Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Ti/TiHx/SnO2-Sb2O5-NiO-CNT electrode for electrochemical Ozone Generation for degradation of toxic textile azo dyes

Water pollution control and the development of clean technologies for water, air and soil treatments comprise one of the most important challenges for modern society. Ozone is known as a strong and clean oxidizing agent that can be used for water and wastewater treatment. In this research, a novel Ti/TiHx/SnO2-Sb2O5-NiO-CNT modified titanium electrode containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) was fabricated for in-situ ozone generation. The electrode was characterized using SEM, XRD and LSV techniques. CNT presence caused an increase in ozone generation efficiency leading to the higher concentrations of dissolved ozone in water compared to the recently reported researchers. Ozone generation at the surface of the electrode was determined using the standard indigo method. Electrochemical ozone was further used in degradation of C.I. Reactive red 195 (RR 195). It was found that the modified electrode could degrade 96% of RR 195 from initial concentration of 300 mg∙L-1 in 30 min under current density of 20 mA∙cm-2. COD removal was also measured as high as 60 percent.
Effects of News and Threat Perceptions on Americans’ COVID-19 Precautionary Behaviors

Our study examines the relationship between news exposure at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal threat beliefs, beliefs about others’ threat perceptions, and participation in precautionary actions. A survey of 377 U.S . adults revealed a significant main effect of news exposure on various precautionary behaviors (e.g., facial mask wear, physical distancing). Personal threat beliefs and beliefs about others’ threat perceptions serve as unique mechanisms mediating the effect of news on specific CDC-recommended and less socially desirable actions. These findings can guide news sources covering health crises in a socially responsible manner.
Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Properties and Fire Behavior of Epoxy Composites Reinforced by Fabrics and Powder Fillers

Different types of fabrics, such as aramid (A), carbon (C), basalt (B), glass (G), and flax (F), as well as powder fillers, were used to manufacture the epoxy-based hybrid composites by the hand-lay-up method. In this work, a few research methods, including hardness, flexural tests, puncture impact behavior, as well as cone calorimetry (CC) measurements, were applied to determine the impact of type fillers and order of fabrics on the performance and burning behavior of hybrid composites. The mechanical properties were evaluated to correlate with the microstructure and consider together with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data.
Resource Stability and Federal Agency Performance

Resources are essential for organizations to cope with challenges and to achieve their desirable outcomes. Although much scholarly attention has been paid to the type or level of resources allocated or used to enhance organizational effectiveness, relatively little effort has been made to analyze whether and how resource changes influence organizational performance. Considering today’s unstable fiscal climate, this study focuses on how government agencies respond to their budget fluctuations—both gains and cuts—and their distinctive impact on agency performance. Using data from the Performance and Accountability Reports from FY 2004 through FY 2014, we analyze the effect of budgetary resource changes on organizational performance in 52 U.S. federal agencies. Findings show that agency effectiveness is significantly influenced by budget changes. In particular, we find an asymmetric relationship between budgetary resource changes and organizational performance. It appears that budget cuts are not associated with changes in agency performance, whereas budgetary resource gains are associated with dampened agency effectiveness. Ultimately, this study provides insights into public organizations’ resilience and calls for considering change management perspectives when exploring resource–performance linkages.
Population growth, electricity demand and environmental sustainability in Nigeria: insights from a vector auto-regressive approach

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationships between population growth, energy needs, and environmental sustainability in Africa. To do so, we take Nigeria as an illustrative case and set-up a multivariate framework incorporating total population, electricity demand, per capita income and the amount of CO2 yearly emitted by the power and heating sector over the largest period: 1971–2018. Results confirm the existence of a one-way causality from population to electricity consumption, per capita income, and CO2 emissions without feedback. Besides, a unidirectional link running from electricity consumption to economic growth is depicted, congruent with the electricity-led growth hypothesis. Finally, electricity consumption is found to be a substantial environmental pollution-enabler in Nigeria. The provision of affordable electricity should be balanced by a trend from fossil-fuel supply to sustainable energy resources.
Simultaneous optimization of topology and supplemental damping distribution for buildings subjected to stochastic excitation

