Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing biophysical forest characteristics estimated from photogrammetric matching of aerial images and airborne laser scanning data

Recent development in aerial digital cameras and software facilitate the photogrammetric point cloud as a new data source in forest management planning. A total of 151 field training plots were distributed systematically within three predefined strata in a 852.6 ha study area located in the boreal forest in southeastern Norway. Stratum-specific regression models were fitted for six studied biophysical forest characteristics. The explanatory variables were various canopy height and canopy density metrics derived by means of photogrammetric matching of aerial images and small-footprint laser scanning. The ground sampling distance was 17 cm for the images and the airborne laser scanning (ALS) pulse density was 7.4 points m–2. Resampled images were assessed to mimic acquisitions at higher flying altitudes. The digital terrain model derived from the ALS data was used to represent the ground surface. The results were evaluated using 63 independent test stands. When estimating height in young forest and mature forest on poor sites, the root mean square error (RMSE) values were slightly better using data from image matching compared to ALS. However, for all other combinations of biophysical forest characteristics and strata, better results were obtained using ALS data. In general, the best results were found using the highest image resolution.
Role of (cid:98) 1 and (cid:98) 3 Integrins in Human Smooth Muscle Cell Adhesion to and Contraction of Fibrin Clots In Vitro

—The degree of lumen narrowing in advanced lesions correlates poorly with the amount of intimal mass accumulated in the atherosclerotic plaque. As an alternate mechanism of stenosis, we propose that human smooth muscle cells bind to fibrin deposited in the matrix and exert contractile forces to cause a narrowing of the lumen. In the present study we demonstrated in vitro that human newborn aortic smooth muscle cell lines can contract and adhere to fibrin clots composed of either fibronectin-depleted plasma (“plasma”) or recombinant fibrin. By using neutralizing antibodies and RGD peptides, we showed that members of the integrin family mediated the interaction between human newborn smooth muscle cells and fibrin. Neutralizing antibodies against the integrin (cid:97) v (cid:98) 3 (c7E3 Fab and LM609) did not inhibit either plasma clot contraction or recombinant fibrin clot contraction by human newborn smooth muscle cells. In contrast, antibodies against (cid:97) 5, (cid:98) 1, and (cid:97) 5 (cid:98) 1 inhibited contraction of clots composed of either plasma or recombinant fibrin. Anti- (cid:97) v (cid:98) 3, anti- (cid:97) v, anti- (cid:97) 5, anti- (cid:98) 1, and anti- (cid:97) 5 (cid:98) 1 antibodies inhibited human newborn smooth muscle cell adhesion to plasma clots; however, only anti- (cid:97) 5, anti- (cid:98) 1, and anti- (cid:97) 5 (cid:98) 1 antibodies significantly inhibited adhesion to recombinant fibrin. While the linear RGD peptides had no effect, the cyclic peptide penRGD inhibited adhesion to plasma clots and recombinant fibrin. However, it did not block contraction of recombinant fibrin clots. These results suggest that during the interaction of human newborn smooth muscle cell lines with fibrin, (cid:97) 5 (cid:98) 1 plays a significant role. This interaction is of potential interest as a target for efforts to block vascular contraction. ( Circ Res . 1998;83:241-251.)
Study Protocol: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Nortriptyline Added to a Smoking Cessation Intervention Conducted among Prisoners.

Background: Prisoners endure some of the worst health outcomes of any population group in the community. Smoking rates among prisoners remain high despite a significant reduction in smoking rates among thegeneral public.This protocol describes a study in which we will assess the effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention conducted among male prisoners. Methods/Design: 425 male smoking prisoners will be recruited. After completion of a baseline assessment, participants will receive a multi -component smoking cessation intervention comprising two half hour individual sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy and nicotine replacement therapy with either a ctive Nortriptyline or placebo. Blinded
Dispersal stochasticity mediates species richness in source–sink metacommunities

Although it is well-known that dispersal of organisms within a metacommunity will influence patterns of coexistence and richness, theoretical and experimental studies generally assume that dispersal rates are constant through time. However, dispersal is often a highly variable process that can vary seasonally and/or when stochastic events (e.g. wind storms, droughts, floods) occur. Using a well-known source–sink metacommunity model, we present novel predictions for local and regional species richness when stochasticity in dispersal is expressly considered. We demonstrate that dispersal stochasticity alters some of the predictions obtained with constant dispersal; the peak of the predicted hump-shaped relationship between dispersal and local species richness is diminished and shifted towards higher values of dispersal. Dispersal stochasticity increases extinction probabilities of inferior competitor species particularly in metacommunities subjected to severe isolation events (i.e. decreases of dispersal) or homogenization events (i.e. sudden increases of dispersal). Our results emphasize how incorporating dispersal stochasticity into theoretical predictions will broaden our understanding of metacommunities dynamics and their responses to natural and human-related disturbances.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE TRANSLOCATION OF 14C-LABELLED HERBICIDES IN BRACKEN (PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM)

