Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a decade of treatments to reduce invasive buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare)

Abstract The invasion of nonnative grasses threatens biodiversity and ecosystem function globally through competition with native plant species and increases to wildfire frequency and intensity. Management actions to reduce buffelgrass [Pennisetum ciliare (L.) Link], an invasive warm-season perennial bunchgrass, are widely implemented, with chemical and mechanical treatments extending over two decades within Saguaro National Park in the Sonoran Desert of North America. We assessed how the effectiveness of treatments to reduce P. ciliare cover spanning from 2011 to 2020 were influenced by stage of invasion, treatment type and intensity, and environmental conditions. An increase in treatment effectiveness was largely explained by high initial cover of P. ciliare, an indicator of a late invasion stage and associated with high treatment intensity. Treatments had potential to be effective in patches as small as 0.3-m2 P. ciliare canopy per 400-m–2 area (<0.001% canopy cover) across treatment types and environmental gradients. Chemical treatments had higher or equal effectiveness compared with mechanical treatments, and greater reductions in P. ciliare were associated with shorter average years of treatment interruptions, or gaps, and to a lesser degree, total years of treatment. In many cases, P. ciliare was reduced with as little as 2 yr of treatment, but more than 3 average years of treatment gap could result in reduced treatment effectiveness. There was generally higher treatment effectiveness on shallow slopes, north- and east-facing aspects, and on higher elevations within one district of the park. Our findings highlight that resource-intensive treatments in all but the smallest patches of P. ciliare have largely been effective. Further opportunities for improvement include more frequent surveillance, limiting treatment gaps to ≤3 yr in areas of low P. ciliare cover, and comparison of treated with untreated areas.
Eco-Friendly Fibers Embedded Yarn Structure in High-Performance Fabrics to Improve Moisture Absorption and Drying Properties

This study examined the perspiration absorption and drying characteristics of eco-friendly fiber-embedded fabrics with different yarn structures. The wicking and drying rates of fifteen fabrics made from quadrilobal PET, Lyocell, and bamboo fibers were measured using two evaluation methods and compared with the pore diameter and hygroscopic characteristics of the constituent fibers in the yarns. The sheath/core yarn structure played a vital role in improving the moisture absorption and drying properties of the eco-friendly fibers embedded in high-performance fabrics, which was partly affected by the hygroscopicity and non-circular cross-section of constituent fibers in the yarns. Superior perspiration absorption and drying properties among the various eco-friendly high-performance fabrics were observed in the quadrilobal PET/Lyocell sheath/core and quadrilobal PET/bamboo spun yarn fabrics. By contrast, the PET/Lyocell Siro-fil, bamboo spun, and hi-multi PET yarn fabrics exhibited inferior moisture absorption and drying properties. In particular, the evaluated results between transverse and vertical wicking measuring methods in absorption property showed a similar trend. In contrast, the drying property measured between the drying rate (min) at a steady state and the drying rate (g) at a transient state showed a different trend. Multiple regression analysis showed that the wicking property of the eco-friendly fiber-embedded fabrics was mainly related to the pore diameter, cross-sectional shape, and absorption property of the fibers in the yarns, and it was also highly associated with the drying characteristics of the fabrics. The market application of the sheath/core yarn structure using Lyocell and bamboo fibers with quadrilobal PET is available for producing eco-friendly fabrics that can contribute to environmental improvement and wear comfort related to the moisture absorption and fast-drying properties of the woven fabrics.
Hybrid rotary-translational vibration energy harvester using cycloidal motion as a mechanical amplifier

This paper reports on a hybrid rotary-translational vibration energy harvesting approach that exploits cycloidal motion to achieve a relatively high power density from an oscillatory kinetic energy harvester operating at frequencies below 10 Hz. The approach uses a rolling magnetic sphere. The rolling motion mechanically amplifies the velocity at which the magnetic pole of the sphere passes a nearby coil transducer, inducing a proportionally larger electro-motive force across the coil. A prototype cycloidal energy harvester is shown to produce a peak power of 201 mW from a host vibration of 500 mg rms at 5.4 Hz.
Broadening the Taxonomic Breadth of Organisms in the Bio-Inspired Design Process

