Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tree Trunk Detection of Eastern Red Cedar in Rangeland Environment with Deep Learning Technique

Uncontrolled spread of eastern red cedar invades the United States Great Plains prairie ecosystems and lowers biodiversity across native grasslands. The eastern red cedar (ERC) infestations cause significant challenges for ranchers and landowners, including the high costs of removing mature red cedars, reduced livestock forage feed, and reduced revenue from hunting leases. Therefore, a fleet of autonomous ground vehicles (AGV) is proposed to address the ERC infestation. However, detecting the target tree or trunk in a rangeland environment is critical in automating an ERC cutting operation. A tree trunk detection method was developed in this study for ERC trees trained in natural rangeland environments using a deep learning-based YOLOv5 model. An action camera acquired RGB images in a natural rangeland environment. A transfer learning method was adopted, and the YOLOv5 was trained to detect the varying size of the ERC tree trunk. A trained model precision, recall, and average precision were 87.8%, 84.3%, and 88.9%. The model accurately predicted the varying tree trunk sizes and differentiated between trunk and branches. This study demonstrated the potential for using pretrained deep learning models for tree trunk detection with RGB images. The developed machine vision system could be effectively integrated with a fleet of AGVs for ERC cutting. The proposed ERC tree trunk detection models would serve as a fundamental element for the AGV fleet, which would assist in effective rangeland management to maintain the ecological balance of grassland systems.
A Review of the Stereo lithography 3D Printing Process and the Effect of Parameters on Quality

Stereo lithography (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing process is a type of additive manufacturing techniques that uses digital models from computer-aided design to automatically produce customized 3D objects. Around 30 years, it has been widely utilized in the manufacturing, design, engineering, industrial sectors and its applications in dentistry for manufacturing prosthodontics are very important. The stereo lithography technology is highly regarded because it can produce items with excellent precision especially when selecting the best process parameters. This review article offers a useful and scientific summary of SLA three-dimensional printing technology and its brief history. The specific type of 3D printers which is SLA type based on light curing resin and material overview is also presented. Moreover, the survey was conducted to gain substantial knowledge of the various advantages and disadvantages of SLA 3D printing. According to this study, a summary has been specified on the accuracy of SLA 3D printers and various factors that affected its accuracy and dimension measurement namely layer thickness, normal exposure time, bottom or top exposure time, post processing and room temperature. The majority of works in the literatures conducted till date are on improving the physical part attributes like dimensional accuracy and surface roughness but the improving of the mechanical properties have received less attention and need more focusing in the future works.
A nonlocal total variation model for image decomposition: Illumination and reflectance

In this paper, we study to use nonlocal bounded variation (NLBV) techniques to decompose an image intensity into the illumination and reflectance components. By considering spatial smoothness of the illumination component and nonlocal total variation (NLTV) of the reflectance component in the decomposition framework, an energy functional is constructed. We establish the theoretical results of the space of NLBV functions such as lower semicontinuity, approximation and compactness. These essential properties of NLBV functions are important tools to show the existence of solution of the proposed energy functional. Experimental results on both grey-level and color images are shown to illustrate the usefulness of the nonlocal total variation image decomposition model, and demonstrate the performance of the proposed method is better than the other testing methods.
Optimizing Membership Function Tuning for Fuzzy Control of Robotic Manipulators Using PID-Driven Data Techniques

In this study, a method for optimizing membership function tuning for fuzzy control of robotic manipulators using PID-driven data techniques is presented. Traditional approaches for designing membership functions in fuzzy control systems often rely on the experience and knowledge of the system designer, which can lead to suboptimal performance. By utilizing data collected from a PID control system, the proposed method aims to enhance the precision and controllability of robotic manipulators through improved fuzzy logic control. A Mamdani-type fuzzy logic controller was developed and its performance was simulated in Simulink, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed optimization technique. The results indicate that the method can outperform conventional P control systems in terms of overshoot reduction while maintaining comparable transient response specifications. This research highlights the potential of the PID-driven data-based approach for optimizing membership function tuning in fuzzy control systems and offers valuable insights for the development and evaluation of fuzzy logic control in robotic manipulators. Future work may focus on further optimization of the tuning process, evaluation of system robustness under various operating conditions, and exploring the integration of other artificial intelligence techniques for improved control performance.
Sum-Rate Systematic Intercell Interference Coordination Techniques for5GHeterogeneous Networks