Summary. The translocation of 14C-labelled herbieides in field bracken has been sludied in some preliminary experiments by means of autoradiography. A detailed account is given of the methods employed. It is shown that when 2,4-D is applied to fronds at different stages of development movement of the tracer into the rhizome is considerably greater from parts of the frond which are still immature. Trasnslocation within the frond is predominantly basipetal at all stages of development; within the rhizome the direction of movement appears to be determined primarily by the nature of the vascular connections with the treated pinna. In a comparison between the translocation of 2,4-D, 4-CPA and dalapon no difference was apparent after 24 hours, but when the treatment period was extended to 96 hours there was evidence that 4-CPA bad been translocated in a considerably greater amount than either of the other two herbicides. Rechrches ireliminaires sur la migration des herbieides marques am14C dans la fougrere algle (Pteridium aquilinum) Resume. La migration d'herbicides marques avec 14C dans la fougere aigle a eeeludiee dans quelques experiences preliminairs a 1′aide de 1'autoradiographie. Les methodes employees sont decrites en detail. Lorsquc le 2,4-D est applique, sur les frondes a differents stades de developpement, la migration de l'element marque jusqu'au rhizome est eonsiderablement plus grande lorsqu'il vient des parties des frondes qui ne sont pas encore meres. La migration a I'interieur des frondes est surlout basipete a tous les slades du developpement; dans le rhizome, la direction du mouvement sembl eere determinee surtout par la nature des connections vasculaires avec les folioles traitees. La comparaison de la migration du 2,4-D, du 4-CPA et du dalapon montre aucune difference apparernte 24 heures apres le traitement, mais. apres 96 heures, il est evident que le 4-CPA a migre A dans une proportion beaueoup plus grande que les deux autres herbicides. Vorlafige Untersuchunger uber die Transloakation von14C-markierlen Herbiziden im Adltrfarn(Pteridiun aquiliunum) Zusammenfassung. Die Translokation von 14C-markierten Herbizidcn im Adlerfarn wurde in einigen vorlaurigen Versuchen mit Hilfe autoradiographischer Methoden untersucht. Ausfuhrliche Angahen znr Methodik liegen vor. Die Farnwedel werden in verschiedenen Entwickkmgsstadien mil 2,4-D behandelt. Dabei zeigte sich, dass die Wanderung der markierten Substanzen in die Rhizome von den Teilen des Wedels belrachtlich grosser ist, die noch nichit voll entwickelt sind. Die Translokation innerhalb der Wedel ist vorherrschend basipetal in allen Entwicklungsstadien; innerhalb der Rhizome scheint die Bewegungsrichtung primar bestirnmt zu sein durch die Art der Gefassverbindungen mit den behandelten Wedelteilen. Bei einem Translokations-vergleich wiirtlen bei 2,4-D, 4-CPA und Dalapon nach 24 Stunden keine Unterschiede festgestellt. Dehnte man die Behandlnigszeit auf 96 Stunden aus, wurde jedoch eine betrachlich grossere Menge 4-CPA transportert im Vergleich zu den beiden anderen Herbiziden.
Relationship between Human Resource Management Practices and Perceived Performance of Employees in Jordanian Hospitals

The relationship between human resource management (HRM) practices and organizational performance is an important topic in the organizational sciences, but little research examining this relationship in hospital settings has been conducted. This study aims to quantify the effects of HRM practices on employee performance in 5 hospitals in Jordan. A descriptive survey design was used, wherein data was collected from all the staff of each hospital using questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation and regression analyses. The results demonstrate that HRM practices have an impact on performance, that Jordanian hospitals do not have effective HRM practices, and that compensation has the greatest impact on increasing an employee’s level of performance. Keywords : Jordanian Hospitals, human resource management practices, hospital performance
A benchmark study on identification of inelastic parameters based on deep drawing processes using pso – nelder mead hybrid approach

Optimization techniques have been increasingly used to identification of inelastic material parameters owing to their generality. Development of robust techniques to solving this class of inverse problems has been a challenge to researchers mainly due to the nonlinear character of the problem and behaviour of the objective function. Within this framework, this work discusses application of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and a PSO – Nelder Mead hybrid approach to identification of inelastic parameters based on a benchmark solution of the deep drawing process.
The board of directors and international decision-making

This paper develops a view of how specific elements of the directors' human and social capital can enhance a company's international performance. We have taken the view that the board is an active participant in the firm's management, and we have therefore set out and tested a number of arguments related to the board's role in the adoption of international decisions. Specifically, our results point to the need to incorporate board members with high levels of education and international background with ability to learn and process information and to help international decision-making. As shown by our results, a high level of external connectivity of directors could have negative repercussions for internationalization since they limit the time spent on the board and therefore reduces the cohesion and trust inside the board. The implications of this research, therefore, are important for both executives and academics, as it helps to know what attributes contribute to the board's effectiveness in such a way as to positively affect the internationalization of the firm.
Interactive E-learning for veterinary medicine students and practitioners.

