Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ground Camera Image and Large-Scale 3-D Image-Based Point Cloud Registration Based on Learning Domain Invariant Feature Descriptors

Multisource data are captured from different sensors or generated with different generation mechanisms. Ground camera images (images taken from ground-based camera) and rendered images (synthesized by the position information from 3-D image-based point cloud) are different-source geospatial data, called cross-domain images. Particularly, in outdoor environments, the registration relationship between the above cross-domain images is available to establish the spatial relationship between 2-D and 3-D space, which is an indirect solution for virtual–real registration of augmented reality (AR). However, the traditional handcrafted feature descriptors cannot match the above cross-domain images because of the low quality of rendered images and the domain gap between cross-domain images. In this article, inspired by the success achieved by deep learning in computer vision, we first propose an end-to-end network, DIFD-Net, to learn domain invariant feature descriptors (DIFDs) for cross-domain image patches. The DIFDs are used for cross-domain image patch retrieval to the registration of ground camera and rendered images. Second, we construct a domain-kept consistent loss function, which balances the feature descriptors for narrowing the gap in different domains, to optimize DIFD-Net. Specially, the negative samples are generated from positive during training, and the introduced constraint of intermediate feature maps increases extra supervision information to learn feature descriptors. Finally, experiments show the superiority of DIFDs for the retrieval of cross-domain image patches, which achieves state-of-the-art retrieval performance. Additionally, we use DIFDs to match ground camera images and rendered images, and verify the feasibility of the derived AR virtual–real registration in open outdoor environments
Is There a Scope for Social Innovation in Ukrainian Forestry?

Social innovation is recognised for its potential to turn societal challenges into opportunities and develop sustainable solutions for people and nature. We identify and examine challenges that Ukrainian forestry is facing and apply an “action arena” conceptual approach to explore whether and how social innovation can enhance the sustainable development of forestry. We develop a framework to analyse the reconfiguration of social practices by using research methods that focus on the use of documentation of the institutional contexts and interviewing forest policy experts, as well as stakeholder evaluation of the challenges and ways forward for Ukrainian forestry. We apply the Q-method to identify stakeholder attitudes and examine the role of people in the reconfiguring of social practices and promoting sustainable development of the forest sector. Implications for changing the rules of the game and institutional perspectives on forestry are identified, with examples of social innovation initiatives presented. Results show that to emerge, develop, and be transformative, social innovation must have supporting institutional conditions to create new norms, rules, and social practices. Relevant stakeholders need to envision alternative futures, reshape places, and become more actively engaged in decision-making processes. We identify the key directions for changing the rules of the game and the opportunities that social innovation has to offer.
Phosphorus-containing epoxy for flame retardant. III: Using phosphorylated diamines as curing agents

Two phosphorus-containing diamine compounds, bis(4-aminophenoxy)-phenyl phosphine oxide and bis(3-aminophenyl)phenyl phosphine oxide, were synthesized for use as curing agents of epoxy resins. Phosphorylated epoxy resins were obtained by curing Epon 828 and Eponex 1510 with these two diamine agents. For raising the phosphorus contents of the resulting epoxy resins, the phosphorus-containing epoxy, bis(glycidyloxy)phenyl phosphine oxide (BGPPO), was also used. These two diamine agents showed similar reactivity toward epoxies. Their reactivities were higher than DDS and lower than DDM. High char yields in TGA evaluation were found for all the phosphorylated epoxy resins, implying their high flame retardancy. The excellent flame-retardant properties of these phosphorylated epoxy resins were also demonstrated by the high limiting oxygen index (LOI) values of 33 to 51. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 63: 895–901, 1997
BORON AND LIME EFFECTS ON YIELD AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF RICE GROWN IN GREENHOUSE ON ACID TYPIC GLOSSAQUALF*

