Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lightweight Two-Stream Convolutional Neural Network for SAR Target Recognition

This letter proposes a lightweight two-stream convolutional neural network (CNN) for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) target recognition. Specifically, the two-stream CNN first extracts low-level features by three alternating convolution layers and max-pooling layers. Then two streams are followed to extract local and global features. One stream uses global maximum pooling to extract local features with the greatest response; the other uses large-stride convolution kernels to extract global features. Finally, the two streams are combined for target recognition. Therefore, the two-stream CNN can learn rich multilevel features to achieve high recognition accuracy for SAR target recognition. Moreover, compared to other popular CNNs, the two-stream CNN is very lightweight. The experimental results on the moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition (MSTAR) data set demonstrate that the proposed method not only can improve the recognition accuracy but also reduce the number of parameters of the model dramatically.
The impact of ownership structure on the cost of equity in emerging markets

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to cover the ownership structure as (institutional ownership and managerial ownership) influencing the cost of equity in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach - The authors applied the regression model with the fixed-effect model in the data. Data collected from listed companies in the Iraq-Iran Stock Exchange during 2012-2017. Findings - The authors found a significant positive associated between institutional ownership and the cost of equity in the Iranian and Iraqi contexts. The results also reveal a significant negative associated between managerial ownership with the cost of equity in the Iranian and Iraqi contexts. This means that when managerial ownership is increased, the cost of equity will be reduced. These results support the role of inside ownership to enhance fixed performance by reducing the cost of equity. So, managerial ownership can be a substitute for all shareholders. Moreover, the results indicate a similarity in the impact of the ownership structure on the cost of equity in the Iraqi and Iranian context, this means the similar elements among west Asian countries. Research limitations/implications - Financial companies such as banks and investment companies were not listed due to the difference in the nature of their work with the other sectors in the Iranian and Iraqi stock exchanges. Moreover, the authors are heavily constrained as listed companies must continue during the study period to calculate the cost of equity. Therefore, the results are difficult to generalize widely. Practical implications - This international study will enable investors in, as well as local and international investors to take the appropriate investment decision-making in the capital markets in these countries (Iraq and Iran). Moreover, it contributes significantly to helping corporate governance bloggers in Iraq and Iran understand the role of the ownership structure in corporate governance. Originality/value - This is the first study of the interaction between institutional ownership, managerial ownership with the cost of equity in Iraq, the study will help complete the knowledge gap with developed markets. The results are important in future research because the authors believe that it is very important for the future to look at better for percentage levels of institutional and managerial ownership in the company ownership. Although the contribution is limited, it will provide a useful guide for more papers in other west Asian countries.
Pattern-Reconfigurable Loop–Dipole Antenna for Electromagnetic Pleural Effusion Detection

Electromagnetic pleural effusion detection requires wideband and pattern-reconfigurable antennas to scan the chest area. Thus, a wideband and low-profile unidirectional loop–dipole antenna with planar structure that is capable of scanning in the azimuth plane is proposed. The antenna consists of a one-wavelength loop, a modified half-wavelength bow-tie dipole, and two parasitic directors to achieve wide operating bandwidth and high front-to-back ratio (FBR). The dipole antenna is directly fed using coaxial cable, whereas the loop is excited using offset proximity coupling. The unidirectional radiation pattern is achieved by quasi-Yagi mode at lower frequencies and a combination of loop and dipole modes at higher frequencies. The parasitic directors are utilized to alter the current distribution on the loop and, thus, enable beam switching in different directions. To verify the proposed concept, two p-i-n diodes are used to change the current nodes on the loop and, hence, switch the radiation pattern from −20° to 0° and +20° in the azimuth plane. The proposed antenna, which has the compact size of $0.32\lambda _{0}\times 0.2\lambda _{0}\times 0.004\lambda _{0}$ (where $\lambda _{0}$ is wavelength at the lowest operating frequency), has a wide fractional bandwidth of 55% at 0.8–1.4 GHz, which is suitable for pleural effusion detection. The antenna has a peak gain and an FBR of 5 dBi and 14 dB, respectively.
Water utilization patterns around isolated Acacia karroo trees in the False Thornveld of the eastern Cape

