Instance Segmentation of Characters Recognized in Palmyrene Aramaic Inscriptions

This study presents a single-class and multi-class instance segmentation approach applied to ancient Palmyrene inscriptions,employing two state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms,namely YOLOv8 and Roboflow 3.0.The goal is to contribute to the preservation and understanding of historical texts,showcasing the potential of modern deep learning methods in archaeological research.Our research culminates in several key findings and scientific contributions.We comprehensively compare the performance of YOLOv8 and Roboflow 3.0 in the context of Palmyrene character segmentation—this comparative analysis mainly focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm in this context.We also created and annotated an extensive dataset of Palmyrene inscriptions,a crucial resource for further research in the field.The dataset serves for training and evaluating the segmentation models.We employ comparative evaluation metrics to quantitatively assess the segmentation results,ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of our findings and we present custom visualization tools for predicted segmentation masks.Our study advances the state of the art in semi-automatic reading of Palmyrene inscriptions and establishes a benchmark for future research.The availability of the Palmyrene dataset and the insights into algorithm performance contribute to the broader understanding of historical text analysis.

Fireworks Optimization with Deep Learning-Based Arabic Handwritten Characters RecognitionModel

Handwritten character recognition becomes one of the challenging research matters.More studies were presented for recognizing letters of various languages.The availability of Arabic handwritten characters databases was confined.Almost a quarter of a billion people worldwide write and speak Arabic.More historical books and files indicate a vital data set for many Arab nationswritten in Arabic.Recently,Arabic handwritten character recognition(AHCR)has grabbed the attention and has become a difficult topic for pattern recognition and computer vision(CV).Therefore,this study develops fireworks optimizationwith the deep learning-based AHCR(FWODL-AHCR)technique.Themajor intention of the FWODL-AHCR technique is to recognize the distinct handwritten characters in the Arabic language.It initially pre-processes the handwritten images to improve their quality of them.Then,the RetinaNet-based deep convolutional neural network is applied as a feature extractor to produce feature vectors.Next,the deep echo state network(DESN)model is utilized to classify handwritten characters.Finally,the FWO algorithm is exploited as a hyperparameter tuning strategy to boost recognition performance.Various simulations in series were performed to exhibit the enhanced performance of the FWODL-AHCR technique.The comparison study portrayed the supremacy of the FWODL-AHCR technique over other approaches,with 99.91%and 98.94%on Hijja and AHCD datasets,respectively.

Discussion of Online Teaching Strategies for Teaching Elementary Chinese Characters to Foreigners Based on Error Analyses

The expanding role of the Chinese language in international communications has become increasingly prominent as China’s comprehensive national power continues to grow,leading to a significant rise in the number of Chinese language learners.Since online teaching is not limited by time and space,its application is widespread.For beginners in the Chinese language,the Chinese characters are both a priority and a challenge.The“Chinese Character Classification,”also known as the“Six Writings,”is the earliest systematic theory of Chinese character structures,and teaching Chinese characters in categories based on the“Chinese Character Classification”is a method that fits the cognition of beginners.In order to teach Chinese characters in a targeted approach,based on the collection and analysis of the common errors of Chinese characters among beginners,(1)this paper proposes that(a)the intuitive method can be applied to teach pictographic characters,indicative characters,and associative compound characters in online teaching;(b)the inductive-deductive method of“basic characters to new characters”can be applied for the teaching of pictophonetic characters and associative compound characters;(c)the learning of character patterns should be approached in a whole-part-whole process,while importance should be attached to the suggestion of the frequency effect with a view to facilitating the online learning of Chinese characters for beginners.The aim of this paper is to provide some practical implications for the online teaching of Chinese characters to foreigners.

Analysis of Young Girls’Eagerness to Spend for Disney Virtual Characters Based on Marketing Mix Theory

A virtual character is a design of a fictitious creature with distinctive characteristics created by people,and Disney virtual characters are those Intellectual Property(IP)images that appeared in Disneyland and Disney movies.This investigation aimed to explore why many younger females are keen to spend money on Disney virtual characters.This paper adopted the Marketing Mix Theory strategy(product,price,placement,and promotion(4P)),and the SWOT analysis method has been utilized.This paper investigated the relationship between the 4Ps and consumers’purchasing intentions,and it turned out that unique design and effective promotion in this Disney case would promote consumers’purchase intention,while the higher price and less accessible placements affected their purchase intentions.Thus,the high price and limited places somewhat inhibit customers’desire to buy;due to the attractiveness of the product itself and the promotion on the internet,the target consumers are still willing to consume.