ABSTRACT No boron (B) deficiencies have been reported for rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in the United States and, when occurring elsewhere, reports often lack details of deficiency symptoms and leaf-B critical values. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of B and lime on yield, pollen viability, and to determine diagnostic symptoms of B deficiency in rice. Rice cv. “Bengal” was grown in the greenhouse on a soil acquired from a rice farm from SW Louisiana in the United States, a Caddo silt loam (Caddo sl) (Typic Glossaqualf, fine-silty, siliceous, thermic), treated with 0.44 mg B kg−1 (+B) or no B (−B). Split plots were limed at rates of (i) none; (ii) 224 mg kg−1 CaO+40.3 mg kg−1 MgO; and (iii) 673 mg kg−1 CaO+121 mg kg−1 MgO. Rice was also grown in −B and +B potting media and in −B sand culture using nutrient solution identical to that used in other studies of ours. Rough-rice yields from the +B Caddo sl treatment was 11% higher than from the −B treatment (29.3 vs. 26.3 g pot−1; P=0.02). The yield increase was likely due to fewer damaged pollen (8%) found from the +B than the −B treatment (17%; P=0.014). Leaf-B at tillering was 11.3 mg kg−1 for the B-treated rice and 7.1 mg kg−1 from the −B treatment. Liming did not significantly affect leaf B or yields. Boron deficiency symptoms were found only in the −B sand-culture where yields were 1.1 g pot−1, 96% less than that from the +B Caddo sl. Symptoms were like those found in our earlier hydroponic studies with twisted and whitish leaf tips starting at tillering and 1-cm white bands across the width of leaves. Maturity was delayed about four weeks. Boron deficiency from the Caddo sl and sand treatments occurred with leaf B≤7 mg kg−1 and with a Caddo sl soil B of 0.18 mg hws (hot-water soluble) B kg−1. Given that no B deficiency symptoms were found in rice experiencing moderate yield loss grown on the rice soil, one must rely on soil and plant analyses to help detect likely candidates for moderate B deficiency.
Validation of Multicultural Counselling Competencies Scale among Malaysian Counsellor Trainees: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

The competency of multicultural counselling is an aspect which needs to be mastered by a counsellor in order to provide good counselling services to clients especially when dealing with clients of different culture. The purpose of this research is to examine the validity and reliability of the Multicultural Counselling Competencies Scale which was developed based on the local culture by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A total of 290 final year students participating in the first-degree counselling program from six public universities were selected randomly. The results of the analysis showed that the fit value for the comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker Lewis index (TLI), and normed fit index (NFI) respectively had fulfilled the fit value of 0.90 and above as suggested by the literature. The analysis also showed the average variance extracted (AVE) values for all three constructs were 0.669 (awareness), 0.764 (skills) and 0.642 (knowledge) respectively, indicating the validity convergent and discriminant reliability were achieved. CFA analysis has removed 7 out of 26 original items due to low loading factor. Overall, CFA analysis has successfully proven that competencies of multicultural counselling questionnaire as a multidimensional construct as it has been theorized and is appropriate for measuring the competencies of multicultural counselling in Malaysia.
Effect of periodate on lignin for wood adhesive application

Abstract Development of eco-friendly binders with no harmful emission during its complete life cycle is of high interest for the wood-based industry. In this paper, a fully renewable binder based on activated lignin and poly-furfuryl alcohol and a partly renewable lignin based phenol-formaldehyde (PF) binder were evaluated. Activation of kraft and soda lignins, isolated respectively from softwood and non-woods, by periodate oxidation was performed to improve lignin reactivity and application in wood adhesives. Periodate oxidation of lignin leads to higher lignin acidity, formation of quinonoid groups under more severe conditions, higher molar mass and higher reactivity towards the curing of furfuryl alcohol within a temperature range currently used in industry. Comparison of a 100% furan-based glue with a furan-based glue substituted by 10% lignin yields comparable product properties. However, periodate-activated lignin leads to lower wood failure, which might be caused by incompletely solubilised lignin particles in the acidic formulation disturbing crosslinking of the furan resin. Unmodified softwood kraft lignin performs well in a PF resin formulation at substitution levels up to 30% (w/w). Periodate oxidation of soda lignins enhances the glue performance because higher wood failure is attained. The higher molar mass after periodate treatment could be an important parameter for development of a stronger wood binder.
Removal of Fine Particles from Smooth Flat Surfaces by Consecutive Pulse Air Jets

