Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal variability of carbon dioxide and methane fluxes in an Amazonian estuary

Despite scarce information in the Amazon regions, aquatic environments in tropical mangroves are important carbon deposits, and little is known about the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) with the atmosphere. We used a dynamic floating chamber to measure CO2 and CH4 fluxes in different aquatic surfaces (river, bore, and stream) on a monthly basis. Water physical-chemical parameters were also measured. Daily tide level variations have influenced CH4 flux in the rainy season. The water surface in the studied Amazonian estuary was a source of CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere, and the CO2 output was much greater in the rainy season. Their seasonal flux did not present differences among rivers, bore, and streams in the two assessed seasons, but there was monthly variation in their fluxes, which were much higher than in other studies carried out in the tropics (mean production of 3.35 Gg CO2-e y-1).
Moderating Effect of Burnout on the Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Job Performance among Psychiatric Nurses for COVID-19 in National Hospitals

Background and Objective: The unprecedented spread of infectious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in psychiatric units has affected the self-efficacy, burnout, and job performances of psychiatric nurses. We conducted a survey to investigate the moderating effect of burnout on the relationship between the self-efficacy and job performances of psychiatric nurses. Materials and Methods: Validated and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 186 nurses in psychiatric units for COVID-19. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and a series of multiple linear regression analyses based on Baron and Kenny’s method using the SPSS 26.0 program. Results: Job performance was positively correlated with self-efficacy (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) but had no significant correlation with burnout (r = −0.11, p = 0.150). Self-efficacy was negatively correlated with burnout (r = −0.22, p = 0.002). Burnout among psychiatric nurses had significant moderating effects on self-efficacy and job performance (β = −0.11, p = 0.024). Conclusions: These findings indicate a need to prevent burnout and to enhance self-efficacy in psychiatric nurses to increase their job performances and serve as a basis for establishing strategies to deploy medical staff in the future.
Multilevel development of cognitive abilities in an artificial neural network

Several neuronal mechanisms have been proposed to account for the formation of cognitive abilities through postnatal interactions with the physical and socio-cultural environment. Here, we introduce a three-level computational model of information processing and acquisition of cognitive abilities. We propose minimal architectural requirements to build these levels and how the parameters affect their performance and relationships. The first sensorimotor level handles local nonconscious processing, here during a visual classification task. The second level or cognitive level globally integrates the information from multiple local processors via long-ranged connections and synthesizes it in a global, but still nonconscious manner. The third and cognitively highest level handles the information globally and consciously. It is based on the Global Neuronal Workspace (GNW) theory and is referred to as conscious level. We use trace and delay conditioning tasks to, respectively, challenge the second and third levels. Results first highlight the necessity of epigenesis through selection and stabilization of synapses at both local and global scales to allow the network to solve the first two tasks. At the global scale, dopamine appears necessary to properly provide credit assignment despite the temporal delay between perception and reward. At the third level, the presence of interneurons becomes necessary to maintain a self-sustained representation within the GNW in the absence of sensory input. Finally, while balanced spontaneous intrinsic activity facilitates epigenesis at both local and global scales, the balanced excitatory-inhibitory ratio increases performance. Finally, we discuss the plausibility of the model in both neurodevelopmental and artificial intelligence terms.
Effectiveness of Partial Isolation of Bridges for Improving Column Performance

The concept and application of seismic isolation has been well accepted worldwide as a technique to improve the seismic performance of highway bridges by lowering seismic demands. Low horizontal stiffness isolation devices, such as rubber bearings or sliders, are inserted between the bridge superstructure (deck and girders) and substructure (columns and abutments) to decouple the massive superstructure from the horizontal ground motion. The isolation devices provide flexibility to lengthen the natural period of the bridge and additional energy dissipation which, together, reduce the seismic demands. As of 2006, more than 200 bridges in the U.S. have been designed or retrofitted using seismic isolation, ranging from short single or two span highway bridges (i.e. Carlson Boulevard Bridge in Richmond, California) to the long seven-span Benicia-Martinez Bridge in San Francisco Bay, [Buckle et al, 2006a]. In this study, partial isolation refers to the concept of installing isolators over part of the bridge. Specifically, isolation devices are installed at piers or columns to separate the bridge mass from the columns, but remain absent at the abutments. Partial isolation is similar to PRSI in Taiwan except that full separation is achieved in neither the longitudinal nor the transverse direction. In some retrofit applications, partial isolation has been achieved in essence by simply not providing the required clearance at the abutments [Buckle et al, 2006b].
Similar cost of Hamiltonella defensa in experimental and natural aphid‐endosymbiont associations