Supplemental damping devices present an attractive means to improve the structural system. Typically, dampers are designed after the structural system is selected, and they are added to increase structural damping and effectively reduce the dynamic response. On the other hand, topology optimization offers a possibility to obtain an efficient structural system but not the damper placement. Therefore, this study proposes a framework to obtain simultaneously optimal topology as well as the size and spatial distribution of discrete supplemental viscous damping devices for stochastically‐excited buildings. The excitation is modeled as a stationary zero‐mean filtered white noise, the excitation model is combined with the structural model to form an augmented representation, and the stationary covariances of the structural responses of interest are obtained by solving a Lyapunov equation. The objective function is defined in terms of the stationary covariance. A gradient‐based method is used to update the design variables, and the sensitivities are computed using an adjoint method requiring the solution of an additional Lyapunov equation. The proposed topology optimization scheme is illustrated to obtain the optimal lateral resisting system together with the discrete dampers distribution for buildings subjected to stochastic ground motion. The results presented herein demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach to perform simultaneous optimization of topology and damper distribution of stochastically excited structures.
A Missed Opportunity for Men? Partnered and Employed Individuals’ Involvement with Housework during the COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK

Given the outbreak of the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), pandemic during March 2020, lockdown measures taken by governments have forced many families, especially those who have children, to re-arrange domestic and market work division. In this study, I investigate the factors associated with partnered and employed individuals’ involvement with housework during the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom. Drawing evidence from the first wave of the Covid-19 Survey from the Five National Longitudinal Studies dataset with using OLS regressions, this study found that daily working hours, socioeconomic status, and partner’s key worker status are important indicators of daily time spent on housework. Furthermore, interaction analysis showed that women living with a key worker partner not only did more housework than women whose partner was working in a regular job, but they also did more housework than men living with a key worker partner during the lockdown. Policy implications of regulating maximum daily working hours and key worker status are discussed in the context of re-arranging paid and unpaid work between couples during the first lockdown in the United Kingdom.
Global Distribution of Electrostatic Electron Cyclotron Harmonic Waves in Saturn's Magnetosphere: A Survey of Over‐13‐Year Cassini RPWS Observations

Based on the measurements from Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument onboard the Cassini spacecraft over 13 years, we perform a statistical analysis of electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) wave spatial distribution in Saturn's magnetosphere. The wave occurrence rates, amplitudes, and peak frequencies as functions of magnetic local time, L‐shell, and magnetic latitude are investigated in detail. Our results confirm that the fundamental band ECH waves mainly occur near the magnetic equator (|λ| < 5°) and also at high latitudes (20° < |λ| ≤ 40°), with averaged amplitudes of about 0.01–0.1 mV/m. By comparison, the amplitudes and occurrence rates of higher harmonics n decrease significantly, and the higher harmonic bands tend to occur at lower L‐shells along with the enhanced day‐night asymmetry. Overall, Saturnian ECH emissions are preferentially a nightside phenomenon and exhibit a gap in the midlatitude regions (5° < |λ| ≤ 20°) for the occurrence rates. The occurrence rates of ECH waves are higher at high latitudes than those near the magnetic equator, but the statistically averaged amplitudes of high latitude emissions are relatively weaker. Furthermore, the averaged peak frequencies of each ECH wave harmonic band are generally below (n + 1/2) fce and have the smallest deviation from (n + 1/2) fce near the equator. These results can be readily adopted as representative inputs to quantify the electron scattering effect of multi‐harmonic Saturnian ECH waves and investigate the underlying contribution of ECH emissions to the evolution of the Saturnian radiation belt.
Examining the indirect effects of kindergarteners’ executive functions on their academic achievement in the middle grades of elementary school

ABSTRACT We investigated whether the cool and hot executive functions (EFs) exhibited by kindergarteners could predict their academic achievement in the middle grades of elementary school. The study assessed the cool and hot EF of 48 Japanese kindergartners (M = 78.12 months) and then measured these same children’s academic achievement in language and mathematics between grades one to four. The study’s confirmative factor analysis indicated that early childhood EFs have both cool and hot factors. Its structural equation modeling revealed that although both cool and hot early childhood EFs can directly predict academic achievement in grade one, cool EFs had a greater predictive effect. It also found that cool and hot early childhood EFs had an indirect effect on academic achievement between grades two to four insofar as children’s academic achievement in grades two to four was predicted sequentially by their previous academic achievements.
Dual-frequency narrowband CW fiber laser implementing self-injection locking of DFB laser diode and Brillouin lasing in a single ring cavity