In order to develop an effective dry surface cleaning method, removal of fine particles by pulse air jets was experimentally investigated. A dimensionless resuspension parameter, F*, which is the ratio of drag force on particles to van der Waals adhesion force, was introduced to correlate the removal efficiency. Resuspension experiments were carried out with monodisperse PSL particles and wax particles with diameter between 0.25 and 1.1 μm on silicon wafer and glass plate. As a result, it was found that deposition process of particles on the surface (gravitational settling and impaction at a relatively low impaction velocity) has little effect on the removal efficiency and that consecutive pulse air jet is effective in the removal of fine particles. Further, F* is the key parameter in determining the removal efficiency. The prediction method for the removal efficiency by pulse air jets with F* is proposed.
Vapor‐Phase Photochemistry of Furfural

The photochemistry of furfural (furan‐2‐carboxaldehyde) has been studied in the vapor phase by direct irradiation at a number of wavelengths from 3130 to 2225 A as well as by sensitization by Hg(3P1) atoms. The products that were obtained were furan, methylacetylene, allene, cyclopropene, and carbon monoxide. The quantum yield for decomposition was ∼5 × 10−3 at 2225 and 2654 A and was equally small in the first absorption region at 3130 A. Two primary processes are proposed, one of which may lead to furan and CO by a hydrogen migration, and the other to C3H4 + 2CO. The possibility exists that the latter process proceeds through an excited molecule of furan as an intermediate. Evidence is presented which suggests that much of the observed photochemistry involves a low energy triplet of furfural.
Comparison of cooling criteria with a cryogen spray and water/air spray

Skin cooling using a cryogen spray (tetrafluoroethane) has been shown to dramatically reduce the skin surface temperature whilst predictions show that the underlying dermal tissue is unaffected. This technique is repeated with a chilled water spray, along with a continuous airflow to enhance evaporation. Radiometric skin surface temperature measurements are recorded during trials utilizing this technique and the results are compared with theoretical predictions in order to determine the mechanism by which the heat is removed from the skin. The optimum spray conditions are achieved when the water is chilled to around 2 degrees Celsius with a continuous airflow of 50 liters/minute. Under these conditions skin surface temperature reduction is about 8 degrees Celsius - 10 degrees Celsius. The measured radiometric skin surface temperature change indicates that the mechanism by which this process removes heat from the skin is predominantly evaporation. Predictions of skin temperature change with varying skin depth indicate that the optimum spray time is around 100 ms.
Reactive polymers for blend compatibilization

Blending of immiscible polymers offers attractive opportunities for developing new materials with useful combinations of properties. However, simple blends often have poor mechanical properties and unstable morphologies. Compatibilization of such blends is necessary. Preformed graft or block copolymers have been traditionally added to act as compatibilizers. Another route, however, is to generate these copolymer compatibilizers in situ during melt blending using functionalized polymers. In this review, a variety of reactive polymers that have been utilized in the reactive compatibilization of polymer blends is examined. They are classified into six major categories according to the types of reactive groups they have, namely, maleic anhydride, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives, primary and secondary amines, hydroxyl and epoxide, and reactive groups capable of ionic bonding. Their preparation methods and applications and the chemical reactions they undergo during melt blending are presented. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Towards predictable transmembrane transport: QSAR analysis of anion binding and transport

