Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploiting wild accessions for development of high yielding new rice genotypes

Eight transgressive variants were selected from a cross between Oryza rufipogon Griff. (IRGC105491) and MR219, a Malaysian high yielding rice cultivar. The field trials revealed the yield potentiality of the variants and showed significantly (p<0.05) higher yield than the control, MR219. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for agronomic traits were validated in the selected variants in BC2F5 generation. The yield of these variants was influenced by several QTLs related to days to maturity, tillers per plant, panicles per plant, spikelets per panicle and thousand grain weight. Chromosome segment analysis confirmed the introgression of wild alleles for yield and yield related traits. Registration process for eight variants has been initiated under the National Plant Variety (NPV) Act of Malaysia with the preferred name of UKMRC1 to UKMRC8. The DUS test was conducted in 2011 following UPOV guidelines in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Malaysia to confirm distinctness, uniformity and stability of these variants. Steps will be taken for some of the promising registered variants to be released as new varieties.
Indications from space geodesy, gravimetry and seismology for slow Earth expansion at present – comment on “The Earth expansion theory and its transition from scientific hypothesis to pseudoscientific belief” by Sudiro (2014)

Abstract. In a recent article in this journal, Paolo Sudiro (2014) considered the long history of the expanding Earth theory and its recent descent into what he termed “pseudoscientific belief”. The expanding Earth theory contends that the radius of the Earth was once one-half to two-thirds of its current value, with the Earth's continents forming a continuous sialic cover over the Earth. The theory has had two main variants: slow expansion at about 0.5 mm yr−1 radial increase since the time of Earth's formation and fast expansion at about 5 mm yr−1 since the Triassic. Focusing on Maxlow's model, Sudiro thoroughly addresses the possibly insurmountable difficulties of the fast version, such as an improbably high density and surface gravity prior to 200 Ma. He omits, however, any discussion of the slow expansion model, which has a longer history and far fewer theoretical difficulties. Moreover, recent evidence from space geodesy, gravimetry and seismology indicates that the Earth at present may be slowly expanding at 0.1–0.4 mm yr−1. It is concluded that Sudiro's obituary of the expanding Earth theory as a whole must be considered premature at this time.
Surface Tension Prediction of n-Alkanes by a Modified Peng-Robinson Equation of State Using the Density Functional Theory

Through this study, the ability of a modified Peng-Robinson (MPR) equation of state in predicting the surface tension of n-alkanes based on the density functional theory approach was investigated and compared with other studies. The interfacial layer thickness and the density profile were calculated simultaneously at different temperatures from triple point to near critical point using the modified Peng-Robinson equation of state. It was shown that the calculated thickness of interfacial layer increases with decrease in the chain length of n-alkanes molecules and raising of temperature. The surface tension of n-alkanes was calculated using the calculated values of thin layers’ densities. It was shown that the calculated surface tension of n-alkanes decreases with temperature in accordance with the experiment. The average relative error in prediction of the surface tension by the MPR equation of state was in the range of 2.5-6% while it was 4.6-25.2% by the Peng-Robinson equation of state. The validity of the MPR equation of state in the surface tension prediction of n-alkanes containing C1-C10 has been proved by comparing the results of this work with other studies.
Back to reality: How domestic energy efficiency policies in four European countries can be improved by using empirical data instead of normative calculation.

It is now well established that there is a serious gap between normative Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) calculations and measured energy consumption in the domestic sector. The fact that there are similarities in this gap between different European countries with varied housing stocks, different normative (EPC) dwelling consumption calculation methods and different cultural norms is surprising. This gap affects the analysis of current energy consumption and the estimation of future energy saving and its cost-effectiveness. This paper presents the results of comparing the differences between measured consumption and normative estimations of residential energy consumptions using national standard (EPC) calculations in four European countries (United Kingdom, France, The Netherlands and Germany). The potential causes of this gap are discussed in terms of behavioural change, technological performance and the application of normative models. Normative calculations are currently used to help develop both European and national energy efficiency policies. In the recast of the EPBD directive for example, cost-optimality calculations for major renovations and Nearly-Zero-Energy Buildings are based on normative standards. The paper provides examples of the potential impact that using normative as opposed to calculations grounded in empirical data may have on policy decisions.
Some Benefits of Being an Activist: Measuring Activism and Its Role in Psychological Well-Being

