Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistical investigation through stratified random sampling for apple production in Himachal Pradesh

The present study focuses on standardization of sampling technique and comparison of different types of sample allocation methods in combination with various stratification tools (optimum strata boundaries, number of strata and optimum sample size etc.) for obtaining efficient estimators of area and production of apple in Himachal Pradesh. Forth is purpose, various aspects involved in optimum stratification with reference todata collected from the selected or chardists in district Shimla, during the year 2011-12 have been analyzed. The variable "Area under Apple" was chosen as the stratification variable as it had high correlation(r=0.96) with the estimation variable "Production of Apple". Four methods of construction of strata viz., equalization of strata total, equalization of cumulative of âˆsf(y) , equalization of cumulative of Â½{r(y)+f(y)} and equalization of cumulative of were used and their relative efficiencies for estimating total production of apple in the study district of the state have been analyzed. The critical examination of the result revealed that with the increase in number of strata from 2 to 4 and sample size from 10 to 40, equalization of cumulative of method along with Neyman allocation resulted in least variance (0.89) and maximum percentage gain in efficiency (20418.16). Thus, equalization of cumulative of method with L>2 can profitably be applied for the estimation of apple production in the study district of the state Himachal Pradesh, India.
POCO: 3D Pose and Shape Estimation with Confidence

The regression of 3D Human Pose and Shape (HPS) from an image is becoming increasingly accurate. This makes the results useful for downstream tasks like human action recognition or 3D graphics. Yet, no regressor is perfect, and accuracy can be affected by ambiguous image evidence or by poses and appearance that are unseen during training. Most current HPS regressors, however, do not report the confidence of their outputs, meaning that downstream tasks cannot differentiate accurate estimates from inaccurate ones. To address this, we develop POCO, a novel framework for training HPS regressors to estimate not only a 3D human body, but also their confidence, in a single feed-forward pass. Specifically, POCO estimates both the 3D body pose and a per-sample variance. The key idea is to introduce a Dual Conditioning Strategy (DCS) for regressing uncertainty that is highly correlated to pose reconstruction quality. The POCO framework can be applied to any HPS regressor and here we evaluate it by modifying HMR, PARE, and CLIFF. In all cases, training the network to reason about uncertainty helps it learn to more accurately estimate 3D pose. While this was not our goal, the improvement is modest but consistent. Our main motivation is to provide uncertainty estimates for downstream tasks; we demonstrate this in two ways: (1) We use the confidence estimates to bootstrap HPS training. Given unlabelled image data, we take the confident estimates of a POCO-trained regressor as pseudo ground truth. Retraining with this automatically-curated data improves accuracy. (2) We exploit uncertainty in video pose estimation by automatically identifying uncertain frames (e.g. due to occlusion) and inpainting these from confident frames. Code and models will be available for research at https://poco.is. tue.mpg. de.
Functional traits of young seedlings predict trade‐offs in seedling performance in three neotropical forests

Understanding the mechanisms that promote the coexistence of hundreds of species over small areas in tropical forest remains a challenge. Many tropical tree species are presumed to be functionally equivalent shade tolerant species but exist on a continuum of performance trade‐offs between survival in shade and the ability to quickly grow in sunlight. These trade‐offs can promote coexistence by reducing fitness differences. Variation in plant functional traits related to resource acquisition is thought to predict variation in performance among species, perhaps explaining community assembly across habitats with gradients in resource availability. Many studies have found low predictive power, however, when linking trait measurements to species demographic rates. Seedlings face different challenges recruiting on the forest floor and may exhibit different traits and/or performance trade‐offs than older individuals face in the eventual adult niche. Seed mass is the typical proxy for seedling success, but species also differ in cotyledon strategy (reserve vs. photosynthetic) or other leaf, stem and root traits. These can cause species with the same average seed mass to have divergent performance in the same habitat. We combined long‐term studies of seedling dynamics with functional trait data collected at a standard life‐history stage in three diverse neotropical forests to ask whether variation in coordinated suites of traits predicts variation among species in demographic performance. Across hundreds of species in Ecuador, Panama and Puerto Rico, we found seedlings displayed correlated suites of leaf, stem, and root traits, which strongly correlated with seed mass and cotyledon strategy. Variation among species in seedling functional traits, seed mass, and cotyledon strategy were strong predictors of trade‐offs in seedling growth and survival. These results underscore the importance of matching the ontogenetic stage of the trait measurement to the stage of demographic dynamics. Our findings highlight the importance of cotyledon strategy in addition to seed mass as a key component of seed and seedling biology in tropical forests because of the contribution of carbon reserves in storage cotyledons to reducing mortality rates and explaining the growth‐survival trade‐off among species. Synthesis: With strikingly consistent patterns across three tropical forests, we find strong evidence for the promise of functional traits to provide mechanistic links between seedling form and demographic performance.
Dissostichus mawsoni) in the ross seA region

