Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Dual Privacy Preserving Algorithm in Spatial Crowdsourcing

Spatial crowdsourcing assigns location-related tasks to a group of workers (people equipped with smart devices and willing to complete the tasks), who complete the tasks according to their scope of work. Since space crowdsourcing usually requires workers’ location information to be uploaded to the crowdsourcing server, it inevitably causes the privacy disclosure of workers. At the same time, it is difficult to allocate tasks effectively in space crowdsourcing. Therefore, in order to improve the task allocation efficiency of spatial crowdsourcing in the case of large task quantity and improve the degree of privacy protection for workers, a new algorithm is proposed in this paper, which can improve the efficiency of task allocation by disturbing the location of workers and task requesters through k-anonymity. Experiments show that the algorithm can improve the efficiency of task allocation effectively, reduce the task waiting time, improve the privacy of workers and task location, and improve the efficiency of space crowdsourcing service when facing a large quantity of tasks.
Evolution of Conditional Cooperativity Between HOXA11 and FOXO1 Through Allosteric Regulation

Transcription factors (TFs) play multiple roles in different cells and stages of development. Given this multitude of functional roles it has been assumed that TFs are evolutionarily highly constrained. Here we investigate the molecular mechanisms for the origin of a derived functional interaction between two TFs that play a key role in mammalian pregnancy, HOXA11 and FOXO1. We have previously shown that the regulatory role of HOXA11 in mammalian endometrial stromal cells requires an interaction with FOXO1, and that the physical interaction between these proteins evolved long before their functional cooperativity. Through a combination of functional, biochemical, and structural approaches, we demonstrate that the derived functional cooperativity between HOXA11 and FOXO1 is due to derived allosteric regulation of HOXA11 by FOXO1. This study shows that TF function can evolve through changes affecting the functional output of a pre-existing protein complex.
Personalized Subjective Driving Risk: Analysis and Prediction

Subjective risk assessment is an important technology for enhancing driving safety, because an individual adjusts his/her driving behavior according to his/her own subjective perception of risk. This study presents a novel framework for modeling personalized subjective driving risk during expressway lane changes. The objectives of this study are twofold: (i) to use ego vehicle driving signals and surrounding vehicle locations in a data-driven and explainable approach to identify the possible influential factors of subjective risk while driving and (ii) to predict the specific individual’s subjective risk level just before a lane change. We propose the personalized subjective driving risk model, a combined framework that uses a random forest-based method optimized by genetic algorithms to analyze the influential risk factors, and uses a bidirectional long short term memory to predict subjective risk. The results demonstrate that our framework can extract individual differences of subjective risk factors, and that the identification of individualized risk factors leads to better modeling of personalized subjective driving risk.
Influence of diameter measuring height on the adjustment of volume and biomass equations of cerrado in minas gerais

Different tree diameter measuring heights are displayed in the literature, which in some cases can lead to different results in the final estimates, if the model used is not compatible with the diameter measurement height. The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate equations of volume and biomass, adjusted by Goal Programming and regression by Ordinary Least Squares Method for the Cerrado Sensu Stricto and Campo Cerrado in Minas Gerais state, using information on diameters measured at 0. 10, 0.30 and 1.30 meters from the ground level. Thus, we rigorously scaled 868 trees in areas of Cerrado Sensu Stricto and Campo Cerrado of Minas Gerais. Two different models were subsequently adjusted, one being dual input with the diameter measured at different heights and total height and the second with only the diameter. The results showed that the height where the diameter was taken may influence the accuracy of the models, the diameter measured at 1.30 m presenting the best fits with more accurate estimates. It was possible to generate an equation that can support the monitoring of deforested areas, using the stump diameter (0.10 cm from the soil).
Determinants of Accounting Earnings Surprises in South Africa

The study was carried out to investigate the determinants of accounting earnings surprises in South Africa. A total of two hundred (200) firm-year data obtained from twenty (20) quoted companies for the period of Ten years (2008 – 2017) were used for the study. Descriptive statistics and correlation matrix was employed alongside the panel regression to investigate these determinants. The variables used for the study include Earning Surprises (ERNSP) as dependent variable while independent variables include Firm Reputation (FRMREP), Earnings Management (ERNMAG), Sales Growth (SALSGT), Cash Flow (CSHFL), and Firm Size (FSIZE). The results indicate that all the variables studied have no significant effect on earnings surprises of industrial firms in South Africa. Firm reputation and earnings management were found to have insignificant positive influences while sales growth, cash flow and firm size were found to have insignificant negative influences on earnings surprises. It was recommended that: investors in South Africa may not bother themselves about the variables tested in this study as none of them have significant effect on the earnings surprises of industrial companies in their country. Our study contributes to the earnings surprises literature by extending the study of earnings surprise determinants to South African industrial companies; modifying existing models and updating literature.
Testing Reliability of Body Size Measurements Using Hind Foot Length in Roe Deer

