Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Image-Sandplay Therapy on the Mental Health and Subjective Well-Being of Children with Autism

Background: Autism significantly affects mental health and lowers subjective well-being (SWB). The rehabilitation therapy of autism is attracting widespread attention. We aimed to explore the effects of image-sandplay therapy on the mental health and SWB of children with autism. Methods: A total of 90 children with autism treated in Changchun Women and Children Health Hospital from Jan 2019 to Jun 2020 were enrolled by convenient sampling method. They were randomly divided into control (n=45) and observation (n=45) groups. The observation group had a 12-week image-sandplay therapy based on conventional rehabilitation therapy. In the image-sandplay therapy, the one-to-one intervention was provided once a week, 60 min in each. Autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC), autism behavior checklist (ABC), Conners parent symptom questionnaire (PSQ), satisfaction with life scale (SWLS), and positive and negative affect scale for children (PANAS-C) of the two groups were assessed. Results: After intervention, the observation group showed lower scores in ATEC scale and ABC scale than the control group, and the difference show statistical significance (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the observation group showed significantly lower scores in PSQ scale than the control group, showing a significant difference (P<0.05). The observation group shows higher scores in SWLS scale and positive affect scores than the control group, as well as significantly lower negative affected scores than the control groups, showing a significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: Image-sandplay therapy can improve the symptoms of children with autism and is conducive to promoting mental health and increasing SWB. It is a feasible and effective rehabilitation method.
Automated electrorotation: dielectric characterization of living cells by real-time motion estimation

Electrorotation (ROT) has been applied widely for determining the dielectric properties of cells (and bio-particles) with single-cell resolution. However a serious limitation of ROT has been the tedious manual measurements required. A new real-time PC-based machine vision algorithm and hardware implementation are presented that achieve measurements of cell rotational motion and analysis of ROT spectra. The system is equipped with a computer-controlled quadrature digital synthesizer and is capable of measuring a ROT spectrum of a single cell with the frequency range 1 kHz-200 MHz in less than 5 min, taking four measurement points per frequency decade. Laser tweezers are used to facilitate cell selection and positioning in order to maximize the flexibility and accuracy of the system. The performance of this system is characterized in terms of robustness, accuracy and linearity with respect to manual measurements of real spinning cells under the influence of a rotating electric field. The system is quite generally applicable to a wide variety of mammalian cell morphologies and optical appearances. Membrane capacitance values derived from automated ROT measurements averaged within 10% of those obtained from manual measurements.
Energy Consumption Analysis for Selected Cropsin Different Regions of Thailand

In this study the energy consumption for five major crops viz. rice, maize, sugarcane, cassava and soybean in three regions of Thailand is analyzed. The energy consumption for different farm operations from land preparation to transportation, - to storage, and - to market places was considered. Primary data were obtained through field survey and personal interviews using questionnaires. The data were collected from 909 farms owned by 487 farmers. Secondary data and energy equivalents were obtained from available literature. Results showed that energy input in farm operations for sugarcane production was the highest (14.48- 18.65 GJ/ha). For irrigated rice, rainfed rice, maize, wet-season soybean and cassava, it varied between 1.79-18.49, 10.09-13.11, 9.79-12.79, 5.21-10.03 and 4.95-9.13 GJ/ha respectively. Energy input in dry-season soybean production was the lowest with a range of 5.31-7.86 GJ/ha. About 62% and 38% of energy inputs in farm operations was from material and physical energy inputs respectively. Energy from fertilizer contributed the highest followed by energy from seed, pesticide and herbicide. Over 97.8 % of physical energy input was energy from mechanical power sources. Total energy input for sugarcane in the Central plain was the highest (24.68 GJ/ha), whilst lowest was energy input in cassava production in the Northeast (8.81 GJ/ha). Energy sequester was the main cause of variation of total energy input for different crops. Energy ratio for different crops had a range of 2.0-11.1. Both, wetseason and dry-season soybean showed the lowest energy ratio (2.0-3.7) followed by rainfed rice and irrigated rice. Sugarcane gave the highest energy ratio (9.3-10.1) followed by cassava and maize.
Photovoltaic-Thermal Collector System for Domestic Application

Photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems integrate photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies into one single system with dual production of electricity and heat energy. A typical arrangement is the direct attachment of PV modules onto a solar thermal collector surface. For a given collector surface area, the overall system energy performance is expected higher than the conventional "side-by-side" PV and solar thermal systems. In the development of PV/T collector technology using water as the coolant, the most common design follows the sheet-and-tube thermal absorber concept. Fin performance of the thermal absorber has been identified as one important factor that affects much the overall energy performance of the collector. Accordingly, an aluminum-alloy flat-box type PV/T collector prototype was constructed and tested in Hong Kong. Our test results indicate that a high combined thermal and electrical efficiency can be achieved. The primary-energy-saving efficiency for daily exposure approaches 65% at zero reduced temperature operation. With a simple and handy design, the product is considered to be very suitable for domestic application.
Development of temperature controllers for a room deploying the displacement ventilation for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning

By employing the fuzzy control theory and dynamic matrix control method, the controllers for temperature control of a room cooled by a displacement ventilation system are developed. The fluid flow and heat transfer inside the room are calculated by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, including the effects of buoyancy in conjunction with a two-equation realizable k–ε turbulence model. Thus, the physical environment is represented by a nonlinear system of partial differential equations. The system also has a large time delay because of the slowness of the heat exchange. Additionally, the temperature of the exterior wall of the room first increases and then decreases with time during a 24-h period, which acts as a strong disturbance in changing the temperature of the room. The goal of this article is to develop controllers that will maintain the temperature in the room within the specified upper and lower bounds by deploying the displacement ventilation system. In order to solve this temperature control problem, we develop a special fuzzy control method. At the same time, we analyze the peak value of the error and employ the dynamic matrix control method to replace the fuzzy control method with success. The results show that the fuzzy controller is effective in saving energy, and the dynamic matrix control method can contain the error within the specified bounds in the worst situation (when the temperature of the exterior wall is highest). These kinds of fuzzy control and dynamic matrix control methods can also be employed for other heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems such as overhead variable air volume system and radiant cooling hydronic system.
Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of Nepeta racemosa Lam.

Background and objectives: The genus Nepeta is used in traditional medicine for the antiseptic and astringent properties in cutaneous eruptions and snake bites. Nepeta racemosa was investigated here due to the rich source of phytochemical compounds in the Nepeta genus and the lack of any phytochemical studies. Methods: The aerial parts were extracted successively using n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol (MeOH) by maceration method, respectively. The MeOH extract was exposed to C18 Sep-Pak fractionation by a step gradient of MeOH-H2O. Further purification of the fractions by preparative reversed-phase HPLC yielded three compounds. The chemical ingredients of essential oil were determined by GC-MS. Free-radical scavenging activity of the extracts, fractions, as well as their total flavonoid and phenolics contents, were assessed using the DPPH method, AlCl3, and Folin-Ciocalteu reagents, respectively. Results: Phytochemical study of 20% and 40% solid phase extraction fractions of MeOH extract yielded one iridoid (8,9-epi-7-deoxy-loganic acid) and two phenylethanoids (forsythoside B and verbascoside), correspondingly. The 4aα,7α,7aα-nepetalactone (31.70 %), germacrene D (7.39 %), n-hexadecanoic acid (6.47 %), were the main compounds of essentials oil. The MeOH extract demonstrated high activity in terms of antioxidant activity, total phenolics content along with total flavonoids content (0.09 ± 0.01 mg/mL, 1581.80 ± 10.28 mg/100g and 33.01 ± 0.02 mg/100g) as well as 40% SPE fraction (0.01 ± 0.00 mg/mL, 659.20 ± 40.32 mg/100g and 22.5 ± 0.37 mg/100g), respectively. Conclusion: The presence of phenylethanoid derivatives as phenolic compounds appears to be an important antioxidant compound in Nepeta racemosa.
Active Control Approach for Reducing Floor Vibrations

Large floor vibration amplitudes can produce disruption and reduced efficiency in employees, and in more extreme cases can result in complete abandonment of a structure for its intended use. The implementation of active control to reduce vibration levels in lightweight floor systems is explored in this paper. A velocity feedback scheme has been developed in which an electromagnetic proof-mass actuator is used to impart control forces on a floor system, thus, reducing the amplitudes of the floor motion. The development, analysis, and experimental verification are discussed for the successful implementation of this control application. A full-scale experimental test floor was designed, constructed, and modeled analytically for this study. Both analytical and experimental results for the floor response to transient excitation show an increase in damping from approximately 2.5% to 40%. Experimental results for walking excitation show a reduction of peak velocity amplitudes to 12% of amplitudes recorded for th.
Roles of Flies in Bacterial Transmission, Maintenance, and Contamination asVectors and Reservoirs