A Comparative Analysis of the Origin and Formation Between Chinese Characters and English Alphabets

This research is based on the framework of social constructivism,utilizing the principle of Human Universals as a methodology to compare the similarities and differences between the ideation and formation methods of Chinese characters and English alphabets.Through comparative analysis of the ideation of English letters(pictogramme)and the origin of Chinese characters,known as the"Six Categories Theory,"we discover their alignment in terms of social,traditional,and cultural aspects.This suggests that different ethnic groups share common features in terms of life experience,learning cognitive development,and thinking habits.This study also finds that the origins of English letters and Chinese characters share similar linguistic features in their methods of constructing letters/characters,such as pictographic,ideographic,and semantic characteristics.Exploring these commonalities contributes to promoting learning and communication between Chinese and English characters.Additionally,by focusing on socio-cultural aspects,traditional customs,and cognitive learning,this study aims to break away from the traditional linguistic research approach that solely focuses on language differences.This provides a broader perspective and richer dimensions for Chinese and English language learning,facilitating the development of cross-linguistic and cross-cultural communication.

Effects of Microelement Fertilizers on Main Economic Characters and Yield of Peanut

The main purpose of this study was to explore and master the optimal types and application methods of microelement fertilizers suitable for peanut cultivation in Linyi City.The results showed that the application of zinc,magnesium,sulfur,calcium and other microelement fertilizers to peanut plants had a certain yield-increasing effect,and zinc had the most significant yield-increasing effect.Compared with the control check(CK),the yield per unit area increased by 1431 kg/hm^(2),equivalent to an increase of 38.4%.Meanwhile,according to field investigation and observation,the treatment of increasing zinc fertilizer had a certain promotion effect on peanut emergence rate,seedling growth potential,and yield components.

Genetic and Correlation Analysis of Grain Characters in Three-line Hybrid Rice

Abst[Objective] This study was to understand the genetic dynamics of three-line hybrid rice, and explore the respective effect of sterile line and restoring line on grain characters of hybrid rica. [Method] Four three-line stedle lines and 27 restoring lines（cultivars） commonly culti- vated in Central China region were regarded as expadmental materials to conduct 4 x27NCII cross design, and the grain characters of three-line hybrid rico were analyzed at genetic and correlation levels. [ Result] Four characters of grain length, grain width, 1 000-grain weight and length- width ratio play the leading role in additive gene effect; these four characters were simultaneously influenced by male parent and female parent, but the effect from male parent was relatively larger. The grain length, grain width, 1 000-grain weight and length-width ratio all have high brood hedtabUities（ respectively 99.65%, 98.31%, 95.27% and 98.81% ）. Correlation analysis showed that grain length was positively correlated with 1 000-grain weight and length-width ratio at extremely significant level; 1 000-grain weight was positively correlated with grain length and length- width ratio at extremely significant level, and was insignificantly correlated with grain width; grain width was negatively correlated with grain length and length-width ratio at extremely significant level. Path analysis showed that the direct path coefficients of grain length, grain width and 1 0（30- grain weight to length-width ratio were 0.624 6, -0.555 9 and -0.015 8, respectively. [ Conclusion] This study systematically analyzed the effects of stedle line and restoring line on grain characters of hybrid rice, which provided theoretical basis for breeding high quality and yield hy- brid dce.

Main Agronomic Characters and Grain Quality of Rice Blast Resistance Gene Pi-d2 Transgenic Rice

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide metabolic evidence for the analysis of the ecological and safety assessment of Pi-d2-transgenic rice.[Method] The main agronomic characters of Pi-d2-transgenic rice were observed in field experiment and the grain chemical characters and amino acid content were measured.[Results] Introduction of foreign gene Pi-d2 resulted in stably hereditable variation in agronomic characteristics in the descents.Most of the transgenic lines grew normally and orderly.Compared with the control（wild type plants）,about half of transgenic plants showed an increased or reduced plant height.There was no observable difference between transgenic plants and controls in tiller number,length of panicle,panicles per plant,seed-setting rate and 1 000-grain weight.Total amino acid content in transgenic rice was reduced,while the starch content,GC and GT were not altered in comparison with the control.[Conclusion] Introduction of foreign gene Pi-d2 has remarkable influence on plant height,while little on grain chemical characters.

