Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language-modulated Actions for Safer Human-Robot Interaction using Deep Reinforcement Learning

—Spoken language can be an efﬁcient way to warn robots about threats. Guidance and warnings from a human can be used to inform and modulate a robot’s actions. An open research question is how the instructions and warnings can be integrated in the planning of the robot to improve safety. Our goal is to train a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) agent to determine the intention of a given spoken instruction, especially in a domestic task, and generate a high-level sequence of actions to fulﬁll the given instruction. The DRL agent will combine vision and language to create a multi-modal state representation of the environment. We will also focus on how warnings can be used to shape the DRL’s reward, concentrating on the recognition of the emotional state of the human in an interaction with the robot. Finally, we will use language instructions to determine a safe operational space for the robot.
Population dynamics in European hare: breeding parameters and sustainable harvest rates

Summary 1 Hares are considered to be a valuable game species in most European countries. Hunting needs to be sustainable and sound management of hare populations requires some knowledge of the species’ demographic variability, especially regarding the breeding output, which is highly time- and space-dependent and may govern the population size and exploitability. 2 Using shooting bag analysis and placental scar counts, mean fecundity and leveret survival were estimated at four study sites with contrasting hare numbers and density trends. These demographic parameters, harvest rates and adult natural survival rates (from the literature) were incorporated into a matrix projection model to analyse the population growth rate (λ) sensitivity and to derive indices of sustainable harvest rate (ISHR, i.e. rates compatible with λ≥ 1). 3 The age structure comprised 48–69% young; fecundity varied between 12·2 and 15·0 leverets per breeding female; and 85–100% of adult females bred. These data combined gave a birth-to-autumn leveret survival index of 0·14–0·29 and, when loaded into the matrix model, resulted in simulated λs that matched the density changes observed in the study areas. The model structure, although simple, accounted for most of the relevant biological information. 4 ISHR was 30% when derived iteratively as a function of mean values of those parameters with largest elasticities (leveret survival and doe fecundity). When environmental and demographic stochasticity were included in the model, the proportion of endangered trajectories where the density threshold was < 1 km2 over 50 km2 varied sharply, with small changes in harvest rate or initial population size. Small populations could only sustain ≤ 20% harvest rates. 5 Demographic parameters derived from killed animals during year t can be used a posteriori to understand the species’ dynamics and as a baseline to modulate the shooting scheme in year t+ 1. An actual sustainable shooting scheme would require an additional real-time local process that, automatically, would take all sources of change in numbers into account. A two-stage management strategy (e.g. first computing a catch-effort estimator of population size based on numbers killed very early in the shooting period, then defining flexible harvest quotas) would help managers to cope with the unpredictable dynamics of the species and resulting fluctuations in hare numbers. 6 Synthesis and applications. The results of this exploratory study suggest that sustainable shooting of hares is possible provided some local data about their dynamics are available and slightly conservative quotas are used. Modelling approaches have potential in assessing the latter, but also as a check on the coherence of the estimates of the former (comparison of observed and modelled λ).
α-Tocopherol, Flavonoid, and Phenol Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Ficus carica. Leaves

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the a-tocopherol content and to investigate the antioxidant capacities of the extracts prepared from the leaves of Ficus carica L. (Moraceae). The antioxidant capacities of the extracts were evaluated by the phosphomolibdenum spectrophotometric method. a-Tocopherol content was determined by using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method. Total flavonoid content was determined by using the aluminium chloride method. Total phenol content was estimated by a modified colorimetric method using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. The results clearly demonstrate that these extracts have antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant capacity results are consistent with total flavonoid and phenol contents. The a-tocopherol content of the n-hexane extract was found to be 3.2788%, whereas it was calculated as 0.0570% on the dry-weight basis of the leaves.
Transferable skills within research degrees: a collaborative genre‐based approach to developing publication skills and its implications for research education

Recognition is increasing that Ph.D. graduates require transferable skills for employment within or outside academia, and professional written communication skills form an important subset which contributes to many other skill categories. Writing journal articles for publication is a key task within candidatures and research workplaces, so intrinsic motivation for developing the required skills is high in both contexts. This paper describes a publication skills workshop approach based on research findings from genre analysis and methodologies current within the English for Specific Purposes area of Applied Linguistics. Quantitative evaluation of workshops presented in research workplaces in China and Australia, and in university departments, highlights participants' positive responses to the approach. Qualitative data analysis indicates that the workshop features participants valued most highly related to its genre‐based, collaborative and hands‐on nature. Implications are drawn for the effective development of desirable graduate attributes within research education programmes.
Dietary breadth of frugivorous birds in relation to their feeding strategies in the lowland forests of central Honshu, Japan

