Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Green bond and economic development: Evidence from Asian and European Countries

This study aims to determine the influence of green bonds on economies in Asian and European countries in 2018-2021. Samples in this study, as many as 37 countries in Asian and European, were determined using the purposive sampling method. This study uses data from various sources such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations Development Programme. This study is a quantitative study whose analysis uses a regression data panel to test the hypothesis of the use of green bonds on the economies of countries in Asian and European in 2018-2021 using Stata. The results showed that the green bond has a positive and significant impact on the economies of countries in Asian and European as measured by Gross Domestic Product. A country's level of well-being can be compared to the dynamic economic impact of an increase that drives growth in Gross Domestic Product. This study implies that the development of green bonds in Asian and European countries can be allocated to implement projects related to the environment and can help countries transform resources to improve the country's economy. Therefore, it is expected that countries in the Asian and European continents are making progress to develop green bonds further to increase the country's Gross Domestic Product.
PeHVA22 gene family in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis): initial characterization and expression profiling diversity

Passion fruit, an economically valuable fruit crop, is highly vulnerable to adverse climate conditions. The HVA22 genes, recognized as abscisic acid (ABA) and stress-inducible, play vital roles in stress response and growth regulation in diverse eukaryotic organisms. Here, six HVA22 genes were firstly identified in passion fruit genome and all predicted to be localized within the endoplasmic reticulum. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all PeHVA22s were divided into four subgroups. The gene structural features of PeHVA22 genes clustered in the same subgroup were relatively conserved, while the gene structure characteristics of PeHVA22s from different subgroups varied significantly. PeHVA22A and PeHVA22C closely clustered with barley HVA22 in Group II, were also induced by ABA and drought stress treatment, suggesting conserved roles similar to barley HVA22. Meanwhile, most PeHVA22s exhibited induced expression post-drought treatment but were suppressed under salt, low and high-temperature conditions, indicating a unique role in drought response. Additionally, PeHVA22s displayed tissue-specific expression patterns across diverse tissues, except for PeHVA22B which maybe a pseudogene. Notably, PeHVA22C, PeHVA22E, and PeHVA22F predominantly expressed in fruit, indicating their involvement in fruit development. Almost all PeHVA22s showed variable expression at different developmental stages of stamens or ovules, implying their roles in passion fruit’s sexual reproduction. The intricate roles of PeHVA22s may result from diverse regulatory factors including transcription factors and CREs related to plant growth and development, hormone and stress responsiveness. These observations highlighted that PeHVA22s might play conserved roles in ABA response and drought stress tolerance, and also be participated in the regulation of passion fruit growth and floral development.
Exploring linguistic signage in higher education: An empirical study of a linguistically diverse context

This study offers a comprehensive examination of the linguistic landscape in a nonmetropolitan university, focusing on the dominant language used in university signage. The study primarily delves into the multilingual characteristics and nature of Western Mindanao State University, situated in a linguistically-diverse environment. The study employed analytical categories, which was utilized to serve as basis in selecting and gathering data from various signages across the university, to ensure the accuracy of the data collection. The findings of the study indicated that the university contains five (5) languages that make its linguistic landscape, specifically: English (95.51%), Filipino (7.81%), Chavacano (3.07%), Tausug (1.28%), and Bisaya (0.64%). The data was analyzed using the content analysis to accurately interpret the taken photographs in the university. The study also uncovers the inequality of the number of signages, wherein majority of the signages are monolingual nature, and only limited on the bilingual and multilingual signs. The investigation also revealed a significant result that English is the dominant language used on signages despite the locale’s diverse linguistic and cultural background. The major findings of this study portray that Western Mindanao State University employs both official and non-official signages throughout the campus and in terms of linguistic diversity, local languages are not entirely prevalent and observable on the signages across the entire campus. Consequently, despite the university’s focus towards internationalization and global excellence, there is observable scarcity in multilingual signages. It is imperative to acknowledge the value of multilingual signages, not only for the purpose of communication, but for the preservation of local languages, that are crucial for cultural and ethnic representations.
Substrate Doping and Defect Influence on P-Rich InP(001):H Surface Properties

Density-functional theory calculations on P-rich InP(001):H surfaces are presented. Depending on temperature, pressure and substrate doping, hydrogen desorption or adsorption will occur and influence the surface electronic properties. For p-doped samples, the charge transition levels of the P dangling bond defects resulting from H desorption will lead to Fermi level pinning in the lower half of the band gap. This explains recent experimental data. For n-doped substrates, H-deficient surfaces are the ground-state structure. This will lead to Fermi level pinning below the bulk conduction band minimum. Surface defects resulting from the adsorption of additional hydrogen can be expected as well, but affect the surface electronic properties less than H desorption.
Body Contact Estimation of Continuum Robots With Tension-Profile Sensing of Actuation Fibers