The effect of various vegetation treatments on two soil moisture regimes (i.e. the proportion of the experimental period where the soil had sufficient water for: (a) growth, and (b) to keep the plants turgid in the vicinity of experimentally isolated A. karroo trees) was monitored over a two-year period. Removal of all vegetation had the greatest effect on soil moisture, increasing regime by around 200%. Grass removal had the next most significant effect, increasing moisture regimes within 9 m of the tree by around 100%. Removal of the tree had the smallest significant effect, increasing the moisture regime by less than 20%. There was no significant difference in the moisture regime surrounding trees with heights ranging between 1, 4 m and 2, 5 m, or where various combinations of tree and/or grass defoliations were implemented. We conclude that water supply to the trees is enhanced when soil water extraction is reduced (e.g. during winter or when the sward is harmed) and argue that this may be a mechanism of accelerating bush encroachment in semi-arid savannas. Keywords: acacia karroo; bush encroachment; competitive relationships; defoliation; eastern cape; false thornveld; grass defoliation; semi-arid savanna; shrub encroachment; soil moisture; soil water; south africa; trees; water supply; water utilization
Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predacious ladybird new in Australia

The originally Palaearctic but now widespread coccinellid Hippodamia variegata was recorded for the first time in Australia at Gatton, Queensland, in November 2000. Since then, it has been recorded preying on 12 different aphid species and a psyllid, on a variety of crops, weeds and ornamental plants. Within a year of its discovery, it had been recorded within a distance of 800 km north and south and 500 km west of the original collection point. Collection and observation records are presented.
The effects of simulated rainfall on cochineal insects (Homoptera: Dactylopiidae): colony composition and survival on cactus cladodes

ABSTRACT. 1. A rainfall simulator is described that was used to investigate the effects of rainfall on the cochineal insect Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell). This species occurs in discrete colonies that are protected by a copious covering of opaque‘woolly’wax, and is the most important biological control agent of the prickly pear cactus, Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Miller, in South Africa.
Global biogeography and diversification of palms sheds light on the evolution of tropical lineages. I. Historical biogeography

Palms (Arecaceae/Palmae) are a model group for evolutionary studies in the tropics. Family‐wide data on taxonomy, phylogenetics and distribution are now available, but a general framework of palm evolution is still lacking. The overall aim of this study, published in two companion papers, is to seek evolutionary explanations for the geographical distribution of palm lineages and species diversity patterns at global and regional levels. In this first paper we undertake a detailed analysis of palm biogeography for all major lineages in a global context, comparing our results to the fossil record, molecular dating studies and previously established biogeographical hypotheses for the family.
The Wood Structure of Couratari Aubl. and Courouplta Aubl. (Lecythidaceae)

Woods of the genera Couratari Aubl. and Couroupita Aubl. (Lecythidaceae) correspond in appearance and are nearly indistinguishable macroscopically. However, microstructural features such as parenchyma distribution as well as type and configuration of inorganic contents (silica, Ca-oxalate crystals) can be employed for safely separating the two genera wood anatomically. The significance of these features is tested in terms of diagnostic value and their taxonomic implications discussed through projection into the neotropical subfamily Lecythidoideae and further into Old World Lecythidaceae. As a result a subdivision of Lecythidoideae into two groups is suggested: one comprising Couratari and the structurally similar genera Allantoma, Bertholletia, Corytophora, Eschweilera and Lecythis sharing a character combination unique in Lecythidaceae; the other comprising Couroupita, Grias and Gustavia with certain affinities towards Old World Planchonioideae. Cariniana, although structurally close to Couratari and allied genera, is accorded an intermediate position. The timbers of Couratari and Couroupita lend themselves for a sImilar range of end use categories such as utility plywood, interior construction, furniture parts etc. They may, for all practical purposes, be combined in one group of commercial timbers to be used eventually as SUbstitutes for such well known medium density woods as Ramin, Virola and others.
CARBONIC ANHYDRASE IN MINERALIZATION OF THE CRAYFISH CUTICLE