“Cartoon Characters Can Touch Your Soul and Set Trends”——Interview with Lina JU,Chief Designer of GENMEC

Recently,HUGY has become quite popular in the Chinese market.The character can been seen everywhere,from its emojis,memes,cartoon stories,and art toys,to T-shirts,candies,garments.HUGY is a cartoon of a cute puppy,who is always smiling widely and reaching out his arms,ready to hug you.We invited the character’s creator,Lina Ju for an interview.Lina Ju comes from South Korea but has been working in China for 10 years.She is the chief designer of GENMEC,a trendy brand belonging to Sums Model,a company based in the south of China.

Effects of Plastic Film Mulching on Physical Characters of Soil and Yield and Yield Components of Sweet Potato

Field experiments were carried out to study the effects of plastic film mulching on soil physical characters, including soil temperature, soil moisture content and soil bulk density, and yield and yield components of sweet potato. The results showed that plastic filming mulching increased soil temperature. Considering the soil temperature-increasing effect, the treatments ranked as black plastic film treatment 〉 white plastic film treatment 〉 control. However, with the deepening of soil layer, the warming effect of plastic film mulching was weakened. Black or white plastic film mulching was conducive to low T/R value, especially in the early growth stage of sweet potato. Plastic film mulching significantly improved the storage root yield of sweet potato. In terms of yield-improving effect, the treatments ranked as black plastic film treatment 〉 white plastic film treatment 〉 control. The storage root num- ber per plant showed a downward trend, but the weight of single storage root was increased.

Correlation Analysis of Characters of Indica Hybrid Rice with High Content of Amylose

[Objective] The aim was to research and analyze characters and related correlation of indica hybrid rice containing high amylose. [Method] In the research, major characters of 16 species of groups of {ndica hybrid rice and the correlation were explored in rice belts in Sichuan in 2011. [Result] The variation of chalkiness degree was the highest at 26.8%, followed by rate of head rice at 22.89%; varia- tions of head rice rate and chalkiness degree were lower at 0.72% and 2.61%. In addition, rate of unpolished rice was of significantly negative correlation with chalki- ness degree; rate of chalky rice was of extremely positive correlation with chalkiness degree and gel consistency; chalkiness degree was of significantly positive correla- tion with gel consistency; gel consistency was of significantly negative correlation with protein content; amylose content was of insignificant correlation with gel consis- tency （r=0.166 9） of the 16 hybrid groups. These indicated that gel consistency would be still high as the content of amylose grows （AC≥25%）. For example, when the content of anylose in Chuanxiang 29A/Luhui 37, Kangfeng AJ6684, and Lefeng A/SR536 exceeded 27%, the gel consistency was over 80 mm in the research. [Conclusion] The research provides references for improvement of amylose content in breeding hybrid rice.

Vertical root distribution characters of Robinia pseudoacacia on the Loess Plateau in China

On the Loess Plateau, water is the main limiting factors for vegetation growth. Root distribution characters have special ecological meaning as it reflected the utilizations of trees to the environments. Even-aged stands ofRobinia pseudoacacia on slope lands facing south and north were selected as sampling plots for root distribution investigation. Investigatiing results showed that indicated that on all sites, root biomass decreased with depth, and the distribution depth of fine root was deeper than that of coarser root. The results of variance analysis indicated that there were great differences in root biomass among different diameter classes, and coarser root was the main sources of variance, and the root biomass, especially fine root (?<3mm) biomass on northern exposition sites was bigger than that on southern exposition sites. Analysis of the vertical root distribution parameters, root extinction coefficient, β indicated that the value of β on northern exposition was more than 0.982, while the value of β on southern exposition was less than 0.982, which indicated that the vertical root distribution depth ofRobinia pseudoacacia on southern exposition was deeper than that on southern exposition. And the distribution depth of fine roots (Φ<1mm) was deeper than that of thicker roots(Φ<3mm), which was in favor of the uptake of water and nutrients from deeper layers, helped the trees to adapt the arid environment, and promoted the growth of the upper parts of the tree. Keywords Root diameter classes - Variance analysis - Root extinction coefficient - Vertical distribution characters - Site conditions - Loess Plateau CLC number S792.27.01 Document code A Foundation Item: This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (30371150 and 40371075).Biography: LI Peng (1974-) male, post: Ph. D. in Northwest Scientific & Technological University of Agriculture and Forestry, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, P. R. China. Tel: 029-82312651.Responsible editor: Chai Ruihal

Variation and Cluster Analysis on Leaf Characters from Different Provenance Sources of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

