Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examination of the Potential of Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry and Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Rapid Nondestructive Field Measurement of Grass Biomass

EXAMINATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF STRUCTURE-FROM-MOTION PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING FOR RAPID NONDESTRUCTIVE FIELD MEASUREMENT OF GRASS BIOMASS SAM D. COOPER 2017 Above ground biomass (AGB) is a parameter commonly used for assessment of grassland systems. While destructive sampling of AGB is highly accurate, it is time consuming and often precludes repeat temporal sampling or sampling in sensitive ecosystems. Consequently, a number of nondestructive techniques that relate grass structural properties to AGB have been developed. This study investigated the application of two recent technologies, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Structurefrom-Motion (SfM), in the development of rapid nondestructive AGB estimation of grassland plots. TLS and SfM volume metrics generated using a rasterized surface differencing method were linearly related to destructively measured total AGB and grass AGB excluding all litter, and results were compared to the conventional disc pasture meter. The linear models were assessed using a leave-one-out cross validation scheme. The disc pasture meter was found to be the least reliable method in assessing total AGB (r = 0.32, RMSELOOCV = 269 g/m2). SfM (r 2 = 0.74, RMSELOOCV = 169 g/m2) outperformed TLS (r = 0.56, RMSELOOCV = 219 g/m ), though a much larger slope in SfM regressions suggests an increased sensitivity to error. Litter removal decreased the effectiveness of AGB estimation for both TLS (r = 0.49) and SfM (r = 0.51) but increased the fit of disc pasture meter estimations (r = 0.42), highlighting the complex
STATISTICAL AND NEURAL METHODS FOR SITE–SPECIFIC YIELD PREDICTION

Understanding the relationships between yield and soil properties and topographic characteristics is of critical importance in precision agriculture. A necessary first step is to identify techniques to reliably quantify the relationships between soil and topographic characteristics and crop yield. Stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR), projection pursuit regression (PPR), and several types of supervised feed-forward neural networks were investigated in an attempt to identify methods able to relate soil properties and grain yields on a point-by-point basis within ten individual site-years. To avoid overfitting, evaluations were based on predictive ability using a 5-fold cross-validation technique. The neural techniques consistently outperformed both SMLR and PPR and provided minimal prediction errors in every site-year. However, in site-years with relatively fewer observations and in site-years where a single, overriding factor was not apparent, the improvements achieved by neural networks over both SMLR and PPR were small. A second phase of the experiment involved estimation of crop yield across multiple site-years by including climatological data. The ten site-years of data were appended with climatological variables, and prediction errors were computed. The results showed that significant overfitting had occurred and indicated that a much larger number of climatologically unique site-years would be required in this type of analysis.
Influence of Cultural Factors on Pupil’s Transition from Primary to Secondary Schools in Laikipia West Sub-County, Kenya

From 2017, the government of Kenya aimed at attaining 100 percent transition rate of pupils from primary to secondary schools. In Laikipia West Sub-County whose primary schools are focused by the study, transition from primary to secondary schools averaged at 54.9% from 2008 to 2015. Cultural factors are highlighted in literature as to undermine transition of pupils from primary to secondary schools. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which cultural factors influence pupils’ transition from primary to secondary schools in Laikipia West Sub-county in Kenya. Using ex-post facto research design, data was collected using self-delivered questionnaire from a target population of 1064 respondents. The study was carried out on a randomly sampled population of 411 respondents, composed of 280 teachers and 131 PTA chairpersons in public primary schools in the area of study. Data was analyzed using simple regression at . 05 alpha level. Findings from the study revealed that cultural factors were significantly influencing transition of pupils from primary to secondary schools (β= - .790) at 0.5 significance level. The study recommended that local leaders should organize for civic education in order to address the identified transition challenges so as to attain a 100% rate of progression to secondary schools.
Intellectual Property Rights, Human Capital and the Incidence of R&D Expenditures

Numerous studies predict that developing countries with low human capital may not benefit from the strengthening of intellectual property rights. The authors extend an influential theoretical framework to highlight the role of intellectual property rights in the process of innovation and structural change. The resulting theory is consistent with a stylized fact that appears in the data, namely that countries with poor intellectual-property protection may accumulate human capital without a corresponding increase in research and development investment as a share of national income. The model predicts that without minimum intellectual-property protection, additional education may result in more imitation rather than innovation. The preponderance of the econometric evidence presented in this paper suggests that interactions between human capital and intellectual property rights determine global patterns of research and development effort, and intellectual property rights tend to raise the effect of education on the incidence of research and development.
Intonation-based classification of language proficiency using FDA