Flies, especially non-biting flies, are recognized as vectors of various clinically relevant pathogens, including antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in human and veterinary medicine, and can lead to colonization and infection. Studies have attempted to clarify the role of flies for the dissemination and transmission of bacteria from various perspectives. However, most studies have only detected pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from flies, and many studies have not shown concrete proof for the bacterial transmission, contamination, and infection in humans and animals. To clarify the bacterial transmission routes to humans and animals via flies, from various sources, the control measure must be considered. Additionally, quantitative analysis of the flies carrying bacteria and their bacterial transmission allows the assessment of the risk factors of fly-mediated infectious disease. In this mini-review, we introduce research about the origin, maintenance, and contamination of bacteria harbored by flies, and the trial strategy to prevent transmission of the bacteria. Furthermore, we suggest an effective way to prevent the bacterial transmission via flies, to better understand the important role of flies as vectors and reservoirs of microorganisms. This mini-review will be applicable to flies and other insects and animals, to improve the sanitary environments.
Optimization the Role of Shariah Supervisory Board for Shariah Governance in Islamic Banking

Many studies show that one of the biggest challenges in Islamic banking is related to lack of proper and effective Shariah governance. By focusing on the role of Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB), this paper attempts to extract some keys on how to achieve better performance and development of Islamic banking industry by reviewing previous studies. This study was done by using literature review approach. This study concludes that increasing the size of SSB, improving higher skills and competences of SSB members, keeping the independency of SSB member as well as the need of Central Shariah Board (CSB) and shariah auditor would affect to better performance of Islamic banking.
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED BOREHOLE WELL WATER SAMPLES IN THE OMANJOR COMMUNITY IN THE ACCRA METROPOLIS, GHANA

The quality and safety of groundwater normally changes slowly because more often the water is not directly exposed to pollution sources but can become contaminated as a result of improper drilling of wells and improper waste disposal procedures in the vicinity of the well. This study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of selected borehole well water samples in the Omanjor community, Accra Metropolis, Ghana. Samples of water for the investigations were collected in sterile bottles (200 ml). All the 5 selected borehole wells water had their water pumped into tanks and stored in overhead poly-tanks prior to fetching. Physico-chemical parameters were determined using standard instruments and methods whiles the presence of pathogenic bacteria were detected, isolated, and identified by the multiple tube/most probable number (MPN) method, culture, and biochemical testing. The ranges of mean values of the various physico-chemical parameters of the selected borehole water samples investigated were temperature (29-31 o C), pH (7.27.5), and dissolved oxygen (5.6-6.9 mg/l). Also turbidity and electrical conductivity mean values ranged from 1.3-2.2 neophelometric turbidity units (NTU), and 510.5-869 microSiemens per centimeter (µS/cm) respectively. All the physico-chemical parameters except conductivity values were within the permissible limits of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. However, the mean MPN/100 ml values ranged 1-98. The most prominent bacteria isolated from the water samples were coliforms including species of Citrobacter, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella. Although no faecal coliforms were isolated from the selected borehole water samples investigated and also the 3 bacterial strains isolated and identified are still under debate as there should be used as indicators of feacal contamination of water bodies there is still the need for proper sanitary checks and regular maintenance to prevent future contamination of the borehole water in Omanjor community, Accra Metropolis, Ghana.
What Sells on the Fake News Market? Examining the Impact of Contextualized Rhetorical Features on the Popularity of Fake Tweets

A fake news ecosystem is akin to a marketplace where content generators and users exchange content like sellers and buyers. The popularity of a product in this marketplace is influenced by rhetorical features (ethos, pathos, and logos), topic categories (hard news, soft news, and general news), and design motivations (political intent, fun, etc.). Therefore, the determinants of the popularity of fake news should be contextualized better to understand the spreading patterns. First, we obtained a sample from a fact-checking organization (n=439). Then, we categorized tweets based on their topics and design motivation by using biaxial content analysis. Next, we proposed a rhetorical framework to organize the tweet-related indicators to develop the content’s systematic characterization. Finally, we examined both the primary and interaction effects of topics, design motivations, and organized rhetorical features of tweets on popularity through a negative binomial regression. The main results revealed a positive relationship between logos-related features (i.e., the number of followers) and the popularity of the fake tweets. In addition, an exciting interaction effect indicated that fake tweets designed with political intent are nearly five times less retweeted when they contain hashtags. The research and practical implications and future directions were also discussed.
Maroon Socioterritorial Movements

