Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of spray dosage in stone-fruit orchards on the basis of tree row volume

The tree row volume (TRV) model was adapted for use in stone-fruit orchards. The number of leaves, leaf area and TRV were determined in apricot, peach, cherry and plum orchards in France and Switzerland. The number of leaves per tree ranged from 2500 to 25900, and TRV values ranged from 5400 to 28600 m3 ha−1. Trees were sprayed with a fluorescent tracer, according to TRV, in order to determine the quantity and distribution of tracer deposition in the crown of the trees. For large trees with TRV values above 15000 m3 ha−1, tracer deposits on leaves were lower in the upper half of the crown than in the lower half. The TRV formula developed for pome-fruit trees was accordingly used for spraying stone-fruit trees, but with a 15% increase in spray volume for large trees. Under these conditions, disease control was efficient, and residues of difenoconazole, penconazole and dithianon were below the maximum residue limit. The TRV method was thus found to allow adaptation of spray dosage and volume to the volume of the trees, on condition that sprayers are carefully calibrated and adjusted for each orchard. The TRV concept can be applied to a wide range of pome and stone-fruit orchards and can help to harmonize registration protocols for fungicides and insecticides.
Launching with a Parachute: The Gig Economy and New Business Formation

The introduction of the gig economy creates opportunities for would-be entrepreneurs to supplement their income in downside states of the world and provides insurance in the form of an income fallback in the event of failure. We present a conceptual framework supporting the notion that the gig economy may serve as an income supplement and as insurance against entrepreneurial-related income volatility, and utilize the arrival of the on-demand, platform-enabled gig economy in the form of the staggered rollout of ridehailing in U.S. cities to examine the effect of the arrival of the gig economy on new business formation. The introduction of gig opportunities is associated with an increase of ~5% in the number of new business registrations in the local area, and a correspondingly-sized increase in small business lending to newly registered businesses. Internet searches for entrepreneurship-related keywords increase ~7%, lending further credence to the predictions of our conceptual framework. Both the income supplement and insurance channels are empirically supported: the increase in entry is larger in regions with lower average income and higher credit constraints, as well as in locations with higher ex-ante economic uncertainty regarding future wage levels and wage growth.
Habitat preference and flight activity of bats in a city

Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula, N. leisleri, Myotis daubentonii, M. myotis, unidentified small Myotis spp. and Plecotus spp. were recorded during bat detector transects within a central European city of 350,000 inhabitants. Bats were recorded in all seven habitat types under study, the levels of activity for each species and habitat type were significantly different. The relative activity of the whole bat community was highest in old outskirts (low density housing) and at the river, and lowest in the city centre and new housing estates (high density housing). Significant differences were found in the timing of bat activity during the night and the season. Within the first two hours after sunset, relative activity of P. pipistrellus and E. serotinus was highest in the first 0.5 h and decreased thereafter. In N. noctula, it was highest during the second and third 0.5 h and in Myotis spp. it was low in the first 0.5 h and increased till the end of monitoring. Flying bats were recorded from March till October; the lunar cycle had no significant effect on the amount of flight activity. The relative activity of E. serotinus was positively correlated with temperature. No significant correlation was found between the activity of bats and the number of trees and streetlamps per transect. Comparison with the results of an earlier visual census showed that more bats were recorded acoustically than visually except in the city centre. This is attributed to the effect of white streetlamps during the visual census. During the acoustic census, most white lamps were replaced by yellow lamps which biased the impact of lamps on bat traffic. Nevertheless, bat species known to benefit from white streetlamps remained the most common foragers within the city.
Time series analyses reveal transient relationships between abundance of larval anchovy and environmental variables in the coastal waters southwest of Taiwan

We investigated environmental effects on larval anchovy fluctuations (based on CPUE from 1980 to 2000) in the waters off southwestern Taiwan using advanced time series analyses, including the state-space approach to remove seasonality, wavelet analysis to investigate transient relationships, and stationary bootstrap to test correlation between time series. For large-scale environmental effects, we used the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) to represent the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO); for local hydrographic conditions, we used sea surface temperature (SST), river runoff, and mixing conditions. Whereas the anchovy catch consisted of a northern species (Engraulis japonicus) and two southern species (Encrasicholina heteroloba and Encrasicholina punctifer), the magnitude of the anchovy catch appeared to be mainly determined by the strength of Eng. japonicus (Japanese anchovy). The main factor that caused the interannual variation of anchovy CPUE might change through time. The CPUE showed a negative correlation with combination of water temperature and river runoff before 1987 and a positive correlation with river runoff after 1988. Whereas a significant negative correlation between CPUE and ENSOs existed, this correlation was driven completely by the low-frequency ENSO events and explained only 10% of the variance. Several previous studies on this population emphasized that the fluctuations of larval anchovy abundance were determined by local SST. Our analyses indicated that such a correlation was transient and simply reflected ENSO signals. Recent advances in physical oceanography around Taiwan showed that the ENSOs reduced the strength of the Asian monsoon and thus weakened the China Coastal Current toward Taiwan. The decline of larval anchovy during ENSO may be due to reduced China Coastal Current, which is important in facilitating the spawning migration of the Japanese anchovy.
Walter Zimmermann and the Growth of Phylogenetic Theory

