Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An algorithmic analysis of multiquadratic and semidefinite programming problems

The problems of Multiquadratic Programming (MQP) and Semidefinite Programming (SDP) are addressed. Two algorithms are developed for certain feasibility versions of the SDP, and the first of these is shown to have polynomial time complexity when the dimension of the matrix map involved is fixed. The second algorithm is a globally convergent Newton-like method applied to a least-squares penalty function. The problem of characterizing and identifying quadratic maps with convex images is analyzed from both structural and complexity theoretic points of view. Then a study is made of the geometry of a class of convex sets called spectrahedra, which are the feasible regions in semidefinite programs. Finally, in Chapter 7, we develop some cutting plane techniques for MQP, based on eigenvalue inequalities.
Operating Current Mode Dependence of Luminescence Properties of Rubrene-doped Yellow Organic Light Emitting Diodes

The operating current mode dependence of luminescence properties of rubrene-doped yellow organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) was investigated. The devices were driven by three types of constant current mode: a simple direct current (DC) mode, a simple alternating current (AC) mode and a pulsed current (PC) mode. The device driven by the AC mode showed low energy efficiency because of the existence of time intervals with no emission in spite of energy consumption. The device driven by the PC mode showed the highest efficiency and better stability compared with the devices driven by the other modes.
Team emotional intelligence buffers the impact of negative emotions on satisfaction with the team: a multilevel study

ABSTRACT This study analyzes Team Emotional Intelligence (TEI) in project teams in higher education. Specifically, we tested the direct effects of TEI on team satisfaction, as well as the relationship between negative emotions that emerge during teamwork and team satisfaction, and whether this relationship is moderated by TEI. Multilevel analyses were conducted with 76 Spanish undergraduate psychology students nested in 26 teams. Results suggest that one dimension of TEI (‘Other Management’) was positively related to team satisfaction (direct effects). Besides, negative emotions decreased team satisfaction, particularly for teams lacking in TEI, while three dimensions of TEI (‘Own Management’, ‘Other Awareness’, and ‘Other Management’) attenuated the relationship between negative emotions and team satisfaction (moderating effects). These results provide empirical evidence for the positive effect of TEI at the team level on student satisfaction and its protective role against negative emotions. We discuss how universities might enhance the student experience when working in project teams (e.g., receiving educational training in TEI).
Reflection of diffusing metastable gas molecules at the boundary

Generally, in Townsend discharges, the behaviours of metastable molecules are treated by solving the diffusion equation. The boundary condition for the diffusion equation has previously been assumed to be that the density at the boundary is zero. Such an assumption is found to be unsatisfactory in determining effective lifetimes from the experimental data. The authors solve the diffusion equation using boundary conditions of the third kind. By adopting the two-stream approximation, the reflection coefficient of the metastables is introduced naturally into the theory. An expression which depends implicitly on the reflection coefficient is derived for the effective lifetime of the metastables as a function of pressure. By fitting the calculated curves to the experimental data, the authors succeed in determining the various physical parameters, including the newly introduced reflection coefficient.
High power quantum cascade lasers

We report the most recent state-of-art quantum cascade laser results at wavelengths around 4.8 and 10 μm. At 4.8 μm, a room temperature wall plug efficiency (WPE) of 22 and 15.5% are obtained in pulsed mode and continuous wave (cw) mode, respectively. Room temperature cw output power reaches 3.4 W. The same laser design is able to reach a WPE of 36% at 120 K in pulsed mode. At 10 μm, room temperature average power of 2.2 W and cw power of 0.62 W are obtained. We also explore lasers utilizing the photonic crystal distributed feedback mechanism, and we demonstrate up to 12 W peak power operation at three different wavelengths around 4.7 μm with a waveguide width of 100 μm and diffraction limited beam quality.
Years of Research on Technostress Creators and Inhibitors : Synthesis and Critique Completed Research

Organizations implement new technologies frequently to achieve competitive advantage. Constant change, however, requires employees to adapt to new business requirements. This could become a source of environmental pressure, creating stress among employees and, subsequently, leading to negative outcomes for organizations. Technostress refers to an individuals’ incapability to cope with IT in a healthy manner. Extant research has uncovered factors that create technostress and studied mechanisms to alleviate the negative outcomes of this phenomenon. The current study reviews literature on technostress creators and inhibitors since 2008, and critically analyzes the current state of knowledge about their effects. Our review of findings from 23 relevant studies highlights opportunities for researchers to examine the separate and differential effects of individual technostress creators and inhibitors. More research in this area may help practitioners develop context-specific programs to tackle that specific dimensions of technostress creators and the specific benefits of technostress inhibitors.
Influence of Nanomaterials and Other Factors on Biohydrogen Production Rates in Microbial Electrolysis Cells—A Review

Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs) are one of the bioreactors that have been used to produce bio-hydrogen by biological methods. The objective of this comprehensive review is to study the effects of MEC configuration (single-chamber and double-chamber), electrode materials (anode and cathode), substrates (sodium acetate, glucose, glycerol, domestic wastewater and industrial wastewater), pH, temperature, applied voltage and nanomaterials at maximum bio-hydrogen production rates (Bio-HPR). The obtained results were summarized based on the use of nanomaterials as electrodes, substrates, pH, temperature, applied voltage, Bio-HPR, columbic efficiency (CE) and cathode bio-hydrogen recovery (C Bio-HR). At the end of this review, future challenges for improving bio-hydrogen production in the MEC are also discussed.
A color-magnitude diagram for the Large Magellanic Cloud cluster Hodge 11

A search for RR Lyrae variables in the vicinity of the old Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) cluster Hodge 11 has resulted in the discovery of only one variable, which is probably a field star. A color-magnitude diagram (CMD) confirms that the cluster is very metal poor, [Fe/H]=−2.0±0.2, with E(V−I)=0.10±0.02, The distribution of stars on the horizontal branch (HB) is skewed to the extent that only blue HB stars appear to be present - these have a bifurcated grouping, as in M 15. There are a few extremely blue stars that appear to be on a hotter extension of the HB - as they have no field counterparts these stars are likely cluster members
Homocysteine and Clinical Outcomes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients: Results from the China Stroke Center Alliance

Objective Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels play a detrimental role in ischemic stroke. Acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for nearly 25% of all stroke cases. However, the influence of Hcy levels and ICH severity on clinical outcomes is unclear. Participants and Study Location Data were obtained from 85,705 ICH patients enrolled in the China Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) study, a national, hospital-based, multicenter, voluntary, quality assessment and improvement initiative performed in China. Patients were divided into high and normal Hcy groups according to their Hcy levels observed at admission. Outcome Measures The outcome indices included severe ICH, in-hospital mortality, and a poor functional outcome at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the association of different Hcy levels with outcomes. Results The final analysis included 55,793 ICH patients. High homocysteine (HHcy) levels had higher adjusted odds ratios for severe ICH (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.10, P<0.0001) and a poor functional outcome at discharge (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.10, P=0.0100) compared with normal Hcy levels. There was no significant difference between HHcy and in-hospital mortality. In the subgroup analysis, stratified by sex and history of hypertension, significant interactions were observed between HHcy and severe ICH (P for interactions was 0.0138 and 0.0120, respectively). HHcy levels exhibited greater associations for severe ICH in female patients (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.12) and patients without hypertension (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.33). Conclusion An elevated Hcy level exhibited significant association with severe ICH on admission and a poor functional outcome at discharge. The relationship between HHcy and ICH severity on admission was more robust in female patients and patients without hypertension. Hcy might be a valuable biomarker for ICH patients to predict severity at onset and functional outcome at discharge.
Evolution of Lightning Activity and Storm Charge Relative to Dual-Doppler Analysis of a High-Precipitation Supercell Storm

AbstractA high-precipitation tornadic supercell storm was observed on 29–30 May 2004 during the Thunderstorm Electrification and Lightning Experiment. Observational systems included the Oklahoma Lightning Mapping Array, mobile balloon-borne soundings, and two mobile C-band radars. The spatial distribution and evolution of lightning are related to storm kinematics and microphysics, specifically through regions of microphysical charging and the location and geometry of those charge regions. Lightning flashes near the core of this storm were extraordinarily frequent, but tended to be of shorter duration and smaller horizontal extent than typical flashes elsewhere. This is hypothesized to be due to the charge being in many small pockets, with opposite polarities of charge close together in adjoining pockets. Thus, each polarity of lightning leader could propagate only a relatively short distance before reaching regions of unfavorable electric potential. In the anvil, however, lightning extended tens of kilome.
QWIP status and future trends at Thales

Since 2005, Thales is successfully manufacturing QWIPs in high rate production through III-V Lab. All the early claimed advantages of QWIPs are now demonstrated. The versatility of the band-gap engineering allows the custom design of detectors to fulfill specific application requirements in MWIR, LWIR or VLWIR ranges. The maturity of the III-V microelectronics based on GaAs substrates gives uniformity, stability and high production rate. In this presentation we will discuss the specific advantages of this type of detector. An overview of the available performances and production status will be presented including under-development products such as dual band and polarimetric sensors.
Relaxational dynamics of quasi-one-dimensional CsD2PO4-type ferroelectrics

The paper presents a dynamical model of deuterated quasi-one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded ferroelectrics. On the basis of the model the relaxational dynamics of CsD2PO4-type ferroelectrics is studied in a cluster approximation taking into account short and long range interactions. It is shown that the two particle cluster approximation gives a good quantitative description of the experimental data of the dynamic and static properties of partially deuterated Cs(H1-×D×)2PO4 ferroelectrics.
A CASE STUDY OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHERRY (Prunus serotina), ORCHARD SOILS AND FRUIT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF BALTISTAN REGION

