Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring mule deer diet quality and intake with fecal indices.

Few studies have evaluated fecal indices for monitoring diet quality and intake of North American deer. We conducted 11 digestion trials with black-tailed (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus Richardson) and mule deer (O. h. hemionus Rafinesque) to examine relationships between several chemical constituents of deer feces (i.e., fecal nitrogen, fecal 2,6-diaminopimelic acid (DAPA), fecal neutral detergent fiber (NDF), fecal acid detergent fiber, and fecal acid detergent lignin) and dry matter intake, digestible energy, digestible energy intake, diet crude protein content, crude protein digestibility, and digestible crude protein intake. We developed regression equations to predict diet quality and intake and also evaluated 2 alternative methods (organic matter basis and neutral detergent fiber (ndf) basis) for quantifying fecal indices. Concentrations of DAPA, fecal NDF, and fecal N were the most precise for estimating diet quality and intake. Extracts from 5 of 11 diets precipitated only small amounts of protein and influence of tannins on protein digestion probably was slight. Quantifying fecal indices per unit organic matter and neutral detergent fiber in the feces was comparable to the standard dry matter basis and under some field conditions should improve their predictive ability. We believe our best equations are suitable for management purposes where diets are similar and intake and quality are believed to be within the ranges we documented.
Regime Vulnerability and the Diversionary Threat of Force

In this article, I move beyond prior efforts to explore the relationship between the risk of a coup and international conflict by considering alternatives that leaders can utilize to strengthen their regimes. I offer two theoretical expectations. First, I theorize that leaders lose the incentive and ability to use diversion when the structural coup-proofing apparatus is strengthened. Second, I expect military finances to lead to disparate behavior when considering regime type. Autocrats are expected to use military funds to provide private incentives to the armed forces, largely in the form of allowances. Democracies, in contrast, will be required to use expenditures to promote the public good of national security due to the transparency of their regimes. Autocrats are expected to lose the incentive to use diversion as the financial endowment of their militaries increase, while democracies will continue to show a diversionary trend due to their increased military capabilities. The theory is tested using global data from 1962 to 2000, with the findings strongly supporting the theory.
Girls in India: poverty location and social disparities.

This chapter reviews girls enrollment and achievement as well as the key factors contributing to gender and social gaps in India. It asks several questions: What are the barriers to girls education? What accounts| for the progress in narrowing gender and social gaps in enrollment and achievement in primary education (grades 1-8)? How large are the gender and social disparities in access to secondary education (grades 9-10)? Are some girls more vulnerable than others during the transition to secondary education? What determines achievement in secondary education? The chapter draws on four datasets: the governments National Sample Surveys the National Health and Family Surveys the Sixth and Seventh All India Education Surveys and two surveys of government and private secondary schools in Rajasthan and Orissa conducted by the authors in 2005. It also draws on the literature on Indian education and the Ministry of Human Resource Developments Selected Education Statistics and Analysis of Budgeted Expenditure on Education. The chapter begins by reviewing girls enrollment and achievement in primary school. It then describes gender and social gaps in access to secondary education and explores the reasons for the disparities. Next it examines gender and social gaps in secondary certificate examination pass rates across states. It assesses the determinants of achievement in Rajasthan and Orissa and their policy implications. The last section suggests broader conclusions and policy implications. (excerpt)
3D Numerical Analysis for Impedance Calculation and High Performance Consideration of Linear Induction Motor for Rail-guided Transportation

In this paper, the authors describe the method of calculating the impedance of Linear Induction Motor (LIM) for railguided transportation using magnetic vector potential that can be obtained from three-dimensional numerical analysis. Based on this method, high performance and power saving for some models of current research trends in LIM concerning the mechanical clearance and secondary reaction plate construction are discussed.
3ks Specific Impulse with a ns-pulse Laser Microthruster

Abstract : Photonics developed a prototype device which demonstrated the feasibility of using ns-duration laser pulses in a laser microthruster. Using several metallic targets driven by a "microchip" laser, thrust, specific impulse Isp, specific ablation energy Q* and ablation efficiency were measured. Specific impulse was adjusted by varying laser intensity on target. In this way, researchers were able to vary specific impulse from 200s to 3,800s on gold, with corresponding momentum coupling coefficient Cm varying from 70 to 7 micro-N/optical watt and ablation efficiency near 100% at a 1 MJK/sq m optimum pulse fluence. Simulations of the laser-target interaction are discussed, which agreed well with the results obtained on metallic fuel systems. A Concepts Research, Inc., microchip laser was used with 170mW average optical power, 8kHz repetition rate and 20 micro-J pulse energy for many of the measurements. Thrust was in the 100nN - 1 micro-N range for all the work, requiring development of an extremely sensitive, low-noise thrust stand, which is discussed in a companion paper. The design of realistic metallic fuel delivery systems is discussed. Also reported are time-of-flight measurements on ejected metal ions, which gave velocities up to 80km/s. Near the optimum fluence, good agreement was found between Isp deduced from the CmQ* product and from ion velocity v(sub-i). Strong divergence was observed between these two parameters at higher intensity. Relative to the ms-duration thrusters which have been demonstrated in the past, this change offers the use of any target material, the use of more-efficient reflection-mode target illumination, and specific impulse adjustable to match the mission.
Discovering and Generating Hard Examples for Training a Red Tide Detector