seminal theoretical paper, "Arbeitsweise der botanischen Phylogenetik und anderer Gruppierungswissenschaften" ("Methods of botanical phylogenetics and other grouping sciences"), first published in 1931. In this paper, Zimmermann clearly ex? pressed many of the underlying principles of phylogenetic systematics? ideas that were later taken up by Hennig and formed the core of his theory. Zimmermann also focused attention on several basic meth?
Digital Transmitter Coil for Wireless Power Transfer Robust Against Variation of Distance and Lateral Misalignment

A digital transmitter (TX) coil consisting of several subcoils connected in parallel is proposed in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems robust against the variation of distance and lateral misalignment. According to the position of the receiver coil, the radius of the digital TX coil can be programed to its optimal value to achieve the maximum coil-to-coil efficiency. Moreover, targeting the wireless charging of mobile devices, we propose a practical design methodology for the digital TX coil. It is concluded that the digital TX coil consisting of two subcoils is an effective design and that the performance is not significantly improved by adding more subcoils. The optimal radius ratio of these two subcoils is 0.54. Furthermore, we implement the designed digital TX coil in a prototype WPT system, including a power amplifier and a rectifier. Experimental results show that within a space with a maximum distance and lateral misalignment of 100 mm, the system efficiency is improved by the digital TX coil and reaches a maximum value of 48%. Compared with using a conventional TX coil with a constant radius, the system efficiency shows an absolute improvement of up to 7%.
A new nonsingular integral terminal sliding mode control for robot manipulators

ABSTRACT This paper presents a new terminal sliding mode control for global finite-time tracking of uncertain robot manipulators. A novel integral sliding surface is proposed to eliminate the singularity completely. By integrating the proposed sliding surface and finite-time stability theory, a simple nonsingular terminal sliding mode control is developed. Global finite-time convergence of both sliding surface and tracking errors is proven. Simulations performed on a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and improved performance of the proposed approach.
Benchmarked Estimators for a Small Area Mean Under a Onefold Nested Regression Model

In this paper, we modify small area estimators, based on the unit‐level model, so that they add up to reliable higher‐level estimates of population totals. These modifications result in benchmarked small area estimators. We consider two benchmarking procedures. One is based on augmenting the unit‐level model with a suitable variable. The other one uses the calibrated weights of the direct estimators that are reliable at the higher levels. These weights are used in estimators that are based on the aggregation of the unit‐level model for each small area. The mean squared error estimators of the proposed benchmarked estimators are obtained by suitably modifying those associated with the corresponding non benchmarked estimators. The properties of the estimators are evaluated via simulation.
Scientometric Analysis of Computer Science Publications in Journals and Conferences with Publication Patterns

Prominence of Computer Science (CS) research articles in journals and conferences has been a topic of research. Major issues regarding these publications are pros. and cons. of review process and scientometric data which is sub-fields specific. Therefore, we adopt a different approach, we define metrics based on authors and their affiliations and study the patterns of different publications. We consider publication data of key CS journals and conferences in three sub-fields of past five years, during which that publication patterns have been stabilized. We calculate distinct institutions, occurrences of repeated authors and also examine the overlap of authors and institutions in consecutive years. Thus, we show diversity of CS publications in terms of authors and institutions. We have observed that in conferences 60-80% authors have participated from repeating institutions while this range is 40-60% for journals. Further, the maximum repeating frequency of authors is 28% in conferences, while it is 15% in journals. In addition, overlapping percentage of authors and institutions is also lesser in journals than that of conferences. Hence, journal publications are more diverse in nature in terms of participating authors and institutions. Moreover, cross comparison of conferences and journals in same sub-field indicates the mutual exclusiveness of these mediums.
Downregulation of miRNA-328 promotes the angiogenesis of HUVECs by regulating the PIM1 and AKT/mTOR signaling pathway under high glucose and low serum condition