Do activists lead happier and more fulfilled lives than the average person? Two online surveys using a sample of college students (N = 341) and a national sample of activists matched with a control group (N = 718) demonstrated that several indicators of activism were positively associated with measures of hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well-being. Furthermore, in both studies, activists were more likely to be “flourishing” (Keyes, 2002) than were nonactivists. A third study of college students (N = 296) explored the possible causal role of activism by measuring well-being after subjects either engaged in a brief activist behavior, a brief nonactivist behavior, or no behavior. Although well-being did not differ substantially between these three groups, the subjects who did the brief activist behavior reported significantly higher levels of subjective vitality than did the subjects who engaged in the nonactivist behavior. Potential mediators of the relationship between activism and well-being and the usefulness of these findings are discussed.
Effects of 42khz Ultrasonic Treatment to the Crystallite Size and Morphology of Chemically-Prepared Carbonated-Hydroxyapatite

Background: Carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatites (carbonated-hydroxyapatites) are the primary mineral constituents of human and animal bone tissues. These materials are increasingly used in medical fields due to their biocompatibility and high bioactivity to osseous tissue. Objectives: To investigate the effect of ultrasonic treatment to the composition, crystallite size and morphology of the hydroxyapatite powders obtained using Ca(OH)2 and (NH4)2HPO4 using wet chemical precipitation technique with and without post-synthesis ultrasonic (42KHz) treatment, characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: From FTIR spectra, carbonated hydroxyapatites were depicted with A and Btype dominated carbonate substitution, and crystal sizes equal to 0.537, 0.481, 0.453 and 0.432 for 0, 20, 30, 40 minutes ultrasonic treatment, respectively. The rate of change of crystallite size with ultrasonic exposure time is 0.00267 nm/minute. From SEM images, agglomerated nano-sized particles were observed with increasing time ultrasonic treatment. Conclusions: Ultrasonically-treated for 20 to 40 minutes and untreated hydroxyapatite powders were both A and B-type carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite with B-type dominance. These hydroxyapatite powders exhibited crystallite size that decreases linearly (R 2 =0.994) from 0.537 to 0.432 nm with agglomeration of particles with increasing ultrasonic treatment.
Business Strategies Implementation to Enhance Competitive Advantage (A Study of Ikat Weaving in Bali)

This research is conducted with the background that there is a phenomenon of increasingly tight competition since the enactment of Asian Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. Therefore, all efforts, including Micro Small Enterprises (MSEs) sector of ikat weaving industry should anticipate by implementing appropriate business strategies so as to achieve competitive advantage. The objective of this research is to explain the role of business strategy (innovative strategy, differentiation strategy, service strategy, and partnership ) to enhance the competitive advantage in Ikat Weaving industry in Bali. To reach such objective, this research took a sample of 115 people who are owners or managers of SMEs in Ikat Weaving industry in Bali by applying Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis. The results of the study showed that industrial competition has positive and significant effect on competitive advantage. Industrial competition has positive and significant effect to the implementation of the innovative strategy, differentiation strategy, service strategy, and partnership strategy. Likewise, innovative strategy, differentiation strategy, service strategy, and partnership strategy has positive and significant effect to competitive advantage. The four business strategies are able to enhance competitive advantage.The implications of the study contributes to the owners/managers of SMEs in Ikat Weaving industry in Bali to keep implementing business strategies consisting of innovative strategy, differentiation strategy, service strategy, and partnership strategy comprehensively to enhance competitive advantage. Keywords: industrial competition, business strategy and competitive advantage.
The unified power quality conditioner: the integration of series- and shunt-active filters

This paper deals with unified power quality conditioners (UPQCs), which aim at the integration of series-active and shunt-active power filters. The main purpose of a UPQC is to compensate for voltage flicker/imbalance, reactive power, negative-sequence current and harmonics. In other words, the UPQC has the capability of improving power quality at the point of installation on power distribution systems or industrial power systems. This paper discusses the control strategy of the UPQC, with a focus on the how of instantaneous active and reactive powers inside the UPQC. Experimental results obtained from a laboratory model of 20 kVA, along with a theoretical analysis, are shown to verify the viability and effectiveness of the UPQC.
Significant variations of trace gas composition and aerosol properties at Mt. Cimone during air mass transport from North Africa – contributions from wildfire emissions and mineral dust

Abstract. High levels of trace gas (O3 and CO) and aerosol (BC, fine and coarse particle volumes), as well as high scattering coefficient (σp) values, were recorded at the regional GAW-WMO station of Mt. Cimone (CMN, 2165 m a.s.l., Italy) during the period 26–30 August 2007. Analysis of air-mass circulation, aerosol chemical characterization and trace gas and aerosol enhancement ratios (ERs), showed that high O3 and aerosol levels were likely linked to (i) the transport of anthropogenic pollution from northern Italy, and (ii) the advection of air masses rich in mineral dust and biomass burning (BB) products from North Africa. In particular, during the advection of air masses from North Africa, the CO and aerosol levels (CO: 175 ppbv, BC: 1015 ng/m3, fine particle volume: 3.00 μm3 cm−3, σp: 84.5 Mm−1) were even higher than during the pollution event (CO: 138 ppbv, BC: 733 ng/m3, fine particles volume: 1.58 μm3 cm−3, σp: 44.9 Mm
The Experience of Spirituality in a Multicultural and Diverse Work Environment