The transport of anions across biological membranes by small molecules is a growing research field due to the potential therapeutic benefits of these compounds. However, little is known about the exact mechanism by which these drug-like molecules work and which molecular features make a good transporter. An extended series of 1-hexyl-3-phenylthioureas were synthesized, fully characterized (NMR, mass spectrometry, IR and single crystal diffraction) and their anion binding and anion transport properties were assessed using 1H NMR titration techniques and a variety of vesicle-based experiments. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis revealed that the anion binding abilities of the mono-thioureas are dominated by the (hydrogen bond) acidity of the thiourea NH function. Furthermore, mathematical models show that the experimental transmembrane anion transport ability is mainly dependent on the lipophilicity of the transporter (partitioning into the membrane), but smaller contributions of molecular size (diffusion) and hydrogen bond acidity (anion binding) were also present. Finally, we provide the first step towards predictable anion transport by employing the QSAR equations to estimate the transmembrane transport ability of four new compounds.
EVALUATION OF DLC COATING FOR PARTS OF WEAPONS AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT

The article deals with tribological evaluation of DLC coating. This coating is deposited on a material which, due to its mechanical properties, is suitable for components of weapons and military equipment. The results of the Department of Engineering of the Faculty of Military Technology of the University of Defense in Brno in the field of plasma nitriding are used in this work. Plasma nitriding technology has been found to have a positive effect on the performance of components operating under extreme conditions. One of the significant surface changes is the increase in surface hardness. Further increases wear resistance and corrosion resistance. By setting the parameters of plasma nitriding technology appropriately, fatigue life can be increased. Deposition of the DLC coating by PVD technology on a tempered or plasma nitrided surface results in qualitative changes on the surface of the component. Evaluation of tribological properties such as coefficient of friction or wear coefficient can be verified by adjusting surface treatment technologies to specific applications, eg in armaments production. The paper presents the results of tribological properties of the surface of the DLC coating deposited on substrate of the heat-treated steel 42CrMo4. The comparison was done with the deposition of a DLC coating on the surface substrate of a steel 42CrMo4 that has been plasma nitrided, like a duplex system. Tribological properties such as friction coefficient and wear coefficient were measured by a Tribolab UMT-3 equipment. Tribological tests such as Scratch test and Ball on Disc were performed on this device.
In situ ALD experiments with synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy

In this contribution, we describe some features of atomic layer deposition (ALD) investigated by means of synchrotron radiation photoelemission spectroscopy (SR-PES). In particular, we show how the surface sensitivity of SR-PES combined with the in situ nature of our investigations can point out interactions between the substrate and ALD precursors. We observed changes on all substrates investigated, included Si, GaAs, Ru and their surface oxides. These interactions are extremely important during the first ALD cycles and induce modifications in the substrate, which might lead to its functionality enhancement.
Neural Network-Based Distributed Adaptive Pre-Assigned Finite-Time Consensus of Multiple TCP/AQM Networks

In this study, a class of finite-time consensus of multiple transmission control protocol/active queue management (TCP/AQM) networks is investigated on the basis of a design idea of multi-agent systems, and for the first time, to our knowledge, a novel congestion control concept with neural networks is proposed. First, the problem statement and design goal of the consensus of multiple TCP/AQM networks is given. Then, a pre-assigned finite-time function is introduced to ensure that the tracking error approaches a pre-defined area within finite time. Furthermore, by combining a barrier Lyapunov function and backstepping technique, a neural network-based distributed adaptive finite-time control protocol for the output consensus of multiple TCP/AQM networks is presented, which can effectively generate the desired controls and ensure that the convergent time of all errors has nothing to do with the initial condition and design parameters. In addition, all signals in the closed-loop system are bounded. Finally, an example is given to further illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical finding presented.
How Images Defects in Street Scenes Affect the Performance of Semantic Segmentation Algorithms