Vascular complications are the primary reason for disability and mortality associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), and numerous microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are involved in the process, such as miR-122, miR-24 and miR-423. It has been reported that miR-328 regulates DM and cardiovascular disease; however, the role and mechanism of action underlying miR-328 in HUVECs is not completely understood. The present study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of action underlying the effects of miR-328 on the functions of HUVECs. To simulate hyperglycemia combined with ischemia-induced tissue starvation, HUVECs were cultured in endothelial cell medium with 25 mmol/l D-glucose and 2% FBS for 24 h [high glucose (HG) + 2% FBS group]. HUVEC miR-328 expression levels were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cell migration, cytotoxicity and tube-like structure formation were analyzed using wound healing, Cell Counting Kit-8 and tube formation assays, respectively. Following transfection with miR-328 inhibitor, miR-328 expression was downregulated in HUVECs. Protein expression levels were determined by western blotting. Compared with the control group, the migration and tube-like structure formation of HUVECs were decreased, and cell cytotoxicity was increased in the HG + 2% FBS group. The protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were also decreased, and the expression levels of miRNA-328 in the HG + 2% FBS group were increased compared with the control group. However, miRNA-328 downregulation reversed the aforementioned effects. Further experiments indicated that the AKT signaling pathway was inhibited in the HG + 2% FBS group; however, miR-328 downregulation activated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which was blocked by the AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, perifosine. Gene prediction and western blotting demonstrated that miR-328 displayed a regulatory role via Pim-1 proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (PIM1). In conclusion, miR-328 expression was upregulated and angiogenesis was inhibited when HUVECs were subjected to high glucose and low serum conditions. miR-328 downregulation enhanced angiogenesis by increasing PIM1 expression and activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HUVECs under high glucose and low serum conditions.
A comparative study of economic growth as a key determinant of sovereign credit ratings in Africa

PurposeThis study is a comparative analysis of the magnitude of economic growth as a key determinant of long-term foreign currency sovereign credit ratings in 30 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America from 2010 to 2018.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis applies the fixed effects (FE) and random effects (RE) panel least squares (PLS) models.FindingsThe authors find that the magnitude economic coefficients are marginally small for African countries compared to other developing countries in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Results of the probit and logit binary estimation models show positive coefficients for economic growth sub-factors for non-African countries (developing and developed) compared to negative coefficients for African countries.Practical implicationsThese findings mean that, an increase in economic growth in Africa does not significantly increase the likelihood that sovereign credit ratings will be upgraded. This implies that there is lack of uniformity in the application of the economic growth determinant despite the claims of a consistent framework by rating agencies. Thus, macroeconomic factors are relatively less important in determining country's risk profile in Africa than in other developing and developed countries.Originality/valueFirst, studies that investigate the accuracy of sovereign credit rating indicators and risk factors in Africa are rare. This study is a key literature at the time when the majority of African countries are exploring the window of sovereign bonds as an alternative funding model to the traditional concessionary borrowings from multilateral institutions. On the other hand, the persistent poor rating is driving the cost of sovereign bonds to unreasonably high levels, invariably threatening their hopes of diversifying funding options. Second, there is criticism that the rating assessments of the credit rating agencies are biased in favour of developed countries and there is a gap in literature on studies that explore the whether the credit rating agencies are biased against African countries. This paper thus explores the rationale behind the African Union Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.631 (XXVIII) adopted by the 28th Ordinary Session of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2017 (African Union, 2017), directing its specialized governance agency, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), to provide support to its Member States in the field of international credit rating agencies. The Assembly of African Heads of State and Government highlight that African countries are facing the challenges of credit downgrades despite an average positive economic growth. Lastly, the paper makes contribution to the argument that the majority of African countries are unfairly rated by international credit rating agencies, raising a discussion of the possibility of establishing a Pan-African credit rating institution.
Separately-designable diplexer with multiple transmission zeroes using common stub-loaded SIR