Innovative methods in education, including in medicine, either human or veterinary contribute to enhance the learning effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to present the results that have been obtained by implementation of 3 e-learning platforms in veterinary undergraduate and post-graduate education and training. The e-learning platforms were developed through three projects, Higher Education at European Level in the Field of Veterinary Medicine, ID: HRDSOP 86/1.2. /S/63654, Labour Market Integration of Veterinary Medical Students – Practical Training, ID: HRDSOP/90/2.1/S/63915 implemented by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bucharest in partnership with the other faculties of veterinary medicine in Romania and Improving the Quality of Human Resources in Veterinary Medicine, ID: HRDSOP/81/3.2. /S/58833, implemented by the College of Romanian Veterinary Physicians in partnership with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bucharest. These projects are cofinanced by the Social European Fund through the Human Resources Development Sectorial Operational Programme 2007 – 2013. A number of 3,000 students from all the faculties of veterinary medicine from Romania have accessed the e-learning platform developed by the first mentioned project, that introduced a modular curriculum with 4 new courses: Veterinary Medical Deontology and Professional Ethics, Development of Professional Abilities and Career Guidance, Quality Management of the Veterinary Medical Act, Quality Management in Veterinary Higher Education. The second project e-learning platform presents 5 modules. Farm Animals Breeding Units, Clinics and Hospitals, Laboratories (research, diagnosis, food control), Slaughtering Houses, Rural Veterinary Clinics are the five domains for which platform presents scenarios that introduce the students to real-life situations. 2,500 students accessed the platform before the effective practical training. The third e-learning platform was intended for 1,000 veterinary practitioners in order to help them to update their knowledge in ten thematic areas: Advanced Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, New Technologies in Laboratory Diagnosis, New Technologies in Large Animals’ Pathology and Clinic, New Technologies in Companion Animals’ Pathology and Clinic, Modern Technologies in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Modern Devices Used in Animal Hygiene, Use of New Technologies for Food Control and Expertise, Informatics Technologies Dedicated to Food Safety and Quality Management, Modern Devices Used in Reproduction Pathology, Animals’ Selection and Amelioration and New Technologies Introduced in Emergency Veterinary Therapy. The project’s success is proved by the fact that a number of 2,488 public and private veterinary practitioners have already accessed the platform. A positive feedback of the e-learning platforms was recorded from all the members of the target groups, students and practitioners.
Sorting Charles Tiebout: The Construction and Stabilization of Postwar Public Good Theory

A substantial and diverse literature in economics traces its intellectual roots to Charles Tiebout’s 1956 article, “The Pure Theory of Local Expenditure. ” Its present recognition, frequently attributed to originating the idea of “voting with your feet, ” however, contrasts sharply with its obscurity during Tiebout’s academic career, which was tragically cut short by his passing in 1968. Penned as a qualification to Paul Samuelson’s “pure theory,” the article failed to influence the stabilization of postwar public good theory, despite Tiebout ’s engagement with key figu res in its construction . Moreover, his death preceded the application of its central mechanism to public, urban, and environmental topics via hedonic, sorting, and computational general equilibrium models. Viewed in this way, the history of Tiebout’s article, and thereby the history of public economics, has remarkably little to do with Tiebout himself. Professionally, though, the article reflected Tiebout ’s lifelong interest in issues of local economies and governance. The social and political context of urban sprawl and political fragmentation that accompanied the rapid growth of metropolitan areas, such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle, raised novel questions in local public finance for researchers before a knowledge community existed to credit their work. For Tiebout, it stimulated his collaboration with Vincent Ostrom and Robert Warren and later involvement in the burgeoning interdisciplinary field of regional science.
Pre‐harvest diurnal temperature variations increase diapause development in the alfalfa leafcutting bee Megachile rotundata (Fab.) (Hym., Megachilidae)

Diapause development of a partially bivoltine and univoltine strain of Megachile rotundata (Fab.) was investigated prior to normal field harvest. A 12 h alternating temperature of 10–30°C during pre‐harvest storage resulted in diapause development whereas constant incubation at 30 °C resulted in a high diapause intensity. Significant strain‐temperature interactions occurred. Specific diurnal temperature‐strain interactions appear to be the main parameters that regulate voltinism of M. rotundata under field management conditions. Reduction of a field second generation requires harvest of newly filled hives and subsequent incubation at 30 °C to complete larval development with minimal diapause development.
Sex pheromone components of the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae: Isolation, identification and field experiments