Semantic segmentation methods are used in au-tonomous car development to label pixels of road images (e.g. street, building, pedestrian, car, and so on). DeepLabv3+ and PSPNet are two of the best performance semantic segmentation methods according to Cityscapes benchmark. Although these methods achieved a very high performance with clear road images, yet these two methods are not tested under severe imaging conditions. In this work, we provided new Cityscapes datasets with severe imaging conditions: foggy, rainy, blurred, and noisy datasets. We evaluated the performance of DeepLabv3+ and PSPNet using our datasets. Our work demonstrated that although these models have high performance with clear images, they show very weak performance among the different imaging challenges. We proved that the road semantic segmentation methods must be evaluated using different kinds of severe imaging conditions to ensure the robustness of these methods in autonomous driving.
Optimization of SWIPT With Battery-Assisted Energy Harvesting Full-Duplex Relays

In this article, we investigate the performance of a three-node battery-assisted full-duplex relay (FDR) network which employs simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). The relay augments the harvested energy with battery energy to improve the link performance. Considering both time-switching (TS) and power-splitting (PS) protocols for energy harvesting, we analyze the outage probability and throughput performance with amplify-and-forward (AF) and decode-and-forward (DF) FDRs. For the case of both AF and DF FDRs, we show that a unique value of battery energy exists that maximizes the throughput. Expressions are derived for the throughput-optimal TS and PS parameters. For a desired target throughput, the selection of optimum TS and PS parameters to maximize battery lifetime is discussed. It is demonstrated that for both EH protocols, with low transmit power and a small amount of battery energy, the performance of DF FDRs is superior to that of AF FDRs. In contrast to the case of half-duplex relaying, both TS and PS FDRs achieve a similar throughput at low transmit power, while PS FDR outperforms TS FDR at higher transmit power. Also, when the target throughput is low, TS FDR is more energy-efficient than PS FDR. Monte Carlo simulations confirm the accuracy of the analysis.
COLOR QUALITY OF ROSE LIQUEUR

The effect of pretreatments and soaking conditions on the color quality of rose liqueur was investigated. Results show that (1) most of the anthocyanin in rose petals was dissolved within 48 h of soaking; (2) a longer soaking time led to a lower color quality due to browning ; (3) a base spirit at lower ethanol content extracted more anthocyanin and also resulted in more browning; (4) 50C air-drying to 20% water content retained 90% of anthocyanins in rose petals; and (5) the soaking of dried petals in the base spirit yielded a product with less browning as compared with that of fresh petals. The process for making rose liqueur with the best color quality was found to be by soaking dried rose petals at a 1:10 ratio (rose petal : ethanol, w/w) in a base spirit containing 30–35% ethanol added with 0.6–0.8% citric acid for 24 h, then diluting the extract to 16% ethanol content. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This study provides an adequate process for the making of rose liqueur. Pre-dehydration treatment can be applied on the raw material in the making of various anthocyanin-containing beverages to improve the color quality. Findings in regard to the effect of ethanol concentration on anthocyanin extraction and the color stability of the product can also be valuable references to wine industry.
Analysis of Optimism and Procrastination in Students Who are Writing Thesis

Obstacles faced by students whilst preparing their thesis could lead to a decline in their motivation. Thus, they will prefer to procrastinate instead of trying to finish their thesis work. It is believed that procrastination is highly correlated with optimism. Hence, this study aims to investigate the correlation between optimism and procrastination among college students who are working on their thesis. The study implemented a quantitative method with a purposive sampling technique. A total of 70 students had participated in this study as they could satisfy the required criteria for research participants, i.e., students of Psychology Faculty Universitas Negeri Makassar who are taking thesis courses in the 2010-2012 class and have obtained a supervisor. Data obtained in this study were analysed using the Spearman correlation test. The result of the data analysis shows that the correlation coefficient (r) and significance (p) value is 0.4404 and 0.000137 (p < 0,01), respectively. Thus, the hypothesis is accepted. The data shows that optimism and procrastination of students who are writing their thesis has a very significant negative correlation. The higher the level of optimism of students who are writing a thesis, the lower the level of their procrastination in completing the thesis requirement. Accordingly, the finding of this research advocates the importance of instilling an optimistic mindset among college students whilst working on their thesis to avoid procrastination.