Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rate of Dry Weight Gain of Chrysanthemum as a Function of Leaf Area Index and Night Temperature1

Evidence from 3 experiments supports the hypothesis that beyond the critical leaf area index (LAI), the rate of dry weight gain is the same for Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. Bright Golden Anne grown at either normal (15.6°C) or low (5.6°) night temperature, providing that conditions during the 8 hour light period are the same. The term “critical LAI” is suggested as the LAI at which the curve for rate of dry weight gain as a function of LAI assumes a slope approaching zero. Hence, with appropriate management of LAI, the productivity per unit area of greenhouse devoted to this crop could be as great at 5.6° as at 15.6° night temperature, despite the delay of maturation for plants grown at low night temperature.
The Activity of Chelidonium majus L. Latex and Its Components on HPV Reveal Insights into the Antiviral Molecular Mechanism

Yellow-orange latex of Chelidonium majus L. has been used in folk medicine as a therapeutic agent against warts and other visible symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections for centuries. The observed antiviral and antitumor properties of C. majus latex are often attributed to alkaloids contained therein, but recent studies indicate that latex proteins may also play an important role in its pharmacological activities. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the crude C. majus latex and its protein and alkaloid-rich fractions on different stages of the HPV replication cycle. The results showed that the latex components, such as alkaloids and proteins, decrease HPV infectivity and inhibit the expression of viral oncogenes (E6, E7) on mRNA and protein levels. However, the crude latex and its fractions do not affect the stability of structural proteins in HPV pseudovirions and they do not inhibit the virus from attaching to the cell surface. In addition, the protein fraction causes increased TNFα secretion, which may indicate the induction of an inflammatory response. These findings indicate that the antiviral properties of C. majus latex arise both from alkaloids and proteins contained therein, acting on different stages of the viral replication cycle.
Factorization 
 Q
 -Learning Initialization for Parameter Optimization in Cellular Networks

Q -value initialization significantly influences the efficiency of Q -learning. However, there have been no precise rules to choose the initial Q -values as yet correctly, which are usually initialized to a default value. This paper proposes a novel Q -value initialization framework for cellular network applications and factorization Q -learning Initialization (FQI). The proposed method works as an add-on of Q -learning that automatically and efficiently initializes the nonupdated Q -values by utilizing the correlation model of the visited experiences built on factorization machines. In an open-source VoLTE network, FQI was introduced into Q -learning and four improved variants (Dyna Q -learning, Q λ -learning, double Q -learning, and speedy Q -learning) for performance comparison. The experiment results demonstrate that the factorized algorithms based on FQI substantially outperform the original algorithms, often learning policies that attain 1.5-8 times higher final performance measured by the episode reward and the convergence episodes.
Effect of Density, Plant Type, and Season on Growth and Yield of Cowpea1

Experiments were conducted at Ibadan, Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of spacing, number of plants/hill and season on growth and yield of cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) differing in growth habit. Optimum densities of cowpea were affected by moisture availability, spacing, number of plants/hill, and plant type. The optimum densities are generally lower in the long than in the short rainy season under Ibadan conditions, and decreased as the size of plant and angle of branching increased. Higher yield was best achieved by manipulating spacing rather than number of plants/hill, since yield increase due to higher number of plants/hill at wide spacing was limited by the competition of plants within the hills.
The Promise and Pitfalls of Learning in Immersive Virtual Reality

Abstract Can immersive virtual reality (IVR) serve as an effective venue for learning and training? The promise of learning in IVR lies in its affordances for motivating learners to engage in generative processing (i.e., cognitive processing aimed at making sense of the material). The pitfall of learning in IVR is that it can distract learners so they engage in extraneous processing (i.e., cognitive processing that does not support the instructional goal). This paper reviews (1) media comparison research we have conducted on the effectiveness of learning academic content and skills in IVR versus learning with conventional media and (2) value-added research we have conducted concerning which features can improve the instructional effectiveness of learning in IVR. The paper includes implications for practice and for further work in the area. Overall, the paper focuses on the challenges associated with determining how to reduce the distracting aspects of IVR, maintain the motivating aspects of IVR, and guide the learner towards the core instructional material.
Effect of Traffic Information on Travel Time of Medium-distance Trips: A Case Study in Tehran