The cuticle of the freshwater crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852), has several extracellular, cuticular isozymes for carbonic anhydrase (CA) which were isolated and purified via affinity chromatography. To denature proteins not entombed in cuticle calcite the ground cuticle was washed twice with both a 0.5% SDS and 1.5% sodium hypochlorite solution prior to CA isolation. Total water soluble protein (WSP) was 133 ± 68 (SD) mg/100 g (6) cuticle, whereas affinity column bound protein, CA, was 191 ± 108 (SD) μg/100 g (6) cuticle. CA was 0.144% WSP. EDTA dissolved the calcium carbonate and freed the CA along with the other WSP. The CA fraction was positive to bovine CA II antibodies (ELIZA and Western Blot) and had low CA enzyme activity. The estimated molecular weights using PAGE showed one isozyme with a molecular weight of 29 kDa, which is similar to that in vertebrates, and two larger isozymes (53 and 66 kDa). All four isozymes were detected in only one sample, whereas the two larger isozymes were detected in all six cleaned cuticle samples. The larger isozymes may be dimers of the smaller isozyme and are more like those detected in oyster pearls and shell with weights of 60 kDa. La cuticule de l'ecrevisse Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) contient plusieurs isoenzymes extracellulaires de l'anhydrase carbonique (CA), qui ont ete isolees et purifiees par chromatographie. Afin de denaturer les proteines non incluses dans le calcite cuticulaire, la cuticule a ete lavee deux fois a l'aide d'une solution a 0,5% de SDS et 1,5% d'hypochlorite de sodium avant l'extraction de la CA. Les proteines totales solubles dans l'eau (WSP) representaient 133 ± 68 (SD) mg/100 g (6) de cuticule, tandis que la proteine associee CA, etait de 191 ± 108 (SD) μg/100 g (6) de cuticule, soit CA = 0,144% WSP. L'EDTA a dissous le carbonate de calcium et libere la CA avec les autres WSP. La fraction de CA s'est revelee positive aux anticorps bovins CA II (ELISA et Western Blot) et a une activite enzymatique CA detectable. Les poids moleculaires estimees en utilisant PAGE, ont revele une isoenzyme avec un poids moleculaire de 29 kDa, qui est analogue a celle trouvee chez les Vertebres, et deux plus grands isoenzymes (53 et 66 kDa). Les quatre isoenzymes ont ete detectees seulement dans un echantillon tandis que les deux plus grandes ont ete detectees dans tous les six echantillons de cuticule laves. Les plus grandes pourraient etre des dimeres de la plus petite et sont comparables a celles detectees dans les perles et la coquille d'huitre avec des poids moleculaires de 60 kDa.
CNS depressant effects, anti‐inflammatory activity and anti‐cholinergic actions of Santolina chamaecyparissus extracts

The pharmacological activity of several extracts together with the lyophilized infusion of S. chamaecyparissus ssp. squarrosa were investigated. The lethal dose 50% (LD50), effect on animal metabolism, mechanical and thermic analgesia and spontaneous, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐ulcer activity have been determined. Studies on isolated organs (rat duodenum and rat uterus) were also carried out. The hexanic and chloroformic extracts were potent antagonists of the thermic analgesia test; the former extract was also active in the mechanical analgesia test. The chloroformic extract and, to a lesser extent, the ethyl acetate extract and lyophilized infusion demonstrated noteworthy activity as anti‐inflammatory agents. No extract produced an ulcerogenic effect. The hexanic extract had the highest inhibitory effect on ACh induced contraction of rat duodenum and the ethyl acetate extract of oxytocin induced contraction of rat uterus.
Carbon stocks in above-ground biomass of monoculture plantations, mixed species plantations and environmental restoration plantings in north-east Australia