Maroon communities, or communities of descendants of fugitives from slavery, have been long-lasting examples of social movements pursuing political goals through the production and mobilization of space. They have been largely forgotten in academic analyses, however, which, in Latin America, are primarily focused on peasants and indigenous movements. Therefore, drawing on socioterritorial movements readings and maroon studies, this article analyzes how maroon-descendant communities have produced territory in both urban and rural spaces—including areas of forced displacement—locally and transnationally, to survive hegemonies deeply rooted in the legacy of slavery and to achieve political aims. These communities unsettle binary categories of rural and urban socioterritorial movements and monolithic visions of antistate struggle. This transterritorial, rural–urban appropriation of spaces resisting different powers follows the past logic of marronage to achieve freedom and security, re-creating in present times the political vision of historical maroon leaders regarding the construction of a grand Palenque in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.
Viable Tailored Organic Fertilizer Alternatives From Waste Produced by Bio-Diesel Extraction Process and Tobacco Industry

Rapid depletion of conventional sources of energy and the growing environmental concern of their use warrant urgent attention to look for suitable energy alternatives. In this regard the seeds of Jatropha curcas, constituting 40–50% bio-crude oil are considered as one of the most promising alternatives for the production of bio-diesel. It is estimated that about 1.5 tons de-oiled cake is produced from seeds obtained from one hectare of plantation, utilized for bio-diesel extraction process. Being non-edible due to its toxic contents, cost effective safe disposal of this by-product can only be possible if there is a meaningful utilization. India’s tobacco industry is the second largest in the world after China, having vast area under tobacco cultivation. The wastes from tobacco industry lead to significant environmental pollution that has severe impacts on both flora and fauna. A few studies on this aspect have revealed that Jatropha and tobacco bio-wastes have potential to be used as organic fertilizers. The present study aims at developing appropriate bio-processes and formulation that utilize Jatropha seed cake and waste of tobacco industry as organic fertilizer for improving the growth of Chrysanthemum, a flower variety valued for its beauty and fragrance and having wide applications in cosmetic and perfumery products. Pot experiments were carried out by adding specific proportions of Jatropha de-oiled cake and tobacco waste to normal garden soil. The growth and morphological parameters of Chrysanthemum plants grown in pots prepared by the treated soil were monitored for 4–5 months and the results were recorded. The results have been encouraging as the treatments lead to a significant enhancement in flower growth as well as yield. 11.5% increase in number of buds per plant was recorded for treated soil as compared to the control soil. The number of flowers per plant also recorded an increase of 16% to 24% due to the effect of formulation applied to the soil. Similar trends were observed for other parameters like flower size, flower head size, flower weight and ray floret number. Through experimentation new composted organic fertilizer formulations, tailored to specific commercial crop has been developed. The research findings would enable these bio-wastes to be used as a viable alternative to the energy intensive chemical fertilizers for floriculture, thus contributing to the mitigation of global climate change. This addition in the value chain would improve the financial viability of bio-diesel extraction process. This new synergistic organic fertilizer formulation when used as an alternative to nitrogenous chemical fertilizers would also provide an opportunity to earn carbon credits which is estimated to be € 67904 millions/year.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Pedestrian Compliance Effects on Signal Delay

Pedestrian delay at signalized intersections must often be considered when describing the quality of pedestrian flow in downtown and other busy locations. Pedestrian delay at signals is usually modeled with the assumption that (a) pedestrian arrivals are random and (b) pedestrians proceed only when a Walk signal provides the right-of-way. To reduce their own delay, some pedestrians will at times proceed without a Walk indication. The range of delay reductions that pedestrians achieve by violating the pedestrian signal was examined through a field study of 18 crosswalks. Delays experienced by pedestrians were found to be 22 percent lower than those that would be predicted with complete signal compliance. Although relatively small reductions in delay were due to crossings while the signal was effectively red, the majority of delay reduction was due to people who began their crossing during the flashing Don’t Walk phase. The number of pedestrians who entered crosswalks during the flashing Don’t Walk phases was 69 percent of the number who would be expected to arrive at the curb during these periods if arrivals were random. It is inferred that some pedestrians increase their speeds to enter during the flashing Don’t Walk phase, rather than wait for the next Walk interval. A modification to a delay equation was developed to provide an improved estimate of pedestrian delay at signalized intersections.
Tunable multiwavelength fiber laser employing a comb filter based on a polarization-diversity loop configuration

A tunable multiwavelength fiber laser based on a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is newly proposed. The proposed fiber laser employs a fiber comb filter based on a polarization-diversity loop configuration (PDLC) for the multiwavelength selection. The spectral characteristic of the comb filter is graphically explained by tracing the state of polarization (SOP) of the light propagating through the filter on the Poincare sphere. Particularly, the method of adjusting the filter characteristics is established with the help of the Poincare-sphere representation. The experimental results show that 18 laser lines oscillate with the signal to amplified spontaneous emission noise ratio over 25 dB. Particularly, all of the laser lines with a fixed channel spacing of /spl sim/ 0.8 nm can be continuously shifted by adjusting only a wave plate contained within the filter.