State-of-the-art pronunciation tutoring (CAPT) systems are based on ASR technology. Consequently, they can provide a distinguished learning feedback which is focused on phonetic features and the positions of articulation errors. In contrast with the relative success with segmental errors, the acquisition and assessment of second language (L2) prosody is still a challenging problem. Although prosodic parameters like f0 contour or duration measures are usually displayed, the consequential evaluation components are generally missing. Considering the strong variation in speech data, functional data analysis (FDA) is a useful concept which statistically analyses interrelations between principal components (e.g., given accentuation) and their contribution to superimposed forms (e.g., resultingf0 contour). This article describes baseline processing and preliminary results of a pilot study on the intonation-based proficiency classification of German by using FDA methods. The experimental part contains the FDA-based classification results compared to a perceptual classification by German natives. Index Terms: L2 prosody, proficiency, functional data analysis
Meta-analyses of the effects of river flow on fish movement and activity

Estimating the timing and magnitude of fish movements relative to environmental factors can provide insight into why fishes behave as they do. To make broad-level inferences about fish movement in lotic environments, we conducted random-effects meta-analyses on the effects of river flow magnitude on (i) non-migratory movements, (ii) upstream migra- tory movements, (iii) downstream migratory movements, and (iv) fine-scale activity. We found a significant positive effect of river discharge on non-migratory movements (r = 0.41 (mean) ± 0.07 (SE), Z = 6.06, p 0.05, k = 5) and fine- scale activity (r = 0.01 ± 0.11, Z = 0.08, p > 0.05, k = 5) were not significant. Heterogeneity of effect sizes was evident in all meta-analyses as well as inclusion and (or) publication bias. Collectively, our meta-analyses suggested that changes to a river's flow regime can modulate non-migratory fish behaviour, the consequences of which need to be explored in terms of habitat use and energy budgets. However, more studies are needed to examine potential effect modifiers and improve sample sizes overall.
Lemon grass essential oil on productive characteristics of broiler chickens

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of lemon grass essential oil on the performance and yield of organs and commercial cuts of broiler chickens. Seventy-two one-day-old broiler chicks of the lineage Cobb 500 were evaluated for 42 days. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with three treatments of six broiler chicks and four replications. The treatments consisted of negative control diet (NCD), composed of basal feed, without antimicrobial; positive control diet (PCD), composed of basal feed with antimicrobial (zinc bacitracin) and anticoccidial; and lemon grass diet (LGD), composed of NCD with lemon grass essential oil. The performance of the broilers was lower with the use of lemon grass oil, compared with those in the treatment PCD. The broiler chickens in the treatment LGD had the lowest gizzard and drumstick weights and their commercial cuts were negatively affected by this treatment. Therefore, the use of lemon grass essential oil in the chicken broiler diet negatively affects their productive characteristics.
Mineral Balance Plasticity of Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) in Quebec-Labrador Bogs

The “ionome”, or plant elemental signature, is the elemental composition of an organisms, that may vary with genotypic traits and phenotypic plasticity. Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) is a circumboreal wild berry naturally growing in oligotrophic oceanic bogs ofQuebecandLabrador. Our objective was to relate cloudberry stand productivity to the ionomes of female ramets and explore the cause of nutrient imbalance in low-performing stands. We analyzed 13 elements in female ramets collected in 86 natural sites where crop productivity varied widely. We computed orthogonally arranged balances reflecting plant stoichiometric rules and soil biogeochemistry. Balances were expressed as isometric log ratios (ilr) between ad hoc sub-compositions. Balances were synthesized into a Mahalanobis distance optimized based on receiving operating characteristics (ROC). The critical Mahalanobis distance was found to be 5.29 for cutoff berry yield of3.8 g.m-2 with test performance of 0.88, as measured by the area under the ROC curve. Although past research on cloudberry focused mainly on the N/P ratio, this exploratory mineral balance analysis indicated that imbalance in the [P,N | S,C] and [Al | Nutrients] partitions appeared to be the factors limiting the most cloudberry productivity in the bogs. Some highly productive stands showed relatively high C fixation and K use efficiency. Due to the complexity of interactions, diagnosis should be conducted computing first a global imbalance index (Mahalanobis distance), then examining in the balance domain binary partitions departing most from reference, and finally appreciating relative shortage, sufficiency or excess of elements in the concentration domain.
THE IMPACT OF BLACK SPOT FUNGICIDES ON INTEGRATED MITE CONTROL IN PIPFRUIT