(1) Generating a range of biological analogies is a key part of the bio-inspired design process. In this research, we drew on the creativity literature to test methods for increasing the diversity of these ideas. We considered the role of the problem type, the role of individual expertise (versus learning from others), and the effect of two interventions designed to increase creativity—going outside and exploring different evolutionary and ecological “idea spaces” using online tools. (2) We tested these ideas with problem-based brainstorming assignments from a 180-person online course in animal behavior. (3) Student brainstorming was generally drawn to mammals, and the breadth of ideas was affected more by the assigned problem than by practice over time. Individual biological expertise had a small but significant effect on the taxonomic breadth of ideas, but interactions with team members did not. When students were directed to consider other ecosystems and branches of the tree of life, they increased the taxonomic diversity of biological models. In contrast, going outside resulted in a significant decrease in the diversity of ideas. (4) We offer a range of recommendations to increase the breadth of biological models generated in the bio-inspired design process.
Sound generation by laminar premixed flame annihilation

This paper presents a numerical and theoretical investigation of the sound generated by premixed flame annihilation. Planar, axisymmetric and spherically symmetric flame annihilation events are considered. The compressible Navier–Stokes, energy and progress variable equations are first solved using simple chemistry simulations, resolving both the flame dynamics and the acoustics. These simulations show that the amplitude of the far-field sound produced by the annihilation events depends on the flame thickness, particularly for the axisymmetric and spherically symmetric flame annihilation events. The flame propagation velocity is also always observed to increase significantly prior to flame annihilation, which is in keeping with other reported experimental and numerical studies. A theory is then presented that relates the far-field sound to the flame annihilation event by using a previously reported and extended form of Lighthill's acoustic analogy. A comparison with the numerical results shows that this theory accurately represents the far-field sound produced by considering only the temporal heat release source term in Lighthill's acoustic analogy, as reported by others. Additional assumptions of an infinitely thin flame and constant flame speed are then invoked in an attempt to simplify the problem. In the planar annihilation, this theory results in good predictions of the overall pressure change. However, these assumptions lead to significant under-prediction of the amplitude of far-field sound produced for the axisymmetric and spherically symmetric annihilation events. Finally, dimensional reasoning supported by the simulations and theory is used to develop scalings of the far-field sound in terms of the flame parameters.
The Impact of Leadership Styles of Nurse Managers on Nurses’ Motivation and Turnover Intention Among Jordanian Nurses

Aim The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between leadership styles of nurse managers, nurses’ motivation, and turnover intentions among Jordanian nurses. Design A descriptive correlational cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted. Methods A convenience sampling technique was utilized to select the required . sample A sample of 170 registered nurses working at private hospitals in Jordan was surveyed. Moreover, a questionnaire of Path–Goal Leadership, Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale, and Turnover Intention Scale was used to assess leadership styles of nurse managers, nurses’ motivation and turnover intention among the participants. Descriptive and inferential tests were used to ask the research questions. Results The participants perceived the supportive leadership style as the highest (M = 24.4, SD = 4.66). The mean work motivation among participants was 87.12, and the mean turnover intention was 22.01. Nurses’ motivation has a positive correlation with all leadership styles. Years of experience predict the nurses’ work motivation. Among the leadership styles; two of them significantly predict nurses’ work motivation (supportive style) p < 0.001, and (achievement-oriented style) p < 0.001. Finally, the highest correlation coefficient was noticed between work motivation and achievement-oriented style (r = 0.46, p < 0.001) by moderate positive correlation, and the lowest correlation coefficient was between work motivation and directive style (r = 0.29, p < 0.001), whereas the results revealed that turnover intention was not significantly correlated with any of the leadership styles. Conclusion The results present a unique theoretical underpinning that highlights the factors that affect nurses’ turnover intention. So, these findings could be used as guide for policy makers to establish organizational policies toward satisfying nurses’ motivation and quality of life to enhance their retention. Besides, enriching the factors that may enhance nurses’ motivation and reduce their turnover intention.
A two micron polarization survey of T Tauri stars