Abstract We quantified the repeatability of >900 individual measures of hind foot length from 2 French populations of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) monitored by capture–recapture. We found a high repeatability (i.e., high intra-class correlation, 0.76, 95% CI = 0.72–0.83 and 0.92, 95% CI = 0.91–0.95) in both populations. We also found that inexperienced observers reached a high level of intra- (1.00, 95% CI = 0.96–1.00) and inter-observer repeatability (0.99, 95% CI = 0.98–1.00) when measuring hind foot length of harvested animals with a tool specifically designed for this task. Managers should pay particular attention to limit measurement errors because unreliable measurements require an increased sample size to assess individual variation and can mask biological patterns.
Effect of surface treatment on the retention of zirconia crowns to tooth structure after aging.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the retention between zirconia crowns and tooth structure after in vitro aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human third molars (n = 44) received crown preparations and CAD/CAM zirconia crowns were manufactured. Specimens were divided into two groups: no aging, control (NAC, n = 11) or aging (A, n = 33). NAC were bonded with universal adhesive (UA). Aged specimens were divided into three subgroups (n = 11) according to surface treatment: Control: no abrasion + UA; Alumina: alumina abrasion + UA; Silica: tribochemical silica coating + UA. The crowns were cemented with dual-cure resin cement. Specimens in group A were aged by a combination of mechanical, thermal, and pH cycling. Retention strength values were obtained by tensile tests and results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test (P < .05). RESULTS Aging decreased the retention strength in control specimens (P < .001). Surface treatment improved the retention strength of aged specimens (P < .001), with similar results between alumina and tribochemical silica coating. CONCLUSION The chemical interaction between the universal bonding system and zirconia's surface was not sufficient to withstand artificial aging. Tribochemical silica coating did not promote additional retention in comparison to alumina blasting. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The long-term retention of translucent zirconia crowns to tooth structure using phosphate-based materials is improved by means of mechanical surface treatments such as alumina blasting and tribochemical silica coating.
Levada walks and canyoning as mountain sport products in nature tourism

Abstract Physical activities organised in nature have earned more commitment from tourists who intend to actively visit natural and authentic environments. This paper analyses the profile and the perceptions of active tourists who experienced canyoning and levada walking in the mountains of Madeira Island. The study uses a quantitative methodology analysis, based on an anonymous questionnaire designed for 160 levada walker tourists and 130 canyoning tourists. Differences were found between the two groups in terms of their profile and assessment of the two activities. The levada walking profile is the one of older, but more active tourists who stay on the island more than 6 days and intend to experience unique and memorable activities related to waterways, mountain trails and cultural landscapes in a sense of freedom and well-being that nature provides. The canyoning profile is the one of younger tourists, more male than female, who are less active, travelling by cruise, and is with an emphasis on the challenges and natural barriers afforded by the steep and unpredictable characteristics of canyons (hedonism). The findings recommend segmentation of the tourists and a strategy for tourism destinations that highlight culture, endemic forest, authentic landscapes and the hospitality of local people in active tourism services.
Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from undeveloped ovules of citrus

Embryogenic cultures were initiated from undeveloped ovules (8-weeks old after anthesis) of several citrus species on three different media: basal Murashige and Skoogs medium (MS) supplemented with malt extract alone or in combinations with 6-Benzylamino purine (BAP) or kinetin (Kin). Differences were observed in callusing percentage, embryogenic callus and the number of embryos among species, cultivars and culture media under investigation. Also, embryo germination was determined. Somatic embryogenesis via ovules depended on the genotype and the culture medium. The most effective treatment for embryo production varied among genotypes as the highest percentage of embryogenesis was obtained with local mandarin on M1 medium (100%) and for Shamouti orange on M2 medium (44.4%) but M3 medium was the best for Washington navel orange (100%). In general, M1 medium gave the best response for most genotypes. Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) was tested using ELISA and RT-PCR. The results indicated that the somatic embryogenesis via ovules is a tool for production of CTV-free citrus plants. RAPD- PCR was used to examine the somaclonal variation in ovule-derived plantlets. The results indicated that most plantlets were belonging to the respective mother plants and no big variations were found.
Potential for Direct Harvesting of Peanuts1

Abstract The concept of harvesting peanuts has remained the same since the windrow-harvesting method replaced stack-pole harvesting. The purpose of this paper is to state the present position on conventional peanut harvesting and discuss the potential for direct harvesting of Virginia-type peanuts. The field operations for the conventional and direct-harvesting methods are compared. Advantages and disadvantages of each harvesting method as they relate to peanut losses and peanut damages are discussed. The operational performance and evaluation of the direct harvester developed at Suffolk, Va. , is presented. The importance of the drying operation for the conventional and direct-harvesting methods is discussed relative to cost of drying, managing the drying operation, and improving thermal efficiency.
Functional divergence and adaptive selection of KNOX gene family in plants