Aspects of the reproduction, size distribution and movements of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in the Ross Sea region are reviewed. Based on the presumed location and timing of spawning and the probable early life-history characteristics of toothfish, the drift of eggs and larvae over a 6–24 month period were investigated using an oceanic circulation model linked to the high-resolution global environmental model (HiGEM). Model outputs indicated that the locations of toothfish larvae after an 18–24 month period were moderately consistent with the distribution of the smallest toothfish taken in the toothfish fishery. The hypothesis presented is that D. mawsoni in CCAMLR Subareas 88.1 and 88.2 spawn mainly on the ridges and banks of the Pacific-Antarctic ridge to the north and east of the Ross Sea. The spawning appears to take place during the austral winter and spring. Depending on the exact location of spawning, eggs and larvae become entrained by the Ross Sea gyres, and may move west, settling out around the Balleny Islands and adjacent Antarctic continental shelf; south onto the Ross Sea shelf; or eastwards with the eastern Ross Sea gyre, settling out along the continental slope and shelf to the east of the Ross Sea in Subarea 88.2. As the juveniles grow in size, they move west back towards the Ross Sea shelf and then move out into deeper water. As they mature, the fish gradually move deeper out onto the continental slope where they gain condition before undergoing a northwards spawning migration to the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge to start the cycle again. Toothfish probably remain in the northern area for 6–18 months before migrating back to the slope to regain condition.
Effect of Via-array Side Walls on the Characteristics of SIW Resonator with Novel Design Equations

: The present work proves by both simulation and experimental work that the most common empirical formulas available in the previous publications for the design of substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) cavities are incorrect in most cases. Moreover, the present work provides correct and exact design equations that are examined by both simulation and experimental work. In planar circuit structures, rectangular waveguide and resonators are commonly integrated within a dielectric substrate to produce what is known as SIW structures. For ease of fabrication and embedding into the dielectric substrate, the closed (solid) side walls of the rectangular waveguides and resonators are replaced by metallic via arrays. The main concern of the present paper is to investigate the effects of such replacement on the performance of a SIW resonator through simulation as well as experimental work. The limiting constraints on the relative dimensions of such via arrays including the diameter of the vias and the spacing between them are numerically and experimentally investigated to ensure proper operation of the SIW resonator regarding the radiation loss due to leakage from the openings of the resonator side walls. The effects of the via array dimensions on the resonant frequency, radiation loss, and quality factor ( Q -factor) of the resonator are evaluated. For this purpose, two models of the rectangular resonator embedded in the dielectric substrate are designed to operate at 10GHz. The first model is an ideal box-shaped resonator of solid sidewalls whereas the other model is a conventional SIW resonator with via-array side walls. The two types of the substrate-embedded resonators are fed through a microstrip line. The resonant frequency, losses, and Q -factor of the two resonator models are compared to each other taking the box-shaped resonator as a reference because of its ideal structure to evaluate the performance of the conventional SIW resonator. The two types of resonator are fabricated for comparison through experimental measurements. The empirical design equations that are commonly available in literature to calculate the effective dimensions of the SIW resonator are investigated by comparison with the exact simulation results and shown to be incorrect in most cases. More accurate and reliable design equations are proposed in the present work. The results of the proposed design equations are compared to the simulation results showing excellent accuracy and shown to be more reliable than those available in literature.
A validated real-time PCR test for simultaneous detection of Gallus gallus and Meleagris gallopavo in feed instead of an impossible poultry test

Description of the subject. Use of all processed animal proteins (PAPs) in animal feeds was banned in the EU due to the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This total feed ban was progressively lifted for non-ruminant PAPs from 2013 onwards. Use of ruminant PAPs in feed remains totally prohibited. In order to extend the reintroduction of poultry PAPs in pig feed, and of pig PAPs in poultry feed, as recently decided, poultry species and pig detection tests were required to check that there is no intra-specific recycling. Objectives. In this study, we describe the official EURL-AP real-time PCR method for the simultaneous detection of chicken (Gallus gallus L.) and turkey (Meleagris gallopavo L.), the two most widely used poultry species in PAPs. Method. Classic quality criteria for the validation of a PCR method are considered. A cut-off is required for the interpretation of results. Transferability was tested through an interlaboratory study. Results. The developed PCR assay amplifies an 84 bp fragment encompassing the mitochondrial DNA on 12S ribosomal RNA, tRNA-Val and 16S ribosomal RNA sequences. The qualitative method was successfully assessed for several performance criteria: specificity, sensitivity, efficiency and robustness. The applicability of the test was verified on poultry PAPs and on compound feed containing 0.1% in mass fraction of poultry PAPs. An interlaboratory validation study demonstrated that the proposed real-time PCR method is transferable. Conclusions. The combined chicken-turkey real-time PCR assay is fit for the purpose of detecting poultry PAPs.
Stationary non-radial localized patterns in the planar Swift-Hohenberg PDE: constructive proofs of existence