Currently, accurate detection of natural phenomena, such as red tide, that adversely affect wildlife and human, using satellite images has been increasingly utilized. However, red tide detection on satellite images still remains a very hard task due to unpredictable nature of red tide occurrence, extreme sparsity of red tide samples, difficulties in accurate groundtruthing, etc. In this paper, we aim to tackle both the data sparsity and groundtruthing issues by primarily addressing two challenges: i) extreme data imbalance between red tide and non-red tide examples and ii) significant lack of hard examples of non-red tide that can enhance detection performance. In the proposed work, we devise a 9-layer fully convolutional network jointly optimized with two plug-in modules tailored to overcoming the two challenges: i) cascaded online hard example mining (cOHEM) to ease the data imbalance and ii) a hard negative example generator (HNG) to supplement the hard negative (non-red tide) examples. Our proposed network jointly trained with cOHEM and HNG provides state-of-the-art red tide detection accuracy on GOCI satellite images.
Bipartite Preference aware Robust Recommendation System

온라인 시스템이 활성화 되고 접근 가능한 정보의 양이 늘어나면서 추천 시스템의 영향력 또한 커지고 있다. 하지만 일부 악의적인 유저들의 공격으로 인해 시스템에 대한 신뢰도를 저하시키고 조작하려는 시도가 늘고 있다. 본 연구팀은 해당 리뷰에 대한 공감, 비공감 비율을 분석하고 이를 추천 시스템에 적용함으로써 추천 시스템의 성능을 향상시키고 강건한 시스템을 유지할 수 있는 방법을 제안한다. 실제 영화 데이터를 수집하여 적용해 본 결과 기존의 추천 시스템보다 향상된 성능을 보였다.
ON DEVELOPMENTAL VARIATION IN HIERARCHICAL SYMBIOTIC POLICY SEARCH

A hierarchical symbiotic framework for policy search with genetic programming (GP) is evaluated in two control-style temporal sequence learning domains. The symbiotic formulation assumes each policy takes the form of a cooperative team between multiple symbiont programs. An initial cycle of evolution establishes a diverse range of host behaviours with limited capability. The second cycle uses these initial policies as meta actions for reuse by symbiont programs. The relationship between development and ecology is explored by explicitly altering the interaction between learning agent and environment at fixed points throughout evolution. In both task domains, this developmental diversity significantly improves performance. Specifically, ecologies designed to promote good specialists in the first developmental phase and then good generalists result in much stronger organisms from the perspective of generalization ability and efficiency. Conversely, when there is no diversity in the interaction between task environment and policy learner, the resulting hierarchy is not as robust or general. The relative contribution from each cycle of evolution in the resulting hierarchical policies is measured from the perspective of multi-level selection. These multi-level policies are shown to be significantly better than the sum of contributing meta actions.
Comparison of trends in abundance of guano-producing seabirds in Peru and Southern Africa

The abundant guano-producing seabirds in Peru and southern Africa feed mainly on the large populations of anchovy Engraulis spp. and sardine Sardinops sagax supported by the Humboldt and Benguela upwelling systems. Numbers of guanay cormorants Phalacrocorax bougainvillii in Peru and the breeding population of Cape cormorants P. capensis in South Africa are significantly related to the biomass of anchovy. For both species, reproductive success decreases in periods of anchovy scarcity, and there may also be substantial adult mortality. There has been long-term stability in numbers of Peruvian boobies Sula variegata, whereas the numbers of Cape gannets Morus capensis decreased as sardine decreased in southern Africa. Numbers of Peruvian pelicans Pelecanus (occidentalis) thagus are significantly related to the combined biomass of anchovy and sardine in Peru. They have been stable in the long-term. There have been ongoing severe decreases in populations of the Humboldt penguin Spheniscus humboldti and the Afri.
What is more likely to predict prejudicial attitudes towards overweight individuals: Gender, locus of control, or social dominance orientation?