Abstract Endosymbiont‐conferred resistance to parasitoids is common in aphids, but comes at a cost to the host in the absence of parasitoids. In black bean aphids (Aphis fabae), costs in terms of reduced lifespan and lifetime reproduction were demonstrated by introducing 11 isolates of the protective symbiont Hamiltonella defensa into previously uninfected aphid clones. Transfection of H. defensa isolates into a common genetic background allows to compare the costs of different endosymbiont isolates unconfounded by host genetic variation, but has been suggested to overestimate the realized costs of the endosymbiont in natural populations, because transfection creates new and potentially maladapted host–symbiont combinations that would be eliminated by natural selection in the field. In this experiment, we show that removing H. defensa isolates from their natural host clones with antibiotics results in a fitness gain that is comparable to the fitness loss from their introduction into two new clones. This suggests that estimating cost by transfecting endosymbiont isolates into a shared host genotype does not lead to gross overestimates of their realized costs, at least not in the two recipient genotypes used here. By comparing our data with data reported in previous publications using the same lines, we show that symbiont‐induced costs may fluctuate over time. Thus, costs estimated after extended culture in the laboratory may not always be representative of the costs at the time of collection in the field. Finally, we report the accidental observation that two isolates from a distinct haplotype of H. defensa could not be removed by cefotaxime treatment, while all isolates from two other haplotypes were readily eliminated, which is suggestive of variation in susceptibility to this antibiotic in H. defensa.
Comparative study of lipid profile anomalies in thyroid dysfunction

Background: Thyroid hormones play a major role in the metabolism of lipids and deranged lipid profile can, in turn, result in various cardiovascular diseases. The association between elevated LDL and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk is well established. However, the correlation between the changes in the thyroid hormone levels and lipid profile needs to be studied in detail. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted with the objective of estimating the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and VLDL in hyperthyroid and hypothyroid individuals and to compare it with the euthyroid population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 study subjects who included newly diagnosed patients with untreated hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and controls were selected from the bystander population. Serum TSH, serum total cholesterol, serum LDL, serum triglycerides, serum VLDL and serum HDL were assessed. The baseline characteristics and blood investigation values were compared among the three groups using ANOVA and were expressed in mean ± standard deviation. The association between the various parameters in different groups was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 165 subjects studied, majority belonged to the age group of 30–39 years and majority of the study subjects were females. The mean serum levels of total cholesterol (216.86 ± 21.99 mg/dl), LDL (142.49 ± 19.09 mg/dl), triglycerides (156.31 ± 26.33 mg/dl) and VLDL (31.26 ± 5.25 mg/dl) were significantly higher in the hypothyroid group compared to the control subjects (P = 0.000). The mean serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and VLDL were significantly higher in the hypothyroid group compared to the control subjects (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism demonstrates an atherogenic lipid profile with a positive correlation with serum TSH values and lipid profile. Since altered lipid profile can predispose to cardiovascular diseases, screening for these in individuals with thyroid dysfunction especially hypothyroidism needs to made mandatory.
Oceanographic regional climate projections for the Baltic Sea until 2100

Abstract. The Baltic Sea, located in northern Europe, is a semi-enclosed, shallow and tideless sea with seasonal sea-ice cover in its northern sub-basins. Its long water residence time contributes to oxygen depletion in the bottom water of its southern sub-basins. In this study, recently performed scenario simulations for the Baltic Sea including marine biogeochemistry were analysed and compared with earlier published projections. Specifically, dynamical downscaling using a regionally coupled atmosphere–ocean climate model was used to regionalise four global Earth system models. However, as the regional climate model does not include components representing terrestrial and marine biogeochemistry, an additional catchment and a coupled physical–biogeochemical model for the Baltic Sea were included. The scenario simulations take the impact of various global sea level rise scenarios into account. According to the projections, compared to the present climate, higher water temperatures, a shallower mixed layer with a sharper thermocline during summer, less sea-ice cover and greater mixing in the northern Baltic Sea during winter can be expected. Both the frequency and the duration of marine heat waves will increase significantly, in particular in the coastal zone of the southern Baltic Sea (except in regions with frequent upwellings). Nonetheless, due to the uncertainties in the projections regarding regional winds, the water cycle and the global sea level rise, robust and statistically significant salinity changes could not be identified. The impact of a changing climate on biogeochemical cycling is predicted to be considerable but still smaller than that of plausible nutrient input changes. Implementing the proposed Baltic Sea Action Plan, a nutrient input abatement plan for the entire catchment area, would result in a significantly improved ecological status of the Baltic Sea, including reductions in the size of the hypoxic area also in a future climate, which in turn would increase the resilience of the Baltic Sea against anticipated climate change. While our findings regarding changes in heat-cycle variables mainly confirm earlier scenario simulations, they differ substantially from earlier projections of salinity and biogeochemical cycles, due to differences in experimental setups and in input scenarios for bioavailable nutrients.
A Robust Mixed-Integer Convex Model for Optimal Scheduling of Integrated Energy Storage—Soft Open Point Devices