In populated cities with high traffic congestion, traffic information may play a key role in choosing the fastest route between origins and destinations, thus saving travel time. Several research studies investigated the effect of traffic information on travel time. However, little attention has been given to the effect of traffic information on travel time according to trip distance. This paper aims to investigate the relation between real-time traffic information dissemination and travel time reduction for medium-distance trips. To examine this relation, a methodology is applied to compare travel times of two types of vehicle, with and without traffic information, travelling between an origin and a destination employing probe vehicles. A real case study in the metropolitan city of Tehran, the capital of Iran, is applied to test the methodology. There is no significant statistical evidence to prove that traffic information would have a significant impact on travel time reduction in a medium-distance trip according to the case study.
Value and Usage of a Workaround Artifact: A Cognitive Work Analysis of “Brains” Use by Hospital Nurses

We identify the value and usage of a cognitive artifact used by hospital nurses. By analyzing the value and usage of workaround artifacts, unmet needs using intended systems can be uncovered. A descriptive study employed direct observations of registered nurses at two hospitals using a paper workaround (“brains”) and the Electronic Health Record. Field notes and photographs were taken; the format, size, layout, permanence, and content of the artifact were analyzed. Thirty-nine observations, spanning 156 hr, were conducted with 20 nurses across four clinical units. A total of 322 photographs of paper-based artifacts for 161 patients were collected. All participants used and updated “brains” during report, and throughout the shift, most were self-generated. These artifacts contained patient identifiers in a header with room number, last name, age, code status, and physician; clinical data were recorded in the body with historical chronic issues, detailed assessment information, and planned activities for the shift. Updates continuously made during the shift highlighted important information, updated values, and tracked the completion of activities. The primary functional uses of “brains” are to support nurses’ needs for clinical immediacy through personally generated snapshot overviews for clinical summaries and updates to the status of planned activities.
Establishment and Expansion of Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Urban Green Areas in the Iberian Peninsula: From 2015 to 2021

Simple Summary Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a widespread invasive ladybird. In this study, we determine its occurrence and expansion in urban areas of the Iberian Peninsula after 2014. We also define the aphidophagous ladybird species complex in urban areas of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula and track any changes between 2015 and 2021. The expansion of the species mainly occurred in Catalonia (northeast Iberian Peninsula), where spring and summer populations on trees and shrubs and overwintering aggregations were recorded. The records of H. axyridis populations allow us to distinguish between two areas: one that has already been invaded and another that has not yet been invaded. The relative abundance of the ladybird species in each area is determined on a yearly basis. In the invaded area, H. axyridis became dominant two years after its detection, replacing Adalia bipunctata. This change in species prevalence is more pronounced in trees highly infested with aphids. In the not yet invaded area, changes in species dominance also occurred, and A. bipunctata replaced Oenopia conglobata from 2020 onwards. The yearly release of this ladybird in urban green areas for aphid control purposes could explain this shift. This study defines the current situation of H. axyridis in the Iberian Peninsula, and determines the main changes in ladybird species assemblages during the last few years. Abstract In the Western Palearctic region, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is mainly established in urban areas. In this study, we update its occurrence in urban areas of the Iberian Peninsula and determine its expansion after 2014. Changes in the ladybird species assemblage are also evaluated. We compile information about the records of H. axyridis in Spain from 2015 to 2021. In addition, we sample different locations to determine the relative abundances of the species composing the aphidophagous ladybird complex. The expansion of H. axyridis mainly occurred in Catalonia (Iberian Peninsula), where it is possible to identify two clear areas: one that has already been invaded and another that has not yet been invaded. Harmonia axyridis became the dominant species in the invaded area two years after it was first identified. This dominance is clearly shown on Liriodendron tulipifera and Tilia platyphyllos, where it accounted for more than 75% of the total collected individuals in the last year of the study. In the not-yet invaded area, Adalia bipunctata overcame Oenopia conglobata and became the prevalent species from 2020 onwards, likely due to its regular releases for aphid biocontrol. This study reveals that changes in ladybird species assemblages may not only be caused by invasive species, but also by biological control practices.
Effects of Perceived School Rule Enforcement on Traditional and Cyber Victimization: A Panel Study among Early Adolescents

Traditional and cyber victimization can be considered similar in several respects, including the long-lasting damage done to the wellbeing of youth. However, it is important to acknowledge that they represent two clearly distinct phenomena and, as such, the impact of school rules on their development might differ. The present longitudinal study applies a multilevel model for a change approach to data resulting from a four-waves survey that followed a random sample of 101 Swiss middle school classes (N = 1500; MageT1 = 11.54, SD = 0.40) for a period of two school years. Findings from the analyses—which were conducted controlling for gender and economic status—showed that those students who perceive that school rules are implemented more consistently experience a slightly less steep increase in victimization online. A similar effect for traditional victimization was not found, probably because the observed change in this phenomenon was less. Considering the overall small effects found by this research, further investigation on the relation between school rule enforcement and peer victimization is recommended.
Should short warranty always be interpreted as low quality: the effect of brand advantages on warranty’s signalization