Variation in the dietary breadth of frugivorous birds, i.e. variation in the degree of dietary specialization, is a key factor for understanding the construction of the architecture of diffused fruit–bird interactions. However, little information is available on the dietary breadth of frugivorous birds in a community and the avian attributes influencing it. In this study, we evaluated and compared the dietary breadth of 23 frugivorous birds (including both seed dispersers and seed predators) in relation to their feeding strategies (depending on which the birds were categorized into four types as gulpers, grinders, crushers and peckers) and other avian attributes. In particular, we hypothesized that feeding types with long fruit-handling time (i.e. crushers and peckers) have a narrow dietary breadth. Our analysis was based on the data obtained through long-term volunteer monitoring in the lowland forests of Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. We evaluated the dietary breadth of the birds while controlling for differences in sampling efforts and seasonal variation in the available fruit assemblages among the birds. Our analysis revealed that there was a large variation in dietary breadth among the birds, even after controlling for differences in sampling efforts and seasonal variation in the available fruit assemblages. Feeding strategies of the birds defined their dietary breadth to some degree, but we found little support for the hypothesis that fruit handling determines dietary breadth. We also observed a large variation in dietary breadth among the gulpers, which act mainly as seed dispersers for plants, and this variation could not be explained fully by other avian attributes. Our results showed that variation in the dietary breadth of frugivorous birds is partly determined by their feeding strategies and suggested that other unknown factors may play a role in determining dietary breadth variation and in structuring fruit–bird interaction networks.
Purification and Partial Characterization of a β-1, 3-Glucanase Secreted by the Mycoparasite Stachybotrys elegans

A β-1,3-glucanase secreted by Stachybotrys elegans, when grown on minimal synthetic medium containing Rhizoctonia solani cell wall fragments, was purified to homogeneity. The purification method involved ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatographies. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated under denaturing conditions to be about 94 kDa. The enzyme had an optimum pH of 5.0 and was most active between 40 and 50°C. Except for Mn2+, the enzyme activity was not sensitive to the metal ions tested and Km of 0.18 mg/ml was estimated for laminarin as a substrate. Cell wall lytic activity of purified β-1,3-glucanase was tested on actively growing R. solani hyphae. β-1,3-Glucanase induced morphological changes such as hyphal tip swelling, bursting, leakage of cytoplasm, and formation of numerous septae.
Fostering Success Through Group Work with Children who Celebrate Diversity

A multicultural model for children in Grades K through 5 to foster skills needed for success is presented. The learning, living, and working (LLW) group work model focuses on three skill sets identified by multiple researchers over the past 30 years as necessary for success in school, relationships, and work. These three skill sets—learning skills, social skills, and cognitive strategies—can be strengthened by participation in the LLW group sessions. The 12-session group uses role play, stories about diversity, and service learning to increase success skills and understanding of diverse cultures. Listening, attending behaviors, cooperative work and play, and the use of story structure are embedded into each session. The goal of group participation is increased academic achievement and positive peer relations. The model was developed to be used in a school setting and may be appropriate for other settings as well.
Phytotoxicity of Extracts from Sorghum Plant Components on Wheat Seedlings

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield is depressed when the crop is grown after grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], a known allelopathic species. Since little is known about the variability of allelopathic potential among sorghum hybrids on wheat, six sorghum hybrids were selected from a 1989-1990 sorghum-wheat sequence for further study. The range in yield depression observed was 16%. The six hybrids were grown in 1991 and separated into plant parts at maturity. A bioassay using wheat seedlings to detect allelopathic potential was developed. Bioassays of water extracts from mature seeds, glumes, leaves, stems, and roots of sorghum were conducted to (i) quantify the allelopathic potential of sorghum on wheat ; (ii) compare allelopathic potential of individual sorghum hybrids ; and (iii) identify the plant parts that are the most important sources of allelopathic substances. Wheat radicle growth response to water extracts revealed a highly allelopathic hybrid and two hybrids with low allelopathic potential. These were retained for study in 1992. All plant parts, regardless of hybrid, contained water-soluble materials inhibitory to wheat seedling growth. Stems, leaves, and roots were the most inhibitory components of a sorghum plant, reducing wheat radicle elongation by 74.7, 68.5, 64.0%, respectively. Within a sorghum hybrid, an individual plant part was not consistently allelopathic at the same level across years. Bioassays can rapidly detect the differences in allelopathic potential that may occur within and among hybrids. These results have implications for using sorghum-wheat rotations where residues of certain sorghum hybrids might negatively influence growth and development of wheat, possibly resulting in decreased wheat yields.
Occurrence of enterotoxin-encoding genes in Staphylococcus aureus causing mastitis in lactating goats 1