Soft open points (SOPs) are power electronic devices which can replace conventional normally open points in distribution networks. SOPs enable full control of active power flow between the interconnected feeders and can inject reactive power at each node to which they are connected. SOPs integrated with energy storage (ES) have been recently proposed to realize both spatial and temporal flexibility in active distribution networks. The flexibility provided by integrated ES-SOP devices will allow network operators to run their networks closer to their limits, but only if there is appropriate management of the uncertainty arising from demand and renewable generation. The only existing model of an ES-SOP uses nonconvex nonlinear equations, neglects uncertainty, and represents converter losses in an oversimplistic manner. This paper presents a robust mixed-integer convex model for the optimal scheduling of integrated ES-SOPs to ensure a zero probability of constraint violation. Losses of the subsystems comprising the ES-SOP are modeled using a proposed binary-polynomial model, enabling efficient scheduling of the energization state of subsystems to reduce no-load losses. The ES-SOP is considered in this paper to be owned by the network operator to: 1) manage power flow constraints, 2) minimize cost of losses, and 3) maximize arbitrage profit.
The Role of Crowdsourcing Technology in Developing a New Model of Youth Empowerment and Community Engagement in the Global Response to HIV/AIDS

This study explores the enabling role of collaborative crowdsourcing technology in facilitating the development of an integrated global youth response to HIV/AIDS. Building on technology affordance and constraints theory and imbrications of human and material agencies, a theoretical framework is derived. The framework is used to examine an initiative deployed by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), which aimed to bring together youth organizations from across the global in a ‘PACT for Social Transformation’ using crowdsourcing technology. The study adopts a two-phased longitudinal research approach to track the PACT’s transition from fractured civil society movements to an integrated framework. The first phase concerned a quantitative analysis of the technology’s material characteristics and affordances during collaborative interactions among PACT members. We followed this with a qualitative analysis of PACT members’ reflections on pre, during, and post formation catalyzed from the technology, and in particular, the impact that the PACT’s formation and supporting infrastructure has had on people on the ground affected by HIV/AIDS. The study reveals how the technology sparked a series of imbrications to form a globally integrated movement on HIV/AIDS and enabled positive impacts on the ground in two high prevalence areas.
Mechanical Properties of Cold Sprayed Aluminium 2024 and 7075 Coatings for Repairs

This study investigates the mechanical properties of aluminium 2024 (Al-2024) and aluminium 7075 (Al-7075) cold-sprayed materials and coatings for repairs. It aims to determine the acceptable data needed to meet regulatory requirement when substantiating cold spray repairs. The study focuses on repairs of non-principal structural element (PSE) structures such as skin and panels that are prone to corrosion and wear. For cold spray repair of such components, the microstructure, tensile, peel, bearing, and bending strength from the repair process and powder materials of Al-2024 and Al-7075, were identified and investigated in accordance with MIL-STD-3021. Results show an average coating porosity of <1.2% for both materials. Average tensile strength was 247.1 MPa (with elongation of 0.76%) for Al-2024 and 264.0 MPa (with elongation of 0.87%) for Al-7075. Al-2024 has an average peel strength of 71.9 MPa, while Al-7075 is at 48.9 MPa. The Al-2024 bearing test specimens gave a maximum load strength before failure of 633.6 MPa, while the Al-7075 gave 762.7 MPa. The bending tests show good flexibility for coating thickness ranges of typical skin and panel parts. The results show that cold spray can be used to restore thickness and oversized hole diameters for Al-2024 and Al-7075 skin and panels. The bearing test conducted in this study has also demonstrated a new test method to determine the bearing load and yield strength of a cold spray-repaired hole in a plate.
REPRESENTATIVE MODELLING OF VERY LONG HVDC CABLES