Results are presented of a K-band (2.2 microns) polarization survey of 39 T Tauri stars (TTSs) and, in addition, of eight other young stellar objects and 11 background field stars in the Taurus-Auriga dark cloud complex. It was found that about 60 percent of the TTSs are linearly polarized, but with relatively small degrees of polarization up to about 3 percent. A comparison of the results of this survey with those of the IR polarization survey of the low-luminosity IRAS sources in the same region suggests an evolutionary sequence in the IR polarization of young stellar objects. 79 refs.
The Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Profitability of Commercial Bank in the UK

Due to the vast contribution of commercial banks to the economic development in UK, this study examined the effect of macroeconomic variables on profitability of Commercial Banks listed at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) for years 2015 to 2019. The objective was to determine the effect of macroeconomic factors on the profitability. Panel data for the 23 listed banks in the LSE was utilized. Panel data regression analysis with random effects was utilized on the data to examine the effects of these five macroeconomic variables which included: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Real interest rate, Inflation rate, unemployment rate, and Exchange rate on Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) which proxies’ profitability. The study findings indicated that real GDP growth rate had negative significant effect on profitability of commercial banks as measured through Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). While rest of the macro-indicators do not have a significant impact on profitability measured by ROA and ROE. It is therefore indicating that internal factors are impacting the profitability of banks in the UK rather than external factors.
Estimating infant mortality in Colombia: some overdispersion modelling approaches

It is common to fit generalized linear models with binomial and Poisson responses, where the data show a variability that is greater than the theoretical variability assumed by the model. This phenomenon, known as overdispersion, may spoil inferences about the model by considering significant parameters associated with variables that have no significant effect on the dependent variable. This paper explains some methods to detect overdispersion and presents and evaluates three well-known methodologies that have shown their usefulness in correcting this problem, using random mean models, quasi-likelihood methods and a double exponential family. In addition, it proposes some new Bayesian model extensions that have proved their usefulness in correcting the overdispersion problem. Finally, using the information provided by the National Demographic and Health Survey 2005, the departmental factors that have an influence on the mortality of children under 5 years and female postnatal period screening are determined. Based on the results, extensions that generalize some of the aforementioned models are also proposed, and their use is motivated by the data set under study. The results conclude that the proposed overdispersion models provide a better statistical fit of the data.
Transport of spherical gyrotactic organisms in general three-dimensional flow fields

In this paper we consider spherical organisms whose orientations are determined by the combination of viscous torque with a self-righting torque (either due to bottom-heaviness, shape, or through preferential swimming due to active sensing): a phenomenon known as gyrotaxis. We restate the stable equilibrium orientation of such an organism in a homogeneous shear flow, which exists for all shear values if the two torques are not parallel, and only when the nondimensional shear is below a critical value if the torques are parallel. We calculate the long-term trajectories of such an organism in a flow, which consists of linear motion in the direction of the vorticity and a conic section in the plane of shear, giving, for instance, helical motion in the case of pure rotation. We compute the orientation probability density function when the reorientation is coupled with rotational diffusion and show that including rotational diffusion reduces the mean swimming speed and rotates the mean equilibrium orientation .
First Demonstration of Dual-Gated Indium Tin Oxide Transistors with Record Drive Current ~2.3 mA/μm at L ≈ 60 nm and VDS = 1 V

