Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LISANDRA RUTKOSKI RODRIGUES COGNITIVE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MONOLINGUALS AND BI/MULTILINGUALS: EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS BOOSTED BY CODE-SWITCHING?

The bilingual experience of code-switching – using another language during speech production – demands a greater executive and attentional control than that required from monolinguals, and seems to spread to other nonlinguistic cognitive domains. Studies on bilingualism have shown that bilinguals tend to outperform monolinguals on nonlinguistic interference tasks measuring different executive functions (EFs) (mental processes in charge of regulating, controlling and managing other cognitive processes, such as inhibition, attention, problem solving, etc.). However, recent research has shown that bilinguals tend to show a more robust advantage in overall reaction times (RTs), rather than an advantage on the magnitude of the interference effect. Irrespective of nature, the so-called bilingual advantage has been found in different age groups, among different types of bilinguals (e.g., Bialystok et al., 2004; Bialystok et al., 2005; Costa et al., 2008; Martin-Rhee & Bialystok, 2008), but sometimes, no bilingual advantage is actually found. The present study aims at replicating some of the experiments conducted previously with other populations of bilingual and monolingual participants regarding the EFs inhibitory control (Bialystok et al., 2004) and attentional networks (Costa et al., 2008). For that, I interviewed and tested 40 middle-aged businesspeople (20 bilinguals – mean age 48.1 – and 20 monolinguals – mean age 47.2) in two nonlinguistic interference tasks: the Simon task (Simon & Wolf, 1963), and the Attentional Network Task (ANT) (Fan et al., 2002). Businesspeople are naturally faced with strong cognitive demands in their daily lives, constantly having to solve problems by making administrative and financial decisions that involve a lot of responsibility and a lot of people, regardless of product or service being sold or offered by the company. Thus, their professional activity could strengthen their inhibitory control and problem solving skills, which could compete with the cognitive advantages brought out by bilingualism. For this reason, I also included a control group with a different professional activity, consisting of 38 middle-aged teachers/professors (19 bilinguals – mean age 46.6 – and 19 monolinguals – mean age 46.2), to be compared to the businesspeople in the Simon task. It is important to underscore the fact that no previous work has addressed such populations in these regards. Furthermore, I perceived that there are not enough studies on the effects of bilingualism on middle-aged adults regarding these EFs, as compared to the number of studies and findings on the bilingual advantage among other age groups. The results obtained with the businesspeople groups in both tasks showed no bilingual advantage in the interference effect or in overall RTs. However, I cannot assign the absence of a bilingual advantage to the variable “Profession” as a competitor with bilingualism, for the control group also presented equivalent performances across the mono and bilingual groups in the Simon task.
Lichen diversity in geothermal area of Kamojang, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia and its potential for medicines and dyes

Kusmoro J, Noer IS, Jatnika MF, Permatasari RE, Partasasmita R. 2018. Lichen diversity in geothermal area of Kamojang, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia and its potential for medicines and dyes. Biodiversitas 19: 2335-2343. The study of lichens diversity in Kamojang, West Java was conducted by survey in geothermal field area following the line transect 6 km along to the East, North West and south from the Power House of Geothermal Power Plant. The lichen samples were taken from bark, soil, and stone. Lichen identification was done by morphological, anatomy and chemical analysis. Dyes potency of Parmotrema and Usnea test using ammoniac fermentation was done in Plant Taxonomy Laboratory of Department Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Padjadjaran. The survey has successfully collected 133 species of lichens, belong to 62 genera and 17 families. Parmeliaceae was found as dominant groups, consisting of 33 species and other co-dominant groups are Graphidaceae and Lobariaceae with 24 species and 8 species, respectively. Most lichens in Kamojang geothermal area belong to Ascomycetes, only one Basidiomycetes such as Dictyonema sericeum (Sw.) which found at Kawah Manuk (Manuk crater) area. The rare species of lichens such as Usnea longissima Ach, was found at Pine forest in Arboretum 6 km south of Powerhouse of Kamojang geothermal. Chemical analysis and literature study for Lichenic acid contains was done and generally, atranorin, usnic acid, barbatic and lecanoric acid was found in lichens samples. Amoniac fermentation result showed that Parmotrema tinctorum produced brownish red, red and purple, which occurred within 1 week to 5 weeks after fermentation. While Usnea produced variety of brown color, which occurred within 5 days up to 4 weeks after fermentation. Lichen species containing some medical properties are Bulbothrix, Cladonia and Usnea. While lichens having dyes properties are Hypogymnia, Lobaria, Peltigera, Usnea, and Parmotrema.
E-Commerce Sourcing Models