This study had been conducted in north eastern area of Pakistan, Baltistan region constituting the larger portion of Kashmir region. Which is one of the moist zone of the western Himalayas. While growing fruit point of view the land is suitable for fruit like apples, plum, cherry and apricot production. Climatically Baltistan region soils have recognized as best for quality cherry production. However, limited information is available about the existing soil fertility status and fruit quality of cherry orchards. Soil fertility evaluation is a key factor towards sustainable fruit production of cherry orchard soils. Improvement of soil productivity and fruit quality depends on the knowledge of the soil fertility. Therefore, study was designed to investigate the soil fertility status of cherry orchards of District Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ganache. Soil samples were evaluated for pH, EC, Organic matter, Texture, N, P, K, and micronutrients. While leaf and fruits samples were analyzed for N, P, K and pH, TSS, TA, Ascorbic acid, and Sugar contents respectively. Results revealed that the soil samples were slightly alkaline and non-saline sandy loam and sandy clay loam texture with adequate organic matter ranging from 1.19-2.15%, Low to marginal (NO3-N), low extractable P, and marginal to adequate K with high micronutrients concentrations (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn). While leaf samples showed marginal to high N, low P, and K and sufficient to high micronutrients. The parameters of fruit samples were in the optimum range with a yield of 5-50 Kgplant-1.
Alignment between teachers’ practices and political intentions in the context of a reformed modelling-oriented science curriculum in Danish lower secondary school

A new national science curriculum for lower secondary education was initiated in Denmark in 2015-2016. The intentions behind the new curriculum include substantial changes to how teachers should address models and modelling (MoMo) in their practice. This study focuses both on those intentions and on teachers’ practices, rationales, and experiences in this regard. Data were generated by means of semi-structured interviews and lesson planning workshops among three pairs of teachers. Our findings suggest that: (1) teachers’ practices and rationales for integrating MoMo into their teaching reflected an approach by which MoMo were treated largely as the product of a scientific process rather than part of a scientific process; (2); the dynamic process of designing, evaluating and revising models based on students’ own inquiry only played a minor role; and (3) teachers had multiple experiences in their efforts to enact the curriculum intentions. Finally, based on the findings, we discuss how to enhance the alignment between curriculum intentions and teachers’ practice.
Does ICT-based farm advisory improve farmers' adaptation to climate change? Evidence from Pakistan

ABSTRACT In the face of climate uncertainties, farmers need advice on adaptation measures to manage climate risk in an efficient and user-friendly way. This study takes the case of a major cropping zone of Punjab province, Pakistan, which is reported among the climate-susceptible regions, to explore farmers’ preferred ways of agricultural advisory and farmers’ climate change adaptation measures. We also analyze the interrelation between different advisory services (conventional and information and communication technology (ICT)-delivered) and their adaptation behaviours. We use multivariate and ordered probit models to analyze the cross-sectional data collected from four districts of Punjab province, Pakistan. The descriptive results show that farmers have used diverse sources of farm advisory for climate change adaptation, where television and mobile agro-advisory appear to be the most used sources. Farmers have adapted to climate change by planting trees, adopting climate-smart seeds, shuffling crop cultivation schedules, using better water management practices, and diversifying cultivated crops. The empirical results reveal that farmers’ socioeconomic attributes, particularly their farm and livestock herd sizes, access to irrigation water, and advisory access through face-to-face extension, television, and the internet, drive their adaptation choices and intensity. Our findings suggest that policymakers should consider improving these advisory services to expedite the adaptation of vulnerable rural communities.
Oral hygiene practices and factors influencing the choice of oral hygiene materials among undergraduates in selected universities in Osun State, Nigeria

Introduction and Objective. Oral health is a crucial part of general health and wellbeing to be maintained throughout a life, and the oral health status is usually determined by the level of oral hygiene practices. This study aimed at investigating oral hygiene practices and factors influencing the choice of oral hygiene materials among undergraduates in Osun State, Nigeria. Materials and method. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted using a multistage sampling technique to select 440 undergraduates from two universities in Osun State. Osun State is one of the 36 states of Nigeria with an estimated population of about 4.7 million, as of 2016. The research instrument used was a self-structured questionnaire, data retrieved was coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results. More than half of the respondents 232 (52.7%) were between 21–25 years. Only 59% perceived that their oral health status was excellent. A small percentage of the respondents (3.2%) visit the dentist regularly and only 26% brush their teeth twice daily and change their toothbrush every six months. Less than half of the respondents (33.9%) exhibited good oral hygiene practices. Gender and institution attended had a significant relationship with oral hygiene practices with P value of.010 and.001, respectively. Conclusions. More than half of the respondents perceived their oral health status to be excellent and less than half of the respondents claimed they exhibited good oral hygiene practices. The most identified factor affecting their choice of oral hygiene materials was cost. Socio-demographic variables of significance for the practice of oral hygiene were gender and institution of study. There is need to promote oral health through health education about oral hygiene at various levels of learning and during campaigns to all age groups.
PROBABILISTIC FAULT DIAGNOSIS IN DISCRETE EVENT SYSTEMS WITH INCOMPLETE MODELS