We report dual-gated indium tin oxide (ITO) transistors, with record-high drive current ~2.3 mA/$\mu \mathrm{m}$ at channel length $L \sim 60$ nm and $V_{DS} = 1\mathrm{V}$. We explore both Ni and Pd as source and drain contacts to ~3.9 nm thin sputtered ITO channels before and after capping with ~10 nm HfO2, comparing back-gated transistor mobility, threshold voltage VT, and contact resistance RC. VT shifts after capping are common for oxide transistors, but here we show how VT recovers by annealing at ≤300 °C in air. This enables us to achieve the first dual-gated ITO transistors with high-$\kappa$ HfO2 dielectrics, displaying high drive current, excellent on/off current ratio $\ge 10 ^{8}$ and minimum subthreshold swing, SS ~70 mV/dec. Pd contacts have several advantages, including a more positive and consistent VT with lower variability across all L, minimizing the VT shift vs. L found for Ni contacts. Pd contacts also enable good $R_{C} \approx 300 \Omega~\mu \mathrm{m}$ and effective mobility $\mu_{eff} \approx 41$ cm2 $\mathrm{V}^{-1} \mathrm{s}^{-1}$. These results pave the way towards the back-end-of-line (BEOL) compatible integration of high performance, short-channel ITO transistors.
Virgin Coconut Oil: A Dietary Intervention for Dyslipidaemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Hyperlipidaemia is causally related to coronary artery diseases (CAD) and peripheral artery diseases (PAD) in people with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). An in vivo study confirmed that virgin coconut oil (VCO) could maintain levels of lipids in the blood as effectively as conventional therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of VCO on the lipid profiles and ankle–brachial index (ABI) of patients with DM. In this experimental study with pre- and post-test design and a control group, the participants were selected purposively. The ABI was evaluated on the first visit. Baseline lipid profile readings were taken. Each participant took 1.2 mL/kgBW of VCO daily and divided it into three doses. After 30 days of taking VCO, laboratory examinations and ABI were repeated, and adverse events were evaluated. The dependent t-test and Wilcoxon sign rank test with a significance level of α ≤ 0.05 showed a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0.002), a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (p = 0.031), a significant decrease in energy intake (p = 0.046) and cholesterol intake (p = 0.023) at the endpoint in the VCO group. In conclusion, this therapy is beneficial for maintaining lipid profile when combined with dietary therapy. Future studies should investigate the duration and dosage of VCO on patients to maintain lipid-linked protein.
Hubble Space Telescope NICMOS Variability Study of Massive Stars in the Young Dense Galactic Starburst NGC 3603

We have used the relatively long data string of the 1997–1999 NICMOS focus tests on NGC 3603 to extract ∼J-band light curves for several hundred stars in the cluster core. Given the relatively modest photometric precision [σ(J) ≥ 0.05 mag], we were able to isolate only a half-dozen variable candidates with peak-to-valley amplitudes above ∼0.2 mag. One of the variables is one of the two outstandingly brightest cluster members, A1, located in the very dense cluster center. A1 shows double eclipses on each orbital cycle, with the same period (P = 3.7724 days) as found previously and independently in unresolved ground-based radial velocity variations of the Wolf-Rayet (WR) emission component in the central core of NGC 3603. Very rough best estimates for the masses of the components of A1 are in the range 30–90 M⊙ for the brighter and more massive H-rich WR component (WN6ha) and 25–50 M⊙ for its assumed O star companion. A more detailed study is urgently needed, given the potential for this extremely luminous system to harbor the most massive main-sequence star ever "weighed. " Another variable, HST 12, escaped the original search, which was based on larger than average standard deviation. It is a probable field-star eclipsing variable with a moderately long period.
Particle-in-cell simulations of electron flow in the post-hole convolute of the Z accelerator