Worldwide, the study of spirituality is receiving increased attention, but very little is known about spirituality and its manifestation in African organizations. The aim of this research was to explore the experience of spirituality in a multicultural and diverse working environment, in order to enhance understanding of the functioning of spirituality in relation to diversity in the workplace. In particular, the study explores workplace spirituality from an individual and an organizational perspective within diverse organizations operating within a multicultural society. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 600 white collar workers from two organizations in different industries in South Africa. The research findings indicate that there is an inverse relationship between workplace spirituality and individual spirituality. Furthermore, the study confirmed that the experience of both personal and organizational spirituality is impacted by several diversity characteristics within a multicultural environment. In order to improve understanding of the experience of spirituality in multicultural societies and organizations, further empirical research is recommended. Globally, organizations need to realize the importance of embracing spirituality, in order to function effectively in a multicultural environment.
Comparison of Electrical and Thermal Performances of Glazed and Unglazed PVT Collectors

Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors combine photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors, forming a single device that receives solar radiation and produces electricity and heat simultaneously. PVT collectors can produce more energy per unit surface area than side-by-side PV modules and solar thermal collectors. There are two types of liquid-type flat-plate PVT collectors, depending on the existence of glass cover over PV module: glass-covered (glazed) PVT collectors, which produce relatively more thermal energy but have lower electrical yield, and uncovered (unglazed) PVT collectors, which have relatively lower thermal energy with somewhat higher electrical performance. In this paper, the experimental performance of two types of liquid-type PVT collectors, glazed and unglazed, was analyzed. The electrical and thermal performances of the PVT collectors were measured in outdoor conditions, and the results were compared. The results show that the thermal efficiency of the glazed PVT collector is higher than that of the unglazed PVT collector, but the unglazed collector had higher electrical efficiency than the glazed collector. The overall energy performance of the collectors was compared by combining the values of the average thermal and electrical efficiency.
SiO 5-BEARING METAPELITES IN THE ARDARA AUREOLE , NW IRELAND : AN IMPLICATION FOR PT STABILITY FIELD OF ALUMINIUM SILICATE POLYMORPHS

Andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite occur in well-defined zones in the Ardara aureole, NW Ireland. Temperature and pressure conditions of the Al2SiO5-bearing pelites in this aureole were estimated using ten different calibrations of garnet-biotite thermometry and five calibrations of garnetplagioclase-Al2SiO5-quartz barometry. The different calibrations provide different estimates of temperature and pressure. However, using the most recent, and the best reversed experimental data give temperatures varying from 510 to 605 oC, and a pressure of around 4 kbar across the Ardara aureole. The calculated temperatures for the analyzed samples are compared with published andalusite=sillimanite equilibria, and these equilibria are evaluated in the Ardara aureole.
An ePortfolio environment to enhance reflection in pre-service teachers: What worked, what didn’t and why?

This research paper details some results of a doctoral study that was designed to enhance reflection in pre-service teachers by scaffolding an action research project within the eportfolio-based learning environment. It reports on a unit level implementation of the PebblePad eportfolio platform in a Western Australian university, and focuses specifically on the levels of student engagement when guided by prompts placed within PebblePad as part of a scaffolded learning environment. The paper also examines the barriers to engagement that were identified through the data collection. The key findings indicate that the students were most engaged with the prompts that had a direct link to assessment tasks, followed by the activity tasks that specifically focused on reflective writing. The primary barriers to engagement were identified as the students’ unfamiliarity with the platform and the timing of the introduction of the eportfolio. The research identified some recommendations for future implementation of such environments, specifically including a more integrated approach to the use of an eportfolio from the beginning of students’ degrees.
An Effective Method of Regenerative Braking for Electric Vehicles

Batteries are commonly used as the power source of plug-in electric vehicles. Low efficiency in a battery is responsible for the low-mileage of electric vehicles. Improving battery efficiency can be done by harvesting the energy wasted during braking, which is commonly called as regenerative braking. The braking energy is to be used to recharge the battery. However, this braking method is not implementable in some conditions, including the conditions when the battery is full, when the vehicle speed is very slow, and when the desired braking currents exceed the converter capability. Therefore, mechanical braking is also still required. This paper proposes a simple but effective technique to deal with the problems found so far in the regenerative braking implementation. The fuzzy-logic theory is implemented to control the sharing proportion between the use of regenerative and electric brakings using one single brake-lever. To improve the current response of electric braking, the proportional-integral control method is used. Being compared to the widely used braking techniques, the method proposed and explored through simulation in this paper offers double advantages, which is increasing the battery efficiency as well as the driving comfort and practicality. The implementation of the method can extend the battery life because the energy regeneration is adapted to the state-of-charge and charging capability of the battery so that the battery can be maintained not to be overcharged.
Generalized Kubelka-Munk Theory - A Derivation And Extension From Radiative Transfer