Electronic commerce (EC) involves business transactions, marketing efforts, information gathering, and other functional activities with respect to information technology (IT) both within and without an organization. It provides various opportunities to a firm to adopt different business sourcing models and allows new opportunities to configure organizational structure for both private and public companies within the New Economy. Critical factors for EC success dictate that the firm must re-evaluate its business sourcing model from with complexity theory and the New Economy, thereby emphasizing the need for the firm to effectively coordinate its EC initiatives and consider all sourcing opportunities in this nonlinear, decentralized, alliance-focused, and CRM-based environment. This research will build from 1) an understanding of EC, to 2) the complex systems of EC in the New Economy, to 3) the sourcing mode used in the EC business model.
Multi-scale Analysis of Local Phase and Local Orientation for Dynamic Facial Expression Recognition

Automated facial expression analysis is an active research area for human-computer interaction as it enables computers to understand and interact with humans in more natural ways. In this work, a novel local descriptor is proposed for facial expression analysis in a video sequence. The proposed descriptor is based on histograms of local phase and local orientation of gradients obtained from a sequence of face images to describe the spatial and temporal information of the face images. The descriptor is able to effectively represent the temporal local information and its spatial locations which are important cues for facial expression recognition. This is further extended to multi-scale to achieve better performance in natural settings where the image resolution varies. The experimental results conducted on the Cohn-Kanade (CK+) database to detect six basic emotions achieved an accuracy of 94.58%. For the AVEC 2011 video-subchallenge, the detection of four emotion dimensions obtained comparable accuracy with the highest reported average accuracy in the test evaluation.The advantages of our method include local feature extraction incorporating temporal domain, high accuracy and robustness to illumination changes. Thus the proposed descriptor is suited for continuous facial expression analysis in the area of human-computer interaction.
Development and Testing of an Approach to Anti-Islanding in Utility-Interconnected Photovoltaic Systems

This report documents the development of an inverter control method that detects and avoids islanding in utility-interconnected photovoltaic installations. This method is applicable to single and multiple inverters connected to a single utility distribution line. The anti-islanding approach is described and its performance is demonstrated on both a theoretical basis and with results from tests conducted at Sandia National Laboratories and Ascension Technology, a division of Applied Power Corporation. It has been demonstrated that this approach is effective for single and multiple photovoltaic inverter installations for the special case where the inverter contains a version of anti-islanding software compatible with IEEE Std 929-2000.The report also describes the anti-islanding technique so that it can be incorporated into photovoltaic systems lacking this feature. A test procedure that ascertains whether an anti-islanding capability exists in a PV inverter is also presented. This page intentionally left blank
Computer Adoption and Use of Information Services by North Carolina Commercial Farmers

Abstract The extent of information use by farmers for farm management is tracked in terms of computer adoption and usefulness, and the use of professional providers of information services. The study is based on a survey conducted in 1991, on North Carolina, as part of a regional project involving about fourteen states. The results revealed a low rate of computer adoption by the farmers surveyed. However, computer adoption and usefulness were explained by farm size, educational attainment and farm income. Also farmers' use of professional services, such as that provided by tax preparers and extension agents were positively influenced by farm size, age and education level.
Use of Fin‐Ray Sections to Age Walleye Pollock, Pacific Cod, and Albacore, and the Importance of this Method