In this paper, we present a methodology for establishing constructive proofs of existence of smooth, stationary, non-radial localized patterns in the planar Swift-Hohenberg equation. Specifically, given an approximate solution $u_0$, we construct an approximate inverse for the linearization around $u_0$, enabling the development of a Newton-Kantorovich approach. Consequently, we derive a sufficient condition for the existence of a unique localized pattern in the vicinity of $u_0$. The verification of this condition is facilitated through a combination of analytic techniques and rigorous numerical computations. Moreover, an additional condition is derived, establishing that the localized pattern serves as the limit of a family of periodic solutions (in space) as the period tends to infinity. The integration of analytical tools and meticulous numerical analysis ensures a comprehensive validation of this condition. To illustrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology, we present computer-assisted proofs for the existence of three distinct unbounded branches of periodic solutions in the planar Swift-Hohenberg equation, all converging towards a localized planar pattern, whose existence is also proven constructively. All computer-assisted proofs, including the requisite codes, are accessible on GitHub at \cite{julia_cadiot}.
Plasma deposited thermocouple for non-invasive temperature measurement

This paper describes the realization of a temperature sensor based on plasma sputtered thermocouples. The thermocouples are realized in the vacuum with quite pure materials, negligible oxydation and with low contamination thus enabling accurate measurements and are made inert by means of a thin coating of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) that seals them. The thermocouples have an overall thickness of few hundreds of nanometers and are designed to allow non invasive, though accurate temperature measurement to be obtained in adverse conditions, such as the ones found during lyophilization processes. Lyophilization is widely employed to obtain pharmacological active powders in an economical and massive way. The lyophilization process effectiveness depends on the thermal distribution inside the lyophilizing vials: if the temperature is too low the process become extremely slow thus greatly increasing the powder cost, but if the temperature is too high a melting of the frozen substance can occur that can make the powder useless. Tuning the drying process is therefore extremely important, but such an operation is quite difficult since the temperature greatly changes inside each lyophilizing vial due to the process itself and among vials due to their position within the apparatus. A local temperature measurement would therefore be necessary, but normal temperature sensors would alter the drying local condition making the measurement incorrect and indirect measurements proved to be not reliable. The proposed solution instead is almost inert, capable of performing accurate local measurements and can be used in a variety of conditions where size and possible contamination are of importance. A sensor prototype is described and its performance compared with conventional sensors highlighting the advantages of the proposed solution.
Effects of sludge inoculum and organic feedstock on active microbial communities and methane yield during anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a widespread microbial technology used to treat organic waste and recover energy in the form of methane (“biogas”). While most AD systems have been designed to treat a single input, mixtures of digester sludge and solid organic waste are emerging as a means to improve efficiency and methane yield. We examined laboratory anaerobic cultures of AD sludge from two sources amended with food waste, xylose, and xylan at mesophilic temperatures, and with cellulose at meso- and thermophilic temperatures, to determine whether and how the inoculum and substrate affect biogas yield and community composition. All substrate and inoculum combinations yielded methane, with food waste most productive by mass. Pyrosequencing of transcribed bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA showed that community composition varied across substrates and inocula, with differing ratios of hydrogenotrophic/acetoclastic methanogenic archaea associated with syntrophic partners. While communities did not cluster by either inoculum or substrate, additional sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in the source sludge revealed that the bacterial communities were influenced by their inoculum. These results suggest that complete and efficient AD systems could potentially be assembled from different microbial inocula and consist of taxonomically diverse communities that nevertheless perform similar functions.
Advances and Challenges of Wood Polymer Composites