Glass capillary gaschromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer has shown that in addition to Z‐11‐hexadecenyl acetate, hexadecyl acetate and Z‐11‐heptadecenyl acetate are present in pheromone glands of calling virgin females of Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Hadeninae). Electroantennography revealed positive responses for Z 11–17: Ac and 16: Ac, while behavioural tests were only positive for Z 11–17: Ac.
Handwritten Text Recognition Error Rate Reduction in Historical Documents using Naive Transcribers

Handwritten text recognition (HTR) is a difficult research problem. In particular for historical documents, this task is hard as handwriting style, orthography, and text quality pose significant challenges. Creation of a single multi-purpose HTR system seems to be out of reach for current state-of-the-art systems. Therefore, we are interested in fast creation of specialized HTR systems for a particular set of historical documents. Manual annotation by historical experts is expensive and can often not be applied at a large scale. Instead, we use the transcripts of naive transcribers that may still contain a significant amount of errors. In this paper, we propose to fuse the recognized word-chain with naive transcribers that can be obtained in a cost-effective way. For the actual fusion, we rely on a word-level approach, the so-called Recognizer Output Voting Error Reduction (ROVER). Results indicate that we are able to reduce the Word Error Rate (WER) of an HTR system trained with only few pages from 24.6 % to 19.2% with two additional transcribers with 25.1% and 27.1% WER each. This performance is already close to current state-of-the-art systems trained with significantly more data.
Effects of spatial heterogeneity in soil contamination: an ecological modelling approach

The article closely examines the role of mechanistic effect models (e.g., population models) in the European environmental risk assessment (ERA) of pesticides. We studied perspectives of three stakeholder groups on population modeling in ERA of pesticides. Forty-three in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders from regulatory authorities, industry, and academia all over Europe. The key informant approach was employed in recruiting our participants. They were first identified as key stakeholders in the field and then sampled by means of a purposive sampling, where each stakeholder identified as important by others was interviewed and asked to suggest another potential participant for our study. Our results show that participants, although having different institutional backgrounds often presented similar perspectives and concerns about modeling. Analysis of repeating ideas and keywords revealed that all stakeholders had very high and often contradicting expectations from models. Still, all three groups expected effect models to become integrated in future ERA of pesticides. Main hopes associated with effect models were to reduce the amount of expensive and complex testing and field monitoring, both at the product development stage, and as an aid to develop mitigation measures. Our analysis suggests that, although the needs of stakeholders often overlapped, subtle differences and lack of trust hinder the process of introducing mechanistic effect models into ERA. 19 Stakeholders’ perspectives on ecological modeling in ERA
Active Learning-Based Grasp for Accurate Industrial Manipulation

We propose an active learning-based grasp method for accurate industrial manipulation that combines the high accuracy of geometrically driven grasp methods and the generalization ability of data-driven grasp methods. Our grasp sequence consists of pregrasp stage and grasp stage which integrates the active perception and manipulation. In pregrasp stage, the manipulator actively moves and perceives the object. At each step, given the perception image, a motion is chosen so that the manipulator can adjust to a proper pose to grasp the object. We train a convolutional neural network to estimate the motion and combine the network with a closed-loop control so that the end effector can move to the pregrasp state. In grasp stage, the manipulator executes a fixed motion to complete the grasp task. The fixed motion can be acquired from the demonstration with nonexpert conveniently. Our proposed method does not require the prior knowledge of camera intrinsic parameters, hand-eye transformation, or manually designed feature of objects. Instead, the training data sets containing prior knowledge are collected through interactive perception. The method can be easily transferred to new tasks with a few human interventions and is able to complete high accuracy grasp task with a certain robustness to partial observation condition. In our circuit board grasping tests, we could achieve a grasp accuracy of 0.8 mm and 0.6°. Note to Practitioners—The research in this paper is motivated by the following practical problem. Manipulators on industrial lines can complete high accuracy tasks with hand-crafting features of objects. The perception is only used for object detection and localization. It is not flexible since the prior knowledge differs from tasks, which takes a long time to deploy in a new task. Besides, only well-trained experts are qualified to complete the deployment process. Our grasp method uses a convolutional network to estimate the motion for manipulator directly from images. The camera is mounted on the manipulator and can perceive the object actively. The training data set of the network is specific for different objects that can be automatically collected with a few human interventions. Our method simplifies the deployment process and can be applied in 3C industry (computers, communications, and consumer electronics) where the products upgrade frequently.