As obesity has become an important healthcare issue, more research has revealed a pervasive bias against overweight individuals. Individuals are often perceived to be in control of their own weight, and therefore, if one is overweight they are considered lazy, lacking in self-control, and non-compliant (Rukavina & Li, 2011; Stapleton, 2013). Although obesity rates are rising across countries, there has been no reduction in the negative attitudes and prejudices expressed towards the overweight (Stapleton, 2013). This study was conducted to assess the effects that Health Locus of Control (HLOC), Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) (Pratto, Sidanius, Stallworth & Malle, 1994), and gender had on obesity bias among 144 participants (62 male and 82 female adults). The results from the Hierarchical Multiple Regression (HMR) analyses in this study indicated significant contributions to the variance for SDO (6.8%) and HLOC (5.3%) on an Anti-Fat Attitudes measure. HLOC significantly contributed to the variance for the Attitudes Towards Obese People measure (2.6%) however, gender and SDO did not. None of the three variables of interest (SDO, HLOC and gender) were significant when Beliefs About Obese People scale was used to measure obesity bias. This study aimed to explore the gap in the literature relating specifically to potential predictors of weight bias and prejudice. The findings and limitations are discussed in light of clinical intervention to reduce weight bias and directions for future research.
DEVELOPMENT OF VIRTUAL TRADITIONAL HOUSE FOR INTERACTIVE REAL-TIME NAVIGATION

Virtual heritage is able to provide visual aesthetics, real-time navigation and interaction to impress and entertain users. This article describes the design and development of three dimensional (3D) virtual heritage to view and navigate the 3D representation of Malay traditional house which is rare to be found today. The Virtual Traditional House allows flexible exploration with real-time navigation in order for users to walkthrough the 3D reconstruction of the house while viewing relevant historical information at certain parts of the house. The process of design and development of Virtual Traditional House is outlined and points of particular importance are explained. The article discusses the preliminary results of user evaluation for Virtual Traditional House. Future work includes extensive user evaluation and to what extend user may absorb the historical information surfaced around the virtual environment.
On a Number of Colors in Cyclically Interval Edge Colorings of Simple Cycles

A proper edge t-coloring of a graph G is a coloring of its edges with colors 1,2,? ,t such that all colors are used, and no two adjacent edges receive the same color. A cyclically interval t-coloring of a graph G is a proper edge t-coloring of G such that for each its vertex x, either the set of colors used on edges incident to x or the set of colors not used on edges incident to x forms an interval of integers. For an arbitrary simple cycle, all possible values of t are found, for which the graph has a cyclically interval t-coloring.
Design and experiment of variable rate orchard sprayer based on laser scanning sensor

During different growth periods, canopy size and density in orchards are variable, which need application conditions (flow rate and air flow) to be adjusted to match the canopy’s characteristics. In order to improve orchard sprayer’s automatic operating performance, an automatic variable-rate orchard sprayer (VARS) fixed with 40 electromagnetic valves and 8 brushless fans was developed based on the canopy’s spatial dimensions. Each solenoid valve and brushless motor can be individually adjusted in real-time through pulse width modulation (PWM) signals emitted by a control system to adjust each nozzle’s spout and fan rotation speed. A high-precision laser scanning sensor (light detecting and ranging, LIDAR) was adopted as the detector to measure the canopy volume using the variable rate algorithm principle. Field experiments were conducted in an apple orchard, and conventional air blast sprayer (CABS) and directed air-jet sprayer (DAJS) were tested as a comparison. Results showed that on average, 46% less spraying solution was applied compared to conventional applications, while penetration rate was similar to DAJS. Normalized deposition in the canopy with variable application was higher than that of conventional applications, indicating that electronic sprayers are more efficient than conventional sprayers. It was also observed that VARS could significantly reduce off-target loss. The field experiment showed that the newly developed variable-rate sprayer can greatly reduce pesticide use and protect the environment for the orchard fruit production, and also provide a reference for design and performance optimization for plant protection machinery. Keywords: variable rate, orchard, sprayer, spatial dimension, air volume, flow rate, laser scanning sensor, precision agriculture DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe. 20181101.3183 Citation: Li L L, He X K, Song J L, Liu Y J, Zeng A J, Liu Y, et al. Design and experiment of variable rate orchard sprayer based on laser scanning sensor. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(1): 101–108.
Finite Volume Element Approximation for the Elliptic Equation with Distributed Control

In this paper, we consider a priori error estimates for the finite volume element schemes of optimal control problems, which are governed by linear elliptic partial differential equation. The variational discretization approach is used to deal with the control. The error estimation shows that the combination of variational discretization and finite volume element formulation allows optimal convergence. Numerical results are provided to support our theoretical analysis.
Genetic diversity of Creole hens of the Colombian southwest