Abstract Most model-based approaches to fault diagnosis require a complete model of the system. When the model is incomplete, system outputs may be inconsistent with the model, stopping the diagnosis process. In this paper, a probabilistic approach combined with model learning is used to diagnose a system with an incomplete discrete event system model. When an inconsistency arises, probabilistic abductive inference is used to learn improved models of the system. To improve the efficiency of model learning, a tabu search scheme is developed. The improved models are combined with the system outputs for probabilistic diagnosis.
Flipping, scooping, and spinning: Drift of rigid curved nonchiral fibers in simple shear flow

The motion of isolated, rigid, neutrally-buoyant, non-Brownian, curved, nonchiral fibers in simple shear flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid at low Reynolds number is studied by computer simulation. For some initial orientations, fibers with small curvature drift steadily in the gradient direction without external forces or torques. The average drift velocity and direction depend on the fiber aspect ratio, curvature, and initial orientation. The drift results from the coupling of rotational and translational dynamics, and the combined effects of flipping, scooping, and spinning motions of the fiber.
Development of a Nonlinear Model Incorporating Strain and Rotation Parameters for Prediction of Complex Turbulent Flows

The standard model has the deficiency of predicting swirling and vortical flows due to its isotropic assumption of eddy viscosity. In this study, a second-order nonlinear model is developed incorporating some new functions for the model coefficients to explore the models applicability to complex turbulent flows. Considering the realizability principle, the coefficient of eddy viscosity () is derived as a function of strain and rotation parameters. The coefficients of nonlinear quadratic term are estimated considering the anisotropy of turbulence in a simple shear layer. Analytical solutions for the fundamental properties of swirl jet are derived based on the nonlinear model, and the values of model constants are determined by tuning their values for the best-fitted comparison with the experiments. The model performance is examined for two test cases: (i) for an ideal vortex (Stuart vortex), the basic equations are solved numerically to predict the turbulent structures at the vortex center and the (ii) unsteady 3D simulation is carried out to calculate the flow field of a compound channel. It is observed that the proposed nonlinear model can successfully predict the turbulent structures at vortex center, while the standard model fails. The model is found to be capable of accounting the effect of transverse momentum transfer in the compound channel through generating the horizontal vortices at the interface.
ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF Senna occidentalis ROOT EXTRACT AGAINST Macrophomina phaseolina AND ITS GC-MS ANALYSIS

Hundreds of plant species, including many economically important crop plants, are attacked by a highly destructive soil-borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. In the present study, methanolic root extract of septicweed [Senna occidentalis (L.) Link] was evaluated against M. phaseolina. Different concentrations of the extract (0.5 to 3.0%) considerably decreased fungal biomass by 33â€“43%. Nine compounds were recognized when the extract was analyzed by GC-MS. The major compound was 11-octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (26.49%) followed by (5Î²)pregnane-3,20Î²-diol, 14Î± d-mannose (13.85%);, 18Î±-[4-methyl-3-oxo-(1-oxa-4-azabutane-1,4-diyl)]-, diacetate (13.61%); ethyl iso-allocholate (11.37%); pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (11.01%); and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (E,E)- (9.76%), which might be the cause of antifungal activity.
Reasoning support for predicting requirement change volatility using complex network metrics

Due to inevitable design iterations, requirements are frequently changed and revised. If not effectively managed, undesired propagating changes may result in monetary and time losses, leading to project failure. Current requirement management tools lack formal reasoning for characterising change and its propagation. Based on prior research that suggests that requirement networks can be utilised to study change propagation and that requirement change volatility (RCV) can be measured through four classes: namely, multiplier, absorber, transmitter, and robust, which are defined based on how requirements behave to the initial change. This research investigates if complex network metrics can be used to predict RCV using computational methods. The RCV class metrics of each requirement are determined using industrial data and requirement relationships obtained from networks of a previously developed Refined Automated Requirement Change Propagation Prediction (R-ARCPP) tool. Complex network metrics are also computed for each requirement in the network. Regression analysis models, specifically ordinal output cumulative logit regression models employing information criterion based genetic algorithm model selection, and artificial neural network models, specifically backpropagation artificial neural networks, are employed to predict RCV using complex network metrics. Best performing models are discussed along with the limitations, conclusions, and future direction of this research.