Cable-driven continuum robots are widely used for endoluminal intervention because of their dexterity and shape conforming steerability. However, body contact between the continuum robot and its surrounding anatomy is unavoidable, which imposes a potential safety risk, including vessel wall damage or even perforation. This article presents an approach for body contact estimation of continuum robots with tension-profile sensing of actuation fibers. First, tension-sensing optical fibers with multiple inscribed fiber Bragg grating sensors are used for both actuation and in-situ sensing of the continuum robot. Second, a beam theory-based mechanical model considering segmental differences, multiple fiber interactions, and external force interactions is established, followed by robust estimation of contact positions and forces. Finally, detailed simulations are conducted to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method. Experiments on a notched continuum robot are carried out, and the results show that the proposed approach can effectively recover in-situ segmental actuation forces without the need of explicit modeling of the friction between the fibers and guiding channels. The method enables the estimation of the number of contact points, as well as contact positions and contact forces along the body of the continuum robot.
Devolved Governance Approach and Improved Service Delivery in Nyamira County, Kenya

The difficulty with service delivery remains a hard task to determine amongst devolved governments and as such there are mixed reactions in the implementation of devolution. This paper aimed at analyzing the effect of devolution system of governance on service delivery in Nyamira County, Kenya. Various theories were explored including the Soufflé theory, the social capital theory, The Principal Agent theory and the Accountability theory. The soufflé theory was selected since it gives the best explanation on linkages between various variables of devolved system of governance and how they are related to service delivery. The study took a quantitative approach and adopted a descriptive and correlation research designs to facilitate determination and explanation of variable relationships and used a simple random sample of 154 respondents obtained from a target population of 3,125 employees of Nyamira County. Regression analysis, multiple regression and correlation were run to determine the relationship between resource distribution, citizen participation, accountability and transparency and service delivery. It was found out that devolved system of governance predicts service delivery. The study concludes that devolution devolved system of governance (R-square of 0.482; p value <0.05) has effect on service delivery and can be a crucial model of improving public service delivery in Kenya. The paper recommended that devolved system of governance can be effective model for improving service delivery
Efficacy of a Eucalyptus oil-based dentifrice in reducing plaque and gingival bleeding scores – A randomized clinical crossover study

ABSTRACT Herbal products in dentistry have grown significantly. In the current scenario, herbal products are believed to be an effective adjunct to other medications. The present study aims to evaluate Eucalyptus oil and miswak (Salvadora persica) toothpaste for its efficacy in observable reduction in plaque and gingival bleeding. Sixty participants with gingivitis were enrolled in the present study. The study included an interim period (washout) comparing miswak and Eucalyptus toothpaste. Plaque scores were measured at designated time intervals. Both herbal toothpastes significantly decreased plaque index. Nevertheless, with relation to miswak (P = 0.002), Eucalyptus oil-based toothpaste exhibited reduction in bleeding scores. When participants were asked to return to their routine toothpaste, no changes were observed. Results from the study showed that the toothpaste containing Eucalyptus showed a significant decrease in gingival bleeding. More investigations should be looked on the medicinal applications of Eucalyptus toothpaste on commonly seen periodontal parameters.
Modélisation de l'architecture du pin maritime, Pinus pinaster Ait. (Pinaceae) : premiers résultats

Cette etude porte sur l'analyse de l'evolution des caracteristiques morphologiques des pousses annuelles successives emises par le tronc et les branches du pin maritime, afin de modeliser son architecture en relation avec la croissance en epaisseur du tronc. Ce modele sera couple a une etude de la distribution des biomasses et des mineralomasses. Il devrait d'autre part permettre la simulation de l'architecture de cette espece sur station graphique pour la realisation de maquettes informatiques de peuplements de pin maritime, qui seront utilisees pour simuler la reflectance directionnelle dans les courtes et moyennes longueurs d'onde
Effects of nitrogen rates on grain yield and quality of wheat in different soil fertility

Effects of nitrogen rates on grain yield and quality of wheat in different soil fertility were studied. The results showed that it was a quadratic regression equation between nitrogen rate and grain under high fertility soil, and the suitable rate was 193.0 and 211.4kg/hm~2 for high yield of Jinanl7(J17) and Lumai21 (121), respectively. The yield increased with the N rate, but efficiency decreased when the rate was over N 300kg/hm~2 in low fertility soil. Application of nitrogen could ncrease protein of grain, wet gluten, sedimentation volume, improve the proportion of protein and starch component, water absorption of dough, prolong dough development, stability time and valorimeter value and increase of RVA profile of wheat flour. The effects above indices were high in high fertility than that in low fertility soil, and indicated that the high fertility soil was propitious to improve quality of strong gluten wheat.
Unveiling the Factors Behind Under-Representation of Women in Leadership Positions within Dental Academia