Abstract KNOTTED-like homeodomain (KNOX) genes are transcriptional regulators that play an important role in morphogenesis. In the present study, a comparative analysis was performed to investigate the molecular evolution of the characteristics of the KNOX gene family in 10 different plant species. We identified 129 KNOX gene family members, which were categorized into two subfamilies based on multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction. Several segmental duplication pairs were found, indicating that different species share a common expansion model. Functional divergence analysis identified the 15 and 52 amino acid sites with significant changes in evolutionary rates and amino acid physicochemical properties as functional divergence sites. Additional selection analysis showed that 14 amino acid sites underwent positive selection during evolution, and two groups of co-evolutionary amino acid sites were identified by Coevolution Analysis using Protein Sequences software. These sites could play critical roles in the molecular evolution of the KNOX gene family in these species. In addition, the expression profiles of KNOX duplicated genes demonstrated functional divergence. Taken together, these results provide novel insights into the structural and functional evolution of the KNOX gene family.
Mapping the nesting habitats of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Melacca Swamp and the Adelaide River wetlands, Northern Territory: an approach using remote sensing and GIS

The utility of integrating remotely sensed data and other spatial information in a geographical information system (GIS) to model habitat suitability for nesting by saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) was investigated in this study. The study areas, Melacca Swamp and the Adelaide River wetlands, are located 50 km east of Darwin, Northern Territory, and encompass areas of suitable nesting habitat for C. porosus. Melacca Swamp is a highly productive nesting area and is managed as a conservation reserve to protect its nesting habitat. Landsat TM, SPOT satellite imagery and large-scale colour aerial photography were evaluated for their utility in mapping habitats preferred for nesting by C. porosus within Melacca Swamp. Satellite imagery was capable of identifying generalised habitat classes used for nesting (e.g. open swamp with emergent trees). However, it was only with aerial photography that habitats could be discerned (e.g. sedges with scattered Melaleuca trees). Spatial information derived from satellite imagery and other sources was integrated in a GIS to model potentially suitable nesting habitat along the Adelaide River. This methodology effectively identified known preferred nesting areas of C. porosus on the basis of the analysis of environmental parameters (i.e. distance to water, vegetation type) that have an influence on selection of nesting habitat. The findings of this research demonstrate the utility of remote sensing and GIS for mapping nesting habitat of C. porosus at a range of scales and provide guidelines for application of the approaches used at the regional or State level.
Spillovers across House Price Convergence Clubs: Evidence from the Polish Housing Market

Abstract The aim of this study is to assess whether significant spillovers exist among house price convergence clubs in the Polish housing market. This paper is a continuation of my previous research on house price convergence in Poland. In order to achieve the defined goal, VAR modelling was used. Based on the results of the VAR model, impulse response functions (IRFs) and the Spillover Index were calculated. The obtained results indicate that spillovers in the Polish housing market are strong. The relationships are observed both inside the primary and secondary markets and between them. In particular, a very powerful influence is exerted from a club of cities from the primary market, consisting of Cracow, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Poznań, Rzeszów and Wrocław, on the remaining identified house price convergence clubs.
Life Stages and Demography of Invasive Shrub Cytisus scoparius (Fabaceae) in Lithuania

Abstract Alien invasive woody plant species, particularly those associated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, are of special concern, because they may cause drastic changes in entire ecosystems. Although most of invasive species of Lithuania originate from other continents, one of these, Cytisus scoparius, is native to Europe. Fast spread of this species in Lithuania and its invasion to forest, coastal and continental sand, occasionally grassland habitats, stimulated us to study demographic structure of its populations. The aim of this research was to evaluate density, life stage and age structure of the populations, and to analyse relationships of the age of individuals with their life stages, height and stem diameter. Five populations were studied in the western, southern and eastern parts of Lithuania in July–August 2017. For the study, we selected stands of this species occupying at least 0.1 ha in a uniform habitat. We applied sampling plot method, and studied at least 100 individuals in each population, excluding seedlings. The age, life stage, height and stem diameter of 583 individuals were studied. The average density of individuals ranged between 5.15 individuals/m2 and 15.40 individuals/m2. Juvenile individuals reach the stage of vegetative adults on the second or third growth season, occasionally on the third year they reach even the stage of generative adults. The average age of juveniles was 1.10 years, of vegetative adults it was 2.99 years and 6.26 years of generative adults. The oldest generative individual was 28 years old. Linear regression analysis of the relationship between the plant age and the stem diameter revealed that the age predetermined the stem diameter variance by 81.0% in the studied populations. This study revealed that densities of C. scoparius individuals of all life stages in disturbed and undisturbed habitats were sufficient to sustain longevity and further expansion of populations. Therefore, appropriate measures for control and eradication of this species should be applied, particularly in the habitats of high conservation value.
Image analysis of small plant chromosomes by using an improved system, CHIAS IV