The effects of six protectant fungicides on integrated mite control (IMC) in pipfruit were evaluated in two trials in Nelson (1997-98 season) and Hawkes Bay (1998-99 season). Four of the fungicides were tested in two formulations. In the Nelson trial, thiram and ziram applied between September and mid-November reduced populations of the predatory mite, Typhlodromus pyri, and this allowed European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) numbers to increase. Metiram caused little disruption to predatory mites in this trial while captan and dithianon were not disruptive. An analysis of these effects showed that the fungicide active ingredients, rather than product formulations, were responsible for disruption. Mid-summer applications of ziram in the Hawkes Bay trial also reduced numbers of T. pyri, whereas tolylfluanid was not disruptive to integrated mite control.
Ectopic Overexpression of Barley PIP2;4 Confers Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis

In the present study HvPIP2;4 was overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana to engineer enhanced salt tolerance. Barley Aquaporin was selected since barley shows fairly good tolerance to drought, salt stress and low temperature compared to many other crops including rice, and it was thought that analysis of barley aquaporin will provide a good insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in transport of water & their efficacy during abiotic stress condition. Arabidopsis line expressing HvPIP2;4 from annual crop plant Hordeum vulgare (Barley) under the control of constitutive promoter was used to analyze the expression of HvPIP2 ; 4 and its efficacy during salt stress when NaCl concentration gradually increased. The pattern of expression of Hv PIP2; 4 were found to be NaCl dose dependent during salt stress. The constitutive expression of HvPIP2;4 enhanced salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis . HvPIP2;4 played a dominant role in improving plant salt tolerance. It may be very well presumed that overexpression of HvPIP2;4 in crop plant might benefit them by enhancing their salt tolerance capacity. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(4): 498-512
Respiratory tract symptoms in multi-day trail runners - a focus on allergy.

Introduction: Respiratory tract symptoms (RTS), common in athletes during heavy training and after events, result in impaired readiness for events and race times. Since the 1980’s exercise immunologists have investigated the aetiological factors surrounding the development of exercise induced RTS in order to develop effective preventative strategies. A number of theories have been put forward and explored, such as increased susceptibility to infection, ‘run-away’ inflammatory response and reactivation of prior viral infection. It has been suggested that the mechanisms producing exercise induced inflammation could potentiate allergic responses in sensitized individuals and recently allergic response has been proposed as a potential contributor to exercise induced RTS. Certainly allergic reactions can produce a range of respiratory symptoms; however the relationship between allergic sensitization, allergic reaction and the incidence of post-exercise RTS has not been well defined. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to document the incidence of RTS for two weeks before and two weeks after a three-day trail run and relate these to the general systemic and salivary immunological profile as well as atopic status of the participants. The secondary objective was to validate the use of the Phadiatop® assay as a predictor of allergy-associated post-race RTS in trail runners. Study Design and Methods: The study formed part of a larger, descriptive field study examining the physiological responses of trail runners during the Three Cranes Challenge, a multi-day 95 km event divided into three stages, in Karkloof, KwaZulu-Natal. Outcome measures examined included selfreported RTS over a 31 day period (pre, during and post race), as well as pre-race Phadiatop® status, salivary IgA (sIgA) concentrations and changes in concentrations of serum IgE (sIgE), cortisol, high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and differential leukocyte counts. The haematological and salivary parameters were obtained at 8 time points before, during and after the event.
Numerical modelling of the Storfjorden (Svalbard) polynya development due to wind stress: role of the sea ice rheology and damping forces

Remote sensing of the ice cover in Storfjorden (Svalbard) revealed the persistence and evolution of latent heat polynyas during the winter of 1997/98. Latent heat polynyas open mechanically under wind stress or ocean currents that transport the ice cover away. In the present work we used mathematical modelling to simulate the Storfjorden polynya size and geometry caused by wind stress, measured at the meteorological station on the island of Hopen in winter 1997/98. The dependence of the polynya outlines on the wind velocity is presented. Two approaches were used: quasi-static and dynamic. Quasi-static simulations are based on a time-independent, linear ice stress-strain relationship valid for the low strain rates only. Time dependence of the ice cover fracture is joined with stress-strain nonlinearity caused by ice delayed-elastic recovery and viscosity. Results are compared to satellite observations from the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) of ERS-2. The simulation results show that a northern wind opens a larger polynya (ca. 30%) than does a north-eastern wind with the same speed. The results also indicate that the bathymetry and geometry of the fjord might have a stronger influence on the polynya opening and development than the location of individual islands and reefs.
Exploring the Effectiveness of Implementing Seminars as a Teaching and an Assessment Method in a Children's Literature Course.