In Colombia, the Creole hen is a socially important species due to its nutritional value, easy reproduction, adaptability and hardiness. Therefore, it was necessary to assess its diversity and genetic relationships and structure. The aim of this study was to contribute to the biodiversity knowledge in the country and to the agricultural sustainable development through the study of the genetic diversity in Creole birds. A total of 224 Creole hen samples taken from the departments of Cauca, Caldas, Choco, Narino, Valle and from 20 commercial lines were analysed using 17 microsatellite markers. DNA was extracted using the Salting Out method and was further amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The statistical analysis for the evaluation of genetic diversity was performed by using ARLEQUIN program Version 3.5, GENALEX Version 6.5, Microsatellite Toolkit and FSTAT software. The population structure was determined by using STRUCTURE software, version 2.3. 4. A total of 79 alleles were identified for the populations; the average number of alleles per hen was 4.65±1.66. The expected heterozygosity was higher than what was observed and varied from 0.59 in Choco to 0.62 in Valle del Cauca. The FIS value was 0.40 (p<0.001). The genetic difference between Creole birds and commercial-line birds estimated by the FST value was 0.10 (p<0.001). The highest genetic distances were found between Caldas and the rest of populations, and the lowest distances were found between Narino and Choco. A high genetic diversity was estimated. However, a deficit in heterozygotes was detected, indicating mating between related individuals, which may favour the expression of undesired genes and genetic diseases, compromising viability and decreasing reproduction. Two groups were found: the first was formed by birds from Choco, Narino and Valle del Cauca and the second by Cauca and Caldas birds.
Feeding strategies and resource partitioning mitigate the effects of oligotrophy for marine cave mysids

We investigated how large populations of several mysid species can coexist in oligo - trophic underwater marine caves and their relationships in the marine cave food web using car- bon and nitrogen stable isotopes. Isotopic signatures indicate food partitioning among the 5 spe- cies of cave-dwelling mysids from the northwest Mediterranean Sea we studied. Hemimysis speluncola feeds mainly on phytoplankton and zooplankton from outside the caves, Siriella gra- cilipes on sedimentary organic matter and zooplankton from outside, Harmelinella mariannae on small cave-dwelling crustaceans, and Hemimysis margalefi and Hemimysis lamornae mediter- ranea on sedimentary particulate organic matter. These differences in diet could promote coexis- tence of such diverse and abundant mysid faunas in marine caves by reducing interspecific com- petition for scarce resources. The analysis of both seston and cave sediments revealed that the quantity and quality of organic matter are strongly reduced in marine caves, suggesting that cave- dwelling mysids find most of their food elsewhere. This inference agrees with documented distri- butions of some of these mysids outside of caves at night where they can feed in the rich littoral zone. These migrations of some species make cave-dwelling mysids important vectors of organic matter transfer from the outside euphotic littoral zone to various locations inside caves. Outside organic matter is then made available to other cave dwellers through mysid fecal pellet production and predation, as suggested by the isotopic compositions of predators like teleost fishes, decapod crustaceans, and carnivorous cladorhizid sponges.
On the reduction of raw image data in the context of the appearance-based approach to robot navigation

Huelse, M. , Labrosse, F. , Lee, M. : On the reduction of raw image data in the context of the appearance-based approach to robot navigation. In: Belpaeme, T. et al (Eds.): TAROS 2010, Uni. of Plymouth, UK, 31. August - 2. September 2010, pp. 76 - 82. Sponsorship: EPSRC
The Road to Extinction: Commons With Capital Markets

We study extinction in a commons problem in which agents have access to capital markets. When the commons grows more quickly than the interest rate, multiple equilibria are found for intermediate commons endowments. In one of these, welfare decreases as the resource becomes more abundant, a `re- source curse'. As marginal extraction costs become constant, market access instantly depletes the commons. Without markets - the classic environment - equilibria are unique; extinction dates and welfare increase with the endow- ment. When the endowment is either very abundant or very scarce, market access improves welfare. As marginal costs of extraction from the commons become constant, market access can reduce welfare if the subjective discount rate exceeds the interest rate.
Eye movement planning on Single-Sensor-Single-Indicator displays is vulnerable to user anxiety and cognitive load

In this study, we demonstrate the effects of anxiety and cognitive load on eye movement planning in an instrument flight task adhering to a single-sensor-single-indicator data visualisation design philosophy. The task was performed in neutral and anxiety conditions, while a low or high cognitive load, auditory n-back task was also performed. Cognitive load led to a reduction in the number of transitions between instruments, and impaired task performance. Changes in self-reported anxiety between the neutral and anxiety conditions positively correlated with changes in the randomness of eye movements between instruments, but only when cognitive load was high. Taken together, the results suggest that both cognitive load and anxiety impact gaze behavior, and that these effects should be explored when designing data visualization displays