Linewidth narrowing and stabilization of semiconductor laser light generation is of great research interest governed by the huge demand of compact cost-effective narrow-band laser sources for many potential applications. In 2012 we have demonstrated a simple kHz-linewidth laser just splicing a standard distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode and a few passive telecommunication components. The principle of operation employs the mechanism of self-injection locking that significantly improves DFB laser performance. While a typical linewidth of free-running DFB semiconductor lasers ranges from a few to tens MHz, self-injection locking of a DFB laser through an external fiber ring cavity causes a drastic reduction of its laser linewidth down to a few kHz. The advantage of the proposed configuration is that the same external fiber ring cavity could be used for self-injection locking of a DFB laser and as Brillouin scattering media to generate Stokes shifted optical wave. However, a continuous laser operation at two frequencies has not been reported yet preventing it from many prosperous photonic applications. Here, we introduce a simple dual-frequency laser configuration. In our approach, the implementation of self-injection locking into the Brillouin ring fiber laser helps to maintain coupling between the DFB laser and an external high-Q fiber cavity enabling dual-frequency laser operation. Specifically, the same ring fiber cavity is used to generate narrow-band light at the pump frequency (through self-injection locking mechanism) and narrow-band laser light at Stokes frequency (through stimulated Brillouin scattering). The system is supplied by a low-bandwidth active optoelectronic feedback circuit controlled by a low-cost USB-DAQ card that helps the laser to maintain the desired operation mode. The fiber configuration reduces the natural Lorentzian linewidth of light emitted by the laser at pump and Stokes frequencies down to 270 Hz and 220 Hz, respectively, and features a stable 300-Hz-width RF spectrum recorded with the beating of two laser outputs. We have explored key features of the laser performance, revealing its stability and applicability to RF harmonic generation of high spectral purity as an additional benefit of the proposed technique.
Applying the self-determination theory (SDT) to explain student engagement in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract During school closures forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote/online learning has been adopted to help students continue to learn. Student engagement, which is energized by motivation as explained by self-determination theory (SDT), is a prerequisite for learning. Therefore, this study investigated how the three perceived psychological needs in SDT affected student engagement in online learning using pre- and post-questionnaires completed by 1201 Grade 8 and 9 students within 6 weeks of partaking in online learning. The results suggested that digital support strategies better satisfied students’ needs, that all of the needs were predictors of the level of engagement, and that relatedness support was very important.
Frictional Contact on Smooth Elastic Solids

Frictional contact between deformable elastic objects remains a difficult simulation problem in computer graphics. Traditionally, contact has been resolved using sophisticated collision detection schemes and methods that build on the assumption that contact happens between polygons. While polygonal surfaces are an efficient representation for solids, they lack some intrinsic properties that are important for contact resolution. Generally, polygonal surfaces are not equipped with an intrinsic inside and outside partitioning or a smooth distance field close to the surface. Here we propose a new method for resolving frictional contacts against deforming implicit surface representations that addresses these problems. We augment a moving least squares (MLS) implicit surface formulation with a local kernel for resolving contacts, and develop a simple parallel transport approximation to enable transfer of frictional impulses. Our variational formulation of dynamics and elasticity enables us to naturally include contact constraints, which are resolved as one Newton-Raphson solve with linear inequality constraints. We extend this formulation by forwarding friction impulses from one time step to the next, used as external forces in the elasticity solve. This maintains the decoupling of friction from elasticity thus allowing for different solvers to be used in each step. In addition, we develop a variation of staggered projections, that relies solely on a non-linear optimization without constraints and does not require a discretization of the friction cone. Our results compare favorably to a popular industrial elasticity solver (used for visual effects), as well as recent academic work in frictional contact, both of which rely on polygons for contact resolution. We present examples of coupling between rigid bodies, cloth and elastic solids.
Possible toxicity and tolerance patterns towards post-emergence herbicides in maize inbred lines.

High weed infestation of seed crops often makes various measures that should be performed at the optimum time difficult, hence post-emergence herbicides have become the usual way of weed control in maize seed crops. The introduction of sulfonylurea herbicides has resulted in a higher susceptibility in maize inbreds. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of six post-emergence herbicides, including sulfonylurea herbicides, on the contents of fresh matter, soluble proteins, free thiolic groups and total phenolics in one-month-old plants, as well as on the grain yield of 15 commercial ZP maize inbred lines. The obtained results show that inbred plants have a whole range of responses to herbicide application. The changes in content of phenolics did not vary over a broad range among the applied herbicides; they followed mainly the level observed in control plants. However, greater variations between the results were obtained for the content of free thiolics, which are defenders against oxidative attack. The overall influence of herbicides could be considered as a decrease in the content of thiolics. Most of the applied herbicides expressed temporary stress, evidenced by a decrease in the fresh matter of the shoots, without affecting of yield at the end of vegetation. This could be connected to recovery mechanisms that include the activity of antioxidants, primarily of thiolics.
The Burden of Orthopaedic Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Focus on Tanzania