Abstract Thin sections of fin rays were used to estimate the age of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), and albacore (Thunnus alalunga). Because the number of methods of determining the age of fishes is limited, it is advisable that investigators develop a facility for the fin-ray method so that the best aging method for a stock of fish can be selected. Use of several methods also helps in estimating the accuracy of age determinations in the absence of a validation procedure that is applicable to all age-groups in a population.
Online Learning. Increasing Learning Opportunities

Internet and networked technologies have expanded delivery mode opportunities in education. In recent years, many universities have offered either predominantly online courses or online learning platforms embedded within traditional modes of on-campus and face-to-face learning. Online learning has thus developed into a priority within modern educational facilities and has grown significantly both in Australia and other countries. To consider the connection between student learning and effective integration of technology, this study provides an overview about the requirements for learning in a modern society. It will discuss current reforms in higher education to accommodate a new generation of digital Australians and to prioritize teaching and learning issues in online environments.
A TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING GROWTH RATE AND SURVIVAL OF ARMOURED SCALE INSECTS

A method for measuring the size and growth rate of armoured scale insects using digital image analysis is described. It was used in a preliminary experiment that demonstrated between-plant differences in the growth rate of armoured scale insects on kiwifruit leaves. It also allowed the timing and extent of mortality factors to be measured accurately. Heavy predation of armoured scale insects on kiwifruit leaves, probably caused by earwigs, was observed for the fi rst time. The development of this technique as a tool for both ecological studies of scale insect, and in measuring the relative resistance of kiwifruit germplasm to armoured scale insects is discussed.
The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 is able to determine different eating behaviors and food patterns in congregate meal participants

DIFFERENT EATING BEHAVIORS AND FOOD PATTERNS IN CONGREGATE MEAL PARTICIPANTS by JESSICA DENAE FURMAN (Under the Direction of Mary Ann Johnson) ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to analyze the construct validity of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire – Revised 18-item (TFEQ-R18) in congregate meal participants, and to assess the eating behaviors elucidated from this questionnaire with food intake. Participants were older adults (n = 124, mean (SD) age = 75 (8) years, 76% women, 56% White, 44% Black, and 51% obese (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 )) receiving congregate meals. The TFEQ-R18 measures cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE), and the 6 food groups assessed with a short food frequency questionnaire were sweets, salty snacks, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk. The TFEQ-R18 was found to have acceptable construct validity and reliability in this sample. Robust associations were seen with UE and vegetables, and with EE and salty snacks. These results suggest that the TFEQR18 is a valid measure of CR, UE, and EE, and may be useful in development of nutrition interventions in congregate meal participants.
Balloon-borne measurements of temperature, water vapor, ozone and aerosol backscatter on the southern slopes of the Himalayas during StratoClim 2016–2017

Abstract. The Asian summer monsoon anticyclone (ASMA) is a major meteorological system of the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) during boreal summer. It is known to contain enhanced tropospheric trace gases and aerosols, due to rapid lifting from the boundary layer by deep convection and subsequent horizontal confinement. Given its dynamical structure, the ASMA represents an efficient pathway for the transport of pollutants to the global stratosphere. A detailed understanding of the thermal structure and processes in the ASMA requires accurate in situ measurements. Within the StratoClim project we performed state-of-the-art balloon-borne measurements of temperature, water vapor, ozone and aerosol backscatter from two stations on the southern slopes of the Himalayas. In total, 63 balloon soundings were conducted during two extensive monsoon-season campaigns, in August 2016 in Nainital, India (29.4∘ N, 79.5∘ E), and in July–August 2017 in Dhulikhel, Nepal (27.6∘ N, 85.5∘ E); one shorter post-monsoon campaign was also carried out in November 2016 in Nainital. These measurements provide unprecedented insights into the UTLS thermal structure, the vertical distributions of water vapor, ozone and aerosols, cirrus cloud properties and interannual variability in the ASMA. Here we provide an overview of all of the data collected during the three campaign periods, with focus on the UTLS region and the monsoon season. We analyze the vertical structure of the ASMA in terms of significant levels and layers, identified from the temperature and potential temperature lapse rates and Lagrangian backward trajectories, which provides a framework for relating the measurements to local thermodynamic properties and the large-scale anticyclonic flow. Both the monsoon-season campaigns show evidence of deep convection and confinement extending up to 1.5–2 km above the cold-point tropopause (CPT), yielding a body of air with high water vapor and low ozone which is prone to being lifted further and mixed into the free stratosphere. Enhanced aerosol backscatter also reveals the signature of the Asian tropopause aerosol layer (ATAL) over the same region of altitudes. The Dhulikhel 2017 campaign was characterized by a 5 K colder CPT on average than in Nainital 2016 and a local water vapor maximum in the confined lower stratosphere, about 1 km above the CPT. Data assessment and modeling studies are currently ongoing with the aim of fully exploring this dataset and its implications with respect to stratospheric moistening via the ASMA system and related processes.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and Hot Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in the Management of the Major Pests of Cabbage Brassica oleracea (L.)