In the next generation of wireless networks, small base stations are being adopted to increase the system's speed and capacity. However, this adoption increases the likelihood of inter-cell interference, which can degrade performance the system. This report discusses different approaches to managing interference that can mitigate these effects. Currently, a few techniques are already in use in 4G systems, while others have been suggested but not put into practice. The purpose of this study is to conduct an analytical examination of the different and various interference management methods that could be utilized in Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets), focusing specifically on HetNets with high density of small cells as they are expected to be part of the network topology for 5G networks and beyond. The study involved implementing time-based enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (eICIC) by establishing coordination between macro and small base stations. The results showed that robust communication with low latency is essential, and backhaul connections play a critical role in achieving this. Consequently, the network's sum-rate was increased.
A data structure to represent data sets with more than one order relation like polygons

This paper introduces a new data structure useful to represent objects or data sets with several order relations between their elements. A specific case is the polygons that will be analyzed in this paper. Polygons are objects often used in Computer Graphics and their operations have a high computational cost; this data structure was implemented in Java language with a performance O(n*log(n)) corresponding to building and O(log(n)) to searching. The complexity analysis for insertion and searching routines are explained.
On the Importance of a Consistent Treatment of Prognostic Moisture Variables between Convective and Microphysical Parameterizations

AbstractAnalysis of WRF Model output from experiments using two double-moment microphysics schemes is carried out to demonstrate that there can be an inconsistency between the predicted mass and number concentrations when a single-moment convective parameterization is used together with a double-moment microphysics scheme. This inconsistency may arise because the grid-scale and subgrid-scale cloud schemes generally apply different levels of complexity to the parameterized microphysical processes. In particular, when a multimoment formulation is used in the microphysics scheme and other physical parameterizations modify only the mass-related moment while the values of the second (or higher) moment for individual hydrometeors remain unchanged, an unintended modification of the particle size distribution occurs. Simulated radar reflectivity is shown to be a valuable tool in diagnosing this inconsistency. In addition, potential ways to minimize the problem are explored by including number concentration calcul.
MACROECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF COMPETITIVENESS: EVIDENCES FROM FACTOR EFFICIENCY AND INNOVATION-DRIVEN COUNTRIES

The investigation of factors that increase or hinder competitiveness has been one of the core tenets of theoretical and empirical researchers, but so far there has been no consensus. This study responds to this issue by exploring how different facets of the macroeconomic environment influence competitiveness in the three Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) types of economy (factor-driven economy, efficiency-driven economy, innovation-driven economy). Using Porter’s classification, we divided countries based on factor, efficiency and innovation. Additionally, the generalized method of moments (GMM) was used to capture endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity of data in an unbalanced panel data for 81 countries (2002-2018). The results show that the variations of competitiveness across countries are mainly determined by variations in the stage of economic development. Firstly, GDP growth, low start-up costs and higher R&D expenditure play a key role in explaining the variation in competitiveness in three country clusters. Secondly, as regards Stage 1 countries, we find that trade openness, tax rate, GDP growth, start-up costs, real effective exchange rate, R&D expenditures and labor productivity are particularly vital for competitiveness. Concerning Stage 2 countries, we may observe that trade openness, tax rate, GDP growth, inflation, start-up costs, financial development, real effective exchange rate, R&D expenditures and labor productivity had a statistically significant impact on competitiveness. When it comes to Stage 3 countries, factors such as trade openness, FDI, tax rate, GDP growth rate, inflation, tax rate, startup costs, financial development, R&D expenditures, and labor productivity have an impact on competitiveness. This article presents some essential features, such as the macroeconomic index to determine competitiveness. These features can be used as guidelines for decision makers because they identify areas where taking further actions can improve competitiveness. Finally, our obtained results are highly consistent across a series of robustness tests and robustness checks covering alternative samples and alternative variable groups.
Occurrences of tropical, subtropical and rare marine fishes in Aotearoa New Zealand indicate biodiversity change

Climate change is driving biogeographic change globally, including poleward range shifts of species and the increasing abundance of rare species. We examine spatiotemporal patterns in the occurrences of tropical, subtropical and rare marine fishes in Aotearoa New Zealand to determine whether biodiversity change is occurring in this temperate region and to set a baseline for future monitoring of climate change impacts.
Salient Stressors of Teachers Employed in Private Schools in Andhra Pradesh, India