Wood flour and fiber have been blended with thermoplastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid and polyvinyl chloride to form wood plastic composites (WPC). WPCs have seen a large growth in the United States in recent years mainly in the residential decking market with the removal of CCA treated wood decking from residential markets. While there are many successes to report in WPCs, there are still some issues that need to be addressed before this technology will reach its full potential. This technology involves two different types of materials: one hygroscopic (biomass) and one hydrophobic (plastic) so there are issues of phase separation and compatibilization. This technology also involves two very different industries; wood and/or agricultural industries and plastic industries. Processing the two phases presents issues centered on maximizing mixing while minimizing damage to the biomass furnish. Melt flow index, processing temperatures, static electricity and density are also issues for the plastic industry which is used to high flowing high temperature processing conditions necessary when they either extrude plastics neat or use inorganic fillers such as glass, calcium carbonate or talc. While the biomass in the composite swells and shrinks due to moisture, the plastic phase swells and shrinks due to temperature. Freezing and thawing cycles also cause problems as well as the effects of microorganism attack and ultraviolet radiation. Dyeing, refinishing, color stability and fasteners are also concerns. Solid extrusion, profile extrusion, co-extrusion, injection molding and thermal molding are all being used to made different WPC products in different parts of the world.
Causes, Evaluation, and Repair of Cracks in Concrete Structures

Cracks in concrete have many causes. They may affect appearance only, or they may indicate significant structural distress or a lack of durability. Cracks may represent the total extent of the damage, or they may point to problems of greater magnitude. Their significance depends on the type of structure, as well as the nature of the cracking. For example, cracks that are acceptable for buildings may not be acceptable in waterretaining structures. The proper repair of cracks depends on knowing the causes and selecting the repair procedures that take these causes into account; otherwise, the repair may only be temporary. Successful long-term repair procedures must attack the causes of the cracks as well as the cracks themselves. Concrete inherits certain type of cracks in pre-hardening stage and also develops some other types of cracks in post hardening stage in due course of time due to various reasons, despite our utmost care in prevention of cracks. While concrete becomes older, these cracks become sources, of leakages and seepages and give easy access to the moisture, oxygen, chloride, carbon dioxide, and other aggressive chemicals and gases into the concrete leading to serious degradation of the structure and causing corrosion of steel and damage in the concrete in the form of spalling etc. and subsequently causing structural failure of the member. Cracking is the initial sign of distress of the structure baring other forms of distress and deterioration like deformation, surface deposits and construction defects etc. causing damage to structural strength, durability and serviceability.
Asteroseismology of exoplanets host stars: the special case of ι Horologii (HD 17051)

Aims. This paper presents detailed analysis and modelisation of the star HD 17051 (alias ι Hor), which appears to be a specially interesting case among exoplanet host stars. Like most of these stars, ι Hor presents a metallicity excess that has been measured by various observers who give different results, ranging from [ Fe/H$] = 0.11$ to 0.26 and associated with different atmospheric parameters. Meanwhile, the luminosity of the star may be determined thanks to the Hipparcos parallax. Although it is in the southern hemisphere, this star belongs to the Hyades stream, and its external parameters show that it could even be one of the Hyades stars ejected during cluster formation. The aim of this work was to gather and analyse our present knowledge of this star and to prepare seismic tests for future observations with the HARPS spectrometer (planned for November 2006). Methods. We computed evolutionary tracks with various metallicities in the two frameworks of primordial overmetallicity and accretion. We concentrated on models inside the error boxes given by the various observers in the $\log g{-}\! \log T_{\rm eff}$ diagram. We then computed the adiabatic oscillation frequencies of these models to prepare future observations. Results. The detailed analysis of ι Hor presented in this paper has already allowed its external parameters, mass, and age to be constrained . Some values given in the literature could be rejected as inconsistent with the overall analysis. We find that a model computed with the Hyades parameters (age, metallicity) is clearly acceptable, but other ones are possible too. We are confident that observations with HARPS will allow for a clear conclusion about this star and that it will shed new light on the physics of exoplanet host stars.
A Highly Skin-Conformal and Biodegradable Graphene-Based Strain Sensor

Dr. S. Wan, Z. H. Zhu, Dr. K. B. Yin, Dr. S. Su, Dr. H. C. Bi, Dr. T. Xu, Dr. H. T. Zhang, Z. H. Shi, Dr. L. B. He, Prof. L. T. Sun SEU-FEI Nano-Pico Center Key Laboratory of MEMS of Ministry of Education Collaborative Innovation Center for Micro/Nano Fabrication Device and System Southeast University Nanjing 210096, P. R. China E-mail: slt@seu.edu. cn Dr. K. B. Yin, Dr. S. Su, Dr. L. B. He, Prof. L. T. Sun Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacture Joint Research Institute of Southeast University and Monash University Suzhou 215123, P. R. China Dr. H. C. Bi, Prof. L. T. Sun Center for Advanced Carbon Materials Southeast University and Jiangnan Graphene Research Institute Changzhou 213100, P. R. China The ORCID identification number(s) for the author(s) of this article can be found under https://doi.org/10.1002/smtd.201700374.