Introduction: Women play a vital role in the health sector of Punjab, Pakistan occupying 68% percent of total seats for undergraduate students in Pakistani dental colleges. However, this proportion decreases as one moves up in the organizational hierarchy with men dominating leadership positions in Pakistan. This has led to negligible women representation in dental academia. Objectives: This study aimed to explore female dental academia leaders’ perspectives on possible reasons behind the under-representation of women in leadership positions in the dental academia of Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological research design using semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling was conducted from March 2018 to February 2019. Eight out of 10 invited female dental academia leaders working in public sector dental colleges of Punjab participated in individual in-depth interviews. Data were organized in Atlas-ti and analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Thematic analysis led to the development of six themes: 1) Family responsibilities, 2) Work environment, 3) Gender bias, 4) Lack of Counseling, 5) Financial matters, and 6) Transport issues and long distance from the workplace. Sub-themes further elaborate on the findings and provide deep insight into the problem. Conclusion: The problem of female underrepresentation in dental academia leadership is multifaceted. Reserving separate funds for women, arranging career counselling sessions, decreasing working hours during special circumstances, and changing attitudes towards women’s role in households will help overcome the problem. The study opens a path for future research on the development of interventions or strategies to overcome the reasons.
Revisiting geomagnetic activity at auroral latitudes: No need for regular quiet curve removal for geomagnetic activity indices based on hourly data

The main objective of our study is to determine if the regular quiet daily curve (QDC) subtraction is a necessary procedure in quantifying the irregular geomagnetic variations at auroral latitudes. We define the hourly ΔH index, the absolute hour‐to‐hour deviation in nanotesla of the hourly geomagnetic horizontal component, which assigns each sample to sample deviation as geomagnetic activity without separating the “regular” and “irregular” parts of the daily magnetic field evolution. We demonstrate that the hourly gradient of the regular Sq variation is very small with respect to the irregular part, and a bulk of the nominal daily variation is actually part of the variation driven by solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field and traditionally classified as irregular. Therefore, attempts to subtract QDC can lead to a larger error, often caused by residual deviations between the used different mathematical and methodological tools and corresponding presumptions themselves. We show that ΔH provides the best and most consistent results at most timescales with the highest effective resolution among the studied indices. We also demonstrate that the ΔH index may equally be useful as a quick‐look near‐real‐time index of space weather and as a long‐term index derived from hourly magnetometer data for space climate studies.
Depiction of drought over sub‐Saharan Africa using reanalyses precipitation data sets

Reanalysis precipitation is routinely used as a surrogate for observations due to its high spatial and temporal resolution and global coverage, and it has been widely used in hydrologic and agricultural applications. The resultant product and analysis are largely dependent on the accuracy of the reanalysis precipitation data set. In this study, we analyze the impact of reanalysis precipitation uncertainties on drought depiction. Five reanalyses precipitation data sets (Climate Forecast System Reanalysis, R1: National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis, R2: NCEP/Department of Energy reanalysis II, 20CR: The Twentieth Century Reanalysis version 2 and Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications) are evaluated from 1979 to 2012 over sub‐Saharan Africa against an observational‐based reference: The Princeton Global Meteorological Forcing data set. Results show that all the reanalyses precipitation data sets provide a relatively good representation of the long‐term statistics of spatiotemporal drought characteristics in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, deficiencies are found in the estimation of drought severity, the spatial pattern, and temporal persistency of droughts. Drought depiction over central Africa appears more problematic due to a lack of observational data. A comparison of drought depiction based on the Standardized Precipitation Index reveals higher monthly to seasonal precipitation variability that further increases after ~1999 due to changes in the observations included in the reanalyses assimilation systems.
Minimum time multiple-burn optimization of an upper stage with a finite thrust for satellite injection into geostationary orbit

In this paper, the problem of minimum time multiple-burn optimization of an upper stage with a limited thrust, and engine restart capability for satellite injection into geostationary orbit are considered. The goals are to find thrust vector angle, times of the engine firings, and optimal duration of active phases of the upper stage to minimize fuel consumption and meet the desired boundary conditions. Various flight sequences with multiple burns, from two burns up to six burns, are considered. Also, the optimal trajectory for each sequence is derived. To solve the multi-point boundary value problem, an improved indirect shooting method with high performance is presented and used for an optimal solution. All in all, this novel method presented for multi-burn problem, not only with a very good accuracy, but also with a very fast convergence to the desired end conditions.
INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION WATER AMOUNTS AND NITROGEN RATES ON MAIZE PRODUCTIVITY AND SOME WATER RELATIONS IN WADI ELNATROON REGION, EGYPT