The use of chemical insecticides in crop production has resulted in increased food production in Africa, but their use has resulted in the destruction of beneficial organisms and development of resistance by some insects to the insecticides. The effectiveness of garlic Allium sativum and hot pepper, Capsicum frutescens in controlling the pests of cabbage, Brassica oleracea was evaluated. These botanicals were compared with a standard chemical insecticide Attack® (Emamectin benzoate). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design, with 3 treatments and a control, each of which was replicated 3 times. Plutella xylostella, Brevicoryne brassicae, Hellula undalis and Trichoplusia ni were found on cabbage plants. Significantly fewer of them were found on the treated plants than the control plants. The use of the plant extracts resulted in a reduction in mortality ranging from 10.76% to 55.94%. Fewer natural enemies of B. brassicae were sampled on the insecticide-sprayed plots than the garlic and pepper-sprayed plots. The cost of protecting cabbage plants from insect infestation using Attack was higher than the botanicals. Garlic-treated plots recorded the highest cost: benefit ratio of 1:16 while Attack®-treated plots recorded the least of 1: 9.2. The control effects of the botanicals compared favourably with that of the chemical insecticides. Thus these botanicals can be used as substitutes to chemical insecticides.
Understanding Risk Communication Gaps through E-Government Website and Twitter Hashtag Content Analyses: The Case of Indonesia’s Mt. Sinabung Eruption

Abstract Despite operational volcano surveillance using meteorological satellite, thermal remote sensing and infrared camera technologies, predicting a volcano’s hazardous activity and explosive eruption, with any accuracy, remains nearly impossible. Volcanic hazards and risk literature identifies risk communication as critical but insufficiently understood. This paper, therefore, investigates disaster risk communications during Indonesia’s Mt. Sinabung eruptions in February 2014, causing 16 deaths and continuous evacuations of 30,000 residents. We critically examined one-way government-to-citizens communications via e-government websites and Twitter and citizens’ multi-directional communications via #sinabung hashtag for sharing volcano risk perceptions about affected villagers. Our Twitter analysis of #sinabung found evidence for the absence of government engagement in risk perception communications and leadership in responding to the Indonesian public’s expressed concerns for the Mt. Sinabung disaster. For governments that would implement citizen-centric e-governance, Twitter can be used effectively as a multi-directional risk communication tool to quickly and effectively share risk perceptions and disaster information with the public.
Production, growth and properties of ultrafine atmospheric aerosol particles in an urban environment