Summary The emergence of carbon markets has provided a potential source of funding for reforestation projects. However, there is concern amongst ecologists that these markets will promote the establishment of monoculture plantations rather than more diverse restoration plantings, on the assumption that fast-growing monocultures are likely to store more carbon than restoration plantings. We examined the validity of this assumption for three predominantly rainforest plantation types established in the moist tropical uplands of northeast Australia: monoculture plantations of native rainforest conifers (n = 5, mean age 13 years); mixed species plantations of rainforest cabinet timber species, rainforest conifers and eucalypts (n = 5, mean age 13 years); and, environmental restoration plantings comprised mostly of a diverse range of rainforest trees (n = 10, mean age 14 years). We found that restoration plantings stored significantly more carbon in above-ground biomass than monoculture plantations of native conifers (on average, 106 t vs 62 t carbon per ha); and tended to store more carbon than mixed species timber plantations which were intermediate in value (86 t carbon per ha). Carbon stocks were higher in restoration plantings than in monoculture and mixed species plantations for three reasons. First, and most importantly, restoration plantings were more densely stocked than monoculture and mixed species plantations. Second, there were more large diameter trees in restoration plantings than monoculture plantations. Third, the trees used in restoration plantings had a higher average wood density than the conifers used in monoculture plantations. While, on average, wood density was higher in mixed species plantations than restoration plantings, the much higher stocking rate of restoration plantings meant they stored more carbon than mixed species plantations. We conclude that restoration plantings in the moist tropics of north-east Australia can accumulate relatively high amounts of carbon within two decades of establishment. Comparison with reference rainforest sites suggests that restoration plantings could maintain their high stocking rates (and therefore high biomass) as they develop in future decades. However, because restoration plantings are currently much more expensive to establish than monoculture plantations, restoration plantings are unlikely to be favoured by carbon markets. Novel reforestation techniques and designs are required if restoration plantings are to both provide habitat for rainforest biota and store carbon in biomass at a cost comparable to monoculture plantations.
Inhibitory effect of buprofezin on the larval growth and development of Spodoptera litura (F.)

Effectiveness of buprofezin (Award 40 SC) was evaluated against 2nd instar larvae of Spodoptera litura (F.) under laboratory conditions to analyse the growth and development at three concentrations viz., 200, 400, and 600 ppm with three application methods (direct or topical, indirect or leaf-dip and combined). Observations made at 3 and 7 days after treatment and compared with untreated control. The results revealed that buprofezin significantly inhibited the larval weight, length and width, and the effect was dose, time and method dependent. Maximum (29.41%) weight reduction was observed with 600 ppm in combined application method, and it was followed by leaf-dip (16.10%) and topical application methods (13.80%). Similarly, 20.89% length and 19.58% width were inhibited when larvae were treated with 600 ppm through combined application method. The 2nd best result was found from 400 ppm and leaf-dip application method. The dose at 200 ppm and topical application method were found to be the least effective.
Vertebrados da Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins: faunística, biodiversidade e conservação no Cerrado brasileiro

Basic taxonomic and distributional data on vertebrates are one of the most useful and reliable sources of information for conservation planning. Biological data are even more relevant in rich and highly threatened regions such as the Brazilian Cerrado, one of the least studied global biodiversity hotspots. Herein we provide a summary of the results of a vertebrate survey at Estacao Ecologica Serra Geral do Tocantins (~716.000 ha), the second largest protected area in the Cerrado region. We recorded 450 species in EESGT and surroundings, including 17 threatened species, 50 Cerrado endemics and 11 potential restricted-range species. Our results also added 180 new vertebrate records for the Jalapao region. At least 12 species were considered potential undescribed taxa; four of these were recently described based on specimens obtained in the present study. Our results indicate that EESGT is among the most biologically relevant protected areas in the Cerrado. Proper management will favor the persistence of threatened vertebrates dependent on the last remaining large blocks of pristine Cerrado savannas. Moreover, EESGT and its major biological subunits contribute decisively to the representativeness of the reserve system in the Cerrado, conserving presumed narrow endemics with high intrinsic vulnerability and high potential value as indicators of biogeographic processes of diversification in rich and complex Neotropical biotas.
The Absorption of Phosphate by Estuarine Bottom Deposits