Ferreira D.H. , Carvalho M.G. X. , Nardelli M.J., Sousa F.G. C. & Oliveira C.J.B. 2014. Occurrence of enterotoxin-encoding genes in Staphylococcus aureus causing mastitis in lactating goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 34(7):633-636. Laboratório de Inspeção e Tecnologia de Produtos de Origem Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: mgxc@bol.com. br Staphylococcal enterotoxins are the leading cause of human food poisoning worldwide. Staphylococcus spp. are the main mastitis-causing agents in goats and frequently found in high counts in goat milk. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of enterotoxin-encoding genes in Staphylococcus aureus associated with mastitis in lactating goats in Paraiba State, Brazil. Milk samples (n=2024) were collected from 393 farms. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 55 milk samples. Classical (sea, seb, sec, sed, see) and novel (seg, seh, sei) enterotoxin-encoding genes were investigated by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). From thirty-six tested isolates, enterotoxin-encoding genes were detected in 7 (19.5%) S. aureus. The gene encoding enterotoxin C (seC) was identified in six isolates, while seiwas observed in only one isolate. The genes sea, seb, sed, see, seg and seh were not observed amongst the S. aureus investigated in this study. In summary, S. aureus causing mastitis in goats can harbor enterotoxin-encoding genes and seC was the most frequent gene observed amongst the investigated isolates. This finding is important for surveillance purposes, since enterotoxin C should be investigated in human staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks caused by consumption of goat milk and dairy products.
Production of germ‐line chimeras by the transfer of cryopreserved gonadal germ cells collected from 7‐ and 9‐day‐old chick embryos

Gonadal germ cells (GGC) were collected from the gonads of 7- or 9-day-old White Leghorn chick embryos and suspended in freezing medium containing 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The cell suspension was frozen at −1°C/min. until the temperature reached −80°C. Then, the cells were immersed in liquid nitrogen at −196°C and stored for 3–4 months. Approximately 50 frozen/thawed GGC were injected into the dorsal aorta of each 2-day-old Rhode Island Red (RIR) embryo, from which blood was drawn before germ-cell injection. The injected embryos were incubated until they hatched and the chicks were raised until sexually mature. On reaching sexual maturity, a progeny test was performed by mating recipient chicks with normal RIR of the opposite sex. Progenies were obtained from male germ cell recipients that were injected with germ cells collected from 7- and 9-day-old embryos. The results demonstrated that frozen/thawed GGC collected from 7- or 9-day-old fertilized eggs can be used to produce male germ-line chimeras.
Post-Truth

community, the book trade community and others. Haynes observes that metadata can be used to enhance searchability by putting search terms into a semantic context, typically available in a library catalog to differentiate between data in different fields of the catalog record. However, such “semantic awareness” is now also becoming available in the web, using embedded metadata such as Dublin Core records, or a collection of tags (a folksonomy) on social media sites. Haynes observes that social media tagging, in particular, raises issues of quality control, which could be corrected by selecting terms from a controlled vocabulary that could be displayed in a drop-down menu. Haynes also observes that the use of metadata by security agencies, crime prevention and investigation agencies, and digital advertising agencies have become political and ethical issues, as such use seems at times to cross legal boundaries and violate users’ rights to privacy. Other ethical issues with no clear solution at present include issues of information inequality, and ownership and exploitation of existing data. This book is recommended for students in library science and knowledge management programs and for librarians and other information professionals who want a concise introduction to what metadata is and the variety of uses to which it can be applied.
Dynamic Repair and Robust Optimization of Complex Networks

Network repair is indispensable for maintaining network security. Conventional static repair is relatively inefficient. In this study, by considering the energy transfer between nodes, a dynamic repair model was established. The fundamental reason for the secondary failure of repaired nodes during the dynamic repair process is the coupling structure of failure networks. A dynamic repair strategy was proposed that can effectively prevent the secondary failure of repair nodes influenced by energy during repair and can cause the redundant capacity of repair nodes to be used reasonably. By turning off the energy transfer function of the link to control the excessive flow of energy into the repair node to avoid the occurrence of secondary failure; on the other hand, by sharing part of the load of the failure node, realize the rational use of the redundant capacity of the repair node to reduce the impact of the failure node on the overall function of the network. The proposed strategy mitigated the effect of failure nodes on network functions and substantially improved the recovery efficiency of network functions. Furthermore, redundant edges, behaving as energy redundant links in a network structure, can considerably improve the robustness of the network by optimizing the removal of redundant edges. Dynamic repair is not only an efficient repair method but also a highly flexible choice for network repair.
Multi-asset portfolio optimization and out-of-sample performance: an evaluation of Black–Litterman, mean-variance, and naïve diversification approaches