The classroom environment should support students’ autonomy through teaching and assessment methods. This article highlights students’ perceptions about the value of implementing seminars as a teaching and an assessment method in a children’s literature course in a college of applied sciences (XCAS). Additionally, preparation considerations and limitations of such implementation are discussed. Findings indicted the positive effects of seminars in enriching classroom learning and students’ responsibility for their own learning which can be achieved through training for teachers and students. Practical implications of seminar implementations for future use are outlined and conceptual framework is suggested based on the findings.
VIROLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL FEATURES OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE-l (HIV-l) PRE AND POST TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS IN COINFECTED PATIENTS BY TSIGEREDA BIRU

The association between HIVand Tuberculosis (I'B) is complex and bidirectional. Recent studies demonstrated that TB accelerates the course of AIDS. In the present study lI'e sought for virological and immunological features of HIV in TB co-ilifected individuals. The study subjects are selected pom Ethio-Netherlands AIDS research project (ENARP) cohort. 8 HIVITB co-ilifected individuals prior to diagnosis of TB, during and after completion of succes~rul TB chemotherapy and 7 CD4 matched HIV-1 ilifected patients without the diagnosis of TB and with one year follow-up were involved As routine laboratory analysis viral load and CD4+cell countll'ere done at the time of blood sample collection. For this study, RNA was isolated pom plasma and the C2V3 region of HIV-f envelope gene was amplified by neste(l ,pO{YIII~I:a.ye, r:hain re,action, (PCR). l)ire.ct { [ • , { • " < , " ( { { , { C " , ( [ , , ' sequencing was pelformed for all the PCR~ ! Nsitn'e: fJl:O(/ucts. The, :HlVITB, :c(',itJjecled ,~~~"':,,';,,,' ; ~;,,': ;;,,';;, individuals showed a significantly elevate-p plf,lsl! lC[ .! fIV-} . vi! ,G:! : iori4' '(P'f-O; 05) . 'durinff treatment of TB with steeper decline in CD4';: 'ckl? ~bl~nt~'" (;'~d. (5). ': lio;l'e~er, : The ds: , '[ , , , : : " ,: , , :" ' , , (synonymous nucleotide substitution) and dns (n~lJ. s:~llqrYilio~,J 'h\IJie~tidi'; ,sl~l;\'1itution)' comparison between the study groups and the' c'ol1ti'ols' elt inra'faJ (befor'e 'st'm't 'oj O'eat/llelit)' and ""f2 months later (qfter completion of TB treatment) didn't sholl' a significant diffirence between the two groups. The ratio of ds and dns between the two time points for both groups was approximated to 1, which shows a positive but weak selection of evolution of the virus. We conclude therefore that plasma H1V-f viral load is elevated during and after treatment of active tuberculosis, but this may not be due to the presence of highly replicative HIV viruses. We recommend jilfure research should focus on isolating the different HIV quasispecies so that one can see if there is a difference in HIV genetic diversity, diversification and diversification rate between the HIVITB and HIV only study population.
Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Buffalo Calves Fed Urea-ammoniated Wheat Straw and Hydrochloric Acid plus Urea Treated Wheat Straw

Ten growing male buffalo calves (aged 6-8 months, average body weight 88.2±0.57 kg were divided randomly into two groups. Animals in group I were fed on concentrate mixture A (CP 20.2%, TDN 77.4%) and urea- ammoniated wheat straw (UAWS) while the animals in group II were fed on concentrate mixture B (CP 17.9%, TDN 77.6%) and HCl plus urea treated wheat straw (HCl UAWS) to meet their nutrient requirement for 500 g gain/d as per Kearl (1982). This feeding practice lasted for 120 days, during which fortnightly body weight were recorded to assess their growth rate. A metabolism trial was conducted after 90 days of experimental feeding to compare the digestibility of nutrients, their balance, plane of nutrition and relative cost of feeding in two groups of animals. Results revealed a significant increase in the CP content of ammoniated wheat straw due to addition of HCl viz 12.1% from 7.5%. There was a decrease in the intake of DM (p<0.05), OM (p<0.05), EE (p<0.05), NDF (p<0.01), ADF (p<0.01), cellulose (p<0.01) and hemicellulose (p<0.01) in group II as compared to group I. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM and CP was significantly (p<0.01) more in group II, whereas the digestibility (%) was significantly more for NDF (p<0.05) and hemicellulose (p<0.01) in group I than group II. There was no significant difference in the N, Ca and P balance in two groups. Intake of total DM (g/d) or (g/kg W 0.75 ) was significantly (p<0.01) more in group I as compared to group II, whereas the intake of DCP and TDN (g/d or g/kg W 0.75 ) was alike in two groups. The total body weight gain (kg), average daily gain (g/d) and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (p<0.01) more in UAWS fed group as compared to HCl UAWS fed group. Feeding cost (Rs./kg. weight gain) was significantly (p<0.05) more in group II as compared to group I. It is concluded that HCl UAWS is not suitable for the feeding of growing buffalo calves as it reduced the growth rate in comparison to UAWS fed buffalo calves. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 5 : 682-686)