Traditionally, teaching has been considered a noble profession. However, it has become one of the most physically and intellectually demanding service occupations in the present day. Particularly, teacher stress harms both their health and their students’ learning and performance. Stressors for teachers might vary depending on the type of school administration. Although studies have established the stressors experienced by teachers in public schools, relatively little research has been conducted on the stressors experienced by teachers in private schools. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the most significant stressors affecting teachers in private schools. It employed an explorative qualitative research design using convenience sampling. Twenty-one school teachers (nine males and twelve females, mean age of 32, and average teaching experience of 7.5 years) participated in semi-structured telephone interviews that were recorded with a call recorder. The audio data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, yielding five significant themes: concerns with compensation; poor work environment; demands from parents, students, and management; interpersonal problems at work; and excessive workload. The results revealed the presence of workplace bullying and jealousy in schools, as well as new sources of stress for instructors, such as student evaluations. In addition, the report highlighted how teachers' financial restrictions and administrative responsibilities were exacerbating their stress levels and recommended administrative initiatives, such as psychological interventions for the teachers' well-being.
The Impact Analysis of Operational Overvoltage on Traction Transformers for High-Speed Trains Based on the Improved Capacitor Network Methodology

When a high-speed train approaches an insulated split-phase section embedded between neighboring power supply arms carrying powers with different phases, the vehicle-mounted vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) needs to be switched off to avoid short-circuit fault during the phase-changing procedure. At the moment of switching the VCB contacts, the arc is triggered easily, accompanying with overvoltage impulse. As the core of the whole system, the traction transformer frequently suffers the invasion of the overvoltage impulse, which possibly causes partial discharge or breakdown accidents. To evaluate the impact of overvoltage on the transformer, it is essential to observe the overvoltage distribution at different positions in the transformer. As an equivalent circuit (EC) model of the traction transformer involving the spatially distributed capacitance is built based on the improved capacitor network methodology (ICNM), the partial discharge risk in the transformer has been assessed. Ultimately, the multiphysics coupling models based on the finite-element method (FEM) have been launched to observe the specific distribution of the multiphysics field for verifying the validity of an EC model based on ICNM. These works lay the theoretical foundation for guiding the design of insulation and the thermal dissipation settings of the traction transformer, considering the threat brought from impulse.
Compact highly isolated dual-band 4-port MIMO antenna for sub-6 GHz applications

In this work, a compact 4-element multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system is presented for sub-6 GHz applications. A modified M-shaped strip is used to form each antenna element in the MIMO system. To improve performance, a rectangular-shaped area is etched on the opposite side of each element in the ground plane. The antenna size is 100 × 60 mm2. Most interestingly, the port isolation is improved by rotating the etched areas and the corresponding radiating elements. This one-of-a-kind approach aided in the development of a highly isolated MIMO antenna with a small footprint. The theory of characteristic modes (TCM) is used to analyze the behavior of rotating the etched areas in the ground of the antenna. The antenna provides significant port isolation above 20 dB, stable radiation patterns, and an outstanding ECC less than 0.01. The design is simple and compact, making it suitable for MIMO operation in handheld devices.
Volume simplicity constraint in the Engle-Livine-Pereira-Rovelli spin foam model

We propose a quantum version of the quadratic volume simplicity constraint for the EPRL spin foam model. It relies on a formula for the volume of 4-dimensional polyhedra, depending on its bivectors and the knotting class of its boundary graph. While this leads to no further condition for the 4-simplex, the constraint becomes non-trivial for more complicated boundary graphs. We show that, in the semi-classical limit of the hypercuboidal graph, the constraint turns into the geometricity condition observed recently by several authors.
Effect of dietary inclusion of a sugarcane extract on growth performance of broiler chickens

Polyphenol-rich natural sugarcane extract can protect living cells against oxidative damage that could negatively affect broiler performance. The objective was to evaluate the effect of graded levels of a dietary sugarcane extract on the growth performance of broiler chickens under local conditions. A study was conducted by housing a total of 960 broilers (Cobb 500) in litter floor pens and feeding graded levels of dietary sugarcane extract (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%) from 0 to 35 days. Each of the four rooms (replications) was portioned into four pens (60 birds/pen). Each treatment was randomly assigned to four pens in each room. Birds were fed commercial starter (crumbles; day 0 to 18) and finisher (pellets; day 19 to 35) diets according to Cobb 500 broiler performance objectives, and water was given adlibitum throughout the study. Treatment diets were prepared by adding the respective levels of sugarcane extract to the commercial diets. Mortality was recorded daily, and body weight gain, feed intake, and feed-to-gain ratio were evaluated weekly (day 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35) on a pen basis. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA for randomized complete block design. Statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05. The dietary level of sugarcane extract did not significantly affect the broiler performance parameters each week and overall trial period and did not negatively affect Cobb 500 performance targets. Sugarcane extract levels of 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%, respectively, resulted in 2.268, 2.261, 2.242 and 2.227 kg body weight gain (P = 0.437) and 3.429, 3.417, 3.348 and 3.350 kg feed intake (P = 0.245) for the total trial period. Feed-togain ratios (P = 0.207) for the entire trial length were 1.51, 1.51, 1.49 and 1.50 for 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% sugarcane extract, respectively. Dietary sugarcane extract levels did not affect broiler performance.
Ubiquity of quantum zero-point fluctuations in dislocation glide