Brand and warranty information have been always been accepted as signals of unknown product quality. Given this, offering an attractive warranty is suggested as an effective competitive strategy. However, manufacturers with strong brand tend to provide the minimal industry standard warranty period in reality. This paper considers two competing manufacturers with different brand reputations selling their products through common retailer. The demand of products depends on price, brand and warranty period. A model for this problem is proposed when the manufacturers decide the warranty periods and the wholesale prices meanwhile the retailer decides the retail prices. We find that brand reputations influence all the optimal decisions of each party. We show that under certain condition, the strong brand manufacturer realises his profit maximisation by providing a shorter warranty compared to the weaker brand manufacturer. To a certain extent, this brand advantage modifies signalisation of manufacturers’ warranty. Several numerical examples and managerial insights are presented and used to illustrate the model presented in this paper.
Yield, Nutrient Uptake, and Nutrient Removal by Pickling Cucumbers1

At a fertilizer rate of 80-42-80 lb of N-P-K per acre, dry matter production by pickling cucumbers through the normal fruiting period totaled 2,800 lb/A, and marketable yields (about 33% of the total dry matter) were in the order of 100,000 fruit/A (10 tons fresh weight). Total N, P, and Κ uptake was 90, 12, and 145 lb/A, respectively, and nutrient removal in the harvested fruit was estimated at 40 lb N, 6 lb P, and 55 lb Κ per acre. The maximum rate of growth and nutrient accumulation occurred about 50 days after seeding.
WARTEZEIT UND LEISTUNGSFAEHIGKEIT VON LICHTSIGNALANLAGEN UNTER BERUECKSICHTIGUNG VON INSTATIONARITAET UND TEILGEBUNDENHEIT DES VERKEHRS

Die Wartezeit an nicht uebersaettigten lichtsignalgesteuerten Knotenpunkten kann mit der Wartezeitformel von Webster relativ genau berechnet werden. Fuer instationaere Verkehrszustaende mit teilweisen Ueberlastungserscheinungen wird ein numerischer Ansatz mit Hilfe von Markow-Ketten zur Berechnung von Wartezeiten und Rueckstaulaengen verwendet. Wegen der umfangreichen Berechnungen wird eine Naeherungsformel vorgeschlagen, die mit Ergebnissen bundesdeutscher Messungen gut uebereinstimmt.
Trends in added sugars intake and sources among U.S. adults using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2018

Research on trends over time in added sugars intake is important to help gain insights into how population intakes change with evolving dietary guidelines and policies on reducing added sugars. The purpose of this study was to provide an analysis of dietary trends in added sugars intakes and sources among U.S. adults from 2001 to 2018, with a focus on variations according to the sociodemographic factors, age, sex, race and ethnicity and income, and the health-related factors, physical activity and body weight. Data from nine consecutive 2 year cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were combined and regression analyses were conducted to test for trends in added sugars intake and sources from 2001 to 2018. Trends were examined in the whole sample (19+ years) and in subsamples stratified by age (19–50, 51+ years), sex, race and ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic, White), household income (poverty income ratio low, medium, high), physical activity level (sedentary, moderate, vigorous) and body weight status (normal, overweight, obese). From 2001 to 2018, added sugars intake (% kcal) decreased significantly (P < 0.01), from 16.2 to 12.7% among younger adults (19–50 years), mainly due to declines in added sugars from sweetened beverages, which remained the top source. There were no changes in intake among older adults, and by 2018, the 23% difference in intake between younger and older adults that existed in 2001 almost disappeared. Declines in added sugars intake were similar among Black and White individuals, and all income, physical activity and body weight groups. Population-wide reductions in added sugars intake among younger adults over an 18 year time span coincide with the increasing public health focus on reducing added sugars intake. With the updated Nutrition Facts label now displaying added sugars content, it remains to be seen how added sugars intake trends carry forward in the future.
Experimental and Modeling of Residual Deformation of Soil–Rock Mixture under Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Projects in seasonal frozen soil areas are often faced with frost heaving and thawing subsidence failure, and the foundation fill of most projects is a mixture of soil and rock. Therefore, taking soil–rock mixture with different rock contents as research objects, the residual deformation of soil–rock mixture under multiple freezing–thawing cycles is studied. In addition, the deep learning method based on the artificial neural network was pioneered combined with the freezing–thawing test of the soil–rock mixture, and the Long short-term memory (LSTM) model was established to predict the results of the freezing–thawing test. The LSTM model has been verified to be feasible in the exploration of the freeze–thaw cycle law of a soil–rock mixture, which can not only greatly reduce the period of the freeze–thaw test, but also maintain a high prediction accuracy to a certain extent. The study found that the soil–rock mixture will repeatedly produce frost heave and thaw subsidence under the action of freeze–thaw cycles, and the initial frost heave and thaw subsidence changes hugely. With the increase of the number of freeze–thaw cycles, the residual deformation decreases and then becomes steady. Under the condition that the content of block rock in the soil–rock mixture is not more than 80%, with the increase of block rock content, the residual deformation caused by the freeze–thaw cycle will gradually decrease due to the skeleton function of block rock, while the block rock content’s further increase will increase the residual deformation. Furthermore, the LSTM model based on an artificial neural network can effectively predict the freezing and thawing changes of soil–rock mixture in the short term, which can greatly shorten the time required for the freezing and thawing test and improve the efficiency of the freezing and thawing test to a certain extent.
Analysis of the Dynamic Relationships among Renewable Energy Consumption, Economic Growth, Financial Development, and Carbon Dioxide Emission in Five Sub-Saharan African Countries