Background As road traffic crashes (RTCs) continue to rise in the developing world, the current growth rate and true burden of orthopaedic injuries are unknown. In 2015, we characterized the orthopaedic burden at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Tanzania. In this study, we re-evaluated the burden and growth-rate over three years in the absence of any system level changes. Additionally, we calculated the percentage of orthopaedic patients that received definitive fixation for their orthopaedic injury when surgery was indicated.Methods We prospectively collected data for 190 patients admitted to the orthopaedic ward at KCMC during June/July 2018. We also retrospectively reviewed available records for patients presenting to the KCMC emergency department, orthopaedic outpatient clinic and orthopaedic ward.Results Prospective data: RTC (48.6%) was the most common etiology and femur fractures (31.0%) the most common type of injury. Almost 96% of admitted patients were indicated for surgical fixation, but only 44.5% received definitive fracture treatment. Retrospective data: KCMC treated an average of 15,117 orthopaedic patients per year, representing a 35.3% growth in the orthopaedic burden compared to 2015.Conclusion The burden of orthopaedic surgical disease at KCMC continues to grow. Throughout the developing world, multiple system level constraints preclude delivery of definitive treatment for most patients. Without innovative strategies to address this situation, the discrepancy between the need for orthopaedic care and surgical care capacity in the developing world will continue to grow.
From One Division of Labor to the Other: The Relation between Beat Reporting, Freelancing, and Journalistic Autonomy

ABSTRACT In this paper, we focus on the consequences of cost-cutting strategies for the division of labor in newsrooms both in terms of differences between generalist profiles and beat reporters, and in terms of differences between permanent staff and freelancers. A large-scale representative survey of Belgian journalists in 2013 and 2018 shows that the number of beat reporters has remained stable although these journalists are expected to cover a higher number of beats. We also noticed a sharp increase of self-employed journalists. The prestigious political beat seems to benefit from a protected position in the newsroom and is mostly staffed by payroll journalists. Other beats are under pressure, most importantly the regional beat (that has decreased over the course of 5 years) and the lifestyle beat. The latter group of journalists are predominantly freelancers and report low levels of perceived autonomy from commercial and non-commercial pressure. The findings raise concerns about negative side-effects of cost-cutting strategies including a tendency towards more homogeneous news production and increasing influence of PR on journalism.
EEG ANALYSIS OF REAL AND IMAGINARY ARM MOVEMENTS BY SPECTRAL COHERENCE

Revealing the information between similar patterns of brain for a real motor task and its imaginary equivalent can be means to clarify movement intentions and help to improve Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI)s. This paper uses spectral coherence to assess the functional interactions between neural regions engaged in a real and an imagined arm movement task. Magnitude squared coherence values were calculated for two specific bands of Electroencephalogram (EEG) that are 8–12 Hz alpha band and 13–20 Hz beta for 48 channels from selected regions of interest (ROIs). The coherence values are transferred into surface maps. We try to explain how motor cognition in these regions are relevant with the literature. The maximum coherence is observed between the channels in the same hemisphere and surrounding closest channels located vertically and horizontally based on the 10-20 electrode placement. Our results that the supplementary motor area, the premotor, prefrontal, primary motor cortex and the parietal cortex play a role in facilitating real and imaginary motor movements, are in good accordance with the previous studies. Further research can be put on spectral coherence patterns which would be a possible means for prosthetic-interactive BCI systems, interactive multimedia applications, and emerging EEGbased biometric recognition areas.
Analyzing the Presence of Homosexually- Themed Language Among Association Football Fans in the United Kingdom

This article is based on the views of 2,663 association football fans, collected via an online survey from March 2020 to April 2020, regarding the presence of homosexually-themed language at men’s professional football matches across the United Kingdom. The results indicate that whilst 95% would support a gay player at their club, 41% have heard language they interpret as malicious or toxic, while 37% believe it is not intentionally hostile and ascribe it as playful and humorous banter. The article subsequently addresses what appears to be a paradox: football fans challenge popular accusations that they are homophobic but also recognize the presence of homosexually-themed language that emphasizes heteronormativity, irrespective of how it is interpreted by other fans.