[Objective] The aim was to study the variation of leaf characters from different provenance sources of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb,as well as to carry out cluster analysis on P.multiflorum from different provenance sources to provide basis for the classification,identification,breeding and improved variety selection of P.multiflorum.[Method] Leaf shape characters of 31 copies of germplasm resources in the major distribution region of the whole country were determined,and the genetic variation of P.multiflorum leaves from different producing areas was analyzed.[Result] The leaf characters of single plant of the same experimental provenance source of P.multiflorum were relatively stable,the variation was mainly found on the single leaf area,1/2 leaf width,leaf width and other indicators;the variation of each leaf character among different provenance sources was obvious,and the variation was mainly found on the single leaf weight,leaf area,1/2 leaf width,leaf length and other indicators.The correlation analysis of each leaf character in P.multiflorum suggested that the single leaf area and single leaf weight showed extremely significant positive correlation with leaf length,1/2 leaf width,leaf width,leaf thickness and leaf stem length,while the single leaf area and single leaf weight showed significant negative correlation with WWR（leaf width/1/2 leaf width）and LWR（leaf length/1/2 leaf length）,in addition,several macroscopic leaf characters such as leaf length,1/2 leaf width,leaf width,leaf stem length showed extremely positive correlation.The main component analysis result suggested that the contribution rate of accumulation variance of the front three main components was up to 97.4%,which could better reflect the comprehensive performance of leaf characters of different provenance sources of P.multiflorum.The cluster analysis showed that the experimental 31 copies of P.multiflorum provenance sources should be divided into three classes,the first class was distributed in the Middle,Western of Guizhou,northwestern of Guangxi and western areas with higher altitude;the second class was distributed in Hunan,Hubei,Sichuan,Guangdong and the most area of Guangxi;the third class was distributed in Anhui,Jiangsu and Henan and Shandong.[Conclusion] Cluster analysis of leaf characters indicated that the kinds of provenance sources which the geographical position was closer could be got together.The study had provided a certain basis for the classification of P.multiflorum.

Effects of Vermicompost on Agronomic Characters and Yield and Quality of Flue-cured Tobacco

The effects of vermicompost on the agronomic characters and yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco were investigated. The results showed that, the field growth periods of various treatments were 117-118 d, 1-2 days longer than that of the CK. The numbers of effective leaves of the treatments applied with vermicompost were 0.1-0.3 leaf more than the CK. The highest yield and the highest proportion of high-grade tobacco occurred in treatment 3 as 2 095.5 kg/m^2 and 49%, respectively, which were higher than those in the CK by 6.58 kg and 5.3%. In conclusion, the treatment with the application of vermicompost at 7 500-10 500 kg/hm^2 was the best.

Effects of Nitrogen Quantity on Grain-filling Characters of Two-line Hybrid Rice with Large Ear

[Objective] The aim was to research effects of N quantity on grain-filling characters of two-line hybrid rice cultivars with large ears. [Method] Peiza 67 and 88, two-line hybridized rice with large ears, were made use of to study on effects of N fertilizer in different quantities （LN： 90 kg/hm2;MN： 180 kg/hm2;HN： 270 kg/hm2） on plumpness and grain-filling characters. [Result] When N fertilizers were excessive, for inferior grains, grain-filling rate decreased and grain-filling time extended, resulting in plumpness decline after degradation of leaves＇ function. When N fertilizers were inadequate, maximal and average grain-filling rates decreased and the differences between superior and inferior grains in grain-filling rate increased, leading to decline of grain＇s weight and plumpness degree. On the other hand, quantity of N fertilizers had little effect on superior grains in plumpness. [Conclusion] The research provided references for reasonable use of N fertilizer and improvement of rice yield and N use.

Supply-demand Evolution about Main Characters of Wheat Varieties in China

Using the data of wheat varieties with year-sown area of 6 666.7 hm^2 or more from 1982 to 2006 in China, the evolution of wheat varieties was studied from both supply and demand. Results showed that although various characters of wheat varieties grown by peasants in production were improved obviously in China, the demand for variety yield was still the main demand by peasants; there was no significant difference between the supply and demand of crude protein content by peasants; the demand for disease resistance has been lower than the supply recently; the demand for full growth stage at every stage was less than the supply; and while there was a larger demand for plant height by peasants.