Small plant chromosomes show uneven condensation during the prometaphase stage in mitosis. Recently, an improved chromosome image analyzing system (CHIAS IV) has been released for measurement of the condensation patterns (CPs) in fluorescence images. CHIAS IV is based on the multiplatform public-domain image-processing software, ImageJ, which was developed by the National Institutes of Health, US. In this study, we used CHIAS IV to perform image analysis of the fluorescence patterns of somatic prometaphase chromosomes of the leguminous plant, red clover (Trifolium pratense L., 2n = 2x = 14). We produced a quantitative chromosome map of red clover by combining the qualitative-analysis results obtained using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping with the results of the CHIAS IV imageanalysis method, thereby clearly demonstrating the effectiveness and utility of this software as an analytical tool for genetic and genomic studies.
Effect of Alkali-Soluble Fraction of Paddy Husk and an Experimental Low-Cost Feed on Growth of Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The effect of a low-cost diet was evaluated in field trials on the length and weight performances of Macrobrachium rosenbergii for more than a 12-month period. The experimental diet was evaluated against a commercially available prawn feed and was seen to give statistically significant better performances regarding length and weight of Macrobrachium rosenbergii post-larvae at all periods of study. At the end of the study period, adult prawns exhibited more than 46% higher weight when fed with the experimental diet compared to commercial diet-fed prawns. It was further observed that prawn post-larvae performs better if in the initial six weeks of growth the diet is supplemented with an alkali-soluble fraction obtained from paddy husk. Cumulatively, the results suggest that cultivators can benefit in lowering both feed costs and obtaining bigger size prawns if they use the experimental diet.
Ownership Structure and Earnings Management: Empirical Evidence from Vietnam Real Estate Sector

Abstract The young real estate market in Vietnam, an emerging country in Asia, has been growing remarkably. This is an attractive channel for investors, but it seems to be an unstable market and have high potential source of earnings management while investing in real estate companies listed in Vietnamese stock market. The research has been conducted to investigate the impact of the ownership structure on the earnings management of Vietnamese listed real estate companies. The research methodology includes four statistical approaches OLS, FEM, REM and REM (robust) that are employed to address econometric issues and to improve the accuracy of the regression coefficients. The research sample consists of 180 firm-year observations for 36 real estate companies listed on Vietnamese stock market over a period of five years, i.e. from 2014 to 2018. The results show that, while state ownership showed a positive influence, managerial ownership played negative significant roles in relation to earnings management. This research has implications for designing a better ownership structure in the Vietnamese real estate sector and enhancing information quality to protect investors.
Changes in the Growth and Development of Adolescents in a Country in Socio-Economic Transition 1993–2013

Abstract Introduction Changes in human growth and development depend on genetic and environmental factors. In the case of Slovenia, the environmental factors changed as a result of the period of socio-economic transition that the country underwent between 1991 and 2013. The authors used anthropometric techniques to evaluate differences in body height, proportions and sexual maturity in 1,221 adolescents aged 14 in 1993, 2003 and 2013. Methods Data was collected as a part of the ACDSi study, which has monitored children’s somatic growth and motor development every decade over the last 40 years. Results Between 1993 and 2013, a trend (p=0.08) towards increased body height was observed in males. The comparison of age at peak height velocity (PHV) between generations demonstrated a trend (p=0.07) of earlier entry into puberty in adolescents in 2013 compared to those in 1993. The leg-to-body height ratio increased (p<0.05) with every decade in males, while in females it decreased (p<0.05) in 2013. Similar trends were observed in the leg-to-trunk ratio. Contemporary generations experienced PHV at a younger age (p<0.05), which is true for both genders even in adolescents born no more than two decades (1993 (2013) apart. In both generations, females experienced PHV sooner than their male peers. Conclusion The authors assume that females of the 2013 generation reached puberty earlier than females of older generations. It is most likely that, unlike females from older generations and unlike males, they were already at the stage of trunk growth at the time of the measurements, which explains the observed changes in their trunk length, leg-to-body height and leg-to-trunk ratios in comparison to earlier generations.
Designing an Intelligent Cognitive Assistant as Persuasive Technology for Stress, Anxiety and Depression Relief

This poster proposal paper describes how intelligent cognitive assistant technology can be used as an effective persuasion tool for behavior change to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. After a brief review of related work, it is argued that our own design goes beyond the state of the art because it includes a personality-based user model, expert domain ontologies, personalized strategies