Developments in HVDC and cable technologies have opened the door for integration of remote renewables into established electricity systems to displace non-renewable generation. With a significant proportion of solar energy resource concentrated on the Australian and African continents, and load centres in Europe and the ASEAN regions, HVDC projects with cable connection lengths greater than 3000 km are under development. This paper develops a frequency dependent model (FDM) of the DC cable for the Sun Cable Australia-ASEAN Power Link (AAPowerLink). The effect of field joints and the associated earthing resistance is addressed. Exclusion of field joints introduces discrepancy in the core voltage along the cable length and the frequency dependent impedance. Simplification of the cable model within an electromagnetic transient (EMT) platform, whilst retaining a representative frequency dependent behaviour, is demonstrated. Modelling in PSCAD/EMTDC suggests minimum impact of submersion depth on the cable characteristics. Furthermore, the potential for harvesting energy at the field joints is explored.
DC Fault Protection of a Nine-Terminal MMC HVDC Grid

An earthed bi-pole nine converter HVDC grid was modelled in PSCAD. A protection system involving hybrid DC breakers at the ends of each line and cable segment is proposed. Inductors are placed in series with each breaker to limit the rate of rise of the fault currents through the breakers. A fault detection system and localization scheme is proposed using ROCOV measured locally at the line side of these inductors at each breaker location. A systematic process for setting the ROCOV protection thresholds is discussed. Resistive faults are detected using local over-current methods. The protection system was modelled and tested under different fault types and locations. The results show that the proposed method of HVDC grid protection is feasible using hybrid DC breaker technology.
Psychological Ownership in Organizations: The Role of Person-Organization Fit and Consequences on Support for Change and Organizational Citizenship Behavior

This study examines the antecedent and consequences of psychological ownership, where employees develop possessive feelings towards the organization. Person-Organization Fit (PO-Fit) is required to increase psychological ownership through various organizational activities. Psychological ownership produces significant psychological, emotional, and behavioral consequences, including employees support for change and Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). This study involved 210 staff from educational institutions. A total of 191 survey questionnaires were returned, and 121 were eligible. According to hierarchical regression analysis, the result indicated that PO-Fit had a positive effect on psychological ownership (β=0.42, t=4.81), psychological ownership had a positive effect on support for change (β=0.26, t=4.01) and OCB (β=0.21, t=3.12). The study concluded that psychological ownership is necessary to support positive organizational behavior.
Review and Benchmarking of Alternative Fuels in Conventional and Advanced Engine Concepts with Emphasis on Efficiency, CO 2 , and Regulated Emissions

Alternative fuels have been proposed as a means for future energy-secure and environmentally sustainable transportation. This review and benchmarking show that several of the alternative fuels (e.g. methanol, ethanol, higher alcohols, RME, HVO, DME, and biogas/CNG) work well with several different engine concepts such as conventional SI, DICI, and dual fuel, and with the emerging concepts HCCI, RCCI, and PPC. Energy consumption is in most cases similar to that of diesel or gasoline, with the exception of methanol and ethanol that use less energy, especially in SI engines. Tailpipe emissions of CO2 with respect to engine work output (tank-to-output shaft) can be reduced by more than 15% compared to a highly efficient gasoline SI engine, and are the lowest with CNG / lean-burn SI and with alcohols in several engine concepts. Alternative fuels are considered safe and in most cases are associated with reduced risk with respect to cancer and other health and environmental issues. Apart from differences in handling depending on whether the fuel is gaseous or liquid, engine-out emissions of soot, NOx, HC, and CO vary between the fuels, although the levels typically are lower than for gasoline or diesel. The comparably small differences during engine operation indicate that production and distribution will be more important when it comes to the environmental performance and operating costs of the different alternative fuels. RME and ethanol are already established and work well in engines. So do biogas/CNG and RME. Diesel and gasoline already co-exist, and so there is good reason to use several alternative fuels in parallel. For example, increased amounts of RME in diesel and ethanol + methanol in gasoline (compatible with E85 vehicles) are relevant steps forward that essentially rely on current engine technology. New combustion engine concepts can be co-developed with new fuels and will lead to further reductions in energy consumption. Increased hybridization and integration with the electricity grid will provide better energy utilization as well as potential for further reductions in fuel consumption from new engine operation strategies. This enables realistic opportunities for sustainable alternative fuel production as well as energy-secure and environmentally sustainable transportation. (Less)
Why Does the NOTION Trial Show Poorer Than Expected Outcomes in the Surgical Arm?

The NOTION trial compares transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgical aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients. Looking carefully at the outcomes of this trial, there is no doubt that the transcatheter aortic valve implantation results were outstanding. The same thing cannot be said for the results of the surgery. We tried to understand the reason for that.