Economic Characters of Thirty-three Chinese Rice Cultivars in Angola

[Objective] The aim was to research economic characters of thirty-three Chinese rice cultivars in Angola.[Method] In the research,twenty-eight hybrid mid-indica rice cultivars and five conventional Japonica rice cultivars were classified into three groups and then grown in Luanda to analyze adaptability,fertility and major economic characters of the rice in rainy season.[Result] The research showed that of twenty-eight hybrid mid-indica rice cultivars,ten cultivars were of better adaptability and fertility,which are suitable to be grown in Luanda in Angola;productive ear number,total grain per ear,thousand-seed weight and ratio of grain to straw of the rice cultivars performed normally,but the whole developmental period shortened and seedling setting rate improved significantly.In addition,hybrid indica Teyou 721,Quanxiangyou 512,II you 128 and 102S/4HZ021 were of fertility potential at 11.5 t/hm2,which were all proved excellent in related characters in rainy season in Luanda of Angola.For conventional mid-season rice indica cultivars,Wandao 51 and Huanghuazhan were of better adaptability and fertility.In contrast,5 Japonica rice cultivars were of poor adaptability.[Conclusion] The research provided technical references for Chinese rice growing in Angola.

Analysis on Combining Ability and Heritability of the Main Agronomic Characters for JA CMS in Brassica napus L.

Fifteen combinations crossed by five JA cytoplasmic male sterile lines （A1, A2, A3, A4, A5） and three restoring lines （R1, R2, R3） were selected to analyze the combining ability and heritability of nine main agronomic characters of Brassica na-pus L. to definite the application potential of these parent materials. The result showed that （i） the general combining ability （GCA） of male parents was R3＆gt;R2＆gt;R1 and that of female parents was A4＆gt;A1＆gt;A2＆gt;A5＆gt;A3; （i ） the special combining ability （SCA） of A2＆#215;R3 in plant height, number of branches, number of pods per plant and yield per plant was the best. The yield per plant of A2＆#215;R3, A1＆#215;R1 and A2＆#215;R1 ranked the first three places in the 15 combinations; （i i） the broad heritability of yield per plant was the highest, and that of the height of branches was the lowest. The com-prehensive characters of R3, A2 and A4 were better, which could be used to create new materials; （iv） good offspring were more likely to be chosen from the combina-tion with higher parental GCA, so the GCA and SCA should be considered com-prehensively when choosing parent and determining the optimal combinations.

Effects of Water Stress on Economic Characters of Water-saving Rice Variety Luhan No.1

[Objective] This study aimed at exploring the utilization rate of water of the new water-saving rice variety ＂Luhan No.1＂ and providing references and basis for the further demonstration and extension.[Method] Water-saving rice variety ＂Luhan No.1＂ and original receptor ＂6527＂ were used for dry processing without aquifer,and rice under regular irrigation conditions was used as the control.[Result] Under conditions which had economized on 67.4% of water compared with the regular irrigation,decreasing rates of 1 000-seed weight,seed setting rate,plant height and effective panicles of ＂Luhan No.1＂ were relatively small and had not achieved a significant level,while the decreasing rates of production of the region,total grains per panicle,theoretical production and filled grains per panicle of the original receptor ＂6527＂ were all over 25% and had attained very significant levels（P0.01）.[Conclusion] ＂Luhan No.1＂ had shown stable production,energy conservation,reducing environmental pollution and other advantages under water-conservating cultivation conditions.

Genetic Differences and Selection of Major Nutritional Quality Characters in Millet

[Objective] The aim was to enhance specificity and efficiency of quality breeding of millet. [Method] Difference analysis, correlation analysis, principal compo- nent analysis, and path analysis were conducted on nutritional quality characters of 29 millet varieties. [Result] Variance coefficients of nutritional quality characters among different varieties were in descending order of crude protein 〉 crude fiber 〉 fat 〉 water 〉 total carbohydrate. The results of correlation analysis suggested that crude protein exhibited extremely significant negative correlation with total carbohydrate （correlation coefficient of -0.822 4） and significantly negative correlation with fat （correlation coefficient of -0.380 7）; the rest characters showed no significant correla- tion. In addition, according to PCA and path analysis, four characters, including crude protein, fat, total carbohydrate and crude fiber, determined 97.35% of variance of nutritional quality and could be taken as references for selection of breeding ma- terials, with a determination coefficient of 1.000 0. Fat and carbohydrate were typical nutritional quality characters of breeding materials, which should be selected in low generation. However, crude protein and crude fiber should be selected for millet in high generation. [Conclusion] The research provides references for breeding of new millet varieties with high nutritional quality.