated plants, many weed and wild hosts act as virus reservoirs where recombination may occur, resulting in new species. The aim of this study was to further characterise the diversity of begomoviruses infecting two major weed genera, Sida and Leonurus. Total DNA was extracted from samples collected in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Parana and Mato Grosso do Sul during the years 2009–2011. Viral genomes were enriched by rolling circle amplification (RCA), linearised into unit length genomes using various restriction enzymes, cloned and sequenced. A total of 78 clones were obtained: 37 clones from Sida spp. plants and 41 clones from Leonurus sibiricus plants. Sequence analysis indicated the presence of six bipartite begomovirus species and two alphasatellites. In Sida spp. plants we found Sida micrantha mosaic virus (SiMMV), Euphorbia yellow mosaic virus (EuYMV), and three isolates that represent new species, for which the following names are proposed: Sida chlorotic mottle virus (SiCMoV), Sida bright yellow mosaic virus (SiBYMV) and Sida golden yellow spot virus (SiGYSV), an Old World-like begomovirus. L. sibiricus plants had a lower diversity of begomoviruses compared to Sida spp. , with only Tomato yellow spot virus (ToYSV) and EuYMV (for the first time detected infecting plants of the genus Leonurus) detected. Two satellite DNA molecules were found: Euphorbia yellow mosaic alphasatellite, for the first time detected infecting plants of the genus Sida, and a new alphasatellite associated with ToYSV in L. sibiricus. These results constitute further evidence of the high species diversity of begomoviruses in non-cultivated hosts, particularly Sida spp.
Fat measurement by CT in pre- and post-menopausal patients with breast cancer

Poster: "ECR 2011 / C-0729 / Fat measurement by CT in pre- and post-menopausal patients with breast cancer" by: "M. SATO1, T. Ogura2, T. TAKAGI1, K. OBUCHI1, A. Toukairinn2, T. Okazaki2, K. Shimokawa2, E. Sakumoto2, K. Doi2; 1Ota/JP, 2Maebashi/JP"