Kubelka-Munk (KM) theory is a broadly used simplification to the radiative transfer equation (RTE) that is solvable analytically for a restricted set of very simple problems. Despite this simplicity and popularity, KM theory has never had its theoretical basis formally established. In this work, we derive KM theory systematically from the radiative transfer equation (RTE) by application of the spectrally convergent double spherical harmonics method, of order one, and analysis of the resulting, transformed, system of equations in the positive- and negative-going fluxes. We call these the generalized Kubelka-Munk (gKM) equations, and they are able to account for general boundary sources and nonhomogeneous terms. Having established theoretical footing for KM theory, we extend gKM's four-flux method to higher dimensions, applying it to a Gaussian boundary source and demonstrating the method's range of validity. Finally, we examine the application of the gKM method to the vector radiative transport equation (vRTE), allowing for the modeling of sources with polarized light. These methods offer a low cost approximation to the solutions of the scalar and vector RTE's, which we validate through comparison with benchmark solutions of the transport equation.
Evidence of Intermediate-Scale Energy Spectrum Anisotropy in the Northern Hemisphere from Telescope Array

Evidence of an energy dependent intermediate-scale anisotropy has been found in the arrival directions of ultra-high energy cosmic rays in the northern hemisphere, using 7 years of TA surface detector data. The previously reported ``hot spot" excess E $\geq$ 10$^{19.75}$ EeV is found to correspond to a deficit, or ``cold spot," of events for 10$^{19.2} \leq$ E $<$ 10$^{19.75}$ EeV. This feature suggests energy dependent magnetic deflection of cosmic-rays. The global post-trial significance of the energy spectrum deviation is found to be 3.74$\sigma$.
A survey on methods used in the storage of some varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and their effect on quality (A case study in Ejura- Sekyedumase District)

This survey was carried out in the Ejura-Sekyedumase District of the Ashanti region in Ghana to assess the effect of storage methods on cowpea grains of “Uganda”, “Mallam yaya” and “Mallam adamu” which were identified as the most popular cultivated varieties among several varieties. Farmers either placed grains in hermetic bags for storage or treated them with phostoxin or actellic and placed them in poly sacks or jute sacks. Laboratory tests carried out on crude protein content, crude fibre content, crude fat content, moisture content, mineral ash content, change in weight per 50 grains and weevil infestation per 50 grains (p < 0.01) indicated a general reduction in the quality in all varieties per these parameters after storage. Level of reduction in quality was mainly affected by the extent of infestation and activities of the cowpea storage weevil Callosobruchus maculatus.
Water-food-energy nexus with changing agricultural scenarios in India during recent decades

Meeting the growing water and food demands in a densely populated country like India is a major challenge. It requires an extensive investigation into the changing patterns of the checks and balances behind the maintenance of food security at the expense of depleting groundwater, along with high energy consumption. Here we present a comprehensive set of analyses which assess the present status of the water-food-energy nexus in India, along with its changing pattern, in the last few decades. We find that with the growth of population and consequent increase in the food demands, the food production has also increased, and this has been made possible with the intensification of irrigation. However, during the recent decade (after 1996), the increase in food production has not been sufficient to meet its growing demands, precipitating a decline in the per-capita food availability. We also find a statistically significant declining trend of groundwater storage in India during the last decade, as derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite datasets. Regional studies reveal contrasting trends between northern and western-central India. North-western India and the middle Ganga basin show a decrease in the groundwater storage as opposed to an increasing storage over western-central India. Comparison with well data reveals that the highest consistency of GRACE-derived storage data with available well measurements is in the middle Ganga basin. After analysing the data for the last 2 decades, we further showcase that, after a drought, the groundwater storage drops but is unable to recover to its original condition even after good monsoon years. The groundwater storage reveals a very strong negative correlation with the electricity consumption for agricultural usage, which may also be considered as a proxy for groundwater pumped for irrigation in a region. The electricity usage for agricultural purposes has an increasing trend and, interestingly, it does not have any correlation with the monsoon rainfall as computed with the original or de-trended variables. This reveals an important finding that the irrigation has been intensified irrespective of rainfall. This also resulted in a decreasing correlation between the food production and monsoon rainfall, revealing the increasing dependency of agricultural activities on irrigation. We conclude that irrigation has now become essential for agriculture to meet the food demand; however, it should be judiciously regulated and controlled, based on the water availability from monsoon rainfall, specifically after the drought years, as it is essential to recover from the deficits suffered previously.