Abstract A separately-designable diplexer with multiple transmission zeroes (TZs) using common stub-loaded stepped impedance resonator (SIR) is proposed. The common stub-loaded SIR operating in third harmonic (f3) and fifth harmonic (f5) is used for designing the two diplexer channels. The stub is loaded at the voltage-null point of f3 of the SIR. It can separately control f5 but has no effect on f3 so that the two channels can be separately designed. Meanwhile, the input port is tap-connected to the common stub-loaded SIR, which necessarily produces a TZ between f3 and f5, existing in both channel filtering responses. By properly choosing coupling schemes of the two channels, more TZs are realized at the desired locations. Thanks to the generation of the multiple TZs, both passband selectivity and isolation between the two channels are improved significantly. For demonstration, a diplexer operating at 2.22 and 2.95 GHz is designed, fabricated, and measured. The simulated and measured results are presented, showing good agreement.
Learning from Pandemics in the Americas: The Dominican Republic Programmatic Response Against a novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The newly introduced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in the Dominican Republic on the 29thof February 2020. Dominican Republic’s COVID-19 response is a hybrid of previous experiences in other latitudes, based on epidemiological characteristics of individuals, clinical progression of COVID‐19, and quarantine intervention reinforced by the authority. Prevention against SARS-CoV-2 in the DR had involve massive disinfection campaigns, educational resources, community-engagement, case detection, and cluster isolation. COVID-19 strategies shall be focused on community leader mobilization in high incidence spots and emerging hotspots, with clear political leadership by governmental authorities. In this, the political leadership with the guidance of experts will be trusted and civilians will assume the responsibility of staying home. Very soon we will see the impact of this virus in the continent, late adopters of international health regulations will face the worst scenarios, those with a more resilient programming are having better outcomes. As effective those interventions, as faster will be the economic recovery.
Combined effects of acidification and competition on the feeding preference of a freshwater macroinvertebrate, Asellus aquaticus (Crustacea : Isopoda): a laboratory experiment

To determine the combined effects of stream acidification and competition on the feeding preferences of benthic detritivores we compared, before and after sublethal acid exposure, lab-cultured populations of Asellus aquaticus reared either singly or with the closely related species Proasellus coxalis sensu lato in artificial channels. Both abiotic and biotic stressors reduced A. aquaticus density and affected its food intake. Whereas the presence of P. coxalis sensu lato increased the mass-specific ingestion rate and niche breadth of A. aquaticus according to optimal foraging theory, ingestion rate was reduced following acid exposure. Despite the increased variability in the consumption rate, variability of diet composition among individuals of A. aquaticus declined after acidification above all in the presence of the other species. Resource preferences changed, as a possible result of physiological accommodation to stress and/or selection of individuals that preferentially consumed the most processed plant detritus. The symmetry of niche overlap between the two species increased, strengthening the risk of competitive exclusion of A. aquaticus. The presence of the detritivores increased the buffering capacity of the artificial channels, reducing the rate at which the temporary hardness declined.
Effects of altitude and topography on species richness of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens in alpine communities

Abstract Question: What is the relationship between species richness of vascular plants, bryophytes and macrolichens, and two important gradients in the alpine environment, altitude and local topography? Location: Northernmost Fennoscandia, 250–1525 m a.s. l. corresponding to the range between timberline and mountain top. Methods: The vegetation was sampled in six mountain areas. For each 25 vertical metres, the local topographic gradient from wind-blown ridge to snowbed was sampled in quadrats of 0.8 m × 0.8 m. Patterns in species richness were explored using Poisson regression (Generalized Linear Models). Functional groups of species, i.e. evergreen and deciduous dwarf-shrubs, forbs, graminoids, mosses, hepatics and lichens were investigated separately. Results: Functional groups showed markedly different patterns with respect to both altitude and topography. Species richness of all vascular plants showed a unimodal relationship with altitude. The same was true for graminoids, forbs and lichens analysed separately, but forb richness peaked at much higher altitudes than total richness. The richness of dwarf-shrubs decreased monotonically with altitude, whereas richness of mosses and liverworts showed an increasing trend. Significant interactions between altitude and local topography were present for several groups. The unimodal pattern for total plant species richness was interpreted in terms of local productivity, physical disturbance, trophic interactions, and in terms of species pool effects. Conclusions: Patterns in local species richness result from the action of two opposing forces: declining species pool and decreasing intensity of competition with altitude. Nomenclature: Nilsson (1986) and Hallingbäck (1995, 1996) for vascular plants, lichens and bryophytes, respectively.
Metabolite profiling coupled with statistical analyses for potential high-throughput screening of quantitative resistance to fusarium head blight in wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) [Fusarium graminearum (teleomorph Gibberella zeae)] causes considerable losses in wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield and grain quality. Because conventional screening for disease resistance based on five separate types of resistance is inefficient, a metabolomics approach to discriminating resistance was investigated. Spikelets of six wheat cultivars/lines varying in level of resistance were inoculated with F. graminearum or water. The spikelet disease severity was quantified, and the metabolic profiles were recorded using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. A total of 214 metabolites were detected in spikelets and rachis, including 79 with acceptable treatment effects. Univariate analysis of variance identified 41 resistance-related (RR) metabolites and multivariate analysis identified 45 resistance function associated metabolites, including 28 RR metabolites. Highly resistant cultivar 'Wangshuibai' and line AW488 had the maximum numbers of constitutive (22) and induced (14) RR metabolites, respectively. A moderately resistant line, BRS177, had 12 induced RR metabolites. The RR metabolites identified here are potential candidate biomarkers for high-throughput screening of wheat breeding lines against FHB.