The Black–Litterman model aims to enhance asset allocation decisions by overcoming the problems of mean-variance portfolio optimization. We propose a sample-based version of the Black–Litterman model and implement it on a multi-asset portfolio consisting of global stocks, bonds, and commodity indices, covering the period from January 1993 to December 2011. We test its out-of-sample performance relative to other asset allocation models and find that Black–Litterman optimized portfolios significantly outperform naïve-diversified portfolios (1/N rule and strategic weights), and consistently perform better than mean-variance, Bayes–Stein, and minimum-variance strategies in terms of out-of-sample Sharpe ratios, even after controlling for different levels of risk aversion, investment constraints, and transaction costs. The BL model generates portfolios with lower risk, less extreme asset allocations, and higher diversification across asset classes. Sensitivity analyses indicate that these advantages are due to more stable mixed return estimates that incorporate the reliability of return predictions, smaller estimation errors, and lower turnover.
Relationship between enzymatic browning and internal disorders in controlled‐atmosphere stored pears

The relationship of browning potential and polyphenoloxidase activity (PPO, EC 1.14.18.1) to the internal disorders brown heart (BH) and core breakdown (CB) was studied in pears stored in controlled atmosphere (CA) and ultra low oxygen atmosphere (ULO). Brown discoloration of the core and flesh areas depended on harvest date—the earlier the picking date, the higher the browning. In contrast to browning potential, which declined steadily during storage, PPO activity in flesh increased. No difference was found between the two storage atmospheres (CA and ULO). ULO-stored fruits showed the higher incidence in internal disorders. PPO activity was clearly inhibited in BH-damaged fruits but transiently increased in CB-damaged fruits. These results indicated that enzymatic browning and PPO enzyme are not directly correlated with the BH and CB disorders and not directly involved in their formation. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry
A biogeographical overview of the Canadian mushroom flora

Maps showing the North American distributions of 74 species of fleshy fungi, mainly Agaricales, are used to demonstrate variations in fungal ranges. Each map is based on examined specimens or selected literature. The maps are arranged to show North American floristic patterns, while the species in the text are grouped along worldwide patterns. Range patterns resemble those reported for vascular plants, ascolichens, and bryophytes. The names Hypholoma flavifolium (Smith) comb.nov. and Strobilurus trullisatus var. montezumae (Singer) comb. & stat.nov. are proposed.
The Mediating role of Technology Competences, Supply Chain Technology between Supply Chain Management, Total Quality Management and Firms Supply Chain Performance in Indonesian Textile Sector

The prime objective of this study is to investigate the association among the practices of supply chain management (SCM), total quality management (TQM), through the information technology (IT) competencies and the adoption of innovation in SCM with the firm’s supply chain performance (FSCP). Moreover, this study similarly tries to find out the mediating role of the IT competencies and the adoption of SC technology in the association between SCM, TQM and the FSCP. This study is based on a sample of firms related to the textile industry of Indonesia. Smart PLS-3 is used for data analysis that is gathered from Indonesia’s textile firms, in order to attain the objective of the research. The results of the study are consistent with the hypotheses. With respect to the association among TQM, SCM and supply performance, the IT competencies and SC technology mutually act as mediators. The conclusion reached will be beneficial for the policymakers and researchers especially with regard to the implications of IT in the area of strategic and operations management.
Satellite tracking highlights difficulties in the design of effective protected areas for Critically Endangered leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea during the inter-nesting period

Abstract The globally distributed leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea is subject to fisheries bycatch throughout its range. Protection from fisheries within pelagic foraging habitats is difficult to achieve but may be more tractable when populations are concentrated near neritic breeding and nesting grounds. We used satellite telemetry to describe patterns of habitat utilization during the inter-nesting period for seven leatherback turtles nesting at Mayumba National Park in Gabon on the equatorial West African coast. The National Park includes critical nesting grounds and a marine protected area to 15 km offshore. Turtles dispersed widely from the nesting beach spending a mean of 62 ± SD 26% of tracking time outside the confines of the National Park. This propensity to disperse is likely to increase the chance of deleterious interactions with fisheries in the region. Patterns of habitat utilization indicate the need for wider spatial scale planning on the West African continental shelf to enhance protection of leatherback turtles when they are seasonally occupying these habitats in great numbers for breeding and nesting.