Modeling the dislocation glide through atomic scale simulations in Al, Cu, and Ni and in solid solution alloys Al(Mg) and Cu(Ag), we show that in the course of the plastic deformation the variation of the crystal zero-point energy (ZPE) and the dislocation potential energy barriers are of opposite sign. The multiplicity of situations where we have observed the same trend allows us to conclude that quantum ﬂuctuations, giving rise to the crystal ZPE, make easier the dislocation glide in most materials, even those constituted of atoms heavier than H and He.
AC electrothermal technique in microchannels

Electrokinetic techniques have a wide range of applications in droplet, particle, and fluid manipulation systems. In general, they can be categorized into different subgroups including electroosmosis, electrothermal, electrophoresis, dielectrophoresis, etc. The AC electrothermal (ACET) technique has been shown to be very effective in applications which involve high conductivity fluids, such as blood, which are typically used in biomedical applications. In the past few years, the ACET effect has received considerable attention. Unlike AC electroosmosis (ACEO), the ACET effect shows plateaus in force in a wide frequency range. In other words, with electrothermal force, velocity is more steady and predictable at different frequencies, compared to ACEO and dielectrophoresis (DEP). Although electrothermal microflows form as a result of Joule heating in the fluid, due to high conduction of heat to the ambience, the temperature rise in the fluid is not so high as to threaten the nature of the biofluids. The average temperature rise resulting from the ACET effect is below 5 °K. In order to generate high strength AC electric fields, microfabricated electrode arrays are commonly used in microchannels. For pumping applications, it is essential to create asymmetry in the electric field, typically by having asymmetrical electrode pairs. There is no defined border between many electrokinetic techniques, and as such the point where electrothermal processes interferes with other electrokinetic techniques is not clear in the literature. In addition, there have been comprehensive reviews on micropumps, electrokinetics, and their subcategories, but the literature lacks a detailed up-to-date review on electrothermal microdevices. In this paper, a brief review is made specifically on electric fields in ACET devices, in order to provide an insight for the reader about the importance of this aspect of ACET devices and the improvements made to date.
Relations between the use of performance indicators and the role of individual companies in supply chain coordination process

This paper aims to investigate the relations between the use of performance indicators and the role of individual companies within supply chain coordination process. A survey among 36 individual agribusiness companies was undertaken taking the role of each company in the coordination process of its supply chain into consideration. Senior managers were asked to declare the role of each company in the coordination process of its supply chain as well as to indicate which performance indicators they used through a questionnaire which presented a list composed by 49 performance indicators divided into the four traditional perspectives. Fisher's exact test and a logit model were used to analyze the relations between the usage of performance indicators and the role played in supply chain coordination process. The statistically significant results from Fisher's exact test were relating to inventory, operational costs, operational cycle, information and integration of materials, and risk management. The results from the logit model point out that inventory, and operational costs presented significant predictability levels regarding to the identification of individual supply chain participants, while operational cycle, information and integration of materials, and risk management presented significant predictability levels relating to individual supply chain coordinators. The research carried out in this paper is based on responses provided by senior managers regarding managerial practices and the sample size is limited. However, the results presents a new perspective about the relevance of the role of individual companies within the coordination process of supply chain regarding to performance indicators from which further research may be conducted. The implications relating to management control arising from the findings suggests that metrics selection criteria within in the context of supply chain can be based on both individual motivations and objectives.
The Effect of University Teachers’ Perceived Inclusive Leadership on their Job Performance: The Serial Mediation Effect of Perceived School Support and Teachers’ Psychological Empowerment

Our study explored the effect of perceived inclusive leadership on job performance of university teachers and the serial mediation effect of perceived school support and psychological empowerment among those teachers. Using the questionnaire method, data were collected from a valid sample of 895 university teachers in China. The findings indicated that perceived inclusive leadership significantly and positively affects university teachers’ job performance. Among university teachers, both perceived school support and psychological empowerment have a partial mediation effect on the relationship between perceived inclusive leadership and job performance. Perceived school support and psychological empowerment have a serial mediation effect between perceived inclusive leadership and job performance. This study provides theoretical and empirical evidence for research related to job performance of university teachers.