This research investigates the relationships among renewable energy consumption, economic growth, and financial development in five sub-Saharan African nations utilizing panel data from 2000 to 2020. Econometric methods are used to ascertain the existence or absence of cross-sectional dependence and the short-run and long-run connections between the following factors: Pesaran cross-sectional dependence (CD) and cross-sectionally augmented IPS (CIPS) unit root tests, pooled mean group (PMG), and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) estimations. The presence of cross-sectional dependence is found and represented with the CIPS unit root test. No significant short-run relationship is found between the variables of the study, yet a significant long-run relationship is present among them. A positive relationship exists between CO2 emissions and financial development, while financial development and renewable energy consumption are found to have negative relationships with CO2 emissions. The study also supports the scale effect of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Additionally, no causality is found among the variables, and impulse response and variance decomposition estimation are carried out to recommend future effects. Policy implications of findings are discussed, with accompanying suggestions.
Behavior Transformation during The Covid-19 Pandemic in the Malakok Community of Minangkabau

The study aims to analyze the form of behavioral transformation during the Covid-19 pandemic among the "Malakok" community in Minangkabau, especially in Nagari Sungai Sirah, Pesisir Selatan Silaut District. At this time, almost the entire order of people's lives has changed, including the personal interactions of the community and the social interactions of the transmigration community who do malakok in Nagari Sungai Sirah. The presence of the transmigration community in the Sungai Sirah area resulted in a cultural cross between the Minang community and the transmigrant community to create a diverse society. Meanwhile, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the multicultural society created by this cross-culture has resulted in visible changes, both in daily behavior and social behavior in society. For that, it takes a big heart to adapt to the current situation so that the stability of life in Nagari Sungai Sirah remains stable. This research was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Collecting data using observation techniques, in-depth interviews and holding a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the research site. The results showed that the form of behavioral transformation during the Covid-19 pandemic among the Malakok community was natural, both in terms of personal behavior and social behavior changes. However, they were able to adapt to the new everyday life which had become government policy. The implementation of customs in the mutual village also changed before the occurrence with the period after the Covid-19 pandemic. Previously, all traditional elements required all familiar elements to carry out a custom determined by custom. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, all traditional elements gave and were given tolerance and relief in implementing the custom. Through the Malakok tradition, immigrant communities can still live side by side and maintain social harmony within the brotherhood framed in an attitude of tolerance and open-mindedness.
Factors predicting kindergarten teachers’ integration of science into their teaching in indigenous areas

Past studies have shown that kindergarten teachers find it challenging to integrate science into their instruction, but little is understood about factors that influence their science teaching in Indigenous areas. Our study aimed to investigate the associations between kindergarten teachers’ experiences, attitudes, self-efficacy, outcome expectations and science teaching. Partial least square structural equation modelling was employed to analyse 384 questionnaires from kindergarten teachers in Indigenous areas of Taiwan, teaching children aged 2–6 years. Results showed that self-efficacy had stronger predictive power over outcome expectations for the level of teachers’ science integration into teaching. Teachers’ mastery experience, perceived social support and attitude toward teaching diverse children significantly and positively predicted their science teaching self-efficacy and outcome expectations for Indigenous students. Moreover, teachers’ attitude toward diverse groups was significantly associated with their outcome expectations. This study sheds light on ways to enhance teachers’ early science teaching for culturally diverse students.