Abstract. Number concentrations of atmospheric aerosol particles were measured by a flow-switching type differential mobility particle sizer in an electrical mobility diameter range of 6–1000 nm in 30 channels near central Budapest with a time resolution of 10 min continuously from 3 November 2008 to 2 November 2009. Daily median number concentrations of particles varied from 3.8 × 10 3 to 29 ×10 3 cm −3 with a yearly median of 11.8 × 10 3 cm −3 . Contribution of ultrafine particles to the total particle number ranged from 58 to 92% with a mean ratio and standard deviation of (79 ± 6)%. Typical diurnal variation of the particle number concentration was related to the major emission patterns in cities, new particle formation, sinks of particles and meteorology. Shapes of the monthly mean number size distributions were similar to each other. Overall mean for the number median mobility diameter of the Aitken and accumulation modes were 26 and 93 nm, respectively, which are substantially smaller than for rural or background environments. The Aitken and accumulation modes contributed similarly to the total particle number concentrations at the actual measurement location. New particle formation and growth unambiguously occurred on 83 days, which represent 27% of all relevant days. Hence, new particle formation and growth are not rare phenomena in Budapest. Their frequency showed an apparent seasonal variation with a minimum of 7.3% in winter and a maximum of 44% in spring. New particle formation events were linked to increased gas-phase H 2 SO 4 concentrations. In the studied area, new particle formation is mainly affected by condensation sink and solar radiation. The formation process seems to be not sensitive to SO 2 , which was present in a yearly median concentration of 6.7 μg m −3 . This suggests that the precursor gas was always available in excess. Formation rate of particles with a diameter of 6 nm varied between 1.65 and 12.5 cm −3 s −1 with a mean and standard deviation of (4.2 ± 2.5) cm −3 s −1 . Seasonal dependency for the formation rate could not be identified. Growth curves of nucleated particles were usually superimposed on the characteristic diurnal pattern of road traffic direct emissions. The growth rate of the nucleation mode with a median diameter of 6 nm varied from 2.0 to 13.3 nm h −1 with a mean and standard deviation of (7.7 ± 2.4) nm h −1 . There was an indicative tendency for larger growth rates in summer and for smaller values in winter. New particle formation events increased the total number concentration by a mean factor and standard deviation of 2.3 ± 1.1 relative to the concentration that occurred immediately before the event. Several indirect evidences suggest that the new particle formation events occurred at least over the whole city, and were of regional type. The results and conclusions presented are the first information of this kind for the region over one-year long time period.
Effect of lime and goat manure on soil acidity and maize (Zea mays) growth parameters at Kavutiri, Embu County- Central Kenya

used for the study. The pot experiment was arranged in a complete randomised design and replicated three times. Maize, variety H513as test crop, was grown for a period of 8 weeks. The results were measured on maize crop parameters (plant heights, root lengths and dry matter biomass) and soil parameters (soil pH and exchangeable acidity). All the biophysical data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the difference between the treatments means separated using the Fischer’s least significant difference at 5% probability level. Linear correlation analyses were done using the Microsoft Excel 2010. Results generally showed that soil acidity decreased with increasing levels of manure and lime. The treatment with 12.5 Mg ha -1 of lime and 10 Mg ha -1 of manure had the best reducing effect on soil acidity and better maize yield performances reflected in the highest pH (6.3), highest root length (41.3 cm), plant height (150.3 cm) and dry biomass weight (755.4 kg ha -1 ) obtained.
Implementation of a Quasi-Three-Dimensional Nonreflecting Blade Row Interface for Steady and Unsteady Analysis of Axial Turbomachines

Higher order nonreflecting blade row interfaces are today widely used for performing both steady and unsteady simulations of the flow within axial turbomachines. In this paper, a quasi-three-dimensional nonreflecting interface based on the exact, two-dimensional nonreflecting boundary condition for a single frequency and azimuthal wave number developed by Giles is presented. The formulation has been implemented to work for both steady simulations as well as unsteady simulations employing the nonlinear Harmonic Balance method. The theory behind the construction of the nonreflecting interface is presented and details on the numerical implementation is also provided. The implementation is verified for two dimensional wave propagation along a straight cascade. It is shown that the interface correctly absorbs incoming waves, but also found that the chosen implementation strategy may be ill-posed. A simple solution to stabilize the implementation is therefore implemented, but future work should seek a more generic solution to this problem.