Experiments were made on the effects of pH, phosphate concentration, particle size, iron, and organic matter on the adsorption of phosphate by estuarine bottom deposits in as natural a state as possible. Measurements of the ability of the silt to adsorb phosphate were made by isotope dilution, using 32P. The silt was separated into four fractions by sedimentation. The ability of silts to adsorb phosphate was directly related to the ratio of their contents of iron to organic matter. Organic matter depressed phosphate adsorption. Suspensions of silts (2.99g/1250ml) adsorbed 80-90 per cent. of the phosphate in solutions containing 0.55 to 2.55 mg of phosphate P. This suggested that adsorption caused estuarine silts to trap phosphates during run-off periods.
The Curious Incident of the [Silent] Dog in the Night‐Time

Conan-Doyle points out how important an absence of evidence can be in the above discussion of the dog which did not bark. (1) Modulation of the expression of GLAST glutamate transporters by mechanical loading was the key observation that suggested that glutamate might be a messenger in bone. To test whether mechanically induced alteration of GLAST expression might modulate the extracellular glutamate concentration and play an important role in controlling bone growth, we initially examined the bones of mice with GLAST knocked out. Even minute examination revealed no difference. (3) Contrary to the claim of Skerry et al., (4) knock-out of GLAST does alter the function of the parts of the central nervous system (cerebellum and retina) where it is a major glutamate transporter, as GLAST is believed to be in osteoblasts and osteocytes. (2) In the cerebellum, GLAST knock-out causes motor defects and increased susceptibility to cerebellar injury, (5) while in the retina it alters information processing and increases damage after ischemia. (6) Similarly, knock-out of the main gluta mate transporter in the rest of the brain (GLT-1) causes animals to die of epilepsy. (7) The contrast with the lack of effect on bone growth of knocking out GLAST is striking. We also examined the effects of glutamatergic signaling in bone cells in culture, (3) because previous work on resorp tion had only examined the number of resorption pits and not their volume and because bone formation had not been studied. Although our culture medium contained no added glutamate, the fetal calf serum added does contain glutamate, and the cells may release glutamate into the extracellular solution. To assess the degree of receptor block produced by the competitive blocker AP-5, we sampled solution from above the cells used for the bone deposition assay 6 hours after a change of culture medium and used this as representative of the glutamate concentration to which the cells were exposed during the 2–3 day interval between medium changes for the deposition assay and the 24-hour culture period used for the resorption assay. Diluting this solution and measuring the glutamate uptake current produced when it was applied to glial cells (9) allowed us to calculate that the glutamate concentration in the medium was less than 20mM. The AP-5 dose we use will block N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation produced by this level of glutamate by more than 82% {calculated from Eqs. (1) and (2) of Benveniste and Mayer (10)
How to Construct Brand Personality for Chinese Animation

This research explored how to build brand personality of Chinese animation by taking Chinese animation movies as samples, mining user preferences from online critic reviews. Based on the existing research results of Chinese brand personality, this paper discussed whether "benevolence", "wisdom", "courage", "happiness" and "elegance" were suitable to express Chinese animation brand personality by means of entropy weight method and text emotion analysis method. Then, according to the empirical results, this paper gives some suggestions on the construction of Chinese animation brand personality, which can provide reference for the construction of Chinese animation brand.
A Scalable Attention Mechanism Based Neural Network for Text Classification

In general, deep learning based text classification methods are considered to be effective but tend to be relatively slow especially for model training. In this work, we present a powerful, so-called “scalable attention mechanism”, which performs better than conventional attention mechanism in terms of both effectiveness and the speed of model training. Based on the scalable attention mechanism, we propose a neural network for text classification. The experimental results on eight representative datasets show that our method can obtain similar accuracy to state-of-the-art methods with training in less than 4 minutes on an NVIDIA GTX 1080Ti GPU. To the best of our knowledge, our method is at least twice faster than all the published deep learning classifiers.