The three-dimensional, particle-in-cell code QUICKSILVER [J. P. Quintenz et al., Lasers Part. Beams 12, 283 (1994)] is now being used to simulate the inner region of the Z accelerator [R. B. Spielman et al., Phys. Plasmas 5, 2105 (1998)] at Sandia National Laboratories. The simulations model electron flow and anode losses in the double post-hole convolute, which couples four radial, magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs) in parallel to a single MITL that drives a Z-pinch load. To efficiently handle the large range in the magnetic field, 0<B<200 T, the particle pusher is modified to subcycle the electron advance relative to the field solver. Results from a series of simulations using a constant-impedance load are presented. The locations of electron losses to the anode in the convolute are in qualitative agreement with damage to the Z hardware. The electron energy deposited in these anode regions rapidly heats the surface to temperatures above 400 °C—the threshold at which anode plasma formation.
Weakly nonlinear Kelvin–Helmholtz waves

The Lagrangian L for gravity waves of finite amplitude in an N-layer, stratified shear flow is constructed as a functional of the generalized coordinates qv(t)≡ {qnv(t)} of the N + 1 interfaces, where the qnv are the Fourier coefficients in the expansion of the interfacial displacement ηv(x, t) in a complete, orthogonal set {ψn(x)}. The explicit expansion of L is constructed through fourth-order in the qnν and $\dot{q}_{n}^{\nu}$. Progressive interfacial waves and Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in a two-layer fluid are examined, and the earlier results of Drazin (1970), Nayfeh & Saric (1972) and Weissman (1979) are extended to finite depth. It is found that the pitchfork bifurcation associated with the critical point for Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, which is supercritical for infinitely deep layers, may be subcritical (inverted) for finite depths. The evolution equations that govern Kelvin–Helmholtz waves in the parametric neighbourhood of this critical point are shown to be equivalent to those for a particle in a two-parameter, central force field. The effect of surface tension is examined in an Appendix. Finally, the wave motion forced by flow over a sinusoidal bottom (as in Thorpe's tilting tank) is examined and the corresponding resonance curves and Hopf bifurcations determined. Numerical integrations reveal that stable limit cycles exist in some parametric neighbourhoods of these bifurcations. Period doubling was observed but did not lead to chaotic motion.
Analyzing the installation angle error of a SAW torque sensor

When a torque is applied to a shaft, normal strain oriented at ±45° direction to the shaft axis is at its maximum, which requires two one-port SAW resonators to be bonded to the shaft at ±45° to the shaft axis. In order to make the SAW torque sensitivity high enough, the installation angle error of two SAW resonators must be confined within ±5° according to our design requirement. However, there are few studies devoted to the installation angle analysis of a SAW torque sensor presently and the angle error was usually obtained by a manual method. Hence, we propose an approximation method to analyze the angle error. First, according to the sensitive mechanism of the SAW device to torque, the SAW torque sensitivity is deduced based on the linear piezoelectric constitutive equation and the perturbation theory. Then, when a torque is applied to the tested shaft, the stress condition of two SAW resonators mounted with an angle deviating from ±45° to the shaft axis, is analyzed. The angle error is obtained by means of the torque sensitivities of two orthogonal SAW resonators. Finally, the torque measurement system is constructed and the loading and unloading experiments are performed twice. The torque sensitivities of two SAW resonators are obtained by applying average and least square method to the experimental results. Based on the derived angle error estimation function, the angle error is estimated about 3.447°, which is close to the actual angle error 2.915°. The difference between the estimated angle and the actual angle is discussed. The validity of the proposed angle error analysis method is testified to by the experimental results.
Parameter optimization for watershed models

A detailed search for the optimum values of the parameters of the Boughton model is described. The Simplex and Davidon optimization methods were used. Rapid initial reductions in the objective function were readily achieved, but the solutions approached several widely different apparent optima. Alternate use of different optimization methods and numerical and algebraic studies enabled considerable further progress to be made in the search. Much information was obtained on various aspects of parameter optimization. These include interdependence and indifference of parameters, the form of the response surface and the occurrence of discontinuities, the required length of the ‘warm-up’ period for different types of stores, and the effects of using different types of objective functions. As typical stores were analyzed and the only basic assumption involved was that the data contained errors, the findings should apply to most watershed models.