Two field experiments were carried out at Wady Elnatroon, El-Behera governorate during 2008 and 2009 growing seasons to study the influence of irrigation water amounts and nitrogen fertilizer rates on maize yield and its components, and on some water relationships under drip irrigation method in the soil. The soil of the field experiments was sandy loam. The electrical conductivity of irrigation water was 1.1 dSm -1 . The treatments were arranged in a split plot design with four replicates. The main plots were assigned with four amounts of irrigation water of daily applied on a base of 100%, 90%, 80% and 70% of ETc with four nitrogen rates i.e. zero, 50, 100 and 150 kg N fed. -1 in the sub plots. The combined analysis over the two growing seasons showed that daily irrigation with applied water equals 100% of ETc increased plant height, ear length, number of grains row -1 , 100-grain weight and maize grain yield by 3.33, 7, 15.25, 6.19 and 37.25% as compared to daily irrigation with applied water equals 70% of ETc. Daily irrigation with applied water equals 100% of ETc, significantly increased N, P and K concentration in Zea maize plants and grains by (36.9, 21.2 and 9.8%) and (23.5, 21.2 and 18.5%) as compared to daily irrigation with applied water equals 70% of ETc, respectively. Increasing nitrogen rates up to 150 kg N fed. -1 significantly increased plant height by 5%, ear length by 5.9%, number of grains row -1 by 8.4%, 100-grain weight by 10.1% and maize grain yield by 47.25% as compared to the control treatment. Seasonal water use values were 52.93, 47.93, 42.8 and 38.68cm for irrigated plants with 100%, 90%, 80% and 70% of ETc, respectively. Daily irrigation with applied water equals 100% of ETc resulted in higher amount of irrigation water applied to be 59.5 cm, followed by daily irrigation with applied water equals 90%, 80%, and 70% of ETc to be 53.5 cm, 47.6 cm, and 41.6 cm, respectively. Daily irrigation with 90% of ETc resulted in the highest value of water productivity as compared to 100%, 80% and 70% of ETc. It could be concluded that for obtaining both high and good maize yield and facing the irrigation water shortage, daily irrigation with 90% of ETc must be added with 150 kg N fed -1 under the sand loam soil in Wady El-Natron region and in the same conditions.
Broadband Circularly Polarized Microstrip Antenna With Customized Tilted Beam Based on Index-Modulated Folded Split Ring Resonator

The design method to obtain broadband, single-layer, microstrip antennas with circularly polarized (CP) tilted-beam radiation at a customized angle under a single-feed point is presented. The microstrip antenna topology is a refractive index-modulated parasitic array where a coaxial probe feeds the first element and others are excited through surface-wave coupling. In the design process, first, a novel type of folded split ring resonator (FSRR) is specially engineered to serve as the basic elements that could provide two neighboring orthogonal modes within a miniaturized size. Second, to ensure each mode of the FSRRs radiates its correspondent far-field component, e.g., $E_{\theta }$ or $E_{\varphi }$ with the same amplitude, which is critical to CP radiation, the coupling coefficients of two coupled FSRRs are extracted to quantitatively determine the required edge-to-edge spacing of two neighboring FSRRs. Third, to achieve tilted-beam radiation at a predefined angle, the index-modulation principle is applied to calculate the specific dimensions of each index-modulated FSRR. Ultimately, the developed CP tilted-beam antenna exhibits a broad bandwidth of 11.57% at the predefined tilt angle of 30°. Advantages including broad bandwidth, single feed, compactness, and single-layer configuration, indicate its great potential for applications such as satellite communications and indoor base stations.
Improved Search in Neuroevolution Using a Neural Architecture Classifier With the CNN Architecture Encoding as Feature Vector

Designing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for a specific task requires not only Deep Learning expertise but also knowledge of the problem. The goal of Neuroevolution is to find CNN architectures automatically through evolution. The search time, however, is a critical problem in Neuroevolution since multiple CNNs must be trained in the evolutionary process. In this work, we propose a Neural Architecture Classifier (NAC) to avoid training architectures that would not have good performance, based on knowledge of previously trained architectures. The NAC evaluates each CNN using the CNN architecture encoding as the input. A genetic algorithm (GA) is used for evolution, and a search space with few restrictions; hence, CNN architectures can have any width, depth or shape as well as the suitable number of skip connections. We applied this methodology to solving pattern recognition problems on six well-known datasets: five subsets of the MNIST-Variations (MNIST-V) dataset and the CIFAR-10 dataset. Experiments demonstrated that integrating the NAC in the GA reduces the search time by up to 44% compared to conventional GAs. Additionally, the architectures found by evolution with our classifier achieved a better performance (4.6% on average) than those found by traditional evolution. Our results improved the state-of-the-art by 5.2% (0.33% error reduction) on the most difficult dataset of the MNIST-V (MRDBI), and an average of 4% (0.24% error reduction) on the MNIST-V datasets. Additionally, our results on CIFAR-10 are close to those of the state-of-the-art but with significantly reduced search time. The application of a classifier can be relevant and useful not only for genetic algorithms, but also for other evolutionary algorithms.